jared's 2010 Top Ten
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1.
Parkway Drive - Deep Blue
Before even hearing it, I knew Parkway Drive's new album would be in my top ten for 2010. This band seems to be incapable of writing a riff I don't like. Deep Blue picks up right where Horizons left off. The production on the album makes PWD sound bigger and badder than ever. Even the cringe-worthy "whoas" on Home Is For The Heartless aren't so bad.
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2.
The Ghost Inside - Returners
The only complaint you can make about The Ghost Inside's latest album Returners is that it's too short. The band grew incredibly from their previous efforts and it makes for a very diverse sophomore effort. There's hard and fast, slow and groovy, in-your-face aggression, and soaring harmonies on this album.
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3.
Counterparts - Prophets
One of the few pure joys in life is discovering a new band and totally falling in love with them. That happened for me this year with Counterparts. With their first album, Prophets, they prove they are capable of standing with juggernauts such as Misery Signals.
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4.
Feed Her To The Sharks - The Beauty of Falling
Australia's heavy music scene exploded in 2010. Every couple of months this year, I discovered a new name I'd never heard of. Feed Her To The Sharks just happened to drop into my lap one day (I believe on last.fm) and I immediately fell in love with their technical ability. Sure, the song writing is fairly formulaic, but the technical ability certainly makes up for it. If you're any kind of metalcore fan, do yourself a favor and check out The Beauty of Falling.
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5.
Four Year Strong - Enemy of the World
Their approach to touring and songwriting may be the only thing Four Year Strong takes seriously. That's the perfect attitude to craft catchy pop punk with some hardcore influences. Enemy of the World builds on their previous album's infectious melodies and liberal use of breakdowns. There were many days during the summer of 2010 that it could be heard blaring out of my car stereo.
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6.
As I Lay Dying - The Powerless Rise
As I Lay Dying, their name is synonymous with metalcore. Every album the band puts out is a model for others in the genre to behold. The Powerless Rise is no different. At this point I pretty much need to permanently reserve a slot in my top ten for As I Lay Dying.
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7.
After the Burial - In Dreams
I'm proud to put a local Minnesota band on my list this year. With djent becoming one of the next trends in metal, In Dreams stands to fair well. While older fans will crow about how the band has lost their originality, I say the exact opposite: the band is just hitting their stride. If they write one more song like Pendulum, I'll be pleased.
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8.
A Day To Remember - What Separates Me From You
The thing about A Day To Remember is they have become known as a teenager band. It instantly puts them into the 'guilty pleasure' category for anyone over 18.The much more melodic approach they took with What Separates Me From You does little to scare away the pre-pubescent crowd. That said, it's an extremely listenable album. You find yourself humming the melodies and wanting to listen to it again when it's over. Still, the early ADTR fan in me longs for their more aggressive style to come back.
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9.
Create Avoid - Heart Remains
Create Avoid, the first band on this list I was introduced to by DecoyMusic. After hearing their demo, I knew they were capable of writing a really solid debut. Heart Remains is the perfect modern hardcore album.
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10.
The Amity Affliction - Youngbloods
Youngbloods was a step up for The Amity Affliction on many levels. These guys are on their way up. Sure, they got a little poppier, but their songs are catchy as hell.
