Sabtu, 29 Desember 2012

Highlights Dunia Metal Sepanjang 2012



Alam semesta musik cadas, seperti juga alam semesta musik lainnya, juga memiliki dinamikanya sendiri yang menarik untuk diikuti. Bukan hanya ceremony umum seperti perilisan album, perjalanan tur, konser akbar

atau proses rekaman saja, namun juga hal-hal atau peristiwa-peristiwa lain di luar itu yang terkait dengan para musisi dalam perjalanan karir mereka, karena pada dasarnya mereka juga manusia yang punya kecenderungan untuk

menyusut dan mengembang mengikuti segala peristiwa kehidupannya.

Sepanjang tahun 2012 ada banyak peristiwa yang boleh dibilang cukup happening di dunia musik cadas. Beberapa di antaranya bahkan sampai

menjadi perbincangan panjang yang dibahas di mana-mana, tidak hanya di kalangan para pencinta musik cadas saja. Ada yang mengundang simpati, menimbulkan duka, memunculkan kontroversi, membuat keheranan,

mengkhawatirkan, horor, tragis dan sebagainya.

Sepanjang 2012 juga, seperti dirilis dari RockenBlast.com telah menulis ratusan artikel yang beberapa diantaranya sangat menarik atensi kalau tak boleh

dibilang mengejutkan, karena sifatnya yang tak terduga. Dari ratusan artikel yang telah ter-posting, kami memilih 9 moment atau peristiwa yang sekiranya paling menyita perhatian dalam

semesta musik cadas sepanjang tahun 2012. So, silakan baca kilas balik peristiwa paling menarik perhatian dalam dunia musik cadas tahun 2012,

menurut RockenBlast.com.

9. BARONESS Alami Kecelakaan Bus Saat Tur [Agustus 2012]

Band sludge/progesive metal asal Georgia, Amerika Serikat BARONESS mengalami kecelakaan bus di dekat kota Bath, Somerset, Inggris pada 15 Agustus 2012. Para personil BARONESS sempat dilarikan ke rumah sakit terdekat untuk

mendapatkan perawatan. Untungnya tak ada korban jiwa dalam kecelakaan tersebut.

Saat kecelakaan terjadi, BARONESS sedang dalam perjalanan dari Bristol menuju Southampton. Mereka memang tengah menjalani tur di Inggris dalam rangka mempromosikan album terbaru

mereka “Yellow & Green” yang dirilis pada bulan Juli 2012. Akibat kecelakaan ini, jadwal tur BARONESS di Eropa terpaksa ditunda.

Tahun 2012 juga menjadi tahun kecelakaan lalu lintas bagi band lain seperti The Acacia Strain , Between The Buried And Me dan Periphery . Sama seperti BARONESS, ketiga band ini juga

mengalami kecelakaan saat tur.

8. Bill Ward Mundur Dari Reuni BLACK

SABBATH [Mei 2012]

Pada akhir 2011, kabar bereuninya kembali band legendaris BLACK SABBATH sempat menimbulkan euforia di kalangan musisi maupun fans musik

cadas. Namun dalam pelaksanaannya, moment reuni itu justru menimbulkan peristiwa lain yang tak diduga. Karena permasalahan kontrak, drummer BLACK SABBATH Bill Ward terpaksa mengundurkan diri dari tur reuni band

legendaris tersebut. Bill merasa bahwa kontrak yang disodorkan kepadanya dari manajemen BLACK SABBATH sangat tidak menghormati posisinya sebagai drummer original band tersebut.

Bill memang diminta untuk ikut serta dalam show BLACK SABBATH Download Festival 2012. Tapi dia hanya ditawari untuk bermain dalam tiga lagu sementara ada drummer lainnya yang

akan menggantikan dirinya sampai selesai show. Bill mengaku tersinggung dengan hal itu. “Aku tak setuju dengan tawaran itu. Aku tak mau melihat drummer lain bermain bersama BLACK

SABBATH sementara aku hanya kebagian bermain di tiga lagu.” Katanya.

Perseteruan Bill dan BLACK SABBATH makin meruncing karena BLACK SABBATH kemudian menghapus foto-foto Bill Ward dari website resmi mereka yang semakin menegaskan bahwa Bill

Ward memang telah keluar dari BLACK SABBATH.

7. Seorang Dokter Jadi Tertuduh Penyebab Kematian Paul Gray [September 2012]

Bassist SLIPKNOT Paul Gray memang

sudah tiada sejak 2010 lalu, namun pada 2012 namanya kembali muncul menjadi pembicaraan. Adalah Daniel Baldi, seorang dokter di Iowa Health

System pain clinic, Des Moines, Iowa, Amerika Serikat yang dituntut atas tuduhan melakukan pembunuhan yang tak disengaja terhadap beberapa pasiennya. Dan salah satu pasiennya

adalah Paul Gray.

