Without a doubt 2005 was a very good year to be a fan of Christian metal.  First and foremost, several exciting new bands his the scene with debut albums, the most noteworthy being from Divinefire, Wingdom, Majestic Vanguard, Mirador, Grand Lux, Revelation Project and Venia.  The year also saw established artists such as Jacobs Dream, Neal Morse, Rob Rock and Shining Star all come out with top notch new material as well.  On the mainstream side of the fence, Shadow Gallery continued its run of excellent with Room V, while Avian released the melodic power metal of its debut From The Depths Of Time.  The Italian band Martiria, at the same time, put out the epic power metal of its very fine sophomore effort The Age Of The Return.  In the comeback of the year department, Jet Circus must be mentioned for recording its first album since the early nineties in Look At Death Now.  Potentially topping that, however, was the reunion of vocalist Scott Wenzel and guitar Rex Carroll who re-recorded Whitecross’ self-titled debut under the new title of Nineteen Eighty Seven.  The eighties influenced hard rock of Regime’s Straight Through Your Heart, a compilation made up mostly of tracks from the bands early nineties demo tape, stands out as the most noteworthy re-issue of the year.

Album Of The Year: Christian
1. Divinefire: Glory Thy Name 90%
Playing double bass driven symphonic power metal on its debut Glory Thy Name, Divinefire is a collaboration between Swedish vocalist Christian Rivel (Narnia) and Finnish composer and multi-instrumental virtuoso Jani Stefanovic.  The end result is a creative amalgamation of the melodic and the extreme that is highlighted by well crafted songwriting and the talents of numerous guest musicians including Carl Johan Grimmark, Pontus Norgren, Torbjorn Weinesjo and many others.

1. Neal Morse: ? 90%
On ?, his third solo outing since leaving Spock’s Beard after becoming a Christian in 2000, Morse has created a concept album dealing with the tabernacle that Moses and the Israelites built in the wilderness and that was later built by Solomon based on the same design that came directly from God.  Continuing in the same progressive rock direction of Morse’s past efforts, ? is both dramatic and epic in its capacity as it reflects the vibe of Kansas, old Genesis, Yes or even Dream Theater.

1. Rob Rock: Holy Hell 90%
Holy Hell is Rob Rock’s third solo album since parting ways with Chris Impellitteri in 2000 and proves one of his heaviest and most guitar driven efforts to date.  A very well rounded and consistent work from front to back, the album combines Rock’s abundant lead vocal abilities with the talents of guitar Carl Johan Grimmark, Rick Renstrum and Bob Rossi, drummer Bobby Jarzombek and keyboardist Mistheria.  To say that Rock has surrounded himself with an all star cast would be an understatement.

1. Shining Star: Enter Eternity 90%
Returning with an excellent but long delayed sophomore effort in Enter Eternity, Shining Star showcases the abilities of guitar virtuoso Fabio Rocha and lead vocalist Lance King (Pyramaze, Avian).  The album proves a musical continuation of the bands 2000 debut Fatal Mistake by blending elements of melodic metal and power metal while giving prominence to a polished production job and an abundance of well crafted songwriting.

1. Wingdom: Reality 90%
Reality, the full length debut of a talented new band from Finland in Wingdom, moves in a melodic metal and hard rock direction while highlighting the well crafted songwriting of keyboardist Mikko Harkin.  Featuring former members of Sonata Arctica, Rhapsody and Random Eyes, Wingdom stands out as a result of the bands top notch musicianship and the crystal clear lead vocal abilities of Sami Asp.

2. Audiovision: The Calling 85/100
Audiovision is the new side project of Narnia and Divinefire lead vocalist Christian Rivel.  Combining elements of straightforward hard rock with catchy melodic metal and driving power metal, The Calling proves a very consistent effort musically while featuring refined production values in addition to allowing several guest musicians to best display their talents.

2. Divinefire: Hero 85%
In releasing two very good full length albums in the same year, Divinefire – a collusion between Swedish vocalist Christian Rivel and Finnish multi-instrumental virtuoso Jani Stefanovic – must have uncovered a literal gold mine of quality material.  And similar to its predecessor Glory Thy Name, Hero moves in a double bass driven symphonic power metal direction while giving prominence to Rivel’s “clean” lead vocal abilities and Stefanovic’s “extreme” growling.

