Sacred Serenity (SOtD DCL)

Sacred Serenity is a Progressive Metal band from the USA.

Sacred Serenity - A Trail Of Thorns

Metaphysics (SOtD DCXLIX)

Metaphysics is a Progressive Metal band from Italy.

Metaphysics - Fallin'

Steel Engraved (SOtD DCXLVIII)

Steel Engraved is a Heavy/Power Metal band from Germany.

Steel Engraved - Forlorn Empire

Hopesfall (SOtD DCXLVII)

Hopesfall is an Ambient Post-Metalcore band from the USA.

Hopesfall - The End of an Era

Empyria (SOtD DCXLVI)

Empyria is a Progressive Metal band from Canada.

Empyria - Last Rites

Desert Beneath The Pavement (SOtD DCXLV)

Desert Beneath The Pavement is a Post Metal band from Germany.

Desert Beneath The Pavement - Do You Feel It When I Google You?

Darkenhöld (SOtD DCXLIV)

Darkenhöld is a Black Metal band from France.
Third Black Metal band in a row? In this time of year? Coincidence? Who knows... Ho! Ho! Ho! \m/

Darkenhöld - March of the Sylvan Beasts

Woebegone Tears (SOtD DCXLIII)

Woebegone Tears is a Melodic Black/Death Metal band from Turkey.

Woebegone Tears - Autumn Leaves, Lachrymose Smile

The Crevices Below (SOtD DCXLII)

The Crevices Below is a Depressive Black Metal band from Austria.

The Crevices Below - A Grand Cavernous Awakening

Absence Of The Sun (SOtD DCXLI)

Absence Of The Sun is a Melodic Death Metal band from the USA.

Absence of the Sun - 410 A.D.

Nightland (SOtD DCXL)

Nightland is a Melodic Death/Power Metal band from Italy.

Nightland - Diamond Siren

Sacramento (SOtD DCXXXIX)

Sacramento is a Gothic Metal band from Chile.

Sacramento - Everything to Waste

Divided Multitude (SOtD DCXXXVIII)

Divided Multitude is a Progressive Metal band from Norway.

Divided Multitude - Promised Land

Desolate Shrine (SOtD DCXXXVII)

Desolate Shrine is a Doom Death Metal band from Finland.

Desolate Shrine - Funeral Chamber

Mourn In Silence (SOtD DCXXXVI)

Mourn In Silence is a Symphonic Black Metal band from Italy.
Great Keyboard work in a beautiful melody!

Mourn in Silence - Heart of Madness

Puteraeon (SOtD DCXXXV)

Puteraeon is a Death Metal band from Sweden.

Puteraeon - Coma

Vindictiv (SOtD DCXXXIV)

Vindictiv is a Progressive Metal band from Sweden.

Vindictiv - Fool's Paradise

I Legion (SOtD DCXXXIII)

I Legion is a Melodic Death Metal band from Canada.

I Legion - Signs From Above

Frosted Leaves (SOtD DCXXXII)

Frosted Leaves is a Symphonic Metal band from Iran.

Frosted Leaves - Still She Cries

Serpenta (SOtD DCXXXI)

Serpenta is a Power Metal band from Mexico.

Serpenta - Quinto Sol

End Of September (SOtD DCXXX)

End Of September is a Gothic Metal band from Sweden.

End of September - Isolated

S.I.L.U.R. (SOtD DCXXIX)

S.I.L.U.R. is a Melodic Death Metal band from Ukraine.

S.I.L.U.R. - Beyond The Mirrors

Sound Storm (SOtD DCXXVIII)

Sound Storm is a Symphonic Power Metal band from Italy.

Sound Storm - Back To Life

Asylum Pyre - Fifty Years Later (SOtD DCXXVII)

Asylum Pyre is a Progressive Power Metal from France.
Fifty Years Later is their second release.

Asylum Pyre - These Trees

Mors Principium Est - ...And Death Said Live (SOtD DCXXVI)

Mors Principium Est is a Gothenburg Metal band from Finland.
...And Death Said Live is their fourth album.

Mors Principium Est - Destroyer Of All

Lagerstein (SOtD DCXXV)

Lagerstein is a Pirate Folk Metal band from Australia.

Lagerstein - Harpoon The Sun

Vattnet Viskar (SOtD DCXXIV)

Vattnet Viskar is a Blackened Post Doom Metal band from the USA.

Vattnet Viskar - Barren Earth

Juno Bloodlust (SOtD DCXXIII)

Juno Bloodlust is a Symphonic Black Metal band from Japan.

Juno Bloodlust - Moonlight

Athlantis (SOtD DCXXII)

Athlantis is a Power Metal band from Italy.
A good one for those of you missing a good old Power Metal band.

Athlantis - Strong As Your Love

Saturnus - Saturn In Ascension (SOtD DCXXI)

Saturnus is a Gothic Doom Metal band from Denmark.
Saturn In Ascension is their fourth full length.

Saturnus - Wind Torn

Ashes You Leave - The Cure For Happiness (SOtD DCXX)

Ashes You Leave is a Gothic Doom Metal band from Croatia.
The Cure For Happiness is their sixth album.

Ashes You Leave - For The Heart, Soul and Mind

Mägo De Oz - Hechizos, Pócimas Y Brujería (SOtD DCXIX)

Mägo De Oz is a Folk Heavy Metal band from Spain.
Hechizos, Pócimas Y Brujería is the eleventh full length of a long career filled with ups and downs. Fortunately, this album is a major up, maybe the best one they ever released.

Mägo De Oz - Xanandra

Trick Or Treat - Rabbits' Hill, Pt. 1 (SOtD DCXVIII)

Trick Or Treat is a Power Metal band from Italy (another one, I know!).
Rabbits' Hill, Pt. 1 is their third full length.

Trick Or Treat - False Paradise

Secret Sphere - Portrait Of A Dying Heart (SOtD DCXVII)

Secret Sphere is a Power Metal band from Italy.
Portrait Of A Dying Heart is their seventh release.

Secret Sphere - The Fall

Enshine (SOtD DCXVI)

Enshine is an Atmospheric Doom Death Metal band from Sweden.

Enshine - Brighter

Standing Ovation (SOtD DCXV)

Standing Ovation is a Progressive Metal band from Finland.

Standing Ovation - Break the News

Aeresis (SOtD DCXIV)

Aeresis is an Instrumental Melodic Metal band from Belgium.

Aeresis - When We Were Kings

Adorned Brood - Kuningaz (SOtD DCXIII)

Adorned Brood is a Black Folk Metal band from Germany.
Kuningaz is their eighth album, in an almost twenty year long career with some highs and lows. This album is definitely a high.

Adorned Brood - Men

Finsterforst - Rastlos (SOtD DCXII)

Finsterforst is a Pagan Folk Metal band from Germany.
Rastlos is their third full length.

Finsterforst - Nichts als Asche

Nontinuum - The Stars You Gathered, The Stars I Destroyed (SOtD DCXI)

Nontinuum is a one man Atmospheric Black Metal band from Australia.
The Stars You Gathered, The Stars I Destroyed is it's first full length.

Nontinuum - Loss

Blackthorn (SOtD DCX)

Blackthorn is an all female Symphonic Gothic Metal band from Russia.

Blackthorn - Gossamer Witchcraft

Sakramentum (SOtD DCIX)

Sakramentum is a Melodic Black Metal band from Serbia.

Sakramentum - Dark Trail of the Ancestors

Griefrain (SOtD DCVIII)

Griefrain is a Post Black Metal band from Russia.

Griefrain - In Her Wonderland Kingdom

Satanakozel (SOtD DCVII)

Satanakozel is a Folk Metal band from Russia.

Satanakozel - Wolf's trail

Destinity - Resolve In Crimson (SOtD DCVI)

Destinity is a Symphonic Avantgarde Death Metal band from France.
Resolve In Crimson is their eight album, and without a doubt their best so far.

Destinity - The Hatred

Elysion (SOtD DCV)

Elysion is a Symphonic Gothic Metal band from Greece.

Elysion - Killing My Dreams

Solisia (SOtD DCIV)

Solisia is a Symphonic/Progressive Power Metal band from Italy.

