Feature / Music
Pass The Mic: Record Labels and Artists on 2011

Another year, and another Pass The Mic feature. As has become SPB tradition, we turn the tables on the music industry and ask labels, bands and other key figures about their experience of the past year, including favourite albums, bands, predictions and more. We have over 50 participants in this year's feature, including names like Brendan Kelly, Franz Nicolay, The Dwarves, Vinnie Fiorello, Shai Hulud,  Banner Pilot and Toby Jeg. Read on or use the handy dropdown picker below to navigate through the past 12 months as we pass the mic.

Aidan Baker (Nadja)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

Circle - Infektio (Conspiracy Records)

Grouper - A | A: Alien Observer & Dream Loss (Yellow Electric)

OvO - Cor Cordium (Supernatural Cat)

Deaf Center - Owl Splinters (Type Records)

Psychic Paramount - II (No Quarter)

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I don't remember where or when exactly this year I heard Brise Glace's When In Vanitas (Skin Graft Records), and I've never listened to Jim O'Rourke all that much (apart from Gastr del Sol's Camofleur), but When In Vanitas was something that stuck with me and I ended up listening to it a lot this year. Even though it was released in the early 90s, its noisy and abrasive electronic art rock (or whatever you want to call it) still sounds quite current and relevant today.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

Sharing a stage at a festival with the original 1985 line-up of Corrosion of Conformity. I wore out my cassette copy of Animosity when I was a kid…

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

I have a new solo album called The Spectrum of Distraction on Robotic Empire with contributions from 18 different drummers. Nadja will have a 2CD compilation of viny-only/rare tracks with Important Records called Excision and a new full-length whenever we get around to finishing it.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

The Codeine reissues/box-set on Numero Group.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

I don't really have expectations like that about music -- everything I think should be huge never is so I've stopped thinking that way.

Alex Hughes (Hatred Surge)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

That didn't happen.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

 I played a lot of rad shows and went on a fun tour. Finally saw Slayer (yeah). I had 3 releases this year.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

New Hatred Surge LP. Hopefully a split with SFN from Madison, Wisconsin.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

New Walls LP. New Iron Lung LP. More Column of Heaven.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

Who cares.

Amy Oden (formerly of Hot Mess, producer/director of From the Back of the Room)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. Tenement - Napalm Dream
2. Mind Spiders - Mind Spiders
3. Hunx and His Punx - Too Young to Be in Love
4. Ilsa - Tutti Il Colori Del Buio (this came out in late 2010, but it rips)
5. Callous - Demo (also an end of 2010 release - for lovers of Dystopia)

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I guess I "discovered" the Marked Men and Beach House in 2011. They basically had the polar opposite impact - Marked Men are great when you're riding your bike, and Beach House is good music to zone out to.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

Mostly I'm excited for my friends bands to get some traction - Ilsa is amazing and they're just starting to get noticed. I'll also remember C.L.I.T.Fest DC and also the Nausea cover band I played in during halloween.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

Hopefully I'll play some more music with the folks I was in "Nausea" with - I'm working on a film called Opting Out that's about masculinity and the recession. Also I'm working on a film called "Exotic" that I'm trying to start shooting in Feb.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

I don't know! The next Tenement record - I will always love that band to pieces.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

I really thought the DC band Deathrats would take off - but it looks like they're breaking up instead.

Andre (Locrian & Land of Decay)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. Vic Chesnutt “At The Cut” [not from this year, but something that I got into this year] (Constellation)
2. Jon Mueller “Alphabet of Movements”  (Type)
3. Servile Sect “Trvth” (Handmade Birds)
4. Oikos “Ecotono” (Utech Records)
5. Ililta “New Ethiopian Dance Music” Compilation (Konkurrent)

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I’ve discovered a lot of stuff this year, but I think James Blackshaw’s “Litany of Echoes” album stands out most to me.  I always end up playing it.  I think I end up putting it on so much is because it just puts me in a really good mood.  That guy is a just a phenomenal musician and I haven’t heard anything from him that I don’t like, which is saying a lot for me.  

