Top 10 Rock Albums of 2012 (So Far)

rock albums
Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com

We’re not even halfway through 2012 and there have already been a number of high quality hard rock albums released. So far, 2012 is looking like the year of the woman in rock, as several female-fronted bands have unleashed critically acclaimed discs, including Lacuna Coil, Halestorm, Dead Sara and Nightwish, to name a few. But there's still room for the boys on this list, as such acts as Marilyn Manson and Shinedown have released strong albums this year. As new albums continue to come out in 2012, we will be updating this list with any discs that are worthy of cracking the Top 10. In the meantime, check out Loudwire’s current list of the Top 10 Hard Rock Albums of 2012 (So Far).

Taproot

10
'The Episodes'
Taproot

Taproot’s sixth studio album ‘The Episodes’ is a concept disc that was conceived even before the band released its 2010 album ‘Plead the Fifth.’ Frontman Stephen Richards holds onto his unique distorted, melodic vocals while also belting out thick growls throughout some of the tracks.

Epica
9
'Requiem for the Indifferent'
Epica

Dutch symphonic metalers Epica have unleashed their fifth full length disc ‘Requiem for the Indifferent.’ The debut single ‘Storm the Sorrow’ represents the entire tone of the disc. The record offers the tantalizing vocals of frontwoman Simone Simmons, beautiful orchestration but it also has heavy gutturals, edgy riffs, galloping drum patterns and much more.

8
‘The Church of Rock and Roll’
Foxy Shazam

The psychedelic rockers of Foxy Shazam have infected our ear drums with their single ‘I Like It’ off of their groovy latest album ‘The Church of Rock and Roll.’ The disc is definitely packed with party tunes that have soul, it’s funky and it rocks. From beginning to end, ‘The Church of Rock and Roll’ is complete with big choruses, deep bass lines, falsetto vocals and so much more.

7
'Omerta'
Adrenaline Mob

Adrenaline Mob are a supergroup featuring Russell Allen (Symphony X), drummer Mike Portnoy (formerly of Dream Theater) and guitarist Mike Orlando. Their hard-rockin’ debut album ‘Omerta’ includes their catchy single ‘Undaunted,’ as well as a cover of Duran Duran’s ‘Coming Undone' (featuring Halestorm singer Lzzy Hale). The band's touring lineup has been round out by bassist John Moyer (Disturbed).

6
‘The Strange Case Of…’
Halestorm

Speaking of Lzzy Hale, her band Halestorm takes the sixth spot on the list with their sophomore album ‘The Strange Case Of…’ which is filled with gargantuan and endless vocal range. It’s a wonderful mystery of how long Ms. Hale can keep a note going. The entire band seems to keep going on the road as they have just announced dates for an extensive 2012 world tour.

Shinedwon
5
‘Amaryllis'
Shinedown

It’s a major year for Shinedown with the release of their fourth studio album ‘Amaryllis.’ Their single ‘Bully’ and spent several weeks at No. 1 on the rock chart while 'Amaryllis' scored a big debut on the Billboard 200 tally. It was also recently announced that Shinedown would be co-headlining the 2012 Uproar Festival along with Godsmack, Staind, Papa Roach and more.