1. Broken Iris - Eyes of Tomorrow
http://www.myspace.com/brokeniris
Broken Iris is a relatively new band just starting to play shows after they self released their first album, Eyes of Tomorrow. They randomly added me on Myspace earlier this year. Usually I wont even give a band a listen if I dont like their name or their picture is retarded. 9.9/10 times the band is awful, so I feel no shame. But something intrigued me about them so I gave it a listen. The first song I heard on their Myspace was "Unfolding Time". I swear I listened to it a good 4 times before I even went to the next.
These guys have a very powerful, melodic...straight up epic sound. They are a full band with a cello and piano added to the mix. They utilize acoustic and electric guitars blended perfectly and a strong rhythm section to accompany. The vocalist is top notch with great range and melody writing abilities. These guys are hard to compare to others, so just give it a listen. This probably isn't your cup of tea, but I know a few of you will like it.
2. Say Anything - In Defense of the Genre
http://myspace.com/sayanything
Never heard anyone in a genre like this release what I would consider an "epic" album. But holy shit...In Defense of the Genre is like Homer's Odyssey of pop-punk. It is about 3 different albums mixed perfectly into one. Get into it and see them live if you get a chance.
3. Circa Survive - On Letting Go
http://myspace.com/circasurvive
I was watching a commercial for this album on Fuse and it caught my ear. I heard the vocalist and thought "what the hell kind of voice is that?" But I listened further and started to realize that these guys have one hell of an original sound that is quite pleasing. Very spacey and progressive, sorta like Dredg but a little more out there. Great solo nighttime highway driving music for when you need to space out.
4. Viatrophy - Chronicles
http://www.myspace.com/viatrophy
Technical but melodic thrash/death metal from the UK. Chronicles is a must listen for fans of Mercenary (one of last year's big picks).
5. Four Year Strong - Rise or Die Trying
http://www.myspace.com/fouryearstrong
Fantastic dual vocal pop-punk. Styled with hardcore influenced guitars and drums to give it a powerful sound similar to Set Your Goals, but unique enough to warrant a listen.
6. Ensiferum - Victory Songs
http://www.myspace.com/officialensiferum
A vast improvement over DragonheaRAB. The Finns are growing their fanbase and will definitely be seeing some larger tours and festivals offered. Perhaps even a states tour!
7. The Starting Line - Direction
http://www.myspace.com/thestartingline
The pop-punk veterans came out with Direction this year. I see it as a very stripped down, more earthy album than their previous years. Almost "mature" I guess. Some people have a hard time getting into this one but I found a lot of enjoyment in it. Plus the song "Island" is candidate for song of the year.
8. Hardingrock - Grimen
http://www.myspace.com/hardingrock
Not much happened in terms of folk this year for me. But newly formed Hardingrock came out with an interesting album I suggest if you are into this type of stuff. Emperor's Ihsahn has collaborated with a few others to come out with their version of traditional Nordic folk mixed with modern neo-folk and black metal elements. Great for a cold rainy day.
9. Smoke or Fire - This Sinking Ship
www.myspace.com/smokeorfire
Raw and melodic punk from Fat Wreck ChorRAB. A little political in the lyrics, but if you are like me and are just looking for great music, give'em a listen. Get their back catalog too.
10. Suicide Silence - The Cleansing
http://www.myspace.com/suicidesilence
Mosh metal album of the year.