05)  Hate Eternal, Upon Desolate Sands (Season of Mist)

Maybe this band’s strongest record.  Hate Eternal seems to fly under the radar of many, let’s hope this record changes that.

 Key Track:  “All Hope Destroyed”

 04) Ghost, Prequelle (Loma Vista)

 Yes, Ghost plays arenas now.  That’s a good thing because now that U2 sucks terribly, Lars plays at about 60% in Metallica, and Fleetwood Mac fired Lindsay Buckingham, there aren’t really many arena bands left.  Good to see Ghost seizing this opportunity.

 Key Track:  “See the Light”

 03) Tribulation, Down Below (Century Media)

 I have no idea why this band isn’t bigger than they are in the US.  Amazing live performance, incredible song writing, beautiful videos…  Yes, they aren’t as “heavy” as they once were but listen to Down Below and tell me this isn’t brilliantly done.

 Key Track:  “Nightbound”

 02) Judas Priest, Firepower (Columbia)

 Right now I’m taking Andy Sneap and Richie Faulkner over KK Downing.  I know I’ll get hate mail for saying this, but it doesn’t change the fact that I’m right.

 Key Track:  “Lightning Strike”