Yes, it's time for that end of year retrospective stuff we all love to hate but do anyways!
Anyways, what albums/bands grabbed your attention in 2002, i.e. what spent a lot of time in your CD player, etc.? Note that if you just discovered some old band that released the album years ago, that still counts for the purposes of this thread.
Here goes!
Stuart Hamm - Outbound
I have always loved Stu's work, and very much enjoy his solo projects!
Dragonspoon
Frank Aresti (former Fates Warning guitarist) just put this album out, and I really like it. Everything (drums, bass, etc.) except the guitar work is done electronically (in a very good way), giving the album an industrial feel while still focusing on Frank's guitar work and songwriting style, and his prog metal influences.
The Gathering (Mandylion, Nighttime Birds, How To Measure A Planet, If-Then-Else)
What can I say, I heard them once, bought an album, and now really like this band!
Engine - Superholic
I really like Ray's voice and Bernie's guitar work. The nu metal sound is explored and completely stood on it's head as Bernie shows off his skill (something a lot of NuMetal bands never do). This isn't Nu-Metal (these guys remember their Heavy/Prog metal roots and aren't afraid to show it!), but fits the genre very well (too bad it doesn't get much airplay).
Geoff Tate - Geoff Tate
This album has really struck a chord with me. Just good melody, interesting mood shifts, and of course Geoff's awesome voice. Interesting lyrics too! And one song features an acoustic bass (or viola or something), something Wanda should hear...
Vinnie Moore - Defying Gravity
I've been a fan since Mind's Eye, and Vinnie hasn't dissapointed me yet!
Oh, STILL stuck on Gordian Knot (bought it at the end of last year - it still intrigues me...)
I've bought a few other albums this year too, but those are the ones that are getting a lot of play these days...
Anyways, what albums/bands grabbed your attention in 2002, i.e. what spent a lot of time in your CD player, etc.? Note that if you just discovered some old band that released the album years ago, that still counts for the purposes of this thread.
Here goes!
Stuart Hamm - Outbound
I have always loved Stu's work, and very much enjoy his solo projects!
Dragonspoon
Frank Aresti (former Fates Warning guitarist) just put this album out, and I really like it. Everything (drums, bass, etc.) except the guitar work is done electronically (in a very good way), giving the album an industrial feel while still focusing on Frank's guitar work and songwriting style, and his prog metal influences.
The Gathering (Mandylion, Nighttime Birds, How To Measure A Planet, If-Then-Else)
What can I say, I heard them once, bought an album, and now really like this band!
Engine - Superholic
I really like Ray's voice and Bernie's guitar work. The nu metal sound is explored and completely stood on it's head as Bernie shows off his skill (something a lot of NuMetal bands never do). This isn't Nu-Metal (these guys remember their Heavy/Prog metal roots and aren't afraid to show it!), but fits the genre very well (too bad it doesn't get much airplay).
Geoff Tate - Geoff Tate
This album has really struck a chord with me. Just good melody, interesting mood shifts, and of course Geoff's awesome voice. Interesting lyrics too! And one song features an acoustic bass (or viola or something), something Wanda should hear...
Vinnie Moore - Defying Gravity
I've been a fan since Mind's Eye, and Vinnie hasn't dissapointed me yet!
Oh, STILL stuck on Gordian Knot (bought it at the end of last year - it still intrigues me...)
I've bought a few other albums this year too, but those are the ones that are getting a lot of play these days...
