2012…what a year. We survived the apocalypse (again), our nation acquired a not-so-new president, and Princess Kate got pregnant. There was a considerable amount of drama in the media that I was completely oblivious to, so I won’t ramble on about Twilight or something of that nature. But what a year. Despite all of this insanity developing around the world, 2012 managed to produce some tremendous music. My personal favorite LP (Long-Playing) records of 2012 are presented in the subsequent list.
NOTE: This list is entirely opinion, and only considers releases that I have listened to. None of this is fact, considering that I can only listen to so much music. Since this is opinion, I’m not necessarily picking music that EVERYONE likes. I do not like Dubstep, brutal death metal, industrial, Imagine Dragons, or any singles or samples off of the new Mumford and Sons LP, but that is not to say that anyone is at fault for enjoying any of these. However, I strongly suggest that you give the succeeding albums a good try. To each his own.
Honorable Mentions:
Band Album
Coheed and Cambria The Afterman Part 1
For Today Immortal
Between the Buried and Me The Parallax II: Future Sequence;
Hands like Houses Ground Dweller
In Fear and Faith (self-titled)
Wintersun Time 1
Yellowcard Southern Air
Top 10:
10. Passion Pit Gossamer (Glassnote)
This album is what I call “progression.” Front man of this synth-rock outfit, Michael Angelakos, has really stepped up his game on this one, because his songwriting and his ability to structure the song is astronomically better than the band’s last album, “Manners.” The problem with that album was that “Manners” focused solely on catchiness and high vocals, but not enough on the actual structuring of each song. The direction of each song will surprise you, as it is dynamic and intriguing. No two songs sound the same in dynamics, speed or attitude. The band plays adeptly with gusto, maintaining catchiness, but not sacrificing good lyrics and smart musicianship.
Standout Tracks: Take a Walk, I’ll Be Alright, Constant Conversations
For Fans Of: Metric, MGMT, Friendly Fires
9. Veil of Maya Eclipse (Sumerian Records)
Now I’m going “elitist music nerd” on everyone reading this. Screaming is just a vocal technique, and just because someone is doing it properly does not always mean they are conjuring black magic or summoning evil, it is only a way to express aggression. This album isn’t about anything diabolical, it is an album inspired by a foreigner that the band met on tour that claimed to have regained her sight by staring at a solar eclipse. Having said that, the progressive metal act Veil of Maya returned after their last offering, “[id].” The great thing about this album is that the band takes the strengths of “[id],” the very well thought-out guitar melodies, rhythmically complicated but interesting passages, and lighting fast drumming, and accentuates on them. Also, Misha Mansoor, of fellow member of the progressive metal band Periphery, took over production, making the album sound amazing. The bass is much more audible on this as opposed to “[id]”, and the additional keyboards Mansoor adds in, really elevate the overall sonic experience. It is breakdown heavy, which will turn some listeners off, but they’re progressing. I encourage anyone trying to immerse themselves into the world of extreme metal to try this one out.
Standout Tracks: Divide Paths, Punisher, The Glass Slide, Vicious Circles
For Fans of: In Flames, Whitechapel, Born of Osiris
8. Pennywise All Or Nothing (Epitaph)
Southern Californian punk pioneers Pennywise return with a new vocalist, and a slightly more melodic approach. Although tuneful, they are still calling out society on all of its faults. There’s not much else to say about this one, except that it sounds good to your ears. It is not game changing in the world of punk, but definitely consistent.
Standouts: All or Nothing, Waste Another Day, Revolution
For Fans Of: Rise Against, Anti-Flag, Bad Religion
7. The Ghost Inside Get What You Give (Epitaph)
Passion. If there’s one word that sums up this album, I think someone would need to come up with a perfect word to encompass its true awesomeness. I found it very hard to come across another album with this much conviction and spirit this year. The Ghost Inside crafted the best melodic hardcore album I’ve heard in a while. The blazing fast drums serve as a foundation for the beautifully crafted guitar riffs, which complement the unapologetic-ally fierce vocals. Not to mention, the lyrics are more genuine and open than many lyrics written this year. This is one of those motivational albums that help you through the thick and thin and is the most heartfelt album I’ve heard all year.
Standouts: Slipping Away, Thirty-Three, Test The Limits
For Fans of: Miss May I, A Day to Remember, Terror
6. Parkway Drive Atlas (Epitaph)
Epitaph Records has had a fantastic year, as you can judge by this list. Australian metal-core powerhouse Parkway Drive presents us with their fourth studio album. The riffs on here are punishing, yet infectiously catchy, and the breakdowns aren’t overbearing, however present. Winston McCall’s harsh vocals are dynamic, and he shows that he is a versatile singer. Guitarists Luke Kilpatrick and Jeff Ling lay down interesting leads and dueling harmonies that will leave one wanting more. The smart incorporation of acoustic guitars helps this album stay memorable and diverse. The bass leads are not very dynamic, however they are effective.
