Simon Rushworth
It might not (yet) be the most coveted award in rock and metal but announcing our favourite album of the year is a true highlight for the rushonrock team.
As usual the competition has been intense and we awarded more than 20 records top marks throughout 2011 – from the 300-plus reviewed and rated this year.
But there can only be one winner…read on to discover the identity of our favourite album of the year!
ALBUMS OF THE YEAR
1 SIXX:AM – THIS IS GONNA HURT
Nikki Sixx still can’t bring himself to give up the day job but this album proved there really is life after Motley Crue – and that new life should start now.
As slick a hard rock album as we heard all year it mixes styles and subject matter to compelling effect. With a memorable vocal performance from James Michael and melodies to die for This Is Gonna Hurt knocked spots off the competition and had us crying out for more.
Crue are yesterday’s men but this is tomorrow’s stadium-filling fare. The sooner Sixx recognises that the sooner he’ll reach the pinnacle of a colourful career.
2 Vintage Trouble – The Bomb Shelter Sessions
3 Megadeth – Th1rt3en
4 Graveyard – Hisingen Blues
5 Fastway – Eat Dog Eat
6 Black Country Communion – 2
7 Outloud – Love Catastrophe
8 The Magnificent – The Magnificent
9 Machine Head – Unto The Locust
10 Architects – The Here And Now
11 Wolf – Legions Of Bastards
12 Tyr – The Lay Of Thrym
13 Turisas – Stand Up And Fight
14 Times Of Grace – Hymns Of A Broken Man
15 Work Of Art – In Progress
16 White Widdow – Serenade
17 Alfonzetti – Here Comes The Night
18 Dalriada – Igeret
19 Grand Design – Idolizer
20 Pentagram – Last Rites