2. Jacobs Dream: Drama Of The Ages 85%
After being out of the picture for four long years since the release of its sophomore effort Theater Of War, Jacobs Dream unveiled a new lead vocalist in the talented Chaz Bond along with a heavier and more guitar driven sound on its third full length effort Drama Of The Ages.  The long wait between albums proved a blessing in disguise in that it gave the band the time it needed to polish its material, reflected in some of the most accomplished compositions of its career.

2. Majestic Vanguard: Beyond The Moon 85%
Majestic Vanguard – what a great name for a band! – takes a foundation of melodic power metal and combines it with elements of progressive metal on its full length Rivel Records debut Beyond The Moon.  Comparisons to the likes of Wingdom, Magnitude 9, Balance Of Power, Narnia or even Dream Theater would not be unfounded.  A Swedish band with quite the talented line up, Majestic Vanguard, combines Peter Sigfriddson’s refined lead vocal abilities with the showy lead guitar work of Johan Abbelson.

2. Mirador: The Azrael Tales 85%
Sweden’s Mirador features the talents of cousins Jakob Forsberg and Erick Mjornell, Forsberg handling all lead vocal and keyboard duties and Mjornell rhythm and lead guitar.  The best way to describe the bands full length Rivel Records debut, The Azrael Tales, would be a melodic but doom-like blend of the epic and progressive certain to appeal to fans of Candlemass and Veni Domine.  A very consistent effort from front to back, the album holds up under an abundance of creative songwriting and the bands top notch musicianship.

2. Revelation Project: Revelation Project 85%
Western New York is the home to Revelation Project, a talented five piece progressive metal outfit that independently released its fourteen track and seventy-six minute self-titled debut.  A concept album, Revelation Project follows a storyline based around end time’s themes in which its lyrics either include direction quotations from the book of Revelation – hence, the bands name – or rely on the bands interpretation of the book in question.

2.  Unforsaken: Not Alone 85%
Ontario, Canada based Unforsaken showcases an eighties influenced blend of metal, hard rock and melodic rock on its very fine independently released 2005 full length debut Not Alone.  A collaboration between lead vocalist and drummer Thomas Wilson and guitarist Jon Hooper, Unforsaken features an abundance of hook filled songwriting backed by the bands versatile display of musicianship.

Honorable Mention: Grand Lux: Iron Will, Jet Circus: Look At Death Now, Temple Of Blood: Prepare For The Judgement Of Mankind

Album Of The Year: Mainstream
1. Shadow Gallery: Room V 95%
Room V, the fifth full length effort from Pennsylvania’s Shadow Gallery, is a concept album that was recorded as a follow up to the bands excellent 1998 release Tyranny.  Taking up only eight hours after where the storyline to Tyranny leaves off, Room V showcases Shadow Gallery’s vibrant progressive rock sound in which it combines a plethora of melodic based songwriting with its trademark lush vocal harmonies and first rate musicianship.

2. Martiria: The Age Of The Return 85%
On its sophomore effort The Age Of The Return, Italy’s Martiria brings to the table a dark and epic form of power metal not unlike that of Warlord and Lordian Guard.  Reflecting the influences of classic metal and doom as well, The Age Of The Return gives rise to a sound that best can be describes as symphonic, orchestral or even operatic while allowing guitarist Andy Menario and former Warlord vocalist Rick (Damien King III) Anderson to display their abilities.

Honorable Mention: Avian: From The Depths Of Time, Line Of Fire: Line Of Fire

Album Of The Year: Independent
Revelation Project: Revelation Project 85%
Please see Album Of The Year

Temple Of Blood: Prepare For The Judgement Of Mankind 80%
What Temple Of Blood brings to the table on its full length debut Prepare For The Judgement Of Mankind is old school thrash and speed metal but with a melodic feel.  Taking the clean lead vocal style of Jim Mullis and mixing it with the dual guitar attack of Mullis and Matt Barnes, the band creates a sound inviting a comparison to Megadeth, Dark Angel, Agents Steel, Annihilator, Mercyful Fate and old school Deliverance.  Fans of classic metal and power metal should be able to get into this as well.

F.O.G.: Broken 75%
With its name standing as an acronym for “five old guys”, F.O.G. plays a 70s influenced classic form of hard rock drawing upon influences as diverse as Deep Purple, Judas Priest, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and last, but certainly not least, Resurrection Band.  Broken, the bands third full length album, does a good job giving prominence to the bands well rounded songwriting in addition to Dave Miller’s grit flavored lead vocals and the bluesy lead guitar work of Warren Poi.

