jared's 2008 Top Ten
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1.
Misery Signals - Controller
Controller had to be one of the most anticipated albums of 2008 for any metal fan. While it takes a decidedly heavier sound than Mirrors, nowhere does Controller disappoint. The vocal production especially stands out. Karl Schubach has taken the crown for "meatiest vocals of 2008."
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2.
The Ghost Inside - Fury and the Fallen Ones
When I listen to this stuff, it makes me want to rip the heads off of cute little animals. Fury and the Fallen Ones, the only other debut on this list, is both aggressive and simple. Like For the Fallen Dreams, there is a satisfying crunch to the guitar tone that fits this sort of music perfectly. And if the gang vocals don't have you shouting along, something is wrong with you.
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3.
For The Fallen Dreams - Changes
My first pick that is a debut, and what a debut it is. Changes found it's way to me very early in the year and I couldn't put it down all year. What I love about this band is their ability to keep the music heavy and discordant while holding on to some semblance of melody.
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4.
Eternal Lord - Blessed Be This Nightmare
Heavy as hell. Tons both dissonance and harmony on the guitars. Punishing drums. What more could you ask for?
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5.
A Static Lullaby - Rattlesnake
Ignore for a moment what I've already said about Rise Against. How in the hell do A Static Lullaby not have legions of screaming teenagers following them around? This band writes the hooks that just won't get out of your head.
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6.
Light This City - Stormchaser
I always enjoyed Light This City as sort of a yang to Darkest Hour's yin. When I got sick of John Henry's growls, Laura Nichol was just the treat. It's too bad Stormchaser had to be the band's swan song.
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7.
Underoath - Lost in the Sound of Separation
There are certain records that you must absolutely listen to as a whole. Lost in the Sound of Separation is one of those records. The songs simply do not work as singles.
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8.
Unearth - The March
I admit, at this point metalcore has come full circle. There's not much that hasn't been done in the genre, but Unearth show they're not slowing down. I dare to listen to "The Chosen" and not start head banging during the guitar solo.
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9.
The Human Abstract - Midheaven
After parting ways with one of the integral creative forces behind Nocturne, it looked as if The Human Abstract was headed for collapse. While it is a departure from the sound they established on the previous record, there's more than enough to keep your ears busy on Midheaven.
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10.
Rise Against - Appeal to Reason
With the likes of Nickelback, Daughtry, or even the Jonas Brothers topping the charts, it's a wonder that Rise Against doesn't get more mainstream love.
