Roadrunner Records TOP 10 of 2008

Excelent Selection
Cynic and MetallicA

Good choices Mr Portnoy.
Im really glad to see recodnition to our Canadian acts, and especially with such a good one as Protest The Hero.

Mike Portnoy seems to have awesome taste in music, and proves to be the most credible person on this site. Picking Death Magnetic and Fortress as the top choices of '08? Fucking superb choices. I would have had them the other way around, personally, but I still love to see PTH getting such a high spot.

Rock on Mike, Death Magnetic has been growing on me ever since it's release. I haven't had the chance to listen to Watershed yet, but saw You guys and Opeth in Calgary this past May. I really enjoyed 3 too and Had the opportunity to tell Joey that. Can't wait for the next DT release! Have a good New year!

hell yeah mike...
cynic is amazing band to with their new album.....

your choice made me wants to hear all of the new great band....

regards

?MikEZzZZ...!!!!?

With Metallica losing more and more of their fanbase everyday, they can use every plug they can get. Personally I think they could have done better. But I'm a tough critic.

I love Mike Portnoy, but I have to dissagree with his number one choice. Metallic? To name 3 other bands, how about Dream Theater, Dream Theater, and Dream Theater. The Metallica album might not be bad, but it ain't number 1. How about "Chaos in Motion"? Your live CD sounds much better than "Death Magnetic". Rick Ruben and who ever mixed that album should be fired.

rock on MIKE!!

waiting ansius for the new DT album (the holyday gift certify a grat album to come,...i heard that glas prison groove, of course will be the las part of the steps)and of course waiting for you and DT touring around Venezuela again!!!!!

hugs 4u and your family on this days.... The Spirit Carries On

i have every album on that list. ironic no?

Agree on Metallica's latest and OPETH, the swedish guys are getting better with time.
Probably I'll include in the list Colors from BTBAM
Have purchased their latest DVD and it rocks....
Keep on rocking Mike, saludos desde MEXICO ... have been at all your 4 concerts at National Auditorium.

Beardfish is fantastic, I love the new Metallica, Opeth always effective and Steve Wilson make your list very cool. I am looking forward to checking out more of these other bands on that list. Nice job and sorry to hear about your dad.

wtf man, where is Meshuggah? It blew every single metal release out of the water. Does he have any idea how s*** the mastering on Death Magnetic is?

I totally disagree w/Death Magnetic. I think it is COMPLETELY overrated. Three other bands???? Easy...Maiden, Priest, and Dream theater. I also believe that Heaven and Hell are going to put out an amazing album. There's also Testament whose new album blows DM out of the water. I even think Motley Crue's new album beats Death Magnetic.

Mike's always been a big Metallica fan. I've never really understood why. After mainstream Metallica did all that crying over music piracy, they've been on a downward spiral ever since. I'd give their spot on the top ten to a handful of the bands mentioned above. Metallica is used up.

First off sorry to hear about your Dad.May he R.I.P.Very good list although i would have picked PTH new C.D.over Metallica's.Just did'nt live up tp to the hype imo.

Hey, Mike, that Steven Wilson album isn't officially released until Feb. 10th 2009.
But, since it IS amazing, I guess you just had to sneak it on there.

(I challenge you to name 3 other bands that you can say that about......I cant!)

Challenge accepted:
Judas Priest (Angel of Retribution was released 36 years after their debut)

I would have said Megadeth and Dream Theater too but finally United Abominations were released 24 years after Deth's debut and Systematic Chaos 23 years after DT's debut. But when these bands' upcoming albums will be out I'm pretty damn sure they will be strong and inspired at least as much as Metallica's.

That Protest record may challenge for the best metal record for years to come...

Maybe you Roadrunner folks wanna come north of the border and pick them up! I'd offer my services of employment as well!

rock on
other notables- Children of Bodom, Sworn Enemy and check Dead Child's "Attack"...neat!

I love Dream Theater!!! However, I don't share Mike's excitement about Metallica's new CD. Simply put, it sounds weak and it's poorly written. I respect Metallica, but they aren't musical geniuses, so they would have to work much harder to make a great CD. Because of your opinion though Mr. Portnoy (and my love to DT), I will give "Death Magnetic" one more try...

