In the realm of metal and rock, 2007 brought us some great releases. A few came from some pioneers of punk and metal (Black Sabbath, Bad Brains) and some from the experimental and progressive (Poison the Well, Between The Buried and Me). Some were intense and maniacal (The Black Dahlia Murder, The Funeral Pyre) and others just want to make you get up dance and strut (Every Time I Die, Queens of the Stone Age).  So I give you now my list from number 10 all the way down to numero uno. Enjoy.

10. As I Lay Dying-An Ocean Between Us (Metal Blade) With an increased amount of technical brutality, AILD have constructed a more focused and well-structured metal composition for their third release. A reminder of how--despite the stagnant state the genre of “metalcore” may be in--they are only one of the few who can do it right. “Comfort Betrays” is by far the best songs on the record and one of the best heavy metal singles of 2007.  

9. Queens of the Stone Age-Era Vulgaris (Interscope) When I first got this, I wasn’t too thrilled about it. I mean, I’ve been a fan of QOTSA for years now but it seems they lost the luster a bit when they let go of bassist Nick Oliveri. Upon further listening, I seem to have underestimated Josh Homme and for that, I can say I was wrong. Songs such as “Misfit Love”, “Make It Wit Chu” and “”Sick Sick Sick” come off sounding as if Tom Petty hooked up with Black Flag and that is not a bad thing at all.  

8. Poison The Well-Versions (Ferret) What better way to reintroduce yourself to everyone than to come out of left field and create a record full of atmospheric inclinations so risky, you will leave alot of folks scratching their heads after listening. Very dynamic and driving, PTW took a leap of faith and put together a solid melodic hardcore masterpiece. Just listen to "Letter Thing" and be amazed.

 7. The Funeral Pyre-The Natural of Betrayal  (Prosthetic/Creator Destructor) Channeling melodic death metal and Norwegian black metal into their songs, TFP have constructed a 43-minute dark catharsis of pure anguish and fury. You can feel the music take you on a journey that is definitely not for the weak at heart. Great keyboard arrangements and attacking guitars, TFP are making their mark slowly but surely. Look for big things from the La Habra, CA-based quintet in 2008.  

6. The Black Dahlia Murder-Nocturnal (Metal Blade) Much darker, both lyrically and musically, than their previous release Miasma, they continue the tradition of great metal classics released by Metal Blade Records. To hear them pull off songs like “What a Horrible Night to Have a Curse” live and in person is even more of a treat. Plenty of nods to great bands such as Carcass, Dissection and At The Gates, TBDM are definitely creating a place of their own in metal history.