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2012 Dreamy Albums Milena Considers A 7.5+ (update 26.12)
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Thumbs up: +17
Other good lists with some melodic metal in them:
strade's - R'Vannith's - Unhealer's - Lkoturnindrin's

Will only add 7.5+ releases, so this won't be a gargantuan list... last year saw maybe forty or so releases I thought of as 7.5+'s, a lot of them rated only at the end of the year, and some not rated at all due to the extensiveness of pre-MSA listening sessions... if you want to stalk my "bad" ratings, they're all in my album votes.

Full streams are available for:
Dissona
Favna Abisal
Unwritten Pages
Burning Circle
Taranis
In The Silence
Distorted Harmony
Kalter

Created by: Milena | 24.02.2012


1. Enochian Theory - Life... And All It Entails
10, atmospheric/melodic prog metal/rock, in vein of Riverside and Porcupine Tree, but nevertheless quite original. Strong concept, flow and vocals; I have no doubt this will be my album of the year - and one of my albums of the decade. [Reviewed it]
2. Dissona - Dissona
9+, prog/avant: intricate, theatrical, playful and diverse; for Leprous fans. [Reviewed by R'Vannith]
3. Big Big Train - English Electric 1
9+, progressive rock. There's just no words for this one, if you're into prog in any way do yourself a favor and google this very underappreciated band.
4. Headspace - I Am Anonymous
9-, prog metal. Experienced musicians gather to show us what prog metal is really about. [Reviewed it]
5. Beyond The Bridge - The Old Man And The Spirit
9-, excellent prog metal. Rich in everything, but yet subtle, powerful and uplifting. [Reviewed it]
6. Wintersun - Time I
9-, symphonic metal. Yes, I have a couple of issues with the album, mostly with the production. However, I really do not give a shit for how many years has it been in the making or how short it is. It's a beautiful, straightforwardly melodic album and I shall enjoy it accordingly. Come Time II! [Reviewed by Baz Anderson]
7. OSI - Fire Make Thunder
9-, prog/ambient. Strong output from Kevin Moore and Jim Matheos, in the trademark OSI heavy riffs vs. electronics style. Interesting textures and ideas, references of past works (Wind Won't Howl -> Radiologue and For Nothing -> the title track of Kevin's Graveyard Mountain Home) and the most delicious closer this year. It might be their weakest album yet, but it is still amazing, and has a quiet feel none of the ones before had. [Reviewed by Doc Godin]
8. Rush - Clockwork Angels
9-, "hard prog". I only listened to Rush up to Moving Pictures and this wasn't very high on my priority list, but I was blown away by how good it was.
9. Enslaved - RIITIIR
9-, progressive black. My first encounter with these lads, may it not be the last!
10. Frequency Drift - ... Laid To Rest
9-, eclectic prog. Female vocals, non-electric instruments, long melancholic tunes... more, please!
11. Kamelot - Silverthorn
8+, symphonic power metal. A "comeback" album of sorts, proving Kam is the most consistent power metal band out there. And it features one of my favorite singers - the only one who could make me stop mourning Roy's departure. Welcome aboard Tommy! [Reviewed with Ag Fox]
12. The Gathering - Disclosure
8+, alternative... something. The Gathering have set themselves on a beautiful path and I will be watching watching (and smiling thoughtfully).
13. Taranis - Kingdom
8+, melodic black/prog: to quote Lyrinan's staff pick text, a truly seamless blend of genres, with soaring vocals taking center place. [Reviewed by Troy Killjoy]
14. Kälter - Ubuntu
8+, progressive melodeath. Interesting, keyboard-heavy album with plenty of hooks and folky at times. [Review coming soon]
15. Burning Circle - Ruins Of Mankind
8+, prog/trad metal/symph, hook after hook after hook. They have this Symphony X/Pagan's Mind thing going on, and a lot of others as well. One of the rare bands from my home country I can be proud of. [Reviewed it]
16. Unwritten Pages - Fringe Kitchen
8+, prog/alternative. Energetic, youthful, catchy, cool. [Reviewed it]
17. Favna Abisal - Rerum Imaginaria
8+, dark avantgarde. Folky and black and electronic touches in a trippy prog pool. [Reviewed it]
18. Ørkenkjøtt - Ønskediktet
8+, avantgarde extreme prog. A little rough play that goes down well, amazing clean and harsh vocals in Norwegian, acoustic interruptions and crazy style switches within one song (Profeten's "extreme metal gone blues rock" is the best twist of the year). Plus, a horse playing a piano.
19. Devin Townsend - Epicloud
8+, pop dance metal explosion. I looooove you, I neeeed you, I've always been arouuuund you...
20. Threshold - March Of Progress
8+, classic prog metal. It seems that everyone's been playing the no-sweat-prog-metal game incredibly well this year, and Damian Wilson was right in the center of it, being a part of two excellent albums (the other one being Headspace).
