It’s that time of year again. We locked all of our staff members into a room and refused to let them out until they scribbled their top 10 albums of the year on a piece of paper. Some decided fairly quickly, some took a bit longer, and a few agonized over the process for days. You can find each writer’s top 10 below, in no particular order. We’ve also set up a playlist on Spotify, so you can listen to most of the releases listed.
We’re also giving you guys the opportunity to vote on your top 10 of the year, so weigh in and we’ll post those results very soon!
Lee’s Picks 
Vallenfyre
A Fragile King
A Fragile King
Blue Stahli
Blue Stahli
Blue Stahli
Jen’s Picks 
Arms Of The Sun
Arms Of The Sun
review forthcoming
Arms Of The Sun
review forthcoming
Eric’s Picks 
Kevin’s Picks 
Altar Of Plagues
Mammal
Mammal
The Atlas Moth
An Ache For the Distance
An Ache For the Distance
Ghost
Opus Eponymous
Opus Eponymous
Josh’s Picks 
My Epic
Broken Voice
Broken Voice
Luke’s Picks 
Kovlo
Hey Mom, Where’s Timbuktu?
Hey Mom, Where’s Timbuktu?
Kokomo
If Wolves
If Wolves
Across Waters
More Light Is Never Ending
More Light Is Never Ending
Vestascension
untitled (series of songs released)
untitled (series of songs released)
Keith’s Picks 
Foo Fighters
Wasting Light
Wasting Light
The Veil Between
Disclosure
Disclosure
Sólstafir
Svartir Sandar
Svartir Sandar
Max G’s Picks 
With The Punches
It’s Not The End Of The World
It’s Not The End Of The World
Fireworks
Gospel
Gospel
Last Chance To Reason
Level 2
Level 2
Explosions In The Sky
Take Care, Take Care, Take Care
Take Care, Take Care, Take Care
The Story So Far
Under Soil and Dirt
Under Soil and Dirt
Hobbes’ Picks 
Jonathan’s Picks 
All Time Low
Dirty Work
Dirty Work
Matt Kearney
Young Love
Young Love
Lights
Siberia
Siberia
Owl City
All Things Bright and Beautiful
All Things Bright and Beautiful
Mutemath
Odd Soul
Odd Soul
John’s Picks 
Mike’s Picks 
Warbringer
Worlds Torn Asunder
Worlds Torn Asunder
Red Fang
Murder the Mountains
Murder the Mountains
Alestorm
Back Through Time
Back Through Time
Gabe’s Picks 
Corelia
Nostalgia
Nostalgia
Erra
Impulse
Impulse
Sea Of Skies
Distance
Distance
Isaac’s Picks 
The Weeknd
House Of Balloons
House Of Balloons
Chelsea Wolfe
Ἀποκάλυψις
Ἀποκάλυψις
Cunninlynguists
Oneirology
Oneirology
Nujabes
Spiritual State
Spiritual State
Polar Bear Club
Clash Battle Guilt Pride
Clash Battle Guilt Pride
Full Of Hell
Roots Of Earth Are Consuming My Home
Roots Of Earth Are Consuming My Home
Blazo
Colors Of Jazz
Colors Of Jazz
Austin’s Picks 
Aversions Crown
Servitude
Servitude
Failure In Vanity
The Contender
The Contender
Breakdown Of Sanity
Mirrors
Mirrors
Lights
Siberia
Siberia
Collapse Under The Empire
Shoulders & Giants
Shoulders & Giants
Coyote Theory
Colors
Colors
Max L’s Picks 
Ulcerate
The Destroyers of All
The Destroyers of All
Unexpect
Fables of the Sleepless Empire
Fables of the Sleepless Empire
Lee T’s Picks 
Scale The Summit
The Collective
The Collective
Last Chance To Reason
Level 2
Level 2
Coyote Theory
Colors
Colors
Substructure
Monolith
Monolith
David’s Picks 
Thrice
Major/Minor
Major/Minor
My Epic
Broken Voice
Broken Voice
Josh Garrels
Love & War & The Sea In Between
Love & War & The Sea In Between
Lecrae
Rehab: The Overdose
Rehab: The Overdose
Saving Grace
The King Is Coming
The King Is Coming
Those Who Fear
Legacy
Legacy
Tim’s Picks 
Cynic
Carbon Based Anatomy
Carbon Based Anatomy
269 Comments
December 4th, 2011 at 10:41 pm
Interesting picks for everyone, although I’m surprised Gabe didn’t include the new AGATG album on his list. he really seemed to love that one.
[Reply to this comment]
Gabriel Pio replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 6:30 am
Yeah, that surprised me a bit too. At the time that I reviewed AGATG I was really hooked on it, but I found that during the rest of the year I didn’t come back to it much, while the other albums on my lists are frequently listened to when I’m on the pc or on the go.
[Reply to this comment]
Robert replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 9:41 pm
ah, i see. well, me personally, i loved motherland the first time i heard, and every subsequent playthrough still holds up. i think it’s the only album out this year that i ALWAYS listen to from beginning to end every time i hit play.
[Reply to this comment]
December 4th, 2011 at 10:42 pm
tl;dr These albums suck.
[Reply to this comment]
David replied:
December 4th, 2011 at 10:46 pm
But in all seriousness, I love how diverse the lists are. I really do.
[Reply to this comment]
Jen replied:
December 4th, 2011 at 11:15 pm
Don’t you mean “tl;dlatp”? (Too long; didn’t look at the pictures)
[Reply to this comment]
December 4th, 2011 at 10:49 pm
I’m glad to see there was some love for Behold Oblivion, Breakdown of Sanity, and Last Chance to Reason, but not enough love.
[Reply to this comment]
Luke Amos replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 12:41 am
Good releases but didn’t quite make it to my list.
[Reply to this comment]
Gabriel Pio replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 6:31 am
Last Chance To Reason is a really good listen but they lost me a bit on subject matter.
[Reply to this comment]
Jen replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 12:40 pm
I’ll second that about the subject matter.
[Reply to this comment]
Nicholas Misiak replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 8:59 pm
That’s just because you haven’t even gotten through level 1……
[Reply to this comment]
December 4th, 2011 at 11:10 pm
Love how diverse these lists are!
Also, lol, Lights. >.>
[Reply to this comment]
Jen replied:
December 4th, 2011 at 11:14 pm
Yeah, Lights. >.>
[Reply to this comment]
Luke Amos replied:
December 4th, 2011 at 11:39 pm
Katy chose Lights too, don’t even try that.
[Reply to this comment]
Jen replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 12:40 pm
Ew.
[Reply to this comment]
Jonathan replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 3:07 pm
I listened to one of her songs… And it wasn’t bad at all. I kind of liked it.
