Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Probably the most anticipated film of 2015, 10 years after the final film in Lucas's reviled prequel trilogy was released, Star Wars is back once more, this time helmed by J.J Abrams and Disney. The first film in a new planned trilogy Star Wars: The Force Awakens rises well above the poor prequels and delivers a film that sits right at home with the original trilogy, at the very least in terms of feeling like a true Star War film and love letter to the originals. 

I went into the film with mild expectations and what I got completely exceeded them, I didn't just get a good film, I got a great one. It may not break new ground and covers all too familiar territory but it still manages to keep a great level of interest and intrigue. Full of references, homages, beloved old characters and very interesting new characters. It's beautifully shot (perhaps the most beautiful Star Wars film) with great production design, great effects and great action. It also does a good job of leaving me wanting more and I can't wait for the sequel.
Star Wars: Force Awakens is an incredibly fun film made with love and is exactly the kind of thing fans have been wanting.
****

The Ridiculous 6 (2015)

I kinda knew I was not gonna like this, as Sandler's humour doesn't really work for me anymore, but man there is nothing really redeemable about this film, full of lazy, flat jokes, annoying characters and a Projectile shitting Donkey(ugh). There nothing more to say, if you still enjoy Sandler's humour then I'm sure you'll enjoy it, everyone else, just stay away.
*

Pecker (1998)

Here's a John Waters film from the late 90's. I'm not that familiar with his other work (only other film I've watched his Cry Baby) but I'm fully aware of their reputation. This is one of his lesser known films, which I admittedly only watched because Christina Ricci is in it. But the film itself is not bad and has some interesting moments and characters, though I felt a sense of dissatisfaction overall as I feel it had the potential to be more enjoyable than it did.
I think one of the problems is Edward Furlong in the main role, he certainly fits the character description but some of his line delivery is just cringeworthy, and his performance is just a little awkward overall. Alot of the time though it has intriguing ideas that don't quite live up to their comic potential.
A strange and somewhat enjoyable comedy that just misses the mark on being truly good.
**1/2

James Bond in review part 1 (1962 - 1971)

This was meant to be done before the release of Spectre, but it wasn't cause reasons, anyway I've decided to post my thoughts on all the James Bond Movies, this first part deals with all of  Sean Connery's films (and the one George Lazenby).

Dr. No (1962)

The film that started it all, creating some of the well known tropes that can be seen throughout the rest of the James Bond series and  popularising the spy thriller genre in general. The film itself is pretty decent but nothing standout, these days, it just feels like a standard spy thriller despite being the one to first to utilize a lot of the genre conventions. Dr No. himself is quite interesting and has some nice dialogue exchanges with Bond, he has a nice slow reveal too and there's a particularly good earlier scene where we can only hear is voice that is certainly effective. All in all, it's a well made solid start for the franchise. ***

From Russia With Love (1963)

 From Russia with Love marks the first appearance of Blofeld (kind of), Q, a credits sequence at the start and a few other tropes in the James Bond series. It also already breaks from the standard formula set by the first film and is one of the few films where the climax isn't set in the villain's lair/base. It has a great opening sequence that introduces the henchman  Donald 'Red' Grant who has a great presence and ends up having a good face off with bond. Although, we mustn't forget Rosa Klebb who is a rather fun villain herself. Overall, the film is really good and much better than Dr No, with an interesting narrative and decent action. Oh and don't forget the gypsy girl fight. ***1/2

Inferno (1980)

The second film in Argento's Three Mothers trilogy which are all linked thematically, Inferno is a great example of a film where its style is what helps elevate the enjoyment of the film. Great cinematography and production design make for some very compelling visuals and good atmosphere. The narrative on the other hand isn't so great. We get a small, if muddled, mystery that is sure to leave people underwhelmed and had it not been for its strong visual flair the film probably would have been quite dull.
Peformances aren't too great either but that's usually the case with Argento's films, the musical score however, is pretty good with Goblin being swapped for Keith Emerson, with the song at the end being the highlight and standout track. All in all, Inferno is still a solid movie even if it's mainly for its visuals and atmosphere.
***1/2

