Top 10 Albums of 2011 - Part 2

Now it was a very tricky choosing the top five for this year but I have made the decision to cast these albums below as the top five.

5. The Treatment - This Might Hurt

Now I love this album a lot; the catchy guitar riffs, lead singer Matt Jones sounding like a dead ringer of Aerosmith legend Steve Tyler and some smashing tunes are the reasons why this album has made it into my top five. The Treatment as a band have been another highlight in my musical findings this year; first coming across them in Kerrang! and their music influences are what got me interested. Full of sexy husky vocals, slick guitar solos and songs you could just listen to again and again this album definitely has the whole package of a great rock album.

Purchase the album now on iTunes or Amazon

4. My Darkest Days - My Darkest Days

First hearing these guys via the song Porn Star Dancing featuring Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger on vocals and guitar god Zakk Wylde playing a sick guitar solo I thought I'd have a listen to the album. It was much better than I was expecting; I did not see myself get drawn into their upbeat, catchy songs as quickly as I did for this album. It is an album I can listen and dance to again and again for sure.

Purchase the album now on iTunes or Amazon

3. Theory Of A Deadman - The Truth Is...

When I heard Canadian rockers Theory Of A Deadman were to produce a new album for this year I was very excited; I loved their previous album Scars and Souvenirs so was very eager to find out what this album had to offer. I had very high hopes for the album when the single Lowlife was introduced, the song was on four to five times a day on my iPod when it was released. Was very happy with the final outcome of the album as the songs were just as amazing as Lowlife; including personal favourites Bitch Came Back and Hurricane. Looking forward to seeing them live again next year.

Purchase the album now on iTunes or Amazon

2. Within Temptation - The Unforgiving

Dutch symphonic metallers did not surprise with a majestic new album that was released this year; I loved all the songs on this album and Sharon den Adel's voice is still very charming. They are also known for creating a variety of songs and this album is no exception; from the upbeat Faster to the heartfelt Lost. I still listen to this album again and again now, it really has made 2011 a great year. There's rumours of a film in the creating process from the band too; keep your eyes peeled.

Purchase the album now on iTunes or Amazon

1. Nightwish - Imaginareum

The build up to this phenomenon has been incredible; for two years this album has been in the making process and I can definitely say that the hard work has payed of immensely. This is the fourth time I have listened to since I got in the post this week and I love every second of it; I also love how it is set up like you were watching a film. The closing track Imaginareum acts as an overture for the closing credits and you can just imagine each song as different scenes; there is a film to be released soon as the final step. All I can say is Well Done Nightwish you have really worked hard to produce this spectacular masterpiece known as Imaginareum. Possibly their best album to date; being why it is my album of 2011.

Purchase the album now on iTunes or Amazon

Well there you have my top ten albums of 2011; there have been some truly remarkable works here and I only hope for more as good as these in the new year.

Top 10 Albums of 2011 - Part 1

Well guys another year gone; it is now time to tell about my ten top albums that have really highlighted my year.

10. Black Veil Brides - Set The World On Fire

Despite their dissapointing live show in October I am going to give Hollywood rockers Black Veil Brides some credit for producing a fantastic album and starting a new revolution to music fans everywhere. I do love how the speak for outsiders in society and a lot of their music does very much speak to outsiders; it has a great mixture of songs such as the anthemic Fallen Angels and the heartfelt Saviour. Andy Biersack enticing vocals draws you in like a moth to the flame. You either love them or you hate them; either way their iconic Set The World On Fire has made it to number 10 of my albums of 2011.

Purchase the album now on iTunes or Amazon

 

9. Reckless Love - Animal Attraction

Finnish glam rockers Reckless Love's second album has really worked wonders in my music findings this year; very much liking the fact they remind me of a modern day version Poison. Catchy songs and old school guitar riffs are what really pushed my buttons; following a successful debut I think Reckless Love really deliver here.

Purchase the album now on iTunes or Amazon  

8. Alestorm - Back Through Time

I love the whole concept of this album produced by Scottish pirate rockers Alestorm; they write and perform songs that are related to pirate related matters and that is what I love. Most of the songs have a special place in my heart such as Scrapin the Barrell and The Sunk'n Norwegian. I definitely hope to see and hear more from them when I see them live in the new year.

Purchase the album now on iTunes or Amazon

7. Turisas - Stand Up and Fight

Eccentric Finnish metal heads Turisas have been a huge highlight of 2011 and this album is one of the reasons; I love their folk approach to metal and add an accordian and violin into the mix. My personal favourites on this album being The March of the Varangian Guard and Hunting Pirates this album really stood out for me this year. The key album that converted me to a Turisas fan for good.

Purchase the album now on iTunes or Amazon

6. Black Stone Cherry - Between The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea

To be honest; after hearing Blame It On The Boom Boom I was doubting what Black Stone Cherry's new album would sound like since I wasn't too keen on the song. However my hopes were lifted again after hearing the song White Trash Millionaire; the hopes were also confirmed. They still had their usual kick ass sound with catchy riffs and excellent vocal skills from Chris Robertson; a friend of mine mentioned the number of ballads on the album and I found he is right. Black Stone Cherry can produce a wide range of tunes and this album is proof.

Purchase this album now on iTunes and Amazon

That was part one for the top ten; look out for my top 5 post.