Now that December has begun, I believe I can finally make my list of the best albums of the year. This is a list based on my opinion; once again, agree, disagree, send in your own list.
Take advantage of the fact that Christmas is coming and buy these records or ask someone for them as a gift. Take advantage of the office Secret Santa and show this list to your colleagues; I'm sure you'll be happy to receive any of these excellent gifts!
1st Testament – Dark Roots of Earth
The perfect album starts with the cover, and with Dark Roots of Earth, that was exactly the case. A pure Thrash Metal album produced by the excellent Andy Sneap (Kreator, Accept, Exodus, Megadeth). The album also marks the return of Gene Hoglan to the drums, and once again the excellent solos, riffs, and guitar rhythms stand out. Alex Skolnick shows once again that he is the greatest guitarist in the history of Thrash, and Eric Peterson is also in top form. I was also happy to hear the power of Chuck Billy's voice, who recently recovered from cancer and is doing very well.
The best song is the title track, Dark Roots of Earth, but the whole album is good, including excellent bonus tracks from Iron Maiden's Powerslave, Queen's Dragon Attack, and Scorpions' Animal Magnetism.
2nd Graveyard – Lights Out
A sensational album from beginning to end. It's impressive how many bands are making a sound heavily influenced by 70s Black Sabbath, but for me, Graveyard is the best of them all. This Swedish band from Gothenburg is already on their third album, but this is the best of the three. Vocalist Joakim Nilsson sings beautifully; Lights Out is undoubtedly one of the best albums of the year.
Best song on the album and one of the best of the year: An Industry of Murder
3rd Serj Tankian – Harakiri
It's a sensational album with great lyrics and excellent production by Serj himself. It's Serj Tankian's solo album closest to the sound of System of a Down, and we hope he returns to Brazil soon.
The best track on the album and one of the best songs of the year is Harakiri; watch the music video, it's fantastic too!
4th Stone Sour – House of Gold & Bones – Part I
I prefer Stone Sour to Slipknot; I think they're a much cooler and more original band. On this album, Corey Taylor shows all his talent and maturity. Alongside Rachel Bolan (bassist of Skid Row), he composed excellent songs and the best work of his career. With producer David Bottrill (Muse, Dream Theater, Tool, Godsmack), Stone Sour released an album that blends Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Grunge, 70s influences, Slipknot, and even ballads; it's a modern and creative sound that shows the way Metal is going in the future. Bring on Part II!
The best track on the album for me is the opening banger: Gone Sovereign
5th Lamb of God – Resolution
Ever since I first heard this album, I knew it would be on this list (I even mention that in our Lamb of God special). The show they did in São Paulo was excellent, and the band is truly in its best phase. It's really sad what happened to Randy Blythe this year; they barely had time to enjoy the tour for this excellent album. We're really hoping this situation gets resolved soon and that the band comes back strong after the trial in the Czech Republic in early 2013. We hope Randy isn't a victim of prejudice and that the judges acquit him of this absurd accusation.
Best track on the album: Ghost Walking
6th The Cult – Choice of Weapon
One of my favorite rock bands, The Cult has released fantastic albums over the last 30 years. On Choice of Weapon, Ian Astbury is back to singing beautifully (they say he's sober again), and Billy Duffy's guitars are sharper than ever. The band seems to have a stable lineup again, especially with the experienced drummer John Tempesta. Production by The Cult's longtime collaborator, the great Bob Rock, and Chris Goss of Master of Reality (and producer of excellent albums by Queens of the Stone Age and Kyuss).
Best track on the album: For the Animals
7th Kiss – Monster
It's great to see Kiss back to their heavy sound; for me, this is their best album since Revenge. Kiss just finished a series of three shows in Brazil and proved they're in top form; their live performances continue to be the greatest shows on Earth.
The best song on the album is Wall of Sound
8th Van Halen – A Different Kind of Truth
As soon as I heard it for the first time, I was happy to imagine that this time David Lee Roth's return would be for real. Although I also like the "pop" phase with Sammy Hagar on vocals, for me Van Halen will always be with David Lee Roth on vocals. Unfortunately, they had to cancel part of the tour, but I hope they come back as soon as possible and include Brazil in future shows; it would certainly fill Morumbi stadium, wouldn't you agree? Another pity was that Michael Anthony is no longer part of the band, but we have to admit that Wolfgang Van Halen learned well. Eddie Van Halen remains one of the greatest guitarists in the universe
Best track on the album: China Town
9th Rush – Clockwork Angels
Rush is Rush. This time, Canada's biggest band returns with a heavy album produced by the experienced Nick Raskulinecz (who previously worked with the band on Snakes & Arrows). Besides Rush, Nick has produced Foo Fighters, Alice in Chains, Trivium, Evanescence, Stone Sour, Deftones, Marilyn Manson, Ministry, Death Angel, Danzig, Velvet Revolver, among others. Clockwork Angels is further proof of the originality of the Canadian trio, who showcase a different and complex sound every day. It's difficult to choose which musician shines the most on the album; each has their moments, but what these three guys do with their instruments is truly impressive.
The best song on the album for me is: Seven Cities of Gold
10th Adrenaline Mob – Omertá
The debut album from the supergroup formed by Russell Allen, Mike Orlando, Mike Portnoy, and John Moyer does not disappoint. Heavy, with excellent vocal lines and great melodies, we at Wikimetal hope that this new project by Mike Portnoy is here to stay. We expect a show in Brazil soon; it will be sensational!
The best song on the album for me is: Undaunted
11th Andre Matos –The Turn of the Lights
This is definitely Andre's best solo album. 2012 was an excellent year for the greatest vocalist in Brazilian Metal; the To Live Again tour with Viper did him a lot of good, and it was clear that Andre is going through a great moment in his career. The quality of the production and the musicians are the highlights of this excellent album. There's a very cool variation of styles within Turn of the Lights; the influence of Queen is clear at times, but Andre is truly making an original sound, pure Heavy Metal without labels
My favorite is Stop! It's also worth checking out the excellent version of Radiohead's Fake Plastic Trees, which was only released on the Japanese edition