Daniel Baldi diduga telah menuliskan ‘resep obat untuk menghilangkan rasa sakit [painkiller] berdosis tinggi untuk pecandu drugs’ kepada 8 orang pasien, termasuk Paul Gray. Hal ini dianggap makin memperparah kondisi Paul yang

memang sudah terlanjur mengalami kecanduan drugs sejak tahun 2005.

Dokter Baldi muncul di depan pengadilan pada 5 September 2012 atas

tuduhan yang ditujukan kepadanya tersebut. Namun dia kemudian dibebaskan dengan jaminan USD 10.000 atau sekitar IDR 96 juta. Baldi menghadapi hukuman 16 tahun penjara

jika terbukti bersalah. SLIPKNOT mengaku terkejut dengan hal ini. “Kami hanya bisa berharap bahwa keadilan akan ditegakkan agar hal seperti ini tak perlu terjadi lagi.” kata mereka.

6. Eddie Van Halen Hampir Meninggal

Setelah Minum Ramuan Cabai Rawit.

[September 2012]

Gitaris VAN HALEN, Eddie Van Halen sempat berada dalam kondisi kesehatan yang mengkhawatirkan pada bulan September 2012. Eddie mengalami sakit perut hebat karena organ ususnya ‘bocor’. Gitaris veteran ini bahkan sampai diberitakan hampir meninggal dunia . Eddie dibawa ke rumah sakit dalam keadaan sakit perut yang amat sangat setelah dia mengkonsumsi minuman diet yang terbuat dari cabai rawit. Minuman yang diminum Eddie

adalah bagian dari sebuah diet yang bertujuan membersihkan tubuh dari racun. Minuman ini berbahan dasar air, jus lemon segar, sirup mapel dan cabai rawit. Sayangnya, dalam kasus orang

yang sebelumnya telah memiliki permasalahan pencernaan seperti Eddie, hal ini bisa menyebabkan terjadinya kebocoran usus.

Akibat sakit perutnya, Eddie harus istirahat sampai setidaknya 4 bulan atau bahkan lebih, membuat semua jadwal tur VAN HALEN terpaksa ditunda hingga tahun 2013.

5. Axl Rose Menolak Hadiri Pelantikan Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame untuk GUNS N’ ROSES [April 2012]

GUNS N’ ROSES adalah salah satu band yang dilantik masuk museum Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame pada tahun 2012. Jauh sebelum acara digelar, tepatnya pada Desember 2011 ketika GUNS N’ ROSES diumumkan menjadi salah satu band yang akan dilantik dalam Rock And Roll

Hall Of Fame , spekulasi dan harapan publik bahwa line-up klasik GUNS N’ ROSES yang pernah mengkilap di pertengahan 80an hingga awal 90an akan tampil dalam acara tersebut.

Namun harapan tinggallah harapan. Pasalnya, Axl Rose menyatakan bahwa dia tak akan hadir dalam acara tesebut.

Beberapa hari sebelum acara digelar, Axl menulis sebuah surat terbuka,

mengungkapkan apa yang dia rasakan tentang Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame dan keputusannya bahwa dia tak akan hadir dalam acara tersebut.

“Aku tak akan hadir dalam Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame tahun 2012 dan dengan penuh rasa hormat aku menolak pelantikanku sebagai anggota GUNS N’ ROSES dalam Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.” Tulis Axl.

GUNS N’ ROSES pun akhirnya dilantik tanpa kehadiran Axl. Para personil lawas GUNS N’ ROSES lainnya [selain gitaris Izzy Stradlin] tetap hadir dalam acara tersebut. Slash, Duff McKagan, Steven Adler, Matt Sorum dan Gilby Clarke hadir dan tampil membawakan beberapa

lagu dalam acara tersebut.

4. Morgan ‘Evil’ Håkansson [MARDUK]

Mengaku Simpan Serpihan Tulang Kepala Dead [MAYHEM]. [Juni 2012]

Kabar horor muncul dari Swedia pada Juni 2012. Morgan Steinmeyer Håkansson, gitaris band black metal asal Swedia MARDUK mengaku bahwa dirinya masih menyimpan serpihan

tulang kepala [tengkorak] dari Per Yngve Ohlin a.k.a Dead, ex-vokalis MAYHEM yang bunuh diri pada 1991 silam.

Morgan mengaku mendapatkan serpihan mengerikan itu dari Øystein Aarseth a.k.a Euronymous, ex- gitaris MAYHEM. “Dia (Euronymous) memang mengirimkannya ke beberapa kawan dekat Dead. Tak banyak.. mungkin sekitar 5 orang (yang dikirimi). Aku

masih menyimpannya sekarang.” Kata Morgan. Morgan bahkan mengaku bahwa dia juga dikirimi potongan otak dan pecahan peluru shotgun yang

digunakan oleh Dead untuk mengakhiri

hidupnya.

