2007 in music

seriously, who am I kidding? I hardly buy CD. Haha. How the hell am I going to do this?

Mental Note : I am a music lover. But I have no idea whats new and whats not. I don't listen to radio. Basically I just listen to whats in my computer.

If you have any suggestion on what I should listen to and get for the 2007 release, feel free to drop comment. cheers.

Album : Fiction
Artist : Dark Tranquility
Genre : Melodic Death Metal
Released : April 2007

I talked about them before, and I'm doing it again. Yay! Dark Tranquility has to be one of my all time favourite band. The band has remained consistent or better. With each album, they're taking themselves to a higher level. My first introduction to DT was Therein, from the album Projector. Listened to the whole album, and was hooked eversince. They have their own sound, which definitely is lacking in other bands. Fiction is a mixture of what they have done in the past. You could hear Character in there, then again, you could here Projector. A great album to start the year. Oh, and being a fan of Mikael Stanne's clean vocal, I welcome this album with open arms.

Album : Ghost Opera
Artist : Kamelot
Genre : Power Metal/Symphonic Metal
Released : June 2007

I didn't listen to Kamelot until sometime this year - a friend send Karma to my phone(how I love bluetooth. LOL). I have heard of the band before, but just didn't bother to give it a try. Very much regret that now, and thanks to my friend. Karma has to be one of my all time favourite album and Roy Khan IS one of my favourite vocalist. Ghost Opera. At first listen, I was speechless. Yes, Roy Khan could do that to you. Perfect album. I just have no better word to describe the album. It may not be as addictive and at the level of greatness as Karma (IMO), but it is still good. One of the best release this year.

Album : Illumination
Artist : Tristania
Genre : Gothic Metal
Released : January 2007

I am a fan of Tristania. My first introduction to the band was Beyond The Veil, which follows by Wormwood. I love the first 2 albums, with its black metal and doom influence. World of Glass showed the band's first album without Veland-and they excelled, more electronic, gone the black metal influence. Ashes soon followed, which was an okay album. Finally Illumination, the last album with Vibeke Stene and her angelic voice. I've read review, some actually compared them to Evanescence and Lacuna Coil. First, Evanescence is no way near Gothic Metal no matter what people say. second, Lacuna Coil's Karmacode is bordering into Nu Metal (They sound like KORN!). Illumination is a strictly Gothic Metal album, although inclining towards Gothic Rock. The first 2 tracks were promising. Heavier than the rest, somehow reminding me of Flowing Tears. The rest of the album - well, they're okay. Still a good album, but nowhere near Beyond The Veil or World of Glass. Glad they changed - I couldn't picture the new vocalist singing like Vibeke.

*edit* I have give the album a second chance. and I love it! I love Osten's vocal in this album, although to me his vocal is nowhere near as heavenly as those in Beyond The Veil and Angellore (Both being my favourite Osten's moment). I would recommend Down and The Ravens, both Osten and Vibeke excelled in the songs. I would only stop supporting Tristania if Osten left the band, or if the new female vox, sucks majorly.

Album : Metal
Artist : Annihilator
Genre : Thrash Metal
Released : April 2007

First off, I'm not into Thrash Metal. Never been. I doubt I'm going to. The only song from Annihilator I've heard of before was The Fun Palace, which I like. The hype around this album made me want to give it a try. It was okay - I guess. Some songs are catchy, some just didn't work for me. No second chance for this album...

Album : Send Away the Tiger
Artist : Manic Street Preachers
Genre : Rock
Released : May 2007

My Favourite band. My first taste of the Manics was A Design For Life, which was about 10 years ago. What I like about the Manics is that they are never afraid of changes. They keep on evolving, and I keep on loving them and supporting them. Eventhough my music preferences has changed over the years, the Manics will always be in my list. This album wouldn't disappoint fans alike as much as know your enemy does. Anyone expecting the Holy Bible would be crush. Fear not, this is still the Manics at their best. Good tracks - no filler. A must have for the year 2007.

*edit* although the album is nowhere in my top 5 2007 list, it still is a good album. seriously, its the Manic.

Album : Fire up the Blades
Artist : 3 Inches of Blood
Genre : Heavy Metal
Released : May 2007

Ah! Another band that I adore. Mind you, my ringtone is 3 inches of blood's deadly sinner. LOL. I love this band and just everything they present. If you love your 80s Heavy Metal, give the band a listen. Yes, the vocal will remind you of Rob Halford. Who cares? I couldn't stomach bands like Killswitch Engage and Black Dahlia Murder. This band offered me something else, who am I to reject.

*Recently added*

Album : Gambling With The Devil
Artist : Helloween
Genre : Power Metal
Released : October 2007

I have heard of Helloween but never get around to try it. I have to thanks Kamelot, for being my opening gate or something into the world of Power Metal. Along with this album, I also got myself all 3 Keepers album. At first listen, I don't really get this album. and I thought Michael Kiske sounds way better. I just tossed this album aside, until one day, I decided to give this album another chance. I was astounded. This album is really great. I love it. I actually love Andi Deris' voice too. He sounds rather unique, and not your typical wailing power metal voice. Its a must album.

Album : Paradise Lost
Artist : Symphony X
Genre : Power Metal / Progressive Metal
Released : June 2007

This is my first introduction to Symphony X. At first, I was skeptical, what with the album title reminding me of a great band called Paradise Lost too, and the band, Symphony X is highly rated. Sometimes, when a band is highly rated, I just don't get the music *cough*DragonForce*cough* (Blame it on the media for parading Dragonforce as if they're the greatest band on earth, in which they obviously are not!). Back to Symphony X. I discarded this album upon first time hearing it. I am not exactly fond of guitar masturbation and all that. I freaked out seeing the length of the tracks. I tried and tried, and end up loving it. One thing I like is the vocal (I read reviews, and all stated this is not the normal vocal). who cares, I still love the vocal, simply because it sounds rather guttural and raw, instead of wailing and all those Power Metal cliche. Yay! love this album. *sighs*.

Seriously, I'm open for any other 2007 releases, just tell me what it is, and where to get it...