My Top 10 US Releases For 2009
It may have been a difficult year in some circles, but I found a lot to enjoy musically. Some of these albums were released in other parts of the world prior to 2009, but weren't readily available to me until this year. Hence the title. Anyway, for the approximately one person out there who might be interested, here ya go: |
| 1 |  | Alice in Chains
Black Gives Way to Blue
Introspective and heartfelt. A return to grace from a band we all thought was gone forever. |
| 2 |  | Volbeat
Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood
Fun and infectious mash up of Elvis, Social Distortion, and 80s-era Metallica. Released in 2008 in the rest of the world. Somehow, the US just seems to behind the times. |
| 3 |  | Trouble
Simple Mind Condition
Trouble has always been on my back burner of favorites ever since I saw them open for Savatage waaaaaay back in 1990 at the Al Rosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio. This one brought them to the forefront once again. Released in 2007 in Europe. |
| 4 |  | Katatonia
Night is the New Day
My reason? It's the new Katatonia album. |
| 5 |  | Nile
Those Whom the Gods Detest
Powerful return to form following the disappointment that was "Ithyphallic." Lead off track "Kafir!" is worth the price of admission alone. |
| 6 |  | Immortal
All Shall Fall
Back from the grave seems to be a theme in this list, doesn't it? |
| 7 |  | GWAR
Lust in Space
Funny and thrashing. New GWAR is almost always a good thing. |
| 8 |  | Swallow the Sun
New Moon
The only "New Moon" worth a damn. Although, releasing this at the same time as that silly movie could be looked at as a poor marketing plan. Perhaps not ground breaking, but a solid release from a solid band none-the-less. |
| 9 |  | Amorphis
Skyforger
As with "Kafir!" on Nile's new release, "Silver Bride" carries this album. |
| 10 |  | Wolves in the Throne Room
Black Cascade
USBM done right. An audio representation of the power of nature as seen through the mountains and forests of the American North-West. BTW- they're pretty good live. |
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