Kematian Per “Dead” Ohlin pada awal 1990an memang menjadi salah satu peristiwa paling dikenal dalam sejarah musik metal, khususnya black metal. Dead – saat itu berusia 22 tahun - bunuh diri pada 8 April 1991 di sebuah rumah

di dekat desa Kråkstad, Norwegia. Jenazah Dead ditemukan pertama kali oleh Euronymous yang kemudian memfoto jenazah tersebut. Rumor

kemudian beredar bahwa Euronymous diduga mengambil beberapa serpihan tulang tengkorak Dead dan dirangkainya menjadi kalung dan dikirimkannya ke beberapa teman.

3. Vokalis LOSTPROPHETS Menjadi

Tertuduh Kasus Pedofilia [Desember

2012]

Menjelang tutup tahun 2012 sebuah kabar mengejutkan muncul dari band asal Wales LOSTPROPHETS. Ian Watkins, vokalisnya, menjadi tertuduh pelaku sebuah kasus perilaku seksual terhadap dua orang perempuan di bawah umur,

salah satunya terhadap seorang bayi berusia satu tahun.

Ian Watkins telah ditahan di Cardiff, Wales sejak 17 Desember 2012 lalu. Persidangan pertama telah digelar dan Ian dikenakan enam tuntutan. Salah satunya adalah tuduhan percobaan

perkosaan. Bersama Ian juga ditahan dua orang perempuan. Ian telah didakwa melakukan konspirasi dengan kedua perempuan berusia 20 dan 24 tahun tersebut dalam melakukan aksinya.

Menyusul peristiwa yang menimpa vokalis mereka, LOSTPROPHETS terpaksa harus menunda jadwal tur yang rencananya akan dimulai pada awal 2013.

LOSTPROPHETS mengaku shock atas peristiwa ini. “Menyusul tuduhan yang ditujukan kepada Ian Watkins, kami mengaku shock. Kami sedang mempelajari detil investigasi. Ini adalah

masa-masa sulit bagi kami dan keluarga kami. Kami berterima kasih kepada para fans atas dukungan mereka. Sementara ini kami masih mencari kejelasan.” Demikian pernyataan mereka di websitenya.

2. Randy Blythe Terjerat Kasus Kematian Fan [Juni 2012]

Ini merupakan salah satu peristiwa mengejutkan paling menyita perhatian publik musik cadas pada tahun 2012. Vokalis LAMB OF GOD Randy Blythe secara tak terduga ditangkap dan kemudian ditahan di Prague, Republik Ceko pada Juni 2012 atas tuduhan menyebabkan kematian seorang fan dalam konser LAMB OF GOD tahun

2010.

Randy sempat mendekam di penjara Pancrac, di Prague selama sekitar sebulan sebelum dibebaskan dengan uang jaminan sebesar USD 400.000 atau sekitar IDR 3.6 Milliar. Meski demikian, Randy belum sepenuhnya bebas tuduhan. Pada akhir 2012 Pengadilan Republik Ceko menetapkan bahwa Randy masih harus menghadiri sidang pada Januari 2013 untuk membuktikan apakah dia bersalah atau tidak. Jika dinyatakan bersalah, Randy menghadapi

tuntutan hukuman penjara antara 5-10 tahun.

Kasus yang menimpa Randy banyak mengundang tanggapan dari komunitas rock dan metal. Para musisi menyatakan dukungannya terhadap Randy dalam menghadapi kasus ini dan berharap

Randy tidak diputus bersalah.

1.Vokalis SUICIDE SILENCE Mitch Lucker Meninggal Dunia [November 2012]

Sepanjang 2012, tidak ada peristiwa paling mengejutkan dalam semesta cadas selain kematian vokalis band deathcore SUICIDE SILENCE, Mitch Lucker pada 1 November 2012.

Mitch tewas setelah mengalami kecelakaan dengan motornya di salah satu ruas jalan di Huntington Beach, California pada malam tanggal 31 Oktober 2012. Menurut keterangan polisi, Mitch mengalami kecelakaan di salah satu perempatan jalan di Huntington Beach, California. Mitch yang saat itu mengendarai Harley Davidson 2013nya yang berwarna hitam, diduga lepas kontrol dan menabrak sebuah tiang lampu di pinggir jalan sehingga dirinya pun terlempar dari tempat duduknya, sementara motornya terus bergerak sendiri dan berhenti setelah menabrak sebuah mobil pickup Nissan Titan yang sedang melintas.