Crimson Peak (2015)

Crimson Peak marks Guillermo Del Toro's directorial return to the horror genre, presenting a film that is elegant, beautiful and somewhat of throwback to more classic gothic horror. The film, as expected, has fantastic set design, stunning cinematography and great looking ghosts.
The film's story is nothing particularly outstanding or new, but has enough intrigue to keep us invested and has a good amount of tension.
Performances are also fine and there seems to be a deliberate use of melodrama that may put a few people off.
Overall though, this is a beautiful and solid horror film that is certainly worth seeing for the visuals.
***1/2

Attack On Titan (2015)

Part one of the live action adaptation of the highly popular manga/anime of which I myself am a fan of, but while this film may not reach the greatness of it's source material, what we have here is still a really fun movie. For better or worse the film takes a few creative liberties and takes away alot of the character depth and story  focuses more on delivering a straight up action film. (something that has understandably annoyed alot of fan), I for one don't mind this so much as it is still a very engaging movie from start to finish, the visual effects themselves certainly aren't hollywood high standard (as expected) but they are still quite fun to look at and have some genuine good bits at times and the film still manages to feel a little different to your usual action blockbuster.
Overall the film is a bit of a disappointment but if you are willing accept the film for what it is, then there's still quite a bit of fun to be had here in this entertaining (if a little shallow) thrill ride
***1/2

Terminator Genisys (2015)

Another needless Terminator movie that has, understandably, been ripped apart by critics.
I on the other hand rather liked this film and thought it was rather decent.
Sure, it's nowhere near the levels of greatness as the first two (something I highly doubt any new Terminator can), but I did enjoy it more than 3 and salvation and liked some of the ideas it presented. I also really liked the references and the remaking of certain sequences and felt it was a interesting way of transitioning us into this new terminator world that they are creating for the current generation. I thought Emilia Clarke was a good replacement for Linda Hamilton and I always love a bit of Arnie. The rest of the cast I could take or leave apart from Matt Smith who I thought had great presence in the few scenes he was in, and I also really liked the addition of JK Simmons in is small role.

As I said, the movie isn't necessarily great and is a bit of a mess but I still think it's passable entertainment and does enough to stay enjoyable. It's just missing the wow factor, which of course, is hard to have when you have the shadow of T2 lurking over you.
A lot of hardcore terminator fans are probably gonna loathe this film but hopefully a few will see some of its more positive and promising aspects and I myself am still intrigued to see where they go with it next, though, how many  people actually still care about the franchise is sure to be revealed over the weekend.
Overall people may say I'm being too soft for accepting a Terminator movie that is merely decent but I like to stay on the more optimistic side of things. It may be another needless Terminator movie, but for something unnecessary it's still quite enjoyable.
***

The Rapeman (1993)

"Righting wrongs through penetration."

The above quote is the actual motto of Rapeman, a man who is paid to rape people who have done wrong. Based on the manga series (of course), The Rapeman is a film that sounds rather fun on the surface (well to some people like me) but turns out to be a great disappointment. The film is totally inconsistent with its tone and atmosphere (but not in a good way) and misses the chance to go all out wacky with its silly idea, instead delivering something rather tepid and only slightly odd, with the attempt to recreate the manga's black comedy failing completely. 

Still, I give the film kudos for trying and the film still managed to spawn six sequels and two spin offs, so it certainly has an audience somewhere, but for me, it just didn't work.