Solisia - Lightning Of Reality

Fever Sea (SOtD DCIII)

Fever Sea is an Atmospheric Black Metal band from the UK.
These guys have just released their first EP with a powerful mixture of Black Metal and Post Metal ambients.

Fever Sea - The King Immersed

Kalodin (SOtD DCII)

Kalodin is a Symphonic Black Metal band from Nepal.
Another great example of high quality Black Metal coming from Asia.

Kalodin - Trishula

The Ralph (SOtD DCI)

The Ralph is a Croatian band playing Progressive Metal with Djent influences.

The Ralph - Tremors

Evergreen Terrace (SOtD DC)

Evergreen Terrace is a Melodic Metalcore band from the USA.

Evergreen Terrace - Chaney Can't Quite Riff Like Helmet's...

Shattered Skies (SOtD DXCIX)

Shattered Skies is a Progressive Metal band from Ireland.
They released their debut EP Reanimation in 2011.

Shattered Skies - Attrition

All That Remains - A War You Cannot Win (SOtD DXCVIII)

All That Remains is a Metalcore band from the USA.
A War You Cannot Win is their sixth release.

All That Remains - Stand Up

Psilocybe Larvae - The Labyrinth Of Penumbra (SOtD DXCVII)

Psilocybe Larvae is a Death Doom Metal band from Russia.
The Labyrinth Of Penumbra is their fourth release.

Psilocybe Larvae - Soul Trekking

Nocturnia (SOtD DXCVI)

Nocturnia is a Power Metal band from Spain.

Nocturnia - Hermanos

Forgotten Tomb - ...And Don't Deliver Us From Evil (SOtD DXCV)

Forgotten Tomb is a Melodic Black Metal band from Italy.
...And Don't Deliver Us From Evil is their sixth album, and in my opinion their best one to date.

Forgotten Tomb - Deprived

Galadriel - The 7th Queen Enthroned (SOtD DXCIV)

Galadriel is a Symphonic Doom Metal band from the Slovak Republic.
The 7th Queen Enthroned is the seventh release of the most important band from the Slovakian Metal scene.

Galadriel - Evilution

Cradle Of Filth - The Manticore And Other Horrors (SOtD DXCIII)

Cradle Of Filth doesn't require any presentation.
The British band have had some ups and some downs since the golden days of their Symphonic Black Metal in the mid-nineties. But The Manticore And Other Horrors is definetely an up in their Extreme Symphonic Gothic Metal career.

Cradle Of Filth - Frost on Her Pillow

Infinita Symphonia (SOtD DXCII)

Infinita Symphonia is a Symphonic Progressive Power Metal band from Italy.
With adding of the Progressive touch to the traditional Italian Symphonic Power Metal, and with guest participation of well known singers Fabio Lione and Tim Owens, they have managed to make their 2011 album A Mind's Chronicle stand out, and earn their day in the Song of the Day.

Infinita Symphonia - Here There's No Why

Wilderun - Olden Tales & Deathly Trails (SOtD DXCI)

Wilderun is a Symphonic Folk Metal band from the USA.
They have just released their first album Olden Tales & Deathly Trails.

Wilderun - How Stands the Glass Around?

I Am I - Event Horizon (SOtD DXC)

I Am I is the new Heavy Power Metal band from Dragonforce ex-singer ZP Theart.
The British band has released this year they first album Event Horizon.

I Am I - Silent Genocide

Rebellion - Arminius - Furor Teutonicus (SOtD DLXXXIX)

Rebellion is a Heavy Power Metal band from Germany.
Arminius - Furor Teutonicus is their sixth full length.

Rebellion - Ala Germanica

Kamelot - Silverthorn (SOtD DLXXXVIII)

Kamelot needs no introduction, the best Symphonic Power Metal band of the USA is back with their tenth album!
The great fear about this new album was the replacement of Roy Khan by Tommy Karevik. Khan is a true legend and Tommy had a really difficult set of shoes to fit in.
But against the predictions of many, Tommy does the job with great quality. And for my surprise, I can't really say that I miss Khan's presence in Silverthorn.

Kamelot - Sacrimony (Angel of Afterlife)

Orden Ogan - To The End (SOtD DLXXXVII)

Orden Ogan is a Power Metal band from Germany.
To The End is their fourth album.

Orden Ogan - The Things We Believe In

Shining - Redefining Darkness (SOtD DLXXXVI)

Shining is back with another full length release after last year's album VII - Född Förlorare.
Redefining Darkness is the title of the new work from the Swedish Progressive Black Metal band.

Shining - Du, Mitt Konstverk

Skálmöld - Börn Loka (SOtD DLXXXV)

Skálmöld is a Viking Folk Metal band from Iceland, formed in 2009.
Börn Loka is their second release.

Skálmöld - Narfi

Serenity Broken (SOtD DLXXXIV)

Serenity Broken is an Alternative Metal band from Greece.
They have released their first album back in July.

Serenity Broken - Alone?

Pharaoh (SOtD DLXXXIII)

Pharaoh is a Power Metal band from the USA.
They were founded in 1997 and have 4 albums released.

Pharaoh - Slaves

Solbrud (SOtD DLXXXII)

Solbrud is an Atmospheric Black Metal band from Denmark.

Solbrud - Bortgang

Sacred Blood (SOtD DLXXXI)

Sacred Blood is a Power Metal band from Greece.

Sacred Blood - Ride through the Achaemenid Empire

Machinae Supremacy - Rise Of A Digital Nation (SOtD DLXXX)

Machinae Supremacy is a Power Metal band from Sweden.
Rise Of A Digital Nation is their sixth album.

Machinae Supremacy - Laser Speed Force

Mob Rules - Cannibal Nation (SOtD DLXXIX)

Mob Rules is a Power Metal band from Germany.
Cannibal Nation is their seventh full length.

Mob Rules - Ice & Fire

Obscurity - Obscurity (SOtD DLXXVIII)

Obscurity is a Viking Black/Folk Metal band from Germany.
After several releases that passed unnoticed, finally their self-titled album, already their sixth, is finally freeing them from obscurity.

Obscurity - Fimbulwinter

Wintersun - Time I (SOtD DLXXVII)

The most desired album from these last years was finally released.
Eight long years after the acclaimed self titled album, the Finnish Extreme Power Metal band Wintersun return with their second release, Time I. And a promise to released the second part of Time in 2013.
I must tell you that I was very affraid of what this album would be, after all this years and all the hype around Wintersun. But it looks like it's all it was supposed to be, and that is saying a lot!

Wintersun - Sons Of Winter And Stars

Pelle K (SOtD DLXXVI)

Pelle K is a Progressive Power Metal band from Norway.

Pelle K - Fugue State

Angel Vivaldi (SOtD DLXXV)

Angel Vivaldi is an Instrumental Progressive Metal band from the USA.

Angel Vivaldi - A Martian Winter

Aeternam - Moongod (SOtD DLXXIV)

Aeternam is a Melodic Death Metal band from Canada.
Moongod is their second release.

Aeternam - Invading Jerusalem

Magica - Center Of The Great Unknown (SOtD DLXXIII)

Magica is a Symphonic Power Metal band from Romania.
Center Of The Great Unknown is their sixth release.

Magica - Center of the Great Unknown

Galneryus - Angel Of Salvation (SOtD DLXXII)

Galneryus is a Power Metal band from Japan.
Angel Of Salvation is their eight full length in just 10 years.

Galneryus - Angel Of Salvation

Poema Arcanus - Transient Chronicles (SOtD DLXXI)

Poema Arcanus is a Progressive Doom Metal band from Chile, already with a 20 year long career.
Transient Chronicles is their fifth release.

Poema Arcanvs - Omniscient Opponent

Daylight Dies - A Frail Becoming (SOtD DLXX)

Daylight Dies is a Melodic Death Doom Metal band from the USA.
A Frail Becoming is their fourth album.

Daylight Dies - A Final Vestige

Weeping Silence - For The Unsung (SOtD DLXIX)

Weeping Silence is a Gothic Doom Metal from Malta.
For The Unsing is their third album.