[Reply to this comment]
Nicholas Misiak replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 9:01 pm
Holy shit, I haven’t seen Katy on here in months. Same for The Chairman……wonder what his top ten albums are
[Reply to this comment]
Luke Amos replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 3:11 am
I’m trying to whip her into shape and make her comment more.
[Reply to this comment]
Nicholas Misiak replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 3:12 am
Aww haha well you’re not doing a very good job
[Reply to this comment]
Luke Amos replied:
December 9th, 2011 at 3:43 am
Well she has read every review I ever wrote. That’s something.
[Reply to this comment]
December 4th, 2011 at 11:38 pm
Really liked the fact that Impulse by Erra made it to someone’s list. Haven’t been able to stop listening to that album. Is somebody going to review it here?
[Reply to this comment]
Gabriel Pio replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 6:32 am
Woot! Probably not man, I think Tragic Hero didn’t send us a copy.
[Reply to this comment]
Brent replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 11:17 am
Then just out of curiosity what would you give this album?
[Reply to this comment]
Gabriel Pio replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 1:02 pm
I would have rated it a solid 4.0
They don’t really do anything new, but it’s a pretty entertaining and catchy album. I love “Seven,” “Efflorescent” and “Invent.”
[Reply to this comment]
Luke Amos replied:
December 9th, 2011 at 3:43 am
I just now learned about this album. Ugh.
[Reply to this comment]
December 4th, 2011 at 11:49 pm
Glad to see SeeS, Moving Mountains, and Crossfade up there. Just goes to show the many different flavors enjoyed by the staff here at TNR
[Reply to this comment]
December 4th, 2011 at 11:50 pm
Jen I am so sad that Onward To Olympus’s sophmore triumph didn’t make it to your list
[Reply to this comment]
Jen replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
Seems like that album came out an eternity ago. It was a good album when I listened to it, but I haven’t went back to it much at all. Not really sure why. I just don’t find myself wanting to listen to it that much.
[Reply to this comment]
Jonathan Anderson replied:
January 10th, 2012 at 9:39 pm
me either, as much as I loved it. Most just not have the relistenable quality to it.
[Reply to this comment]
December 5th, 2011 at 12:01 am
Props to all staff who put Oh, Sleeper on their list.
[Reply to this comment]
December 5th, 2011 at 12:02 am
Digging that Altar of Plagues, The Atlas Moth, deafheaven, Chelsea Wolfe, and Ulcerate love.
Some great lists. I still need to listen to a few of these.
[Reply to this comment]
Nicholas Misiak replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 12:13 am
Same here man. Hell there were a few bands on some of the lists that I have never heard of before. It kind of frustrates me because I try my best to check everything out……guess I still have some work to do! haha
Oh and I’m suprised to see that no one has “Colors in Stereo” by Moonlit Sailor. It’s a soft instrumental album in the vein of Russian Circles and Dredg and it’s pretty fucking amazing! Also check out “Beyond the Sea, Beneath the Sky” by I Hear Sirens because it’s pretty amazing as well!!
[Reply to this comment]
Luke Amos replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 1:16 am
Love that album but I already had so much post-rock.
[Reply to this comment]
Nicholas Misiak replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 3:40 am
Yeah I bet you get tons of that stuff. Besides, Vestascension has everything you would want to fulfill your post rock and progressive needs. Wonder if they are ever gonna release their songs on an album.
[Reply to this comment]
Jen replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 1:23 pm
Chelsea Wolfe? Smells like hipster in here.
[Reply to this comment]
Seth replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 2:14 pm
That is a fantastic album. I’ll fight anyone who says otherwise using foam Hulk fists.
[Reply to this comment]
Jen replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
Better dust off your Hulk fists.
[Reply to this comment]
Isaac Wastman replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 2:55 pm
hipster? have you even heard it? that album’s kvlt as fuck, guaranteed it was recorded in subzero degree temperatures lol
[Reply to this comment]
Jen replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 5:42 pm
Yep, listened to it today as a matter of fact. I. Just. Don’t. Get. It. But thanks for the “kvlt as fuck” terminology. That really helps. lol I don’t care if she traveled to Norway and recorded the album on a snow-covered mountain top with someone’s old ass answering machine, that doesn’t make it good.
[Reply to this comment]
Lee replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 5:45 pm
I know that you liked Trials….Have you checked out Sees or Before The Fall?
[Reply to this comment]
Seth replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 6:23 pm
I did listen to Sees and wasn’t a fan, but honestly I can’t remember that album. I’ll try again.
Before the Fall, no… I’ll give it a listen.
[Reply to this comment]
Clinton replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 8:20 pm
Before the Fall isn’t very good.
[Reply to this comment]
Lee Rochester replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 8:27 pm
Wrong…they are VERY GOOD.
Too heavy for you? 
[Reply to this comment]
Clinton replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 8:51 pm
Maybe I need to listen to it again or I’m listening to the wrong band. It wasn’t heavy at all. Are you being feceatious?
[Reply to this comment]
Lee replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 9:35 pm
Check out my review. Ha Ha! That should prove it’s not the same band you heard.
http://thenewreview.net/reviews/before-the-fall-antibody
[Reply to this comment]
Clinton replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 11:02 pm
Holy Shit, there are two bands called Before the Fall. I WAS listening to the wrong band. The other BTF was a Billy Talent sounds alike or similiar. HA….Jokes on me.
HEAVY SHIT MAN….
[Reply to this comment]
December 5th, 2011 at 12:04 am
Austin your list is really really good btw!
[Reply to this comment]
Austin Williams replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 12:32 am
I love how most of my list doesn’t have a review here on TNR lol, and 3 of the ones I picked were reviewed by myself.
[Reply to this comment]
Nicholas Misiak replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 12:43 am
Haha I know! I would love to see some reviews from your choices up here though. Especially one for Failure in Vanity
[Reply to this comment]
Austin Williams replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 12:59 am
I wanted to write one for Failure In Vanity but it just got lost in the shuffle, I’m afraid.
[Reply to this comment]
Lee replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
Oh Austin…..you’re such a hipster…..”I love how most of my list doesn’t have a review here on TNR” Muhahahahaha! Hilarious.
[Reply to this comment]
Austin Williams replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 1:59 pm
Isaac out-hipstered me, though, per usual
[Reply to this comment]
Lee Rochester replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
Well as you know… Isaac is the hipster’s hipster. You mean you haven’t picked up his book… “Isaac’s ultimate guide on becoming the hippest hipster”?
[Reply to this comment]
Isaac Wastman replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 3:24 pm
read that book… it’s like 3/5. rofl
[Reply to this comment]
Jen replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
Wow, THAT good huh?
[Reply to this comment]
Isaac Wastman replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 2:09 pm
too shallow, pedantic and pedestrian for my liking.