Standouts: Dark Days, The River, Wild Eyes
For Fans of: All that Remains, Unearth, August Burns Red
5. Converge All We Love We Leave Behind (Epitaph)
Sigh…this is the most difficult album to describe on this list. For one thing, if you’re going to listen to it, you will not, I REPEAT NOT, enjoy it the first time at all. This is a very hard album to listen to, with its very loud and abrasive guitars and bass, indecipherable screechy vocals, and muddy drums…And it’s absolutely beautiful. Allow me to backtrack: “Converge” are one of the most consistent and unique hardcore punk acts out there right now. They artfully implement wonky time signatures and song structures, revealing themselves to be a progressive metal band. However, their aesthetic is hardcore punk, due to how everything is layered upon each other. This album just testifies to why this band deserves this spot on any list, not just mine. The complex guitar parts and drum rhythms are mind-bending, and although the vocals are indecipherable, the lyrics are very poetic, moving and touching. It may seem inaccessible at first, but just grant it your time, if you dare.
Standouts: Aimless Arrow, Sadness Comes Home, Vicious Muse
For Fans of: The Dillinger Escape Plan, Black Flag, Protest the Hero
4. Frank Ocean Channel Orange (The Island Def Jam)
Frank Ocean simply demonstrates an appreciation for the classics on this incredible debut of the R&B singer. He takes elements from the R&B greats, such as Marvin Gaye, but puts a modern twist on those elements and makes something of his own. His lyrics are uniquely written and delivered, with heart-wrenching stories of addictions and diffidence; his beats, not to mention, have extremely aurally pleasing chord progressions, and will captivate any listener. Also, this is the most accessible and easy-to-listen-to release on this list.
Standouts: Thinkin’ Bout You, Sweet Life, Pyramids
For Fans of: Marvin Gaye, The Weeknd, Miguel
3. Kendrick Lamar good kid, m.A.A.d. city (Interscope)
Hip-Hop is not dead. Not even close. Nowhere near it. Nope…Kendrick Lamar has dropped probably one of the best conscious hip-hop albums in the past few years. His technical wordplay is something you would only find today in a few “radio-rappers,” and handfuls of underground rappers. However, he maintains the catchiness in EVERY SINGLE SONG, while still spitting clever rhymes in this amazing concept album; his beats are also top-notch. He raps about everything so intelligently, and his subject matter is relevant, not just about girls and money. Even his song about fame and fortune (Backseat Freestyle) is done so sarcastically that he at least seems mindful of how silly it is to obsess about hedonistic delights. This is a great effort, and I look forward to seeing what he does in the future.
Standouts: The Art of Peer Pressure, Swimming Pools (Drank), good kid
For Fans of: Nas, A Tribe Called Quest, Outkast, MC Nice
QUICK NOTE: The top 2 albums are albums I can recommend to pretty much every music-lover I have ever met in my life. I acknowledge that I have weird taste in music, but please check these next two out. You’re doing yourself a huge disservice by dismissing them.
2. Baroness Yellow & Green (Relapse)
Remember the first time you heard your favorite classic rock band? Remember the beautifully executed guitars and bass, the welcoming but burly vocals, and the bombastic drums? Do you recall the brilliant musicianship or the strong psychedelic influence in the music? Baroness is a band that obviously worships classic rock, but adds an ever-so-slightly dreamlike edge to the overall makeup of the music, and presents it with the intensity of a soft-core but sludgy metal band. The aggregate of these elements is original and refreshing, yet is a great throwback to the classics. Also, if you desire to hear music that will bring tears to your eyes instrumentally speaking, look no further. Some of the guitar melodies have the potential to make you cry tears of happiness and sadness simultaneously. Imagine going on a Hobbit-esque journey, and experiencing much hardship, but also acknowledging the wonderful beauty of the environment surrounding you. Pack all of that into a double album experience that one should not miss for anything. That is “Yellow and Green”, and it is magnificent.
Standouts (Yellow): Take My Bones Away, Twinkler, Back Where I Belong
Standouts (Green): Green Theme, Foolsong, If I Forget Thee Lowcountry
For Fans Of: Led Zeppelin, Jefferson Airplane, Mastodon
1. Periphery Periphery ii: This Time It’s Personal (Sumerian Records)
When I listen to an album, especially a metal album, I look for a few things. I look for “memorableness.” I look for the ability to create something original, but pay homage to the inspirations from which such ideas were spawned. I look for absolutely outstanding musicianship that displays raw talent and passion. I look for cleanly executed vocals, whether sung or screamed (this album dabbles in both types of singing). If the album has fulfilled these tenants, I become very nit-picky, examining the lyrics, the album’s direction within each song, and even the production. This album passes my test with flying colors. Bar none, this is one of my favorite progressive rock, not just metal, albums of all time. The drummer takes inspiration from funk, jazz fusion and prog-metal to create percussive soundscapes that will make any drummer cry like a little girl. The three guitarists unite to construct amazingly vast, beautiful and intricate harmonies and grooves that defy logic. The bassist fortifies each rhythm with inappropriately funky rhythms and passages. Finally, the vocalist sings with a slight Freddie Mercury flair, and does so perfectly. His vocals are a massive step up from the My-Chemical-Romance vocals he laid down on Periphery’s debut. Misha Mansoor (remember him?) produced this album, and every noise programmed or played sounds beautiful. This may be a metal album, but if you call yourself a patron of great musicianship, throw away your skepticism and embrace this album like you just encountered a long-lost relative. Every good thing said about any album on this list is here. This album is absolutely gorgeous, and is the most underrated album of the past decade. Please consider this one. If there is one thing you retain from this list, it’s this album.
Standouts: Muramasa, Have a Blast, Scarlet, Luck as a Constant, Ragnarok, Erised
For Fans Of: Rush, Meshuggah, Dream Theater
