Albums of the Year
13. Avenged Sevenfold - "Nightmare"
The death of drummer, founding member and key songwriter Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan in December of 2009 could have spelt the end for Orange County metallers Avenged Sevenfold, but in an incredible show of solidarity, tghey teamed up with (at the time) Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy and recorded the best album of their career.
"Nightmare" covers all the bases you expect from the band, thrashing riffs, powerful vocals, and the epic ballads they have become accustomed to. Portnoy's drumming gives a distinctive edge never before heard on a Sevenfold record and the lyrics, while deeply personal, resonate easily.
As a tribute, this is great, as a standalone piece of music, this is fantastic.
Essential Tracks: "Nightmare" "Victim" "Fiction"
Watch: "Nightmare"
Songs of the Year
13. The Gaslight Anthem - "American Slang"
The lead track from the Springsteen endorsed Jersey folk punk heroes' third album is everything you would come to expect and more.
"American Slang" is a Gaslight Anthem song, plain and simple, with progression thrown in. Folkier, yet still harder than before, great lyrics and a great melody. Another triumph.
Watch: "American Slang"
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