Articles : Anwar Rizk’s Top Albums Of 2015

This year, heavy metal fans in Australia have been spoiled for choice. A choice of not only a wealth of amazing new music, but also a great assortment of international tours and local shows. Australia’s heavy metal community continues to soar with upthrust integrity. Veterans and newcomers alike continue to grow and create amazing new music, sharing the stage with one another and supporting the big names of the genre.

I only see good things for the future of Australian heavy metal. In which countless bands will continue to create music that will push the boundaries of mediocrity and set them on the world stage.

Once again I’m stuck between which albums to choose for my top albums of the year. But after much consideration and procrastinating, I finally put together my list of top albums for 2015 in no particular order.

Ordan Ogan – Ravenhead

Organ Ogan aren’t your typical power metal band. Sure, the contemporary trademarks are all there, but their sound is a little more modern. Dare I say, progressive. The end result is a hybrid that brings a good dose of folk, traditional and power metal elements. A seamlessly flawless album with production to match. Check out “F.E.V.E.R.”

Nightwish – Endless Forms Most Beautiful

The addition of Floor Jensen into the fold has really stepped things up for Nightwish. She’s well equipped to take care of operatic and pop inspired classics, and watching her live, belt out those high notes is definitely something magical. The new album maybe a slight departure from the band’s typical fantasy laden escapades, but there is still plenty going on to keep both the die hard and newcomers happy. Check out “Endless Forms Most Beautiful“.

Grave Digger – Exhumation : The Early Years

If you know me well enough, you’ll no doubt know I’m a fan of Grave Digger. The German heavy metal band that is, not the monster truck, but I’m sure that’s cool too. ‘Exhumation’ is a new perspective on Grave Digger’s first three albums; ‘Heavy Metal Breakdown’, ‘Witch Hunter’ and ‘War Games’. Check out “Heavy Metal Breakdown“.

Amorphis – Under The Red Cloud

Amorhis return with yet another beautifully crafted masterpiece, carrying with it a wide variety of world instruments and melody, making it one of my top picks of the year. Every time I listen to this album I’m over come with so many emotions; anger, sadness, happiness and an overall sense of fulfillment. This is definitely one of my favorite releases of the year. Check out “Sacrifice“.

Harlott – Proliferation

Melbourne thrash metallers Harlott have forged a sound reminiscent of the ’80’s bay area thrash movement, as well as incorporating elements from Germany’s gritty and heavily speed orientated Teutonic thrash attack. Fast paced, head banging goodness for the whole family. Check out “Systematic Reduction“.

Shape of Despair – Monotony Fields

Ten years is a long time to wait for a new album from Finnish funeral doom metallers Shape of Despair, but well worth it when you know it’s going to be a good one. Bleak, atmospheric and hypnotic. This album blew me away, and continues to do so every time I listen to it. Check out “Monotony Fields“.

Stone Sour – Meanwhile In Burbank (EP)

I know this isn’t technically an album, but who cares? Corey Taylor’s vocal versatility really makes this album what it is. His rendition of ‘We Die Young’ by Alice In Chains is almost haunting faithful to Layne Staley. This is one cover album I definitely won’t get sick of. Check out “We Die Young“.

Blind Guardian – Beyond The Red Mirror

A sequel to the much loved epic ‘Imaginations From The Otherside’, ‘Beyond The Red Mirror’ continues Blind Guardian’s fantasy driven epic. The scale of the album and each orchestra involved is absolutely is phenomenal, making for one legendary result. It was an absolute pleasure seeing these guys perform in Melbourne earlier this year with a sold out home crowd. Check out “Twilight of the Gods“.

Lindemann – Skills & Pills

A rather vulgar and abrasive release from two of the metal world’s infamous icons, Till Lindemann (Rammstein) and Peter Tägtgren (PAIN). This album is essentially a mix of both  worlds with all the crude and vile subject matter you could possibly handle. A solid mix of pop, industrial, punk and traditional metal that makes for a rather humorous and catchy album. Check out “Praise Abort“.

Orpheus Omega – Partum Vita Mortem

‘Partum Vita Mortem’ is the third release from Melbourne melodic death outfit, Orpheus Omega. The album showcases the band’s influences whilst showcasing their own unique brand and soundscape. Their continuous momentum throughout the years has catapulted them to international recognition and stardom. After successfully touring Asia, supporting the likes of At The Gates, touring nationally, signing to a well respected label and releasing one of the strongest melodic death albums of this year. It’s no wonder so many people love this band. Check out “Karma Favors The Weak“.

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