We’re into the top 10 now! Check out the first two parts here and here.
Number 10 – Airbourne – Black Dog Barking
One of the most reliable bands of recent years return and they are still doing AC/DC better than the men themselves. Filled with a collection of rock and roll songs all about the good things in life, booze, woman and music, this is yet another example of why Airbourne have the success they do. These guys do it right and for that we can say thank you.
Number 9 – Frank Turner – Tape Deck Heart
Possibly the least surprising entry in this list, my love for Frank Turner is well known. While taking him in a different direction than his previous releases, with a much more melancholic ‘break up’ feel, Tape Deck Heart is the album where Turner embraces his more morose edge. That’s not to say all that punk rock fire has gone out yet and “Four Simple Words” is probably one of the more punk tracks he has written in the last few years. Mr. Turner is still fantastic at what he does and continues to be one of my favourite people on the planet. Roll on 2014 and his UK tour.
Number 8 – Killswitch Engage – Disarm the Descent
While I loved Howard Jones, there is no denying Killswitch Engage’s creative output has not been fantastic in recent years. Well welcome back Jesse Leach, who brings with him a new fire and determination to a band that sorely needed it. Disarm the Descent shows that metalcore can still be an exciting genre and with a whole new bunch of band coming up Killswitch have reminded us all that they are still top of the pile.
Number 7 – Dillinger Escape Plan – One Of Us is the Killer
One of the most challenging and brilliant bands of recent years, there is no escaping the fact that Dillinger Escape Plan are good, very fucking good. One Of Us Is The Killer is everything that is good about them streamlined and made, whisper it now, almost accessible. The likes of “Nothing’s Funny” and “Crossburner” are as fiery and brilliant as anything they’ve done before, but with a new edge that suggests Dillinger are still at the top of the game.
Number 6 – TRC – Nation
A late edition to this list but nevertheless one of the most enjoyable things I’ve picked up this year. Mixing hardcore with hip hop vocals this is an album that screams attitude. It’s also an album that celebrates being British and British music’s success around the world, while at the same time being proud of the fact that his band have pulled themselves up to where they are. These guys are only going one way and that’s to the top and with tracks like “#TeamUK” in their pocket, it will only accelerate the process.
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