Weeping Silence - Love Lies Bleeding

Dalriada - Napisten Hava (SOtD DLXVIII)

To the long time readers of this blog, Dalriada needs no introduction.
(But I'll do it anyway just for the sake of everyone else)
The Hungarian Epic Folk Metal band have release one of the best Folk Metal albums of 2011, Ígéret (Promise). It had an innovative sound, introducing some female harsh Death Metal voice in the mix of speedy Hungarian folk with epic riffs.

They have just release their seventh album, Napisten Hava, and I can't avoid being disappointed.
First of all, to make it clear: Napisten Hava is a good album, probably the second best of Dalriada's career. Second, I already knew that topping or even matching Ígéret would be very difficult. These are not the motives of my disappointment.

I'm disappointed because I felt Ígéret like a breath of fresh air pointing to a new an unexplored path in Folk Metal, and I was expecting them to follow that path, sometimes failing, others hitting the nail, but moving forward.
Instead, Napisten Hava is a step back, in a way that is closer to their older albums than the previous one.
Of course it isn’t all bad. The catchy speedy Folk is there, and also the epic riffs, but the female death voice has almost disappeared, and with it the aggressiveness that made me like Ígéret so much.

Here is the song from the new album that still holds on to a bit of aggressiveness.

Dalriada - Borivók Éneke

Versailles - Versailles (SOtD DLXVII)

Versailles is a Power Metal band from Japan, notorious also for making part of the Visual Kei movement, and one of its most relevant ambassadors wordwide.
Their self-titled album, Versailles, is the fourth full length of their career.

Versailles - Truth

Thy Majestie - ShiHuangDi (SOtD DLXVI)

Thy Majestie is a Symphonic Power Metal band from Italy.
ShiHuangDi is their fifth album, the first one with singer Alessio Taormina and keyboardist Giuseppe Carrubba. They seem to really bring some added value to the band, as, to me, this album is their best release so far.

Thy Majestie - Harbinger Of New Dawn

Winterfylleth - The Threnody Of Triumph (SOtD DLXV)

Winterfylleth is a Pagan Black Metal band from the United Kingdom.
The Threnody Of Triumph is their third release.

Winterfylleth - The Glorious Plain

Evocation - Illusions Of Grandeur (SOtD DLXIV)

Evocation is a Death Metal band from Sweden. Although not categorized as Melodic, their riffs have some melody, giving them a sound that sometimes resembles Amon Amarth.
Illusions Of Grandeur is their fourth album.

Evocation - Illusions Of Grandeur

Sybreed - God Is An Automaton (SOtD DLXIII)

Sybreed is an Industrial / Groove Trash Metal band from Switzerland.
God Is An Automaton is their fourth full length.

Sybreed - God Is An Automaton

As I Lay Dying - Awakened (SOtD DLXII)

As I Lay Dying is a Melodic Metalcore band from the USA.
They have been steadily improving with each release. Awakened is their sixth full length, their best so far.

As I Lay Dying - A Greater Foundation

Blut Aus Nord - 777 - Cosmosophy (SOtD DLXI)

Blut Aus Nord is an Atmospheric Industrial Metal band from France.
777 - Cosmosophy is their tenth fulll length, the final chapter in their 777 trilogy.

Blut Aus Nord - Epitome XVI

Elvenking - Era (SOtD DLX)

Era is the seventh album from the Italian Power Folk Metal band Elvenking.

Elvenking - Poor Little Baroness

Vision Divine - Destination Set To Nowhere (SOtD DLIX)

Vision Divine is a Power Metal band from Italy, fronted by Fabio Lione, singer of Rhapsody Of Fire.
Destination Set To Nowhere is their seventh full length.

Vision Divine - Mermaids From Their Moons

Spheric Universe Experience - The New Eve (SOtD DLVIII)

Spheric Universe Experience is a Progressive Metal band from France.
The New Eve is their fourth album.

Spheric Universe Experience - The Day I Died

Herodias - Antevorta (SOtD DLVII)

Haven't seen many good Doom Metal releases this year. So this is the most welcome exception.
Antevorta is the second release from Herodias, the Rocco family band from the USA.

Herodias - An Exit

Grave Digger - Clash Of The Gods (SOtD DLVI)

Clash Of the Gods is the sixteenth (yes, it's not a mistake, 1 - 6) full-length from the German Heavy Metal band Grave Digger.
Mr. Chris Boltendahl and his boys are not at the level of a Tunes Of War or a Knights Of the Cross, but keep doing some of the best old school Heavy Metal around.

Grave Digger - God of Terror

Ex Deo - Caligvla (SOtD DLV)

Ex Deo is an Epic Melodic Death Metal band from Canada, almost entirely composed of members from the band Kataklysm.
Caligvla is their second full length.

Ex Deo - I, Caligvla

Ensiferum - Unsung Heroes (SOtD DLIV)

Unsung Heroes is the new album from the Extreme Folk Metal band Ensiferum.
This is the fifth full length from the Finnish band.

Ensiferum - In My Sword I Trust

Krampus - Survival Of The Fittest (SOtD DLIII)

Krampus is a new Folk/Melodic Death Metal band from Italy.
They were founded in 2009 and have released their first EP last year. Now they release their first full length record, titled Survival Of The Fittest.

Krampus - Kronos' Heritage

Threshold - March Of Progress (SOtD DLII)

Threshold is one of the nost respected Progressive Metal bands in the UK.
March Of Progress is their nineth album.

Threshold - Ashes

Kobra and the Lotus - Kobra and the Lotus (SOtD DLI)

Kobra and the Lotus is a female fronted Heavy Metal band from Canada.
They have released their self-titled second record.

Kobra and the Lotus - Forever One

Korpiklaani - Manala (SOtD DL)

For those of you following the blog, it's no secret that Korpiklaani is one of my favourite Folk Metal bands.
The Finnish band is extremely productive and has released now their eleventh record, Manala.

Korpiklaani - Rauta

Evoken - Atra Mors (SOtD DXLIX)

Evoken is a Funeral Doom Metal band from the United States.
Atra Mors is their fifth full length.

Evoken - Descent Into Chaotic Dream

King Of Asgard - To North (SOtD DXLVIII)

King Of Asgard is a Viking Black Metal band from Sweden.
To North is their second album.

King of Asgard - The Nine Worlds Burn

Scelerata - The Sniper (SOtD DXLVII)

Scelerata is a Power Metal band from Brazil.
The Sniper is their third release, the first with singer Fabio Juan.

Scelerata - The Sniper

A Forest Of Stars - A Shadowplay For Yesterdays (SOtD DXLVI)

A Forest Of Stars is an Atmospheric Black Metal band from the UK. Considered geniuses by many, and pretentious and empty by an equal amount of people, it's definitely not easy to stay indifferent to their music.
A Shadowplay For Yesterdays is their third album, a complex and emotionally rich work, as you can confirm below, supported by one of the best music videos I have ever seen.

A Forest of Stars - Gatherer of the Pure

Black Majesty - Stargazer (SOtD DXLV)

So we are back from our time machine travel, and back into the present day.
In the almost two months we were away, a lot of interesting records were released, so a couple of interesting weeks are on sight.

We start with the Australian Power Metal band, Black Majesty.
They have released their fifth full length, called Stargazer.
Here is the title song.

Black Majesty - Stargazer

Iron Maiden - The Number Of The Beast (SOtD DXLIV)

Second Song Of the Day dedicated to one of the most important albums in Metal history.
Iron Maiden's The Number Of The Beast.

Iron Maiden - Run To The Hills

Iron Maiden - The Number Of The Beast (SOtD DXLIII)

After doing the 10 year old best of and the 20 year old best of, I remembered a landmark record that was released thirty years ago!

In 1982, Iron Maiden released their third full length, called The Number Of the Beast.
This record is so important to me and to so many people out there, that I decided to have a Song Of the Day special weekend entirely dedicated to it.

Here is the first of my picks from that record:

Iron Maiden - Hallowed Be Thy Name

Stratovarius - Twilight Time (SOtD DXLII)

Twilight Time was the second album from Stratovarius.
This one still with Timo Tolkki doing also the Vocals and with a more Heavy Metal tone, but already with a sound completely identified with the trademark of the Finnish band.

