#4 Sister Sin - Now And Forever

Swedish rockers put out their new album Now And Forever and, with it, they secured a top spot among the 2012's highlights. This record is fierce; it leaves you with little time to breathe. It is a machine gun shooting guitar riffs, melodic hooks, screams non stop. This is the type of albums one wants to blast out in the car while driving, hard to stop listening to. Hard rock with a touch of vitage sound. Can't go wrong with it!

Videos

End Of The Line

Hearts Of Cold


#5 #3

#5 Regina Spektor - What We Saw From The Cheap Seats

Fresh, ingenious, poppish, silly, unpredictable, funny, happy-go-lucky... what else can be said about Regina? She is simply awesome. And, with this record, she proves that there are no limits to imagination, and that an artist should not be caged in one particular music genre. The strange sounds she has us used to are still there. One hightlight is the reworked version of Don't Leave Me (Ne Me Quitte Pas), it will keep you tapping with your feet to the rhythm.

Videos

Don't Leave Me (Ne Me Quitte Pas)

 All The Rowboats (live)

#6 #4

#6 Luca Turilli's Rhapsody - Ascending To Infinity

When Luca Turilli parted ways with former band Rhapsody Of Fire, it would have been easy to think that the magic is gone, that the epic stories from fantasy lands are over. How wrong! Luca Turilli put together his own Rhapsody, and sored to greatness. What a fantastic album. New singer Alessandro Conti is great. Jaw-dropping vocals. The fantasy themes are still there, though now there are more moder elements as well, unimaginable in previous Rhapsody Of Fire records. Luca is in top form here, as he delivers some of the greatest guitar solos he's ever written, plus, he takes over all piano and keyboard duties. A masterpiece.

Videos

Dark Fate Of Atlantis

                                                                               Excalibur (live)

#7 #5

#7 Epica Requiem For The Indifferent

Another masterpiece by Dutch band Epica. Here, Simone's voice features a broader sound, which gives the songs a deeper feeling depending on the context. Flawless production, the usual themes, and an overall halo of perfection shape Requiem For The Indifferent. It is a step forward from the great Design Your Universe, though I wonder if there is much more to explore in this direction.

Videos

Storm The Sorrow

Serenade Of Self Destruction



#8  #6

#8 Teodasia - Upwards

Surprise, surprise! Italian band Teodasia have no only released their first record, but also have they made it to the top 10 albums of the year 2012! Upwards is a consistent album, which does not cease to please the listener at any time. It features Fabio Lione from Rhapsody Of Fire in one of the songs. Amazing record which has set the bar high for future releases.

Videos

Lost Words Of Forgiveness

Temptress



#9 #7

#9 Xandria - Neverworld's End

Xandria's latest album is the first one to feature new singer Manuella Kraller, who, it must be said, does a flawless job. The album is grandiose, entertaining, catchy and could have been on the top 3 of the list if it were not for the fact that it sounds too much like Nightwish circa Century Child era. Great as this album may be, it lacks a bit of originality. Still, it was one of the finest releases of 2012 and, with the new singer, they will surelly put out more awesome music.

Videos

Valentine

Forevermore



#10 - #8

#10 Delta Goodrem - Child Of The Universe

#10 Yes, australian popstar is back with her fourth album, Child Of The Universe. This is a great pop album showing that Delta has a lot to deliver and that her health issues from the past haven't affected her musical skills. Impecable voice lines, catchy choruses, and personal lyrics are some of the elements that can be found in this record. The first single, Sitting On Top Of The World is groovy and the second one Wish You Were Here is heartfelt and touching. The acoustic-versions bonus CD is a must-have.

Videos:

Sitting On Top Of The World

Wish You Were Here (Acoustic)

Check out #9