I’ve also rediscovered Judas Priest this year and in particular the “Sin After Sin” album.  There’s just something so awesome about the pre-Slayer double-bass on “Dissident Aggressor” and the falsetto vocals that makes me feel like I was to wrestle a buffalo or something.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

I can’t generalize about the entire year in music for myself. If I had to pick out an important moment for me, then it would be seeing Bert Jansch open up for Neil Young in Chicago shortly before his death.  It was a really powerful performance from Bert and Neil.  It was strange to observe the crowd at that show since there were people who were honored to be able to see Bert Jansch play, as well as people who had no idea who he was and didn’t care much to find out (unfortunately for them).  The sound was flawless at that show and in addition to witnessing one of Bert’s final performances, it was amazing to experience Neil Young’s newer, more experimental, songs without a back to back him up.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

I’ve been working with the other guys in Locrian and Mamiffer to finish up the collaborative album that our two groups recorded in June of this year.  That will be out in March of 2012.  Hopefully our collaboration with Christoph Heemann will be out next  year too.  I’m working on a project with David Reed (Envenomist) call “Eolomea” and we’ll have a tape our on Brave Mysteries in early 2012.  I expect there to be other releases as well.  I’ll also be working on some other stuff next year, but nothing that I care to discuss.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

I’m looking forward to getting this Locrian/Mamiffer album out!  I’m looking forward to the next Swans record. 

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

The stuff that’s “huge” is generally stuff that I don’t understand so I’m not sure. 

Andrew Nolan (Column of Heaven)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

• Thantifaxath – 2011 tape
• Hexvessel – Dawnbearer LP
• Rot in Hell – As Pearls Before Swine LP
• Blut aus nord – 777 Sects LP
• Execration – Odes of the Occult LP

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I discovered that Integrity are amazing again. I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that Dwid found his fire again. Maybe I’m just late to the party though?

I ordered the Detonate VVorlds Plague 12” on a whim and was blown away by it (and the CD of recent stuff thrown in was a nice surprise).

There’s always this irritating “blah blah Melnick brothers is the only real Integrity” peanut gallery that starts crapping on whenever a new Integrity record comes out, and sure, I love those records too, but you can’t just look at Integrity as if it stopped existing in 1997.

Integrity is clearly Dwid’s vehicle and I look at it like there are different movements to it; not just “Melnicks good, everything else bad.” Whoever the new guy is writing all the music is has a really good grip on what makes Integrity Integrity; occasionally I felt that post-1997 line ups just treated it like some boring Victory records mosh garbage with guitar solos and missed the Septic Death and Japanese hardcore influences.

Black Heksen Rise and Let the Night Roar are as vital as anything from Season in the Size of Days

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

The year that bored ex-hardcore kids in the states started forming terrible Death in June clones thinking they were reinventing the wheel, and more importantly, the year I didn`t get to see Mortuary Drape

And before I forget, it was also the year that I saw Drop Dead play their best show in about 16 years of seeing them in various locations across the western hemisphere. Inspirational.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

• Mission from God 12" (SPHC)
• split 7" w/ Drainland (Feast of Tentacles/ Diseased Audio)
• Of Dogs and Wolves 7" (Hemlock 13)
• repress of Ecstatically Embracing all that we Habitually Suppress cassette on 12" (RSR)

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

Morrigan (UK) – demo/ whatever

Unholy Majesty – whatever they end up doing, the demo was great, one to keep an eye on

Purity Control – from Toronto, whatever they finally get around to recording, possibly a 7" on High Anxiety?

Anything Harald Mentor plays on. New Ride for Revenge sounds incredible, but I’m giving it my first lesson as I type this, so I can’t put it in the top five.

