-- 2003 best albums releases --

1. Katatonia - "Viva Emptiness"

- In a dark music year, Katatonia released this killer album! And the year was saved. So much regret, agony and just creepy-dark lyrics on one album. A well thought out album like this is hard to find.

2. Enslaved - "Below the Lights"

- I'm so happy that a Norwegian black metal band still delivers quality music. When Emperor no more are among us, Enslaved overtook the throne. Now, we just sit back and wait for the new Mayhem release next year...

3. Opeth - "Damnation"

- The scepticism was big, and it took a couple of times before I understood. Now this album are endless. But, after all, I will wait for Opeth to come back in their ordinary style next time.

4. Iron Maiden - "Dance of Death"

- Maiden once again proofs that they are the leading heavy metal band in the universe, and that "Brave new World" not just was a lucky shot.

5. Amorphis - "Far From the Sun"

- Another quality release from Finland. It's a metal, it's rock, it's progressive and it sounds really great. It's Amorphis!

6. Cradle of Filth - "Damnation and a Day"

- The story about Mr. Lucifer's birth, struggle and life. Everything on one Cradle album. Cradle haven't changed much since last time, and that's the winning formula.

7. Tiamat - "Prey"

- The similarities with "Judas Christ" are very strong. And that's why Tiamat are on the list for the second year in a row.

8. Grand Magus - "Monument"

- A voice to die for and guitars so heavy your ears will fall off. You will be lying on the floor after this round!

9. Entombed - "Inferno"

- It's so dirty. Entombed continues to throw filth on the world. We need it, that's for sure...

10. HIM - "Love Metal"

- Everything is just as before. And that's how we want HIM!

I think 2003 was a bad metal year. Maybe because so many quality bands released albums last year. Or maybe because my girlfriend gave birth to a little daughter, so the time for music is not what it used to be... But I will get better!

In 2002 their was a lot of great death metal releases like Nile, Hate Eternal etc. But this list belongs to the soft bands. Not bad at all, but 2003 will be remembered for the lack of brutality...