The LOM people yearlists 2009

January for us is a month of looking back. And to reflect of course, for we love to do that here. So without further delay we present you our very personal thoughts about the year 2009.

Arco

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
For sure. There were released plenty of beautiful cd’s, in different styles. Festivals were often sold out long time before they took place (and so, were well visited) as were many concerts, Hard rock and glam have a revival and I started writing for LoM!

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
Ha! The new KISS and Ace Frehley albums, fors sure! And my first time GraspopMetalMeeting (festival)

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
The ‘smoke ban’; bad maintaining, not being lived up to. The cancelling of the DIO concert in 013, but the cause is much worse of course. And not scoring a ticket for the Stryper gig in Tivoli, Utrecht. Oh, and the ‘climate conferention’, LOL!

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
Nienke, my love and my life. She has a tough live with a guy like me.

Question 5: Loser(s) of the year is:
The banks. They caused so much sorrow. Defaults and yet again those huge bonuses for the top. And Bon Jovi, I can no longer stand them

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
Well, there were many good gigs this year, such as Kamelot, Saxon and Chickenfoot, but Ace Frehley was the most memorable. The performances of Nightwish and Marilyn Manson (Graspop) were poor performances, sadly

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
That will be the new albums of Airbourne, Symphony X and Fifth Angel. I have very good memories on the gigs of Europe so I am very excited to see them in Paradiso (Amsterdam). I have seen perform Stryper once at Dynamo Open Air, Eindhoven 1987 (and Robert Sweet and Oz Fox together with Highway Chile in Ahoy Rotterdam, remember?) so I am looking forward to their gig, in Switserland. And last but not least KISS in Arnhem, or elsewhere

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
Ticket sales. And my job. I am tired of irregularity and the shit about getting a day of, or holidays.

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. KISS – Sonic Boom
2. Chickenfoot – Chickenfoot
3. Place Vendome – Streets Of Fire
4. Coldspell – Infinite Stargaze
5. Evil Masquerade – Fade To Black
6. Outloud – Outloud
7. Lynch Mob – Smoke And Mirrors
8. House Of Lords – Cartesian Dreams
9. Oliver Weers – Get Ready
10 Stryper – Murder By Pride

..and because a top 10 is too short;

11 Europe – Last Look At Eden
12 Voodoo Circle – Voodoo Circle
13 Naughty Boys – Destiny Calls
14 Saxon – Into The Labyrinth
15 The Poodles – Clash Of The Elements
16 Delany – Blaze And Ashes
17 Danger Danger - Revolve
18 Stargazer – Stargazer
19 Gotthard – Need To Believe
20 Babylon Bombs – Babylon’s Burning

Atwater

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
For me, the year has gone by before bands where I expect of will release very strong albums, but they can’t release them in 2009 anymore. However there are some interesting club tours and festivals that have been worth attending.

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
The atmosphere that the Dutch brought with them at the best festival in Germany. The visits to The Little Devil and other clubs / pubs in the Netherlands. Drinking beer with Erwin and friends and the discussions that we have until the early hours.

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
The group "metal heads" during a concert in Bamberg (Germany) with Pentacle and Desaster who, looked to me like they randomly tried to pick a fight.

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
Paul Speckman, and his beard! I respect the man, his role in metal and the way he already for almost 30 years makes his style in death metal. How he treats his fans, and I hope Master and Paul receive massive recognition for the contribution they have made to the death metal scene.

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
This year there are very many losers, both politically and metal.

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
Absu was the real winner this year. The concert of IC / TC and Kopstoot was the most miserable, not because the performance of the bands, but because of the very minimal number of visitors that night, what the bands and the audience absolutely not deserved!

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
New releases root, Mortuary Drape and Dark Fortress. Especially now that Mortuary drape has become a one man band.

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
I would like to see more bands that stick out their necks and start writing music outside the box. Less copycats and more bands that matter. It would be great for listeners to -core bands to open up more for metal, and metal bands. I would also find it good if more young people to metal concerts.

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. Katatonia - Night Is The New Day
2. Nile – To Whom The Gods Detest
3. Absu - Absu
4. Secrets Of The Moon - Priviligvm
5. Asphyx – Death… The Brutal Way
6. Razor Of Occam – Homage To Martyrs
7. Destroyer 666 - Defiance
8. Sacriphyx / StarGazer - Split
9. Zemial - I Am The Dark
10. Goreaphobia - Mortal Repulsion

Bart

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
Good stuff came about, and lesser stuff. Not really a distinct year altogether, so let's not pigeonhole it.

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
The release of the new Nucleus Torn is getting closer.

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
Well, the release of the new Nucleus Torn is now planned for somewhere in 2010...

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
The vocalist of Living Colour.

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
The TV-personality.

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
The best was Living Colour in 013, luckily I haven't been able to attend the worst.

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
CD's and live shows of Devin Townsend and Amoral are welcome, and of course the new Nucleus Torn.

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
Less generalizing questions in the middle of the night... also me to become better with deadlines.

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. Patrick Watson - Wooden Arms
2 . Anubis Gate - The Detached
3. Beardfish - Destined Solitaire
4. Carlos Bica & Azul - Believer
5. Klabautamann - Merkur
6. Devin Townsend Project - Ki
7. Dredg - The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion
8. Indukti - Idmen
9. Mastodon - Crack The Skye
10. Mely - Portrait of a Porcelain Doll

Bidi

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
Yep, 2009 was definitely a good year for metal music. The most important reason is probably the fact that ‘oldies’ like Candlemass, Paradise Lost, Heaven & Hell, Kiss and Megadeth to name just a few, came up with some great albums and that there is a trend under new acts to focus more on writing strong melodic music with an honest production instead of overproduced, mathematical rhythmical noise no one remembers after a few years. Some good examples of the new ‘vintage’ style are The Gates of Slumber, Baroness, Griftegard, The Wounded Kings, Goatwhore and of course our new Dutch pride The Devil’s Blood.

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
Roadburn was (as usually) fantastic, Graspop very amusing and our first trip to (Hole In The Sky) Norway was unforgettable and musically very interesting as well.

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
The very dramatic turnouts during small concerts in the clubs in the Netherlands are something to worry about. It seems that the average music lover is not very interested in discovering new talents and saves all his money to visit mega concerts. The growing popularity of extreme right wing thinking in Europe in general is horrible. People seem to be frustrated about lots of things and blame weak minorities instead of becoming angry at those who make a financial mess of the economy.

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
Historian Maarten van Rossem who is probably one of the few people who is able (and also dares) to show the lack of intellect of politicians in general and states that more than 1.000.000 people in Holland are absolutely insane.

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
Dirk Scheringa, Marco Borsato, Willem-Alexander, Wouter Bos, Berlusconi… 2009 is without any doubt The Year of the Loser, not to mention all those pathetic people who support populistic leaders like Wilders.

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
Too many great concerts witnessed to name just one: ZZ Top in HMH was great, Death Angel and W.A.S.P. at GMM fantastic, Rose Kemp @ Roadburn phenomenal, Dÿse @ Stad Als Podium amazing, The Devil’s Blood in Turock/ Essen bloody tense and Pentagram at Hole In the Sky was legendary. Mötley Crüe was a bummer at GMM.

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
Special Enslaved performance @ Roadburn 2010, The Devil’s Blood headlining performance @ RockHard Festival and the new album of Alter Bridge.

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
Less mega concerts so that people are willing to check some new stuff in the clubs otherwise I foresee a very sad future for younger/upcoming bands and music in general.

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. The Devil’s Blood - The Time Of No Time Evermore
2. Paradise Lost - Faith Divides Us,- Death Unites Us
3. Rammstein - Liebe Ist für Alle da
4. Mastodon - Crack The Skye
5. Astrosoniq - Quadrant
6. Dÿse - Lieder sind Brüder der Revolution
7. Dälek - Gutter Tactics
8. Baroness - The Blue Record
9. Candlemass - Death Magic Doom
10. Immortal - All Shall Fall

Cor

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
Good music will always be there. Also in the past year I encountered some interesting new material, and also some “oldies” are still doing pretty well (including some very nice reissues).

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
Seeing our son grow up, and buying a house with garage (not for the car; a music room where I can play my guitar plugged in).

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
Due to circumstances I had to miss a concert of Gary Moore (and also Ace Frehley).

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
My wife and son.

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
The workingman, who has to bleed for mistakes made by people in expensive suits.

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
The fantastic performance of Chickenfoot at Bospop was far beyond expectation.

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
The Matlocks, Stone Axe en Thunder Express are most welcome in The Netherlands for some gigs, and Gary Moore cannot visit our country enough. The Bospop festival (as always the last couple of years), Kiss and Pearl Jam are already planned for a visit. Next year’s CD’s: Y&T, H.E.A.T. and Airbourne, also some more remastered classics with nice bonus material are most welcome (the sound quality of the originals was pretty poor, as proven by reissues of UFO, MSG and Saxon).

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
No idea.

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. UFO – The Official Bootleg Box Set
2. The Matlocks – Hats, Dogs ‘nd Daggers
3. Stone Axe – Stone Axe
4. Gary Moore – Essential Montreux
5. Lynyrd Skynyrd – God & Guns
6. Dundertaget – Skaffa Ny Frisyr
7. Airbourne – Runnin’ Wild
8. Ace Frehley – Anomaly
9. Thin Lizzy – Still Dangerous
10. Radio Moscow – Brain Cycles

Eddy

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
Didn’t had too much time this year to focus on that.

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
Drinking with Steve Lukather and his band backstage in Vienna from a bottle without label. Still don’t know what it was…

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
My father in law died.

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
My wife, what ever happens, she stays strong.

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
Geert Wilders.