Ada dugaan Mitch mengkonsumsi alkohol sebelum kecelakaan terjadi. Hal ini diperkuat oleh pengakuan Jolie Carmedella, istri Mitch. “Dia alkoholic. Dan itu sudah cukup lama. Aku sudah mencoba menghentikannya. Kemarin aku sudah memintanya untuk tidak meninggalkan rumah. Tapi dia tetap pergi keluar. Dan inilah akibatnya.” Kata Jolie. Jolie pun mengatakan bahwa ini seharusnya menjadi peringatan bagi semua orang. “Dia kini kehilangan kesempatan untuk melihat Kenadee

[anak Mitch yang berusia 5 tahun] tumbuh, hanya karena dia memutuskan untuk minum dan berkendara. Jadi berpikirlah sebelum kalian melakukan sesuatu yang bodoh. Tolong… belajarlah dari kejadian ini, please.” Kata Jolie.

Perjalanan karir musik yang menjanjikan

bersama SUICIDE SILENCE serta keberadaan keluarga yang menyenangkan yang dimiliki Mitch kini terpaksa harus berakhir. Jika benar kecelakaan dan kematiannya dipicu oleh alkohol, maka sebaiknya memang ini menjadi peringatan bagi semua orang seperti yang dikatakan oleh istri Mitch, Jolie Carmadella.

Tahun 2012 telah mendekati akhir. Tahun 2013 siap disongsong. Masing-masing orang tentu memiliki highlight-highlight peristiwa yang sangat personal sepanjang 2012. Sebagian peristiwa yang terjadi pada 2012 mungkin masih

akan berlanjut hingga tahun 2013 atau bahkan hingga bertahun-tahun setelahnya, karena memang ceritanya belum usai. Terlebih karena setiap keputusan yang diambil dalam satu

periode kehidupan selalu memiliki pengaruh dalam periode kehidupan selanjutnya.

Jadi, seperti yang dikatakan oleh Jolie Carmadella- perempuan yang harus kehilangan suaminya Mitch Lucker karena kecelakaan fatal – ada baiknya belajar dari apa yang terjadi di sekeliling kita.

Hal senada juga konon pernah

diucapkan oleh Otto Van Bismarck, seorang negarawan Jerman yang mengatakan bahwa “Orang bijak banyak belajar dari kesalahan orang lain”.

Cukup masuk akal, karena proses belajar dan membuat keputusan memang tak pernah berakhir, apalagi karena sekecil apapun

keputusan yang kau ambil, itu akan membuat hidupmu tak pernah sama lagi dengan sebelumnya. Selamat menyambut Tahun 2013!

(A.K. Perdana/RockenBlast)

Senin, 17 Desember 2012

10 Best SLIPKNOT's Songs




The best Slipknot songs are bred from the band's Midwestern roots, as the masked marauders from Des Moines, Iowa, have taken the blood, sweat and tears of their blue-collar upbringing and poured it into their music. Slipknot are a way of life for their fans — affectionately dubbed maggots — because they managed to distill fury into manic, artfully constructed, unforgettable songs that still bash you over the skull. They are masterful with their metal, but on a deeper level, it's their skillful playing, carves-space-in-your-cranium melodies and their full on assault on all senses that make Slipknot one of the most important metal bands ever. With great difficulty, we've made our picks for the 10 Best Slipknot Songs:



10.'Vermilion Pt. 2'

From: 'Vol. 3 (The Subliminal Verses)' (2004)





Slipknot are known for heavier-than-granite metal. But a fragile song like 'Vermilion Pt. 2' demonstrates an artistry not unlike, say, Radiohead. The band's mastery of dynamics is evident in this original and this sequel. Sometimes you need to show your softer side to further demonstrate just how aggressive you are. 'Part 2' is a testament to late bassist Paul Gray's rock solid songwriting, as well.





9.'Spit It Out'

From: 'Slipknot' (1999)





If you've seen Slipknot live, you know this is the song where Corey Taylor commands the entire crowd to sit on the ground and jump to their feet on his command. That's power. That's two decades worth of connection with the maggots, which has been drafted in blood, adrenaline, testosterone and any other bodily fluid, substance or hormone your sick mind can possibly imagine.





8.'The Heretic Anthem'

From: 'Iowa' (2001)





Only in Slipknot's feral claws and paws could a lyric like “If you're 555, I'm 666″ still sound nastier than Regan's green vomit in 'The Exorcist.' It's true that 'Iowa' is the slaughterhouse of Slipknot records: every song drips blood, guts, venom, bile and vomit. That's a good thing when you're talking metal, and 'Heretic Anthem' captures all of those elements in one fell swoop.





7.'(sic)'

From: 'Slipknot' (1999)





Go watch 'Alien.' You know that scene where the alien bursts from Kane's chest? The graphic horror and vicious energy of that scene is bottled and captured by 'Sic,' thanks to the battering ram percussion, machine gunned riffs and Taylor's battle cry. This is music from and for the frontlines of a warzone. Here comes the pain!