Stratovarius - The Hands Of Time

Therion - Beyond Sanctorum (SOtD DXLI)

4 years before the musical explosion called Theli, Therion already composed some great music, less Symphonic, but some great Death Metal nevertheless.
Beyond Sanctorum was the Swedish band's second album.

Therion - The Way

Amorphis - The Karelian Isthmus (SOtD DXL)

The Karelian Isthmus was the first full length from Amorphis.
For those of you familiar with the Melodic Death Metal of the posterior releases of the Finnish band, this record will sound much more raw and aggressive. But when listening carefully, most of the elements that made Amorphis one of the more important bands in the creation of what is today the Melodic Death Metal genre, are already there.

Amorphis - Intro: Karelia / The Gathering

Iron Maiden - Fear Of The Dark (SOtD DXXXIX)

Another big classic that was released in 1992 was Iron Maiden's nineth album, Fear Of the Dark.
It has three of my favourite Maiden songs: the starter Be Quick Or Be Dead, the ballad Wasted Years, and of course the title song Fear Of the Dark.

Iron Maiden - Fear of the Dark

Manowar - The Triumph Of Steel (SOtD DXXXVIII)

Yes, I know, second Manowar song in a week...
It's not my fault that these guys are so full of themselves, but at the same time have composed some of the best Metal ballads of the last 30 years!

10 years prior to Warriors Of the World, they had launched The Triumph Of Steel, their seventh album.
How can a song so soft be so epic?

Manowar - Master of the Wind

Running Wild - Pile Of Skulls (SOtD DXXXVII)

Pile Of Skulls was the seventh album from Running Wild.
They are a German Heavy Metal band, fully dedicated to the piracy theme. Were founded in 1976 and is still front-lined by Rolf Kasparek, in spite several complete renewals of the bands other members, and also a two year split in between.
They were the most famous Pirate Metal band and only now have some serious rivals in the British band Alestorm.
[Alestorm has homaged Running Wild's legacy in Pirate Metal by mentioning them in one of their songs.]

Running Wild - Chamber of Lies / Whirlwind

Megadeth - Countdown To Extinction (SOtD DXXXVI)

Countdown To Extinction was the fifth full length from Megadeth.
To me is, without a doubt, the best album from the American Trash/Heavy Metal band.

Megadeth - Symphony Of Destruction

Blind Guardian - Somewhere Far Beyond (SOtD DXXXV)

Somewhere Far Beyond was the fourth release from Blind Guardian.
The first of the German Power Metal band's brilliant albums trilogy, together with Imaginations From The Other Side and Nightfall In Middle-Earth.
It's unbelievable how I couldn't find a decent video of the songs of this album in YouTube. So I had to put a video of a live performance.

Blind Guardian - Somewhere Far Beyond

Dream Theater - Images And Words (SOtD DXXXIV)

Hope you have enjoyed my top 40 albums from 2002.
When I was finnishing this top 40, I started remmebering some about some releases from 1992, some serious landmarks in Metal history, so I decided to do a few Songs Of the Day with stuff from 20 years ago.

And no place better to start with, than the most acclaimed album from one of the most acclaimed bands.
Images And Words was the second release from Dream Theater. An amazing Progressive Metal record.
I had an headache just to choose which song to put here. Ended up putting this one because this instrumental intro is so out of this world. Since it was the intro in the CD, as soon as you started listening to this record you knew it would be special.

Dream Theater - Pull Me Under

In Flames - Reroute To Remain (SOtD DXXXIII)

Reroute To Remain was the sixth full length of In Flames.
I remember waiting eagerly for the release of this album, and to think about the huge task the Swedish Gothenburg Metal band would have to compose the successor of Clayman, probably my favourite Gothenburg Metal album.
And although it didn't reach Clayman's level, it also wasn't a deception in any way.

In Flames - Reroute to Remain

Sinergy - Suicide By My Side (SOtD DXXXII)

The Suicide By My Side album in 2002 was the last release from the Finnish Heavy/Power Metal band Sinergy.
Although they were only considered officially disbanded when in 2011 Kimberly Goss stated publicly that her career as a musician was over, and that she would focus on her family and her duties as vocal teacher at the School of Rock Camp in Napperville, it was obvious that, since in 2004 she had divorced from Alexi Laiho, the band was over.

Sinergy - Spit On Your Grave

Manowar - Warriors Of The World (SOtD DXXXI)

Warriors Of The World was the ninth full length from Manowar.
To many fans, this was the release that marked the beginning of the American Heavy Metal band's decline.
It's true that this album is not as packed of amazing songs as some of the previous ones, but no album that includes one of the most epic metal ballads of all times can be set as less than great.

Manowar - Swords In The Wind

Pain - Nothing Remains The Same (SOtD DXXX)

Nothing Remains The Same was the third full length from Pain, the one-man project from Peter Tägtgren.
This Gothic Industrial Metal band is the main side project of the Swedish musician and producer, but to me is where he best expresses his geniality as a composer.

Pain - Shut your mouth

Dragonland - Holy War (SOtD DXXIX)

Holy War is the second album from Dragonland.
Keyboards, epic riffs, and even some acoustic guitar, are some of the special ingredients of the recipe for the Symphonic Power Metal of the Swedish band, that can be heard in this 2002 album and still in their 2011 album Under the Grey Banner

Dragonland - Calm Before the Storm

HammerFall - Crimson Thunder (SOtD DXXVIII)

Crimson Thunder was the fourth release from HammerFall.
It was also the last good release from the Swedish Power Metal band before their music became really boring.

HammerFall - Riders Of The Storm

Lacuna Coil - Comalies (SOtD DXXVII)

Comalies was the third full length from Lacuna Coil, and the one most mentioned by the fans as their favourite.
It's a good album, but then again, most of the albums from the Italian Gothic Metal band are, and I clearly prefer Karmacode to this one.

Lacuna Coil - Heaven's A Lie

Luca Turilli - Prophet Of The Last Eclipse (SOtD DXXVI)

Luca Turilli used his own name to designate the band of guest musicians that was his main side project from Rhapsody Of Fire.
With the split of Rhapsody Of Fire and the birth of the new Luca Turilli's Rhapsody, he has closed all the side projects bearing his name.
For the history of this side project remain 3 full lengths, being Prophet Of The Last Eclipse the second one. Has always with Luca's work, top notch Symphonic Power Metal.

Luca Turilli - Prophet of the Last Eclipse

Thyrfing - Vansinnesvisor (SOtD DXXV)

Vansinnesvisor is the fourth release from Thyrfing.
The Swedish band was the first one I heard playing Viking Black Metal, and is still one of my favourites in this genre.

Thyrfing - Kaos Återkomst

Dream Theater - Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence (SOtD DXXIV)

Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence is the sixth album from Progressive Metal gods Dream Theater.
Not one of the highlights of the band, but yet with some remarkable songs.

Dream Theater - Solitary Shell

Blind Guardian - A Night At The Opera (SOtD DXXIII)

A Night At The Opera is the seventh album from Blind Guardian.
At the time, it was a deception for many fans of the German Power Metal band. After three albums that were filled with some of the best Power Metal being done at the time, and each one better than the previous.
But in retrospective, you can't go wrong with an album that includes this song...

Blind Guardian - Battlefield

Nocturnal Rites - Shadowland (SOtD DXXII)

Shadowland is the fifth full length from Nocturnal Rites.
It was the return of the Swedish band to Power Heavy Metal, after a small incursion into the Trash Metal genre.

Nocturnal Rites - Shadowland

Warmen - Beyond Abilities (SOtD DXXI)

Warmen is the side project from Keyboard magician Janne Wirman, mostly know for his work as member of Children Of Bodom.
I am the proud owner of a copy of Beyond Abilities, the second full length from the Finnish Progressive Power Metal band.

Warmen - Beyond Abilities

Threshold - Critical Mass (SOtD DXX)

Critical Mass is the seventh full length from Threshold.
They are the UK master of Progressive Metal. The Dream Theater from Europe.

