Aaron's Rock Album Review 2013

Hard to believe another year is almost in the books. 2013 had its share of ups and downs like any year, but there were far more positives than negatives for me. I had a lot of great experiences at work, made a ton of new friends, got to enjoy a couple of ballgames, bought a new place of my own, and met and am continuing to deepen a friendship with a wonderful woman with the most amazing smile that I have a lot in common with.

I also got to hear some great live music, and some great new rock albums too. With that in mind, here's a list of my favorite discs of 2013, listed alphabetically by artist. Enjoy!

Alice in Chains, The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here
The group's 2nd post-Layne Staley release is another solid outing by the Seattle rock pioneers. Their sound isn't the same as it was in their heyday, but it's just as enjoyable. If you liked Black Gives Way to Blue, you'll enjoy this disc as well.
Recommended Tracks: "Hollow," "Stone," "Scalpel"

Alter Bridge, Fortress
Alter Bridge's newest disc picks up with the same energy that ABIII left off with. I'm always amazed by the dual guitar layers of Myles Kennedy and Mark Tremonti. This is one disc I've had on repeat many times over the last few months, because there's always some unique sound or vocal that perks my ears right up.
Recommended Tracks: "Cry of Achilles," "Addicted to Pain," "Cry A River"

Candlelight Red, Reclamation
The second full-length disc by this group is also worth repeated listens. Produced by Sevendust drummer Morgan Rose, the disc has plenty of stadium rockers and softer ballads for anyone to enjoy. They are also a great band to hear live, I've been fortunate enough to catch them open for Sevendust three times in the last few years.
Recommended Tracks: "Feel the Same," "Requiem," "Demons"

Clint Lowery's Hello Demons Meet Skeletons, Choices
The last of four EP's by Sevendust guitarist/singer Clint Lowery is probably the most electric, energetic disc of the group. A perfect finale to this project. Stay tuned after the last song for some bonus music that will definitely put a smile on your face!
Recommended Tracks: "I Give Up," "Caved In," "The Curtain Burns"

Devour the Day, Time and Pressure
Another band that I've seen open for Sevendust and was pleasantly surprised by this disc. Good driving rhythms that any Sevendust or hard rock/metal fan can enjoy. They are also pretty cool dudes once you meet them too!
Recommended Tracks: "Good Man," "Get Out Of My Way," "Handshakes and Fist Fights"

Five Finger Death Punch, The Wrong Side of Heaven and The Righteous Side of Hell, Parts 1 & 2
Another one of those "bucket list" bands that I want to see live someday, 5FDP does a great job on both releases this year of balancing their heavy rocking songs with their Steelheart type-ballads, and even throw in some good, unexpected covers on each disc. I can't really say that either disc is better than the other. Great companion discs to listen to side by side.
Recommended Tracks: "Lift Me Up," "Mama Said Knock You Out (LL Cool J cover)," "Dot My Eyes," "Battle Born," "Cold," "House of the Rising Sun"

The Infinite Staircase, No Amends
I've been singing the Cerzosie brothers' praises quite a bit on social media this year, but that praise is certainly justified. I first heard the song "The Things We've Done" on a DirecTV music channel, and loved the anthemic way the song flows. Along with guest performances by members of Sevendust, Savatage, Candlebox, Black Label Society and others, this seven-song disc has quickly become one of my favorites. Another Morgan Rose-produced album (he also does all the drums on the disc), so you know it's got to be good. A very catchy, yet diverse album.
Recommended Tracks: "Just To Meet You There," "The Things We've Done," "The Pride"

Jimi Hendrix, People, Hell and Angels
The supposed last album of studio recordings from the guitar legends is also one of his finest. Good mix of unreleased songs and alternate takes on songs you've never heard before. A fitting end to the lengthly recording career of one of the best left-handed guitarists ever.
Recommended Tracks: "Earth Blues," "Let Me Move You," "Inside Out"

