Best Hard Rock albums of 2014

The problem with lists is that you never get people that 100% agree with them.  However, they are still fun to make, irresistible to read, and though you may not agree with all the contents, you might learn something new that you didn't know about before.  That was the case when I read Loudwire's lists of the top rock albums of 2014 which inspired me to make my own.

Top Rock or Metal Albums of the year 2014:

1. Chevelle - La Gorgola
see my prior review here for this and others on this list

2. Slash - World on Fire
This album by Slash with Myles Kennedy (singer of Alter Bridge) and the Conspirators stacks up with anything these guys have done in the past.  It sounds fresh and inspired, but with the best parts of old GNR still coming through.  Every song is up tempo hard rock with great singing and blazing guitar work.

3. Slipknot - .5: The Gray Chapter
Being their first original release since 2008 and being without Paul Gray or Joey Jordison, you could call this a comeback album for sure.  It has some of their heaviest and darkest material, but shows maturity and depth beyond anything they have done before.  The progressive release of teasers, songs and videos through social media from July to December was also brilliant.

4. Judas Priest - Redeemer of Souls

5. Crobot - Something Supernatural
Because of their funky blues inspired rock they remind me of a heavier Black Crowes.  They sing of supernatural things like chupacabra, succubus, and the devil.  They kicked ass when I saw them open for Chevelle.  Check them out.  

6. Starset - Transmissions
Another Razor & Tie act that I just learned about.  If you like Breaking Benjamin or early Thirty Seconds to Mars you would like these guys.

7. Godsmack - 1000HP
See my review of their 6th major release here

8. Rise Against - The Black Market

9. Nothing More - Nothing More
17 tracks from a new band out of San Antonio that spans the gamut of hard rock with tracks sounding like nu-metal, metalcore, emo, and their own sound that is hard to categorize.

10. Issues - Issues
An interesting blend of pop, R&B, and metalcore that has garnered this band its share of haters.  Maybe it's because it is different, but I put this above bands I love like Nonpoint and Seether on this list because right now I would rather listen to Issues.

It is so hard to compare, contrast, and rank music.  I welcome and encourage you to check out every band on this list and comment about any that you think I forgot or might enjoy next.

My view of Chevelle from balcony of Wellmont Theater 12/13/14 when Crobot opened.