Threshold - Critical Mass

Mezarkabul - Bir (SOtD DXIX)

After the acclaimed 2001 album, Unspoken, the Turkish Heavy Metal band Mezarkabul released the album Bir, their fifth, in the following year.

Mezarkabul - Bir

Dream Evil - Dragonslayer (SOtD DXVIII)

Dragonslayer was the first album from the Swedish Power Heavy Metal band Dream Evil.

Dream Evil - Chasing the Dragon

Falconer - Chapters From A Vale Forlorn (SOtD DXVII)

Chapters From A Vale Forlorn is the second release from Falconer.
This was the record that made me discover the Folk Power Metal band from Sweden.

Falconer - Enter the Glade

Mourning Beloveth - The Sullen Sulcus (SOtD DXVI)

The Sullen Sulcus is the second full length from the Irish Doom Metal band Mourning Beloveth.

Mourning Beloveth - The Words That Crawled

Desire - Locus Horrendus - The Night Cries Of A Sullen Soul (SOtD DXV)

Locus Horrendus - The Night Cries Of A Sullen Soul is the rather long title from the latest full length release from Desire, already 10 years ago.
The Doom Metal band from Portugal has release an EP in 2009, so hopefully they are working on a soon to be released full album.

Desire - (Love Is) Suicide...

Shaman - Ritual (SOtD DXIV)

Ritual was the first release from Shaman.
The Brazilian Power Metal band was formed mostly by ex-members from Angra, that had left the band.

Shaman - Distant Thunder

Pagan's Mind - Celestial Entrance (SOtD DXIII)

Celestial Entrance was the second full length from Pagan's Mind.
The Progressive Power Metal band from Norway is an example of stability as their five members are with the band since it's foundation, 12 years ago.

Pagan's Mind - Through Osiris Eyes

Sirenia - At Sixes And Sevens (SOtD DXII)

At Sixes And Sevens was the first album from Sirenia.
The Symphonic Gothic Metal band from Norway had just been formed by Morten Veland, following his departure from Tristania.
To those that were familiar with the work of the composer and guitarist, this record is no surprise, and feels like a following from 1999 Tristania's release Beyond the Veil.

Sirenia - At Sixes And Sevens

Iron Savior - Condition Red (SOtD DXI)

Condition Red is the fourth full length from Iron Savior.
I had bougth the German Power Metal band's previous release, Dark Assault, and it had been a deception. Also, Kai Hansen had left the band, and I had always prefered Gamma Ray to Iron Savior, so my expectations to Condition Red were low.
Oddly enough is a good album, much better than Dark Assault.

Iron Savior - Condition Red

Insomnium - In The Halls Of Awaiting (SOtD DX)

2002 was the year of the first release from Insomnium, In The Halls Of Awaiting.
This Finnish Melodic Death Metal band is one of my biggest flaws. I must had been in a really bad day when I first listened to one of their songs, because I decided they weren't good enough and simply ignored them.
Recently I decided to give them a go again, and have completely loved everything I have heard from them.

Insomnium - In The Halls Of Awaiting

Freedom Call - Eternity (SOtD DIX)

Eternity is one of my favourite Power Metal albums, and definitely the best album from Freedom Call. It was the third full length from the German band.
A pure cheesy but true Power Metal album, full of catchy riffs and memorable songs.

Freedom Call - Land of the Light

Novembre - Dreams D'Azur (SOtD DVIII)

Dreams D'Azur was the fifth release from Novembre.
The Death Doom Metal band from Italy hasn't released any material since 2007.

Novembre - The Dream Of The Old Boats

Avantasia - The Metal Opera Part II (SOtD DVII)

After the surprise caused by The Metal Opera in 2001, The Metal Opera II in 2002 wasn't really a surprise. It was the confirmation that Tobias Sammet and his guests, under the name Avantasia, knew how to make one of the best Symphonic Power Metal out there.

Avantasia - The Looking Glass

Amon Amarth - Versus The World (SOtD DVII)

Versus The World was the fourth full length from Amon Amarth.
Far from the great level of production of their latest releases, it's still a great album from the Swedish quintet, the most brutal of the Melodic Death Metal bands.

Amon Amarth - Death in Fire

Rhapsody Of Fire - Power Of The Dragonflame (SOtD DVI)

Power Of The Dragonflame was Rhapsody Of Fire's fifth full length.
To me, this was the last album from the Italian Symphonic Power Metal band that didn't felt a bit like more of the same.
Here is their most powerful ballad...

Rhapsody Of Fire - Lamento Eroico

Star One - Space Metal (SOtD DV)

Star One is one of the multiple projects from Arjen Anthony Lucassen. The giant Dutchman has reunited a cast of notorious participants for this project, mainly in the Progressive Metal area.
Space Metal was their debut release.

Star One - Intergalactic Space Crusaders

Dark Moor - The Gates Of Oblivion (SOtD DIV)

The Gates Of Oblivion was the third full length from Dark Moor.
It was the last one of the Spanish Symphonic Power Metal band with the haunting voice of Elisa Martin.

Dark Moor - Nevermore

Soilwork - Natural Born Chaos (SOtD DIII)

Natural Born Chaos is considered by many as the best Soilwork album.
It was released right in the middle of the most productive period of the Swedish Gothemburg Metal band, when they were releasing an album per year.

Soilwork - The Bringer

Nightwish - Century Child (SOtD DIII)

Century Child is the first Nightwish album after Marco Hietala has joined the band, taking over the Bass duties but also the male vocal duties, relieving Tuomas from that burden.
Hietala is an awesome singer and I think it was an awesome acquisiton for the Finnish Symphonic Power Metal band.

Nightwish - Bless the Child

Suidakra - Emprise To Avalon (SOtD DII)

Emprise To Avalon was Suidakra's fifth album, and one of their best ones.
As usual with the German band, this record contains some great Melodic Death Metal filled with Folk influences.

Suidakra - Darkane Times

Sentenced - The Cold White Light (SOtD DI)

The Cold White Light is probably the best Sentenced album ever.
The Finnish Suomi/Heavy Metal band disbanded in 2005, and many suspect that this album, and the feeling that they would never be able to do another one that good, was one of the reasons to it.

Sentenced - You Are the One

Rapture - Songs For The Withering (SOtD D)

Yesterday was the second anniversary of this blog and today it's the 500th Song Of the Day post.
Haven't prepared anything special, due to lack of time, but wanted to point out the occasion and state that this blog is alive and kicking!

Songs For The Withering was Rapture's second album. The Finnish Melodic Death Doom Metal band doesn't release new material since 2005.

Rapture - Nameless

Immortal - Sons Of Northern Darkness (SOtD CDXCIX)

Sons Of Northern Darkness was the last release of Immortal, before their split in 2003.
In 2006 the Norwegian Black Metal band would return, with a new bass player, and is currently active.

Immortal - Sons of Northern Darkness

Opeth - Deliverance (SOtD CDXCVIII)

In 2002, Opeth released Deliverance, their last Extreme Progressive Metal album.
Somewhat a deception after Blackwater Park, but still a great album.

Opeth - Wreath

Symphony X - The Odyssey (SOtD CDXCVII)

The Odyssey marked the fading of my following of Symphony X.
I don't know if it's something they changed (or the fact that they didn't change) or if my musical taste changed, or if simply I stopped having the time to listen to Symphony X's albums enough times so they can strike me with all their power.

Anyway, The Odyssey is still a great Progressive Metal album.

Symphony X - Inferno (Unleash The Fire)

Dark Tranquillity - Damage Done (SOtD CDXCVI)

Not yet on vacations, but definitely already on vacations mode.
This is a great season to go back 10 years in time, and remember the great albums that were released in 2002.

Damage Done is still one of the best albums ever released by Dark Tranquility. This is a serious Gothemburg Metal masterpiece.

Dark Tranquillity - Monochromatic Stains

Zonaria - Arrival Of The Red Sun (SOtD CDXCV)

Arrival Of The Red Sun is the third full length of the Melodic Death Metal Swedish band Zonaria.

Zonaria - Arrival Of The Red Sun

Corvus (SOtD CDXCIV)

Corvus is a Melodig Metal band from the Ukraine.