Megadeth, Supercollider
I've heard mixed reviews for this disc, but I have to say it's a solid effort. Always good to hear Dave Mustaine and Co. taking new musical directions. It was also great to hear a couple of these tracks live in Minnesota last month.
Recommended Tracks: "Kingmaker," "Built For War," "Cold Sweat"

Metallica, Through The Never
The soundtrack to Metallica's concert film may be better than the movie. I don't know because the film never made it to my area for very long, but I have to say I like this double disc release. Great for any Metallica fan new or old.
Recommended Tracks: "Creeping Death," "For Whom The Bell Tolls," "Orion"

Monster Truck, Furiosity
These new Canadian rockers have a great classic rock sound on their full length debut. A friend of mine raved about them when he saw them open for Alice in Chains this summer, and I'm echoing their praises after seeing them open for Sevendust this September. Highly recommended to anyone who loves hearing "new" classic rock songs!
Recommended Tracks: "The Lion," "Sweet Mountain River," "For The Sun"

Otherwise, Enjoy the Pain EP
A free 5-song acoustic-based EP by the Vegas natives that you can download off their website. I enjoyed hearing these guys open for Sevendust this summer and meeting most of them after the show, so I was glad to hear they put out more music before working on their second studio album. Give this one a listen if you enjoyed their debut disc!
Recommended Tracks: "60 MPH," "Enjoy The Pain," "Once in My Dreams"

Queensryche, Queensryche
One of two new Queensryche discs to come out this year (the other was by former frontman Geoff Tate's version of the band), this is the first studio album with new lead singer Todd LaTorre. Having witnessed their debut with LaTorre last summer, I'm pleased with this effort. While not perfect, they are certainly heading in the right direction with this effort.
Recommended Tracks: "Spore," "A World Without," "Open Road"

Sevendust, Black Out The Sun
I posted a full review of this album earlier in the year, but it's still one of my favorites of the year. Another very solid outing by my friends in Sevendust, guys who work hard and aren't afraid to try new musical directions. Great combination of harder-edge songs alongside some of the more thought-provoking songs of the year. Looking forward to hearing these guys live in concert again in 2014!
Recommended Tracks: "Till Death," "Decay," "Got A Feeling"

Sick Puppies, Connect
The first disc by the Australian trio in about 5 years, but it's a good mix of pop/rock hits. They've always seemed to be one of these bands that wears their heart on their sleeves, and that really comes across on this album. Glad to see them getting more recognition in the States too.
Recommended Tracks: "There's No Going Back," "Telling Lies," "Under A Very Black Sky"

Stone Sour, House of Gold & Bones Part 2
Picking up where last year's Part 1 left us fans hanging. Corey Taylor, Jim Root and the gang did another masterful rendition of some very powerful songs that leave you wondering and wanting more after every listen. Also worth listening to these 2 discs back to back. I also learned on That Metal Show that you can put the CD packaging for these discs together to build your own "House of Gold and Bones." That's unique!
Recommended Tracks: "Red City," "Peckinpah," "'82"

Tom Kiefer, The Way Life Goes
The first solo disc by Cinderella's frontman in quite some time was something I wasn't expecting. Kiefer and his band are still touring, but this is a labor of love that he's been working on for a while now. He's got a great natural singing voice on this disc, and it's a welcome change of pace.
Recommended Tracks: "Solid Ground," "It's Not Enough," "The Way Life Goes"

Various Artists, Real to Reel
The soundtrack album to Dave Grohl's Sound City film has a great all-star cast. Dave assembled some of his friends in the music industry to put out a great companion to the film. Will have to see the film sometime (another one that missed my area completely) to see how well it meshes with the soundtrack.
Recommended Tracks: "You Can't Fix This," "From Can to Can't," "A Trick With No Sleeve"

Well that's all for now, so until next time - Happy Holidays, and I'll be back blogging in 2014!