Great picks Mike. It takes balls to put DM at #1, but I think they deserve it. You can say Priest, Maiden, and of course DT have done that, but Metallica deserves to be in that category too. Saw them live twice this year and they still rock like they were in their 20s. I'll have to check out a few of those other bands. I'm a fan of your taste in music. And Meshuggah's Obzen should at least be an honarable mention.

A Big Hello from Querétaro, México.

Metallica Rules!!!!!!!!!

Cynic ohhh fucking lovely bastards!!!!

I'm sure in the list of Mike "P" appears MESHUGGAH, but in real case, not.

In the last "TU" concert in México City of Trey Gunn & Pat Masteloto, Steve Wilson arrives in the sound check. I and my bro' Alonso Arreola, great & innovative mexican bassist can go to a restaurant with all of these guys. Wilson talks about the "Insurgentes" concept and multicolor ideas. Amazing project.

At last, if live cd's & dvd's take a part o this 2008 top ten, my dears : Long Live to RUSH "Snakes & Arrows Live" both; and I can't wait for the new Atheist album in 2009.

"Mathematics" of Watchtower" still in Limbo....

Upsilon Acrux, Matts/Morgan Band, Canvas Solaris, Intronaut, Dysrythmia and Behold the Arctopus between many others, are great and impredecible Roseta Stones.

Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I got a chance to see Thomas Pridgen at those Guitar Center drum-offs. When I learned he joined The Mars Volta, I knew The Bedlam in Goliath would be epic

Guys, guys guys!

Why are people getting agitated about a man's honest opinion. Even if you don't agree, please try and look further and discover bands you don't know. I'm amazed at the taste of Mike, truly, and I'm even more glad it's a bit like mine, though Metallica never been in my favorites, but that's taste isn't it?
I would have to put Meshuggah in there, and Ayreon too and one album that I think was the BEST of 2008: Origin: Antithesis. Bloodbath just missed that spot of Best album... And Opeth is one hell of an album too, but it's like Mike said, they have never made a bad album... so there you go.

What I really wanted to say actually is: PEOPLE: best wishes for 2009 and that we all may be spoiled with great music (like Cannibal Corpse, maybe Dream Theater, Devin Townsend is coming, OSI (apparently though Mike will not be on there... But that guy from Porcupine Tree, worth checking out isn't it, Dillinger Escape Plan...) So I truly hope everyone in the world will find a great album in 2009 and off course A GREAT HEALTH... The rest will come by itself!!!!

INSTEAD OF ARGUING ABOUT MUSIC, START LISTENING!!!!

Haha!

Many greetings to all!
Your fellow musiclover!

let me just say- for anyone who is saying Dream Theater should be on this list you clearly don't know Mike. He is one of the most knowledgeable and talented men in music. he would also never include himself on his own top ten. Talent recognizes its peers it does not beat itself off. Do wish Colors had made the list.

I totally agree with you Bart. This isn't a list of the best releases, but a list with Mike's favorites. You guys already said about everything I could say, including that the new Ayreon album is great! Avantasia did a nice job too though, although this album is a bit too popish. Not really how I knew the guy, but great anyway.

Have a great new year and ROCK ON!

Mike, you are a legend. I personally would have put Opeth at number 1, but you know what you're talking about more than me, so fair enough :P

Just a note for all the people saying Colors should have been on the list - it came out last year ;-)

Death Magnetic is a good album???? AHAHAHAHAH

I have to say I was surprised by Bloodbath. Didn't know you were into music that extreme.

The new album was insane, but Resurrection Through Carnage still reigns supreme in my ears!

All the folks here that picked Metallica have me worried, especially since this is a record label site.

I'll grant that Metallica's release is their best in ages, but only because their last several have been so poor. Judged on an absolute scale, the best I can say is "not too bad".

But what worries me is that acoustically, it's one of the worst records I've ever heard. Doubtless you've heard the controversy about its mastering, about how all the dynamics have been compressed out of it all in the name of giving an impression of "loud".

