Well, it’s that time of year again. When each and every website compiles their best of for the year. I guess we’ll be conformists and do the same. I’m proud to announce our Top 10 Releases of 2011!! You know though, we are anything but ordinary, so we have some honorable mentions first…hehe

Kyng-Trampled Sun, Opeth-Heritage, Thrice-Major/Minor, Chevelle-Hats off to the Bull and Five Finger Death Punch’s American Capitalist all just missed the cut. Each has their own place in our hearts, but not on our list!

10. Until we have Faces by Red – This Christian based modern rock band from Nashville, Tn has cranked possibly their best effort yet. Highlights include the 1-2-3 punch of Feed the Machine, Faceless and Lie to Me. For fans of Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle and Three Days Grace.

9. Vices and Virtues by Art of Dying – This major label debut album is a solid foundation to build upon. Hailing from Canada, Art of Dying is here to stay. Favorite tracks include; Die Trying, Whole World’s Crazy Now, You Don’t Know Me and Raining. The latter of which features Adam Gontier from Three Days Grace. For fans of Three Days Grace, Seether, and Disturbed.

8. Black Country Communion 2 by Black Country Communion – A supergroup rarely makes an amazing album. Mainly because it takes time for a band to grow together and learn who, how, why and what makes the band unique. It took a second album for Black Country Communion to gel and realize their potential. With the Legendary Glenn Hughes (Trapeze, Deep Purple), Joe Bonamassa, Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater) and Jason Bonham (Son of John Bonham) you had to expect that greatness was coming. Highlights are Man In The Middle, Save Me, Little Secret and Cold. For fans of Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin and Joe Bonamassa.

7. Hell in my Heart by Bobaflex – This hard hitting rock/metal group from Point Pleasant, WV have had a battle for years just to play their music. This independent release is a culmination of that battle. With the freedom to do as they please, these guys have redefined themselves and put out a tremendous record. Favorite tracks include; Bury Me With My Guns On, Chemical Valley, Vampire and the cover tune, The Sound Of Silence. For fans of Disturbed, Slipknot, and Psychostick.

6. The Hunter by Mastodon – Veteran Atlanta sludgerockers Mastodon, depart from the themed albums and create a collection of songs that will mesmerize, pulverize and make you realize the band knows exactly who they are. Concentrating this time around on the music, rather than the conceptual theme, Mastodon releases possibly their best recording yet. Highlights are Curl Of The Burl, The Hunter, Spectrelight and Sparrow. For fans of Clutch, Fireball Ministry and Black Label Society.

5. Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Black Stone Cherry – The 3rd release from Kentucky’s rockers is an album from an ever evolving band. This is an album that explores several different sides of the band. There’s heavy, there’s catchy, there’s ballads and there’s nothing this band can’t do. Favorites include; Such A Shame, Change, Killing Floor, White Trash Millionaire and All I’m Dreaming Of. For fans of Shinedown, Three Days Grace, Buckcherry and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

4. Wasting Light by the Foo Fighters – If you don’t know the Foo Fighters by now, you are living under a rock. This is a band at the top of it’s game and the most mature record yet. It’s an album that never lets up from beginning to the end. Once again, Dave Grohl has solidified himself as Rock Royalty. Highlights of the record are; Bridge Burning, Walk, Rope and White Limo. For fans of Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Filter.

3. Dust Bowl by Joe Bonamassa – Well, Joe Bonamassa is one of the busiest musicians playing today. He released 3 albums this year alone! Two of those releases have made this list (Black Country Communion-2). Dust Bowl explores not only the blues, but country, and classic rock. If you enjoy wonderful, textured music with beautiful solos and soulful vocals…this is a must buy. Favorite tracks include; Slow Train, Dust Bowl, Black Lung Heartache, No Love On The Street and Prisoner. For fans of Eric Clapton, Rory Gallagher and Led Zeppelin.

2. Moment of Impact by Eye Empire – An independent debut release from seasoned musicians comes in at number 2 on our list. Eye Empire features members of Stereomud, Submersed and Dark New Day. This disc flat out owns from the moment I Pray hits you until the last note of Last One Home leaves you wanting more. As solid of a debut record I have seen in sometime. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up. Highlights include; I Pray, Idiot, More Than Fate, Self Destructive and the aforementioned Last One Home. For fans of Sevendust, Disturbed and Stereomud.

1. Pressure and Time by Rival Sons – Independent label Earache Records has themselves a timeless band in Rival Sons. Bringing that classic vibe of the 70′s, Rival Sons has created a high energy sound like no one else playing today. With killer tones, jazzy backbeats, soaring vocals, great harmonies and pure swagger; This record tops our list. This is a true rock record. Keep your eye on this band, as the future is a bright one! Favorite tracks include; All Over The Road, Pressure And Time, Get Mine, Burn Down Los Angeles and Face Of Light. For fans of Led Zeppelin, The Doors and Paul Rodgers.

Well, I’m sure you have your own opinions, but that’s our list! Feel free to discuss it in the comments. Love to hear your thoughts and any records we may have missed! Until next time, keep it rocking!

Support these great bands and purchase any of our Top 10 below:
1. Pressure and Time by Rival Sons
2. Moment of Impact by Eye Empire
3. Dust Bowl by Joe Bonamassa
4. Wasting Light by the Foo Fighters
5. Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Black Stone Cherry
6. The Hunter by Mastodon
7. Hell in my Heart by Bobaflex
8. Black Country Communion 2 by Black Country Communion
9. Vices and Virtues by Art of Dying
10. Until We have Faces by Red