Let's see, some comments on your choices...
Dragonforce - I don't like them, they are too "flowery" for my tastes.
Nightwish - I hate this band.
Therion - Both albums were nice surprises; some filler here and there, but most songs are excellent. The inclusion of Mats Levén on vocals on some tracks was a great idea that brought Therion a much needed return to "metallic" form.
Blood of Kingu is probably one of the best songs they've written in a while.
I haven't heard the new Edguy, Primal Fear, Rhapsody and Megadeth, but I do like all the bands to a certain extent.
As for what I got this year, some short thoughts:
Fireign - Promo
This is some thrashened melodic extreme metal, not very different from many "Gothenburg" bands. Honestly, they're not my cup of tea.
Hail Planktön - Promo
Weird stuff, sometimes going semi thrash, others speed, heavy, black, etc. It has some potential, but it's weak overall.
Devil in the Kitchen - Demo / Live and Wizard's Walk EP
Great folk / speed metal from the US. The lead fiddle is really good and the songs are quite fun. The only thing these guys are missing is a better / more professional production, but they are very good at the moment anyway.
Demonoid - Riders of the Apocalypse
Not as good as I expected, but still a fine album. It took a while to grow on me (it still is), but it is sounding increasingly better with each listen. I just wish they would concentrate on better riffs and improve the songwriting a little. The atmosphere is very nice though.
Stormwarrior - Northern Rage
Their debut was probably the best Speed Metal album I've heard in a long time, and a personal favorite. This second offering is not as strong, and I still have some listening to do, but so far it looks like a solid release.
That's about it, didn't get much this year.
