Best of 2017
2017 was a great year for rock music releases, we've debated over the best picks of the year to bring you the artists we felt made the final cut in our categories of best album, single, live act and breakthrough artist of the year. Our winners and reasons for their selections can be found below...
Best Albums of 2017
Gemma's selection:
Formed in 2014 and fronted by the exceptionally talented vocalist Nathan James, Inglorious returned with their second album in 2017 following on from the success of the their self-titled debut. The second album, simply titled ‘II’ was released on 12th May 2017 via Frontiers Music, and produced by the legendary Kevin Shirley. The 12 track album is track for track superb, echoing the bands classic rock influences of the 70s greats such Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Whitesnake, yet remaining contemporary and driven by James’s unique vocal style. Tipped by us in 2016 as one of the best breakthrough artists, the band certainly didn’t disappoint with their follow up album, which was not only our featured play through album, but also voted as one of the best albums of 2017.
Simon's selection:
ALESTORM - NO GRAVE BUT THE SEA
Renowned for picking something a bit different, Simon’s selection for best album of 2017 not surprisingly comes from Scottish Pirate Metal outfit Alestorm who released their 5th studio album last year. No Grave But The Sea was released on the 26th of May via Napalm Records. If you want a measure of how serious this band takes itself the Deluxe Edition of the album, has a bonus disc featuring the original songs from the album with the vocal track removed and replaced with sampled dog barking. Despite this though the clever tongue-in-check lyrics will have you singing along in angry pirate sea-shanty fashion, although a few choice lyrics will keep the sensitive types away.
Best Singles of 2017
Gemma's selection:
The exciting and exceptionally talented London based blues-rock quartet really impressively demonstrated why Italian label Frontiers Music were right to sign up the band. Releasing the album ‘Heavy Living’ in 2017 and winning over audiences new to their sound at gigs and festivals up and down the country, we expect the is rise of this band to continue well in 2018 and beyond. Gemma’s selection for single of the year is based on having seen the band perform the track ‘Law Man’ prior to its release live at Wildfire Festival in Scotland. A track that remained a favourite long after the release of album on the 15th of September.
Simon's selection:
Corey Taylor and co returned to bring us a great little album last year titled ‘Hydrograd’ released on the 30th June via Roadrunner Records. The album's success was marked by reaching number 5 in the official UK album charts. The first single to be released from it was the rather catchy track ‘Fabuless’. Which indeed lived up to its title. Having played the track on several shows throughout the year, there’s no doubting its nomination as one of best singles of 2017.
Best Live Acts of 2017
Gemma's selection:
Burton on Trent based three piece Theia are a band we have followed the career of for some time now. It seems like an age ago since we were playing their very first tracks on the radio back in 2013, so its hard to forget how young these guys still are. In 2017 the band released their second album ‘Back In Line’ on the 12th June via WDFD records, and as such toured the length and breadth of the country in support of it. It goes with out saying that Theia consist of 3 very talented musicians, Kyle (guitar & vocals), Paul (bass & vocals) and Jake (drums). When performing live they not only command the stage like seasoned pros, but also engage the audience in a way that makes you feel a part of their performance. Having been lucky enough to catch their set at Wildfire Festival, we were left wanting more. Without a doubt one of the best bands performing live in 2017.
Simon's selection:
Having been unfortunate not to have been able to have seen Black Sabbath bring the curtain down on their 49 year career live in their home town of Birmingham last year, we felt an acknowledgment was warranted somewhere in the best of 2017 regardless. Black Sabbath’s The End was filmed and screened in select cinemas towards the end of the year allowing those unfortunate not to get tickets a chance to experience one of the countries most renowned pioneers of metal perform together for the very last time. Despite Ozzy Osbourne claiming he doesn’t want to give up the music business, for now at least it remains the end of an era for Black Sabbath.
Breakthrough Artists of 2017
Gemma's selection:
Rapidly making a name for themselves up and coming rock blues band Samarkind released their short 8 track self-titled album on the 24th November to critical acclaim. This multinational band fronted by David Paul Byrne (formally teenage wunderkind singer for successful hard rock band Assassin) first came to our attention with the release of the first single ‘Sun Stroke Heart’ early in 2017. The track was instantly catchy and most definitely left us in anticipation of more. The second single teased of great things and following album release did not disappoint. Mark my words this band are on the rise.
Simon's selection:
West Midlands based quartet Stone Broken had what seemed a hell of a year in 2017. Building their ever growing fan base with gigs and festival appearances throughout the UK, it was hard not to pay attention. Having performed at some of the biggest festivals such as Download, Steelhouse, Ramblin’ Man and were we managed to catch them, Winterstorm Festival, the band were drawing crowds wherever they performed. It appears theres no slowing down for the band in 2018 either, they have announced a worldwide record deal with Spinefarm/ Universal and already have a long list of tour dates. Often compared to the hard rock style of Black Stone Cherry, we highly recommend this band. A must see and worthy nomination for breakthrough artist of 2017.