Unforsaken: Not Alone 85%
Please see Album Of The Year

Walk The Sky: Walk The Sky 75%
Rising up from the ashes of guitarist Rick Hunter’s previous bands Soldier and Regime, Walk The Sky moves in a catchy eighties influenced hard rock direction on its very fine full length self-titled debut.  The band mixes Hunter’s fiery lead guitar work with the melodic flavored lead vocals of Rob Bonstin to create a sound certain to appeal to fans of Stryper, Angelica, Firehouse, Dokken and Fifth Angel. 

Song Of The Year: Christian
Divinefire: "Never Surrender"
Symphonic power metal at its very best, “Never Surrender” is six minutes of non-stop double bass driven energy standing out as a result of a resounding chorus backed by operatic vocal harmonies.

Divinefire: “The Spirit”
The ten minute epic “The Spirit” proves prototypical Divinefire by combining elements of the melodic and the extreme while featuring guest appearances from Eric Clayton (Savior Machine) and Fredrik Sjoholm (Veni Domine).

F.O.G.: “Fire In The Storm”
“Fire In The Storm” is a nine minute doom metal masterpiece showcasing a catchy hook filled chorus and an abundance of Warren Poi’s gritty lead guitar work.

Jacobs Dream: "Deceiver Of The Nations"
Jacobs Dream: “Cutting Words”
Jacobs Dream has scored two very noteworthy winners in “Deceiver Of The Nations” and “Cutting Words” from its most recent outing Drama Of The Ages, the latter standing out with its epic and dramatic feel, while the former includes a chorus with a great catchy hook.

Majestic Vanguard: “Mystic Eye”
The eight minute “Mystic Eye” highlights a more progressive side to the songwriting skills of Sweden’s Majestic Vanguard.  In no uncertain terms the strongest track from the bands debut Beyond The Moon, a chorus aggressively driven by background vocals helps put the song over the top along with the strength of the bands instrumental prowess.

Neal Morse: “In The Fire”
Neal Morse: “12”
The best way to describe “In The Fire” and “12” would be all out progressive rock jam sessions.  “In The Fire” is carried by a frenzied over-the-top guitar solo, while over its last half it breaks for several additional extended instrumental sections.  “12”, a track dealing with God’s numerological history with the number 12, closes out its final five minutes to another guitar driven non-stop jam session.

Revelation Project: “Children”
Revelation Project: “Liars”
The over the top progressive metal of Revelation Project is best displayed on “Children” and “Liars”.  “Children” is a dark and haunting track that stands in support of the apocalyptic themes found on the bands very fine self-titled debut.  Opening to narration from Mark 13:14-22, the ten minute “Liars” is driven by a good crunchy rhythm guitar sound while highlighting a chorus with a resounding epic feel.

Rob Rock: "First Winds Of The End Of Time”
Rob Rock: “When Darkness Reigns”
Combining just the right amount of catchy melodies with the superlative lead guitar work of Roy Z. and Bob Rossi, “First Winds Of The End Of Time” and “When Darkness Reigns” both give Rob Rock the opportunity to best display his abundant lead vocal abilities.

Stryper: “10,000 Years”
“10,000 Years” is a hard rocking rendition of “Amazing Grace”- done Stryper style!

Unforsaken: “When Love Dies”
The hard rock semi ballad “When Love Dies” is a very stylish number carried by a compelling blend of acoustic guitar and rhythm guitar all the while highlighting Thomas Wilson’s emotional vocal delivery.

Wingdom: “Lighthouse Pt 2”
Nothing less than a twelve minute progressive rock masterpiece, “Lighthouse Pt 2” is a highly complex number featuring a superb catchy chorus while, at the same time, allowing the band to showcase the strength of its instrumental prowess.

Song Of The Year: Mainstream
Avian: “City Of Peace”
The excellent “City Of Peace” represents quintessential Avian as a result of combining a catchy hook filled chorus with Lance King’s smooth sounding vocal delivery and Roger Moore’s lightning like work on lead guitar.

Martiria: “The Giant And The Shepherd”
Every bit a bombastic as it is powerful, “The Giant And The Shepherd” proves a classic in the epic power metal genre as it details the renowned encounter between David and Goliath.

Martiria: “The Cross”
The aptly names “The Cross” is a nine minute doom flavored epic that portrays in emotional fashion the crucifixion of Christ.  A superb hook filled chorus along with an abundance of chanted vocal harmonies helps to put the song over the top.

Shadow Gallery: “The Archer Of Ben Salem”
A good upbeat hard rocker, “The Archer Of Ben Salem” includes a duet between vocalist Mike Baker and bassist Carl Cadden-James, Baker handling the songs verse portions and Cadden-James its aggressively delivered chorus.

