It’s been yet another great year for album releases, and sadly I did not have the time to review or listen to them all. So here are my personal standouts from 2019.
Sabaton – The Great War
Possibly my favourite album of 2019 was Sabaton’s latest release, The Great War. Sabaton have been one of my favourite bands for a few years now, and I really hoped that I was going to love this when it got released, and I was not disappointed. I feel that sometimes you can have impossible expectations for your favourite bands, and I am glad this was not the case here. You can check out my review of The Great War here.
Beast in Black – From Hell With Love
After a stunning debut, I was a little concerned that Beast in Black wouldn’t quite hit the mark when it came to a brand new album, but was I wrong or what? This album is full of energy, 80’s cheese, and so many power screams you’ll lose your voice after the first song trying to emulate Yannis’ power! They definitely have a fan for life in me! Check out the full review here.
Norvhar – Kauna
Recommended to me by my good friend Lee, this band are definitely on my watchlist. This EP tells a story so beautifully and there are many folky elements which I definitely enjoy. The storytelling with the instrumental is beautiful. I hope Norvhar will be producing many other albums in the future! Check out my review here.
Forlorn Hope – Over The Hills
I missed this release when it first came out, which was swiftly rectified when I heard them live for the first time at Power Metal Quest Fest, and immediately realised I needed to check out their full album. I was not disappointed. If you’re a fan of power metal and/or historical metal, Forlorn Hope is the band for you. Check out my review here.
Eluveitie – Ategnatos
Eluveitie is a band who I’ve dipped in and out of for several years, and I had not listened for a very long time when Ategnatos came out. But the album blew me away. I was very excited to see them at Bloodstock Festial and was not disappointed in their live performance either. There is a great mix of more upbeat folky elements, and darker, more atmospheric tracks. This is an album which has continuously returning to my playlist, and you can check out my review here.
Wind Rose – Wintersaga
Up until this album, I enjoyed a few tracks by Wind Rose, but there wasn’t a standout album until this one. Apart from one or two tracks, I loved this album. Yes, the inclusion of Diggy Diggy Hole may have had something to do with it, but overall the tracks are of a much higher calibre. I can’t wait to be able to see Wind Rose live again, and you can check out my review here.
Týr – Hel
Týr has been a favourite band of mine for a long time, and it had been around 6 years since the release of their last album. Hel is not an album that disappointed me, and I do need to revisit and add to my frequently played list! It’s most definitely Týr when you listen, and that is a good thing, especially when lots of bands try a completely new sound after years without a release. Check out my review here.
Overall Review
2019 personally has been a turbulent year for me, which has meant that I have not been as on top of reviewing and listening to new music as much as I would have liked to do. Personally it has been a year to grow and go back to old favourites for comfort and familiarity to help me through what has been a tough time.
However, I’m sure as you can see and read from my 2019 in Music, and from my posts over on Facebook, I have still has some amazing experiences this year. I smashed my target of 4000 views on this website for 2019 (currently over 6000), and I got interviews and press access for festivals and gigs.
Here’s to more fantastic music in 2020!
Ostara Metal 
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