This year has been both better and worse. It's better in the sense that there are a couple more albums I like at this point than there were last year. It's worse in the sense that I've listened to less new music than I maybe ever have, and finding things interesting enough to listen to in full has been a chore. In that regard, the next couple months aren't giving any indication of being better.

This year's been great for me. I guess I listen to music with a totally different outlook and mindset than you do.

Anyway...

The Good Stuff:

A-Z - A2Z2 (I don't need to try anymore with second-rate Redemption if this exists)

I do like it a lot. I need to listen more but I'm a bit short of dedicated music listening time these days. Defo in my top 20 of my mid year list.

Avantasia - Here Be Dragons (Not Tobi's best, but solidly fun throughout)

I enjoy it a lot but haven't listened for a good while after the initial binge.

Freakstorm - Dust Of Glory (Catchy pop-ish rock)

I haven't heard this. Might see if I can just out of curiosity.

Ginger Evil - The Way It Burns (A blend of classic rock and Pink-esque pop that's very cool)

Didn't hear.

W.E.T. - Apex (Not quite "Earthrage", but not far behind, and way better than "Retransmission")

Well yes it's bloody excellent as expected.

The Bad Stuff:

The Darkness - Dreams On Toast (I want to punch Justin Hawkins in the throat after listening to this)

Didn't have you down as the violent type lol.

Ethel Cain - Perverts (Is this even music?)

Mentioning something no one here cares about or even knows? Pointless.

Spiritbox - Tsunami Sea (I continue to not understand why people think this band is good, and not just Courtney's voice)

No interest

Steven Wilson - The Overview (His biggest talent is making us think he still cares about making good music)

no interest.

The Disappointing Stuff:

Avatarium - Between You, God, The Devil & The Dead (Lovely sound, but boring songs, again)

No interest.

Dream Theater - Parasomnia (Portnoy's back, and the melodies are gone. Coincidence?)

Very strong IMO.

Ghost - Skeleta (Three good songs, and otherwise flaccid and boring)

Hmmm. I get it Ghost is somewhat wimpy or camp for some but obviously I completely disagree on this view that it's flaccid or boring.

Katatonia - Nightmares As Extensions Of The Waking State (From AOTY to being so turgid I barely made it through)

Yea it's a bit moody and slow but it still has merit IMO.

Killswitch Engage - This Consequence (Is it just every other album with Jesse I find moderately enjoyable?)

KSE is done for me if this is the best they can come up with. AILD is a million times better but I don't really listen to metalcore or just see it a guilty pleasure to break up the deluge of cheese I'm normally digesting.