[Reply to this comment]
December 5th, 2011 at 12:36 am
Happy to see Cunninlynguists and Lecrae get some love on here. Only hip hop albums I liked this year hahaha.
[Reply to this comment]
Luke Amos replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 1:16 am
Hate Lecrae.
[Reply to this comment]
Austin Williams replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 1:18 am
I prefer Trip Lee…but what’s so bad about Lecrae?
[Reply to this comment]
Luke Amos replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 8:44 pm
I attended a Bible institute filled with young Christians. I heard more Lecrae and Gungor than one should ever have to.
[Reply to this comment]
Austin Williams replied:
December 7th, 2011 at 1:34 pm
Lol should’ve mixed in some Trip Lee and Sho Baraka
[Reply to this comment]
Tim Meyer replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 1:29 am
http://myfacewhen.com/153/
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December 5th, 2011 at 12:39 am
Mike put Alestorm. Yes.
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butcher666 replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 4:40 am
God bless the AAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHCORE!!!!
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December 5th, 2011 at 12:47 am
Props to John for Kvelertak! Such a beast of an album.
[Reply to this comment]
John Skibeat replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 8:02 am
I love that I got to include that. It would have also gone on my 2010 list if I’d been here for its UK release! FOSSEGRIM!
[Reply to this comment]
December 5th, 2011 at 12:57 am
weird, no vanna in max’s list and no defeater in jen’s
[Reply to this comment]
Tim Meyer replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 1:30 am
I just finally got around to Defeater last Wednesday. Such a powerful story. It may have made my ten if I’d had more time with it.
[Reply to this comment]
Jen replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 8:22 pm
I’ve tried listening to Defeater’s latest album several times because I keep feeling like I’ve missed out on something, but I just don’t connect with it. I’ve tried though.
[Reply to this comment]
Clinton replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 8:23 pm
I agree with Jen
[Reply to this comment]
December 5th, 2011 at 2:56 am
Happy to see Explosions In The Sky up there. Anyone with any taste in music should love it.
[Reply to this comment]
Lee replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 5:45 pm
I have taste in music and I don’t love it.
[Reply to this comment]
Matthew Lowery replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 2:58 am
Well one of these two things must not be true then
haha
[Reply to this comment]
Lee replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 3:13 pm
Um….er-k!
[Reply to this comment]
Luke Amos replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 8:44 pm
If you like EITS then check out all the post-rock in my list. Some real gems there that I hope to help spread around.
[Reply to this comment]
December 5th, 2011 at 6:13 am
Gabe, lee T., Tim and Max L. have the best lists imho. Can’t find myself in Lee’s list at all.
Also NO has Trophy Scars in their list?
[Reply to this comment]
Lee replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 6:47 am
No offense, but this does not surprise me at all. Look at their list compared to mine. We are from a completely different generation/background.
[Reply to this comment]
Achantion replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 7:07 am
I figured as much as you usually hate the album I like (and visa versa).
[Reply to this comment]
Lee replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 7:13 am
Fair enough. Even though I may dislike a number of albums that you/they like, I always take the time to listen to them. Because in the end, you can never learn too much about music.
[Reply to this comment]
Achantion replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 7:19 am
Well I can’t bring myself to a whole album if I don’t like it but yeah, you can never learn enough (or hear enough). Especially since the experiences changes during time.
[Reply to this comment]
December 5th, 2011 at 7:41 am
No Vildhjarta? That’s one of the best albums I’ve heard in a long time.
[Reply to this comment]
Gabriel Pio replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 9:11 am
Vildhjarta is on my list. :3
[Reply to this comment]
Jake C replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 9:40 am
Didn’t see that hahaha that’s all ive been able to listen to since it came out. The songs with one line of vocals dont make sense as stand-alones but as a whole I think it made that album great. Just my thoughts.
[Reply to this comment]
Nicholas Misiak replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 4:21 am
Masstaden is my favorate record of the year simply because it’s the very definition of what a complete record should sound like. Take the cohesion of the album for example; if you are into this genre then you are in for a real treat. The songs flow into one another flawlessly, creating an epic experience full of bending guitar lines, aggressive vocals, and calm/ambient sections that are actually there for a reason. I don’t understand why Vildhjarta gets so much hate because you can tell how much effort, time, thought, and care was put into the album. I honestly cannot stop listening to this beast and I discover something new to my ears every time. The lyrics are also worth mentioning because they are actually meaningful and relatable which is rare to encounter in a concept album. They definately compliment the instruments rather well and don’t feel tacked on, like so many people have complained about. I could go on and on but I think this will be THALL I have to say about Masstaden
[Reply to this comment]
Jake C replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 11:05 am
Where did you find the lyrics?
[Reply to this comment]
Nicholas Misiak replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
The lyric slip comes inside the album’s paper case. The wording is so tiny that I have to use my buddy’s biphocals to really see em haha
[Reply to this comment]
VN1X replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 5:04 pm
Hah ain’t that the truth! The art (or print) is so dark that I can barely make out what the lyrics actually say.
I guess they’re keeping it gloomy and shit.
[Reply to this comment]
Nicholas Misiak replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 8:03 pm
Lol yeah it is so dark and I just wish they would have blown up the words just alittle more so us old folk could actually read them
[Reply to this comment]
Luke Amos replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 8:45 pm
I weep for you.
[Reply to this comment]
Nicholas Misiak replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 8:52 pm
Haha you youngsters are always so full of sympathy
[Reply to this comment]
Gabriel Pio replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 9:17 pm
Aren’t you like 25 or something? Puh-leaze.
[Reply to this comment]
Jake C replied:
December 7th, 2011 at 3:06 pm
I weep for YOU hahaha that new Chelsea Grin album was pretty bad
[Reply to this comment]
Nicholas Misiak replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 8:43 pm
I’m 27 Gabe, but man you were really close! I feel young, but the clock seems like it’s ticking so fast!
[Reply to this comment]
December 5th, 2011 at 7:46 am
+1 to Austin, Gab, and Lee T. Great lists.
[Reply to this comment]
Luke Amos replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 8:46 pm
My list is best.
[Reply to this comment]
December 5th, 2011 at 11:57 am
Seriously?? No love for Eric’s list?? At all?? Damn….. well I like your list dude!
Decapitated’s album was my album of the year, and World Under Blood, I Chaos and Textures were all amazing
[Reply to this comment]
Lee replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
Ha Ha! No one likes my list either, but that’s to be expected. I don’t enjoy a lot of these new-era-core, pop punk or airy ethereal bands.
Textures would’ve be better if De Jongh didn’t sing so damn much. It lacked the balls that I had hoped for.
[Reply to this comment]
jcup replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 8:47 am
I like your list Lee, mainly because you give props to underground bands. Normally I would agree with more singing equals bad, but De Jongh is a great singer. TNR had a video of textures performing live and they sound just as great live as they do on cd. To me that seems like more of a rarity these days.
[Reply to this comment]
Lee Rochester replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 9:00 am
Thanks jcup. My biggest complaint about Dualism isn’t that De Jongh can’t sing, it’s because he sings way too much. I like his much more aggressive style (like when he was in CiLiCe) over the crooning that he does on that record.
[Reply to this comment]
J.D.Haras replied:
December 7th, 2011 at 3:25 pm
I do actually like your list btw Lee
I like that you put Before The Fall on your list alot. And I like Mike’s list for added Switchtense to his list. I am surprised you didn’t put them on your list 
[Reply to this comment]
Nicholas Misiak replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 9:00 pm
Lee your list is awesome and you know it! I’m just sad Laconic, Interbeing, Subversive(Imay have mispelled that one lol), and Threat Signal didn’t make the cut
I know you really enjoyed all those!
[Reply to this comment]
Lee replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 9:42 pm
I originally had The Interbeing as one of my alternates, but went with Blue Stahli instead simply because I just can’t stop listening to that album. LOL! Threat Signal was also right on the cusp of those 10.
[Reply to this comment]
Lee replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 9:44 pm
I like Switchtense, but it wasn’t as solid as some of my other selections (in my opinion at least). I’m really surprised that more people didn’t get into the Death Destruction album. I loved that damn thing. I hope all you guys shared your selections and voted.
[Reply to this comment]
Nicholas Misiak replied:
December 9th, 2011 at 1:03 am
Switchtense’s self-titled was a good album imo and definately a step up from “Confrontation of Souls”. It was a real treat that the album came out on my birthday
I honestly forgot all about that release though, which is a shame because tracks like “Face Off” and “Head of State” roar like a lion after closing in on the kill. I couldn’t get into Death Destruction for some reason. Guess I need to give it a few more spins. Anything that has to do with Dead by April makes me cringe though, so it might be harder for me to warm-up to Death Destruction even though they sound totally different.
[Reply to this comment]
December 5th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
I’m so disappointed for not having seen Ruining It For Everybody by iWaBO. You guys suck.
lol
[Reply to this comment]
December 5th, 2011 at 12:55 pm
Booooo!! Boooo!!!!! *throws chocolate milkshake at staff*
Not one mention of the Mighty Sepultura!!
*throws lemon cake with extra strawberries at staff*
[Reply to this comment]
Lee Rochester replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 1:05 pm
You know where I stand on it.
[Reply to this comment]
Nicholas Misiak replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 4:11 am
Oh laaaawd here we go again *grabs a chair*
[Reply to this comment]
December 5th, 2011 at 1:45 pm
All of you guys have terrible taste in music. No Rebecca Black? Really? Embarrassing.
The only real explanation is that she didn’t really have an album, just a song. So I’m going to assume that’s why she wasn’t #1 on every list.
[Reply to this comment]
Lee Rochester replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
You are so right Jonathan. I was devastated that her album didn’t drop this year. LOLOLOLOL.
[Reply to this comment]
Jonathan replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 3:06 pm
There was just so much emotion in her first single, and that’s what really won me over. She really wanted to figure out what seat she could take.
In all seriousness though, good lists people. Hope Keith gets better soon.
[Reply to this comment]
Lee replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 5:47 pm
Cool. Have you checked out Trials, Sees or Before The Fall?
[Reply to this comment]
Jonathan replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 7:50 pm
SeeS is fantastic. Definitely one of the best free albums out there. Any other year it would be in my top 10, but there was a lot of good music this year.
I think I’ve checked out Trials but don’t remember so I think that means that I wasn’t very impressed.
Haven’t checked out Before the Fall yet though.
[Reply to this comment]
Jonathan replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 10:33 pm
Actually I’m listening to Trials right now, and I definitely haven’t heard them yet. Good stuff so far.
[Reply to this comment]
December 5th, 2011 at 3:21 pm
Absolutely love seeing Born of Osiris’ The Discovery on so many lists. I cannot get enough of that album. Even after I’ve been listening to some of the newer albums, I always go back and rock out to The Discovery on my way to work.
[Reply to this comment]
VN1X replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 5:05 pm
Yeah shame the bassist is always high out of his mind. What a waste that guy is.
[Reply to this comment]
December 5th, 2011 at 3:24 pm
My favourite list here is the one John Skibeat done,could be my top ten easily but without the Limp Shit(i dont know if is a joke,but if you realy like,o.k,thats life).
The other two i realy love and get some albums that im realy dig this year was from Max Lussier and Eric Burnet,please,do more reviews about extreme metal albums,you both are a bit lazy hahaha,cheers bros.
A word to Mike Garrett.Man,thanks a lot for supporting Portuguese bands,i thank in the name of us all,you are the man,and of course congratulations to put the Cave In album in your list,that guys just rule.
A final word to the all TNR staff,despite we dont have the same musical taste does not mean you aren’t wonderfull writers,the reviews are always great.
Let just hope a 2012 beter for you all,musically and personally.CHEERS.
[Reply to this comment]
Lee replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 5:51 pm
You need some of this in your life – http://thenewreview.net/reviews/before-the-fall-antibody
[Reply to this comment]
Nicholas Misiak replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 4:10 am
That’s such a sick album Lee
[Reply to this comment]
John Skibeat replied:
December 7th, 2011 at 8:30 am
@Davide I had so much fun with Limp Bizkit’s album – it’s been on constant rotation in my car since it dropped. How could I not include it. No joke. “CLICK CLICK BOOOOOOM, That’s the sound of a shotgun!”
[Reply to this comment]
Davide replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
Thanks for the suggestion Lee, I’ve had the opportunity to listen and really enjoyed, did not know this band and I am amazed that I walked over it hahaha…once again thanks man.
John, you are joking or you are sick,lol,stay well bro.
[Reply to this comment]
December 5th, 2011 at 4:23 pm
I’m surprised no (not even in the post where we could choose our own top 10) has even mentioned trophy Scars. Their EP is the best post-hardcore release of this year by far (like last year when their other EP was the best post-hardcore release of the year.. or forever even)!
NOBODY hear a fan of Jazz-fusion (seems so.. Not enough Cynic and Trophy Scars)? xD
[Reply to this comment]
Gabriel Pio replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 5:47 pm
New Ever Forthright album…if I had gotten it sooner it might’ve been on this list, and there are some good jazz moments.
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Dustin replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 12:57 pm
Can’t wait till that drops Gabe, you’re a lucky man.
[Reply to this comment]
Nitrohippie replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 8:35 pm
Is Ever Forthright’s album actually out yet, Gabe? I hadn’t really heard anything and I’ve been waiting on that one for a while now.
