Heavy Metal Resource - Year 2011 Wrap-Up

Best 0f 2011

Looking back at 2011, some good things happened in the world of music. Well, hard rock and metal anyway. We had some pretty solid releases from bands that have been around for a long time now. We also had some great newer bands pop out some solid efforts as well. My picks of 2011 reflect a little of both. My own personal taste in music has evolved and broadened through the years and that will also be reflected here as well. As we move forward there are some great things on the horizon in 2012. One of the not so great is all of the discussion of abandoning the compact disc. I personally feel this is a bad move. I don't trust people to do the right thing and feel this will eventually lead to usage rights to music instead of ownership. It's a dangerous river to row in my opinion. We'll see where it all leads, but with any luck maybe the talk will diminish on that subject. Without further ado, lets get those annual top 10 picks out there!

10. Mr. Big - What If...

One of the earlier releases of 2011. What Mr. Big did at the beginning of the year was repeated by other bands throughout the year. They released a great sounding album that exhibited the spirit of their earlier releases in sound and quality. I really like this album alot and hope the trend of writing albums based on what worked well in the past continues. The musicianship on this album is stunning, but at the same time disciplined enough to allow the music to take center stage. If you missed this album, you really ought to go back and take a listen. Really good stuff!

9. DC4 - Electric Ministry

I mentioned in the review that I had caught this band at the Ultrasound showcase a little over a decade ago. There was no doubt in my mind at the time that this band was going to do good things. 'Electric Ministry' is one of those good things. Good solid power metal release that stays pretty consistent in terms of quality and the punch that it delivers. Really enjoyed this album through the year and will definitely be looking forward to more from this band that features members who have played in Armored Saint, Odin, and even Dio. Good job guys!

8. Adelita's Way - Home School Valedictorian

I took the opportunity to check this band opening for Shinedown awhile back. Can't say at the time I had ever heard them, but they left an impression on me and the new album was something I definitely wanted to check out. It ended up getting alot of listening time and the band will definitely stay on my radar as a result. The music is has a modern feel and is very memorable and catchy right out of the gates. I usually tell people to check out the video for 'Sick' and it instantly hooks them. The rocking stuff is great and the lighter stuff is equally impressive. Solid stuff!

7. Pagan's Mind - Heavenly Ecstasy

Another album that spent alot of time in my deck was 'Heavenly Ecstasy' by Pagan's Mind. This album obviously has progressive elements, a decent amount of polish and some great melody. I really started liking this band some years back. To me, they can definitely compete with bands of this genre and have become more of an elite band to me. I personally hope that good things continue to happen and maybe with continued hard work, they can become better known in our domestic market. If you like a polished sound with some decent intensity, this one is recommended!

6. Sixx A.M. - This Is Gonna Hurt

While I liked Sixx A.M.'s first album, 'This Is Gonna Hurt' really clicked with me. From the flashy opening of the title track through tracks like the laid back 'Sure Feels Right', it was obvious this was going to be a good listen and an album that I would be going back to frequently. With Ashba doing alot of work with Guns 'n Roses and Nikki Sixx doing the Vegas gig for the next little while, I hope that Sixx A.M. remains a priority to the members. This is really good stuff that gets better each time a new release is offered. Fans of good old fashioned hard rock with memorable melodies will love this title.

5. In Flames - Sounds Of A Playground Fading

Not sure why, but I found myself going back to this album alot. I have been a fan of In Flames for awhile now and while I liked their stuff, nothing grabbed me like this album did. It's aggressive, moody, and has some flashy moments. Overall, I think it's the consistency that I like best. The album has a nice even flow from track to track. The songs to me were not only adrenalin inducing, but memorable from the first spin as well. Sometimes albums that catch on fast get old fast. This album to me doesn't suffer that fate. One of my most listened to albums of 2011. Like the bands direction on this one.

4. Night Ranger - Somewhere In California

Easily one of the best retro style releases was Night Ranger's 'Somewhere In California'. The albums best quality aside from the great songwriting is the fact that this album sounds like it was ripped right out of the era between 'Midnight Madness' and '7 Wishes' with some 'Dawn Patrol' thrown in for good measure. Great guitar work, that heavy keyboard presence and the vocals. The band really hit it out of the park with this release. From the lighter side, 'Time of our Lives' was one of my favorite songs of the year. Vintage Night Ranger. This is a winning formula. Stay with it guys!

3. Riot - Immortal Soul

Probably one of the biggest surprises of the year, at least to me was not only the return of one of my early favorite bands, but the album they released. This album smokes, plain and simple. The 'Thundersteel' lineup really cranks it out on 'Immortal Soul'. With the variety of things that Mark Reale is involved with musically, this album reaffirms his dedication to great songwriting. Vocals are top notch and even though the music at times has a quick pace, there is a nice polish to it as well. Very good job from a very good band that I have followed for a long time!

2. Anthrax - Worship Music

It is so great to have this band back and with an absolute monster of an album. I spent lots of time in my days of listening to thrash moshing to Anthrax's brand of metal. Joey Belladonna is a big part of why I loved Anthrax. It sounds so good to have him back in the band. This album fits nicely in the area of the bands back catalog with titles such as 'Persistence of Time' or maybe 'State of Euphoria'. I liked the John Bush era, but really cut my teeth with this band during Belladonna's era. Music is aggressive yet catchy. Hoping this lineup hangs around for a long time and releases more stuff just like this. Essential!

1. Within Temptation - The Unforgiving

I have developed an absolute passion for Within Temptation. This album exemplified to me why this band is so loved, especially in other parts of the world. This album in its deluxe state came with a DVD that had videos of a few of the tracks that were in short story form. The band put alot of thought and work in to this release and it paid off in spades in my opinion. There is a variety of sounds on this release, from heavy stuff to light and even a track that is a bit more pop oriented. It really covers a spectrum of sounds and got an immense amount of spin time in my player. Loved this one!

So there you have it. Agree or disagree, that's okay. This is my personal taste and as I grow older it gets more varied. I thought it was a great year for music. I'm looking forward to see what is on the horizon musically in 2012. I know there are some bigger names that are due including Van Halen and other notables. Will they deliver or fall flat? Time will tell. I wanted to thank all of those who visit and enjoy what is offered here. I am nowhere near the biggest out there, but this is a labor of love for me. I love music, heavier music in particular. As long as there is interest and I have the time, I will continue to give my impressions. Hope everyone has a great year!