Top 10 Rock Albums of 2009

So here we are...the end of a decade...with 2010 right around the corner. 2009 saw a slew of great hard rock albums released, and it's actually hard to narrow it down to the 10 best albums of the year, but here goes:

#10 Best Rock Album of 2009:
Dead By Sunrise - Out of Ashes

Most side projects of big name people in rock music, well, for a lack of a better term...suck. This is not the case with Linkin Park's lead singer Chester Bennington's new project, Dead By Sunrise. After teaming up with the guys from Reliant-K, Dead By Sunrise released their debut CD on October 13th. With a slightly harder sound than Linkin Park's recent music, Out of Ashes proves to be a solid debut with three standout tracks, 'Inside of Me,' 'End of the World,' and 'Walking in Circles.'


#9 Best Rock Album of 2009:
Default - Comes and Goes

For a band that gets absolutely no recognition in the United States, can you blame their record label for not even releasing the band's latest album in our country? It's such a shame, because the long-awaited and oft-postponed 'Comes and Goes' is a worthy follow up to 2005's 'One Thing Remains.' Default doesn't change their sound on this record, and as a result, there's no surprises on this record, which is a good thing. Fans of Default will eat this up, with tracks like 'Little Too Late,' 'All Over Me,' and 'Goodbye' being the main standouts on this album.


#8 Best Rock Album of 2009
Lacuna Coil - Shallow Life

After launching onto the U.S. music scene with the album 'Karmacode,' and numerous appearances on music games Rock Band 2 and Guitar Hero, Lacuna Coil seemed primed to hit it big with their latest album, 'Shallow Life.' And they did just that. Debuting at #2 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart and #16 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, Lacuna Coil showed that Americans love the smoking-hot Cristina Scabbia and co. With two singles charting on the U.S. rock charts, Lacuna Coil changed their sound to a more-mainstream alternative rock sound, and pulled it off without losing their edge. Standout tracks include 'Survive,' 'Spellbound,' 'I Like It,' and 'I'm Not Afraid.'


#7 Best Rock Album of 2009
Dethklok - The Dethalbum II

Considering Dethklok started as a cartoon on Adult Swim, Brendon Small's brainchild has grown into a legitimate force in the world of metal music. Releasing the original Dethalbum back in 2007, the Dethalbum II was a highly-anticipated release among metalheads. After making the highest debut of a death metal album ever at #15 on the Billboard 200 and selling 45,000 copies in one week, I guess you could say there's quite a few metalheads out there. The album itself is a brutal collection of throbbing drumbeats and low growling vocals. And it sounds fantastic. One listen to 'Burn The Earth' and you find yourself addicted. Other diamonds on this CD include 'The Cyborg Slayers' and 'Bloodlines.'


#6 Best Rock Album of 2009
Creed - Full Circle

Welcome back, Creed. With their first album in 8 years, Creed still has some good hard rock left in them. With a much heavier tone than what we've seen before, Mark Tremonti shows why he is the best guitarist in modern rock music. Even incorporating never before heard double bass drum kicks, this album will rock your face off. Debuting at #2 on the Billboard 200, Creed still has a loyal following amongst its fans. Must hear songs include 'Overcome,' 'Bread of Shame,' and 'Good Fight.'


#5 Best Rock Album of 2009
Skillet - Awake

Skillet has been around for a while, and Christian rock music enthuiasts have always been big fans of the band. Not until now has a Christian rock band hit it big in the mainstream. With 'Awake' debuting at #2 on the Top 200, Skillet has a 'monster' in the making. Riding the sound and awesomeness of two songs; 'Monster' and 'Hero,' Skillet has some high expectations with its next record.


#4 Best Rock Album of 2009
Chevelle - Sci-Fi Crimes

After the ho-hum effort that was 'Vena Sera,' fans of Chevelle hoped for a kickass record this time around. Chevelle delivered, and in a big way. Charting at #6 on the Top 200, Sci-Fi Crimes is Chevelle's most successful debut in the band's history. Featuring a return to the heavy sound that made them famous, 'Sci-Fi Crimes' is a must-hear for any rock music fan. Gems include 'Sleep Apnea,' 'Jars,' A New Momentum,' and 'Shameful Metaphors.'


#3 Best Rock Album of 2009
Breaking Benjamin - Dear Agony

Ok, now we get into the cream of the crop, where the best music of the year is combined with lyrics that speak to the heart and fans can really connect with. Breaking Benjamin has always been known for captivating music lyrically, and 'Dear Agony' doesn't fail to continue the tradition. The song 'I Will Not Bow' has already topped the charts and become the band's most successful single to date, and the rest of the album is just as good. Musically, Dear Agony is a fantastic-sounding CD, with crisp and clear guitar riffs and pounding drumbeats. Standouts include 'I Will Not Bow,' 'Into The Nothing,' 'Lights Out,' and 'Fade Away.'


#2 Best Rock Album of 2009
Five Finger Death Punch - War Is The Answer

Ivan Moody has never been known to be a low-strung singer. Fans got a taste of his style back in the Motograter days, and after 5FDP's debut album "Way of the Fist" garnered a hardcore following, fans were eagerly awaiting the follow-up. Debuting at #7 on the Top 200, it marks quite an achievement for a heavy metal record. Filled with songs that delve into the deepest, darkest feelings of the human soul, 'War Is The Answer' is definitely an answer for wait ails you. Filled with profanity, the album unleashes a hard-hitting punch that fans can relate to. With songs like 'Walk Away' that deal with the pain of a broken heart, 5FDP has delivered an epic record. Standouts include....the entire album. It's that good.


And last but CERTAINLY not least...


The #1 Rock Album of 2009
Three Days Grace - Life Starts Now

Ok before I get started, I must admit there was a slight bias going into this countdown. I have always been a big Three Days Grace fan, and always felt I could personally associate with their music. However, when I heard 'Life Starts Now,'....my first expression was '.....wow....holy crap...'
I had never heard an album that I could so closely relate to in my own personal life. I could have written this record, because all the content lyrically could be written about me. Three Days Grace hit home HARD with this record, and the music kicks ass at the same time. Chocked full of songs that speak to the heart, and evoke feelings and emotions that make you say 'YES....THIS is what I feel like!' 'Life Starts Now' is a album of epic proportions. From the pain of a broken heart on 'Last To Know', to feelings of slight optimism on songs like 'Good Life' and 'Life Starts Now,' to songs that just flat out tell it like it is on 'World So Cold' and 'Someone Who Cares,' to love songs like 'Lost In You' and 'Without You,' this album is pure gold. Anyone who likes music should give this album a listen. I guarantee you will be addicted.