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
No bad concerts and the best was Steve Lukather in Haarlem

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
Bang Your Head Festival, Bospop and Rock Meets Classic with Bobby Kimball.

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
Still want to win the lotto.

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. Dream Theater - Black Clouds And Silver Linings
2. Sunstorm - House of Dreams
3. Cooper Inc. - Pulling The Trigger
4. Foreigner - Can’t Slow Down
5. W.E.T. - Wet
6. Shadow Gallery - Digital Ghosts
7. Epica - Design Your Universe
8. Megadeth - End Game
9. Winger - Karma
10. Place Vendome - Streets Of Fire

Erik

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
It was more than rich in great releases this year!

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
The Roadburn festival, without a doubt!

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
The loss of my grandmother. Probably the only woman that fully understood me. The pain that I know so little about her…

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
My gran.

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
My ex-employer who thought to burn me at the court stakes, but all I needed was a little wee to kill the flames…

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
The best was Church of Misery. Also The Count Raven gig was amazing! Unfortunately it also was the worst gig because the audience was at a shameful low!

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
Roadburn with Tryptichon and Goatsnake and Kylesa. And the new CD of Exodus.

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
I would like some more doom CD’s that stick in my player. Too much great stuff is released but hardly any stuff that is worth playing again!

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. Baroness – Blue Record
2. Mastodon – Crack The Sky
3. Napalm Death – Time Waits For No Slave
4. Paradise Lost – Faith Divides Us – Death Unites Us
5. Slayer – World Painted Blood
6. Dewolff – Strange Fruit
7. Kylesa – Static Tensions
8. Nile – Those Whom The Gods Detest
9. Necrophobic – Death To All
10. Megadeth - Endgame

I could also name these: Isis, Brutal Truth, Candlemass, Amorphis, Katatonia, Immortal, Asphyx, SunnO, Rammstein, Behemoth, Alice In Chains, Heaven and Hell, Ensiferum, Pelican, Killswitch Engage, Revocation, Wolves In The Throne Room, Cannibal Corpse, Marduk, Yob, Converge, Them Crooked Vultures, Coalesce and the ultimate Bunkur!

http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/crew.php?id=92&lang=en]Erwin[/url]

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
There were no highlights or negative things this year.

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
No real highlights for me this year.

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
The financial crisis.

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
Dio. I hope he wins his battle against cancer.

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
Everyone in our current government.

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
The best concerts were the Juliette Lewis gig at the Paradiso, Amsterdam and Metal Female Voices Fest

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
Live shows: Iron Maiden is working on a new tour in 2010 so I hope to see them at a lot of summer festivals. Emilie Autumn: I could not attend her last gig in Holland due to the flu and the gig before that one camera got a broken shutter. I hope everything goes well this time at her gig! CD’s: Iron Maiden.

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
Tickets for concerts are way too expensive right now. I hope it won’t get even more expensive in 2010

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. Arkona – Goi, Rode, Goi!
2. Chariovalda – demo
3. Eluveitie – The Arcane Dominion
4. Elis – Catharsis
5. Hysterica - Metalwar
6. Jello Biafra And The Guantanamo School Of Medicine – The Audacity Of The Hype
7. Leaves’ Eyes – Njord
8. Sirenia – The 13th Floor
9. Stream Of Passion – The Flame Within
10. Trail Of Tears – Bloodstained Endurance

Evil Dr. Smith

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
Although I’m drowning myself in the heavy psych, acid rock and proto-metal of the early seventies, there are still a lot of modern metal albums that pull me out of this vintage swamp. So it’s no wonder that Rateyourmusic contains five metal CD’s in their Top 10 (and twelve in the Top 25). Old farts like Megadeth, Slayer, Dream Theater, Candlemass, Chickenfoot, Paradise Lost, Alice in Chains, Porcupine Tree, Rammstein and even ancient fossils as Kiss, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Heaven & Hell have created relevant metal this year. Also the dim world of post-metallic sludgy, stoner-space-doom with Kylesa, Universe217, Sólstafir, Mono, Fall Of Efrafa, Nadja, Ahab, Minsk, Church Of Misery, Isis, Pelican, Astrosoniq, Truckfighters, Sunn O))), Yob and countless others made 2009 an extremely fruitful year. Thanks to Amesoeurs, Wolves In The Throne Room, Drudkh, Waning, Secrets Of The Moon, Nachtmystium (2008), Shining and other (atmospheric, post-)black metal bands I’ve found my interest in this genre again. And I haven’t even mentioned prog, death, thrash and experimental metal. There… is… too… much… METAL!

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
The revaluation of (the sad story of) Anvil. Complete legal downloads of Ronflonflon (the most bizarre and utterly crazy Dutch radioshow ever) and Fratsen (obstinate Dutch polder rock). No (troubles with) holiday, but stayed at home: great! AZ wins soccer competition 2008-2009.

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
Problematic relationship and in the second part of 2009: the downward spiral of AZ.

Question 4: Men of the year are?
Ole (almost 4), Merlijn (2) and Obama (48).

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
Ron Asheton (Stooges), Dave Dee, Lux Interior (Cramps), Kelly Groucutt (ELO), Miika Tenkula (Sentenced), Ean Evans (Lynyrd Skynyrd), Martin ‘Ren Je Rot’ Brozius, Pierre Beek (Hank Knife & The Jets), Ton & Pieter Lutz (acteurs), Hugh Hopper (Soft Machine), Drake Levin (Paul Revere & The Raiders), Marcel Jakob (Talisman, Yngwie), Bobby Robson, Midnight (Crimson Glory), Ria Brieffies (Dolly Dot), Willy DeVille, Dickie Peterson (Blue Cheer), Ramses Shaffy, James Gurley (guitarist/ex of Janis Joplin), Eric Wollfson (Alan Parsons Project), Mick Cocks (Rose Tattoo), uncle Rien Deijkers and 25th of June as deadliest day with Sky Saxon (The Seeds), Farah Fawcett (Charlie’s Angels) and Wack Jacko.

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
Best: DeWolff (three teenagers destroyed the famous Paradiso twice in 2009), Roadburn 2009 (Zu, Church Of Misery and Neurosis), Laïs Lenski (Amstel Church in Amsterdam) and the International Folk Complot (Nieuwegein).
Worst: a disappointing Neurosis (Haarlem), the cancelled gig of The Armada and missing the show of Pain Of Salvation because public transport couldn’t handle some snowflakes.

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
CD’s: Sigh, Linde Nijland and Pain Of Salvation.
Concerten: The first February weekend in Milky Way with Mastodon and Bigelf, and Rrrrrrrrroadburrrrrn 2010!

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
Public awareness of the humour of the (extreme) right-winged PVV leader Geert Wilders and therefore not to take him seriously at all.

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. DeWolff – Strange Fuits And Undiscovered Plants
2. Mastodon – Crack The Skye
3. Epica – Design Your Universe
4. The Devil’s Blood – The Time of No Time Evermore
5. Madder Mortem – Eight Ways
6. Wolfmother – Cosmic Egg
7. Baroness – Blue Record
8. Litmus – Aurora
9. Kylesa – Static Tensions
10. Laïs Lenski – Laïs Lenski & Tinariwen – Imidiwan: Companions

Frank

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
It was a reasonable year, but nothing special.

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
It was a year without real highlights.

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
It was a year without real disappointments, or I should mention our government because their `big brother is watching´ behaviour is getting worse.

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
Nobody this year.

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
Also no real loser of the year.

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
Visited concerts were good but no real outstanding ones, also no bad concerts visited.

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
I would like to get a new Lizzy Borden album, and a reunion of the good old Satan would be great.

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
Too many things to list.

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. Sonata Arctica - Songs Of Gray
2. Lillian Axe - Sad Day On Planet Earth
3. Sirenia - 13th Floor
4. Defiance - The Prophecy
5. Slayer - World Painted Blood
6. Nightwish - Made in Hong Kong
7. Delain - April Rain
8. Megadeth - Endgame
9. Obituary - Darkest Day
10. Death Angel - Sonic German Beatdown

Guus

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
Sure. Awesome releases by progrockers IQ, Leverage and also Megadeth did very well. There are always some pain in the asses.

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
That I could stay with my current employer and to keep my job.

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
Swine fever and the crisis.

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
Überlord Horst for president!

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
The mob. It was terrible bleeeeeeehhh. Hopefully we come out of the ashes soon.

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
Best where Helstar, Agent Steel and Saxon on the Alcatraz Fest in Deinze. I did not see any bad concert.

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
I am looking forward to the new Giant. Of course the come back of Swedish AOR stars Grand Illusion who will strike back. I pray for a new edition of Arrow Classic Rock.

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010
We have to go on and on !

What are you favourite twenty albums from 2009?
1. IQ - Frequency
2. Dream Theater - Black Clouds And Silver Linings
3. W.E.T. - W.E.T
4. Jaded Heart - Perfect Insanity
5. Saxon - Into The Labyrinth
6. Whiplash - Unborn Again
7. Defiance - The Prophecy
8. Megadeth - End Game
9. Leverage - Circus Colossus
10. Fair Warning - Aura

Horst

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
From a numerical perspective it was a great year. Never in the history of LoM we have reviewed so much releases. On the other hand listening to an average of 200 releases each month is also the cause of some occupational disability. Only a small fragment of this year’s supply ended up in my own collection.

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
The birth of my son Bjorn.

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
The aftermath of the global financial crisis.

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
My wife Monique, for after one day of hell giving me the most beautiful gift of my life.

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
Dirk Scheringa, a Dutch banker who made a fortune out of dubious loans, but lost it all within only a few months.

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
The best where without a doubt Waldrock, De Zwarte Cross and the Eindhoven Metal Meeting. Not so much for the bands, but more because it’s so damn cool to hang out on festivals. It gives me excellent opportunities to catch up with friends and other acquaintances whom I do not see so often in real life. The most horrible are those gypsy like eastern European types who block the entrance to the supermarket while playing those damn accordions. Get a job motherfucker.