**

Redline (2009)

A hugely entertaining sci-fi racing anime that is a bombastic visual thrill ride. The plot may be simple but it makes up for it with piles of creativity and great pacing. I love the style and design of the universe and characters and it's so full of energy that there's never a dull moment. Those who prefer a bit of complexity and depth to their Anime, look elsewhere,
those who love pure enjoyable spectacles full of great animation, then I highly recommend this film. Cool, slick and full of awesome.
****

HK: The Forbidden Superhero

A film about a superhero named Hentai Kamen (Lit. Masked Pervert) who wears nothing but panties on his head, a mankini and stockings and defeats people with his crotch. This will probably be too ridiculous for some to enjoy. But I found the movie to be a lot of fun with some good comedy. The CGI is dodgy as fuck which is probably the films biggest flaw, but when you look past that  there is a very entertaining film here and remember 'being a bigger pervert doesn't make you a stronger pervert'. Ridiculous fun.
***

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Mad Max returns bigger and better than ever. George Miller delivers a great action film filled with outstanding action sequences. It's glorious to see so many practical effects again, especially being executed to almost utter perfection. The cinematography is also fantastic, providing us with many beautiful shots and the actors do a fine job too, with Tom Hardy being a more than adequate replacement for Mel Gibson as Max.
Now I didn't love it as much as some people and I wouldn't consider it a masterpiece, however I do admire it's brilliant execution and while it may not offer much for those who aren't much into action. I would highly recommend those that are action fans to go see this movie, as the action really is phenomenal and needs to be seen, and you don't have to see an of the previous films to see this, as it works absolutely fine as a stand alone film.(much like the other kind of do)
Overall Miller has once again managed to outdo himself with the Mad Max series, the ambition and scope have never been higher, giving us a truly non-stop thrill ride that is truly a joy to watch. In a time where sequels and reboots can be tiresome, Mad Max: Fury Road comes hurtling forward showing how to do it right.
****

Mad Max 1-3 (1979, 1981 & 1985)

In preparation for the newest Mad Max film (review coming soon), I watched the first three in the series for the first time. So here are my thoughts on each one.

Mad Max (1979)

the first Mad Max is a solid and fun low budget action flick. It's low budget may have somewhat marred it's dystopian vison from being fully realised, but it definitely does as good as it can with it's circumstances and though it's a little messy and has a strange obsession with dissolves, it's still a very enjoyable and solid first film.
***

Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)

Mad Max 2 greatly improves on it's predecessor, with it's bigger budget helping the films post-apocalyptic vision really come through with it's punk visual aesthetics and desert land setting. The story is kept simple and some good moments of humour, but of course the film really shines through with it's enthralling and well executed action sequences, making this a really solid and thoroughly enjoyable action film, that does everything it should, to be better than the first film. Good Stuff.
***1/2

Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)

The third film in the Mad Max series is the one that is known to divide people. Many peoples problems with it stemming from the kids from the second half being reminiscent of the lost boys from Peter Pan completely messing with the tone of the rest of the film. I myself prefer this film to first two films(yes even Road Warrior), this is mainly due to the films greater ambition to be something more. I also really liked the lost kids and and had no issue with them, aside from some of their scenes dragging a little. The action is still really well executed, there are some great moments of humour and again the films dystopian vision is beautifully pulled off. The standout sequence of course thought is the one inside the Thunderdome which I thought was wonderful and absolutely adored. Overall it may be a little rough around the edges but this is another really solid action film, that manages to stand above it's predecessors with it's greater ambition.
***1/2

 

A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence (2014)

The latest film from Roy Andersson and final part in his 'living' trilogy which is set out exactly like first two films with each scene/segment being done mainly in one big static wide shot. The film itself is rather wonderful, you have some great comical moments and some purely wonderful moments of people just living. There was one scene in particular involving a large metal drum with horn instruments sticking out, that was completely mesmerising (a scene that certainly has to be seen). It all plays out at it's own steady pace, which may be a little too slow from some peoples tastes, but works perfectly with the films deadpan approach.
Overall this is another great film by Andersson and a great finale to his 'living' trilogy. Just wonderful stuff.
****

