Your Top 2009 releases so far...

Candlemass... "Death Magic Doom".. I like what I've heard, and I can't wait for it to come out. I've checked out a couple of songs by a black metal band from England called Fen. You can check out songs from both albums on myspace.
 
I know no one here will give a rat's ass, but I just picked up the new HammerFall "No Sacrifice, No Victory".
Very solid release. Much better than their last few efforts.

On my hit list for the next few weeks:
WOLF
MY DYING BRIDE
CANDLEMASS
 
The new Mastodon, Crack the Skye, is sensational. I've never been a fan of this band. However, this disc represents a significant evolution of their sound. Most of the harsh vocals are gone, the music is far more progressive, and this CD is a concept, inspired by the suicide of the drummer's 14 year old sister (Skye) and Rasputin. Interestingly, they will be performing the CD in its entirety during their current U.S. tour.

http://board.mastodonrocks.com/index.php?showtopic=4970&st=0&p=83368&#entry83368
http://board.mastodonrocks.com/index.php?showtopic=4491&st=0&p=80922&#entry80922

Forget what you know about this band and check this disc out.

Zod
 
I have seen Mastodon live a couple times, and each time, while they don't grab me, there seems to be something that says to me "You should like these guys" You aren't the first person to rave of their new release. I will have to possibly look into this.
 
S/T--Amesouers.
This is such an odd disc. I have no clue what to make of it. Not even quite sure if I think it's clever or silly. It's almost Black Pop music. And while it's clear that the kvlt and tr00 would condemn the new disc, I doubt the kvlt and tr00 ever listened to Amesouers, as they've never been what you'd call tr00 Black Metal.

Zod