2012's best of metal

I have to say though that of the few albums I came into this year hyped about, a couple, though still exceptional works, didn't make the 5* zone that the group's in question's last couple of releases made (I'm talking about Pharaoh and Epica here, though in Epica's case I would have reviewed higher had the production not sounded like it were recorded in a tin can or something). Hysterica's album met all expectations for me, though I've disappointed by some of the negative reaction I've seen it get in some corners of the internet. Debating with Arjen Lucassen's album is ultimately a 4.5 or a 5.0 though. First disc would be 5.0 without hesitation, second may drag my score down a tier though. Probably wasn't the best idea releasing leftovers and covers as part of the main album.

Right now, I'm most hyped about Huntress' debut which is out in just over a week. I don't usually buy albums without sampling most of it these days, but the two tracks I've been able to hear from this so far were enough for me to pre-order it. I'm expecting at least a 4.5 from it.

So far Xandria remains at the top of my still small 2012 list.

17 albums reviewed so far:

http://rateyourmusic.com/list/adg211288/2012_albums__by_review_score_

Sounds awesome, I'll check it out sometime.

Never heard of those guys but now I have and will be looking into their albums, REALLY killer stuff! 

Heres the new release . . .

Thanks guys!

Also, a Band from Italy that I have be-friended on Face Book and had them send their stuff

to Progulus.com, some Math Metal w/a bit of Meshuggah sprinkled with Watchtower for good measure

called Memento Waltz with their debut EP "Antithesis of Time" one of my faves so-far for 2012:

So far, I haven't found any 4.5 or 5 star albums yet this year, but it's not even halfway done yet, so I'll see what this year brings me.