The Falling (2015)

The Falling is a British Coming of age drama that stars Maisie Williams who is best known as Arya Stark in Game of Thrones. The film itself concerns the identity struggles and sexual awakening of young teenage girls(that's how I saw it anyway). It is constantly intriguing and prompts the viewer to think and question the things that are happening on screen. There is also a scattering of somewhat disturbing moments placed throughout, with one scene in particular that I'm sure will make Game of Thrones fans scream "No Arya Stark, what are you doing?!". It is structured and crafted well and has some good performance from it's main cast and all in all this was a solid movie that I enjoyed considerably.
***1/2

Unfriended (2015)

Unfriended from the get to go is quite an intriguing film, due to it being set entirely on a laptop screen. It is essentially a social media horror that critiques cyber-bullying. It actually utilises it's gimmick quite well, creating quite a fun movie.
The films horror aspects are actually a little weak, but the film really shines through in it's more satirical side, leading to quite a few laughs. The film also reveals little story details throughout the film in interesting ways, that really help keep your attention. The acting isn't exactly stellar, but considering all the characters are seen through webcams, it's hard to expect anything that great.
Overall while this film may not exactly be good for a horror, it's certainly and interesting and fun film in it's own right and worth checking out as something a little different.
***

Far From The Madding Crowd (2015)

The newest film adaptation of Thomas Hardy's classic novel directed by Thomas Vinterberg. I myself have never read the novel and am not that familiar with it, nor have I seen the well regarded 1967 film version by John Schlesinger. What I can say though is that this latest film version is a really beautiful period drama, that I really liked alot. One of the films biggest strengths is definitely it's visual side, hats off to Vinterberg and cinematographer Charlotte Bruus Christensen making the film look absolutely gorgeous. 2 hours of beautifully shot Carey Mulligan is definitely a winner in my book. This brings me on to the performances which were all really solid and good and helped make me care for the characters (something that doesn't happen often in these kind of period films). Overall this is one of the most enjoyable period dramas I have seen and is just a purely beautiful film. There's nothing more to say.
****

Monsters: Dark Continent (2015)

Monsters: Dark continent is the sequel to the well received first movie 'Monsters' a film that was pretty solid but not all that great. So with Dark Continent, we get a film that is only set in the same universe and has none of the characters from the first. From what I had seen beforehand, I was expecting something that could be fun, instead I got a film that was dull and depressing. Never have I seen a film try so hard to beat me in the face with it's sadness, turning it into a blood pulp of melancholy. Except it's emotional punches are so weak, they don't even scratch the surface and just you leave bored and irritated.(we get it war is horrible).
The films biggest problem is that it tries to be like the first film by minimising the use of monsters, but suffers from it rather than succeeds. The film feels like an Iraq war movie script, that had the Monsters added in later on. But it is the few moments involving the monsters that provide the only interesting parts of the film, the rest just feels dull and tries way too hard to be a downtrodden potrayal of war.
Overall this is a very disappointing movie, that just fails massively. I would have much rathered two hours of people fighting monsters in ridiculous ways, at least that might have been fun to watch. In the end though this film is everything it shouldn't have been.
*1/2

The Man in White (2003)

The Man in White is one of Takashi Miike's obscure and rare films that exist in his vast oeuvre. The best version I found to watch, was of particular low quality (above image is a screenshot of said version), especially the night time scenes that were barely watchable. Having said that those who have not been able to see this film aren't really missing out on much anyway, as this is just another standard Yakuza thriller, that has many familiar generic elements and conventions, as well as familiar actors that pop up in many of Miike's films (Ken'ichi Endo, Renji Ishibashi, etc.).
While it may not be that unique or different, the film is still has it's moment and is quite entertaining overall, I particularly enjoyed some of the ways it used a handheld camera. I would really only recommend this though to fans who love obscure Yakuza flicks and Hardcore Miike fans that want to see as much of his work as possible (like myself). Everyone else can just leave it alone.
The film also has a sequel which I shall also be watching at some point in the future, but for now the first Man in White stands merely as an enjoyable if average Yakuza thriller, it's just a shame a better quality version isn't available.
***