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
Nothing really special when it comes to CD’s. About shows, I am looking forward to the festivals.

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
Hopefully people will learn to think for themselves instead of blindly following political and religious leaders.

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. Megadeth - End Game
2. Nile – Those Whom The Gods Detest
3. HDK - System Overload
4. God Dethroned - Passiondale
5. Litmus - Aurora
6. Slayer - World Painted Blood
7. Kreator - Hordes Of Chaos
8. Dream Theater - Black Clouds And Silver Linings
9. Heaven & Hell - The Devil You Know
10. Impellitteri - Wicked Maiden

Jack The Jester

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
With a lot of good releases and gig's with attitudes and fun I can say that this was a very good year.

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
Every day is a highlight, carpe diem.

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
The disintegrating of the human body and the visits to the hospital.

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
My wife, sixteen years of marriage and not one day of regret.

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
André Rouvoet (Dutch politician). With his twisted moral, ethics and legislation he treats the Dutch people like little infants.

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
The best were; Beth Hart, Knight Area, Dream Theater. I don't visit bad concerts :-)

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
Of course Rush (never to old to go on stage), Roger Waters (The Wall), Silent Edge (now is the time).

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
Stabilisation of the body, no more whining from the record companies, that 'Stichting Brein' stop's with hits witchhunt and give the artist what they deserve.

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
01. Knight Area – Realm of Shadows
02. Shadow Gallery – Digital Ghosts
03. Epica – Design Your Universe
04. IQ – Frequency
05. Sonata Arctica - The Days of Grays
06. Touchstone – Wintercoast
07. Echoes of Eternity - As Shadows Burn
08. Dream Theater - Black Clouds & Silver Linings
09. Guilt Machine - On This Perfect Day
10. Echoes of Eternity - As Shadows Burn

Jan-Simon

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
When making the traditional end-of-year-list, I had no difficulties setting up a list of ten albums. As a matter of fact, I started out with a list of 32 albums, so that should answer the question. If you were asked to summarize 2009 in one word, it is ‘retro’. All of the year’s best releases referred - in some way or another – to eighties shoegaze, space-/krautrock as made in 1970, heavy psych from the sixties, Black Sabbath… you name it. Apart from that it was good to see the established names proved their status by releasing fine new releases, sometimes going new directions, but often reaching back to the successes of their earlier careers (for instance albums by Katatonia, Marduk, Pelican, Samael and Slayer, but also – perhaps a bit out of place on Lords of Metal – Yo La Tengo and Sivert Høyem)
There was not much really “different” (I am here for the ‘different metal’ department after all), although it has to be said that it is getting harder to be truly original these days. Everything has already been done before – ten times even, so it is hard to come up with something new. With that in mind the releases by Zu (heavy music with a saxophone as leadinstrument) and Woods of Ypres with their typical emo-black metal should get extra credit. Anyway, I can write on and on about this, but what it boils down to is: yes, it was a good year for metal and Sweden still is metal country number one.

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
Personally, 2009 went uphill and I have gone in new directions. It was a good year.
Musically: see questions 1, 6 and 9.

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
I had to review the worst “metal” album of the past five years, i.e. The Weirding by Astra and somehow I notice many people like this monstrosity… Reading back my review, I think I was rather kind. As ‘different metal’ reviewer you get to process strange stuff (‘different metal’ is the Lords of Metal waste bin – if no label fits, it becomes different metal), but this creative diarrheal was beyond anything I have heard before. I get sick just by the thought of this band playing at Roadburn next year. Apart from that it was a rather normal year, the usual disasters and scandals but there is one subject that was special: the completely hysterical craziness surrounding Michael Jackson’s death. In fifty years, people will look back at 2009 and cite this event as a symptom for the final end of civilization.

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
Farmer Wietse.

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
Common sense.

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
This year I have not been to many concerts. But the best of 2009 has to be Roadburn (again) with many highlights, like a magnificent chaotic gig by Seven that Spells in which amplifiers broke down and Croatian humour turned out to be very funny, a nerdy Ben Chasny of Six Organs of Admittance who managed to get the Green Room quiet with just an acoustic guitar and Gomer Pyle. They were about the first band playing and to be honest, anything that followed was not that good. The most horrid concert was by a band of which I do not even remember the name, or perhaps I suppressed the memory? They played in Leeuwarden as main act following Oceana Company. We had come especially for this band and after hearing ten minutes of the actual main show we had left the building. This was very sad pseudo-progrock.

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
New albums by Gomer Pyle and Oceana Company, the discoveries of 2008. A new CD by The Heads (something I always look forward to) and Roadburn 2010. More expensive than ever, but still sold out in record time. Four stages this time, can’t wait!

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
- Suffrage should be linked to the voter’s IQ and if that is not feasible, the composition of Parliament should be done in a TV show with the Wheel of Fortune.
- Less traffic jams on my way to work (or find work at a location where I do not get into them)

Question 9: What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. Cobalt - Gin
2. A Place to Bury Strangers – Exploding Head
3. Black Boned Angel – Verdun
4. Litmus - Aurora
5. Blueneck – The Fallen Host
6. Switch Opens – Switch Opens
7. VAKA – Kappa Delta Phi
8. Pogonophobia – Bimmib (Black Is Magic, Magic Is Black)
9. Weird Owl – Ever the Silver Cord Be Loosed
10. Woods of Ypres – Woods IV – The Green Album

Runners up: the records by Kings of Frog Island, Immortal, Giant Brain, Bloody Panda, Masters of Reality, Pelican, Russian Circles, Wooden Shjips and about ten more…

Jasper

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
For me it was, all my favourite bands released amazing albums. Coalesce's comeback album was the highlight of the year.

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
The birth of my baby girl Izzie, my new job, and that I survived combining the two.

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
No time for concerts, missing out on Coalesce...

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
Okay, it might sound cheesy but still, my girlfriend Maartje, for bringing our daughter Izzie to this world, and for her absolute bravery during labour. Men are a weak lot compared to women like her.

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
No time for losers this year.

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
Simple; I saw one and it was awesome! Burst and Bison BC @ Doornroosje.

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
New records by Yakuza, Pig Destroyer, and Necrophagist.

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
More sleep please ;)

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. Coalesce - Ox
2. Baroness - Blue Album
3. Converge - Axe To Fall
4. Between The Buried And Me - The Great Misdirect
5. Kylesa - Static Tensions
6. Cobalt - Gin
7. Burnt By The Sun - Heart Of Darkness
8. Goatwhore - Carving Out The Eyes Of God
9. Tombs - Winter Hours
10. Paria - The Barnacle Cordious

Spares:
Gaza - He Is Never Coming Back
Yob - The Great Cessation Oranssi
Pazuzu - Mukalainen Puhuu
Mastodon - Crack The Sky

Jordy

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
Absolutely. If you look at the fact that Lords of Metal keeps on growing it's obvious that metal is still alive and kicking. Besides that I've encountered some awesome releases: Chimaira and Lamb Of God did what I expected them to do by releasing some great albums, but I'm absolutely stunned by the newest record of The Diablo Swing Orchestra. The simple fact that a band like that gets the chance to show itself and create some refreshing metal with a swinging vibe shows that the genre is still expendable and renewable.

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
Musically the new record of The Diablo Swing Orchestra has been a highlight, as I already stated in my first answer. Personally there were many highlights, but most notable is my return to Lords of Metal, after a break of almost three years. It felt like coming home and it's very pleasing to, once again, be able to write about music.

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
I've been told there's a worldwide crisis going on, but luckily I haven't really noticed any of it. So no real lows for me.

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
The Dutch celebrity Patricia Paay. She's by far the oldest Playmate ever, at the age of 60. That's something that takes guts.

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
The Dutch celebrity Patricia Paay. It takes guts to pose as a Playmate while 60 years old, but nobody truly wants to take a look at those pictures! Paay is definitely the loser of the year.

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
Sadly I haven't visited too many concerts this year, so I can't really answer that question.

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2009 are you looking forward to?
As I've already listened to their promo I can tell Mnemic will release a stunning record in January, so that's a release everybody should pick up. Besides that I'm very curious when it comes to the uncoming release of The Dillinger Escape Plan.

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2009?
I should be visiting some more concerts, because that's something that would really lighten me up. When it comes to worldwide issues I could plea for world peace, fighting poverty and tolerance, but as it's anatomically impossible for me to join the Miss Universe contest I'll simply shut my mouth.

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. The Diablo Swing Orchestra – Sing Along Songs For The Damned & Delirious
2. Chimaira – The Infection
3. Lamb Of God - Wrath
4. The Prodigy – Invaders Must Die
5. Muse – The Resistance
6. Manic Street Preachers – Journal For Plague Lovers
7. De Staat – Wait For Revolution
8. Mastodon – Crack The Skye
9. Kyteman – The Hermit Sessions
10. Every Time I Die – New Junk Aesthetic

Kim

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
Okay, there have been some great concerts and some beautiful album releases, but I’m not that enthusiastic about 2009 as a good metal year. There were no extreme outliers or activities that makes 2009 so special.

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
All the trips I’ve made; two times to Norway and a five-day trip to Prague, starting to learn Norwegian, all the bands that stayed over at our ‘Bromfjert Hotel’ and I became the president of the Dynamo hardrock/ metal pub.

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
The bureaucratic procedures of the government and other authorities; they definitely giving you a feeling that you’re not important as a person/ victim, unless it’s about the continuity of their organisation!

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
Anvil! If you’ve seen ‘The Story of Anvil’ documentary you know why; playing metal for many years and still not giving up your dreams!

