HTZ's Best of '08

So, I just got done reading my buddy Brad's yearly wrapup for his own favorite music and figured, what the hell, why not? 2008 was a great year for Metalheads everywhere: we see the long-awaited reunion of old-school Testament, a new Judas Priest album, and quite possibly the single greatest tour ever comprised- the Metal Masters Tour.

Testament: The Formation of Damnation
Let me start off by saying that, above ALL other Thrash bands (including Megadeth- sorry, Brad) I love Testament. So to see that they were releasing their first new material in 10 years was awesome, to say the least. Chuck Billy has recovered from his bout with cancer, Alex Skolnick has returned to lead guitar duties, and warming their revolving-door drum stool is Paul Bostaph (ex-Slayer). All in all, a great lineup, and the album delivers. Combining Billy's 80's thrash vocals and 90's death growls, the album flows as well as any other Testament album ever has, and rocks just as hard.

The Haunted: Versus
For those that don't know, the Haunted spawned out of legendary Swedish MDM band At The Gates, as a project of the bands' brothers/guitarists/songwriters. While their early releases like The Haunted Made Me Do It were geared toward MDM again, Versus has the band taking itself in a new, more Thrashcore direction. An excellent album, no less. It rocks like any other Haunted album, but with a stlye more akin to Shadows Fall.

Amon Amarth: Twilight of the Thunder God
Music is as epic as the cover. Simple as that.

Scar Symmetry: Holgraphic Universe
Though the album has gotten mediocre reviews, it genuinely suprised me. MDM, but adding much more of a sci-fi feel to it. Kind of like listening to Rush, except Geddy decided halfway through the recording that he wanted to do death metal for a while.

Judas Priest: Nostradamus
Jake, I know you'll hate me for this, but... I can't stand to listen to the new Priest album. This was the last album I purchased, and was not only disappointed but angry too. People were absolutely in love with this album and, while the concept is good, the music is terrible and completely un-Priestly. No standout riffs, no mind-blowing vocal performances, and no killer drumming- while I didn't expect another British Steel or Painkiller, I certainly didn't expect Turbo, Pt.II.

Children of Bodom: Blooddrunk
Disappointing, but a step up from 2005's "Are You Dead Yet?". Not the sheer technique one expects from Alexi and crew, but not the brutality from AYDY? either. All in all an average record for Bodom- which is still great compared to others.

Lamb of God: Walk With Me in Hell (Live DVD/ Tour Documentary)
Any of my friends will tell you that, as of the last week or so I've been pretty much obsessed with this band. And rightfully so, as they kick enough ass to headline any tour you can name, any festival you can name, hell-they should probably perform every soundtrack for every movie ever while they're at it. This DVD chronicles the band's tour cycle for 2006's Sacrament, an absolute mindfuck of an album. With the music video for their first single Redneck, a "making Of" special for the album, AND the full 2007 Download performance, this movie clocks in around 4 hours- and it will be a very good 4 hours for you.

Metal Masters: Summer Tour 2008
If I were to tell you that Dio was getting back together with his-era Sabbath and doing a US tour, would you be excited? What about if Judas Priest, hot off the release of their first new album with Rob Halford in 18 YEARS were touring as well? Motorhead too? Thrash legends Testament, new;y reformed with Alex Skolnick back on lead guitar were hitting the road TOO? This year is gonna be awesome for heavy metal! But, what about dates conflicting- one band in Philly the same night as another in Cleveland? Damn. Oh, wait- THEY'RE TOURING TOGETHER. BEST. SUMMER. EVER.

That about wraps it up, though I will say this- if, for some holy purpose, Demons & Wizards were to, say, team up with Lamb of God, there would be a trail of blood and abortions between my house and every single one of their shows.