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

So here it is Avengers: Age of Ultron, the second Avengers movie and final film of Marvel's phase 2. I quite enjoyed the first movie (not as much as most people) and thought it was a very fun, solid comic book action film. With this sequel I feel exactly the same way except I think I enjoyed Avengers: Age Of Ultron more.The film provides better action, a more interesting main protagonist (I really like Ultron a lot) and is just overall a much more enthralling movie. The main issue though, is that anyone expecting something a bit different this time around will be hugely disappointed, as the film feels a little too similar to it's predecessor in terms of certain structural and narrative elements. Having said that there is still enough little characteristics and progressive elements, to make it stand out a little and the film is still thoroughly fun and entertaining, which will certainly be enough to satisfy most people.
So if your not a big fan off the superhero genre, you probably won't find much to enjoy here. But for everyone else, just sit back and enjoy the fun.
****

Vampire (2011)

Can I just start by saying the above poster(the only one that seems to exist for this film) is one of the worst and most misleading posters I've ever seen and is a perfect example of advertisers trying to grab an audience purely on its title, leading to much disappointment and misunderstanding.
'Vampire' does not contain any actual Vampires in a traditional mythical sense, nor is it much of a horror film. Instead Shunji Iwai's english language debut is a somewhat subdued drama with a really interesting main character that assists people with suicides by simply draining their blood, which he then subsequently stores and drinks for himself. Though, it definitely has its flaws, the film stays utterly compelling throughout and has a similar tone to some of Iwai's previous work, making it a film that alot of people will find hard to get into. But those that can are sure to find a solid film that presents an intriguing and different take on the vampire concept.

Top 10 Films of 2014

I felt 2014 was quite a good year for movies, there was alot of films that really managed to deliver the goods especially ones I was particularly hyped for. Of course there were a few disappointments and pieces of crap but generally I was quite happy with what I watched overall. So here are my favourite ones that I got to see, which may not all be in definitive order but work in the positions that they have for now.

Honourable Mentions
Calvary
The Double
Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes
the Imitation Game
Guardians Of The Galaxy
Lego Movie

10. How To Train Your Dragon 2

 

 I felt like I wanted try and at least have one great animated film in my list and as fun as the Lego movie was, How To Train Your Dragon 2 just felt like the right choice. A big step-up from the already solid previous film, How Train Your Dragon 2 shows how to take a sequel to the next level in terms of ambition and greatness, leaving us with a one of the most beautiful animated CGI films I've ever seen. Combine that beauty with a solid story that has a strong emotional core and some general epicness and  you've got yourself one of the best Dreamworks animated films that is arguably on par with some of Pixars finest.

9. Gone Girl

I may not be as much of a fan of Fight Club and Zodiac as some people, but I am definitely a big fan of Gone Girl. A smart thriller that is constantly engaging with a few twists and turns that even threw me off guard. Of course the films success is helped greatly by two very strong lead performances, particularly Rosamund Pike who seems to nail her 'cold hearted bitch' character perfectly.
 It's just an incredibly well made film that kept me hooked all the way through. A true 'thriller indeed.

 

8. Nightcrawler

Dan Gilroy's great directorial debut, powered by Jake Gyllenhaal's fantastic and mesmerizing performance. Nightcrawler is a great thriller that is actually quite subtle in approach but always utterly intriguing, containing moments of pure eerieness and providing an interesting look into certain aspects of the news business. Lou Bloom is definitely one of the most interesting characters I've seen in a while making this a damn fine movie.

