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As good this year has been, we're really looking forward to next year and have compiled our list of the 10 Most Anticipated Rock Albums of 2013. There's a lot of big names expecting to drop some fresh sounds in the new year, and we can't wait to see what comes out. While we anticipate these acts providing new music, we can't guarantee every one of these albums will hit store shelves in 2013. For instance, Metallica would have obviously been on this list had Lars Ulrich not claimed in a recent interview that he thought 2014 was more likely. There's also the potential for Foo Fighters, Avenged Sevenfold, and Slipknot to be part of this list should they decide to return to the studio, but since nothing's confirmed as of yet, we'll hold them out. So let's take a peek ahead and see what acts have the 10 Most Anticipated Albums of 2013:

 

Mary Oullette, SheWillShootYou.com

#10-Motley Crue
 
Since when is 'Sex' the foreplay? The answer is when you're Motley Crue. The band teased audiences this summer with a new track while they toured with Kiss, but the idea is that more music will follow in 2013. There's been plenty of speculation over the last few years how long the band will stick with the album format, and they might be higher on this list had band members not recently hinted that we may get an EP instead of a full disc. Time will tell, but we anxiously await the results.
 

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#9-Device
 
The name might not be as familiar as the other acts on this list, but with Disturbed frontman David Draiman fronting the group and Filter's Geno Lenardo on guitar, the pedigree is there. With Disturbed on hiatus, Device started recording in June. Draiman, in his trademark all-caps Twitter posts, has described Device as a more industrial-sounding outfit in the vein of early Nine Inch Nails and Ministry. Should be interesting.
 

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#8-Rob Zombie
 
Rob Zombie has discussed how much he loves his current lineup, so that makes his next release one of the most highly anticipated discs of 2013. Zombie continues to try to balance his film and music careers, and with 'Lords of Salem' in the can, he can now focus on his next studio record. Zombie stated in an interview that he has three objectives – “dark, heavy and weird” – and would like to stick with that idea, with songs that don't fit the description being tossed aside. So get ready for some more rock mayhem from Zombie and his band.
 

Facebook: Pearl Jam

#7-Pearl Jam
 
Last year was one of reflection for Pearl Jam, as 20th anniversary release for the 'Ten' album, a book, a film, and even their own festival filled the docket. But by years end, the group had amassed quite a bit of material behind the scenes. Drummer Matt Cameron recently stated that he was recording his drum parts prior to leaving for a Soundgarden tour in November, leading to speculation the disc was almost done. With 2009's 'Backspacer,' the band saw a creative rebound, so their next disc comes with a lot of anticipation.
 

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#6-Queens of the Stone Age
 
Where have you been Josh Homme? It's been six long years since Queens of the Stone Age's 'Era Vulgaris,' with the band Them Crooked Vultures, family time and a near-death experience taking up the time since then. That's a lot of life lived, which could make the next Queens of the Stone Age album one of the most intriguing yet. After scrapping some early attempts, the band began recording in earnest in August and a disc should surface next year.
 

Mary Oullette, SheWillShootYou.com

#5-Judas Priest
 
Judas Priest's next effort definitely has to fall among the 10 Most Anticipated Albums of 2013. It's been a time of transition for the band, who said farewell to K.K. Downing and hello to Richie Faulkner. The new guitarist has reportedly rejuvenated the band and the members have discussed their enthusiasm for recording their next effort with Faulkner as part of the writing process for the first time. Singer Rob Halford said early demos harken back to Priest's classic sound.
 

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#4-Alice in Chains
 
After the successful 2009 return of Alice in Chains, there's no doubt that their follow-up will be one of the most anticipated albums of 2013. While it may seem like some time has passed between albums, guitarist Jerry Cantrell revealed that bone spurs and cartilage issues initially kept him from proceeding early on, but by late 2011 the group had finally started in on their next disc.
 

Tool Dissectional

#3-Tool
 
It's Maynard James Keenan's world, and whichever of his three bands strikes his fancy at the time is typically what we get. Having focused on getting Puscifer off the ground in recent years and doing a tour with A Perfect Circle, it appears that Tool is back on the schedule. In 2010, the band members had started writing for their next record, both with and without Keenan. By May of this year, drummer Danny Carey discussed having the framework for five songs with more studio time expected in the summer and an eye toward a late 2012 finish. Whenever it arrives, fans won't treat the disc merely as a new album, but as an event.
 

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#2-Black Sabbath
 
2011 brought the announcement that the original Black Sabbath lineup had reunited and were planning a new record. 2012 had its share of setbacks (Tony Iommi's cancer treatment, Bill Ward's contract dispute), but the legendary band has soldiered on. Iommi continued to write with the members through his chemotherapy treatments and Ozzy Osbourne stated in June that they had 15 songs already penned. Not long after their Lollapalooza set, the group returned to the studio, so everything appears to be on track for Black Sabbath releasing one of the most anticipated albums of 2013.
 

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#1-Nine Inch Nails
 
He's been dominating the movie soundtrack scene for the past few years, but rock fans have missed Trent Reznor. Apparently, the Nine Inch Nails mastermind has missed his band, too, as he's ready to fly with new NIN material. Reznor stated in an interview earlier this year that he would devote much of 2012 to writing new tunes for Nine Inch Nails. Meanwhile, his other project How to Destroy Angels, also set to release their first full-length album, but it's a new NIN album that fans are truly salivating over.
 
What Is Your Most Anticipated 2013 Album Release?

There you have it, our list of the acts with the 10 Most Anticipated Albums of 2013.

Is there something we've missed?

What act should be higher on the list?

What are you most looking forward to next year? Let us know your thoughts?

~Jen

by: Chad Childers