So what bands/artists have you discovered and fallen for in 2005?
Musically, this has been a great year for me:
1) Glenn Hughes.
I've always had his Deep Purple and Sabbath records, but never considered his solo albums (for reasons unknown). Luckily, that changed in early 2005. The man makes better music today than at any point in his career. Why he's not a household name is beyond me.....he should be bigger than Bruce Springsteen or Sting. Seriously.
2) Rush.
Well, I guess "discovered" isn't the right word as I've had one of their hits collections for years. But this year, I finally gave in and checked out their albums. Amazing band (as I'm sure most of you already know)
3) Shadow Gallery.
This band writes the songs that Dream Theater never could. Unbelievable vocal melodies abound....highly recommended.
4) Sonata Arctica.
For years, I avoided the flowery power metal of Europe. The too happy sound was just not my cup of tea. Sonata is part of that movement, but much, much more. It's all about songwriting....and these boys deliver the goods. They, too, should be massive in the metal and rock communities. And, they're not doing the typical flower metal fantasy/cheese nonsense so prevelant these days.
5) Threshold.
Imagine a mix of Mindcrime/Empire era Queenrsryche, classic Megadeth and the good elements of Dream Theater, with a fabulous vocalist whose every word spills with emotion. These Brits are fabulous and, again, should be much more popular than they are. Great band.
honorable mentions:
Virgin Steele, Falconer, Kamelot, Blind Guardian, Edenbridge
Musically, this has been a great year for me:
1) Glenn Hughes.
I've always had his Deep Purple and Sabbath records, but never considered his solo albums (for reasons unknown). Luckily, that changed in early 2005. The man makes better music today than at any point in his career. Why he's not a household name is beyond me.....he should be bigger than Bruce Springsteen or Sting. Seriously.
2) Rush.
Well, I guess "discovered" isn't the right word as I've had one of their hits collections for years. But this year, I finally gave in and checked out their albums. Amazing band (as I'm sure most of you already know)
3) Shadow Gallery.
This band writes the songs that Dream Theater never could. Unbelievable vocal melodies abound....highly recommended.
4) Sonata Arctica.
For years, I avoided the flowery power metal of Europe. The too happy sound was just not my cup of tea. Sonata is part of that movement, but much, much more. It's all about songwriting....and these boys deliver the goods. They, too, should be massive in the metal and rock communities. And, they're not doing the typical flower metal fantasy/cheese nonsense so prevelant these days.
5) Threshold.
Imagine a mix of Mindcrime/Empire era Queenrsryche, classic Megadeth and the good elements of Dream Theater, with a fabulous vocalist whose every word spills with emotion. These Brits are fabulous and, again, should be much more popular than they are. Great band.
honorable mentions:
Virgin Steele, Falconer, Kamelot, Blind Guardian, Edenbridge
) and Khan. 
)
