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This has easily been the best quarter of the year, album release wise. There are plenty of styles for everyone to enjoy, and a lot of great music was released these past three months, making it tough to narrow down the top five of the quarter. Even the Honorable Mentions were tough, as I have a ton of them and had to leave some off. I should note that Orchestra of Wolves by Gallows would have made the Top 5 had it not already been released before Epitaph took it to the states. I can guarantee that there are albums on here that I have missed, either because they're a gem in the rough and I haven't fallen head over heels for them yet, or because I flat out haven't heard the complete album yet. So, don't be surprised if you see some albums neglected on this list but getting some love in the Year End Spectacular.
TOP 5 OF QUARTER 3:
Against Me!-New Wave (Sire): For some reason, it takes me about a listen to really get into new Against Me! albums, and then something just clicks, making them better than their previous work, in my opinion. New Wave was no exception, easily living up to the expectations that I had for it.
Bad Religion-New Maps of Hell (Epitaph): This is another album that had to grow on me, and it did tenfold. Bad Religion retake their claim atop the melodic punk rock throne.
Between the Buried and Me-Colors (Victory): Between the Buried and Me are quite possibly one of the most talented bands in music, and Colors, a basically 64 minute song cut into eight mind bending parts, proves that these guys can shred with the best of them.
Far From Finished-Living in the Fallout (Think Fast Records): Boston has always had a thriving punk rock scene, and its good to see a gruff, sincere band like Far From Finished take the initiative of carrying the torch to a new breed of fans for the beloved city.
Four Year Strong-Rise or Die Trying (I Surrender): This album is just too damn fun not to be on the list. Its good to hear that bands are again enjoying themselves and focusing on how music can be a hoot.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
The Black Dahlia Murder-Nocturnal; The Empty Orchestra-Here Lies; The Flatliners-The Great Awake; Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers-Glassjaw Boxer;
The Red Chord-Prey for Eyes; Ringworm-The Venomous Grand Design; Scenes From a Movie-The Pulse; Weedeater-Good Luck and God Speed.
Written by: RF