6.'Left Behind'

From: 'Iowa' (2001)





'Left Behind' is the lead single from 'Iowa' and it's one of Slipknot's standout songs as it shows off the band's attention to and knack for melody, without losing its meaty, metal edge. It's one of those beautiful moments where you can tap your toes to the music, all the while wanting to start a carnage-inducing moshpit. That's not easy to do, but in Slipknot's mitts, it seems so simple.





5.'Psychosocial'

'All Hope Is Gone' (2008)





'Psychosocial' is a chunky, choppy track, with an infectious chorus. That's not usually how one would describe an exhaustingly heavy metal track, but this is Slipknot we're talking about. Equally riffy and percussive, 'Psychosocial' is fueled by the pulse of the maggots.





4.'People = Shit'

From: 'Iowa' (2001)





Slipknot weren't masking their intentions with 'People = Shit.' Only nine bandits from Iowa could effectively capture the dregs of humanity with a metal song so effectively. It's one of the best Slipknot songs thanks to the way it helps one achieve catharsis and an understanding of the depths to which your fellow man can sink.





3.'Wait and Bleed'

From: 'Slipknot' (1999)





'Wait and Bleed' is a standout track not only for its jostling construction, but for the fact that it lets vocalist Corey Taylor take center stage. His guttural growls could make the hairs on your neck stand bolt upright. As for his melodic croon? That's what set him apart. The band never, ever sounds soft. The melodic elements merely provided a foil to enhance the extreme parts.





2.'Duality'

From: 'Vol. 3 (The Subliminal Verses)'





Slipknot's brutal, extreme nature is never in question, but with 'Duality,' the lead single from their third album, the masker marauders were able to perfect their formula of maelstrom with melody. Never did pushing your fingers into your eyes sound like such an appealing behavior.





1'Surfacing'

From: 'Slipknot' (1999)





'Surfacing' is your new national anthem. With the squealing opening, frenetic, chaotic percussion and Corey Taylor's ferocity, it's the definitive Slipknot song because it gives a comprehensive look over everything Slipknot is: feral, uncontainable, artistically elevated. There was never anything like Slipknot before them and even thought there have been copycats, there will never truly be anything that rivals or equals them.

Loudwire.com

Jumat, 07 Desember 2012

10 Best Rock Albums 2012


LOUDWIRE.COM

The year 2012 turned out to be a strong one for rock albums. We saw the highly anticipated return of '90s favorites Soundgarden, the continued brilliance of acts like Deftones and Stone Sour, the emergence of females in hard rock courtesy of Halestorm and Dead Sara, among others, to go along with memorable releases from a number of other rock acts. Unfortunately, all of our favorite albums couldn't make this list, but after much debate among our entire staff, we've come up with our official picks for the best rock albums of the year. If metal is more your speed, don't worry, we've got a separate list for you headbangers. But for now, strap in and turn it up, as we count down the 10 Best Rock Albums of 2012:



10

'Dark Adrenaline'

Lacuna Coil





Lacuna Coil's 'Dark Adrenaline' album, released early on in 2012, finds the band rediscovering their gothic roots while expanding their sound in the process. 'Trip the Darkness' was a dark sounding gem off the record, and the song got an extra boost when a remix by Dillinger Escape Plan's Ben Weinman appeared on the 'Underworld: Awakening' soundtrack. 'Fire' showed off a more radio-friendly side, while 'End of Time' served as the band's late year ballad. The disc also included an interesting cover of R.E.M.'s 'Losing My Religion.'





9

'King Animal'

Soundgarden





The promise of Soundgarden's 2009 reunion was finally realized in 2012, as the band released their 'King Animal' album in November. The grunge goliath's first new album since 1996 proves that Soundgarden are still on top of their game. 'Been Away Too Long' became a major hit at radio, while tracks like 'Non-State Actor' and 'Worse Dreams' generated plenty of buzz in advance of the album. Chris Cornell's voice is as strong as ever, and the full band feels as though they haven't lost a step. Welcome back, Soundgarden, and kudos for delivering one of the 10 best rock albums of 2012.





8

'Amarylllis'

Shinedown





Shinedown had a tough task in matching the success of 2008's 'The Sound of Madness,' but they succeeded in cranking out another hits-filled collection with 'Amaryllis,' certainly showing that there is no slowing down this juggernaut. Both 'Bully' and 'Unity' took the band back to the top of the charts. And the group got great mileage out of 'Enemies' and 'I'll Follow You,' making for a very successful 2012. Look for the output to continue, with the single 'Miracle' lined up to hit radio in early 2013.





7

'Born Villain'

Marilyn Manson





For longtime fans of Marilyn Manson, 'Born Villain' provided a much welcome creative resurgence. The lead single 'No Reflection' was just the sort of gritty-meets-groovy rocker that the singer built his career upon, and 'Slo-Mo-Tion' and 'Overneath the Path of Mystery' show the true depth of the record. In addition, Manson got some notice for including the bonus cover of 'You're So Vain' with his longtime pal Johnny Depp.





