THE ROCK REALMS AWARDS 2009 - HEAVY, HARD & MELODIC ROCK ALBUM

This is the most hotly contested of the album awards, purely because it's the main body of music we receive at Rock Realms. The winner was barely in doubt from the first time we heard it, although a few others got decidedly close as the year went on.

Runners-Up are in no particular order.

WINNER: Coldspell - 'Infinite Stargaze'

This album harks back to the way albums used to be made. No breaks in continuity for a commercial track, no bullsh*t. There isn't a duff song from start to finish, it makes the Hammond organ relevant again, and I'll be playing this for years to come.
2ND: Fair Warning - 'Aura'

In the end this got pretty close to Coldspell, but not quite close enough. It's a completely different sort of album - loads of individual standout tracks but less in the way of flow. Still awesome though.
3RD: Danger Danger - 'Revolve'

Liked this album to start with, but it's really grown on me since then. For me, definitely their finest work so far.
RUNNER-UP: Places Of Power - 'Now Is The Hour'

Just like Danger Danger, this album has grown on me since it's release. Loads of individually good tracks, and an excellent whole.
RUNNER-UP: Shakra - 'Everest'

Definitely an album I forgot the quality of, Everest is a start-to-finish show of class.
RUNNER-UP: Place Vendome - 'Streets Of Fire'

The first Place Vendome album was simply huge. This one is up there too. Michael Kiske is famous for his days in Helloween, but for me P.V. contains his finest moments.
RUNNER-UP: W.E.T. - 'Wet'

When is Jeff Scott Soto better than Jeff Scott Soto? When he's W.E.T., that's when. Great release with several huge anthems.
RUNNER-UP: Bai Bang - 'Are You Ready'

Want to make a rock flavoured party album? Listen to this. It'll tell you all you need to know.
RUNNER-UP: Blackwood Creek - 'Blackwood Creek'

One of two albums this year featuring the mighty Kip Winger on vocals. Both of them are in this list.
RUNNER-UP: Jeff Scott Soto - 'Beautiful Mess'

Just like Kip Winger, Jeff Scott Soto has two albums here too. Not all of this release is rock, but it's all brilliant.
RUNNER-UP: Johnny Lima - 'Livin` Out Loud'

A bit like Shakra, this is an album I forgot about until I came to do the list. Just superb.
RUNNER-UP: Reece - 'Universal Language'

Takes time to get going but, once it does, boy is it a good release.
RUNNER-UP: Free Spirit - 'Pale Sister Of Light'

Something a little different with this album, but no less excellent than anything else here.
RUNNER-UP: Mastedon - '3'

Some amazing songs on this release, and the performances are breathtaking.
RUNNER-UP: Winger - 'Karma'

Kip's other entry on this list. This was so close to making the top 3 you have no idea...

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