[Reply to this comment]
Jen replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 8:48 pm
Not yet. No release date yet that I’ve heard. But we have it.
[Reply to this comment]
Nitrohippie replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 9:14 pm
I’ll wait for the review then and do some searching in the meantime. Thanks Jen.
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Jen replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 10:20 pm
As soon as I say that… http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/377334_2310336242175_1362420087_2116788_1053038943_n.jpg
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Nitrohippie replied:
December 9th, 2011 at 12:27 am
Cool. Thanks
[Reply to this comment]
Lee replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 5:47 pm
I like Cynic, but their EP wasn’t worthy of making my top 10 list.
[Reply to this comment]
Seth replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 6:18 pm
Cynic’s ep didn’t impress at all. Still need to check out Trophy Scars’ new one. I spent most of my time with 2011′s post-hardcore on Self Defense Family’s many releases, band is so good.
[Reply to this comment]
Nicholas Misiak replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 4:10 am
Cynic’s ep was total filler! I hope they have something big in store for us next year because that dinky ep definately won’t be enough to tide me or any Cynic fan over
[Reply to this comment]
Luke Amos replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 8:47 pm
I like Cynic but there was just too many releases that surpassed it.
[Reply to this comment]
December 5th, 2011 at 4:26 pm
Wow. Barely any love for Northlane. I thought at least that album was one of the better releases of the year..
[Reply to this comment]
Austin Williams replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 6:55 pm
I have provided all of the love.
[Reply to this comment]
Alex replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 8:55 pm
I saw that. Good job, man! I’m glad someone was realizing how incredible the album was.
[Reply to this comment]
Austin Williams replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 11:29 pm
Haha, I reviewed it, if anyone knows how incredible it is, it’s me. Lee liked it too though.
[Reply to this comment]
Dustin replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 12:57 pm
I expected at least a couple votes for top 10. Austin is the man for writing that review.
[Reply to this comment]
Austin Williams replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 7:20 pm
Awh shucks, man. Thanks
[Reply to this comment]
Luke Amos replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 8:47 pm
Northlane was literally the last band I had to cut. It was that close to making the list.
[Reply to this comment]
December 5th, 2011 at 5:48 pm
Nobody choose Thr1rt3en?
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Lee replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 5:50 pm
No way that that album makes my top 10. Ha Ha! Dave and company need to get back on track.
[Reply to this comment]
xin eohp replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 6:03 pm
You’re right. That album is hit & miss. But i never thought it’ll never makes into top 10 of any reviewers here. I guess you all have high taste.
[Reply to this comment]
Lee replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 6:09 pm
Damn right!
You have underestimated us my friend.
[Reply to this comment]
John Skibeat replied:
December 7th, 2011 at 8:31 am
YES!!!!
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December 5th, 2011 at 6:21 pm
Nice lists, but it would’ve been cool to see white arms of athena and havok on someones list. Hey lee where can i find before the fall? I have from muttism to riddance on mp3, but cannot find the self-titled anywhere.
[Reply to this comment]
Lee replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 6:25 pm
Do you want a digital download or physical copy? If you want a digital download, just go to the Amazon link under BUY THIS ALBUM (on the review.)
[Reply to this comment]
jcup replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 6:39 pm
I prefer cds but most import cds i have to download. The link doesn’t work for me, is it because i live in the states?
[Reply to this comment]
Lee replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 6:44 pm
Let me see what I can do for you.
[Reply to this comment]
Nicholas Misiak replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 4:06 am
http://www.rattlesnake.co.at/BANDS-A-Z/BEFORE-THE-FALL/BEFORE-THE-FALL-antibody-CD.htm?shop=rattlesnake&SessionId=&a=article&ProdNr=196100068&t=3&c=5868&p=5868
Here’s where I ordered the album from jcup. Be warned……it’s a fucking monster
I kept thinking this came out last year, but it was early this year. Shame on me! Haha good pick Lee.
[Reply to this comment]
Nicholas Misiak replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 4:09 am
But, I believe the album isn’t self-titled. Hell I don’t even know if they have a self-titled album >.<
[Reply to this comment]
Lee Rochester replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 7:24 am
It’s called Antibody. It was accidentally typed in wrong, but I fixed it.
[Reply to this comment]
jcup replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 8:53 am
Thanks for trying to help Nicholas, but the language is in German and I don’t think they ship internationally.
[Reply to this comment]
Lee replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 7:06 am
Shoot me a email jcup.
[Reply to this comment]
Nicholas Misiak replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
You’re welcome buddy! I don’t know German anymore but I just hit that big “add to cart” like button and closely followed the start bar at the bottom left of my screen because it will show some of the links in English. I live in the States and they def ship internationally. I have to admit it’s expensive and confusing to order this baby
So def let Lee help you out!
[Reply to this comment]
Luke Amos replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 8:47 pm
White Arms of Athena is in my runners ups for sure. I had to cut it though.
[Reply to this comment]
December 5th, 2011 at 6:50 pm
Lee i would gladly buy the album from you if you have an extra.
[Reply to this comment]
December 5th, 2011 at 7:30 pm
Lolllll I must look like a dickface for having all of my top10 as bands I reviewed. Ah well.
[Reply to this comment]
Hobbes Launderville replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 7:31 pm
cept Born of Osiris, that is.
[Reply to this comment]
jcup replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 7:51 pm
Yeah and where is the slagduster love?
[Reply to this comment]
Hobbes Launderville replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 7:02 pm
Slagduster was cloooose.
[Reply to this comment]
jcup replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 7:52 pm
Yeah Slagduster is awesome, man i hope they drop a new record in 2012. If they do i’m sure i’ll find out by way of TNR.
[Reply to this comment]
Jen replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 7:36 pm
Not for that reason, no. But maybe for others. lolllll KIDDING.
[Reply to this comment]
Max Grundström replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 11:15 am
All the reviewed albums on my list were reviewed by me. :3
[Reply to this comment]
December 5th, 2011 at 8:06 pm
I like the diversity of this list. It shows that TNR can cover anything. I can’t find myself agreeing with everyone’s list as a whole (although Max L’s comes close) but I do find I like at least something on everyone’s top ten. Diversity is good…it’s also an old, old wooden ship that was used during the civil war area.
[Reply to this comment]
Jen replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 8:21 pm
Common ground.
[Reply to this comment]
Austin Williams replied:
December 5th, 2011 at 8:34 pm
Kevin, I would be surprised if the affiliates were concerned about the lack of an old, old wooden ship, but nice try.
[Reply to this comment]
Luke Amos replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 8:48 pm
A whale’s vagina.
