What I've Been Listening To Lately

Since getting my video iPod (which fucking rules, by the way), I've really experienced a renewed interest in Maiden. I started collecting videos and realized how much this music means to me. Heaviest rotation has been given to Rock in Rio DVD, Dance of Death, and the new Death on the Road DVD.

Nevermore's "This Godelss Endeavor" was surely one of the top albums of 2005 – easily their best effort since the classic "Dreaming Neon Black".

Since acquiring the "Live in London" DVD of Testament's long-awaited reunion shows, I've been listening to a lot of my old Testament stuff. Damn, it's nice to see Alex Skolnick back with the band, and it's also nice to see him growing his hair back out some. This guy got trashed for leaving the metal scene for a while, and a lot of idiots wanted to claim that he's not really that good anyhow, but he's just a great, great guitar player, period.

Best newcomer for 2005: Norway's Communic. There's a clear Nevermore influence here, but they add a bit more of a progressive sound. Very highly recommended.

Reminder: if you want information on metal bands you either have or have not heard of, drop everything and go to Ultimate Metal Reviews.