It sure has been a while since I have written anything but I am glad to be back for this one! This has been a year of ups and downs in the music industry. Lots of amazing music coming out, brand new bands making their way through the ranks, and some unfortunate tragedies as well. I sat down and listened to EVERY album that caught my attention this year and decided to list off my top 10 favorites so, enjoy!

10. Something Clever – Season of Light

This album was the very first review I did this year and I still find myself sitting in my car and doing the ole’ chicken neck to every single song. This album was an amazing pleasure to listen to and to buy.

9. Nickelback – Feed the Machine

I know some people may give me some grief for this but let’s think this through shall we? A lot of people don’t know that this group generally plays in a lower tuning like B. Now, yes, they made headlines due to having a war of words with Corey Taylor (Slipknot/Stone Sour) but in my opinion, this album is a beautiful blend of their old and new sound. Please, keep your foot to yourself. Speaking of Stone Sour…

8. Stone Sour – Hydrograd

Corey Taylor definitely threw in some of his best vocal work I’ve ever heard from him. Yes, he can scream and all that mess but let’s face it, it isn’t about how high you can sing or how low you can growl, it is about the technique, structure of the song, and design. Bravo, sir. My hats off to you.

7. Nephilym – Nephilym

This group of guys have loads of talent and know exactly where to hit it at the musical heartstrings. The album is up and down with emotions and the images portrayed….WAKE UP, MAN! Yes, the imagery is that great.

6. Ded – Mis-An-Thrope

These guys seemed to have come out of nowhere, bringing to life the catchy polyrhythms like old Linkin Park and similar sounds to Motionless in White. Keep it going guys, Fred Durst definitely steered you guys in the proper direction. I truly believe they are bringing back the rap/rock genre of the industry, hands down.

5. Hell or Highwater – Vista

I have always been a huge fan of Atreyu so when I heard Brandon Saller (drummer for Atreyu) singing, I was immediately a fan; however, their album material doesn’t describe the energy that they have when playing a live show. An absolute must see.

I would like to note that some new albums are on their way out!
Asking Alexandria, Story of the Year, and Breaking Benjamin will have new albums out soon!
Now, back to the good stuff…

4. While She Sleeps – You Are We

Expressive, tormenting, and well thought out, this album possesses the makings of every emotion known to mankind. I’ve had this album since it came out and it gets better every time that I hear it. I especially love the track, “Silence Speaks” featuring Oli Sykes of Bring Me The Horizon.

3. Thrice – To Be Everywhere Is To Be Nowhere

These guys came back with some powerful tunes and it just seems like it comes natural. I remember listening to an interview they did about the song “Black Honey” and it was all inspired by a dream. Amazing.

2. Starset – Vessels

This album definitely brings out the rock prowess that they have. Edging out his personal experiences and masterfully welding them with the Starset Community, I always find myself closing my eyes and feeling the gravity of each song pull me, tugging the strings of existence.

1. Nothing More – The Stories We Tell Ourselves

These guys definitely outdid themselves with this album. Jonny Hawkins really put his vocals on the line with this album. The whole album is an epic story of today’s society and what we believe that we shouldn’t. The electronic influences mixed with strong riffs and well-thought drums and of course, those bass lines really pump the songs through.