Corvus - Watching You

Huldre (SOtD CDXCIII)

Huldre is a Folk Metal band from Denmark.

Huldre - Brandridt

Crown (SOtD CDXCII)

Crown is a Doom Metal band from France.

Crown - The One

Synestesia - Nereus (SOtD CDXCI)

Nereus is the second full length release from the Finnish Gothemburg Metal band Synestesia.

Synestesia - Juurelle Majakan

Sun Devoured Earth - Sounds Of Desolation (SOtD CDXC)

Sun Devoured Earth is Vadim Vasilyev's one man band. The Latvian musician started in 2009 and was extremely productive in the two following years, but without caring much about the quality or the coherence of his work. Just experimenting in the Atmospheric Black Metal and Shoegaze genres.
Then in September of last year, he finally struck gold in their experiences, with the EP Day After Day, Year After Year, When Will It End.
Sounds Of Desolation, his release from this year, is a more thought and mature work.

Sun Devoured Earth - Chorus of Passing

Chrome Waves (SOtD CDLXXXIX)

Chrome Waves is an Atmospheric Black Metal band from the USA.
They have just released their homonymous first EP.

Chrome Waves - Height of the Rifles

The Matador (SOtD CDLXXXVIII)

The Matador is a Ambient Progressive Metal band from Australia.
(Aussies are high on the blog lately, but that's not my fault, it's just their Metal scene that is completely on fire!)

The Matador - Kingdom Of Glass

In Elegance (SOtD CDLXXXVII)

In Elegance is a Metalcore band from Australia.
As you may already know, Metalcore is not really my thing, but these guys really throw some melody into their music.

In Elegance - Chances

Huaska (SOtD CDLXXXVI)

Huaska is a Bossa Metal band from Brazil.
Another great example from Brazil on how traditional music genres can be successfully mixed genres with Metal.

Huaska - Ainda Não Acabou

Immensity (SOtD CDLXXXV)

Immensity is a Doom Metal band from Greece.

Immensity - Adornment

Dünedain (SOtD CDLXXXIV)

Dünedain is a Power Metal band from Spain. Spanish singing of catchy chorus and epic music ahead!

Dünedain - La rosa negra

Vergeltung (SOtD CDLXXXIII)

Vergeltung is a Cyber Metal band from Russia.
For those of you unfamiliar to the genre, Cyber Metal is an evolution of the Industrial Metal to an even more electronic sound.

Vergeltung - Spatial Cold

Teramaze (SOtD CDLXXXII)

Teramaze is a Progressive Metal band from Australia.

Teramaze - Anhedonia

Tenebrarum (SOtD CDLXXXI)

Tenebrarum is a Gothic Metal band from Colombia.
(Yes, looks like I'm on a Spanish singing bands strike...)

Tenebrarum - El Velo

Nasson (SOtD CDLXXX)

Nasson is a Suomi Metal band from Chile. The Spanish language actually suits Suomi Metal much better than I expected.

Nasson - Reflejo

Magika (SOtD CDLXXIX)

Magika is a Power Metal band from Argentina. They sing in Spanish.

Magika - Sobre el final

Munruthel (SOtD CDLXXVIII)

Munruthel is a Folk Black Metal band from Ukraine.

Munruthel - The Brilliance Of The Thundering Swords

Addaura (SOtD CDLXXVII)

Addaura is an Atmospheric Black Metal band from the USA.

Addaura - City Light (In Still Dark Forenoon Silence)

Another Perfect Day (SOtD CDLXXVI)

Another Perfect Day is a Progressive Melodic Death Metal band from Germany.

Another Perfect Day - The Lullaby (Come Step Closer)

Sekoria (SOtD CDLXXV)

Sekoria is a Melodic Black Metal band from Germany.

Sekoria - Zu Den Sternen

Nidhøgg (SOtD CDLXXIV)

Nidhøgg is a Viking Metal band from Germany.

Nidhøgg - Der Tod Des Baldur

Plug-In (SOtD CDLXXIII)

Plug-In is an Instrumental Progressive Metal band from France.
Highly recommended for Dream Theater fans that think the voice is not essential.

Plug-In - Texas Instruments

FateScorn (SOtD CDLXXII)

FateScorn is a Melodic Death/Industrial Metal from Russia.

FateScorn - Phoenix

Öxxö Xööx (SOtD CDLXXI)

Öxxö Xööx is a Avantgarde/Gothic/Doom band from France. They have a quite unique sound, and are definitelly worth a listen.

Öxxö Xööx - Ägörth

Thou Shell Of Death (SOtD CDLXX)

Thou Shell Of Death is an Atmospheric Black Metal band from Estonia.

Thou Shell of Death - A Burden of Desire

The Forsaken - Beyond Redemption (SOtD CDLXIX)

The Melodic Death Metal band, The Forsaken, has finally released a new album, titled Beyond Redemption. The fourth ful length of the Swedish band arrives after a silence that lasted 9 years.

The Forsaken - Beyond Redemption

Vintersorg - Orkan (SOtD CDLXVIII)

Vintersorg is a Progressive Folk Metal band from Sweden. Orkan is their eighth full length.

Vintersorg - Orkan

Halgadom (SOtD CDLXVII)

Halgadom is a Viking Black Metal/Neofolk band from Germany.

Halgadom - Totenschiff

Sand Aura (SOtD CDLXVI)

Sand Aura is a Progressive Oriental Metal band from Egypt.
Great mix of Metal with classical and oriental instruments.

Sand Aura - Aljahelia

NightCreepers (SOtD CDLXV)

NightCreepers is a Pagan Folk Black Metal band from France.

NightCreepers - Set Sails

Jotnar (SOtD CDLXIV)

Jotnar is a Melodic Death Metal band from Spain.
They also have some Gothenburg Metal influences.

Jotnar - I Am Giant

Bury Tomorrow (SOtD CDLXIII)

Bury Tomorrow is a Metalcore band from the United Kingdom.
I'm not a Metalcore fan, but these guys are melodic enough to suit my fancy.

Bury Tomorrow - An Honourable Reign

ProFusion (SOtD CDLXII)

ProFusion is a Progressive Metal band from Italy.
Original sound with North Africa influences.

ProFusion - Chuta Chani

Nightqueen (SOtD CDLXI)

Nightqueen is a female fronted Heavy Metal band from Belgium.

Nightqueen - Lady Fantasy

Luca Turilli's Rhapsody - Ascending To Infinity (SOtD CDLX)

Almost a year ago I was shocked with the split of one of my all time favourite bands: the Italian Symphonic Power Metal band Rhapsody Of Fire.
But, at the same time, the information that the split wouuld give birth to two bands filled me with the excitment to find out what new sounds would those bands create. Today, Luca Turilli's Rhapsody releases their first record, titled Ascending To Infinity. The path is the one that I expected him to follow. Lots of orchestrations, only clear vocals and many guitar solos with that barroc sounding, which is Turilli's signature.

Luca Turilli's Rhapsody - Dark Fate Of Atlantis

Arbrynth (SOtD CDLIX)

Arbrynth is a Progressive Folk Metal band from Australia.

Arbrynth - Blood Red Skies

Elyose (SOtD CDLVIII)

Elyose is an Electro Metal band from France.

Elyose - Overload

Shels (SOtD CDLVII)

Shels is a Post Metal band from the USA.

Shels - Conference of the Birds

Orphonic Orchestra (SOtD CDLVI)

Orphonic Orchestra is a Symphonic Metal band from the USA.

Orphonic Orchestra - Reasons

A different Song Of the Day (SOtD CDLV)

Today is the birthday of yours truly, so I decided to show a different Song Of the Day.
It's a mix between Metal and the TV theme of one of my favourite fantasy story.



A big thanks to Eric Calderone (331ERock) for his tremendous work of "metalizing" so many themes and songs.

Manowar - The Lord Of Steel (SOtD CDLIV)

An album called The Lord Of Steel can only be from Manowar, of course.
Is it any good?
Well, Manowar's golden days are far gone, and don't expect any surprises, cause these guys will stick to their sound until they die. On the other hand, it's not bad, and it has a few good moments.
Either way, the thirty two years career and twelve full length releases from Manowar deserve our highest respect, even if we don't agree with their attitude.