[Reply to this comment]
December 5th, 2011 at 10:27 pm
Ahh… Spotify is a beautiful thing. Going through and checking out all the stuff I haven’t heard yet.
Me after getting spotify: http://memecrunch.com/meme/4BU/how-i-felt-after-getting-spotify/image.png
[Reply to this comment]
December 6th, 2011 at 3:00 am
Really awesome albums on the list that I hadn’t heard yet:
La Dispute – Wildlife
Textures – Dualism
Graveyard – Hisignen Blues
Sylosis – Edge of the Earth
[Reply to this comment]
Gabriel Pio replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 7:26 pm
Also check out the Sea of Skies EP!
[Reply to this comment]
December 6th, 2011 at 3:16 am
Lee I’m so happy you have Trials on your list
[Reply to this comment]
December 6th, 2011 at 9:14 am
Just thought I would let people know about a underground band, since TNR is into that sort of thing. The band is Von Wolfe and they have a ep on bandcamp for free. I found them through his name was iron’s Facebook, another kickass band TNR referred me to. To me they sound like earlier every time I die stuff.
[Reply to this comment]
xin eohp replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 10:42 am
thanks for the heads up.
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David replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 11:06 pm
Von Wolfe is sick, you’re right!
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December 6th, 2011 at 10:49 am
No bad word against the rest of the staff, but damn Isaac, nice taste! That Cunninlynguist album is pure gold. Gonna check out Deafheaven for sure!
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Isaac Wastman replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 3:24 pm
thanx. raekwons Shaolin vs Wu-Tang is almost just as good. deafheaven is an absolute must.
[Reply to this comment]
BenCo replied:
December 9th, 2011 at 6:31 pm
Shaolin vs Wu-Tang was kind of a disappointment after OB4CL II, imo. The hip-hop albums of the year are Tyler the Creator’s Goblin, Big K.R.I.T.’s Return of 4eva and A$AP Rocky’s Live. Love. A$AP to me.
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Isaac Wastman replied:
December 9th, 2011 at 7:13 pm
well yeah, OB4CL II was like the reawakening of Wu, so of course everything after is gonna be a little dim. and tbh, i’m getting really tired of the whole ‘swag-rap’ fad goin on. was fun for like a year, now it just feels like a retread of stupid ironic rhymes about weed, money, and bitches over simplistic, bass heavy beats. just imo lol
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Seth replied:
December 9th, 2011 at 7:35 pm
Some standout tracks on Goblin, but overall I was disappointed. Too many mediocre beats. =/
Oneirology is great though.
I’m so behind on this year’s hip hop.
[Reply to this comment]
December 6th, 2011 at 11:18 am
I feel so awesome for having 5/10 records on my list as pop punk records that no one else here listens to or have even heard.
[Reply to this comment]
Lee Rochester replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 12:11 pm
Yea, that’s something to be proud of. *snicker snicker* Muhahaha! I just had to give you grief for that.
[Reply to this comment]
Gabriel Pio replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 12:16 pm
I’ve actually listened to Boys No Good, The Wonder Years and Firworks.
I acyuallt have Suburbia on my ipod.
[Reply to this comment]
Max Grundström replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
I know that you would want to be able to swallow your pride and admit that you like pop punk, Lee. It’s okay.
And I love that you switched places on ‘t’ and ‘y’, Gabe.
[Reply to this comment]
Lee Rochester replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 2:08 pm
I enjoyed some pop punk back in the day, but the lollipops, unicorns and rainbows (super happy style, sound, lyrics) got old really quick.
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Gabriel Pio replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
THEY’RE NEXT TO EACH OTHER ON THE KEYBOARD, OK? :’(
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December 6th, 2011 at 12:34 pm
Thanks for putting Dead And Divine on your list Gabe. Your review is what got me into that band. Love them. Everyone had some great choices.
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December 6th, 2011 at 12:56 pm
Jonathan’s list was closest to mine, he even gave some love to one of my favorite non-heavy groups MUTEMATH. Sick.
[Reply to this comment]
Jonathan Anderson replied:
December 6th, 2011 at 8:35 pm
You’re probably one of the few people who will be close to mine. Good to hear man =]
[Reply to this comment]
Marcos P. replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 9:54 am
Shame on me,I Like Owl City and older All time low =|
[Reply to this comment]
Jonathan Anderson replied:
December 9th, 2011 at 9:15 pm
Nothing wrong with that! haha
[Reply to this comment]
December 6th, 2011 at 3:06 pm
The new Empire Shall Fall would’ve been up there as well, but I didn’t have a chance to listen to it until now.
[Reply to this comment]
December 6th, 2011 at 7:45 pm
Wow, I really want to thank Isaac, I checked CunninLynguists, assuming this was something Metal and, man, I used to listen to French Rap and some of US Hip Hop and you got me back in Hip Hop stuff. Their music is… excellent. Period.
[Reply to this comment]
Isaac Wastman replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 3:17 pm
yeah, dude. i’d highly recommend that Nujabes album: some smooth as hell jazz instrumental hip-hop. the only french hip-hop artists i know is the jazz liberatorz, you know them?
[Reply to this comment]
December 6th, 2011 at 9:38 pm
I was looking at these lists, and i think Jonathan’s list is the one i’m most familiar with, even though i’ve only heard 4 of those albums (ABR, devil wears prada, oh sleeper, of mice and men). although, i kinda have to shake my head at the inclusion of all time low. i know it’s ur list and all, but really? i thought u were better than that, man.
[Reply to this comment]
Dustin replied:
December 7th, 2011 at 2:47 pm
For the record all time low was not one of the ones i agreed with, haha
[Reply to this comment]
Jonathan Anderson replied:
December 9th, 2011 at 9:14 pm
What can I say…I dig that album…=]
[Reply to this comment]
December 6th, 2011 at 10:27 pm
Diverse and interesting lists indeed. Finally not smothered by the releases by the Atlas Moth, Tombs, Absu…stoner/sludge, black-thrash, not my tea not now
Last, many thanks to the staff of TNR. Happy Xmas to all (wait…too early?) !!
[Reply to this comment]
Lee replied:
December 7th, 2011 at 6:26 am
No way! Merry Christmas Sui!
[Reply to this comment]
December 7th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
Lee, I haven’t listened to hardly any of your top 10 albums….. Ugggh. Looks like i’ve got some headphone time to devote.
[Reply to this comment]
Lee Rochester replied:
December 7th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
Bad Clinton bad!
Get on it brother and let me know what you think.
[Reply to this comment]
Clinton replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 12:40 pm
I will tonight!!!!!! Promise…….
[Reply to this comment]
Lee Rochester replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 12:46 pm
Ha! Sounds good.
[Reply to this comment]
Clinton replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 8:16 pm
Well I checked out all of the bands on your list. I really like Abysmal Dawn, however, I am surprised by the Blue Stahli and Before the Fall picks. Is your list in order from 1 (Trails) to 10 (Chimaira)?