6

'Harakiri'

Serj Tankian





The man of many musical inspirations, System of a Down singer Serj Tankian found his latest solo disc embracing rock, punk and new wave, among other genres. 'Harakiri' earns its spot as one of the 10 best rock albums of 2012 by delivering socially-minded statements through infectious songs. 'Figure It Out' is an in-your-face track that pulls no punches, while 'Cornucopia' showcases Tankian's versatile talents as a musician. But the standout cut just might be the title track, which features a chorus as catchy as any in System of a Down's catalog.





5

'The Strange Case of …'

Halestorm





Halestorm went from being the “next big rock band” to fulfilling that prophecy with 'The Strange Case Of…' The group rocketed up the charts in early 2012 with the single 'Love Bites … So Do I' and the attitude that Lzzy Hale provided set the tone for the rest of the disc. They enjoyed crossover pop success with 'Here's to Us,' but once again embraced their hard-rock fans with the scorching track 'I Miss the Misery,' which shows off Hale at her belting best.





4

'Yellow & Green'

Baroness





Baroness may not get as much attention as some of the bigger names on this list, but the band delivered one of the best front-to-back efforts of 2012. The two-disc collection 'Yellow & Green' features such standout tracks as 'March to the Sea,' 'Take My Bones Away' and 'Board Up the House.' Unfortunately, the band wasn't able to support the album as much as they has planned, as a terrifying bus crash led to major injuries and kept Baroness off the road for much of the year.





3

'Dead Sara'

Dead Sara





Looking for the next big rock band? It's worth a look at Dead Sara and their self-titled breakout album. The group garnered notice for their single 'Weatherman,' which features Emily Armstrong's powerhouse vocals and some terrific guitar work from Siouxsie Medley, but the disc as a whole is great. Second single 'We Are What You Say' is another notable track, while songs like the chilling ballads 'Dear Love' and 'Sorry for It All' should deserve a longer look in 2013.





2

'House of Gold & Bones, Pt. 1'

Stone Sour





You can't have a Best Rock Albums of 2012 list without Stone Sour's ambitious record 'House of Gold & Bones, Part 1.' Singer Corey Taylor got things rolling with the double-single 'Gone Sovereign' and 'Absolute Zero,' both of which set a hard-driving tone for the disc. Meanwhile, 'Taciturn' shows that the band can hit hard even when not rocking out at 11, providing one of the more moving songs on the record. We have no doubt that 'House of Gold & Bones,' with the second half of the double album coming next year, will play a major role in 2013.





1

'Koi No Yokan'

Deftones





Deftones have found their creative rebound in recent years, and they're making sure to pounce while it's going good. Fresh off the critically acclaimed 'Diamond Eyes' album, the band continues to rock at the top of their game. 'Koi No Yokan' hits on all cylinders with cuts like the single 'Tempest,' and standout tracks 'Leathers,' 'Poltergeist' and 'Rosemary.' With the disc just arriving in mid-November, it looks as though Deftones will have plenty to celebrate over the next year – starting with being named Loudwire's Best Rock Album of 2012.


10 Best Metal Album 2012


10 Best Metal Albums of 2012

by Loudwire Staff

Phil Anselmo / BTBAM / Lamb of God

Liz Ramanand, Loudwire

This year 2012 will be remembered as one that was incredibly rich with quality metal albums, with some of extreme music’s most consistent bands having issued near-perfect additions to their discographies this year, many of the albums listed here could have easily come in at No. 1 if released in past years. Albums from Between the Buried and Me, Converge, Pig Destroyer and Gojira made 2012 an incredibly competitive year, and certainly one of the best so far in the 21st century. The year also saw stellar new releases from the likes of Down and Lamb of God, among others. For fans who lean more rock than metal, we’ve got a separate listfor you. But here, we present our picks for the 10 Best Metal Albums of 2012:

10

‘Blood for the Master’

Goatwhore

Coming in at No. 10 is Goatwhore‘s blackened death metal gem ‘Blood for the Master.’ Released on Feb. 13, the band unleashed one of their heaviest and greatest career achievements early in the year. With ‘Blood for the Master’ fueling an ever-increasing fanbase, Goatwhore earned a place on this year’s Summer Slaughter tour along with opening shows for High on Fire, Hate Eternal and 3 Inches of Blood, among others, in 2012.

9

‘Resolution’

Lamb of God

Lamb of God continued their streak of creating addictive “pure American metal” with ‘Resolution.’ The band stays the course with their latest album, with powerful consistency and flawless execution. While there is no mistaking the album’s tracks as anyone but Lamb of God, the band experiments with some doom with ‘Straight for the Sun’ and spoken word parts with ‘King Me.’ Add pummeling tracks such as ‘Desolation’ and Ghost Walking,’ and you’ve got a killer album.