Manowar - El Gringo

Bastarth (SOtD CDLIII)

A bit of depressing music to balance the fact that today is friday!
Bastarth is an Atmospheric Black Metal band from Russia.

Bastarth - Siyanie

Faithful Darkness (SOtD CDLII)

Faithful Darkness is a Melodic Death Metal band from Sweden.

Faithful Darkness - Hate Injection

Climhazzard (SOtD CDLII)

Climhazzard is a Melodic Death Metal band from the USA.

Climhazzard - Cemetery Paradise

Bilocate - Summoning The Bygones (SOtD CDLI)

I've seen an explosion of quality bands comming up in Midle East in the last couple of years, and that made me look with more care to the Metal scene in that part of the world, and discover bands like the Jordan band Bilocate.
They play Blackened Death Doom Metal and have just released their third full length, Summoning the Bygones.

Bilocate - Hypia

Majesty Of Revival (SOtD CDL)

Majesty Of Revival is a Neoclassical Power Metal band from the Ukraine.

Majesty Of Revival - The Moonlight

Coram Deo (SOtD CDXLIX)

Coram Deo is a Melodic Black Metal band from the Ukraine.

Coram Deo - Hands of the Father

Memoira (SOtD CDXLVIII)

Memoira is a Gothic Metal band from Finland.

Memoira - Arise

From Oceans To Autumn (SOtD CDXLVII)

From Oceans To Autumn is an Atmospheric Sludge Metal band from the USA. Perfect for a work day stuck between a holiday and the weekend.

From Oceans to Autumn - I, Alone

Ace Of Hearts (SOtD CDXLVI)

Ace Of Hearts is a Suomi Metal band from Portugal.

Ace Of Hearts - Teardrops

Litrosis (SOtD CDXLV)

Litrosis is a Symphonic Black Metal band from Greece.

Litrosis - Insomniac's Lullaby

Appalachian Winter (SOtD CDXLIV)

Appalachian Winter is a Symphonic Black Metal band from the USA.

Appalachian Winter - Winterdance

Burning Tears (SOtD CDXLIII)

Burning Tears is a Gothic Doom Metal band from Chile.

Burning Tears - Bride Of Death

Pastel Jack (SOtD CDXLII)

Pastel Jack is an interesting new Melodic Metal band from the United Kingdom.

Pastel Jack - Methematic

Be'lakor - Of Breath And Bone (SOtD CDXLI)

Of Breath And Bone is the third full length of the Australian Melodic Death Metal band Be'lakor. Think the catchiness of Amon Amarth mixed with the melancholy of Insomnium, put toghether in very talented compositions, and you will be very close to what Of Breath And Bone is all about. Top notch MeloDeath, in a strong candidate to album of the year in this genre.

Be'lakor - Absit Omen

Delain - We Are The Others (SOtD CDXL)

We Are The Others is the third full length of the Dutch Symphonic Metal band Delain. The band is headed by Keyboardist Martjin Westerholt, brother of Robert Westerholt, Guitarist and founder of Within Temptation. Martjin was Within Temptation's Keyboardist since its foundation until 2001. He founded Delain in 2002.

Delain - We Are The Others

The Silence (SOtD CDXXXIX)

The Silence is a Melodic Power Metal band from Italy.

The Silence - The Way Of Silence

Hateseed (SOtD CDXXXVIII)

Hateseed is a Power Metal band from Poland.
The song beginning is too slow, but give them a minute and get ready for some speedy and catchy Power Metal, eighties style.

Hateseed - Fire in the Sky

Khepri (SOtD CDXXXVII)

Khepri is a Progressive Oriental Metal band from the United Kingdom.

Khepri - Rusted Desert

Ahab - The Giant (SOtD CDXXXVI)

The Giant is the third album from the Funeral Doom masters Ahab. This time however, the German band have mixed in the pot some Post-Metal.

Ahab - The Giant

Okera (SOtD CDXXXV)

Okera is a Melodic Doom Metal band from Australia.

Okera - The Black Rain

Sabaton - Carolus Rex (SOtD CDXXXIV)

To me this is one of the most awaited albums of 2012.
Sabaton is one of my favourite bands. They have managed to raise Epic Power Metal to a whole new level.
Carolus Rex is the sixth full length from the Swedes.

Sabaton - Carolus Rex

Pathfinder - Fifth Element (SOtD CDXXXIII)

Pathfinder is a Symphonic Power Metal band from Poland. They play at insane speed and in a neoclassical way - Dragonforce meets Rhapsody Of Fire would be a good way to describe their music. Personally, it strikes several chords of my taste. I love it! Fifth Element is their second release.

Pathfinder - Elemental Power

Diablo Swing Orchestra - Pandora's Piñata (SOtD CDXXXII)

If you never heard the music from the Diablo Swing Orchestra, you're missing one of the most original acts out there. This Symphonic Avantgarde Metal band from Sweden has released their third full length, titled Pandora's Piñata. Another record packed with a mix of Swing, Jazz and Metal rhythms, full of originality and color.

Diablo Swing Orchestra - Voodoo Mon Amour

Firewind - Few Against Many (SOtD CDXXXI)

Firewind, the Power/Heavy Metal band from Greek guitar legeng Gus G. has released another album, their seventh, titled Few Against Many.

Firewind - Wall Of Sound

Cathalepsy (SOtD CDXXX)

Cathalepsy is a Power Metal band from Chile. It shows that Stratovarius is a big influence to them. Sadly, until now they have just released one album in 2005.

Cathalepsy - Fight For You Destiny

Integral Rigor (SOtD CDXXIX)

Integral Rigor is a Death Metal band from Iran.

Integral Rigor - Amort

Souljourners (SOtD CDXXVIII)

Souljourners is a Progressive Metal band from the USA.

Souljourners - The Avenger

Night Mistress (SOtD CDXXVII)

Night Mistress is a Power Metal band from Poland.

Night Mistress - City Of Stone

Nightmare - The Burden Of God (SOtD CDXXVI)

Nightmare is a Symphonic Trash/Heavy Metal band from France. They had a first Heavy Metal life in the eighties when they released two albums, and then they were revived in 1999 when they added a Symphonic sound to their Metal. The Burden Of God is their seventh release in this second life, the ninth in total.

Nightmare - Sunrise in Hell

Aenygmist (SOtD CDXXV)

Aenygmist is an all girl Black Metal band from Canada.

Aenygmist - Internal Hemorrhage

Sonata Arctica - Stones Grow Her Name (SOtD CDXXIV)

The Finnish Power Metal band Sonata Arctica, one of my favourite bands, has just released their seventh full length, Stones Grow Her Name. I must admit that although this first song has a very strong chorus, one of the things I love in Sonata's songs, overall is not one of their best ones. Which doesn't mean that this is not a good album, just that probably is not the best that they have released.

Sonata Arctica - I Have A Right

Diluvium (SOtD CDXXIII)

Diluvium is a Gothic Metal band from Serbia.

Diluvium - Like A Saint In Velvet Rags

Words Of Farewell (SOtD CDXXII)

Words Of Farewell is a Melodic Death Metal band from Germany

Words Of Farewell - Ever After

Silent Memorial (SOtD CDXXI)

Silent Memorial is a Progressive Metal band from Switzerland.

Silent Memorial - The Darkest Hour

Zgard (SOtD CDXX)

Zgard is an Atmospheric Pagan Black Metal band from the Ukraine. Love how the flute fits in so well in the song.

Zgard - Svarga

Haemic (SOtD CDXIX)

Haemic is a Symphonic Black Metal band that appears as being from Taiwan, but is also referenced as having members from around the globe.
Either way, their music is very well written.

Haemic - Hellgate

Saratoga - Nemesis (SOtD CDXVIII)

Saratoga is a very well known band in Spain, they native country, and in Spanish speaking South America, but rather unknown in the rest of the world, mainly due to the language barrier. Bands that do not sing in English have to excel in their musicianship to spread their sound worldwide (I've spoken here about this several times).
That's exactly what Saratoga has been doing. From album to album, they have been improving the quality of their Power Metal. And with each one they conquer a bit more audience.
Nemesis is their eleventh full length.

