THE 2012 MELROCK AWARDS
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ALBUM OF THE YEAR |
Rick Springfield Songs For The End Of The World Not too many 60+ year olds continue to kick ass with new tunes, and even less of them can make a statement as fresh, as vibrant and as contemporary as this album. Rick Springfield delivers arguably his best album since the 80s - an album that is filled with his usual angst filled anthems, but delivered with an upbeat attitude. The energy within these songs is something a 30 year old would be proud of. There was no question this would be my album of the year after I'd had it a week. It really is the perfect melodic rock album for me and many others. |
Eclipse Bleed & Scream These Swedish lads deserve to be huge - their attitude, attention to detail and energy flows through every track on this album. The guys get better and better with age and fans were relieved to see that the long wait for this album was well worth it. Taking a heavier direction, the guys really turned it on and nailed it. Harmonies, melodies and rousing rock anthems from start to finish. Another perfect album in my estimation. |
H.E.A.T. Address The Nation I didn't award this album a perfect score, but it was so damn close. And as time went on, it continues to be an album on high rotation and of constant enjoyment, so for that reason it edges out the also awesome Jimi Jamison album at #4. The band took a gamble on newcomer Erik Gronwall and discovered a match made in heaven. The slightly different approach Erik brings to the table has in my view, taken this band to the next level and on the brink of world domination. This is how I love my melodic rock delivered and Erik's vocals are simply brilliant. |
Jimi Jamison Never Too Late Teaming with the guy that can do no wrong - Erik Martensson - Jimi delivers one of his best vocal performances ever on an album packed with hard hitting songs that define his career. Anthems, heartfelt melodies and emotional vocals. Fist in the air, feel good music, all delievred with a powerful production. Perfect for all fans of Jimi's past and present and still a much loved album for me. |
Van Halen A Different Kind Of Truth One of my favourite groups of all time. But no one gave them a chance of recapturing former glories, so it was with genuine excitement and amazement that this album not only matched the long held expectations, but exceeded them. The energy within this album was my biggest surprise, I really didn't expect the tempo to be quite so furious from these old dogs. But what a great album - pieced together through adversity and a less than standard way of recording, but whatever they did - it worked! |
Honorable Mentions: (in no particular order)
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THE BEST METAL / PROG ALBUM:
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BEST DEBUT ALBUM OF 2012:
.....(New Band/Artist/Solo Debut, Not Project)
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BEST COMPILATION OR LIVE ALBUM:
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BEST RE-ISSUE/ARCHIVE RELEASE:
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2012 SONG OF THE YEAR |
Honorable Mentions: (in no particular order)
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BEST METAL/PROGRESSIVE SONG:
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BEST BALLAD:
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2012 Best Artwork |
2012 Artist Awards |
2012 Rest In Peace |
Worst Of 2012 |
2012 WTF? |