8

‘Down IV, Part 1 – The Purple EP’

Down

Although ‘Down IV, Part 1 – The Purple EP’ contains only six songs, the tracks within offer a sustaining energy that carries the weight of a full-length. The vocal prowess of Phil Anselmo remains powerful, especially when delving low into his range, while the rest of Down pump out monstrous sludge into the groove-driven ‘Levitation’ and the anthemic ‘Witchtripper.’

7

‘Woods 5: Grey Skies & Electric Light’

Woods of Ypres

The tragic death of Woods of Ypres mastermind David Gold in December 2011 was a massive loss to the metal world, and tragically, Gold did not live to see the release of ‘Woods 5: Grey Skies & Electric Light.’ Gold harnessed immense depth and introspective thought, using death itself as the album’s central theme. ‘Woods 5′ follows a man who sees death after being struck by lightning and finds neither a God nor an afterlife.

6

‘Book Burner’

Pig Destroyer

With an album so good even Larry King contributed to it (kind of), Pig Destroyer ended a five-year wait for new material in 2012 with ‘Book Burner.’ The addition of Misery Index drummer Adam Jarvis to the lineup delivered a much dirtier and twisted sound to the new record, displayed prominently in ‘The Diplomat.’ Along with the all-knowing guitarist / producer Scott Hull and tremendous guest vocalists accompanying J.R. Hayes, the grind of Pig Destroyer remains second to none.

5

‘L’Enfant Sauvage’

Gojira

Although Gojira already possessed mountains of fans and a solid discography, the band is widely considered to be the breakout metal act of 2012. The French metallers unveiled ‘L’Enfant Sauvage’ to universal acclaim, successfully balancing the band’s key components of brutality, beauty and progression with flawless production attached. For songs like ‘The Axe,’ ‘Explosia,’ the title track and much more, we say ‘merci beaucoup’ to Gojira.

4

‘De Vermis Mysteriis’

High on Fire

High on Fire gifted fans with the incredible trippy sludge-fest ‘De Vermis Mysteriis’ in 2012, which explores the story of Jesus Christ’s time-traveling stillborn twin brother who drinks a serum to see the past through his ancestors eyes in order to discover how his brother became a religious icon. Still with us? Even if the concept goes over your head, the brilliance of tracks such as ‘Fertile Green’ and ‘King of Days’ will bring you to sonic enlightenment.

3

‘All We Love We Leave Behind’

Converge

Converge possess one of extreme music’s most impressive discographies, and ‘All We Love We Leave Behind’ ranks among the band’s crowning achievements. The group strides closer to their hardcore roots with ‘Trespesses’ and ‘Sparrow’s Fall,’ continue the legacy of Kurt Ballou’s ingenious shredding with ‘Sadness Comes Home’ and even create experimental beauty with ‘Coral Blue.’

2

‘Utilitarian’

Napalm Death

Many metalheads expected just another grind record with Napalm Death‘s 15th studio album, ‘Utilitarian.’ Those people were wrong. ‘Utilitarian’ turned out to be not just a phenomenal album, but a monumental achievement for the British legends. Barney Greenway’s unmatched voice remains terrifying and demented, while the band’s songwriting created an avant-garde niche consisting of scattered saxophone solos and otherworldly clean vocals.

1

‘The Parallax II: Future Sequence’

Between the Buried and Me

‘The Parallax II: Future Sequence’ is metal music’s greatest conceptual accomplishment of the year. Set in outer space, BTBAM have created the most complex music you’ll ever zone out to, performed by the strongest group of pure musicians within the realm of metal. Much like the band’s 2007 album, ‘Colors,’ the record takes unexpected twists and turns while sonic plates spin without the slightest wobble. For that, we crown it the Best Metal Album of 2012.


Loudwire

10 Best Rock/Metal Songs 2012










There were some incredible rock songs unleashed in 2012 from a diverse group of artists. Bands like Three Days Grace, Stone Sour and Papa Roach maintained their excellence with standout tracks at rock radio. There was a welcome return this year from Marilyn Manson, and breakout tracks from female-led bands like Halestorm and Dead Sara. It was tough to narrow the picks down to 10, but after some heated debate and occasional fisticuffs among our staff members, Loudwire has made its choices for the year’s best tunes. So check out our list of the 10 Best Rock Songs of 2012:



10

‘Chalk Outline’

Three Days Grace

From: ‘Transit of Venus’

We kick off our 10 best songs of 2012 list with Three Days Grace’s ‘Chalk Outline,’ a track that many people loved as evidenced by its 12-week reign atop the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and 10-week run at No. 1 on the Billboard Active Rock Chart. The jarring opening notes definitely catch the listener right off the bat, while singer Adam Gontier belts out lines about being cursed by a love that’s left him behind.