Shadow Gallery: “Vow”
The haunting acoustic laced ballad “Vow” combines a superb catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics with a very fine display by the band of its instrumental sound.

Walk The Sky: “Always Remember”
“Eighties hooks galore” might be the best way to describe “Always Remember”, a song standing out with its radio friendly chorus and Rick Hunter’s piercing lead guitar work.

Re-issue Of The Year
Regime: Straight Through Your Heart 
The Retroactive Records re-issue of Regime’s Straight Through Your Heart is made up primarily of the eight songs taken from the bands early nineties demo tape of the same name.  Showcasing a sound that best can be described as melodic hard rock heavily influenced by the eighties, Regime gives prominence to a bountiful amount of catchy songwriting along with the fast fingered soloing of Rick Hunter and the soaring lead vocals of Robert Valdes.

Comeback Of The Year
Jet Circus: Look At Death Now
The last time we heard from Jet Circus was the funky groove-laden hard rock of its very fine 1991 debut Step On It.  Bringing more of the same but moving in a more guitar driven direction on its follow up effort Look At Death Now, Jet Circus highlights the gritty lead vocal abilities of founding member Ez Gomer and the talents of the numerous guest musicians that appear on it.  Please note that vocalist/guitarist Terry H., who performed on Step On It, elected not to participate on Look At Death Now.

Whitecross: Nineteen Eighty Seven
Lead vocalist Scott Wenzel and guitarist Rex Carroll have not worked together since Whitecross’ uneven 1992 effort High Gear; however, the two decided to reunite and re-record the bands 1987 self-titled debut from scratch.  Appropriately entitled Nineteen Eighty Seven, the album features 9 of the 10 songs (the ballad “You’re Mine” was not included”) appearing on the original release in addition to the tracks “Love on The Line” (which initially made its way onto the 1988 EP of the same name) and an instrumental entitled “Re-Animate”.

Best New Artist:
Avian
Combining the talents of guitarist Yan Leviathan, former Megadeth bassist Dave Ellefson and vocalist Lance King, Avian brings a brand of melodic power metal certain to appeal to fans of Balance Of Power, Magnitude 9, Jacobs Dream, Fates Warning and Pyramaze.  The band full length debut, From The Depths Of Time, does a good job of displaying Leviathan’s catchy and melodic based songwriting in addition to the bands first rate level of musicianship.

Divinefire
Please see Album Of The Year

Flagship
Flagship is a collaboration between Narnia lead vocalist Christian Rivel and keyboardist/songwriter Linus Kase in which the two go after a complex and richly orchestrated progressive rock sound.  Maiden Voyage, the bands full length debut, reflects influences as diverse as early Kansas (think Song For America era), Yes, Styx, Spock’s Beard, Neal Morse, Shadow Gallery or even Dream Theater.  A number of talented guest musicians lend their talents to the project as well.

Grand Lux
Norway is the home to Grand Lux, a talented young band blending elements of metal and hard rock with an occasional doom-like tendency on its full length debut Iron Will.  Phil Goode displays good power and range with his emotional mid-octave ranged lead vocal style, while the guitar team of B.D. Hughes and Kirk Evin tear it up with just the right amount of flashy and at times blues flavored lead guitar work.

Line Of Fire
Line Of Fire might be best described as a “throwback to the eighties” that cannot help but bring to mind the likes of Journey, Bon Jovi and Def Leppard with the catchy, radio friendly hooks found on its self-titled debut.  Shawn Pelata – who used to front the Christian metal band Oracle - combines his high pitched vocal style with the guitar riffs of Ed Darst and Nikki Dimage to create one of the finest debuts of the year.

Majestic Vanguard
Please see Album Of The Year

Mirador
Please see Album Of The Year

Revelation Project
Please see Album Of The Year

Temple Of Blood
Please see Album Of The Year: Independent

Venia
Another talented band from Northern Europe, Finland’s Venia is a female fronted group that moves in a predominate power metal direction while reflecting an occasional thrash influence.  In Our Weakness, the bands five song debut EP, mixes periodic extreme vocals with Veronica’s clean sounding vocal delivery all the while allowing the effective guitar team of Jere Veijalainen and Viktor Fagerstrom to best display their abilities.  While In Our Weakness is a bit short – coming in at only 25:02 – it does not fail to give prominence to the bands potential.

Walk The Sky
Please see Album Of The Year: Independent

Wingdom
Please see Album Of The Year