Another year of metal music is passing us by. There were some really good albums, and the race to be in the top ten was a close one this year. It also took me quite a few spins to really determine the top five, but in the end, I think I have it, as there is a nice mix of thrash, death, progressive, alternative, and straight up rocking metal to please all rock and metal fans here. It was also nice to see bands put out some of their best work around. Anyways, let's starts this fucker, already!
10. Overkill- The Electric Age- After the amazing Ironbound, the best musical act to ever come out of Jersey release this fast and heavy hitting album that is even better! Songs like "Old Wounds, New Scars" rank among the most badass songs that they have ever fuckin made!!!
9. Testament- Dark Roots of the Earth- Much like Overkill, Testament had a lot to live up to after their phenomenal return and last album, The Formation of Damnation. This album is almost as good as that one. This is a heavy and blistering fucker, that even throws in killer covers of Scorpions and Iron Maiden. And, Chuck Billy remains one of the best signers in all of thrash metaldom.
8. In This Moment- Blood- Growing and maturing for a band is clearly important. Though change can alieanate fans, it can be quite crucial. In the case of In This Moment, a band not afraid to stray away from their metalcore beginnings, have done just that with what is their best work since their debut. In Blood the band mixes metal with some tinges of industrial and enough of a pop beat to sound accisable but never like sell-outs. Maria Brink sounds amazing and the tracks "Whore" and "Beast Within" ranks among the best of the year. Clearly people are agreeing cause this the band's most successful album, yet.
7. Fear Factory¬ The Industrialist- After all of these years Fear Factory have lost none of their edge. And, as great as their previous album, Mechanize, was; this one is even better. It's pounding, heavy music that pummels the listener. It's pretty much a jackhammer to your skull from beginning to the fucking end. 
6. Kreator- Phantom Antichrist- This is Kreator's best album since Coma of Souls and considering how good the last few have been that's saying a lot. It just mixes the perfect amount of speed, heaviness, and brutality, with the just the right amount of melody to pull of the best thrash metal album from an old-school band of the year.
5. Gojira- L’Enfante Savauge- Technically sound and aurally brutal France's progressive metal master's have released a juggernaut of an album. One that from the very first listen is clearly one of the year's finest albums. In fact, the opening track alone, firmly certifies that they righteously belong on this and every other best of metal list for 2012. 
4. Dethklok- The Dethalbum III- The best death album of the year comes courtesy of a band that is cartoon band. Of course, said band has some real fucking talent behind it including Gene fucking Hoglan! This album is every bit as heavy, badass, and brutal as you would expect from one of these guys; who are one of the best selling death metal acts, ever. And, the songs and album only get better with each listening!
3. Deftones- Koi No Yokan- Continuing with the sound and excellence of their last album, Diamon Eyes, the Deftones have provided us with another masterpiece. I still don't know which of the two albums I prefer, but I can say that this is my favorite album to write/ work to. And, I mean that compliment in all the best possible ways, since music is very important to me when I'm writing. 
2. Halestorm- The Strange Case of…- I have heard of the dreaded second album curse, where it is said that a band who makes a great first album fucks up royally with the following album. Well that was not the case here. In fact, PA's Halestorm have released an album totally trumps their self-titled debut, which, in of itself, is one of my favorite albums to spin. I have listened to this album, God only knows how many times already. It's their biggest success, too, making them the highest charting for the first week sales of a female fronted metal/ hard rock act. Yes, this means they beat even acts like Evanescence! Both of the singles, "Love Bites (So Do I)" and "I Miss the Misery", they released this year are not only big hits, but my favorite singles of the year. The fact that band did this by actually sounding heavier than ever, makes it that much better. But, they still have a lot of heart and soul to them, with some moving songs ("Here's to Us", "Beautiful with You") as well giving us seriously kick ass music with some headbanging good shit ("Mz. Hyge", "Daughters of Darkness", etc.).
1. Shadows Fall- Fire in the Sky- The album to beat Halestorm out of my top spot comes from this Springfield, Mass band. Now, I have long liked these guys, but now I like even more. And, it is most definitely thanks to this album. Shadows Fall has long left the metalcore sound, they were first known for and come into a more thrash influenced style. The result had been some solid work, but this trumps any of those. With a good classic thrash sound and quality production comes an exciting, ass kicking, fast, heavy, and pounding release. One that maybe the one to even convert the haters. Yes, it's that damn good!!Honorable Mentions:
Huntress- Spell Eater
Meshuggah- Koloss
Sister Sin- Now and Forever
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