7. Interstellar

Now here's a film that divided many people and of course I stand on the more positive side of things. Interstellar is only a dissappointment because wasn't the masterpiece it should have been. However that doesn't mean that the film still isn't a great movie because it is, I just can't help but admire Nolan's ambitions and think he still manages to pull a thoroughly enjoyable sci-fi epic, that is both emotional and beautiful.

6. Boyhood

A film that has topped many peoples 2014 lists and deservedly so. The film is a marvelous achievement and probably the truest definition of a coming of age film. Linklater took a risk and pulled it off with creating a great film full of relatable moments that is just a joy to watch.

5. What We Do In The Shadows

The funniest film I saw in 2014, hat is hilarious from start to finish. An 80 minutes vampire mockumentary that has the comical magic that many comedies lack these days. It's not gonna change the world but it'll definitely cheer it up.

4. X-Men: Day Of Future Past

Not just my favourite comic book movie of 2014, but one of my favourite comic book movies ever. A brilliant film full of great acting, action and moments of pure awesomeness. Days Of Future Past was pretty much everything I wanted and more, and I just can't wait for Apocalypse.

3. The Raid 2: Berundal

Days Of Future Past may have been the best comic book movie of the year, but this film was by far the best action film of the year. Delivering some of the best fight scenes I've ever seen and a story that may not have been hugely unique but was still executed brilliantly. Raid 2 took the correct steps in following up the more confined first film delivering a thoroughly engaging action epic.

2. Under The Skin

A unique and absolutely fascinating film, Under the Skin is quite an experience. Minimal in dialogue and narrative but utterly compelling throughout, I couldn't help but love it. It's truly remarkable and well worth checking out at least once, even if you end up not liking it.

1. Birdman

 

I actually only saw this movie last week but instantly fell in love with it and straight away knew it was my favourite film of 2014. For starters any film that attempts the one take illusion, is instantly in my good books. Combine that with a thoroughly engaging narrative that has great performances, a good amount of humour and lots of other great elements, and you've got yourselves a winner. It's a film that just seemed to get better and better as it went on and connected with me on a level that not many films do, which is why it's my favourite film of 2014.

So that my list I'm sure there are those that will disagree with it, but the beauty of films is the differing connections they can have with people.

I'm hoping to write up more reviews this year for 2015 and can't wait to see some more great new movies.

See you Space Cowboy

 

My Top Ten Albums of 2014

Now I know this blog is primarily for film reviews and I haven't posted much  in a while but I thought I'd post my top ten albums of 2014 here anyway as I am also a keen music listener. For the past two years I have done this in video form but decided that this year I would just stick to writing it out instead.
Now my musical taste lies primarily within the realms of metal particularly when it comes to recent releases as I find a lot of other new music just doesn't work for me despite me trying to broaden my palette. So with that said this list is pretty much dominated by metal releases.
Now this order of this list is not necessarily definitive but they are still my 10 most favourite releases of 2014.

Honourable Mentions
Sabaton - Heroes
Grand Magus - Triumph and power
Gamma Ray - Empire Of The Undead
Nightingale - Retribution
Enchant - The Great Divide
Machinae Supremacy - Phantom Shadow

 10. Machinae Supremacy - Phantom Shadow

Trying to choose an album for number 10 was actually quite difficult, as any of the Honorable mentions could have easily been put here. In the end though I decided to go for Machinae Supremacy's latest release, an album that managed to surprise me by how good it was. An ambitious effort that is a vast improvement over their previous album due to better and more dynamic composition that have shown a band that has evolved their 'SID metal' sound for the better. Very solid effort
Highlight: Versus

9. Opeth - Pale Communion

Opeth continue with their more traditional and melodic prog rock approach devoid of all death metal. I happen to really like the current path they are taking, I really enjoyed Heritage and this album take the same kind of sound and steps it up a bit producing an album that's considerably better than Heritage. With more interesting and intricate compositions Opeth deliver a very strong prog album and I'm more than happy for them to continue down their current route if their songwriting manages to stay just a solid as it is here.
Highlights(s): Moon Above So Below
  