The Art of Dying is pretty cool and I agree with Jen and Davide on Trails.
[Reply to this comment]
Lee Rochester replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 8:26 pm
No order at all. I’ve always loved electronic infused metal and Blue Stahli’s latest was a no-brainer for me. Before The Fall is just plain sick. I loved everything about that album. It was a beast! Did you read the reviews for any of those albums? What did you think of Sees, Degradead, Death Destruction and Vallenfyre?
[Reply to this comment]
Clinton replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 8:48 pm
Is there another “Before the Fall” band that I may have listened to? I’m not impressed with what I heard, but I’ve been wrong before ;=) . Degradead sounded like LOG mixed with Killswitch. I’m kinda over the whole clean/scream vocal style in today’s metal. Vallenfyre is pretty sweet and I guess I missed Sees all together. Opps
[Reply to this comment]
Lee replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 9:50 pm
Degradead reminded you of LOG and Killswitch? Really? I’d say they are more like In Flames/Engel/Disarmonia Mundi, but that’s cool. Sees is straight up Meshuggah-style and what about Death Destruction?
[Reply to this comment]
Clinton replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 10:43 pm
Sees is different, I hear the Meshuggah comparison, however, I wouldn’t put them in the top ten. As for Degradead, maybe not on the Killswitch but LOG for sure. Death Destruction ……pause…. straight up metal.
LOTS of good stuff for all the little boy and girls to get excited about in the year of the snake……
[Reply to this comment]
Lee replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 9:55 pm
For a modern rock release, that Art Of Dying album was fantastic. Every track was infectious.
[Reply to this comment]
Clinton replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 10:38 pm
I liked it!!!!!!!!!!!!! Props for that pic.
[Reply to this comment]
Clinton replied:
December 9th, 2011 at 9:07 am
If it takes for ——-everrrrrrrrr, I will die tryiiiiiiiiiiiiing………… Thanks Lee, now I can’t get that song outta my head. The rest of the album, at first listen, is just OK. Nothing too infectious.
[Reply to this comment]
Lee Rochester replied:
December 9th, 2011 at 9:40 am
Just OK? And you’re welcome.
[Reply to this comment]
Clinton replied:
December 9th, 2011 at 1:52 pm
Yeah, none of the other tracks stood out, but again it was my first time through.
[Reply to this comment]
Jonathan replied:
December 10th, 2011 at 7:54 pm
“Get thru this” is pretty good too, but yeah I didn’t really find much else outside of those two.
[Reply to this comment]
Lee replied:
December 10th, 2011 at 8:32 pm
You guys have lost it. There a TON of good songs on that album. They all have hooks the size of Texas.
[Reply to this comment]
Jen replied:
December 7th, 2011 at 1:32 pm
I listened to the Trials album earlier this week. ‘Tis good.
[Reply to this comment]
Davide replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 4:07 pm
Yes it is,yes it is.
[Reply to this comment]
Clinton replied:
December 9th, 2011 at 5:49 pm
Im diggin the Trials LP. Good one
[Reply to this comment]
December 8th, 2011 at 3:12 am
Gabbe, I just heard Erra today. WHY DID YOU NOT SHARE THIS BEFORE?!
[Reply to this comment]
Gabriel Pio replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 9:19 am
Woops!
[Reply to this comment]
Luke Amos replied:
December 9th, 2011 at 3:44 am
Darn you…
[Reply to this comment]
December 8th, 2011 at 10:29 pm
No Worksip Music for any of the staff? Bummer
[Reply to this comment]
David replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 11:11 pm
If you meant worship, I forgot to check out the new Jesus Culture album, but I still consider My Epic worship. At least for me.
If you meant workship……I have no clue what that means. haha.
[Reply to this comment]
Micah replied:
December 9th, 2011 at 12:39 am
I think he’s talking about Anthrax’s album Worship Music. If so, I am also bummed that no one included it.
[Reply to this comment]
David replied:
December 9th, 2011 at 6:18 am
hahahahaha. You’re probably right. I was tired when I posted that. Didn’t even think of that. *facepalm*
[Reply to this comment]
Clinton replied:
December 9th, 2011 at 9:04 am
*Facepalm*…. I too was tired when I typed WORKSHIP……. Funny stuff. Looked fine last night.
Yes, Yes, Yes ….. Anthrax’s Worship Music….. Great Album.. Should be in top 10 of the year.
[Reply to this comment]
Lee Rochester replied:
December 9th, 2011 at 9:10 am
I originally made a list of fifteen that I narrowed down to ten. Worship Music was on that list but fell just short due to the fact that I spin those selections in my top 10 more.
[Reply to this comment]
Clinton replied:
December 9th, 2011 at 1:50 pm
Fair enough. It’s a great CD regardless
[Reply to this comment]
December 8th, 2011 at 11:08 pm
I’m completely okay with the fact that my choices weren’t too crowd-pleasing.
Although if anyone is a fan of heavier music a la Recon and Bury Your Dead, do check out Those Who Fear. It’s crazy how heavy they are yet how well they write.
[Reply to this comment]
Seth replied:
December 8th, 2011 at 11:58 pm
Most, if not all of them are Christian musicians, correct?
[Reply to this comment]
David replied:
December 9th, 2011 at 6:18 am
Correct. All of them have some sort of Christian theme, yes.
[Reply to this comment]
Seth replied:
December 9th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
I’m not looking to start an argument and I mean no offense to you, but I’m curious as to why you would limit yourself to music with those themes. Did you not enjoy any music this year created by artists who are not openly Christian?
[Reply to this comment]
David replied:
December 10th, 2011 at 2:38 pm
Oh I did! But these are the ones I enjoyed the most.
[Reply to this comment]
David replied:
December 10th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
I mean, my faith isn’t just something that I dwell on a few minutes a week. It’s my entire life. So it’s only natural that I enjoy bands that reflect that. Doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate other bands, though. Defeater was a solid one this year, along with the new Fleshgod Apocalypse and Animals as Leaders.
[Reply to this comment]
Clinton replied:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:14 pm
I always say, What would Tim Tebow do?…… He’s a man of faith!
[Reply to this comment]
Micah replied:
December 9th, 2011 at 12:55 am
You have Hope for the Dying, so that’s a win in my book.
[Reply to this comment]
Jen replied:
December 10th, 2011 at 8:00 pm
SUCH a great album. They’re terribly underrated.
[Reply to this comment]
December 10th, 2011 at 7:51 pm
Now were these lists in a specific order? So the 1st one on your lists was #1, the 2nd #2 and so on? Just curious.
