After James’ picks from yesterday (which can be read on this link right here), today it’s the turn of one of our two Sam’s, Sam Dignon, to unveil his Rocksins end of year awards. Over to you Sam…
1) Album Of The Year: letlive. – The Blackest Beautiful
After breaking through with 2011’s fantastic album Fake History there’s was a lot of hype surrounding its follow up, letlive didn’t just deliver on this but they surpassed the brilliance of Fake History. The Blackest Beautiful continued to show how letlive are the most exciting Post-Hardcore band around and Jason Aalon Butler delivers one of the best vocal performances of the year.
Honourable Mentions: Crossfaith – Apocalyze, Bleed From Within – Uprising
2) Song Of The Year: Frank Turner – The Way I Tend To Be
Tape Deck Heart was one of this years best albums and The Way I Tend To Be was definitely the best track on that album. A fantastic song filled with emotion as Frank sings about failed relationships in such a personal way and one of my favourite choruses of the year.
3) Gig Of The Year: While She Sleeps – The Borderline
Having previously sold out the Electric Ballroom on their last tour, While She Sleeps at The Borderline was always going to be a special gig. While She Sleeps delivered their typically intense performance and really hammered home that While She Sleeps are fast becoming one of the best bands in the British Metalcore scene. Also bringing Feed The Rhino along as support was a fantastic way to get the crowd pumped up for While She Sleeps set. Simply this gig was two of the best live bands completely destroying a tiny venue and it was brilliant.
Honourable mention: Killswitch Engage – Manchester Ritz
4) Festival Performance Of The Year: Gojira – Bloodstock Festival
Even when they are missing some their gear and claiming to be sloppy, Gojira still managed to put on one of the best performances this year. Smashing through a fantastic set which saw some of the biggest pits of the weekend, Gojira completely owned Bloodstock this year. A special appearance from Randy Blythe on Backbone was just one of the many highlights of this performance.
Honourable mention: Crossfaith – Warped Tour UK
5) Video Of The Year: Crossfaith – Eclipse
A fairly simple video but one that basically shows that Crossfaith are the coolest band on the planet right now. From getting thrown out of clubs to then putting on a crazy show at a Skate Park complete with people juggling fire the video for Eclipse shows that Crossfaith party harder than anyone. Plus the song is a massive tune. Watch the video below:
[youtube id=”4H0Wn5XXtXM” width=”600″ height=”350″]
6) Most Disappointing Album Of The Year: Fall Out Boy – Save Rock And Roll
When Fall Out Boy announced they were returning from hiatus I was very excited. Then I heard the first song from their latest album and I was slightly worried. Then I heard the full album and soon realised that perhaps things would have been better if Fall Out Boy hadn’t come back.
7) Band Of The Year: Bring Me The Horizon
If any band can say they’ve had a fantastic 2013 it would have to be Bring Me The Horizon. From Sempiternal becoming their highest charting album to a huge tour at the end of the year, Bring Me The Horizon cemented this year that they are the biggest British Metalcore band around. And bigger things are still to come from this band.
