Leading up to the end of the year, Revolver has asked some of our favorite artists to pick their Top Albums of 2012 and tell us why each record rules. Here, vocalist JR Hayes (pictured far right) and guitarist Scott Hull (pictured second from left) of the grindcore band Pig Destroyer, select their faves.
JR Hayes:
5. Haarp, Husks
“More subtle and moody than their ultra brutal debut. This one took a while to grow on me, but now I’m hooked. Shaun Emmons has one of the most intense roars in all of extreme music.”
4. Testament, Dark Roots of Earth
“A powerful and triumphant statement from these thrash metal lifers. The riffs, the leads, the drumming, the production, even the artwork–this record kills it all the way around.”
3. Author & Punisher, Ursus Americanus
“Just when I thought I’d heard it all, here comes Author & Punisher to blow mind into a thousand pieces. If an evil super computer started a metal band, it would probably sound like this.”
2. NON, Back to Mono
“This was my most anticipated record of the year, and it did not disappoint. Mr. Rice even throws in a couple raw live performances from the ’70s just to show off.”
1. Killing Joke, MMXII
“The Joke have been on a roll for quite a while now, but this album is as good or better than anything they’ve ever done, and they have a list of classic albums as long as your arm.”
Scott Hull:
5. Converge, All We Love We Leave Behind
“Had I gotten this a little sooner, it probably would be the first on my list. I’ve only listened to it once and it is amazing. It’s inspiring to see a band that’s been around continue to improve on themselves and move forward.”
4. Serpentine Path, Serpentine Path
“This CD is super dense. Also kinda like old school. Heavy, loud. This one goes to 11.”
3. Hooded Menace, Effigies of Evil
“Gnarly cross between Celtic Frost and Iron Maiden. I like when old school becomes the new school again.”
2. The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza, Danza 4: The Alpha–The Omega
“I suppose this leans more towards the metalcore end of the spectrum, and I hate to use labels. Let’s call them neighborhoods. Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza are close to that neighborhood and I’m not generally there much, but this CD is as catchy as it is heavy. Wasn’t expecting it. Very pleasantly surprised.”
1. Gaza, No Absolutes in Human Suffering
“Everything I had hoped for in a new CD from these guys. Absolutely ripping. Absolutely dark. Gaza doesn’t give a fuck what you think.”
Every Tuesday–the day that new music comes out–we will be listing the hard-rock and metal releases that hit stores, and every Wednesday we will be offering you, the fans, the chance to pick the Album of the Week. Below, check out the albums, EPs, singles, and DVDs that came out this week; pick your favorite, and feel free to vote as many times as you want. Voting ends on Monday, September 17, at noon, when the results will be announced.
UPDATE: The poll is closed. Thanks for your vote. To view the results, click here.
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It’s Tuesday–the day that music comes out–and this one sees shit from Blaqk Audio, Gallows, Quicksand, and more hitting stores. Check out the list of releases below and let us know which ones you have already or are planning to pick up.
- Alastor – Destiny
- Alastor – Syndroms of the Cities reissue
- Altar of Oblivion – Grand Gesture of Defiance
- Beastwars – Beastwars
- Blaqk Audio – Bright Black Heaven
- Castle – Blacklands
- Circle II Circle – Full Circle: The Best Of
- Cloudscape – New Era
- Cryptopsy – Cryptopsy
- Culture – From The Vault: Demos & Outtakes 1993-1998
- Deserters – The Slow Rhythms Of A Dead-Beat
- Evocation – Dead Calm Chaos reissue
- Evocation – Tales From The Tomb reissue
- Ex Deo – Caligvla
- Flotsam & Jetsam – Doomsday For The Deceiver reissue
- Funeral Mist – Devilry/Havoc reissue
- Funeral Mist – Salvation reissue
- Gallows – Gallows
- Grave Digger – Clash of The Gods
- The Graviators – Evil Deeds
- Harm – The Nine
- Hoobastank – Fight or Flight
- Hooded Menace – Effigies of Evil
- Kittie – Not So…Safe
- Legacy of Disorder – Last Man Standing
- Lifeforms – Multidimensional
- NOFX – Self Entitled
- Orchid – Heretic
- Pagan Altar – The Time Lord EP
- Pantera – Original Album Series 5-CD collection
- Quicksand – Slip vinyl reissue
- Riot – Fire Down Under reissue
- Serpentine Path – Serpentine Path
- Set Free – Set Free
- Svolk – Nights Under The Round Table
- Texas In July – “Bed of Nails” single
- Therapy? – A Brief Crack Of Light
- Threshold – March Of Progress
- Wodensthrone – Curse
- ZZ Top – La Futura
Check out “Crotalus Horridus Horridus” off Serpentine Path below: