1. Sólstafir - Köld
a masterpiece and a sure contender for my top 5 of the year
2. Cantata Sangui - On Rituals And Correspondence In Constructed Realities
a phantastic mix of doom, gothic, black, and progressive elements. no guitars, but a variety of 4-, 5-, and 12-stringed basses are played here
3. can't decide between following ones:
My Dying Bride - For Lies I Sire
Mournful Congregation - The June Frost
WITTR - Black Cascade
ISIS - Wavering Radiant
there are still some great albums to come this year. new releases from Katatonia, Madder Mortem, Orphaned Land, Nevermore, Candlemass, Anathema and Void Of Silence will make this a kickass-year!