8. Triosphere - The Heart Of the Matter

 Triosphere were one of the first female fronted bands that I actually got into, for years I had been reluctant about listening to any metal band with a female singer (even though I love a few now, as you will see further on in this list). I think what made me like this band at the time though was that Ida Auckland's voice stood out a bit from the rest, it was deeper and more forceful so to speak and really complemented their melodic metal sound. So now 4 years after the last release their 3rd Album 'The Heart Of The Matter comes and what we get is a very solid outing that is perhaps their best so far. 54 minutes of pure melodic metal is from top to bottom is a pleasure to listen to.
Highlight(s): Breathless, Hearts Dominions

7. Eluveitie - Origins

'Origins' represents Eluveitie at their finest. Each song delivering a great burst of Swiss Folk metal. Definitely one of the best and most consistent albums that they've record and their first album where I've thoroughly enjoyed every song.
Highlights: King, Celtos

6. Vanden Plas - Chronicles Of The Immortals - Netherworld

German Prog metallers present a damn fine concept album, that provides a great listen through and through.
Highlight: Vision 6ix - New Vampyre

5. Ancient Bards - A New Dawn Ending

  I literally only started listening to this band two weeks ago and was thoroughly impressed. They play the kind bombastic symphonic metal that I love and while they don't necessarily bring anything unique to the genre, they still do damn good job as showcased by this great album. Full of great vocals, great guitar work and general symphonic metal wonderment.
Highlights: A Greater Purpose, In My Arms

4. Dragonforce - Maximum Overload

Dragonforce are band that have gotten alot of schtick since being thrust into the mainstream with Inhuman Rampage(which is actually their worst album). But I've always been a big fan, they play a very 'in your face' power metal that I really enjoyed. I'm also a big fan of Marc Hudson and felt  that 'The Power Within' was somewhat of a return to form for the band. With their latest release they have managed to top that and record what I believe is their best album since 'Sonic Firestorm'. It's the same signature full frontal power metal sound but with a few small dynamic elements added here and there. Each song is bursting with it's own energy making it complete joy to listen to. It also contains a super fun power metal cover of Ring Of Fire. Great stuff.
Highlights: The Sun is Dead, Extraction Zone

3. Epica - Quantum enigma

 
Symphonic metal at it's darn finest. Epica deliver an absolute superb and Epic album. Every song is just great and full of that wonderful Epica goodness. Simone Simons is on top form and sounds fantastic, filling each great composition with life, helping the album to really standout. A great piece of symphonic metal magic.
Highlights: Sense Without Sanity - The impervious code, The Quantum Enigma - Kingdom Of Heaven part 2.

2. Galneryus - Vetelgyus

  Galneryus are one of my top favorite bands, they play their own brand of power metal that always works for me and with their latest album they once again do not disappoint. Syu's guitar work is as stellar as always and you get a nice mix of straight up power metal songs and a select few that are infused with some other interesting elements making a it constantly enjoyable listen.
Galneryus are a band that still manage to impress me greatly and I cant help but love them.
Highlights: There's No Escape, Enemy To Injustice

1. Sonata Arctica - Pariah's Child

 I was very close to having Galneryus as number 1, but the latest release from Sonata Arctica just about beats it, due to being the one who's songs I've relistened to the most. Sonata are another of my favorite bands and here they show how great and intricate their songwriting can be. Each song has it's own thing going on, whether it be the more straight up power metal workings of the Wolves Die Young or the symphonically epic Larger Than Life, the album contains a range of elements that keep it consistently interesting. the entire thing is just rather wonderful and addictive and while it may not be Sonata's best, it's still pretty darn great.
Highlights: Blood, Larger than Life.

So that's what my favourite albums of 2014 were, I should also have my top 10 films of 2014 done soon. But for now I look forward to seeing what wonderful albums 2015 brings.