By Dr. Metal

Well, 2002 brought us some classic Metal albums.

Here's my favorites of the past year...

AVANTASIA - The Metal Opera Part II (AFM)

"Avalon" + "Fantasia" = "Avantasia." A masterpiece. Part 1 was AFM's best selling album ever. Part 2 is the best album of the year!

Click HERE for a review of this album.

FIREWIND - Between Heaven and Hell (Leviathan)

Power Metal perfection featuring Gus G of Dream Evil on guitar. Click HERE for a review of this album.

BLIND GUARDIAN - A Night At The Opera (Century Media)

Despite the album title, one of the best albums of the year. Click HERE for a review of this album.

ANGEL DUST - Of Human Bondage (Century Media)

Another great powerful album from this band.

METALIUM - Hero Nation- Chapter 3 (Massacre)

Another great Power Metal album from this band. Click HERE for a review of this album.

IMPELLITTERI - System X (Victor)

Graham Bonnet returns to replace Rob Rock on vocals. Very passionate and powerful. Click HERE for a review of this album.

SENTENCED - The Cold White Light (Century Media)

Finnish Doom Metal perfection. One of the band's best albums. Click HERE for a review of this album.

RHAPSODY - Power Of The Dragonflame (Limb)

The band's best album to date music-wise, lyric-wise and packaging wise. (Limited edition box set comes with a DVD.) A must-have.

AT VANCE - Only Human (AFM)

A great album that should catapult the band to new heights. Click HERE for a review of this album.

SEVEN WITCHES - Xiled To Infinity and One (Noise)

Classic Heavy Metal featuring Wade Black on vocals. Click HERE for a review of this album.

MANOWAR - Warriors of the World (Metal Blade)

The Kings of Metal finally return with a vengeance. The band's most mature and solid album ever. Click HERE for a review of this album.

VISION DIVINE - Send Me An Angel (Athreia)

A melodic Metal masterpiece. Click HERE for a review of this album.

PRIMAL FEAR - Black Sun (Nuclear Blast)

The masters of Power Metal never fail to impress. Click HERE for a review of this album.

NOCTURNAL RITES - Shadowland (Century Media)

The best Swedish Power Metal band. Click HERE for a review of this album.

DREAM EVIL - Dragon Slayer (Century Media)

Really enjoyable Power Metal album featuring Gus G on guitar. Click HERE for a review of this album.

FALCONER - Chapters From A Vale Forlorn (Metal Blade)

One of the best melodic Power Metal bands. Click HERE for a review of this album.

ONWARD - Reawaken (Century Media)

Great American Power Metal. Click HERE for a review of this album.

DIO - Killing The Dragon (Spitfire)

Great return for the Metal legend. Click HERE for a review of this album.

IRON SAVIOR - Condition Red (Noise)

Power Metal excellence. Click HERE for a review of this album.

RIOT - Through The Storm (Metal Blade)

Great Metal/Rock album. Click HERE for a review of this album.

SINERGY - Suicide By My Side (Nuclear Blast)

Led by Kimberly Goss, one of the best female singers in Metal. Click HERE for a review of this album.

LUCA TURILLI - Prophet of the Last Eclipse (Limb)

Great bombastic Power Metal featuring Olaf Hayer on vocals. Click HERE for a review of this album.

HALFORD - Crucible (Metal-Is)

Totally different than Resurrection but a good album. Click HERE for a review of this album.

SHADOWSFALL - The Art of Balance (Century Media)

Great Death Metal. Click HERE for a review of this album.

MESSIAH'S KISS - Prayer For The Dying (SPV)

Great Power Metal featuring Holy Mother's Mike Tirelli on vocals. Click HERE for a review of this album.

GENIUS - A Rock Opera, Episode 1 (Frontiers)

Features several Prog-power vocalists. Rivals Avantasia in it's scope. Click HERE for a review of this album.

HAMMERFALL - Crimson Thunder (Nuclear Blast)

Slightly better than Renegade. A solid album from this true Metal band. Click HERE for a review of this album.

RUNNING WILD - The Brotherhood (Gun)

Rock N Rolf does it again. Click HERE for a review of this album.

DIONYSUS - Sign of Truth (AFM)

Vocalist Olaf Hayer's band. Great Melodic Power Metal.

THE REIGN OF TERROR - Conquer & Divide (Leviathan)

Joe Stump and Mike Vescera continue with the modern Yngwie-inspired sound.