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
All European festivals that are more into bigger bands (who always play on festivals every year) in stead of giving some more attention to the new risings from the underground.

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
The best concerts: The Gathering 19-06-2009 @ De Nieuwe Nor te Heerlen, Kampfar & Vreid 15-02-2009 @ Dynamo, Pain 06-02-2009 @ De Mezz te Breda, Tiamat 27-02-2009 @ Saarbrücken, Unheilig @ Amphi Festival te Keulen, Die Apokalyptischen Reiter @ Pagan Fest, Darzamat @ MFVF en Deathstars 21-10-2009 @ Dynamo
The worst concerts: Delain 19-07-2009 @ Amphi Festival te Keulen en The 69 Eyes 27-02-2009 @ Saarbrücken

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
CD’s: Kampfar, The Vulture Industries and Revamp (a new project of Floor Jansen, ex-After Forever)
Concerts: The Vison Bleak @ Biebob (10-04-2009), Gothminister @ Dynamo (06-02-2009)

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
The underground bands should be more appreciated and hopefully our Dynamo pub will have some more visitors so we don’t have to close our doors!

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. The Gathering – The West Pole
2. Zeromancer – Sinners International
3. Darzamat – Solfernus’ Path
4. Trail of Tears – Bloodstained Endurance
5. Ava Inferi – Blood of Bacchus
6. Vreid – Milorg
7. Paradise Lost – Faith Divides Us – Death Unites Us
8. Dope Stars Inc. – 21st Century Slave
9. Rammstein – Liebe Ist Für Alle Da
10. Autumn – Altitude

Bands that also should be in this list: Hollenthon with ‘Tyrants & Wraiths’, Theatre of Tragedy with ‘Forever Is The World’, Amorphis with ‘Skyforger’ and Ghost Brigade with ‘Isolation Songs’.

Koen

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
Heavy metal is the law and keeps me going no matter what happens or what life throws at me and therefore every year is a good year for metal!

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
No new Metallica CD this year!

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
None of your business!

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
Ricky Van Den Bergh.

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
- All kilts and skirts wearing guys
- Gothic she males @ NachtMahr gig in Utrecht
- Backstabbing and untrue friends

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
Best: Nervecell @ De Vinger, Exumer & Goddess Of Desire @ Paard, Uriah Heep @ Boerderij
Worst: Annatar @ Koornbeurs, Sun O)) @ Arminiuskerk

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
The Legion Of The Damned, King Diamond and Mercyful Fate DVD’s that will see the light of day later this year.

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
Fuck off to all those mentioned in question 5!

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. Sacrifice – The Ones I Condemn
2. Autopsy – Horrific Obsession (EP)
3. Taranis – Flandriae
4. Metalucifer – Heavy Metal Bulldozer
5. Ace Frehley – Anomaly
6. Obituary – Darkest Day
7. Avenger - Feast Of Anger, Joy Of Despair
8. Requiem – Infiltrate, Obliterate, Dominate
9. Kiss – Sonic Boom
10. Whiplash – Unborn Again

Martin

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
It was an excellent year for metal. I've heard a considerable number of fine releases, coming from both veterans and rising stars, and there has been quite a bit to experience live.

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
First of all Roadburn! What a wonderful festival! Witnessing a live performance of Altar of Plagues in Dublin as early as January 2nd wasn't too shabby either. Also, it was during that trip that I finally started appreciating Guiness. Moreover, my visits to Karnak and especially Abu Simbel cannot be left out of this list. In terms of work, things have been on the rise as well; the pleasure of working at a university of applied science has resulted in a permanent employment, which is excellent considering the uncertain times we live in. Finally, it cannot be left unsaid that I'm thrilled to be among the ranks of the Lords of Metal crew. It makes me proud to be part of it. Kudos to Horst en the entire time for running such an efficient organisation!

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
Like mentioned earlier, visiting Abu Simbel was an enrichment to my life. Unfortunately few tourists in Egypt escape from diarrhoea of a severity that has no equal. I will spare you further details...

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
Jarboe. Never have I been so impressed during an interview. No wonder the actual interview had to be published online in two parts. Also kudos to Devin Townsend for his return to form.

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
Who isn't?

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
Best: Neurosis @ Roadburn. No explanation needed.
Worst: Agua de Annique @ Doornroosje, Nijmegen. The final remnant of Anneke's excellent spell in The Gathering has faded. In its place only pure, shameless commerce can be found. This has been the final drop... Too bad!

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2009 are you looking forward to?
CDs: Triptykon, Devin Townsend. Hopefully we can expect new work from Neurosis and Amenra. And in all honesty I'm quite eager to find out what new work from Burzum and Morbid Angel will sound like...
Concerts: Roadburn, Ulver, Devin Townsend.

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2009?
Punctual, efficiently organized, service oriented public transport. Less utterly inept motorists on the roads. Fair ticket prices for large concerts and festivals. Politicians who show at least a hint of intelligence and aptitude. In other words: dream on!

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. Portal - Swarth
2. Devin Townsend - Addicted
3. Devin Townsend - Ki
4. Marduk - Wormwood
5. Altar of Plagues - White Tomb
6. Cobalt - Gin
7. <Code> - Resplendent Grotesque
8. Skitliv - Skandinavisk Misantropi
9. Agoraphobic Nosebleed - Agorapocalypse
10. The Beast Of The Apocalypse - A Voice From The Four Horns Of The Golden Altar

Melanie

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
Oh yes, I’ve attended loads of concert, got to know new bands and I really liked most of the new releases in 2009.

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
I met my great and beautiful girlfriend Charlotte. And I got to write for Lords of Metal of course.

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
Let’s just say that the Horizon College (my school) is a school that always keeps his word.

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
Dirk Scheringa for ruining the DSB Bank, thank you Dirk!

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
Inge Zimmerman, trainee development; for the lack of humanity.

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
Best concert: Paul McCartney in Gelredome (Arnhem), it was magical; what a legend.
Worst concert: Nemesea in P3 (Purmerend), not because it was an awful concert, but they used footage of mine without asking permission.

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
I’d like to see a new CD from Emilie Autumn, but beside that; surprise me.

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
I’d like to graduate this year, for a change.

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. Epica – The Classical Conspiracy
2. Epica – Design Your Universe
3. Stream of Passion – The Flame Within
4. Lamb of God – Wrath
5. Marilyn Manson – The High End Of Low
6. Leaves’ Eyes – Njord
7. Autumn – Altitude
8. My Dying Bride – For Lies I Sire
9. Arch Enemy – The Root Of All Evil
10. Dope Stars Inc. – 21st Century Slave

Menno

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
Well, I have to admit that 2009 was a year in which I lost interest in extreme metal. I guess I just realised that there is so much more in music than extremity and aggression. Too much death metal for me during the past few years at Lords of Metal I guess, haha. I’m listening more and more stoner, bluesrock, jazz and other rockstuff like Them Crookd Vultures, Clutch and Kamchatka, who all released awesome albums this year. Metal is infested with too much folk and gothic hypes, which turn festivals like Wacken into shit. However, it opens the doors to visit other, more varying, festivals like With Full Force and Hellfest.

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
A million hours of downtime with new and old friends. I played a lot of gigs with www.myspace.com/stigmathrash and www.myspace.com/themankynuts, released my first CD and I live in a comfortably general state of happiness.

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
Not a clue.

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
Myself.

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
Dirk Scheringa and other financial CEO’s.

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
Most awesome: Clutch and Kamchatka in Rotterdam. Fuck me, how nice is it to make the musical discovery of the year during an opening act. And then we still had Clutch to rock out socks of, a memorable evening! Other mentionable shows: The Presidents of the USA in Amsterdam and Down at With Full Force and Sonisphere.

Worst: Shows are almost never a total waste of money, but Bob Dylan in Amsterdam could have been much better. Them Crooked Vultures suffered from too large of a crowd and a bad sound, but made up by putting out an awesome record. Sunn0))) didn’t work for me either, but that’s just a matter of taste I guess.

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
I am going to live in Zanzibar, Africa for six months so I won’t be able to attend a lot of shows in 2010. I would advise everyone to visit Roadburn and rock out to Eyehategod and Kyuss. As for releases; Eyehategod is bound to release a new album and I’ve got a feeling that Suicidal Tendencies will put out their first ever live DVD.

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
Even hotter summers!

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. Kamchatka – III
2. New Keepers of the Water Towers – Chronicles
3. Them Crooked Vultures – Them Crooked Vultures
4. Clutch – Strange Cousins from the West
5. Snail – Blood
6. Philip Sayce – Peace Machine (reissue)
7. Nightstalker – Superfreak
8. Wolfmother – Cosmic Egg
9. Carnal Leftovers – Papyral Slashing
10. Stigma – We Come in Hate

Michiel B.

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
To be honest I really have some mixed feelings about this. I really had a hard time choosing my top ten for 2009 with all those great releases (of which I most likely still haven't heard at least 80%) and the ammount of concerts has never been bigger than before. On the other hand the prices of many of those concerts get either sky high or no one shows up. Something is really wrong with this in my humble opinion.

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
- Moving from a dark and depressing place to the best apartment in my home town for about the same amount of rent.
- Friends and family: you keep rocking!
- After 7,5 years returning to the stage and doing some session acoustic bass playing for two musical heroes who also invited me to join them on stage in Budapest. Hundreds of enthousiastic Hungarians screaming for a Dutch idiot with his bass. Who would have ever thought that...
- NAC Breda reaching the European League after great play-off games.
- Continuing my sports activities and loving it! Unfortunately because of an injury I couldn't make it to the half marathon but nevertheless the preparations for it were great on itself. I will keep this up in 2010 for sure!
- Buying a DSLR camera and already I shot some great pics with it. I have another cool hobby!

