Top 10 Albums of 2008

I know we are a full month into 2009, but it took me this long to finalize my top 10 albums of 2008 list. Plus, very few albums come out in January so there hasn't been anything to sway my opinions of 2008's releases.

#10: Misery Signals - Controller

Melodic as it is heavy. Produced by Devin Townsend. I still miss their old singer and I was bummed when they all had bronchitis later in the year which caused them to cancel their Chicago date. Very solid Milwaukee metalcore.

#9: Veil Of Maya - The Common Man's Collapse

This release should have come out on Victory Records. We showcased them a while back and they certainly delivered on this album. Production value has increase tremendously for them on this release., especially compared to All Things Set Aside.

#8: Emmure - The Respect Issue

Fantastically brutal sophomore release for them. It was a pleasure working everything about this record and it was an experience to actually meet Kurt Angle when he came by the office to do the photo shoot. I got to see them live quite a bit in 2008 and I only hope to see them more in 2009.

#7: United Nations - United Nations

Thursday + Glassjaw + Converge. Enough said.

#6: Sigur Ros - med sud i eyrum vid spilum endalaust

Completely opposite from the majority of the music I listen to, but that's what makes me like them so much. I got to see them outside in Berkley, CA on our honeymoon which was very fitting considering how we used their music in our wedding this past September.

#5: Whitechapel - This Is Exile

Again, another release that should have come out on Victory Records. This album is heavy all the way through and it does not let up one bit. One of my favorites to blast in the car with the windows down.

#4: Radiohead - In Rainbows

I always had OK Computer, but it wasn't until recently that I started appreciating everything that Radiohead has done. I know a lot of people got this album in 2007, but it was physically release the first day of 2008 so I am still counting it.

#3: Anathallo - Canopy Glow

This release sort of came out of no where for me. I have been a huge fan of the band for a long time, but they sort of disappeared for a while after Floating World. This is another amazing release from them and they put on the most amazing live show!

#2: The Acacia Strain - Continent

Collectively, my favorite band right now and this concept album about the end of the world stole my whole fall from me because this is all I listened to. It still hasn't convinced me that it's better than The Dead Walk which is why I put it at #2. Plus I pre-ordered the album an got it on this great color of green which actually has two bonus track which I still have yet to hear because I don't own a record player.

#1: Above This Fire - Last Ones

I had been waiting for this album forever and it absolutely blew me away. The vocals on this are outstanding. This whole CD is the perfect blend of hardcore style music with metal riffs. It came out in late November so it had the chance to sneak in just before the end of the year. Now all they need to do is tour.

Other notable releases: After The Burial - Rareform, Nine Inch Nails - Ghosts I-IV, and Meshuggah - ObZen.