21. Steelwing - Zone Of Alienation
8+, retro heavy metal: resurgence done right, with plenty of youthful energy. Mostly for Iron Maiden fans. [Reviewed it]
22. Christian Mistress - Possession
8+, retro heavy metal. Smokey female vocs and an occult vibe, perf music for when you're feeling witchy. [Reviewed by Doc Godin]
23. Vertigo Steps - Surface/Light
8+, melodic prog. Soft, comforting, lots of replay value - kind of like In The Silence's older, more mature (and varied!) cousin. [Reviewed by BloodTears]
24. Beardfish - The Void
8-, prog rock. Another band that played the 70's card, but spaced it out. I prefer the proggier bits of the album though, Note is without a doubt the best epic track of 2012.
25. To-Mera - Exile
female-fronted fresh prog. Swiftly engaging. [Reviewed by Ivor]
26. Ne Obliviscaris - Portal Of I
8-, extreme prog. Like a row of good melodies shooting themselves in the head, one after another, splattering sonic blood of nice sparkly colors. A debut that gave everyone a good run for their money. [Reviewed it]
27. In The Silence - A Fair Dream Gone Mad
8-, melodic/atmospheric stuff. The album everyone and their mother went nuts over for a good reason, it first makes you think long and hard about the wrong things and then strokes your hair and hugs you. [Reviewed by Ag Fox]
28. A Forest Of Stars - A Shadowplay For Yesterdays
8-, avantgarde black metal. I want a top hat and a Victorian dress and a stage in my house so I could swirl and dance ridiculously while this is playing. What the fuck are those lyrics in the intro, man???
29. Distorted Harmony - Utopia
8-, "happy" prog metal. Nothing you haven't heard before, but has staying power, there's something special about this band and I hope they realize their potential.
30. Be'lakor - Of Breath And Bone
8-, melodeath. Majestic, lyrically splendid, emotional, somber. [Reviewed by Troy Killjoy]
31. Pharaoh - Bury The Light
8-, heavy power metal: an amazingly energetic, all-around awesome effort, metal in every sense of the word. Strong contender for the best power metal release of the year. [Reviewed by Doc Godin]
32. Algol - Complex Shapes
8-, melodeath. If Dan Swanö's contributions and endorsement mean anything to you, get on top of this asap.
33. Kristoffer Gildenlöw - RUST
8-, mostly acoustic proggy rock. Kristoffer's voice is eerily similar to his brother's. Beautiful vocal harmonies (courtesy of several guests on the album), soulful and sparkly songs - PoS should take a leaf out of his book if they are going to continue with their Road Salt style. Not that the Road Salts don't rule, they do.
34. Pictured - Strand Of Time
8-, melodeath. Not very original but amazingly fun, the only thing I'd change here are vocals (or the producer's take on them), but they're not a problem. [Reviewed by Doc Godin]
35. Allegaeon - Formshifter
8-, techy melodeath. Playful and fun, even though it loses me at times - nothing that a few more listens can't fix. [Reviewed by Doc Godin]
36. Harmaja - Marras
8-, acoustic rock/pop/I have no idea. Project of ex-Charon and ex-Poisonblack frontman, all sung in Finnish, all soothing and calm, though my favorite Harmaja album so far remains their debut.
37. Primal Rock Rebellion - Awoken Broken
8-, innovative heavy metal. The best Iron Maiden side-project in recent years *cough* BRITISH LION SUCKS STEVE, OKAY? *cough*
38. Barren Earth - The Devil's Resolve
8-, progressive/melodic death/doom/Amorphis!: this one will require further meditation, but it's on the similar level as the previous album. For those who haven't heard the previous album, basically, take a list of whatever band/genre the musicians involved have played, mix it all, and cram A LOT of that mass in. [Reviewed by BitterCOld]
39. Another Perfect Day - Four Songs For The Left Behind
EP, 8-, extreme prog/proggy death, and time very well spent on some bleak and odd shizz.
40. Words Of Farewell - Immersion
7+, melodeath. If 00's Dark Tranquillity and Insomnium had a baby, this is what you'd get.
41. Axel Rudi Pell - Circle Of The Oath
7+, heavy metal. Nothing big about this, just good vocals and good melodies. Good memories, too.
42. Oddland - The Treachery Of Senses
7+, and the only really good traditional Finnish prog album I've had the pleasure of hearing.
43. Lanfear - This Harmonic Consonance
7+, power/heavy metal. Solid all the way throughout. [Reviewed by Ag Fox]
44. Seax - High On Metal
7+, punky heavy metal. Indicative album name [Reviewed by wormdrink]
45. Accept - Stalingrad
7+, heavy metal. So far my only taste of "new" Accept - and so good.
46. Shear - Breaking The Stillness
7+, power metal. Female-fronted, reminds me of 80's music in a strange and good way. And I don't mean 80's metal exclusively either. [Reviewed by Ag Fox]


