Compared to previous years, 2008 was unique for me in that many of my favourite albums have come, not from my favourite artists or well-known groups, but rather, smaller, less established artists. Highly anticipated releases from the likes of Rise Against, Gamma Ray, and Into Eternity have all disappointed, some moreso than others (ahem, Into Eternity), whereas the likes of Experimental Aircraft, Billy the Kid, Blue Sky Black Death, and Lights Out Asia have more than pulled their weight in releasing excellent material. On that note, 2008 has also seen several highly regarded bands making their return to the industry. Notable among such artists are metallers Cynic, whose second album, Traced in Air, is a fantastic follow up to the legendary Focus, which was released in 1993. Perhaps even more surprising was Guns n Roses' release of Chinese Democracy in November, fourteen years in the making and well ahead of its projected release date of never. Bristol trip-hop group Portishead returned with Third, their first studio effort in eleven years. Heck, even Metallica was able to record an album worthy of critical approval, a feat that had eluded them over the last seventeen years. But the real story of the year, at least for me, has been the success of the less prominent artists. Kudos to that, guys.

Top 10 of 2008

10. Cynic – Traced in Air [Review]

Before the hype for Traced in Air began to build, I'd never really listened to Cynic. Not on purpose, mind you, they were just one of the bands never gotten around to listening to. Regardless, it was difficult not to get caught up in all the excitement surrounding this album. And as much as the highly anticipated reunion albums of well liked artists tend to disappoint, it was difficult not to keep my expectations in check. Remarkably, Cynic has pulled through, as Traced in Air is everything you'd expect from the metal legends. Tech-y, yet accessible; accessible, yet weird (particularly vocalist/guitarist Paul Masvidal's singing); aggressive, yet strangely soothing; Traced in Air is, without doubt, among the best metal has to offer. Listen to: "King of Those Who Know"

9. TV On the Radio - Dear Science [Review]

8. Protest the Hero – Fortress [Review]

There's no question. Fortress is one of the more polarizing albums of the year. You're either going to find Protest the Hero's unabashedly spastic brand of technical metal extremely enjoyable or extremely distasteful. Though Fortress may be built on the same obnoxious template as a handful of other albums of similar ilk, Protest the Hero manages to keep things fresh. A step up from Kezia in almost all areas, Fortress is simply one hell of an exhilarating album. Yes, it can get a tad ridiculous from time to time. But is that a bad thing, really? Listen to: "Bloodmeat"

7. Opeth - Watershed [Review]
Eighteen years into their career, Opeth really doesn't have very much left to prove. Generally, an Opeth record is either one of two things: a) extremely infectious slabs of progressive metal, or b) extremely tedious slabs of progressive metal. Watershed slides quite nicely into the former; with the exception of parts of the unnecessarily lengthy "Porcelain Heart", Watershed is extremely strong as a whole, and sports some of the most exciting prog-metal since Blackwater Park itself. Though there are subtle progressions in the band's sound (keyboards, for example, play a much greater role this time around), Watershed hardly challenges Opeth's established style; essentially, if you've already liked Opeth, chances are that you'll enjoy the record. If not, it's doubtful that you would change your mind about it. Really, the only question left to ask is: were does Opeth go next? Listen to: "The Lotus Eater"

6. Coldplay - Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends [Review]
Now I still haven't heard the much maligned X&Y, but all the negativity surrounding the record had me sceptical of whether or not Coldplay would be able to top A Rush of Blood to the Head or even Parachutes. Fortunately, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends produces no such disappointment. The album is as intimate as anything Coldplay has released thus far, yet this time there is a more invigorating edge that wasn't present on previous records. It's difficult to find fault in Viva la Vida; the record's pop-sensibilities are impeccable and Coldplay always makes the most of any moment, whether it be in shorter cuts like "Cemeteries in London" and "42" or the 6 minute+ "Death and All His Friends" and "Yes". Oh, and there is no doubt that the title track is the year's best single. Listen to: "Viva la Vida"

5. Portishead - Third [Review]
Much like Cynic's first album in fifteen years, expectations for Portishead's first album in eleven years were amazingly high. And much like Traced in Air, Third does nothing but impress. Third is exactly the kind of album kind of album that you'd expect from a band of Portishead's stature in that it's just the sort of album you wouldn't expect from them. Third takes on a much darker sound than either of its predecessors; the tension built up in "Silence" and "Machine Gun" is choking, and the vulnerable vocal melodies from Beth Gibbons are almost haunting at times. Yet in spite of the heaviness and apprehension heard through much of the album, Third is impossible not to enjoy, in a twisted sort of way. Listen to: "We Carry On"

