Breezy's Top 15 of 2012! Pt. 3

Here we go with a few more of my  top albums for the year.  3 more great releases touching on all things that are great about hard rock and metal.

#9 - Flying Colors - S/T

After Mike Portnoy left Dream Theater, I was already wondering what his next project would be.  Well, he has a few on the go, and this one is the one I'm enjoying the most.  Flying Colors is a supergroup of sorts, featuring members from bands such as Spock's Beard, Dixie Dregs and Deep Purple.  The album is a great mix of Hard Rock, Pop and Prog.  If this record ever got some Radio attention ,there are a couple of possible hits in tunes like Kayla and The Storm, and a pretty ballad in Better Than Walking Away.  Performances from all members are stunning, in particular guitarist Steve Morse, and singer Casey McPherson.  A great record from start to finish with hints of the members Prog abilities, and a fresh sound that really should have them leading the way for awhile.  Looking forward to the live DVD.

#8 - Cauldron - Tomorrow's Lost

Toronto's Cauldron are back with their 3rd full length, and are on my list again this year.  Tomorrow's Lost continues on the path of the previous records.  Old schoolers will appreciate the guitars and melodies, complete with catchy choruses and worship of all things NWOBHM. I hear lots of stuff everywhere from Mercyful Fate, to Saxon, to even bands like Dokken and Skid Row.  A blend of all styles that makes them somewhat unique. Tunes like opener, End Of Time, or the ultra catchy Fight For Day is the kind of stuff I could listen to all day.  First single and video, Nitebreaker, show the bands penchant for writing a great hook without sacrificing power.  All you old horror movie fans need to check out the video below.  One of Canada's best.

#7 - Kreator - Phantom Antichrist

German gods Kreator return with their next slab of power in Phantom Antichrist.  This album is really a continuation of the sound of their previous 3 releases that started with the legendary Violent Revolution in 2001.  Lots of speed and thrash here, but with some cool breakdown and instumental passages.  Like all the records on my list, there is no filler.  Fave tracks are Death to the World and United in Hate. For a band that has been around the Thrash scene since the mid 80's, Kreator have proven once again that they are the leaders, and not the followers, and that the Big 4 should really pay attention because their peers are playing circles around them these days. The live DVD included with the album shows Kreator still can bring it live, with power and violence, along with musicianship and melody. Awesome.