Condominium – their Warm Home 12" wasn't in my top five because there's too much filler, but the songs where they put the effort in are amazing, and live they were really good. Hoping for a solid full length with no pissing about on it

Whatever Drainland puts out, even though Jamie will preface anything he sends me with "I hate this"

I’m hoping SFN will finally bother to release something beyond the three demos (with largely the same songs on them) and one 7" they managed to shit out in the five years that I've known them

Pick Your Side 12”, the demo didn’t do much for me, but we played a show with them in October and they were absolutely incredible. One of the best bands I saw live this year

Third in the trilogy from Blut Aus Nord is highly anticipated also

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

I'm not sure, I think the internet has flattened everything out. It only takes two black metal bands to name drop Joy Division and Bauhaus and apparently there's a new wave of post-punk influenced black metal doing the rounds.

I predict that by 2013 heathen hardcore will be a legitimate thing though

Andy Nelson (Paint It Black / Ceremony / Puerto Rico Flowers / TV Casualty)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. John Maus - We Must Become The Pitiless Censors Of Ourselves
2. Royal Headache - self titled
3. Morphosis - What Have We Learned
4. Nicolas Jaar - Space Is Only Noise
5. Total Control - Henge Beat

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

The Servants and the first Generation X album. A discovery and a rediscovery. Why these weren't tattooed on my brain as a middle schooler is beyond me. Grateful to have them stuck on repeat now and forever.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

An endless montage of blurry headrests and highways. And backstage champagne with Pulp in Toulouse. (Of course, I didn't drink mine.)

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

Lots, and then some.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

Factory Floor, Give, The Young, //TENSE// and The Ropes.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

Active political engagement and social compassion over simulated sincerity and merchandising. But really, is anyone surprised?

Andy Wounds (Abraxis / Clorox Bong)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. Pulling Teeth - Funeray
2. Origin - Entity
3. Integrity - Thee Destroy ORR
4. Shining - VII
5. Acephalix - Intermidable Night

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Honestly, without sounding like a jerk, my record collection doesn't get that much bigger every year. My time for hardcore and metal, was around the late 90s - 2000s, an during that time i went back to find out who is influenced by who. So, not much new stuff sticks to me. its usually an old band still producing stuff, like Integrity, Mindsnare, Agoraphobic nosebleed, Sunn 0))), Merzbow. So when I find a band thats similar to something I like, Sure i love it, but it doesn't stick like those first notes of my favourite bands played when I heard them. There was a lot of crustier stuff that influenced my productions and ideas for recording. Such as the new Craft album, for me they had a very clean sound compared to old NWBM but their latest was a lot grittier. Some Autechre music touched me, mainly because I tried to figure out MAX/MSP and found out how truly amazing they are as musicians. The last splits of Agrorapobic Nosebleed influenced my programming skills, almost to the point of stopping all together. Scott Hull is a master of guitar and production. Even some small bands from Australia like the band, IRE, influenced me.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

In australia, noticed Integrity and Ringworm shirts springing up like mushrooms, only about 10 years late. A lot of good bands, not re-inventing the wheel, but still how can you reshape a perfect design.

For me, had a lot of good shows, I got to do a split with Pale Creation, found my way onto Grindcore Karaoke. So much happened music wise, its really hard to find a standout.
Also, A friend of mine passed away, Dillon from Lovers Grave, who I had toured with in my old band Wish for wings.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

This next year, Ill have a split on Midnight funeral which is already recorded. I don't have anything officially lined up other than that, but vie been culling down around 60 songs for a LP, and several splits and 7 inchs. Im coming to the states in 2012 also, which I've been looking forward to ever since I started making music. Clorox Bong will no doubt have a few releases on Grindcorekaroake, an depending on how my noise stuff turns out, I have been fortunate enough to get in contact with guys like Merzbow, Ideally releasing some noise stuff would be something pretty awesome for me. It seems like half of 2011 was a massive black hole but since changing my lifestyle around July, everything seemed to start working well, new opportunities, friends in places I'd never thought i'd make. 2012 will see Abraxis releasing as much as I possibly can. With my demo projects, making some kind of release further than my PC HDD, Which for me is pretty sweet.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

