50. “Dead Heart in a Dead World” by Nevermore (2000)Favorite Tracks - The Heart Collector, Insignificant, We Disintegrate
Least Favorite Tracks – Believe in Nothing, The River Dragon Has Come
Just edging out a classic Kamelot album for the #50 spot is Nevermore’s Dead Heart In a Dead World (DHiaDW). A friend of mine let me listen to “Dreaming Neon Black” back in 2000. It didn’t click with me. In 2006, I bought “This Godless Endeavour” based on Nevermore being a part of Gigantour. I loved the album. Soon after, I bought DHiaDW and I was blown away! This album was heavy and brooding, and what I’ve come to expect out of this band. The first four tracks flow together very well. Singer Warrel Dane is a monster on this album. The Heart Collector is far and away my favorite Nevermore, and one of my all-time favorite songs (yes I have a top songs list as well). Fan favorite The River Dragon Has Come, doesn’t resonate with me, but it’s by no means a bad song. This album, and its songs have grown on me over time and whenever I listen to it, I am reminded that I really need to continue exploring this band.
49. “Be” by Pain of Salvation (2004)Favorite Tracks – Lilium Cruentus (Deus Nova), Nihil Morari, Latericius Valete
Least Favorite Tracks – Nauticus (Drifting), Vocari Dei
Coming in at #49 is Pain of Salvation’s ambitious concept album (well, one of them) Be. Unlike many, I loved this album from the very first listen. I did not discover Pain of Salvation until 2005, so I heard all of their albums released up to that point within the same month or so. I think that I enjoy this album because of the amazing performance by the band on the DVD. As for the music itself, I love concept albums, and this was a well done one on a subject that I found very fascinating. I loved the year/population counting during both Deus Nova & Nihil Morari. To me, it really lent to what I consider to be the climax of the concept, which is Latericius Valete. That track gives me chills every time. Lillium Cruentus is my favorite track. I love the 1-2 punch of Iter Impius and Martius/Nauticus II and how they bring the album home. As with any PoS album, Daniel’s vocals are a high point as well. I admittedly don’t listen to this album to often, but when I’m in the right mood, it’s all that I want to hear.
48. “Requiem for the Indifferent” by Epica (2012)Favorite Tracks – Avalanche, Serenade of Self-Destruction, Requiem for the Indifferent
Least Favorite Tracks – Deep Water Horizon, Stay the Course
I have been a huge fan of Epica since I discovered them in 2005. Since then, I’ve gotten each new release as soon as I could. I was expecting a letdown after Design Your Universe, because of the letdown that came after Consign to Oblivion, and I got used to the see-saw nature of Epica’s work, but Requiem for the Indifferent (RftI) did not disappoint! I feel that lead guitarist Isaac Delahaye’s sophomore effort with the band really was a success, as strong lead guitar parts were what the first three albums were lacking. I think Simone sounds better than ever on this album. I’m not sure if it’s the mix, or if she’s still getting better, but she was tremendous. The backing choir even sounded better than it did in past efforts. As with Design Your Universe, Track 6 and 13 are both epics, and the longest songs on the album. But for me, Avalanche really is a standout track The whole band sounds great. This album as aged nicely over the last year, and hopefully, I can see some of these songs live after Simone pops that kid out!