Saratoga - Juicio Final

Maestrick (SOtD CDXVII)

Maestrick is a Progressive Power Metal band from Brazil.

Maestrick - Aquarela

Persona Non Grata (SOtD CDXVI)

Persona Non Grata is a Progressive Metal band from Greece.

Persona Non Grata - Empty Shadows

Twilight's Embrace (SOtD CDXV)

Twilight's Embrace is a Doom Gothic Metal band from the United Kingdom. They have released two EPs.

Twilights's Embrace - The Second Day

Teodasia (SOtD CDXIV)

Teodasia is a Symphonic Metal band from Italy. They have just released their first album.

Teodasia - Lost Words Of Forgiveness

Allegaeon - Formshifter (SOtD CDXIII)

Formshifter is the second full length from the Melodic Death Metal band from the USA, Allegaeon.
If you are thinking of jumping this one because the Melodic Death that I usually put here has lots of Keyboards that sugar-coat the riffs, think again.
Yes, I like my MeloDeath sugar-coated, but I also like it has these guys deliver it. These are heavy, straightforward songs, with hints of Technical Death, and just enough melody to please.

Allegaeon - Tartessos: The Hidden Xenocryst

Nechochwen (SOtD CDXII)

Nechochwen is a Neofolk / Ambient Black Metal band from the USA.
Their sonority and thematic is heavily based on the Native American heritage, mixed with Black Metal riffing. I like it a lot.

Nechochwen - Allumhammochwen - The Crossing

Ancestry (SOtD CDXI)

Ancestry is a Power Metal band from Mexico.
Unlike many Power Metal bands in South/Central America, they don't sound like an eighties band singing in Spanish, they sing in English and have a twenty first century sound.

Ancestry - Revelations

Dissolving Of Prodigy (SOtD CDX)

Dissolving Of Prodigy is an Atmospheric Doom / Pagan Folk Metal band from the Czech Republic.

Dissolving Of Prodigy - Rozmluva s Vetrem

Kells - Anachromie (SOtD CDIX)

Kells is a French female fronted Symphonic Gothic / Alternative Metal band. Anachromie is their third album.

Kells - Se Taire

Lullacry - Where Angels Fear (SOtD CDVIII)

Lullacry is a Suomi Metal band from Finland. They had a solid career start with four albums released between 1999 and 2005. But then there was silence... They lost their record label and there were even rumours of the band's end. Fortunately, seven years later they are back with a new record, Where Angels Fear. Another chance to listen to the powerful voice of the singer Tanja Lainio.

Lullacry - Feel My Revenge

At Vance - Facing Your Enemy (SOtD CDVII)

At Vance is a classical Guitar based Heavy Power Metal band from Germany. Olaf Lenk is the mastermind behind the band while the other band spots have been occupied by several people in the 14 years of the band's career. Facing Your Enemy is the ninth album from At Vance, and although it doesn't bring anything new musically, it maintains the quality of previous releases.

At Vance - Facing Your Enemy

Mezarkabul - MMXII (SOtD CDVI)

After 10 long years, Mezarkabul (Pentagram in Turkey) has released a new album. The sixth full length from the Heavy Metal band from Turkey is titled MMXII.

Mezarkabul - It's Dawn Again

Moonspell - Alpha Noir / Ómega White (SOtD CDV)

The ninth full length from the Portuguese Gothic and-whatever-they-feel-like Metal band Moonspell comes in double dosage, in the same package. Four years after Night Eternal, here are Alpha Noir and Ómega White.

Moonspell - Lickanthrope

Before The Dawn - Rise Of The Phoenix (SOtD CDIV)

Only 14 months after the release of Deathstar Rising, Before the Dawn has released a new album, Rise Of the Phoenix, the seventh full length of the band. At 32, the front-man Tuomas Saukkonen seems to be at the top of his game, with two great releases in a 14 months span (and a release of his one-man band Black Sun Aeon in between). He is definitely one of the Melodic Death Metal references these days.

Before The Dawn - Phoenix Rising

Torche - Harmonicraft (SOtD CDIII)

Harmonicraft is the fourth full length from Torche, a Stoner/Sludge Metal band from the United States.

Torche - Kicking

Vertigo Steps - Surface/Light (SOtD CDII)

Vertigo Steps is a Portuguese/Finnish duo that plays Dark Progressive Metal. Surface/Light is their third full length.

Vertigo Steps - Silent Bliss

Tempus Fusion (SOtD CDI)

Tempus Fusion is a Melodic Death/Progressive Metal band from the UK.

Tempus Fusion - Abandon All Hope

Xandria and Stream Of Passion (SOtD CD)

After yesterday night's concert (hope I have time to write a review this week), the Song Of the Day had to be from onde of the bands (Epica, Stream Of Passion and Xandria). Epica did their job very well but they are already very well known, so they were easily out. Now, the other bands simply excelled... I just couldn't decide which one to exclude. So today, and also to celebrate the 400th Song Of the Day, we will have two songs instead of one.
Enjoy!

Xandria - Forevermore



Stream of Passion - Darker Days

The Foreshadowing - Second World (SOtD CCCXCIX)

The Foreshadowing is a Gothic Doom Metal band from Italy. Second World is their third full length.

The Foreshadowing - Ground Zero

In Mourning - The Weight Of Oceans (SOtD CCCXCVIII)

The Weight Of Oceans is the third album from the Swedish band In Mourning. They play a melancholic and rough edged Progressive Melodic Death Metal. Top notch stuff!

In Mourning - A Vow To Conquer The Ocean

Silent Call (SOtD CCCXCVII)

Silent Call is a Progressive Metal band from Sweden.

Silent Call - Behold My Dreams

Morian - Ashen Empire (SOtD CCCXCVI)

Morian is a Finnish Gothic Metal band. Ashen Empire is their second full length.

Morian - Darkplay

Anathema - Weather Systems (SOtD CCCXCV)

Weather Systems is the nineth album from the british band Anathema. Far from their Doom days, this release finds them deep into the Atmospheric Rock, but still with enough Metal to grant them a Song Of the Day in the blog.

Anathema - The Beginning and The End

Seventh Seal (SOtD CCCXCIV)

Seventh Seal is a Power Metal band from Italy.

Seventh Seal - The Sacred Test

Dragonforce - The Power Within (SOtD CCCXCIII)

4 years after Ultra Beatdown and with a new singer, Dragonforce releases today their fifth full length, The Power Within. From the first single, Cry Thunder, I think this is a more mature Dragonforce, with more Power than Speed Metal.

DragonForce - Cry Thunder

Reverence - The Asthenic Ascension (SOtD CCCXCII)

The Asthenic Ascension is the fourth full length from Reverence. The french Industrial Black Metal band has expanded the boundaries of their music, but without compromising the song writing.

Reverence - Earth

Mysteriarch (SOtD CCCXCI)

Mysteriarch is a Symphonic Black Metal band from the US.

Mysteriarch - The Majestic Fall

Elysian (SOtD CCCXC)

Elysian is a Melodic Death Metal from Australia.

Elysian - Conquest

When Nothing Remains (SOtD CCCLXXXIX)

When Nothing Remains is a Gothic Doom Metal band from Sweden. For the fans of Draconian that can live without the female voice.

When Nothing Remains - Embrace Her Pain

Emptiness Of Life (SOtD CCCLXXXVIII)

Emptiness Of Life is a one-man band from Russia. It's music is instrumental Atmospheric Metal where the guitars do the singing.

Emptiness of Life - Moon Road

Scar Of the Sun (SOtD CCCLXXXVII)

Scar Of the Sun is a Greek Melodic Metal band. Their style is musically near Melodic Death Metal but the vocals are clean in an uncommon blend that sounds very good.

Scar Of the Sun - Swansong Of Senses

Nordica (SOtD CCCLXXXVI)

Nordica is a Symphonic Power Metal band from Argentina. If you don't like the singing done in Castellano you should pass on this one.

Nordica - Princesa del invierno