Like always, these year end lists are very difficult to compile. In 2007 my exposure to much new music was limited. I haven't even heard the new Vanishing Point which is something that I am chastising myself for. Some favorite bands from years past released albums that were pretty bland if not outright terrible. However, despite being put off by the majority of new releases in 2007, the ones that I did manage to enjoy I enjoyed wholeheartedly.
Nightwish's Dark Passion Play shot to the top of the list by being the most played album of 2007 by a mile. This new era with Annette is going to be a pleasure to experience. Helloween managed to revive their career with one of the best Power Metal albums in ages. Just like with Iron Maiden, young bands need to look at these musical institutions to see the secret to longevity. You can try all you want to emulate something but when the originators come out with an assburner then you'd do best to hang in back in the shadows. Progressive Metal was actually healthy this year. Redemption, Symphony X, Circus Maximus, Coheed And Cambria, and Wuthering Heights all released stellar albums. Melodic Rock gets a few nods from the Harem Scarem and Pink Cream 69 corners. 2007 also saw several bands experimenting with their sounds. Nightrage took on a less Swedish sound and their more Americanized take on Melodic Death was a unique twist. Sonata Arctica and Tobias Sammet though were the big offenders to many. The common trait between these two? Both artists took away the speed and upped the "feeling" aspect of their music. This is what needs to be done though in order for this type of music to prevent stagnation.
2008 is already looking bright. I'm blasting the hell out of The Scarecrow. Three releases that I am eagerly awaiting are Immortal from Pyramaze, We Are The Nightmare by Arsis, and Humanity Dethroned from Dark Empire. Seeing as how I've heard all but the Pyramaze I can safely say that you should expect these cd's to be mentioned again this time next year.
As I'm getting older I notice that heavy metal is still very much alive and well in 2008. I see more young people now wearing Iced Earth or Blind Guardian shirts more than when I was in high school. I've noticed that the culture of heavy metal is getting a little revival in a ways. Who would have thought that kids today would be rocking out on a PS3 playing along to Iron Maiden and Slayer? Plus everywhere I go I see Affliction clothing and while this is now more associated with UFC fighting and "tough guy" image, to me they look like band shirts without a band. My thoughts on this would be better put into an editorial.
In 2008 I plan on finishing my tenure in higher education. Plans following my graduation include touring with some friends and then it's off to California to throw my hat into the label game. Times are tumultuous and exciting in the music industry. I want to do my best to keep it healthy.