4. Burst - Lazarus Bird [Review]
Given the stagnancy of most metal scenes these days, it isn't all that often that I'll scour blogs for lesser known bands. Too much of the material is either a second or third rate clone of already established artists, and searching for unique or interesting artists is just too tedious. This is, in part, what makes an album like Lazarus Bird so endearing. Though Burst's fifth studio album does take a page from the likes of Mastodon and Neurosis, it's a refreshing record none the less. Songs like "I Hold Vertigo" and "Cripple God" convey Burst's song writing prowess exceedingly well, as they effortlessly morph from heavy, riff-based sound to a tranquil, yet still lively endeavour. The nine minute long "City Cloaked" not only does an especially exceptional job in bridging together Burst's multifaceted sound, but also earns the distinction of being on of the year's best songs. Metal album of the year for 2008? In January I wouldn't have believed such a statement, yet as the dust settles, Lazarus Bird is in a strata of its own. Listen to: "City Cloaked"

3. Blue Sky Black Death - Late Night Cinema [Review]
That Late Night Cinema is Black Sky Blue Death's first attempt at instrumental hip-hop is quite shocking. The San Francisco duo sound like seasoned vets, pumping out some of the strongest material the genre has heard in years. Intricate melodies weave their way through an assortment of beats and diverse musical structures, sometimes borrowing from post-rock, and other times borrowing from more accessible hip-hop ventures. "Lord of Our Vice" is among the strongest of Late Night Cinema's material, blending swirling keyboard melodies, reminiscent of Delerium's Karma-era material, with atmospheric overtures, and strong string sections. The result is absolutely captivating, and a brilliant of what Late Night Cinema has to offer. Keep an eye out for Blue Sky Black Death, as in Late Night Cinema, they have one of 2008's most beautiful releases. Listen to: "Lord of Our Vice"

2. pg.lost - It's Not Me, It's You! [Review]

On its first few listens, It's Not Me, It's You! might seem a little bloated. The album is a humble 68 minutes, which isn't particularly lengthy by any means, but its sparse, yet powerful soundscapes make for a somewhat challenging listen. Repeated listening pays off, however; once the record breaks in, it's simply an enthralling collection of music. One of the most sonically pleasing albums of the year, It's Not Me, It's You! melds together a lush, vibrant sound matched in beauty only by a small handful of albums released over the past couple years. Listen to: "Siren"

1. Experimental Aircraft - Third Transmission: Meet Me on Echo Echo Terrace [Review]

In a year full of strong records and (mostly) pleasant surprises, the Austin, Texas-based Experimental Aircraft has burst from the gates with the strongest, most surprising release of them all. An hour long journey into rather intimate shoegaze, Third Transmission: Meet Me on Echo Echo Terrace is essentially the perfect album to chill out to. Built upon hazy atmospheres, walls of fuzz, and the ethereal vocal ability of singer Rachel Staggs, Third Transmission is easily one of the most beautiful releases of the year. Notable among the album's fifteen tracks are "Stellar", "Paintings in the Attic", and "Remembrance", but Third Transmission is most endearing when listened to as a whole. Listen to: "Stellar"

Other Excellent Releases
       

Billy the Kid - The Lost Cause
Genghis Tron - Board Up the House
Lights Out Asia - Eyes Like Brontide
Off Minor - Some Blood
The Flashbulb - Soundtrack to a Vacant Life 

Biggest Disappointments
       

Looking Forward: 2009
Whereas 2008 featured a variety of excellent albums from bands I've never heard of, 2009 looks to be a complete 180. Several of my favourite artists should be releasing albums throughout the year; my most highly anticipated of these, of course, is Our Lady Peace's Escape Artist, which has been promised an early, first quarter release. Fortunately, the recording process has gone a lot more smoothly for the band, which should lead to a more focused effort than Healthy in Paranoid Times was. Fair to Midland is currently in the studio, writing and recording their follow up to Fables From a Mayfly: What I Tell You Three Times Is True. Supposedly, the album is taking on a darker, more cynical edge, but that isn't to say that they're going without the quirkiness that was present on Fables. Also stay on the look out for new releases from Brand New, dredg, Silversun Pickups, and Matthew Good, whose fourth studio effort, Vancouver is expected to drop around spring or summer. There have even been rumours of new Iron Maiden and Radiohead records, which would certainly make my year, but I wouldn't get my hopes up too highly yet. Needless to say, we'll certainly be in for an exciting ride.

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