"2011 was a great year for music, especially hard rock and heavy metal. A lot of big name bands put out records this year, but only 11 releases shall be deemed worthy enough to be recognized as my favorite albums of the year!"
So without further ado, here are my 11 favorite albums of 2011!!
11. Falling In Reverse - The Drug In Me Is You
I waited a long time for this record, and it matched every expectation I had upon it. Ronnie Radke is one of my favorite vocalists and I waited two and a half years for him to get out of prison and release this album.
Apparently, Radke's prison sentence did him good as his screams and growls are more vicious sounding and his singing is more melodic.
“The Drug In Me Is You” is a very diversified record as it has a great combination of poppy catchy rock songs in the beginning and heavy brutal hardcore tracks at the end.
I smiled like a 14 year old girl who shops at Hot Topic when I first heard “Raised By The Wolves”, as it is classic Ronnie Radke and a perfect blend of all the tracks on the album combined. The title track is infectious with a great chorus and I haven't stopped listening to “I'm Not A Vampire” since I first heard it.
I still listen to this album all the time and find it to be a triumphant return for one of today's greatest rock stars.
This summer I saw Amon Amarth live and it was undoubtably the best concert I ever attended.
With their latest release, the melodic Swedish death metal vikings deliver a great followup to their masterpiece “Twilight of the Thunder God.” "Surtur Rising" lives up to the saying if it ain't broke don't fix it, and Amon Amarth gave us another crushing death metal record at the highest caliber with this release.
The lyrics are all about Norse God's and vikings, but the musicianship of the band is the best part of the record. The bulldozer catchy riffs performed by Amon Amarth are legendary and emotive providing the perfect soundtrack to pillage and rampage a town too.
The songs on “Surtur Rising” are a little heavier than on “Twilight..” and deliver a big viking boot right up your Asgard. The rallying anthem “ For Victory Or Death” is my favorite song and has a breakdown at the end which always brings a malicious grin to my face.
One of the greatest modern metal bands alive, Amon Amarth are unlike any other death metal band you can find, plus their name is the Sindarin translation of Mount Doom from the “Lord of the Rings” books. You do not get more metal than that!
9. Chickenfoot – Chickenfoot III
The best way to avoid the sophomore slump, skip it. That is what Chickenfoot did with their second record, “Chickenfoot III.”
Comprising of two former members of Van Halen (Michael Anthony & Sammy Hagar), the drummer from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers (Chad Smith) and Joe Satriani, the greatest guitarist in the world today, Chickenfoot is by all definitions a super group.
A diversified record, “Chickenfoot III” is a great front to end album. From bluesy vibes to soulful grooves to touching ballads to big rock and roll anthems, “Chickenfoot III” delivers from all aspects.
All the tracks compliment each other, and the band has progressed and seem more in tune with one another, creating the best possible songs, while showcasing each band members individual legendary talents.
“Chickenfoot III” is a great hard rock album from great musicians and is a fun record just to put on and have a good time too.
8. Trivium – In Waves
I've been with Trivium since the beginning of their career, and I'm a huge fan of theirs. “Shogun” is a record that I will always hold close to my heart, so I was expecting big things from “In Waves.”
The album is a step in the right direction, but it is clear Trivium is still experimenting and toying with their sound. “In Waves” shows moments of brilliance and the new element of blast beat drumming by new drummer Nick Augusto, really spices up the album.
“In Waves” is also by far Trivium's most mainstream record, especially with the radio friendly single “Built To Fall” and it is obvious, Trivium is trying to take that next step and write catchier tunes.
Singer/guitarist Matt Heafy has always been an extraordinary guitar player, but on “In Waves” his vocals have vasty improved. His screams and growls are filled with such venomous rage, and his clean melodic singing is light years better than it was in the past, as evident by their live performances.
“In Waves” features some of Trivium's best work, and while I doubt it is going to be considered their magnum opus, the band is improving on every new release. I am excited to see where Trivium goes from here because “In Waves” has some strong features which could elevate and push Trivium to the next level and into that upper echelon of the metal world.
7. Korn – The Path Of Totality
Korn has never been a band that plays by the rules and is a band which is always reinventing themselves.