Hopefully Australias best band Mindsnare do another LP. Integrity as always will bring out something mind-blowing, I don't know whats coming out really, Ideally a new Converge, Blood Duster and local bands, Signal the firing squad and Thy Art is murder.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

There was a lot, its hard to pick one. I really thought the new Origin was the best death metal CD of the year, best of their career. The Integrity LP should have been bigger, considering the amount of bands playing heaps 'evil' hardcore (but with a fringe and dance moves). The latest Shining, man they are amazing some of the best guitar solos you will ever hear. An insane band I only JUST heard of, Alienation - I thought they were intense, also, Despite the fact they are on Victory now, the new Pathology should have been bigger. Its still heavy, also, Pulling Teeth should have opened for Lady Gaga or something, just so Dom could be seen by more people, he is amazing. Nine Covens swell. Actually, now that I have finished this, there were so many great albums and bands out this year, If I went so out of contact with the world this year i'd probably have heard a lot more great bands that ill find out about in 2012

Aquatic Son (Midwest Konnect / Sway Heavy Records)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

Top 5 albums of 2011 is a tough one.

#1-Kendrick Lamar-Section.80

That was an amazing album.  A lot of people slept on that joint. It’s not really super-duper-hip-hop-backpack-conscious but he does have a lot to say and he covers a lot of issues that people go through.  I have mad respect for Kendrick because his rap is so human. He raps about his flaws and man’s flaws while most other rappers just talk about how perfect their lives are.   

#2-Phonte-Charity Starts at Home

That was a really good album.  Production-wise it was especially dope.  Swiff D SNAPPED on that shit! Also, Khrysis and 9^th Wonder murked on tracks as well. Phonte has always been one for great beat selection.  So if you are looking for clever wordplay as well as fresh bangers I would say Charity Starts at Home is a must have.

#3- Skyzoo-The Great Debater

 A lot of people sleep on Sky.   He is a super talented lyricist. In fact a little bit too talented at times. Meaning a lot of times his shit goes over people’s heads.  But when you do that research and figure out what he’s saying it’s like DAMN SON! He’s one of my favorites, and he got some real heat on the production on that joint as well.

 #4-Stalley-Lincoln Way Nights: Intelligent Trunk Music

Again it’s not super-duper-backpack but the beats are raw and he has a nice style.  It’s exactly as described; intelligent trunk music.  He’s got a few dope concept tracks on there, as well as some nice word play and inspirational lyrics.  Not sure what’s going to happen now that he’s fuckin’ with Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group, but I really hope he stays true to this sound.  Also, if you’re not familiar with Stalley, though it’s not a 2011 release, the Mad Stalley project is definitely worth a liste—Stalley rhymes and all Madlib production. BANNANA’S!

#5-Elzhi-Elmati                             

Though the production is really nothing new—considering its all remixes of Nas tracks—El held it down lyrically, as usual.  He never comes sub-par, and is in fact, one of, if not my favorite emcee of all times.  I just really wish he would work on his beat selection, as well as getting nicer—feature producers and other emcees.  He seems to fuck with the same people and that’s cool—Black Milk is one of my favorite producers—but I want to see him flex on another style every once in a while.  But the album is definitely worth listening to. 

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

No answer.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

In terms of hip-hop, 2011 was pretty average to me. I wasn’t surprised by much of anything—only mildly excited by the aforementioned Top 5.  I mean I’m not sure if it’s just a lack of creativity going around or what but I’m not hearing much new shit these days.  A lot is being recycled. Though there are a few artists that I like the direction they are going, for the most part the game is kind of like unflavored oatmeal; especially around the Twin Cities area. Everyone is on Rhymesayers dick trying to sound like them.  People just need to be themselves.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

