The year is far from over, but already 2013 has seen a number of outstanding rock releases. This list will be updated throughout the year, but here are the artists and albums currently in the running to be among the Best 2013 Rock Albums.
There is no ranking yet. The albums are listed with the newest releases first. We will continue to add to this throughout 2013, and at the end of the year — after an intensive discussion, a few beers and perhaps a fistfight or two — we’ll rank them accordingly as the Best Rock Albums of 2013. There are a variety of rockers on this list, from marquee names to underground favorites to up and comers. The one thing they have in common is that they have each released a top rock album of 2013.
Ipecac Records
‘Palms’
Palms
Palms are a new band, but they are made up of veteran musicians: Former Isis members Bryant Clifford Meyer, Jeff Caxide and Aaron Haarris teamed up with Deftones vocalist Chino Moreno to release their self-titled debut. The albums ‘Palms’ has elements of the members’ other bands, but also offers new and unique sonic elements. It’s on the mellow side, with only periodic aggressive parts, but it’s a stunningly constructed and delivered album.
Matador Records
‘...Like Clockwork’
Queens of the Stone Age
‘...Like Clockwork’ is Queens of the Stone Age’s first album in six years, and filled with big-name guests. Artists such as Elton John, Trent Reznor and Dave Grohl lend their considerable talents to the record, but the album leaves plenty of room for the band to shine. From the experimental ‘Keep Your Eyes Peeled’ to the radio-friendly ‘I Sat By the Ocean,’ Josh Homme and company have created a dark, yet timeless album with ‘...Like Clockwork.’
Virgin/EMI
‘The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here’
Alice in Chains
After nearly 15 years between albums, Alice in Chains made a triumphant return with 2009‘s ‘Black Gives Way To Blue.’ With this year’s ‘The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here,’ the band sustains that comeback. In their 20 plus years of existence, Alice in Chains have only released five studio albums, which leaves more room to inject new twists into their sound. You’ll hear the sludgy guitars and dark lyrics that made them famous, but there’s plenty of diversity and a few surprises on ‘The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here.’
Universal Music
‘Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor’
Rob Zombie
From the twisted and creative mind of Rob Zombie comes one of his better albums in a while, the strangely titled ‘Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor.’ It’s a cohesive album with strong songwriting expertly walking the line between campy and captivating. Along with the usual industrial influences and movie clips, there are some unexpected twists like the Middle Eastern-tinged interlude ‘Theme for the Rat Vendor’ and a cover of the classic rock staple ‘We’re An American Band.’ John 5 is one of the best guitarists in the business, and is in his usual stellar form on this album.
Roadrunner Records
‘House of Gold & Bones Vol. 2‘
Stone Sour
It’s difficult enough to write and record enough quality songs to make a good album, and even harder to do it for a double album. But that’s exactly what Stone Sour did with the concept album ‘House of Gold & Bones.’ The first half was released in late 2012, and the second part in the spring of this year. Both albums are outstanding, but ‘House of Gold & Bones Vol 2‘ is just a little bit better. The epic ‘The Conflagration’ is a highlight on an album with songs ranging from accessible rock to edgy metal.
Weathermaker Music
‘Earth Rocker’
Clutch
The long-running Maryland band Clutch have built a large and loyal following over the years. Their latest album ‘Earth Rocker’ was released on their own label, and ended up being their highest charting album so far, even surpassing their major label days. ‘Earth Rocker’ is heavier than their recent albums, and also more streamlined after going through lengthy pre-production. Neil Fallon’s always interesting lyrics and the band’s tight musicianship show why Clutch are one of the best rock bands in the business.
RCA
‘Sound City: Real to Reel’
Dave Grohl and Others
Dave Grohl’s film ‘Sound City’ documents the legendary Los Angeles studio, particularly the legendary console used in the recording of some of the greatest albums of all time. Everyone from Fleetwood Mac to Nirvana to Slayer recorded at the studio. The soundtrack from the documentary has some incredible collaborations, such as ‘Cut Me Some Slack,’ featuring the surviving members of Nirvana along with Paul McCartney. Other songs feature Grohl with artists such as Trent Reznor, Josh Homme, Corey Taylor and Stevie Nicks.
UTO
‘The Bronx (IV)’
The Bronx
After several years playing punk mariachi songs, the Bronx return with a vengeance on ‘IV.’ Their music is gritty and punchy, with more of a pop flow when transitioning from track to track. There’s nary an ounce of filler, with reflective lyrics and potent riffs. If you drifted away from the Bronx the past few years, ‘IV’ is a great reason to come back, and if you’re not familiar with the band, it’s an excellent place to start.
Ipecac Recordings
‘Oddfellows’
Tomahawk
Not many artists garner more respect than Mike Patton. From Faith No More to Mr. Bungle to Fantomas to Tomahawk, there’s never a shortage of interest in his projects. ‘Oddfellows’ is Tomahawk’s fourth album overall and first since 2007. The experimentation of previous albums is on display, but it’s also more accessible and stripped down. New bassist Trevor Dunn is a nice addition to the lineup, helping make ‘Oddfellows’ Tomahawk’s best effort since their 2001 debut.
Epitaph
‘True North’
Bad Religion
It took more than 30 years, but Bad Religion finally cracked the Top 20 on the Billboard 200 with their 16th album ‘True North.’ It’s a concise and streamlined effort, with nearly every song under 3 minutes. The album has that classic Bad Religion sound with no big surprises, but they do it so well you won’t mind. ‘True North’ shows that even after three decades the punk legends are still pointed in the right direction.
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