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
I actually had no personal lows but the horrible slaughter at the children’s home in Dendermonde, Belgium as well as our society getting more and more intolerant combined with the ongoing economic crisis which provides employers another excuses to demand the most ridiculous things from their workers made me pretty sad this year.

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
Our newborn Lord Bjorn together with his daddy Horst. It couldn't more adorable. And I should also mention Anneke van Giersbergen whose inspiring personality and her great music (check her new album 'In Your Room'!) made me really happy in 2009.

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
All those who caused the economic crisis and now finally get their lessons learnt.

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
Best:
- Sacred Reich at a sold out tropical Dynamo
- Riverside at Hedon, Zwolle
- The WC Experience at de Zwarte Cross
- Testament doing their first two albums at Dynamo
- Wolves In The Throne Room in Den Bosch
- My Dying Bride at Effenaar, Eindhoven
- Pain Of Salvation in Weert
- Dee Dee Bridgewater at Frits Philips Musichall
- Agua de Annique at the Effenaar, Eindhoven
- festivals such as Hellfest, Fortarock, STRP and Dynamo Outdoor
HolyHell at Hellfest was by far the worst concert I have seen in years.

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
For years I am looking forward to the new Anathema album, Hellfest 2010's line-up is already now again amazing with so much confirmations to come and I am sure Neurotic Deathfest will be mazing as well. Besides that I hope to discover more and different new music in 2010,

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
Like I mentioned at question 3: “our society getting more and more intolerant combined with the ongoing economic crisis which provides employers another excuses to demand the most ridiculous things from their workers” could all be more human in my opinion. Besides that I would love my uncle to be among us for at least 20 more years instead of that most likely we will have to bury him next year if nobody will come up with a cure for cancer.

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. Riverside - Anno Domini High Definition
2. HDK - System Overload
3. Leafblade - Beyond, Beyond
4. Xystus feat. US Concerts - Equilibrio (DVD+2CD)
5. Anneke van Giersbergen & Agua de Annique - In Your Room
6. Hacride - Lazarus
7. Candlemass - Death Magic Doom
8. Epica - The Classical Conspiracy
9. Obscura - Cosmogenesis
10. Dying Fetus - Descend Into Depravity

Natascha

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
It all kind of passed me by without notice. I know that there were a lot less cool concerts in my area; maybe it has to do with the financial crisis?

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
The My Dying Bride concert and Girls’ Night.

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
The fact that Halloween was smokin’! Or well, it was under the hood of my car. My car died that night and that was hard for me.

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
Duveltje

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
My f*****n bookkeeper: if you want to gamble, do it with your own tax forms!

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
The most ruling: absolutely My Dying Bride in De Effenaar. Most miserable: didn ‘t attend that one.

Question 7: Which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
The concert Epica will give in de Effenaar, I haven’t seen them in way too long! Also, Kjetil Nordhus back on stage in Holland! I don ’t know when yet, but it will probably be this upcoming summer. Besides that I’m also very curious about ReVamp!

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
More nice concerts in my area.

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1 My Dying Bride - For Lies I Sire
2 Epica – Design Your Universe
3 Deathstars - Night Electric Night
4 Marilyn Manson – High End Of Low
5 HDK - System Overload
6 Epica – The Classical Conspiracy
7 Rammstein - Liebe Ist Fur Alle Da
8 Leaves’ Eyes – Njord
9 The Dreamside – Lunar Nature
10 Trail Of Tears - Bloodstained Endurance

Neithan

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
To me 2009 was just another normal year, yet with fewer high highlights compared to 2008. I think it is remarkable to see that the ‘old veterans’ are doing fine again (even if it is often performed in a very safe way) and as such show the conservatism of the metal genre. Regarding turn-up at concerts it was a pity that so few manage to find their way to bands from the underground…

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
- Hub & Heuy Fest March 2009 with the performance of the year: The Batallion (from Bergen, Norway): holy shit, that was what they call a hammer in the face!
- Two weeks with my beloved girlfriend Kim through Norway visiting friends and beautiful sights: 6.100 kilometers of driving yet worth every meter! And after that starting my course Norwegian (for immigrants, haha) together with Kim: det går ganske bra!

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
- My job as a teacher: on the VMBO and MBO up to level 3 you are just a babysit for a bunch of unmotivated, world-alienated and spoiled brats, in an environment where not education or progress is the goal yet the money for the board and other, non-teaching departments. So per February 2010 I hope to have a new, better job (even if it pays less)
- Many unreliable promoters and bookers in the Netherlands and abroad, like that bum of a Jeroen from POC Music Productions; on behalf of a friend of mine playing in Mayhem (already suffered several setbacks this year from people like this cheat) a big and well meant “fuck you”!
- The big money wolves, both in the public (health, justice and education) as the private sector. When things went well, they got mega bonuses, and when things go down and people lost their jobs and income, they kept nagging and chasing for the same money. On behalf of a tax paying and hard working Joe Average like me also a big “fuck you” to these people!

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
Ronny Thorsen: when people write this man and his band off like this, and Ronny gets a new and great line-up together and comes up with one of the highlights of this year (we are talking about Trail Of Tears and their album ‘Bloodstained Endurance, in case you didn’t notice) and delivers some mighty shows: well, in that case you can consider a man a personality. Skål for faen Ronny!

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
No doubt whatsoever: our Prime Minister Jan-Peter Balkenende! The man ignores criticism, lays advice aside and does not show in any way at all that he can handle a crisis situation. In a way he is illustrative for all the incompetent managers in the top who showed their malfunctioning the past year!

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
Best concert is easy: The Batallion at Hub & Heuy Fest in the Azijnfabriek (Roermond). The most miserable one was by three friends who were rather drunk on their first European tour, so I will not mention them here because they are friends. Runner-up for this doubtful honour is The 69 Eyes in Saarbrücken early this year.

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
First of all the new Byfrost album entitled ‘Black Earth’; it is gonna be an awesome album, I already heard the album! Besides, also the new material from Elite sounds impressive. Furthermore Gjenferdsel, Helheim and Vulture Industries have been working on new albums, and after a short break Kampfar is back on track as well in 2010, Svarttjern has signed to Agonia and so I am hoping for a lot of high quality metal from Norway: pray for a musically cold year!

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
- More visitors at concerts, especially at shows by bands that still really need your support (yes, support your underground)…
- A nice job with a fair pay.

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. Svarttjern – Misanthropic Path Of Madness
2. Arckanum - ÞÞÞÞÞÞÞÞÞÞÞ
3. Vreid - Milorg
4. Huldrefolk – Morbide Elite
5. Trail Of Tears – Bloodstained Endurance
6. Den Saakaldte – All Hail Pessimism
7. IXXI – Elect Darkness
8. Fluisterwoud – Laat Alle Hoop Varen
9. Wolves In The Throne Room – Black Cascade
10. Glorior Belli – Meet Us At The Southern Sign

The top ten is in general rather compatible, just like a group just below all waiting at number 11 or so (like for instance Marduk, Arkona, Ghost Brigade, Drudkh, Urgehal, Amorphis, Suidakra, Týr, Dodsferd)

Nima

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
Absolutely! We again had tons of great releases, many good new bands were introduced and the concert and festival agendas were richly filled. “They can’t stop us, let ‘em try! For heavy metal we will die!”

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
A very special and extraordinary encounter. The Magic Circle Festival.

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
2009 was the year of disappointments and a fully booked year, with all the negative effects on my mental and physical health.

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
Myself (how arrogant), my family and friends who have supported me through good and bad times.

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
Too many to mention.

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
Best concert: Manowar, Magic Circle Festival, 18.07.2009, Loreley, Germany.
Worst concert: erased from my mind

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
Manowar’s ‘Hammer Of The Gods’ album, Manowar’s “Death To Infidels” tour and Kiss in Gelredome, Arnhem, The Netherlands.

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
That we, as mankind, would take a look at what we do and seriously wonder what the fuck we are doing!

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. Herman Frank – Loyal To None
2. Mob Rules – Radical Peace
3. Metalforce – Metalforce
4. Wizard – Thor
5. Jack Starr’s Burning Starr – Defiance
6. The Cold Existence – Sombre Gates
7. Mantic Ritual – Executioner
8. Suicidal Angels – Sanctify The Darkness
9. Macbeth – Gotteskrieger
10. Ironwood – :Fire:Water:Ash:

Patrick

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
Of course there were again far too many mediocre releases, but there was also plenty of nice and even very interesting stuff. Of the latter category, this year the amount was not excessively, but enough so I can say again that I've had a good time. Whether that makes it a good metal year? I will not loose sleep over that question… I had good fun and that is all that matters to me!

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
And the question remains to be controlled by one lady: the 'little' girl of mine (5 again) brings an unmatched, almost unimaginable joy with her. Furthermore, my health seems to be improving: I’m not there yet but it at least offers some prospect for the upcoming year.

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
The misery around the study ‘Master Special Educational Needs'…

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
And this year we once again could use them again: anyone who is willing to do something for another, without the direct intent to take advance out of it! There can not be enough of these people roaming the world. Furthermore, all of those who did not follow the crowd blindly and unthinkingly.

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
The list of losers is almost too big to mention but I would like to place 3 in the spotlight here: a huge F**K You is for the person responsible for the information on the study ‘Master Special Educational Needs' at In Holland. Thanks to that %^$@#!# I have wasted too much time and money. A special place is here for Dirk Scheringa of course; not because our North-Holland Uncle Scrooge lost many of his millions and his toys, but because of his thick neck and arrogance many people where left in the cold. And finally, the band called Amoral: what once was a beauty of a band has this year, with the release of ‘Show Your Colors’ become nothing than a joke.