I’m actually working on my first solo project.  I’m not totally sure what to call it yet because a lot of things are still in the air, but the project will probably be titled Son of Poseidon.   It will be between 8 and 10 tracks, and you can expect most of the production to be from me.  I have 2 joints that aren’t produced by me so far, and I’m not going to say any names as far as who those tracks are done by. You’ll just have to wait!  Besides that, Midwest Konnect is working on a mixtape as well as an album. So be on the lookout for some new heat from the Sway Heavy camp.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

No answer.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

I kind of thought the Jay-Z and Kanye’s Watch The Throne project was going to be a really big deal but as it turns out it wasn’t that deep.   I mean, sure they are doing the whole tour and they are getting a lot of radio play but I’m assuming that is all attributed to payola because myself and A LOT of people weren’t feeling it so much.  Sure there were like 2 or 3 joints on there that where dope that I play regularly but for the most part the album was kind of booboo; especially on Jay’s part.  His verses were SO sub-par compared to Kanye.  The album sounds like Jay was thinking, “Oh well I’m rapping with Kanye, so I don’t have to be to lyrically intensive.”  And Kanye was like, “Oh shit, I’m doing an album with Jay!  I’d better step my bars up.”  So you got this replacing of roles to where Kanye is kind of on top lyrically. It was off-putting to say the least. I feel like Jay Z is getting away with doing less and less these days.  Like, somewhere along the line he realized that he didn’t have to sell records anymore, and for the records he did put out he didn’t even have to say shit for cats to buy it. So not only did he stop putting out music as frequently he also just stopped giving a shit about the content of his bars.  I guess that’s what being a multi-millionaire does to your work ethic.

BJ (Ancient Shores)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. none
2. Trap Them darker handcraft
3. Burning Love/Coliseum live split
4. Cave In while silence
5. Mike Patton the solitude of prime numbers

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I would answer this by saying that I have listened to Neurosis for a while but towards the middle point of the year as best I can recollect, I went on a neurosis rampage just constantly listening to them. I feel like I am really fully absorbing their music as a whole, though still appreciating it as a being with many pieces. Their records are all unique. I am usually a record behind on mastodon and lately Kylesa in terms of really comprehending and feeling a record, which is the only comparable listening evolution I could make. It is very interesting to me when music starts to click inside you or reaches new levels in terms of your personal comprehension. Neurosis is a very worthwhile band and really they are why people can be picky listeners or only listen to a few select bands while still having a complete musical experience.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

2011 was a little shattered. I did not personally check out that many shows (but the ones I did were very memorable), and did not pick up much 'new in 2011' music, but good music does not need to come out every twelve months. It was a year to appreciate, not to indulge or gorge ourselves, as fans, on brand new material. It gave people time to save up and buy records or go to great shows instead of being hit with a lot in a short period of time. If no band ever wrote again we would still have 'Paranoid' by BS, 'Horrified' by Repulsion, tons of His Hero is Gone, and whatever random Pentagram release you have, to listen to for example. I do not really expect a band to put out new records in any kind of interval. A yearly retrospect is unrelenting.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

We have a 12" split with a band from Seattle called 'Cynarae" coming out early in the year of 2012.It will be released by a389 records.  It will have at least 6 and maybe up to 8 new songs from us, and all new stuff from Cynarae. We're getting our shit together and getting better about our approach to playing shows. We have some really great bands that have show interest in playing with us which blows us away so we will take said bands up on their willingness to play out with us.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

A lot of good records from (which we are very fortunate to say) our label mates on a389. Really just a lot of great records from a very reliable label that we are grateful to say we are a part of. Many records for many tastes and the type of stuff that allows you to discover some music released in years passed.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

House shows. We did not play a single one unfortunately.

Bobby Hussy (The Hussy / Kind Turkey Records / Bad Omens)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

Wow! It's hard to pick only 5 this year! I think this year was a great year in music. Here are my top 5:

1. Thee Oh Sees - Castlemania
2. TV Ghost - Mass Dream
3. Useless Eaters - Daily Commute
4. Dum Dum Girls - Only In Dreams
5. UV Race - Homo

Since it wasn't actually released in 2011 (it was reissued this year), I will keep The Reatards classic Teenage Hate double LP off the top 5. But man that's a great reissue and it's a really nice package overall. Good work Goner!