9

‘Still Swingin”

Papa Roach

From: ‘The Connection’

Papa Roach have battled against the odds to establish themselves as one of rock’s enduring bands, and ‘Still Swingin” provided the group with the perfect anthem to qualify their journey. It’s got blistering guitars, hard-hitting drums and a rap-like delivery in the verses before Jacoby Shaddix shows his melodic side in the chorus. As long as they keep cranking out songs like ‘Still Swingin’,’ Papa Roach will continue to stay on top of their game.





8

‘Harakiri’

Serj Tankian

From: ‘Harakiri’ (2012)

System of a Down singer Serj Tankian delivered one of the best rock albums of the year with his solo effort ‘Harakiri,’ and standing tall among the disc’s songs is the title track. Featuring perhaps the most beautifully melodic chorus in a rock song in 2012, the tune ‘Harakiri’ questions if today’s environmental factors may be playing a part in the freakish mass deaths of various animals over recent years. It’s a thought-provoking tune that is both memorable in its lyrics and its music.





7

‘Bully’

Shinedown

From: ‘Amaryllis’

Bullying has become an increasing problem in schools and the guys of Shinedown take on the issue with this blistering tune. The aggressive nature of ‘Bully’ fits perfectly with the band’s condemnation of bullying and encouragement to those being bullies to stand up for oneself. Add in Brent Smith‘s infectious sing-along lyrics and you’ve got a track that’s not only inspirational but also rocks.





6

‘No Reflection’

Marilyn Manson

From: ‘Born Villain’

Marilyn Manson experienced a musical rebirth with his 2012 album ‘Born Villain’ and the first single, ‘No Reflection,’ made it clear that the singer had recaptured the old magic that led to his superstardom in the first place. The fuzzed out opening guitars, the catchy but dark lyrical content, and a chorus where the emotion in Manson’s voice takes hold as he digs deep into his soul makes this one of 2012′s best rock tracks



5

‘Gone Sovereign’

Stone Sour

From: ‘House of Gold & Bones, Pt. 1′

‘Gone Sovereign’ was half of a two-part single that Stone Sour released in late summer (the other half being ‘Absolute Zero’), and the hard-hitting nature of the song immediately connected with fans. The frenetic power and fury of the guitar play between Jim Root and Josh Rand stands out, while Roy Mayorga’s thunderous drumming drives the song. Corey Taylor starts the song by singing, ‘No one’s laughing now,’ but the vocalist probably has a smile knowing that ‘Gone Sovereign’ has turned into one of 2012′s standout songs.





4

‘March to the Sea’

Baroness

From: ‘Yellow & Green’

Baroness had one of the year’s better, yet often overlooked, albums and one of the tracks that makes it such a standout disc is ‘March to the Sea.’ The song starts innocently enough, with some nifty psychedelic picking before the power of the drums kicks in. The track provides a hypnotic feel throughout, as the band tell the tale of a friend lost to drugs, comparing it to someone who tied themselves up and jumped in the sea never to come home again.





3

‘Love Bites (So Do I)’

Halestorm

From: ‘The Strange Case Of…’

Halestorm got 2012 off to a rocking good start with the single ‘Love Bites (So Do I),’ a song that was an infectious concoction of punk, thrash and rock all in one foot-tapping, fist-pumping package. Drummer Arejay Hale absolutely kills the drumkit, while Lzzy Hale tells the tale of a girl honing in on a guy with a girlfriend and explaining why she should be his. ‘Love Bites’ became the first song ever from a female-fronted act to be No. 1 on the Active Rock charts. Well done, Halestorm!





2

‘Leathers’

Deftones

From: ‘Koi No Yokan’

Fans certainly were excited when Deftones announced the impending release of their album ‘Koi No Yokan,’ but it was the first song unleashed from the disc that truly sent the band’s devotees into a frenzy. While not the official first single, ‘Leathers’ is the most dynamic song on a disc that took the top spot on our 10 Best Rock Albums of 2012 list. Chino Moreno’s voice soars to new heights when he sings the line ‘Shedding your skin / Showing your texture.” All told, ‘Leathers’ just might be the most powerful rock song of 2012.





1

‘Weatherman’

Dead Sara

From: ‘Dead Sara’

Every once in a while, the rock world needs a swift kick in the butt from a new band. And in 2012, it was Los Angeles rock act Dead Sara who delivered the most dynamic song of the year. ‘Weatherman’ is a raw, uninhibited tune that perfectly melds frontwoman Emily Armstrong’s incredible voice with a no-holds-barred musical attack led by guitarist Souixsie Medley. The track features the memorable line ‘Go for the kill,’ and that’s exactly what Dead Sara did with ‘Weatherman,’ making it the No. 1 tune on our list of the best rock songs of 2012.



What Was Your Favorite Rock Song Of 2012?

Well, thatrocked! Do you agree? Let us know what you think about our 10 Best Rock Songs of 2012 list. Is there a song we missed and if so, what would you knock out? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.


























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