This is how I saw the past year. Of course I haven't heard everything, but out of albums I encountered, these are the winners. Created at 4 January 2010, no further changes adjusted.

1.Kalisia - Cybion

2.Ensiferum - From Afar

3.Nokturnal Mortum - The Voice Of Steel

4.Umbrtka - Úplná Demontá? Lidstva

5.Wardruna - Runaljod-Gap Var Ginnunga

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I have listened like 70-80 metal albums released in 2011 until 20 August 2012 and this is my top list of them. Couple of other quite good albums simply didn't make it into selection of 20, it was a bit challenging to select only 20 pieces. But would be pointless to list nearly all or all of them on the other hand...

1.Nightwish - Imaginaerum

2.Moonsorrow - Varjoina Kuljemme Kuolleiden Maassa

3.Alestorm - Back Through Time

4.Peste Noire - L'Ordure A L'etat Pur

5.Darkal - Here Comes The Darkness

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Again, I am pretty sure, I haven't heard everything worth it (namely I would definitely include Therion somewhere), but this is how I saw it at 6 November 2011, when this list was decided.

1.Sabaton - Coat Of Arms

2.Jaldaboath - The Rise Of The Heraldic Beasts

3.Blind Guardian - At The Edge Of Time

4.Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier

5.Mägo De Oz - Gaia III - Atlantia

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My all-time best recordings. No particular order. This list will grow over time...

1.Blind Guardian - Somewhere Far Beyond

2.Dalriada - Kikelet

3.Dream Theater - Black Clouds & Silver Linings

4.Helloween - Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part II

5.Iron Maiden - Piece Of Mind

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Alphabetically sorted list of concept albums I know and love them so much to feature them here. Just one album per band in case they have more.

1.Agalloch - Faustian Echoes

2.Aina - The Metal Opera - Days Of Rising Doom

3.Avantasia - The Metal Opera Part I

4.Ayreon - The Human Equation

5.Crystallion - Hundred Days

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