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
The two unforgettable evenings of Lamb of God, and the one in Amsterdam especially (Jägermeister Randy?), were live the most exciting happenings of the past year. The shows of All That Remains and Becoming The Archetype were more than entertaining as well. And wretched concerts? I usually spend them at the bar…

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
I am curious after the new material of Fear Factory, Living Sacrifice and Nevermore. I am also wondering what the debut albums of Amaranthe and Solution .45 will bring. But above I am looking forward to all of those unexpected gems which you totally had not into consideration and suddenly appear ... in short, bring the surprises on!

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
It may all be wishful thinking ... but I do not want to leave the followings things unmentioned: people will start thinking for themselves instead of blindly follow the masses, the hospitality with a drastic price cut for the Jägermeister, the media does not seem to want to be all that's self made and our country is once again reigned by common sense!

Which are you favorite albums from 2009?
These are the albums that I found the most appealing:
1. Lamb Of God - Wrath
2. Megadeth - Endgame
3. Tenet - Sovereign
4. Submission – Conspiracy
5. Divinity - The Singularity
6. Woe Of Tyrants - Kingdom Of Might
7. Devin Townsend Project - Addicted
8. Revocation - Existence Is Futile
9. Nightrage - Wearing A Martyr’s Crown
10. Katatonia - Night is the New Day

Pim

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
Sure, tons of great releases and live shows still are interesting. Metal will never die!

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
The cool shows with Officium Triste, especially the ones abroad. Being asked by Ed Warby to do the grunts at the live shows of The 11th Hour. Starting a classic rock cover band, just for fun. A new car for Simone.

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
None.

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
Herman Brusselmans (again).

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
Wilders (again).

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
Cool shows I’ve seen that made a lasting impression were Process of Guilt in Madrid and Mötley Crüe on Graspop. Seeing Mournful Congregation live was a highlight too. I can’t recall any really bad shows; I was probably hanging around at the bar.

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2009 are you looking forward to?
Concerning CD’s I’m looking forward to the CD of my own band Officium Triste. It should be released sometime next year. Concerning other releases I will se what will cross my path. Shows I’m looking forward to at this moment are Hammer of Doom III and Doom Shall Rise VII.

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
Nothing, I haven’t got any big wishes.

What are you favourite ten albums from 2010?
A top 10 is always very difficult since there are so many releases and my taste is pretty wide. How the hell can you pick out the 10 best ones? Next to that I haven’t heard or not as thoroughly as I would like albums of acts like Rituals of the Oak, Revelation or Nile. So the following albums are the ones that I feel are worthwhile.

1. While Heaven Wept - Vast Oceans Lachrymose
2. Asphyx - Death…The Brutal Way
3. Griftegard - Solemn, Sacred, Severe
4. Memory Driven - Relative Obscurity
5. Graveyard - One With The Dead
6. The 11th Hour - Burden of Grief
7. Slayer - World Painted Blood
8. Fatalist - The Depths of Inhumanity
9. Sinister Realm - Sinister Realm
10. Heaven and Hell - The Devil You Know
11. Alice In Chains - Black Gives Way To Blue
12. Candlemass - Death, Magic, Doom
13. Katatonia - Night is the New Day
14. Kiss - Sonic Boom
15. Tyr - By the Light of the Northern Star
16. Funebrarum - The Sleep of Morbid Dreams
17. Forsaken - After The Fall
18. The Gates of Slumber - Hymns of Blood and Thunder
19. Process of Guilt - Erosion
20. Slough Feg - Ape Uprising!

Ramon van H.

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
I would certainly say so!!! Megadeth and Slayer and don’t forget to mention Kreator, they all came with monumental Works and the lesser gods become more serious players on the market too. To underline this, check our top tens and see what has been released this year. I listen to all kinds of music, but there is nothing that comes close to having the same effect on met that metal has.

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
The interview I did with Vorph (Samael) and Henkka (Children of Bodom), but also a Satan’s Host, that doesn’t shut up when there’s an opinion to be given. Susan Gerl (God Dethroned) was special too. Maybe even my best one this year.

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
There have been too many people died too young, but that said from a selfish point of view.

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
Pffffff, that’s a tough one, as positive news hardly ever makes it to the news. Maybe Charles Darwin, who has had his own year and even the number of believers that start taking his ideas seriously increase, that animals that better suit their environment have more chances of survival. Complicated? Not too. When it comes to metal Dave Mustaine is both the winner and the loser. He comes with a fabulous album, the whole world takes him completely seriously, but then he starts reporting every fart hel ets go as if it was news and worst, he starts expressing his disgust about being reminded about Metallica and het opens fire on his record label for not sticking their neck out for him enough in generating publicity. Half the world wants to be in his shoes, so then the role of the dog that gets bitten doesn’t suit you and all the negativity is a shame of good energy. Kiss and Aerosmith are taking over this behavior.

No, then we take Zakk Wylde as an example. Not only has he proven to be a real man this year (the doctors told him he could no longer drink, so he doesn’t), but he has proven to be a gentleman. He was replaced for his spot with Ozzy without being informed. Besides being surprised, he also added that he is always available should they need his services.

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
Bernie Madoff, big time. When it comes to metal, I want to say Fred Durst, but I have no particular reason to do so. And what to think of Farrah Fawcett? Picture yourself being a star of some level, but on the day you die, the biggest then living star of the world dies too, Michael Jackson. That makes sure you do not get the attention you would have gotten otherwise.

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
I can’t stand the fact I missed Samael, it must have been phenomenal, when I hear the eye witness reports. When was Carcass again? Worst? I am inclined not to say it, but for this time: Deadhead, that walked out on stage in their everyday clothing and hardly make any contact with the audience. Sometimes staying together for twenty years is just a matter of forgetting to split up. I hope they prove me wrong, I do respect what they have accomplished hitherto.

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
I’ll take it as it comes. But considering the fact that Morbid Angel is working on a new album, I start warming up already.

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
A few kilos less would be nice, but that’s petty worries, wouldn’t you agree? I’d like to see some moral awareness in the bio-industry. They can stop making a musical out of every legendary story. Next thing you know Shindler’s List will be a (happy) musical. Moral awareness in the Financial World would be nice. Making an end to the abuse of the ignorance (and greed) of the average consumer.

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. Megadeth – Endgame
2. Kreator – Hordes Of Chaos
3. Slayer – World Painted Blood
4. God Dethroned – Passiondale
5. Samael – Above
6. Suffocation – Blood Oath
7. Behemoth – Evangelion
8. Devin Townsend – Addicted
9. Paradise Lost – Faith Divided Us – Death United Us
10. Marduk – Wormwood

Note: My Dying Bride, The Lucifer Principle and Cannibal Corpse almost made it to the list.

Richard G.

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
2009 was a good metal year because of the big number of high quality releases (duh). If we, editors, were to compile a top 20 (as in previous years) instead of a top 10 I would have had no trouble filling it up. Now I have not been able to honour other top-notch releases by bands such as Mastodon, Baroness, Antigama, Amesoeurs, Coalesce or Ulcerate (and now I still managed to do so a little).

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
New relationship, personal growth and hopefully my coming holiday.

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
Disappointment in one person in particular and in certain activities that took up a big part of my life this year.

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
Nobody.

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
Society.

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
Best: Dillinger Escape Plan at Fortarock pre-party and Gojira at the four days march festival.
Worst: Sonisphere (especially the fact that Mastodon had to cancel and that Pendulum was not cancelled).

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
New Tool album, new Dark Tranquillity album and the new edition of Fortarock festival.

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
More happiness, less misery.

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. Diablo Swing Orchestra – Songs For The Damned And Delirious
2. Converge – Axe To Fall
3. Amorphis – Skyforger
4. Agoraphobic Nosebleed – Agorapocalypse
5. Steven Wilson – Insurgentes
6. Suffocation – Blood Oath
7. Blut Aus Nord – Memoria Vetusta II
8. Kylesa – Static Tensions
9. Obscura – Cosmogenesis
10. Hacride - Lazarus

Richard V.

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
There were plenty of good cd’s and the number of concerts was again overwhelming. Supply is so vast these days that everybody can find something he / she likes.

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
My kids.

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
I can name the usual suspects like the climate, the economic crisis, the many reorganisations at work, the lack of political decisiveness etc, but I’ll stick with Argentina’s World Cup qualification campaign. Diego was world’s best player, but as a coach…

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
I can’t think of any exceptional cultural, political, sports or scientific achievements in the past year. Therefore the nomination goes to the triplet that gave me the most joy: Florencia, Martin Lisandro and Lautaro.

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
Tiger Woods. The image of the ideal son in law of the world’s first sports billionaire was shattered after it became public knowledge that he filled several holes outside the gold court.

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
I visited very few concerts during 2009 but was best entertained during the Chickenfoot show in Heerhugowaard.

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
New cd’s by Van Halen, Armored Saint & Year Long Disaster

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
So many things I won’t even start.

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. The Armada – The Armada
2. Mastodon – Crack the Skye
3. Porcupine Tree – The incident
4. Wolfmother – Cosmic Egg
5. Kiss – Sonic Boom
6. Riverside – Anno Domini High Definition
7. Alice in Chains – Black Gives Way To Blue
8. The Black Crowes – Before the Freeze
9. Slayer – World Painted Blood
10. Dream Theater – Black Clouds & Silver Linings

Roel de Haan

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
I cannot say anything other than yes, just like the previous years were. I think that one glance at the releases this year will speak volumes…

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
Holiday in the Belgian Ardennes.

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
None worth mentioning…

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
Nobody deserves that award…

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
Dirk Scheringa.

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
Mayhem and the Eindhoven Metal Meeting were great. I didn’t see any truly bad performances this year.