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

UV Race's Homo was a really pleasant surprise. I haven't really fallen in love with many of the current crop of Aussie garage bands (Eddy Current Suppression Ring and Total Control). While I think those bands are fine and do not suck, I just never really got that into what they were doing. I really like what UV Race are doing, and it's definitely in the same vein as those bands, so I guess it's just got something undefinable going on that I dig more. It made me really perk my ears up about Australia again. I had been bludgeoned to death by Australia in the recent past, and this will probably make me realize what an idiot I was overlooking all of those bands!

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

Thee Oh Sees release two classic records. One a double LP and one a supposed "LP + EP" combo (really just a single LP). Plus a 2XLP Singles Comp, a split 12" EP with Total Control, and a flexi 7" booklet released by John Dwyer's label Castle Face. Almost all are amazing. Castlemania is better to me than Carrion Crawler/The Dream, but I think that's because I'm more of a vocal melody guy than a jam guy. Both records I highly recommend though. It really proves that John Dwyer and Co. know what they're doing and can make great records quickly without having huge quality losses.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

I think 2012 is going to be a big year for both the Hussy and Kind Turkey, as well as Bad Omens (hopefully). The Hussy has our second LP coming out in early 2012 on Tic Tac Totally based in Chicago. We have four to five other 7"s coming out over the year on four other labels. We're going to be playing a lot of shows to support all the releases and working hard to ensure our fans get a chance to see us more than once (Sorry for 2010 Minne!!!!). Kind Turkey has new 7"s coming either at the tail end of 2011 or early 2012 by Madison's The Lonesome Savages and Seattle's The Pharmacy. Both are four track EPs that really give you your money's worth on the 7" format. We've got a few other big plans for 2012, but those plans aren't quite confirmed yet. All I can say is that it will be a really exciting year for both The Hussy and the label! Oh and I'm currently recording the Bad Omens record, and we'll be shopping that whenever it gets done. So we're hoping for a 7" to come out sometime in 2012. I'm also spending a lot of time recording other bands around Madison, Milwaukee and Minneapolis, which is really fulfilling for me. It's nice to know the local bands want to work with me and trust my ear. I really appreciate that and the loving support of Madison in general.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

Something new by Ty Segall that goes back to his scuzzed out early days. I want another barn-burner of a record from him. His last from this year (Goodbye Bread) was sorta limp in my opinion compared to the rawness of Melted. A new record by Sex Church would be awesome, the last did not disappoint but was not quite as good as their Six Songs EP 12". In a humorous turn I'd also like to see Thee Oh Sees go to new levels of output. I'm fine with them putting out as many records as they want. Seems like they've got some internal quality control that's obviously better than 90% of bands making one record every two years even. They make it look easy making two LPs a year that are classic. Also, I want a new Moonhearts LP in 2012 (those guys are too busy touring as Ty's backing band though probably. Which sucks cuz they made one of the best garage-punk records in recent memory in 2010).

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

I thought Ty Segall was gonna blow up slightly more. He did blow up in many respects for sure. But not quite how I thought he would. I think it's partly due to the record he put out this year...I'm totally aware that he couldn't make another Melted without sounding trite, so it was the right thing for him to do, but man he's a talented kid and I wish him all the best. Thee Oh Sees should be bigger than they are. They're probably the best live band you will ever see right now, and their records are always consistent. Maybe putting out two LPs a year isn't a good thing in terms of getting people into your band. That's probably the case. Realistically it's hard enough to get a person to buy one of your records a year, let alone two LPs + a split 12" and countless other goodies (2XLP Singles Comp, 7"s, Group Flexi 7" booklet...etc). All of their output is good, but it's hard for the casual listener to keep up.

