After an explosive 2016 in new Rock/Metal albums, 2017 seemed off to a slow start. But the momentum quickly picked up once spring hit. With releases from Mastodon and super group KXM. And from there on it was a consistent output of excellent new material from many of the worlds finest hard rock and metal acts including Cheap Trick, Prong and an unexpectedly great live album from Iron Maiden. Here’s a look at my best albums of 2017 in no particular order.
L.A. Guns – The Missing Peace
It’s been a hot minute since we’ve had a new L.A. Guns album with both Traci Guns and Phillip Lewis gracing the record with their company. The last real good album that was released by them was in 2002 with the Andy Johns produced ‘Waking the Dead’. But the dynamic duo have made up for lost time with 2017’s ‘The Missing Peace’. Love the play on words in the title. It’s very needed with current state of the world right now. The album opener is somewhat predicable but Phil Lewis always manages to write original vocal melodies. And he delivers ten fold here. What’s even more amazing is the seemingly agelessness of their sound. I mean, they really sound just like they did in 1991. How many bands can claim that? A few, but not many. Standout tracks include: ‘A Drop of Bleach’, ‘Sticky Fingers’, the epic title track and the unbelievably catchy ‘Kill it or Die’.
Cheap Trick – We’re All Alright
Cheap Trick have had a roaring late career comeback once they signed to Big Machine Records. The long overdue recognition has resulted in the release of three albums in the span of 18 months. One of them even being a pretty damn good Christmas album. And like the band above there’s seemingly no audible age difference in the 40 year career of the group. Also the last Cheap Trick albums have been really hard hitting. Something that the band at times shied away from in their independent releases from 1997 through 2009. But now they’re back to being full on, aggressive Cheap Trick. The way we like them. Hopefully the band will grace us with another excellent new release in 2018. Standout tracks: ‘Long Time Coming’, ‘Lolita’, ‘Brand New Name on an Old Tatoo’ and ‘Like a Fly’.
KXM – Scatterbrain
After an unexpectedly successful debut, KXM, consisting of Ray Luzier of Korn, George Lynch of Lynch Mob and Dug Pinnick of King’s X went back into the studio to do a follow up. And ten times better than the first album. The second record entitled ‘Scatterbrain’ is a masterpiece in hard rock and metal. And it’s a damn shame that they didn’t get more recognition for it. Phat ass drums, killer riff after killer riff and yet another amazing vocal delivery from Dug Pinnick make this album one of the best of not just 2017, but the decade. Super groups can be hit or miss. But KXM is a major, major hit. Unfortunately, Luzier has Korn touring priorities so the band can’t fit in any short touring dates. But if you don’t have this album, get your hands on it. Standout tracks: The title track, ‘Breakout’, ‘Obsession’ and ‘It’s Never Enough’.
Mastodon – Emperor of Sand
Mastodon’s ‘Emperor of Sand’ may be the best album of 2017. With this record Mastodon find a perfect balance of who they are. They brought back the whole concept album idea that hasn’t been seen since ‘Crack the Skye’. But the band hasn’t let go of their newfound, third dimensional subject matter. They’ve let go of the fantastical element in favor of more relateable lyrics. Tackling subjects such as cancer, suicide, depression and world issues. That combined with tasty grooves, amazing riffs and extremely memorable vocal melodies have made Mastodon not just the biggest metal band in the world. But simply the biggest. Outselling mega successful pop acts such as Ed Sheeran and Adele. People who don’t even like metal like Mastodon. They’ve found their balance and I hope they continue to grow and bring their amazing music to the masses. Standout tracks: ‘Show Yourself’, ‘Precious Stones’, ‘Steambreather’ and ‘Ancient Kingdom’.
Living Colour – Shade
Honestly, I thought this album would never see the light of day. They’ve been working on it off and on for the past six years. But finally the wait is over and it’s pretty worth it. The cover renditions of ‘Preachin’ Blues’, ‘Who Shot Ya?’ and ‘Inner City Blues’ are all competent. And of course, Living Colourified. But the stand out moments are original material. The band sounds fierce, inspired and tight as all hell. Of course, Living Colour are a band that can play circles around just about anyone. And on ‘Shade’ there’s no letting up. Here’s to hoping that we won’t have to wait seven years for the next album from this amazing band. Standout tracks: ‘Freedom of Expression (F.O.X.)’, ‘Program’, ‘Glass Teeth’ and the brutal ‘Pattern in Time’.
Iron Maiden – The Book of Souls: The Live Chapter
I was thinking the same thing as you were: ‘Another live album from Iron Maiden? Does the world really need that?’ Well, apparently the answer is yes as this is one of the best live albums from the band. And that’s saying something. Instead of recording one show, Iron Maiden put together a collection of live recordings recorded from all over the world. Which is a first for the band. You get most of the ‘Book of Souls’ delivered live. And of course, the classics sprinkled out. But this live album stands out because of it’s mixing. The recordings sound truly larger than life. Which is how every Iron Maiden live album should sound. And not every one of them does, despite audience size or enthusiasm. But it’s all here on this live album. However, it’s not a live album to start with due to the track listing. Standout tracks: ‘Speed of Light’, ‘The Red and The Black’, ‘The Book of Souls’ and a great deep cut closer of ‘Wasted Years’.
Prong – Zero Days
One of the heaviest albums of 2017 and certainly the heaviest on this list. Prong has had an amazing past five years since the release of 2012’s ‘Carved into Stone’. And the momentum is kept rolling with ‘Zero Days’. It’s a perfect record for the evolution of albums that have been released since 2012. It’s a perfect combination of groove, thrash, melody, growling and prog. All the sides of Prong are represented on this album. It’s hard to say what a consummate Prong record is. But this is def one of them. If people ask who they are, this a good album to show them. Standout tracks: The title track, ‘However It May End’, ‘Self Righteous Indignation’ and ‘Interbeing’.
Sons of Apollo – Psychotic Symphony
Another Mike Portnoy side project. But this is the one that takes the cake. This is a tremendous progressive metal album. The band consisting of: Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, Winery Dogs), Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, Winery Dogs), Bumblefoot (freelance amazing guitarist), Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater and countless other projects) and Jeff Scott Soto (freelance vocalist) is a perfect combination. Again, some of these ‘get together’ projects don’t work. But Sons of Apollo are amazing right out of the gate. In fact, this is the album that I wish Dream Theater would make. It’s certainly better than ‘The Astonishing’ and it’s debatable whether it exceeds Dream Theater’s self titled. It’s super prog, but it’s also super metal and also really cool. Mike Portnoy is good at finding that balance in his prog. And with Sons of Apollo it shines through. Here’s to hoping that they stick around for a while. This group kills it. Standout tracks: ‘God of the Sun’, ‘Signs of the Time’, ‘Labyrinth’ and ‘Divine Addiction’.
Mr. Big – Defying Gravity
Mr. Big continue their post reunion material with their third installation since 2011’s ‘What if…’ and it’s nothing too surprising. But there’s a lot of quality in this album. The rockers are some of the best riffs in the band career which is saying a lot. Now, the ballads have always been the weak part of Mr. Big, but here there are some pretty good mid tempo ballads. That’s what Mr. Big writes best in the ballad world. Their slow tempo ballads are very hit or miss. But this time around it’s the mid tempo’s that win out. Standout tracks: ‘Open Your Eyes’, ‘Mean to Me’, ‘1992’, and the title track.
So that’s it folks. Those are my fave hard rock and metal albums of 2017. Have a great new year and KEEP ROCKING!
