Top Ten Albums of 2012

Top Ten Albums of 2012

2012 was a fantastic year for new music, with almost too many amazing albums dropping for a top ten that would represent just how good the last 12 months or so have been. However, I’ve managed to make a top ten list that showcases some of the best albums (debuts, returns to form and game changers). Starting with…

10. House Vs Hurricane – Crooked Teeth

‘Crooked Teeth’ is an incredibly strong album from a band with bags of know-how when it comes to writing heavy music. Almost every song is memorable and holds up well after repeat listens. House Vs Hurricane are back with a vengeance.

9. Converge – All We Love We Leave Behind

Visceral, animal, energetic. One of the most accomplished heavy records of the year.

8. InMe – The Pride

‘The Pride’ is another fine release from a band that show no signs of slowing up their pursuit for what they definitely deserve, a real crack at the big time. It’s on its way, if this album is anything to go by, and I look forward to their time coming. ‘The Pride’ is a truly top album from a truly top British band.

7. While She Sleeps – This Is The Six

The album is an assured, mature and heavy offering that stands head and shoulders above much of what is currently being offered in the metal and hardcore scene, and that’s a huge positive as there as absolutely amazing Brit bands doing great work at the moment. But While She Sleeps are different – their music is passionate, heartfelt and brutal, making ‘This Is The Six’ a group of songs that aren’t to be sniffed at.

6. Upon A Burning Body – Red. White. Green.

‘Red. White. Green.’ is a fantastic album from a band destined to start making huge waves on the metal scene. The sound they create is individual and memorable, which it needs to be in the current climate, and this album will continue to gain new fans for a long time to come.

5. Every Time I Die – Ex Lives

ETID craft an intricate ‘take-no-prisoners- sound that has no rival. They are quite possibly the best metalcore band of all time, not just today. ‘Ex Lives’ is big, brash and bold, and if you are a fan of metal, punk, rock or any guitar music, you really need to get yourself a copy of this album. It is utterly astounding and will leave you breathless and reaching to pick your jaw up from the floor.

4. Lana Del Rey – Born to Die

‘Born to Die’ is an accomplished and unique album for the modern music scene to ponder over, and Lana Del Rey is different and enigmatic, performing her songs with charm and charisma is a ‘tortured soul’ kind of way. It is often morbid, but isn’t that where all great pop music is really rooted? The album has the storytelling prowess of David Bowie, the heartbreak of Adele and grim tragedy of acts like Kate Bush and Bjork. Lana Del Rey is no doubt destined for greatness and this album should propel her towards the stardom she deserves. ‘Born to Die’ is a work of outrageous genius.

3. Glass Cloud – The Royal Thousand

Glass Cloud are an exciting new band who have done well to avoid the recent curse of supergroups, delivering an album in the shape of ‘The Royal Thousand’ that is consistently brilliant without feeling overcooked. One of the best heavy metal releases of 2012, for sure.

2. Deftones – Koi No Yokan

Deftones can do no wrong. FACT.

1. Gallows - Gallows

This album has more balls than you’ve had hot dinners, and that’s what makes it so enjoyable. It’s awe-inspiring at times, which makes it that much more addictive. Returning to the previous albums is a pleasurable and nourishing experience as always, but to know that once the catalyst for everything that gave Gallows a recognisable sound had flown the coop helped produce what is likely to be the band’s best record and perhaps the best record of 2012, it leaves them feeling slightly, well – lacking. And that’s two albums that I am a MASSIVE fan of, which can mean only one thing. Gallows, the self-titled album from a band coming to the end of a major transition, is perfect in every sense of the word.

AND HERE ARE 10 MORE HONOURABLE MENTIONS! BRING ON 2013!