Phantasy Star: Fringes of Algo

Just going to pose a question…what were some of your favorite new album/music releases of 2013?

This one is a bit tough for me, as there aren't as many truly stand-out albums this year as there were last year (lookin' at you, L'Enfant sauvage). But that doesn't mean it was a bad year for new music that I like. But I really can't pick out THE ONE that stands out above the rest. The Skeletonwitch album this year, Serpents Unleashed, is receiving some pretty well-earned applause. Omnium Gatherum's release, Beyond, was some good melodic death metal, and I especially enjoyed their cover of Rush's 'Subdivisions'. It seems some fans don't really like Amon Amarth's Deceiver of the Gods, but I personally disagree. It's basically what I want from Amon Amarth. I also really enjoyed the character of Steven Wilson's The Raven That Refused to Sing, as it was varied, dark and atmospheric. Continuing with dark and atmospheric, Katatonia also released Dethroned and Uncrowned, an acoustic and more atmospheric take on their album Dead End Kings, which they released last year. Truly beautiful, and very VERY dark.

But I think if I had to pick the one I've enjoyed the most, it's Amorphis's Circle. It has all the variety I expect to hear from them and I love that opening track. I'm really hoping they'll announce a North American tour in 2014.

Green Day-¡Dos!
Rod Stewart-Time
Bon Jovi-What About Now
Elton John-The Diving Board
LL Cool J-Authentic