Listen, music industry: give us quality music that's recorded WELL. If we want it to sound loud, we can damn well use the volume knob.

Just checked out STEVEN WILSON - INSURGENTES!! LOVE IT.
"Some serious ear candy here" :)

I can't agree more, Death Magnetic was the best album of the year!

I totally agree with Mike putting MetallicA on top of the list! They've released a record beyond every expectation.
My personal top 5:
1/ MetallicA - Death Magnetic
2/ Slipknot - All hope is gone
3/ Cavalera Conspiracy - Inflikted
4/ Amon Amarth - Twilight of the thunder god
5/ Disturbed - Indestructible

Greetz

Death Magnetic is the lamest excuse for a metal album ever. i listened to it, and i thought it was terrible. metallica sucks.

Mike, thanks so much for introducing me to opeth on the PN tour. These guys are absolutely amazing. You did a mitzvah!

Mike, not a bad list but I must give you extra-large kudos for the inclusion of Insurgentes by Steven Wilson. As an "older" fan I'm more of a prog guy than a metal maniac. Looking forward to the next DT outing!

Ok, lol...Death Magnetic, Mike? Yes, this is just an opinion, but that cd blows! This appeared to look as if they had been true MET once again(logo!), but have to say that guitars were its` best quality, then drums, come and sound like shit and here it is, the big one...James` so called voice is the shitty voice in a crappy country band!!! Like wtf happened to these pioneers of thrash metal?! They sold out so long ago, they wouldn`t know their ass from a hole in the ground! DT thankfully still has their nads and great songwriting, but MET is out for good! OPETH are always amazing!!! and NIGHTWISH is and has been a very much overlooked band...could write on forever, but there is no need...except that DEATH ANGEL is back...fuck the MET, DEATH ANGEL IS REAL FUCKIN METAL!!!

In response to the first album - yeah Metallica's new one is great (distorted at times) but still great. Mike - how about Rush's - Snakes and Arrows, Maiden's - Life and Death and Megadeth's - United Abominations (though Megadeth FORMED in '83 and released first album in '85 - just shy of 25 years), so I'll add one more for the technicality: AC/DC - Black Ice. Thoughts?

I was hoping that Mike would say something bout Testament's Formation of Damnation...such a grrreat album.

I have to admit, most of Mike's top 10 are pretty poor, I mean, Death Magnetic is not that great, and Slipknot??? well I dont think I have to write anymore, there pretty crap. Im suprised he didn't put 'Seventh Wonder - Mercy Falls' as one of his favourites, personally that album really appeals to me, and because of the music he writes with Dream Theater, I would have thought it would have appealed to him too... maybe Mike hasn't heard of Seventh Wonder yet...

Jo- change metallica and slipknot-and this is my decision))

3 bands from 25 years ago that still have it and put out a decent album ... RUSH, Cheap Trick & AC/DC

Thanks Mike, for a list of (propably) great albums to check out. It's just a matter of taste folks, but there actually is an alternative mix out there on the net of Metallica's DM. It is said it is the mix for the Guitar hero game. It sounds 20x better than the retail CD.
Oh, and the challenge: Priest (indeed), Uriah Heep and Girlschool (with guest Dio)

we share a few bands in our top 10 lists mike. but the real reason i'm posting is to refer to the comments made on metallica.

when metallica came out with S&M, little did they know that they were creating one of the best concerts in music history. with maestro kamen at the helm (may he rest in peace), they blasted metalheads' brains with pure genius.

taking the above in consideration, and considering the level that metallica were at at that point, st. anger probably shaped up to be the most disappointing album release in the history of music (i personally thought the album was mediocre, not crappy, nevertheless i felt that i waited for no reason)

to have the balls to come back with another album after such a bad release with st. anger, and to write music with such raw fucking power, is just completely incredible. here are the notable things about the album that make it so great:

- lars' drumming is incredible. no it's not complex, but it still kicks u in the face.

- kirk was finally allowed to let loose and shred to his heart's content on this one.

- truj has definitely brought alot to metallica, and it has shown in this album. again, raw power.

