It’s been a great year in heavy metal and hard rock. I’m ashamed to admit however that I have not yet listened to many of the excellent releases in 2009 which generated quite a lot of buzz, such as Death Magnetic by Metallica. Here’s the list, in no definite order with the exception of Endgame, for the Top 10 Albums Of 2009 according to Metal Minstrel.

1. Megadeth – Endgame

With all the excess publicity Dave Mustaine has received this past year, it’s quite hard to ignore the legendary thrash band’s latest offering. While it will not compare to ‘Rust In Peace’, the new album has it’s unmistakable classic Megadeth moments. For a band who has gone through many line-up changes over the years and who previously released an album which was considered the band’s ‘return-to-form and come-back album’ in 2007, to return in 2009 with an even stronger album is a magnificent effort Continue Reading

Last Updated – Feb 21, 2010

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Look out for the following new releases from some of Australia’s most talented heavy metal bands. With acts such as Eyefear, Vanishing Point, Voyager and Black Majesty, who have all unleashed remarkable albums within the last year, the scene is set for a much brighter future in the world of Australian metal.

Many upcoming and respected acts, which include Ilium and Lord (of Dungeon fame) are currently recording new material with both bands expecting to release an album this year.

The long-running giants of traditional metal, Pegazus are back after a short haitus due to a personal tragedy and difficulties that had struck the band in recent years, and with a revamped line-up, the band are now on the verge of releasing their highly anticipated new album. Many more releases are on the way, but here is just a taste of what is available now.

Eyefear toured the U.S last year where they performed at the Bay Area Rockfest in San Francisco. Successful shows supporting Germany’s Blind Guardian in Melbourne and just recently a nockout show with Nightwish, Eyefear released their latest album ‘A World Full Of Grey’ through Dockyard 1 in June 2007, marking their third release. The band are very technical in terms of songwriting and play progressive metal with lots of melodies, heaviness and are supported by a truely world class vocalist. Check out songs from the new album here.

Vanishing Point have also been active, playing shows with the best local and international acts following the release of their highly acclaimed new album ‘The Fourth Season’, released last year. Undoubtly one of the leading Australian bands to hit the international scene, Vanishing Point were invited to share the stage with bands such as Nightwish, Dragonforce and Gamma Ray.

Vanishing Point play melodic progressive metal, entailing complex song structures, sophisticated orchestral arrangements, powerful vocals, and captivating melodies. You can watch Vanishing Point peform live on stage in 2008 when they support Helloween and metal legends Iron Maiden on their upcoming Australian tours.
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