4. The Devin Townsend Project, Epicloud (InsideOut)
Epicloud made it onto three of our contributors’ list (and received two “honorable mentions”). Meanwhile, Zach went as far to name Hevy Devy’s latest musical offering as his favorite album of 2012. “Granted, Devin Townsend rarely disappoints, especially under the “Devin Townsend Project” moniker. But if you’re favorite DTP album is 2009’s Addicted, then you’ll love how Epicloud takes the melodic heaviness to an even higher level,” declares Zach. With songs like “Lucky Animals” and “Kingdom,” though, how is it possible not to fall love with Epicloud?
3. Between The Buried And Me, The Parallax II: Future Sequence (Metal Blade)
Four contributors named The Parallax II: Future Sequence as one of their favorite albums of the year. Whether you’re a fan of BTBAM’s earlier catalog, the album’s conceptual predecessor The Parallax: Hypersleep Diaries, or prog metal in general, this album will without a doubt leave a lasting impression in your mind. As Matt puts it, the album features a “diverse range of sounds that manage to form a cohesive effort of progressive metal delight.” That’s a short and sweet summarization for a beautifully complicated album.
2. High On Fire, De Vermis Mysteriis (eOne)
High On Fire’s latest offering also made it onto four of our contributors top ten lists, and rightfully so. Sure, over the years they’ve become reliable for delivering sludge-tastic albums (having essentially become the Motorhead of stoner/sludge metal). However, critics and fans alike are declaring De Vermis Mysteriis as the trio’s best album in years, if not of all time.
