Erich’s Best of 2010
1. Crazy Lixx – NEW RELIGION
I had never even heard of these guys, but this is the closest you can get in 2010 to a 1987 Def Leppard/Bon Jovi release without it being either of those bands themselves. Crazy Lixx is from Sweden but this sounds like it is directly from the Sunset Strip. Every song is a riff inspired rocker complete with catchy choruses.
2. Reckless Love – SELF TITLED
From Finland, and again a band out of nowhere for me. Really captures the retro sound, but with plenty of original flair. Even has the sheen and polish of an 80’s era album. A truly stunning and well-made album.
3. Ratt – INFESTATION
4. Accept – BLOOD OF THE NATIONS
5. Jon Oliva’s Pain – FESTIVAL
6. Circle II Circle – CONSEQUENCE OF POWER
7. Virgin Steele – THE BLACK LIGHT BACCHANALIA
8. Overkill – IRONBOUND
9. Triptykon – EPARISTERA DAIMONES
10. Death Angel –RELENTLESS RETRIBUTION
11. Charred Walls Of The Damned – SELF TITLED
12. Edenbridge – SOLITAIRE
13. Blind Guardian – AT THE EDGE OF TIME
14. Sons of Liberty – BRUSH-FIRES OF THE MIND
15. Iron Maiden – THE FINAL FRONTIER
16. Rage – STRINGS TO A WEB
17. Helloween – 7 SINNERS
18. Nevermore – THE OBSIDIAN CONSPIRACY
19. Ace Frehley – ANOMALY
20. Sabaton – COAT OF ARMS
Best New Band
Reckless Love
Best DVD
Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax – ‘The Big 4: Live From Sofia, Bulgaria’
Proof that time heals all wounds and a great show on top of that.
Discovery of 2010
Crazy Lixx
Best Concert I Attended In 2010
The American Carnage Tour (Slayer, Megadeth & Anthrax), Hard Rock Live October 2nd, Orlando Florida.
Album Disappointments
Iron Maiden – THE FINAL FRONTIER
This album made my best of 2010 list, but I cannot help but be somewhat disappointed with the continued bloat and filler on Maiden’s last 3 albums. The endless intros and boring outros have worn out their welcome. I do not expect a return to 1983, but can Maiden ever write a hard hitting, direct, and compact song like “Flight Of Icarus” again?
Grave Digger – THE CLANS WILL RISE AGAIN
A predictable and uninspiring album from the grizzled ones. Clocking in at 53 minutes, it is a slog to make it all the way through. While not horrible, it is clear that the band has almost run out of ideas.
Greatest Hope of 2011
That Lake of Tears releases their new album, which is planned for April 2011, on time. It has been 6 years since BLACK BRICK ROAD and I am hoping for a great album.
