Favourite Metal Album

1. Dillinger Escape Plan
Ire Works (Relapse)
"A masterpiece.” Joshua Moss, Toronto ON

"Complex and modern, this album takes DEP further down the path of experimental metal. They managed to stay a bit accessible while doing stuff other bands dream of playing. Highly recommended.” Stephane Lynch, St-Eustache QC

"I read so many negative reviews about this wonderful album... I'm so glad you gave it a positive one that it deserves! Insane band!” Nicolas Lepage, Rimouski QC

"Forget about the Dillinger curse, this album comes at you like a punch to the face — hard and aggressive.” Trevor Kindree, London ON

"They can't go wrong, even making more and more accessible music. Still, Mike Patton should steer them back on their destructive course before they lose their guitarists too... Not that it would matter anyway.” Sean & Andrea Warkentine, Winnipeg MB

"Wow! After hearing that long running drummer Chris Penne was leaving the band I thought they were doomed. I have been a long-time fan and have heard the changes the band have made but when I listened to Ire Works I was floored. This is a band that keep reinventing themselves and staying ahead, way ahead, of the hardcore/metal scene. Easily the best album of the year with nothing even coming close.” Cody Kuchirka, London ON

"Technical savagery.” Beau Bomberry, Halifax NS

2. Jesu
Conqueror (Hydra Head)
"Beautifully atmospheric.” Hilarie Hui, Concord ON

"It is hard to believe that music so heavy could be so beautiful.” Ryan Hough, Ottawa ON

"Textures. Layers. Layered textures. Who cares? Conqueror is the most depressingly uplifting album in years. Bravo Mr. Broadrick, bravo.” Andrew Campbell, Toronto ON

3. The Locust
New Erections (Anti) – 9
"Phillip Marlowe once said that a dead man is heavier than a broken heart. I would amend that to say a dead man or the Locust. And, of course, they're tighter than a boner pressing out from your little black jeans.” Nicholas Boshart, Montreal QC

"Loud, noisy and challenging. A true artistic endeavour.” Jared Beattie, Saskatoon SK

"There are many bands that made wonderful artistic growth this year, such as Every Time I Die and Pig Destroyer, but none so great as the Locust, who truly outdid themselves.” Michael Meharry, Toronto ON

4. As I Lay Dying
An Ocean Between Us (Metal Blade)
"Just an all-around solid album. Great production and intensity.” Dan Delisle, St. Catharines ON

"The fourth album from this metalcore band keeps on bringing its loved hardcore metal beatings but is also introducing melodic parts through the album so old fans will be surprised but it shows the growth of the band. They’re still the heaviest Christian metalcore band I know of today.” Walter Petrichyn, Windsor ON

5. High On Fire
Death Is This Communion (Relapse)
"High On Fire are continuing to evolve the definition of metal. Probably the most kick-ass album of the year.” Anton Damiani, Ottawa ON

"Following-up Blessed Black Wings was certainly a difficult task, but HOF clearly entered the studio with a Viking attitude, and the result is a brilliant display of pure metal riffing. Keeping it simple while pushing the limits, the production brings Pike’s vocals to a new level. From locomotive-paced songs to the sludgy ‘heaviosity’ of the title track, this album seals HOF's place as a keystone in modern aggressive music.” J.F. Allard, La Prairie QC

"It took me weeks of listening to it but once it worked its way in, it was unforgettable. They have fantastic riffs, solid vocals and there seemed to be a little something else there, more so than on any other record. Something that gives the album a very sombre tone, but doesn't take away from the energy.” Lana Rumboldt, St. John’s NF