OK I'll do an assessment of our lists just because it be fun:
BWD - I'm surprised about you having Aborym at #1 to be honest - you know why? I don't think I've ever even seen you mention that you liked it! When I saw that at #1, I was like, huh? From what I've heard of the Aborym CD, it does sound really good, but I only listened to it once before shipping the promo off to NAD. Otherwise, good list, no other huge surprises and I'm glad you like the Windir album. Hope you have some Einherjer.
CHIEF B - A list that was expected so good for him. Looks like he had a good year since his top three were outstanding releases (in that vein) and I bet he was torn between how he positioned them. I heard that Nightfall, and it's melo-death with a darkwave gothic edge so it's cool he never went for the "Mors Principium" or "Nightrage" factory line output. King Diamond was spot on, as was his interview with the living legend.
ERIK - Almost never gets it wrong in his general recommendations as far as I'm concerned, although I think Death Angel are better than Dark Angel.
I own almost every album in his list: Skepticism will grab me next year, and I've mentioned that previously. Had I got this album earlier in the year (when 2003 was looking dismal), I would have had more time to absorb it; Nokturnal Mortum is FANTASTIC, but it's an EP and technically not allowed....but that's fine; Drudkh is indeed excellent but I've only had it for a week or so; Rob Darken's vocals kill Graveland for me, but sounds like he's improved them for this release; I loved Xasthur's Nocturnal Poisoning so I'll be getting the new one; MAKES ME PROUD that Sir Erik can see the genius in Maiden, Steve Harris, and co (including Gers).
Go Erik.
EVIL C - A guy (npearce - see our About Us page!!) who likes Heavy Metal. He probably really does eat metal and shit chains. I'm looking forward to getting more reviews in from the guy once his working life calms down a bit. Could be Chief B's good friend if they didn't live 3000 miles apart.
JAYKEELEY - This fucker included all the albums he enjoyed the most. I could have predicted each one of his entries easy. And goddamn is he good looking.
NAD - Came in to RC when Gugs and Dark One had to part ways (& still our brothers in arms, as is the way with RC), and reminds me of how Peter Gabriel once described Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (a Quwali singer): "Part Bhudda, Part Demon".
The list was as expected to be honest, and so no real surprises, except that in 4 weeks from now, he will be kicking himself in not having included Mithras in his list. And Crimson II a disappointment??? No way dude!
PAPA JOSH - A little surprised by some of his entries: King Diamond never even made his top 25?? And I honestly would have thought Cradle of Filth would have been top 5 material for him. If memory serves me right, that was his first 10/10 review for RC. Not heard many of his choices, but Haste and Alchemist have me intrigued. And in case he forgot, there is not a single moment on Crimson II that even comes close to "Paschendale" or "Montsegur".