After last year's fantastic “Korn III: Remember Who You Are” which showed the band returning to their metal roots, their latest release “The Path Of Totality” is a complete 180.
A full out experimental release, Korn delves into new territory and collaborated with some of the top dubstep and electronica musicians from around the world including Skrillex, Datsik and Kill The Noise amongst others on “The Path Of Totality.”
Although Korn is not the first band to mix electronica and dubstep into their music, they are the first band to write songs with this sound in mind. These are not a bunch of remixed tracks, as Korn actually wrote these songs with this intended sound and worked with the featured artists to create something totally unique and creative to them.
“The Path Of Totality” is pure adrenaline and is completely different from anything else you will listen too. Korn created something special with this record, and while it remains to be seen if they will continue to release albums like this in the future, you have to give credit to a band which keeps pushing boundaries into unexpected territories 20 years into their career.
6. Sebastian Bach - “Kicking & Screaming”
Sebastian Bach is one of the greatest rock singers to emerge in the 90's and the first two Skid Row records are two of my all time favorite albums.
Due to an awkwardly timed October snowstorm, I was able to see Bach live and the guy sounds just as good today as he did when he first arrived on the scene in the late 80's, plus his showmanship and rock and roll spirit is unmatched.
Even though, Bach's last solo album “Angel Down” was incredible and super heavy, for some reason I was not expecting a lot from “Kicking & Screaming.” However, I could not have been more wrong, as the record is undeniably fantastic.
“Kicking & Screaming” is better than “Angel Down” and is a highly enjoyable album. Bach's vocals are just as great as they have always been and the record has a youthful energy, which makes the listening experience that much more exciting.
There is so much more on this release than their was on “Angel Down” as Bach has let go some of the metal elements and returned back to his roots. The title track is potentially my favorite song of the year and it goes without saying that Sebastian Bach has released one of the best hard rock albums of 2011.
5. Mastodon - The Hunter
It does not get any better than progressive sludge metal.
I never really got into Mastodon before this record, cause I could not bother with trying to patiently sit through their concept albums, but that all changed with “The Hunter” and now Mastodon is one of my favorite bands.
The fret work on “The Hunter” is something Tony Iommi would be proud of and along with monstrous chorus' and powerful drumming, Mastodon's latest release is catchy and unique only too them.
The songs are short and easy to get into, featuring a variety of intriguing sounds on each track, plus “The Hunter” provide some interesting lyrics such as “I killed a man cause he killed my goat, I put my hands around his throat” on “Curl of the Burl.”
“The Hunter” is a very focused and immediate album which captivates and holds the listener in from the very first song until the ending note, and is a record I will consistently play for the foreseeable future.
4. Machine Head – Unto The Locust
In 2007, Machine Head released “The Blackening” which is the greatest musical release of the 21st century.
With that said, Machine Head faced a difficult task in matching the excellence displayed on that masterpiece and followed it up with an equally captivating release with “Unto The Locust.”
Catchier and a little more melodic, “Unto The Locust” features seven non-skippable intense tracks. The energy on this record is unmatched and sums up everything I love about metal.
The band even takes a detour and experiments with a slower ballad type song “Darkness Within” which is easily the best thing on this record. Brilliant and totally unexpected, the lyrics are exceptional and moving, and made the hairs on the back of my neck standup.
Machine Head is the top band out in the metal world today and have released back to back flawless masterpieces. There appears to be no end to this band's inspiration at this point, and God only knows what they'll come up with next.
3. Iced Earth – Dystopia
One of the most surprising records of the year for me, I never listened to Iced Earth before this record and only gave them a chance because I was so bored with my iTunes collection and needed to hear something different.
I am very happy I did, because even though a lot of legendary thrash metal bands such as Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax put out records this year, Iced Earth an unknown band to me at the beginning of the year put out my favorite thrash metal album of 2011.
A confidence boosting record, I religiously listen to “Dystopia” all the way through every time I put it on, and could never stop or skip a song once the album starts.
Rhythm guitarist, Jon Schaffer lays down mind bending work and Stu Block has a wide vocal range delivery, which always keeps things interesting. Iced Earth made me a lifelong fan with “Dystopia” and I eagerly await seeing them live in 2012 and look forward to their future releases.
