Here are 5 amazing albums from 2011 that were just shy of making our top ten. They all deserve recognition along with your full attention. These are the honorable mentions of ’11.
DECAPITATED – CARNIVAL IS FOREVER
 
Decapitated is a band that never fails to deliver. This record was an incredible effort from the Polish Technical Death Metal pioneers. It’s the full package with heaviness, technicality, and fearsome brutality laced throughout. Even despite the three major line-up changes after a tragic tour bus accident (R.I.P. Witold “Vitek” Kieltyka), the newly formed band managed to put on a great effort with original guitarist and brother Waclaw “Vogg” Kieltyka. Major respect for that. Heavy as hell contributions such as “Homo Sum”, “The Knife”, and the title track placed this album among the best Tech Death Metal records of the year \m/
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AUGUST BURNS RED – LEVELER

 

Following the amazing “Constellations”, August Burns Red came back strong as ever with “Leveler”. This album is where the band really defined their sound after transitioning through the previous record. Huge, heavy, and musically sound, “Leveler” was easily among the best Metalcore records of 2011, if not the best. This is ABR at their best and most creative. Hard hitting classics such as “Poor Millionaire”, “Internal Cannon” (pass the salsa), “Empire”, and leveling title track stand out especially. “Leveler” is filled to the brim with heaviness and conviction. ABR is highly recommended if you’re in the market for amazing Metalcore.

 

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WITHIN THE RUINS – INVADE
 
It would be a shame to go through 2011’s cream of the crop without mentioning Within The Ruin’s crushing sophomore effort, “Invade”. They aggressively expanded on their sound from “Creature”, bringing next level talent, technicality, and brutally creative force. Shredding through 40 minutes of pure heavy greatness, this record was responsible for multiple hospital visits over the past two years \m/ Tracks like “Invade”, “Cross Buster”, “Behold The Harlot”, and “Red Flagged” may cause permanent damage (in the best way possible). “Invade” is a metal classic through and through. If you haven’t been in the ruins, get there ASAP.
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FAIR TO MIDLAND – ARROWS & ANCHORS
 
If there’s anything to say about Fair To Midland’s sophomore album, it’s certainly one of the most interesting records to come out in recent history. Fair To Mindland are a trip in themselves with their unusually high energy level, which they bring in their music and performance alike. And through matching talent with very abstract creativity, the music itself is incredible.“Arrows & Anchors” was easily one of the best Progressive Rock albums to be dropped on the world in 2011. Maybe even the best.”Whisky & Ritalin”, “Musical Chairs”, “Rikki Tikki Tavi”, and “Amarillo Sleeps on My Pillow” are all great reasons why this album is very much relevant.
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OH, SLEEPER – CHILDREN OF FIRE
 
Texas based Oh, Sleeper came back stronger than ever with their third full-length, “Children of Fire”. There’s an impressive balance between fury and musicality on this record. This band has the ability to play out pure dissonant chaos only to transition into well composed melody. Stand out tracks such as “Endseekers”, “The Marriage of Steel and Skin”, “Hush Yael”, and “Dealers of Fame” all bleed with greatness and conviction. This band is sincere and focused in their delivery. All in all, “Children of Fire” is an awesome ride and easily one of the best Metalcore records dropped in 2011. Quite moshable too \m/
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