Disclaimer: All top lists are unofficial and do not represent the point of view of the MS Staff.
[ More lists by Milena ]



Comments page 2 / 3

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Comments: 69   Visited by: 298 users
13.07.2012 - 22:54
Fredd
Account deleted
You need to change the list's title
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13.07.2012 - 22:56
Milena
gloom cookie
Staff
Written by Guest on 13.07.2012 at 22:54

You need to change the list's title

Why?
This will pick up immensely during July, btw.
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7.0 means the album is good
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13.07.2012 - 22:58
Fredd
Account deleted
Written by Milena on 13.07.2012 at 22:56

Written by Guest on 13.07.2012 at 22:54

You need to change the list's title

Why?
This will pick up immensely during July, btw.

To reflect your username change.
btw, tomorrow is my last exam.
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13.07.2012 - 22:59
Milena
gloom cookie
Staff
Written by Guest on 13.07.2012 at 22:58

To reflect your username change.
btw, tomorrow is my last exam.

Nah, let's confuse people.

Skype time perhaps?
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7.0 means the album is good
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13.07.2012 - 23:01
Fredd
Account deleted
Written by Milena on 13.07.2012 at 22:59

Written by Guest on 13.07.2012 at 22:58

To reflect your username change.
btw, tomorrow is my last exam.

Skype time perhaps?

Hopefully.
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19.08.2012 - 15:04
Fredd
Account deleted
Come on, add stuff.
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19.08.2012 - 17:41
Milena
gloom cookie
Staff
Written by Guest on 19.08.2012 at 15:04

Come on, add stuff.

Stop pressuring me or I'll feed you to Bastet.
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7.0 means the album is good
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19.08.2012 - 23:08
Fredd
Account deleted
Written by Milena on 19.08.2012 at 17:41

Written by Guest on 19.08.2012 at 15:04

Come on, add stuff.

Stop pressuring me or I'll feed you to Bastet.

That would be a great honor!
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15.09.2012 - 17:42
Fredd
Account deleted
Commenting here for no reason.
Loading...
15.09.2012 - 18:06
Ellrohir
Heaven Knight
Thumbs up for Taranis and Barren Earth, thumbs down for boring Steelwing
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My rest seems now calm and deep
Finally I got my dead man sleep

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15.09.2012 - 18:22
Fredd
Account deleted
Written by Ellrohir on 15.09.2012 at 18:06

Thumbs up for Taranis and Barren Earth, thumbs down for boring Steelwing

That would be 2 thumbs up and 1 thumb down. Doing some advanced mathematics will result in 1 thumbs up. Which I do not observe.
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15.09.2012 - 18:41
Ellrohir
Heaven Knight
Written by Guest on 15.09.2012 at 18:22

Written by Ellrohir on 15.09.2012 at 18:06

Thumbs up for Taranis and Barren Earth, thumbs down for boring Steelwing

That would be 2 thumbs up and 1 thumb down. Doing some advanced mathematics will result in 1 thumbs up. Which I do not observe.

true, because i forgot to click it
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My rest seems now calm and deep
Finally I got my dead man sleep

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15.09.2012 - 19:16
Milena
gloom cookie
Staff
Written by Guest on 15.09.2012 at 17:42

Commenting here for no reason.

I have no idea what could be the reason of your comment. Clearly I haven't made a promise to update this, I mean, I'd remember that
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7.0 means the album is good
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15.09.2012 - 19:19
Fredd
Account deleted
Written by Milena on 15.09.2012 at 19:16

Written by Guest on 15.09.2012 at 17:42

Commenting here for no reason.

I have no idea what could be the reason of your comment. Clearly I haven't made a promise to update this, I mean, I'd remember that

What. I have no idea what you're talking about. That man over there paid me to comment.
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15.09.2012 - 19:21
Milena
gloom cookie
Staff
Written by Guest on 15.09.2012 at 19:19

What. I have no idea what you're talking about. That man over there paid me to comment.

The one that went away like this:

?
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7.0 means the album is good
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15.09.2012 - 19:22
Fredd
Account deleted
Written by Milena on 15.09.2012 at 19:21

Written by Guest on 15.09.2012 at 19:19

What. I have no idea what you're talking about. That man over there paid me to comment.

