Most anticipated albums of 2010

ASPERA - the upcoming force in melodic Progressive Metal from Norway! High hopes for their debut album RIPPLES, released on 25th January in Europe and in the US (digital release for a start). This will be one of the best albums in 2010 for sure, check them out:
www.asperaofficial.com
www.myspace.com/asperaofficial


Review from Tommy Hash for Ytsejam.com

Certainly they know the often lost art of progressive metal - the melody. And what better way to introduce yourselves to the world than to release a collection of great tunes that are an execution of all things metal, with big technical elements complimenting the overall melodic musical mindset. Hailing from Norway, this five-piece powerhouse hearkens the sound of Magnitude 9, Sphere of Souls, early Evergrey, Circus Maximus, & Twinspirits - where their debut album (after releasing three EP's under the name Illusion) is the full execution of song craftsmanship, keeping the tuneful nature of the ten tracks in full-force while playing the hell out of their instruments.

Ripples takes the best of all worlds of progressive metal, while shying away from big symphonic overtones - the record is fiercely heavy, with anthems "Torn Apart," "Traces Inside" &, the title track having their big arena choruses, "Between Black and White" & "The Purpose" are multi-faceted with intricate parts making up the tune, while "Reflections" eases things back with balladry - so the band knows how to mix it all up - AOR/pop sensibility, challenging solos from both the keyboard and guitars, a commanding rhythmic backbone, lush arrangements to provide a thick moody backdrop within the record's darkened and emotive vibe, big harmonies, & the fronting of Atle Pettersen's vocals - it's perfected progressive metal at it's finest.

With captivating songs and musicianship all together, nothing gets stagnate or redundant - there is always a melodic hook to reel you in with intrigue, proving that these guys know what the heart of good music is, the song. For such a band as young as these guys are, literally being in their late teens, they sound like well seasoned veterans - so more music is sure to fire away from this quartet as they will hopefully follow the same path as they are on now with the follow up.

This review Copyright & Publishing 2009: Tommy Hash for Ytsejam.com
 
Props to the person that mentioned Living Sacrifice. I saw them about a week ago. I loved it because i have listened to them since 7th grade, but that just came off a little( mainly because they had to follow The Showdown [if you like thrash metal you are ordered to go see The Showdown] and Becoming the Archetype [great progressive death for ATL])

Circus Maximus (last time i looked it up they had changed the date to late 2010)
Soilwork!!!!!
 
Props to the person that mentioned Living Sacrifice. I saw them about a week ago. I loved it because i have listened to them since 7th grade, but that just came off a little( mainly because they had to follow The Showdown [if you like thrash metal you are ordered to go see The Showdown] and Becoming the Archetype [great progressive death for ATL])

I love me some Living Sacrifice! I should be seeing them next month for the first time.
 
Slauter Xstroyes (truly a miracle this is happening!)

We, the Greek dedicated fans, had the honour to be the first to listen to a new Slauter Xstroyes song of the forthcoming new album. It's called Voodoo and you can listen to it below. :)



It's really a miracle that a new album is on the works. And more than that, that I was lucky enough to watch them (a)live. :notworthy
 
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Circus Maximus
Manticora
Avantasia
Pagan's Mind
Seventh Wonder
Blind Guardian
Iron Maiden (disc should be out by late summer)

All of my fav bands are coming out with stuff this year. :rock: