John "BoBo" Bollenberg | David Cisco | Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck | Jeff Harper | John Stout | Stephanie Sollow | Clayton Walnum | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2003
John "Bo Bo" Bollenberg's Top 10 2002:
Paatos to me contains the perfect material to get the young people interested in prog again. Signed to Stockholm Records who also have The Cardigans under their wing, a BIG chance is given for these guys to make it BIG. Based around two ex-Landberk and two ex-Morte Macabre members it is about time the world gets to hear their fantastic music.
David Cisco's Top 10 2002:
- Porcupine Tree – In Absentia
- Dream Theater – Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
- Al Dimeola – Flesh On Flesh.
- Tony Levin – Pieces Of The Sun
- Rush – Vapor Trails
- Riot – Through The Storm
- Kenso – Fabulis Mirabilibus De Bombycosi Scriptis
- Izz – I Move
- Daemonia – Live…Or Dead
- The Rob Sbar Noesis – Wagon Wheels And Atom Bombs
Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck's Top 10 2002:
Jeff Harper's Top 10 2002
- Dream Theater - Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
- Star One - Space Metal
- Symphony X - The Odyssey
- Angra - Hunters And Prey
- Explorers Club - Raising The Mammoth
- In Flames - Reroute To Remain
- Blind Guardian - A Night At The Opera
- Spock's Beard - Snow
- Mudvayne - The End of All Things To Come
- Planet X - MoonBabies
John Stout's Top 10 2002:
When asked for his Top 10 list, John replied, "Top ten eh? Always a tough one because so much of the stuff I buy ends up being from earlier years."
Anyway, my choices, in order of listening pleasure, would be:
- Pain of Salvation - Remedy Lane
The most original sounding band I've come across in ages. Challenging music, but ultimately very rewarding. Obviously other people agree, according to the readers' poll [our first poll].
- Ozric Tentacles - Live At The Pongmaster's Ball
These guys are at their very best in a live setting and this long overdue album gives the uninitiated a taste of why the band consistently sell albums and tour tickets in the UK in spite of prevailing trends. Having seen the band on this particular tour, I can vouch for the authenticity of the production on this 2 cd set. Given the band's difficulties in setting up US jaunts, Pongmasters is an ideal introduction to this eclectic and diverse band for US readers.
- Peter Gabriel - Up
A welcome return to the more experimental sounds of PG3 and 4, eschewing radio friendly ditties in favour of more thoughtful compositions. I've played this album a lot in the past few months, and still it confounds and uplifts me in equal measure. Worth the ten year wait.
- The Flower Kings - Unfold The Future
Some great tracks on this album, (and some filler, it has to be said), but backed up by one of my favourite gigs of 2002, this album just gets better with each spin.
- Dream Theater - Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence
Taking their sound in a different, more aggressive, direction may have annoyed some fans, but it showed that the band aren't complacent and continue to raise the bar in the cluttered prog-metal scene. Nice to see Jordan Rudess getting more elbow room to demsontrate his keyboard talents.
- Spock's Beard - Snow
Neal Morse's last throw of the dice, but a strong album to bow out on. Some concept double albums drag midway, but Snow has so many good melodies that it's always a pleasure to listen to this album.
- Porcupine Tree - In Absentia
Lyrically darker and musically heavier than the last couple of albums, but again, a band willing to take chances with their direction and push the enevelope. Not easy listening but once it works its way into your consciousness it demands repeated plays.
- Symphony X - The Odyssey
A late contender. Everyone has commented on the more agressive sound, but I actually think the sound is more polished. Great guitar riffs and vocals, and hopefully this will be the album to boost the band's rising profile.
Stephanie Sollow's (Preliminary) Top 11 2002:
Clay Walnum's Favorite Prog of 2002
(A baker's dozen):
