By a stretch, I’ve not heard all the songs released in 2010, and certainly not all the good songs: Life is unfortunately just too short. This list is my opinion: The songs have been chosen either because I like them; or because of the influence I think they will/have had on the music scene. They are shown in Artist-Alphabetical order, not in order of priority. I tried to get a mix of genres and fit some less well known stuff in here, so there should be something for everyone. I hope you enjoy, even if you disagree with some of it (which you certainly will, I’m sure).
The Watcher's Monolith
Agalloch (Marrow of the spirit)
This song is the epitome of melancholy, progressive, dark metal. The entire album is an artistic masterpiece, but it is best showcased in this nearly 12 minute long epic. Easily one of Agalloch’s finest achievements to date, which is saying something when you look at their already majestic back catalogue. The piano at the end is beautifully chilling. Plug in, sit back, enjoy.
Access Denied
The Algorithm (CRITICAL.ERROR)
One of those artists that far too little is known about by far too many people. This song literally goes completely and utterly mad, but somehow pulls it off with absolute flawless perfection. You will not have heard anything like it in your life, and doubtful ever will again. It grabs you by the horns, and doesn’t let go.
Vessel
The Contortionist (Exoplanet)
My love for this album cannot be expressed enough. I could have chosen any song off it, but I see this as the best song which isn’t a direct development from songs on previous albums. The breakdown is just out of this world, and the guitars after it are just beautiful.
Final Exit
Fear Factory (Mechanize)
This came out quite early in the year and for a while it was my front runner for song of the year. It’s unlike most Fear Factory songs in that it puts feeling ahead of the thumping guitar rhythm for which they are so well known. It’s an epic and emotional metal track that covers the sensitive topic of human euthanasia, but with the definitive Fear Factory flare.
A Man Of Science
Orbs (Asleep Next To Science)
Not heavy enough for some, and certainly the vocals will put most people off this song. But an exclusive audience doesn’t make for a bad result. It covers a rather curious subject area but does it so well. There is a very strong charm to this song that can’t be explained to someone who hasn’t heard it, and even if you had heard it, you’d simply agree how inexplicable it is.
Home is for the Heartless
Parkway Drive (Deep Blue)
I wasn’t overly keen on this album as a whole compared to their previous releases, but there really is something about this song. It’s not particularly heavy, but it’s got one of the best sing-along choruses I’ve ever heard and the lead guitar does just sound so good!
Letter Experiment
Periphery (Periphery)
Periphery’s influence on the fast-developing djent scene is undeniable, and that is the reason this song has made it to the list. This is my favourite song of a generally strong album: It has pace; variety and technicality, and of course showcases Misha Mansoor’s new take on the djent sound rather well.
Deception (Concealing the Fate Pt 2)
TesseracT (Concealing the Fate EP)
This is another djenty one, but from the different end of the spectrum. This song is very rhythmic, with a strong progressive focus. It varies greatly and some of the riffs and fills are very nice indeed. It’s not at all heavy but it’s a very strong performance.
...The Kids We Used To Be
Your Demise (The Kids We Used To Be)
This song has such an energy and charm that is so unfortunately rare in melodic hardcore. And it has THE best sing-along chorus I know. This song just feels like summer to me. You can’t sit still while listening to this song, and if you do, there is something wrong with you.
Agalloch (Marrow of the spirit)
This song is the epitome of melancholy, progressive, dark metal. The entire album is an artistic masterpiece, but it is best showcased in this nearly 12 minute long epic. Easily one of Agalloch’s finest achievements to date, which is saying something when you look at their already majestic back catalogue. The piano at the end is beautifully chilling. Plug in, sit back, enjoy.
The Algorithm (CRITICAL.ERROR)
One of those artists that far too little is known about by far too many people. This song literally goes completely and utterly mad, but somehow pulls it off with absolute flawless perfection. You will not have heard anything like it in your life, and doubtful ever will again. It grabs you by the horns, and doesn’t let go.
The Contortionist (Exoplanet)
My love for this album cannot be expressed enough. I could have chosen any song off it, but I see this as the best song which isn’t a direct development from songs on previous albums. The breakdown is just out of this world, and the guitars after it are just beautiful.
Fear Factory (Mechanize)
This came out quite early in the year and for a while it was my front runner for song of the year. It’s unlike most Fear Factory songs in that it puts feeling ahead of the thumping guitar rhythm for which they are so well known. It’s an epic and emotional metal track that covers the sensitive topic of human euthanasia, but with the definitive Fear Factory flare.
Orbs (Asleep Next To Science)
Not heavy enough for some, and certainly the vocals will put most people off this song. But an exclusive audience doesn’t make for a bad result. It covers a rather curious subject area but does it so well. There is a very strong charm to this song that can’t be explained to someone who hasn’t heard it, and even if you had heard it, you’d simply agree how inexplicable it is.
Parkway Drive (Deep Blue)
I wasn’t overly keen on this album as a whole compared to their previous releases, but there really is something about this song. It’s not particularly heavy, but it’s got one of the best sing-along choruses I’ve ever heard and the lead guitar does just sound so good!
Periphery (Periphery)
Periphery’s influence on the fast-developing djent scene is undeniable, and that is the reason this song has made it to the list. This is my favourite song of a generally strong album: It has pace; variety and technicality, and of course showcases Misha Mansoor’s new take on the djent sound rather well.
TesseracT (Concealing the Fate EP)
This is another djenty one, but from the different end of the spectrum. This song is very rhythmic, with a strong progressive focus. It varies greatly and some of the riffs and fills are very nice indeed. It’s not at all heavy but it’s a very strong performance.
Your Demise (The Kids We Used To Be)
This song has such an energy and charm that is so unfortunately rare in melodic hardcore. And it has THE best sing-along chorus I know. This song just feels like summer to me. You can’t sit still while listening to this song, and if you do, there is something wrong with you.
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