Year End Wrap Up: Top 10 Most Anticipated Music Albums of 2013

After my 2012 'Most Anticipated' list of albums ended up resulting in overwhelmingly mediocre outcomes and at times disaster, I was weary of assembling one for 2013. But I did it anyway and the top 10 albums here give promise to a very rock oriented year in music.

Both Pearl Jam and Black Sabbath were on my most anticipated for 2012 but neither released an album. Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi ended up getting Cancer which sort of hinders the writing process to a degree and I'd say I was shocked but it's taking the band a little longer than they had anticipated to record this beast. Rick Rubin needs to kick some old ass with that beard of his and unleash this album in 2013. As for the rest, here's hoping they don't suck because only one of my most anticipated records from 2012 ended up on my top 10 'Best Of'….

Masked rap-metal lunatics Hollywood Undead are ready to unleash their third studio offering upon the masses. When I interviewed Charlie Scene a while back he revealed album details for the first time and mentioned that the record would sound more like Swan Songs and carry a more party-oriented vibe. When these guys have more fun I tend to enjoy the songs a little more as opposed to the moody rock thing. You'd think a rap metal party band would piss me off, but when Hollywood Undead does it so well I can't help but embrace the keg-stand crazed atmosphere the music emits.

Mighty grunge pioneers Pearl Jam decided to hold off on releasing their 10th studio album in 2012, and that's OK with me. After fellow Seattle rock legends Soundgarden released their first album in forever, the results were very ho-hum. So if it takes them a little longer to fine-tune and craft what I'm hoping will be an epic rock record – so be it. I'm a fan of the acoustic, stripped back Pearl Jam as well as the angst politically driven side of the band so anything they do is OK with me.

The first Black Sabbath album with Ozzy on vocals was actually too good to be true…. At least in 2012 anyway because it never happened. The reunion was fragmented during live shows too since drummer Bill Ward was having contract arguments the entire time and he eventually dropped off their small string of concert dates. Guitarist Tony Iommi fought cancer the entire year and I think Rick Rubin is still trying to operate on Ozzy's vocal cords in order to get the old demonic bastard moving in the studio. The album is definitely happening, because they are recording it. I'm just not so sure all the bandmembers will survive the process and that sucks ass.

A new AC/DC album is completely unnecessary but I want it anyway. Hell these guys could have stopped in the 80's and they'd still be selling out stadiums for the rest of their lives, but just the fact that they 'want' to keep writing new music fascinates me. It also helps that their new stuff doesn't blow. I'll welcome any new AC/DC songs because I know exactly what they'll sound like and that doesn't bother me. ZZ Top did it in 2012 so bring on AC/DC in 2013.

Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro tend to fill in the void every year that there's no new Queens of The Stone Age record. They are an eccentric unit and although not as experimental as say Muse, their songs are still very epic in their own way. Their upcoming sixth studio record is a double album with one CD showcasing the worst side of things and the other approaching lyrics in a more positive light. It could be a trainwreck but it sounds like a great idea and I can't wait to hear it.

The eighth studio album from Boston Celtic rockers Dropkick Murphys is said to be a more 'loose' affair than the last record 'Goin Out in Style'. The guys have said this effort will feature catchier and fun 'sing-a-long' tracks which translates to "get yourself a glass of Guinness, get drunk and blast this album the day it comes out". I'm fascinated with folk-rock and Bruce Springsteen's 'Wrecking Ball' has the honor of being my 2012 Album of the Year'. If you didn't know – Springsteen embraced a clear Celtic rock influence for that record.

'My Last Serenade' is one of the greatest heavy metal songs ever written. When Jessie Leach left Killswitch Engage after such a phenomenal record I was shocked. Even when they replaced the frontman with a very talented singer, it was still never the same. Leach's vocals and signature screams belong at the front of this unit and now that the band has reunited I'm beyond stoked for their next studio offering, more-so than any other metal album of 2013.

Eminem's last studio album is a masterpiece. Following up what is no doubt one of the finest rap records ever made will be a daunting task for the world's most famous hip hop artist. If he does release it in 2013 however, it will sell a ridiculous amount of copies regardless of how well received it is and I hope that Eminem doesn't rely on past success when he's in the recording studio. I say that like it's even a possibility but Eminem has no intentions of releasing a s*** album like 'Relapse' ever again. He's made that overwhelmingly clear.

The world's best 'true rock band' will have a rough go trying to follow-up their Grammy nominated 'El Camino'. Then again the record prior to that, 'Brothers', was also a delicious slice of vintage rock n' roll. To doubt these Southern boys wouldn't be wise so I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt that we'll be seeing some fantastic music in 2013. After all that Nickelback bashing in 2012, it would be a travesty to let Chad Kroeger have the hideous last laugh… Don't fail me now Keys.

Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl surprised the hell out of me by taking the stage with former Nirvana bandmate Krist Novoselic, Foo's Pat Smear and PAUL MCCARTNEY in late 2012. They performed a new track called 'Cut Me Some Slack' during the 12-12-12 benefit concert and again on Saturday Night Live. Here's the thing: it's a f***ing amazing song. It rocks so much ass it's ridiculous. The track comes from the soundtrack to Grohl's upcoming documentary 'Sound City' and the effort features other mesmerizing collaborations including Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor and Trent Reznor to name a few. Having a soundtrack top my most anticipated list is a bizarre thing, but after you hear 'Cut Me Some Slack' all your worries should be washed away.

[Editor's Note: The opinions found herein are those solely of the author and do not reflect the thoughts, intent or sanction of The Daily BLAM!, it's owners or subsidiarities.]