'Apotheosis' by Holy Grail

'On the Battlefield' by Bloodbound

Attero Dominatus by Sabaton

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Dragonland

Again, one of those things where you hear a song off of the album and decide to buy the whole thing. Yep.

Sonata Arctica: Winterheart's Guild

Sonata Arctica. I happened upon the group on Youtube and said "who are these guys and where the f*** are they from". Turns out that they are a power metal group from Finland. This album was amazing. Two or three of the songs tugged at my heart especially deep- and I'm not one to really discuss my emotions or feelings publicly. Victoria's Secret, The Ruins of My Life and especially Draw Me are some of the best songs I have ever heard in my life.

Not one song on the album scored below a "I really liked it". While some of it breeches the cusp of "amazing", the album is nothing short of. I 'outstandingly' recommend this album. This is a must buy.

5.0/5.0 (100%) This is one of the few albums that will score a perfect 100%. (LOL)

Bloodbound: Nosferatu

Here is another badass power metal band for you: Bloodbound. I heard these guys when my roommate was listening to them. I acquired the CD and I loved Nosferatu as well as Holy Cross (future post).

Bloodbound is power metal with a little bit of speed metal thrown in there. The vocals are very well done as well as some of the guitar riffs and the bass playing. I think my only complaint with the album is that On the Battlefield and Behind the Moon sound too similar (non-lyric wise) in the music at times. Regardless, this album is definitely worth a pick up for power metal fans.

4.45/5.00 (89%). Fantastic album.

Altaria: Invitation

Altaria is THE SHIT.

I loved this CD. While I think the song quality dropped off towards the end, this entire CD is worth a purchase. This is symphonic power metal- a lot like a mix of Nightwish and Iron Maiden- though that might be a crude illustration with a band that is very, very refined.

Sample this one below and make up your mind. My favorite tracks were: History of Times to Come, Innocent, Wrath of a Warchild and Kingdom of the Night.

4.27/5.00 (85.4%). MUST buy for Symphonic Metal and Power Metal fans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh7IPW_E9JU