In an effort to pick up this year’s slack, I am going to be checking out past albums from this year that we here at AMR missed, which will then be followed by my end of the year top 10 list for 2009! So lets get things started:

Architects – Hollow Crown

Every Time I Die clone anyone? How this metalcore band from the UK managed to grab ahold of the collective nuts of the metal community is beyond me. There’s no amount of melodic hooks or bass drops to save this unoriginal album. The only thing that saves this LP from being a complete waste of time is the undeniable chops of the band. A very technically proficient album, but wholly passable. (Similar Artists: Every Time I Die) EH…

Fairyland – Score to A New Beginning

Unlike Epica’s latest, Fairyland has dropped the ball by churning out a valiant effort, but still one that fails to impress. The Rhapody love making isn’t as apparent on this album,with an obvious to chase after the recent years’ successes with symphonic metal. Even with a host of vocalists to supplement (many of whom fall flat), Fairyland’s writing finds itself lacking the same spirit that Epica has had in 2009, however, there is plenty of catchy melodic riffs with fantastic musicianship to be had. Fairyland fans will likely not be disappointed. (Similar Artists: Epica, Avantasia) GOOD

Wolfchant – Determined Damnation

Wolfchant are a second rate folk metal band, that alone should tell you something about what Determined Damnation may sound like. Less than stellar production, musicianship that is quite uninspiring with, perhaps worst of all, no atmosphere of a bygone era which is so integral to the success of folk metal bands. Skip these Germans and go forth and explore the rich landscape of far superior folk bands. (Similar Artists: Korpiklaani, Einherjer) BLASPHEMY!

Ava Inferi – Blood of Bacchus

An interesting blend of gothic and doom metal courtesy of former long time Mayhem guitarist Blasphemer. Unlike other female fronted Gothic projects like Lacuna Coil, The Gathering and Delain, Ava Inferi takes a more traditional goth/doom direction in the vain of the “Peaceville Three” or others like Moonspell and Therion. Basically, Blood of Bacchus is much more dark than melodic and poppy that many bands (especially the aforementioned female fronted ones) seem to fall into these days. This is truly brooding gothic doom from a progenitor of darkness. (Similar Artists: Therion, Moonspell) VERY GOOD