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
Rotting Christ – Aeola
Shining – VII – Född Förlorare
Dark Tranquillity – We Are The Void

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
A better railway system so I won’t have to miss any concerts…

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. Code – Resplendent Grotesque
2. Ulcerate – Everything Is Fire
3. Behemoth – Evangelion
4. Pantheon I – Worlds I Create
5. Paradise Lost – Faith Divides Us – Death Unites Us
6. Shining – VI – Klagopsalmer
7. Wolves In The Throne Room – Malevolent Grain
8. Geist – Galeere
9. The Ruins Of Beverast – Foulest Semen Of A Sheltered Elite
10. Amesoeurs – Amesoeurs

Sjak

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
Yes certainly, in my opinion 2009 definitely was a good year for metal. I got the opportunity to listen to a lot of fantastic records and also on the live front there were enough awesome bands to watch. It’s just a pity though that due to the surplus of great albums, in combination with my constant lack of time, I have the feeling that I missed out on quite a lot, which could have made 2009 an even better year for metal.

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
My holiday in Egypt, my re-discovery of vinyl (it remains a shame that I sold my entire collection to Edje Knegtel of Millennium Records years ago!!) and the fact that both our children are developing themselves into future teenagers.

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
Lows for me were the bankruptcy of Arrow, the cancellation of the Arrow Classic Rock festival, the economic crisis which everybody feels quite heavily, the illness of metal legend and world class singer Ronnie James Dio, the fact that my team Ajax again didn’t win the championship and the increased hardening and intolerance in our little country’s society.

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
As always this award goes to my lovely wife Astrid, who support me one hundred percent in whatever I do and who once in a while also kicks me in the butt when that’s necessary.

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
Rebellious queer Gordon who first leaves “our nation’s pride” De Toppers to join them again a couple of months later as if nothing happened. By the way, the fact that De Toppers are continuing can also be seen as a low on question three.

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
The absolute best concert of 2009 was without a doubt Gotthard in the E-Werk in Cologne, also due to the equally awesome support act Europe. Furthermore the fantastic performances of Y&T (in the Pul, Uden), Thunder (also in the Pul) and Testament (Dynamo, Eindhoven) come to mind for the “runner-up” position. I can’t think of a single gig that I’ve witnessed which couldn’t appeal to me one way or the other, so I have no candidates for the worst concert of 2009.

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
What I’m mostly looking forward to in 2010 is the new album of Y&T, which is planned to finally see the light of day this summer. Furthermore I was very positively surprised by the debut album of Outloud and therefore I’m very curious if the second album, which is planned for a 2010 release, is equally great. Last but not least I’m looking forward to the return of the eighties legends Omen and Savage Grace, which will be gigging in The Rock Temple in Kerkrade on April 9th. Oh yes, and for the planned releases of Jon Oliva’s Pain, Anvil, Flotsam And Jetsam, Armored Saint, Overkill and Sentinal Beast you’re allowed to wake me up as well.

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
I’m quite happy with the way my life runs at the moment, so for me it’s just “steady as she goes” and not too many big changes..

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
Obedience has always been a problem for me, therefore I’ve listed thirty albums:
1. Outloud – Outloud
2. Dare – Arc Of The Storm
3. Slayer – World Painted Blood
4. Gotthard – Need To Believe
5. Alias – Never Say Never
6. Epica – Design Your Universe
7. House Of Lords – Cartesian Dreams
8. Obituary – Darkest Day
9. Bad Habit – Above And Beyond
10. Blanc Faces – Falling From The Moon
11. W.E.T. – W.E.T.
12. Heaven And Hell – The Devil You Know
13. Delain – April Rain
14. Overland – Diamond Dealer
15. Cannibal Corpse – Evisceration Plague
16. Crescent Shield – The Stars Of Never Seen
17. Tardy Brothers – Bloodline
18. Sunstorm – House Of Dreams
19. Places Of Power – Now Is The Hour
20. Megadeth – Endgame
21. Dream Theater – Black Clouds And Silver Linings
22. Europe – Last Look At Eden
23. Death Angel – Sonic German Beatdown (DVD)
24. Cage – Science Of Annihilation
25. The Poodles – Clash Of The Elements
26. Winger – Karma
27. Defiance – The Prophecy
28. Candlemass – Death Magic Doom
29. Suffocation – Blood Oath
30. Anvil Chorus – The Killing Sun

Thijs

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
2009 was a good year for hardcore, I’ve heard a lot of records that made an impression on me and that can’t be said for every year.

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
No big highlight, but a lot of small highlights.

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
Cancer.

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
I don’t have any heroes and can’t think of anyone I would like to mention here.

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
There are a couple of names that come to mind but I’d rather not pay attention to those persons so I’ll keep this one blank.

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
The best would be Damien Jurado at the Verkadefabriek in Den Bosch. Intense would be the best word to describe it. I think I’ve managed to leave the venue every time a bad performance was going to take place, so I didn’t get to see bad performances.

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
I look forward to Floorpunch and True Colors performing in Belgium. And of course I am anxiously awaiting the new annual Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy record.

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
I’d like to visit more show and not have to worry about money too much. But most of all I would like to see the people that are dear to me more happy. 2009 has been a tough year.

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. Maximum penalty - Life and Times
2. Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – Beware
3. Nothington – Bridges And Ruins
4. Bird – NMB2
5. Sam Baker – Cotton
6. Kickback – No Surrender
7. Tom Waits – Glitter And Doom Live
8. New Morality – Fear Of Nothing
9. The Dopamines - Soap And Lampshades
10. North Lincoln – Midwestern Blood

Tormentor Erich

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
Yes it was a good year. There where many releases which gave me many pleasant listening hours and I also had a lot of problems whith filling in only a top ten! We also saw that a lot of bands need to go out on the road again because they don’t make enough many by selling CD’s anymore, and this is good for those who like to visist concerts.

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
Again a top ten spot at the Lom quiz. The music on radio Studio Brussels and the many alternative bands that showed up with decent music. I lost twenty pounds of over weight and we made a lot of small changes at home which makes the living sitiation even nicer as it was before.

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
I had to cut of my hair. It was not healty enough anymore and this still hurts…

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
Felix Magath.

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
These same people from question one who visit concerts, because the tickets are way too expensive nowadays. Everybody who has sympathy for the Irish football team. Wat an outragous way to miss out on the Wold Championship like this.

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
There where actually two concerts that ruled the most: De Wolff at Sjwaampop and Death Angel at Forta Rock. The worst? Well let me put it like this: Caliban and Emergency Gate where not a good choice as support for Kreator.

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
I am curious about the new Maiden album. Will it be more from the same as with the latest Slayer one or will they surprise us with something completely new or will they maybe even go back to the old days? I am also very interested in that new Exodus DVD and while we are on the subject… isn’t it time for that new studio album from them? For the rest… I just will see what 2010 will bring us.

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
More tolerance and respect between mankind, more money, the championship with Schalke, to cut it short: the same as every year.

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
01 Kreator – Hordes Of Chaos
02 Dead Head – Depression Tank
03 Marduk – Wormwood
04 Asphys – Death… The Brutal Way
05 Megadeth – Endgame
06 Syrach – A Death Burial
07 Gory Blister – Graveyard Of Angels
08 Lethal Aggression – Ad Naudeum
09 Candlemass – Death Magic Doom
10 Tormented – Rotten Death

Vera

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
As long as metal albums will come out, we can enjoy loads of great new stuff (as well as weak albums, but that’s the way it is). In that respect 2009 wasn’t a better of worse year than others.

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
Three days wandering in Gothenburg and the annual roaming abroad which included two festivals (Czech Republic and Germany) and relaxing in sunny Italy this year. In addition I still get a kick out of discovering a new record or band.

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
Fortunately there are no big dips this year, though I hate the idea that CDs will disappear and replaced by “invisible” and shallow depots such as stick, IPod or computer. A collection on a computer chip: what’s the fun of it? I will never understand. Give me back the real thing! As a direct consequence it is sad to see that more and more record shops close their doors.

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
Can’t think of anyone.

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
The smaller and cosy or specialized record shops.

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
It is hard to pick out just one: I always have a good time at Paganfests and co, Opeth was amazing, I always enjoy Amon Amarth and Heaven & Hell at Graspop was impressive. The happening I missed and might be my concert of the year, is Bleeding Edge festival in Oberhausen (G) with among others Borknagar, Solstafir, Secrets Of The Moon, Equilibrium, Black Messiah, Suidakra en Powerwolf. During the worst gigs I have a beer.

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
I am looking forward to many new albums, but the ones that cross my mind at the moment are Orphaned Land, Finntroll and Manowar. Concerts: the summer festivals.

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
More metal on radio and television, less complaining of people that they don’t make ends meet while they have double income or more than me.

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. My Dying Bride – For Lies I Sire
2. Katatonia – Night Is The New Day
3. Solstafir – Köld
4. Ensiferum – From Afar
5. Secrets Of The Moon – Privilegivm
6. Candlemass – Death Magic Doom
7. Paradise Lost – Faith Divides Us, Death Unites Us
8. Black Messiah – The First War Of The World
9. Swallow The Sun – New Moon
10. The Prophecy – Into The Light

Wilco

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
Not really. There weren’t many interesting releases this year, the festivals had a fair line-up, but not really exiting and there were too few interesting concerts.

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
My vacation in Costa Rica, swimming at a pristine beach watching monkeys jump from one tree to another makes a real impression. Next to that, the discovery of an Alpine roalercoaster in Austria.

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
The way this country reacts on some snow and all the fuzz about a 14-year old girl that is obsessed with sailing the world on her own. Go and play with your dolls girl! To complete this misery, think of all the repulsive crimes as rape and child murder.

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
My mother and my girlfriend!

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
Agnes Kant, Dirk Scheringa and Pieter Lakerman

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
Dragonforce at Metalcamp and Hollenthon in Enschede, nothing really sucked this year.