[Reply to this comment]
Jen replied:
December 10th, 2011 at 7:59 pm
Nope, they’re supposed to be in random order and they’re listed exactly as the writers submitted them. Tim did mention his was in order from #1 to #10 though.
[Reply to this comment]
Geoffrey replied:
December 11th, 2011 at 2:35 pm
Awesome! Just curious. I figured as much but since you had Hope for the Dying and Oh Sleeper at the top and since those were your favorites, yours might have been in order too haha.
[Reply to this comment]
December 11th, 2011 at 8:35 pm
why havent you guys reviewed erra or fallujah yet.
[Reply to this comment]
Lee replied:
December 11th, 2011 at 8:38 pm
The labels dropped the ball on both of those albums.
[Reply to this comment]
trev replied:
December 12th, 2011 at 3:23 am
shitty
i love them both
[Reply to this comment]
Matt Reptar replied:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:37 am
You have to have permission from a label to review an album?
[Reply to this comment]
Lee Rochester replied:
December 12th, 2011 at 6:11 am
If a label tells me they are going to do something and they drop the ball, I’m not going to take the time to promote their band. This isn’t usually the case, but if they get lazy that’s how I handle it.
[Reply to this comment]
Jake C replied:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:21 am
But if the label dropped the ball why would you decline promoting an artist in the form of a review because of something their label did/didn’t do?
[Reply to this comment]
Jake C replied:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:27 am
Especially since i know Erra has been covered here before. I get it if it was a band that hadn’t been covered, but since Erra announced “Impulse”, TNR’s been on top of news regarding them/new music/whatever, this just seems wierd if that’s the rationale behind not covering their album.
[Reply to this comment]
Lee Rochester replied:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:48 am
I don’t mind posting news, but like I said earlier, I’m not going to illegally download or buy something just to cover it. As you can see, this isn’t normally the case, but there have been a few instances when this has occurred.
[Reply to this comment]
Gabriel Pio replied:
December 12th, 2011 at 2:24 pm
Some of the Erra coverage was a bit of my fault…I was highly anticipating their album and submitted one or three news posts about them. I actually evern requested that Lee and Jen talked to their label to see if they got the album, but it wasn’t delivered. I have my personal copy, yes, and it made my top 10, yes, but I stand with Lee’s decision. It’s a shame, since they’re a good band and deserve the promotion, but their label sucks.
[Reply to this comment]
Jake C replied:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:58 pm
I guess that was my point you know? Was that they’re such a talented band but since their label messed up, they didn’t get promotion. Idk I guess I see both sides of it, I’m just extremely biased because Erra has been my favorite band since the first EP.
On a similar note, have you found anywhere to get a physical copy of “Impulse”?
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Lee Rochester replied:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:45 am
Simply because I’m not going to buy or ask a writer to buy an album that I or they may never listen to again to simply review it because label X didn’t do their job. The band is represented by the label and if the label doesn’t take the time or go out of their way to properly promote it, neither should I.
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Dustin replied:
December 15th, 2011 at 9:47 am
That’s a true shame. Impulse is a monster of an album.
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Jake C replied:
December 19th, 2011 at 11:35 pm
It’s in a three-way tie for my AOTY with Oh, Sleeper and Vildhjarta. GREAT album haha. Corelia, Elitist, and Substructure put out amazing EPs this year too
Oh and Lee, I meant no disrespect by my comment, I was just voicing my opinion
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December 12th, 2011 at 7:33 pm
@Isaac: So much respect to you for picking Deafheaven.
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December 14th, 2011 at 5:08 pm
Oh shoot! In this comment, I formally substitute The Dangerous Summer’s War Paint for Snowman – Absence as my final pick for Top 10 Albums of the Year. Be sure to check that record out!
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December 14th, 2011 at 7:02 pm
Huge props to Lee T for including Substructure – that album came out of nowhere and just kicked my ass – perfect mix of The Contortionist and Born of Osiris imo. Also, good on Gabe for the Erra pick, excellent album
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Luke Amos replied:
December 17th, 2011 at 1:16 am
That was so hard to not put on my list. The only reason I left it out is because it’s an EP. I love it so much though.
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December 15th, 2011 at 10:50 pm
Just wanted to say thanks to all of the staff for leading me to some great new music. I had never heard of David Townsend, Collapse Under The Empire, Coyote Theory, Red Fang, Blazo, Close Your Eyes or most of the others in your lists. It’s great to see how diverse some of your tastes in music are, I really appreciate that several people didn’t just stick to rock music.
I found this website through a google search for bands that sound like Chunk! No, Captain Chunk!
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Luke Amos replied:
December 17th, 2011 at 1:16 am
Welcome aboard!
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December 19th, 2011 at 11:11 pm
Glad to see Keith’s list up.
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December 20th, 2011 at 12:16 pm
Good list, glad to see some love for BOO. The Discovery is amazing, start to finish. Kind of bummed no one mentioned Junius. Reports From The Threshold of Death blew me away.
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December 27th, 2011 at 2:46 am
Not intending to beat a dead horse here, but next time I think it would be ultra satisfying to post each Staff member’s list individually, with space to include anecdotes with each of their picks describing why the albums they picked were special/stood out, etc.
Generating ideas here – if that proposal seems a little bloated, maybe each Staff member could be allowed space to pick their top album of the year and then expand on why that album was the best of the year, without nine other releases and corresponding comments trailing behind it.
Just brainstorming on how we could make this feature more concise, informative and rewarding to readers.
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December 28th, 2011 at 6:49 am
Shout out to ” Vader – welcome to the morbid reich ” it isn’t listed here it’s a killer album definitely a nominee in my opinion for best of 2011. \m/
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December 28th, 2011 at 8:20 am
To name a few others albums this year not to be forgotten.
Onslaught – the sound of violience
Warbringer – worlds torn asunder
Havok – time is up
Fleshgod Apocalypse – Agony
Sepultura – Kairos
Iced Earth-Dystopia
Arch Enemy – chaos Legions
Machine head – unto the locust
Essence – lost in violince
Amon Amarth - Surtur Rising
Artillery – my blood
Evile – five serpent’s teeth
And the list goes on . . .
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January 3rd, 2012 at 8:05 pm
Seriously none picked Machine Head unto the locust? :/
Also, Lights new album made be bit shocked being on few lists.
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Lee replied:
January 3rd, 2012 at 8:10 pm
http://thenewreview.net/reviews/machine-head-unto-the-locust
Ha Ha! Nuff said.
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Luke Amos replied:
January 5th, 2012 at 10:53 pm
Lights’ album should not be on anybody’s list ever.
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January 17th, 2012 at 5:47 pm
Thanks to whoever picked Last Chance to Reason, I just looked them up and I’m loving their stuff
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January 29th, 2012 at 9:11 pm
Luke check out “My Will Alone” by Dawn Heights! That album should be right up your alley if you like Vestascension
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