This is HUGE. Read more below.

These are MY favourite albums for 2019. I normally try to get a top 10 but there's been too many to narrow it down to 10. ​ Hard to separate the top 3 for album of the year for me.​

In unfortunate news, METALLICA have postponed their Australian tour, originally scheduled for later this year, due to James entering rehab. Get well soon, James.

​JOHN SYKES
Guitar Legend Signs Global Deal with Golden Robot Records
Long Anticipated Solo Album Scheduled For Release Later This Year

In a shock move, Kendall Bechtel has left Fifth Angel right before live commitments. I've copied the text below from Fifth Angel's Instagram post.

This sounds interesting.
​'One night only' screenings of Scandinavian Black Metal biopic. More info below.

Finnish band, Korpiklaani, have changed the venue for their Adelaide show on May 25th. It was originally going to be Enigma Bar, but it has been changed to Lion Art's Factory (Fowlers). Tickets for the gig here.

​The mighty Behemoth will soon be in Australia as part of the Download Festival!
In anticipation of the trek, the band have launched a new video for Ecclesia Diabolica Catholica (directed by Grupa 13), taken from their latest album, I Loved You At Your Darkest. ​ Check it out below.

My top albums for 2018. Personal preference, don't get your knickers in a twist if your favourite isn't on here.
​I've included a YouTube link for each band for you to check them out if you haven't already.
They're not ranked in any EXACT order but it is pretty close.

Had a massive chat with Keshav Dhar, guitarist and founding member of Skyharbor, today. What a cool guy to chat to. Full details of the chat and details of the upcoming Progfest appearances below, as well as a press release and some cool music videos.

PRESS RELEASE
ORPHEUS OMEGA SIGN TO EVP RECORDINGS
Australia's premier melodic Death Metal act, Orpheus Omega have inked a deal with EVP Recordings for the release of their upcoming fourth studio album in early 2019.
Said the band on the signing: “It is with the greatest of excitement that we announce that Orpheus Omega has signed to EVP Recordings! With amazing acts like Psycroptic, King Parrot and a slew of amazing bands on side, we couldn't be happier with the team who will be responsible for the release of our next album in 2019. Keep your ears and eyes open because there's going to be a lot of awesome stuff coming from this camp very soon.”
Orpheus Omega will be celebrating the signing at their last show of the year supporting Psycroptic this Friday December 14th in Brisbane at the Woolly Mammoth. Then it will be all systems go as the boys gear up for their massive 2019 release.

In news that has rocked this metalhead, bass player Peter Baltes has decided to leave Accept. Wolf has vowed to continue. The message below is copied from Wolf's Facebook page, it also appeared on his Twitter account. I'm gutted.

When the new Halloween movie hits theaters in October 2018, it will have the distinction of being the first film in the series with creator John Carpenter’s direct involvement since 1982’s Halloween III: Season of the Witch.
.EVP recordings are releasing the new Halloween movie soundtrack on October 19th. 
Australian exclusive vinyl available here: https://evp-recordings.lnk.to/halloween
​Interesting press release and a YouTube video below. Check it out.

In news that blew me away, Damon Johnson has announced that he will be leaving Black Star Riders to concentrate on solo and session work. His replacement (from January 1st next year) will be Christian Martucci of Stone Sour.