1.DREAM THEATER - IMAGES AND WORDS - Awesome prog metal, in many ways gave credence to the new "progressive metal" movement.
2.THE DISTANCE - THE DISTANCE - great heavy AOR featuring Ousey from Heartland and the fantastic Kenny KAOS on guitar.
3.HELLOWEEN - BETTER THAN RAW - their latest release - heavy as anything but melodies still abound and great dual guitar riffing.
4.AMAZE ME - WONDERLAND - this one caught me by surprise - a fine album from the Swedes. As infectious as a candy bar.
5.GIANT - TIME TO BURN - classic aor, Dan "the man" Huff was a master.
6.BRUCE DICKINSON - ACCIDENT OF BIRTH - Bruce left the withering Maiden and after a sloppy start recorded some awesome melodic metal. I love this one but his last one was even heavier and just as good. Great to see him back with Iron Maiden, killer new album.
7.THUNDER - BACKSTREET SYMPHONY - their first album was their best. Great hard rock, simply awesome live.
8.WARRANT - DOG EAT DOG - don't laugh. Jani Lane's a great songwriter and this album's much heavier than you'd expect. Great catchy hooks and big choruses.
9.JAG PANZER - THE AGE OF MASTERY - great intelligent power metal. Sombre but exhilarating.
10.HEARTLAND - BRIDGE OF FOOLS - These guys should be huge and in my opinion Chris Ousey is THE best vocalist in Britain.
Any opinions?KAOS.