TOP 5 PEOPLE’S CHOICE
1. David Bowie – “The Next Day”
Release Date: March
Bowie stirred up the world of music last week when he announced a new album would be released in March with no previous statement that he was doing such. His secrecy was very welcome in a world where saturation and spoilers reign supreme and his new single “Where Are We Now?” has been favored by fans.
2. Black Sabbath – “13”
Release Date: June
Black Sabbath fans can now breathe. The self-proclaimed creators of heavy metal announced they are recording their first album since 1995’s “Forbidden,” and first with vocalist Ozzy Osbourne since 1978’s “Never Say Die!” Fans are eager to see if the band can recapture its past glories, or better yet, improve upon them.
3. Franz Ferdinand – TBA
Not much has been said on the new record since last year, but it is expected that Franz Ferdinand will drop a new album at some point this year, the band’s first since 2009’s “Tonight.”
The band premiered some new tunes at a gig in Ireland last May and have been periodically revealing new songs ever since then, so fans can rest assure that they are making progress.
4. U2 – “10 Reasons to Exist” (Working title)
Release date: TBA
A few insiders to the band, including manager Paul McGuinness, said that fans can expect a new record in 2013.
In a recent interview with Dublin radio station Sunshine 106.8 FM, vocalist Bono said one of the working titles is “10 Different Reasons to Exist,” but that there “at least six of them.”
5. Killswitch Engage – “Disarm the Descent”
Release Date: April 2
Arguably one of the most popular metal groups of the past decade, Killswitch Engage have a lot to live up to with this next record. After losing vocalist Howard Jones, Killswitch decided to reunite with former member Jesse Leach, the vocalist on the first two albums.
The album’s first single, “In Due Time”, is expected to be released Feb. 5.
TOP 5 WRITER’S CHOICE
1. Atoms for Peace – “Amok”
Release Date: Feb. 25
This is the debut album from Atoms for Peace and might epitomize what it means to be a supergroup. The lineup consists of Thom Yorke from Radiohead, Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Joey Waronker from Beck and R.E.M. and Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich.
2. Guided by Voices – “English Little League”
Release Date: April 30
Guided by Voices just will not cease. With three albums released in 2012 and an EP due at the end of the January, we can expect “English Little League” will be very welcome among their recent slew of records.
3. Wintersun – “Time II”
Release Date: TBA
“Time II” is the last half of the “Time” duology and will hopefully continue their penchant for writing some of the best melodic death/black/folk/power metal known to mankind.
4. Christopher Owens – “Lysandre”
Release Date: January 15
This is an album you can’t pass up. With some of the most tender and charming love songs I have heard in a while, “Lysandre” more than exceeded my expectations.
5. Suffocation – “Pinnacle of Bedlam”
Release Date: February 15
This album marks the return of one-time drummer Dave Culcross, but it also marks the departure of Mike Smith, easily one of the most technically proficient death metal drummers to have ever picked up the sticks. Either way, it should be a rewarding listen.