I recommend every metal head give “Dystopia” a chance, you won't be disappointed.
2. Foo Fighters – Wasting Light
If there were any qualms about the Foo Fighters being the biggest rock and roll band to emerge in the last 20 years, one need not look further than “Wasting Light” to cease any and all doubt.
A great ride from start to finish, like all Foo Fighters albums, the music on “Wasting Light” is incredible and instantly charming. Fun, energetic, and unendingly catchy, every track could be a potential single and I assure you, you will be singing along midway through each tune.
Remarkably, “Wasting Light” is also the heaviest record the Foo Fighters ever put out, but the focus and catchiness upstage and distract you from noticing how hard this album hits.
In my opinion, “Wasting Light” is the best Foo Fighters album yet. The record also features the return of original guitarist Pat Smear, who helped create some of the Foo Fighters biggest and earliest classics such as “Everlong” and “My Hero.” Smear's addition not only brings back the classic Foo Fighters sound, but also marks the first time the Foo Fighters operated with three guitarists.
“Wasting Light” is as close as you get to the perfect album, as everything from the songwriting, to the production, to the performances of the band members is absolutely spot on. Dave Grohl and the boys created a big rock and roll record, which both long time fans and new fans will highly enjoy. The album deserves all the praise it has been getting, as “Wasting Light” is potentially the best musical release of the year.
1. Times Of Grace - The Hymn Of A Broken Man
Duh!
If you know me, you know I love this record, it's UN-FUCKING-BELIEVABLE! Such an inspiring album, this record got me through the toughest, most difficult time period of my life.
Never before, have I ever been so connected to a piece of music and been able to relate to every single song. It's SO real and meaningful!
I have always been a huge Killswitch Engage fan, especially their record “Alive Or Just Breathing” with Jesse Leach, so when Adam D. announced he was reuniting with his former band member, I was ecstatic.
The lyrics are about overcoming obstacles and are heartfelt, but very intense, which fit's right into Leach's vocal delivery. When you listen to the album, you can tell that Leach has some serious problems, and is not just playing into a gimmick, and it was something I needed to hear. The record is filled with such passion and still just gives me goosebumps every time I listen to it, as well as giving me a positive outlook on life, and the ability to carry on.
“The Hymn Of A Broken Man” makes you look inward, and as soon as you listen to the album, it's going to deeply affect you. However, the album is also extremely dark at times, which makes the listening experience that much more intense, but also makes the optimistic songs that much more impactful and powerful.
Even today, I still find inspiration when I listen to this record. Every time I put it on, I learn new things about myself and my outlook on life changes for the better. I'm never going to get sick of Times of Grace and even if the band was only a one time thing, it will always be a classic to me.
This album restored my faith in music, and I knew it was going to be game changing the first time I heard it. I never once had any doubts that it was going to be my favorite record of the year.
Music fans of any genre, need to listen to this record, cause it is one of the greatest releases of our time.
Best record of the year by far, “Live In Love” and listen to it!
Honorable Mentions:
Megadeth "Th1rt3en" - the most consistently good band out of the Big 4. "Public Enemy #1" is mind numbingly good.
Anthrax "Worship Music" - their best release yet. "Fight 'Em Til You Can't" "Devil You Know" and "In The End" are spectacular.
Five Finger Death Punch "American Capitalist" - bro metal at its finest. "Under & Over It" is great and the ballad "Remember Everything" risk payed off, and showed their improvement.
Sixx A.M. "This Is Gonna Hurt" - great hard rock record, however it is not as good as their classic first release.
Crowbar "Sever The Wicked Hand" - the riff master Kirk Windstein put out the best Crowbar record yet. Sludge metal with punk influences.
Ghost "Opus Eponymous" - only reason it's not on my list is because it came out in 2010, however 2011 was the first time I heard it. Have not stopped listening to it since.
Hemoptysis "Misanthropic Slaughter" - the future of thrash metal. Listen to "M.O.D." and you'll understand why.
Wednesday 13 "Calling All Corpses" - call it the ghoul in me, but horror punk will always be my favorite sub-genre. Wednesday 13 also has an awesome and unique voice.