- james' voice is incredible. he has always been about power and anger, and he still has it.

- the entire album was written by all band members, which is unprecendented in metallica's history. that's why the music seems somewhat different from metallica of the past. but it still rocks hard!!!

IMHO, metallica has made a comeback that the entire world was waiting for. and they came back with a homerun.

They came back with the same shitty music that they've played for years now. Let's just hope this is their Retirement CD.

Hmmmm, interesting, not much prog on there, although I will check out Steve Wilson's new one. But where is the Andromeda? Ayreon? Iced Earth? Circus Maximus?

Steven Wilson is shown on the DVD accompanying the special edition of the album smashing ipods with a hammer... :)

I'm just a huge fan of steven wilson. when is dt doing another tour with pt?

Death Magnetic is close to be a decent album but come on nothing to do with the album from Burton's era............ if Mike can think of 3 bands with more than 25 years certainly he must be as lost as Jason Bourne when rescued from the ocean..........

hey mike! you have just done a fantastic list... especially for the protest the hero... they are phenomenal with their sound from those crazy... meanwhile, i look forward to the new album of dream theater... keep on rock!!!

Greetings to all of you, dear music lovers! Greetings to you Mike as well!

It is really exceptionally valuable to read through all the different comments and gain some detailed insight into the opinions of people who trully love and appreciate the gift of good music.
Thank to all of you for sharing and of course thank you Mike as well!
The only thing I would like to add, or preferably ask those of you who are interested, would be to give a listen to a sublime band called "Seventh Wonder". They released a new album, their 3rd, in 2008 as well and are way too brilliant not to be considered.
Mike, though the chances you read this message are as small as snowing in Ireland, I would really like to read your opinion on this band.

Cheers to everyone and wish you all the best!

dear mike, you're one of the best drummers in the world, but if one day come to Milan in Italy you call for an evening listening to a group of my knowledge that is demonstrating a kind of rock very innovative, but here in Italy are too politicized producers, you know what I am talking about.

What really hit me most, was the mars volta getting number three. I believe that the mars volta´s music is not for the masses, and that very few people can truly enjoy and process their music. i love it that you, Mr. Portnoy, chose this band. I havent heard the steven wilson album, but knowing wilson from porcupine tree is enough, my 2nd-3rd favorite band (im undecided with porcupien tree and TMV). of course first place is and will always be DT, and the feeling i get from your music is too special and "unwordable" to be able to put into this comment. Hoping to see you around Colombia any time soon Mike Portnoy. Thank you for your music and your personality.

A music romantic

Oh yhea, also looking forward to a new album. and i agree with the touring with porcupine tree. that would be dream come true. see you around Mike P. I hope

Mike--What about Between the Buried and Me? I also liked The Sword's '08 release. You guys were great at the Warner last time in DC by the way--thanks.

Mike, I hope the new DT album like a mother fu***r...and even more than the album, PLEEEEEEEEEASE GIVE THE VENEZUELANS ANOTHER CONCERT!

Fortress: awesomeness. good choices mr.portnoy

I completely agree with Mike's #1 choice. I happen to be a huge fan of their newest cd. I think people just have that bad taste in their mouth after listening to St. Anger, so they really dont give DM much of a chance. Anyways, rock on Mike. I appreciate all your wonderful music.

Look at it this way, guys--- This is the first Metallica record in well over a decade to have any musical arrangements more complex than an Angus Young riff. So if putting a little extra spit on the verbal handjob gets their next release a little closer to Ride the Lightning/Master of Puppets/And Justice for All territory, I say lube the hell up.

But I certainly agree with all who believe Rick Rubin should be tied to a chair and forced to listen to Michael Bolton doing a duet with Celine Dion for the fucked up mix.

Hats off as always to Mike, and I will be checking out several bands on this list based on his recommendation. Particularly Protest the Hero, as I've missed the hell out of Mr. Bungle.

Mike Portnoy.
if you could ever find it in your heart to come to Calgary again
with PTH and TMV,
i would eat your ass and balls.

Agree with DM as the number one,everyone seems to hate metallica these days even though they're the pioneer of thrash metal.