- VAN HALEN – A DIFFERENT KIND OF TRUTH.
The year got off to a cracking start when VH finally released not only a new album, but their first one with Roth since 1984. The 28 year wait was worth it…..Possibly the greatest rock comeback album ever…..my love for this band and this album in particular has only been exacerbated by witnessing them live in Boston earlier this year. Yes, there were tears….
- SLASH – APOCALYPTIC LOVE
For us long serving Gunners fans, we had been waiting for a consistent album by a former band member. Slash teased us with a few cool tunes on his self titled effort a few years ago, but it wasn’t until he wrote an entire album with Myles Kennedy that the GN’R fans of old could really sink their teeth into. It only took one listen for this old school fan to become totally blown away – stacked with killer vocal hooks, melodies and the riffs you would expect from the great man.
- THE CULT – CHOICE OF WEAPON
The theme running across these first three albums is……’a splendid return to form’…VH aside, look no further than ‘Choice of Weapon’ as evidence the Astbury/Duffy relationship still has a a LOT to offer. This album would have sat nicely in between the ‘Sonic Temple’ and ‘Ceremony’ albums of the late 80’s and early 90’s. A bit overlooked this album, pleeeease do yirself a favour and get this album – old school Cult fans will NOT be disappointed.
- KREATOR – PHANTOM ANTICHRIST
The band that can do no wrong – yet another thrashing whirwind of speed, intensity and pure hate. Easily Europe’s finest thrash band, Kreator have delivered yet again. Well done Mille & Co. You are a pleasure to have around.
- 4ARM – SUBMISSION FOR LIBERTY
From Europe’s finest thrash, to our own finest…..4ARM’s debut release for Riot! Raised the bench mark for thrash in the new millennium. Whilst tipping their hats to the genre’s forefathers, 4Arm delivered a pumping powerhouse of lyrically succinct, well produced, cliché free thrash metal. So good in fact, they have been chosen to support some the aforementioned Thrash God fathers Testament and Overkill in the US next year – now THAT looks good on a resume!
- PARADISE LOST – TRAGIC IDOL
More old school Goth metal from one of the genre’s originators. Criminally underrated and unfairly pigeon holed with the Gothic tag – Paradise Lost celebrated their 25th year together by dropping another fine collection of melodic doom. Catching them live for the first time in 17 years was also one of the 2012’s highlights.
- THE DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT– EPICLOUD
Hevy Devy just keeps churning out the tunes – another epic slice of soaring, inspired 80’s pop melodies, driven by emotion and a still with a sly smile. The second track ‘True North’ is the SONG OF THE YEAR.
- JEFF LOOMIS – PLAINS OF OBLIVION
How to follow up after the break up your (incredible) band?? Release one of the albums of the year! Ably assisted by the likes of Marty Friedman, Tony MacAlpine, Chris Poland and Ihsahn, Loomis proved yet again just how much of the heart and soul of Nevermore he really was.
- TESTAMENT – THE DARK ROOTS OF EARTH
It took me a while to really get into this album. Unusual really as they are one of my very favourite bands and in my humble opinion have one of the best strike rates in metal history. After a few weeks of repeated listens, it finally clicked and ‘Dark Roots’ became the quality successor to 2008’s magnificent ‘The Damnation Of Formation’.
- OVERKILL – THE ELECTRIC AGE
Another band that just keeps consistently releasing quality albums. You always know what you are going to get from Overkill – no frills thrash!
Notable mentions go to:
Make Them Suffer – Neverbloom
Lamb Of God – Resolution
Adrenaline Mob - Omerta
Cradle Of Filth – The Manticore & Other Horrors
Soulfly – Enslaved
Gojira – L’Enfant Sauvage
For all things Metal/Hardcore/Rock be sure to check our brother blog MANIACS
