We haven't even hit the summer of 2012 and it feels like there has already been a year's worth of quality metal albums released. From veteran acts like Napalm Death, Overkill and Meshuggah to younger bands such as Municipal Waste, Goatwhore and Woods of Ypres, several metal acts have put forth some of their career's best work in 2012. Thusly, we want to pay tribute to these new albums which have added themselves into the soundtrack of our essence. We will update this list throughout the year with any new metal albums that are worthy of cracking the Top 10, but in the meantime check out Loudwire's current list of the Top 10 Albums of 2012 (So Far):
10.'The Fatal Feast' - Municipal Waste
Waste is in space! The ridiculous and thrash-tastic 'Fatal Feast' showcases Municipal Waste as many things besides a band that just plays awesome jams. They act as repo men in 'Repossession,' eat people alive in the title track, 'The Fatal Feast,' and get covered in puke on 'Covered in Sick / The Barfer.' One of Municipal Waste's greatest assets is that they're not afraid to have fun with their blend of thrash — and that's exactly what 'The Fatal Feast' is all about.
9.'The Power Within' - Dragonforce
Judging by the discussion of the album online, DragonForce's 'The Power Within' may end up being the most debated upon metal release of 2012. The album is DragonForce's first with new vocalist Marc Hudson, who replaced ZP Theart after 11 years with the band. The inauguration of Hudson on 'The Power Within' has split fans down the middle, but when listening to the album, it remains obvious that Hudson is a talented vocalist and that tracks such as 'Cry Thunder' and the ridiculously fast 'Fallen World' grab the listener by the collar and demand their full attention.
8.'Koloss' - Meshuggah
The incredibly heavy and critically acclaimed 'Koloss' by Swedish extreme metal giants Meshuggah sent a bolt down the spine of metalheads after the album's release on March 27. Hailed as a probable contender for the best extreme metal record of 2012, it's no wonder why fans took Meshuggah all the way to our Death Match Hall of Fame. Much like drummer Tomas Haake says, 'Koloss' is “best avoided by the faint of heart.”
7.'Long Live Heavy Metal' - 3 Inches of Blood
If there is one modern band that makes awesome heavy metal, it's 3 Inches of Blood. The band has crafted a distinguished career from taking the style of their veteran musical heroes and twisting it to create a distinct sound, which all generations have been able to appreciate. Tracks such as 'Leather Lord' and 'Metal Woman' create a nostalgic quality while keeping the listener in the present. Even if heavy metal isn't your sub-genre of choice, it's difficult not to appreciate 3 Inches of Blood.
6.'The Electric Age' - Overkill
Overkill released their first record in 1985 and have been thrashing around the world ever since. The band's 2010 album, 'Ironbound' was seen by many as a return to form, and 'The Electric Age' further proves that Overkill are here to stay. The band cranks out old-school powerhouse tracks such as 'Come and Get It' and 'Electric Rattlesnake' while frontman Bobby Blitz delivers one of the most insane high shrieks ever put onto tape in 'Wish You Were Dead' — a scream which could easily stand toe-to-toe with the work of Bruce Dickinson or Rob Halford.
5.'Resolution' - Lamb of God
Lamb of God started off 2012 in a strong way with 'Resolution.' Fans went absolutely insane for this album, allowing 'Resolution' to debut at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart and at No. 1 on its rock chart. Lamb of God vocalist Randy Blythe really stands out on this release, with the demented twists of his monstrous gutturals dominating a large part of the record. Tracks such as 'Ghost Walking' and 'The Number Six' perfectly represent the attitude of 'Resolution' and why the “Pure American Metal” band is so beloved by their public.
4.'Woods 5: Grey Skies and Electric Light' - Woods of Ypres
This is a breathtaking album from start to finish, but the themes of 'Grey Skies and Electric Light' hit even harder having been released soon after the tragic passing of Woods of Ypres frontman David Gold. The words of Gold ring with limitless echo throughout the album, such as ”We shouldn't worship the dead,” in 'Adora Vivos' and “We were nothing / For a billion years before our time / And we will be nothing more again / For an eternity yet to come,” in the beautiful yet gloomy 'Death is Not an Exit.' Are we in fact worshipping the dead by glorifying Gold's work on this album? Perhaps a little, but regardless of David Gold's fate, Woods of Ypres created a masterpiece with their fifth release.
3.'Blood for the Master' - Goatwhore
Holy hell, this album is heavy. From literally zero-seconds into 'Blood for the Master,' Goatwhore burst into their unique mixture of death metal, black metal and thrash with the battering assault of 'Collapse in Eternal Worth.' The band rarely let up throughout 'Blood for the Master,' with vocalist Ben Falgoust delivering some of his career's best vocal work and guitarist Sammy Duet keeping the record sounding full with brilliant usage of harmonic guitar chords while keeping his root note as a strong foundation. If you want an album to beat the living hell out of you, this is the one to listen to so far in 2012.
2.'De Vermis Mysteriis' - High on Fire
High on Fire's 'De Vermis Mysteriis' is a brilliant work both musically and conceptually. The album tells the story of Liao, the twin of Jesus Christ, who died so his brother could live. Liao immediately becomes a posthumous time traveller and creates a serum to see the past through the eyes of his ancestors in a quest to understand how his twin became a religious icon. If you're not sold already, the band's pummeling work as a trio and the captivating Lemmy-like voice of Matt Pike will have you playing 'De Vermis Mysteriis' on heavy rotation.
1.'Utilitarian' - Napalm Death
Napalm Death fans expected an awesome album with 'Utilitarian,' but the quality of the record completely redefines what the band is capable of creating conceptually. Instead of simply offering the relentless grindcore punishment that Napalm pioneered, 'Utilitarian' boasts brilliant experimentation as well. From the chaotic squealing of a saxophone on 'Everyday Pox,' to guitarist Mitch Harris contributing clean singing, yes, clean singing, in 'The Wolf I Feed,' the craftsmanship of 'Utilitarian' is that of a masterwork.
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