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
Only thing I am aware of is the concert of Hypocrisy, and I am really looking forward to that!

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
I would like to see more interesting concerts and listen to more interesting new albums this year.
Next to that I would like the world to get less aggressive and more tolerant.

What are your favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. Hypocrisy – A Taste Of Extreme Divinity
2. Belphegor – Walpurgis Rites – Hexenwahn
3. Brainstorm - Memorial Roots
4. Mordenom – Agnvs Dei
5. Miseration – The Mirroring Shadow
6. God Dethroned – Passiondale
7. The 11th Hour – Burden Of Grief
8. Mystic Prophecy – Fireangel

William (Sir Blast A Lot)

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
Every year is a good metal year! Why? Duh, it's metal!

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
Eindhoven Metal Meeting and the pre-party at Dynamo, with one special specific reason.

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
Losing trust in people I care about a lot.

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
I think I will give this one to myself for a change. I think I did pretty well, being back on my feet after a horrible year.

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
Gerard Joling, he lost all his hair!

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
Napalm Death and Gojira clearly owned. Gama Bomb was horrible, what a worthless band.

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
Hm, hard, quite some, but here are three of them: Misery Index - Heirs To Thievery, Morbid Angel - TBA, Trap Them - TBA. When it comes to shows, every band I Iike as often as possible.

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
Meeting less, attention whore acting, lying lowlife pieces of shit. Met too many of them and I have had enough.

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1: Baroness - The Blue Album
2: Kylesa - Static Tensions
3: Suffocation - Blood Oath
4: Brutal Truth - Evolution Through Revolution
5: Napalm Death - Time Waits For No Slave
6: Katatonia - Night Is The New Day
7: Nile - From Whom The Gods Detest
8: Hypocrisy - Taste Of Extreme Divinity
9: Converge - Axe To Fall
10: Anaal Nathrakh - In The Constellation Of The Black Widow

Wilmar

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
Certainly. However through Lords I got not much of interest in the mail, but there were a few remarkable bands. Not as many as last year, but especially Bright Ophidia was a revelation. The two Devin Townsend albums and the new Rammstein were some distinguished climaxes.

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
The musical highlight was that I finally saw Faith No More live. Great concert and Lowlands is a great festival in my book. A personal highlight is that I am on the winning hand in my battle against type 2 diabetes, so December is a great closure to a difficult year: my medication has been lowered and for the first time in twenty two years my weight is beneath the hundred kilo’s, and actually I feel great!

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
Marilyn Manson’s new album. And that some people who claim ‘not to live in the past’ and want to forget anything that happened, that caused that certain people who are very dear to me suffer from the consequences. And that some people from the past still confront you with their lies, lies that could have nasty consequences for me, but that finally passed easily for me. It taught me that people who dare to take responsibility are a minority. But that minority are my friends.

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
At first I wanted to make Kerry King the man of the year, but since he dropped ‘Morbid Tales’ of Celtic Frost on the ground in Eddie Trunks show, my respect for him diminished easily. Dave Ellefson, the former Megadeth bassist with his great analysis of ex-collegue Dave Mustaine should have been a great replacement, but I want to make our own Horst man of the year: to become a father and have the nightly disruptions and still run a great e-zine. Hats off!

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
Dave Mustaine. You are twenty seven years ahead in the future and still you are complaining about your previous band. Then you say you don’t have a problem with Metallica and the next day you are complaining about them again. Grow over it man, you’re almost fifty!

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
Best concert: Faith No More and Rammstein have to share this position. Worst concert: no one actually. All concerts were fair to good to outstanding.

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
TRIPTYKON!!! As well as the cd ‘Eparistera Daimones’ as their concert on Roadburn are highly noted on my list. I have heard two new songs on their MySpace and the anticipation is burning right now. I am also very eager to hear the two final Devin Townsend Project cd’s (‘Deconstruction’ and ‘Ghost’). Concerts of Killing Joke in the Melkweg and Rammstein at Pinkpop are two events I am looking forward to.

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
That there is truth in the cautious optimism of my physician and that I am free of medication next year.

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. The Devin Townsend Project – Ki
2. The Devin Townsend Project – Addicted
3. Rammstein – Liebe ist für alle da
4. Bright Ophidia – Set Your Madness Free
5. Tenet – Sovereign
6. Epochate – Chronicles of a Dying Era
7. Prong – Power of the Damn Mixxxer
8. Believer – Gabriel
9. Ace Frehley - Anomaly
10. Kiss – Sonic Boom

Wim

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
Not really. I was not that amused by the quality of the releases in 2008 (there is plenty of quantity), this year was not really an improvement. There have been a lot of concerts, not all of the same standards, but maybe 2010 will be better in both quality and quantity.

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
Winning the title of metal connoisseur together with ‘my main man’ Igor: reclaim of the throne, the Metal Quiz is ours!, The Story Of Anvil, the pitching staff of the San Francisco Giants (Lincecum: Cy Young Award), the lovely weather (Okay, I confess, also the beer) at the Graspop Festival in Belgium, The Dutch Toppers at the European Songfestival (their attempt, that is).

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
The death of Michael Jackson (yes, metalheads, he was of course a weirdo but also a musical genius), the economical crisis and its consequences, that it took more than a year for our government to recognize Q-fever, financial bonuses for people who think they deserve it, the relaunch of The Toppers, and people who put master swindler Dirk Scheringa on a pedestal.

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
Anvil’s Lips (Steve Kudlow); he represents hope, love and friendship, connected to music.

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
Ronny James Dio, let us hope he gets well soon. And Dirk Scheringa of course.

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
The two best concerts of this year for me were Journey in Amsterdam (both the sound and the show were almost perfect) and Fleetwood Mac in the Ahoy in Rotterdam (I got a lump in my throat because of the intimacy that Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham created on stage).
The worst gigs were Dragonforce at the Waldrock festival and Nightwish at the Graspop festival in Belgium. Two examples of bands that are grossly overvalued.

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
To be honest: I am not looking forward to anything. I just wait and see. But I do not want to be a party pooper so I will name a few a cd’s and live shows I am looking forward to: Journey, It Bites, Anathema, and Mogwai.

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
What a strange question! Well, I would say nothing really. Things are the way they are, things happen as they should happen. There is nothing I can do about that. And that is the reason I do not think about it, that would only be frustrating. I take it as it is.

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. Gov’t Mule – By A Thread
2. David Sylvian – Manafon
3. Redemption – Snowfall On Judgement Day
4. Alice In Chains – Black Gives Way To Blue
5. Lynyrd Skynyrd – Gods And Guns
6. Blanc Faces – Falling From The Moon
7. Airbag – Identity
8. Megadeth - Endgame
9. Vader – Necropolis
10. Howard Leese – Secret Weapon

Winston

Question 1: Was the year 2009 a good year for metal, yes/no and why?
Yeah I guess it was. But losing the Arrow Classic Rock festival was a major bummer. 2010 will see a reanimation so they say. But new festivals reared their heads like Fortarock and Sonisphere and of course my personal discovery Sweden Rock. Høll Yeah!

Question 2: What were the highlights for you in 2009?
In music: The Sweden Rock Festival, KISS with great new album and doing the Ace Frehley interview (full circle: 30 years ago I became a KISS fan) but also the rejuvenation of Yes.

Personal: meeting and getting to know new people who are also happy about meeting me, haha!

Question 3: What were the absolute lows for you in 2009?
In music: the demise of Arrow Rock radio and festival.

Personal: the discovery that some people are over confident about themselves, are unfair and live on automatic pilot.

Question 4: Man/woman of the year is?
Gene Simmons! His masterplan of turning planet Earth into planet KISS seems to b working now that his band made its mark with a great new album. The world will kneel and bow! :)

Question 5: Loser of the year is:
Rick Wakeman. First he gets his son Oliver his job as keyboard player in Yes. Yes then goes on without Jon Anderson as lead singer and all of a sudden Yes is nothing but a tribute band in his eyes. Funny fact: Rick is doing a charity show in England where he has to lose weight for a good cause. Title of the show: The Biggest Loser...

Question 6: The best and worst concerts of 2009 were?
Best: ZZ Top at Sweden Rock. Had to decide between Yes in Heerhugowaard and this one but ZZ Top at the Sweden Rock festival felt like a party. There were other great acts there (Journey, Foreigner, Neal Morse) but the beards win.

Worst: Jon Oliva’s Pain at Sweden Rock. Despite the great setlist his crackled nicotine shot voice and his 100 kilograms extra is leading him to something really awful I’m afraid.

Question 7: To which CD’s and/or live shows in 2010 are you looking forward to?
1. Van Halen: Eddie, married, recovered from hand surgery and hopefully sober should be able to show the world what he and his brother Alex, son Wolfgang and Diamond Dave can cook up. With a live tour please!
2. Yes: in the new line up, without Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman a new album is due in 2010. I’m really curious to see how Chris Squire, Steve Howe and Alan White will pull it off without Anderson especially.
3. Ozzy Osbourne: with Zakk Wylde gone (why waited this long?) a fresh inspirational wind is blowing through the Osbourne studio. See you on the festivals Ozzy?

Question 8: What would you like to see different in 2010?
That people should be more open for new things, take their chances and live a less programmed life. Dare to live!

What are you favourite ten albums from 2009?
1. KISS – Sonic Boom
2. Dream Theater – Black Clouds & Silver Linings
3. Heaven & Hell – The Devil You Know
4. Chickenfoot – Chickenfoot
5. Transatlantic – The Whirlwind
6. Iron Maiden – Flight 666 (DVD)
7. Three – Revisions
8. Cirrha Niva – For Moments Never Done
9. The Gathering – The West Pole
10. Epica – Design Your Universe