The second of three lists of the best of 2011, according to me. These are just the best albums in my opinion. I welcome any thoughts and different opinions.

1.       August Burns Red – Leveler

This is album is another awesome release from these Lancaster, PA metal giants. It is heavy and melodic  which is a signature of ABR’s sound. This album takes their love of technical metal to another level and continues to showcase their amazing talent. There are so many standouts lyrically and musically but Poor Millionaire, Empire, Internal Cannon and the title track can’t help but stand out.

2.       The Devil Wears Prada – Dead Throne

From the moment I first heard Born to Lose, I knew this album would be special. I did not know how they would top the ferocious nature of the songs found on the preceding release, the Zombie EP. They somehow returned with an album with catchy songs that are also very heavy. Untidaled, and Constance are not to be looked over.

3.       Unearth – Darkness In The Light

Unearth returns with their most cohesive work to date. The album is technical and heavy and showcases all of the elements long-term fans of the band will enjoy. Watch It Burn is a blazing ode that reminds you why this is one of the best bands in the genre.

4.       Oh, Sleeper – Children of Fire

These Texas boys once again surprise with their high quality metalcore sound. On this album they avoid the concept idea used on their last CD, Son of the Morning but instead write meaningful songs with insightful lyrics about difficult subjects. The song, Hush Yael is an example of this and it is as brutal musically as it is lyrically.

5.       Iwrestledabearonce – Ruining It For Everybody

Just when you think this band can’t get any crazier they do. That is not to say that this release is sloppy because it is not sloppy in any way shape or form. They do a great job making seemingly unrelated elements meld and sound good together.

6.       A Day To Remember – What Seperates Me From You

A Day To Remember is one of those bands that don’t do something particularly special but what they do, they do it extremely well. This album is simultaneously catchier than previous work and also heavier and more ferocious than before. That was accomplished by the magic of producer and New Found Glory guitarist, Chad Gilbert. This album is a perfect example of their sound. Brutal and beautiful.

7.       Trivium – In Waves

Trivium has returned to some of the heft that made their early releases so memorable. This album is just as technical and musically impressive as their previous albums but it just seems to have recaptured the magic that the first few releases had.

8.       The Crimson Armada – Conviction

The Crimson Armada is a band that I overlooked on their previous release. I judged them by their name and I am sorry to say that I missed out on what is an amazing band. I am not going to do that again on this release. It is heavy and furious with a positive message.

9.      Jasta – Jasta

     Hatebreed’s resident frontman struck out on his own and crafted a CD of tracks that are strong enough for the ‘BREED but perfect for the Jasta. He sometimes strikes out on some songs that don’t fit his band’s catalog but they are still pretty good. The best songs are the ones that stick closest to his previous output, like Mourn the Illusion.

10.     For The Fallen Dreams – Back Burner

The other band that really surprised me this year was these guys. This release is blistering and I am so happy I had a chance to check it out. Breakdowns amidst melody is the signature of metalcore but this band adds a subtle twist that takes the genre and makes it all their own.

Honorable Mentions:

Sleeping Giant – Kingdom Days In An Evil Age, Texas In July – One Reality, Life In Your Way – Kingdom Series, Chelsea Grin – My Damnation, Salt the Wound – Kill The Crown, Across The Sun – Before The Night Takes Us, Five Finger Death Punch – American Capitalist, Chimaira – The Age of Hell