The one that went away like this:

?

Yes yes. His face was blue. I think he was suffocating.
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17.09.2012 - 13:07
Choc Ice
Account deleted
Adramelch - Lights From Oblivion might be of interest to you, Mora. :3
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17.09.2012 - 14:26
Milena
gloom cookie
Staff
Written by Guest on 17.09.2012 at 13:07

Adramelch - Lights From Oblivion might be of interest to you, Mora. :3

*adds to list* thank you, sir!
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7.0 means the album is good
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17.09.2012 - 14:46
Choc Ice
Account deleted
Written by Milena on 17.09.2012 at 14:26

*adds to list* thank you, sir!


Don't mention it. >^~^<
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17.09.2012 - 17:05
Uldreth
Written by Guest on 17.09.2012 at 13:07

Adramelch - Lights From Oblivion might be of interest to you, Mora. :3

For a moment I thought you want to recommend her OSDM :/
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17.09.2012 - 17:20
Choc Ice
Account deleted
Written by Uldreth on 17.09.2012 at 17:05

Written by Guest on 17.09.2012 at 13:07

Adramelch - Lights From Oblivion might be of interest to you, Mora. :3

For a moment I thought you want to recommend her OSDM :/


Adramalech, huh? Won't lie. Was searching for that classic when I accidentally came across this band (and album). :|
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29.09.2012 - 00:26
Risto
Wandering Midget
Looking forward to what kind of review you'll be able to churn out of Portal Of I
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29.09.2012 - 02:01
Milena
gloom cookie
Staff
Written by Risto on 29.09.2012 at 00:26

Looking forward to what kind of review you'll be able to churn out of Portal Of I

If I'm not beaten to it, I'll make something up
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7.0 means the album is good
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03.11.2012 - 09:15
embracing
Well... as of now, Life... And All It Entails is the third AWESOME discovery I've made because of this list.
Many thanks, Milena!
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03.11.2012 - 10:29
Milena
gloom cookie
Staff
Written by embracing on 03.11.2012 at 09:15

Well... as of now, Life... And All It Entails is the third AWESOME discovery I've made because of this list.
Many thanks, Milena!

Every time someone comments on this, I am reminded of how infrequently updated it is thanks man, my pleasure. It's my album of the year so far.
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7.0 means the album is good
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11.11.2012 - 19:57
qlacs
"The Quaker"
Written by Guest on 17.09.2012 at 17:20

Written by Uldreth on 17.09.2012 at 17:05


Adramalech, huh? Won't lie. Was searching for that classic when I accidentally came across this band (and album). :|

I think this is their weakest so far. In case you don't like it check their first album, hard to find but worth it. Too bad they had a 17 years break after it was released, and most of the band has been replaced...

K list, I know it's your opinion but I miss Kaipa, The Flower Kings, Stealing Axion...
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11.11.2012 - 22:09
embracing
Written by Milena on 03.11.2012 at 10:29

Written by embracing on 03.11.2012 at 09:15

Well... as of now, Life... And All It Entails is the third AWESOME discovery I've made because of this list.
Many thanks, Milena!

Every time someone comments on this, I am reminded of how infrequently updated it is thanks man, my pleasure. It's my album of the year so far.


And a stream (not full, but some songs anyway) is also available for this one here: http://www.enochiantheory.co.uk/?q=high
Spread the word
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11.11.2012 - 22:37
Milena
gloom cookie
Staff
Written by embracing on 11.11.2012 at 22:09

And a stream (not full, but some songs anyway) is also available for this one here: http://www.enochiantheory.co.uk/?q=high
Spread the word

Oh nice

Updated this a bit, a proper update will follow this week.
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7.0 means the album is good
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11.11.2012 - 22:40
Milena
gloom cookie
Staff
Written by qlacs on 11.11.2012 at 19:57

K list, I know it's your opinion but I miss Kaipa, The Flower Kings, Stealing Axion...

The Flower Kings are definitely on my radar! The others aren't, but maybe they could be added. Up to now I've heard so many albums I'm starting to get a bit tired. But things are looking fine for the prog category in the Awards
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7.0 means the album is good
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15.11.2012 - 19:28
qlacs
"The Quaker"
Written by Milena on 11.11.2012 at 22:40

Written by qlacs on 11.11.2012 at 19:57

K list, I know it's your opinion but I miss Kaipa, The Flower Kings, Stealing Axion...

The Flower Kings are definitely on my radar! The others aren't, but maybe they could be added. Up to now I've heard so many albums I'm starting to get a bit tired. But things are looking fine for the prog category in the Awards

Yeah, definitely a good year for proggies.
And i'm still chewing Dissona... oh
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