Brendan Kelly (Lawrence Arms / The Falcon / Brendan Kelly and the Wandering Birds)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. Ratasucia - White Noise Pollution
2. Holy Mess - Dismount
3. Elway - Delusions
4. Horrible Crowes - Elsie
5. Copyrights - North Sentinel Island

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Die Antwoord, Lady Gaga, Astronautalis, the Flatliners. Cavalcade is a great record.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

Eh, I won't. Kind of a bummer for me. I did nothing this year. Some decent records but it seems like a rebuilding year. Tons of great new bands putting their stakes in the sand but I don't think any of the records on my top five are the definitive records of those careers.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

I'm putting out the Brendan Kelly and the Wandering Birds full length in March. I'll also be writing for Lawrence Arms and the Falcon. I'd love to do an ep for each band. We'll see.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

Hands down, the two best records of 2012 will be The Sidekicks-Awkward Breeds and the Menzingers-On the Impossible Past

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

Felching. On paper, it's perfect.

Brian Elza (Czar)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. Trap Them - Darker Handcraft
2. Disma - Towards the Megalith
3. Wolves Like Us - Late Love
4. Dark Castle - Surrender to All Life Beyond Form
5. Weekend Nachos - Worthless

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

ZZ Top. Boogie 'til you die.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

"Dancing on the edge of the Hollywood sign. Whatever. Doesn't matter."

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

A triumphant second LP, and a string of tour dates on which to hawk it.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

If Converge puts out a new record, the answer is that record.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

Tie: Morbid Angel's Illud Divinum Insanus / Your Highness / United
States Congress

Chris (Caulfield)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

A new fucking record, finally.  Hopefully more than one.  And a 365 day tour.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

I honestly have no clue what's coming out next year.  I'm really stoked to get a new Caulfield record out.  Hopefully something cool comes out and blows my mind, though.  I'm sure Thou will put out five more incredible records by the end of next year.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

There are too many under rated bands (and far more over rated bands) to fairly answer this question.  I still think Seraphim should be on tour with Neurosis though.

Chris Brock (Early Graves / The Funeral Pyre)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

Some of my favorite records released this year have been Craft "Void", Today Is The Day "Pain Is A Warning", Crowbar "Sever The Wicked Hand", Ghostface "Apollo Kids" (I realize this was a 2010 release but it came out at the very end of the year and it really is that good) and I really liked the Book Of Black Earth record "The Cold Testament" a lot. Deafheaven "Roads To Judah" is also awesome and they are really nice dudes and good friends. I listened to that new Chelsea Wolfe record a lot too.

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I cant think of a band that really did this, but I really rediscovered my love of music in general this year. I took a while away from listening and playing music for a couple of months and it wasnt until midway in the year where I put music back on and really listened to it deeply again. It has had a huge impact on me because it makes my whole life better. There was not really one band or even genre that really did it either, it was just what my ritual of listening to music is and how it makes me feel that really made appreciate how amazing music really is and how it can enchance someones life deeply if they let it.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

The Funeral Pyre did a tour with some old friends mine in The Secret that was a lot of fun, and Early Graves got a new singer and started writing music again. I am just grateful that I am able to play music and that there might be people that care enough to read what I say about it or listen to what I write musically. I would also like to RIP Makh Daniels, we miss you everyday.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

I am looking forward to touring a lot with Early Graves and recording/putting our third record out, and I am looking forward to recording and doing the same things with The Funeral Pyre. Theres nothing set in absolute stone for either band now, but we are both going to be busy.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

If Slayer puts out a new album. Morbid Angel, please make a good album with Pete Sandoval to make up for whatever that bad album was. Im looking foward to seeing Black Sabbath as well. I dont know when the records are coming out but Im excited to hera new music from Converge, Clinging To The Trees Of A Forest Fire, Ghostface, Tragedy, Slayer, and Gorgoroth. Whenever these do happen, Ill be buying.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

Lulu

Chris Matulich (Nothington)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. Samiam - Trips
2. Frank Turner - England Keep My Bones
3. Foo Fighters - Wasting Light
4. Cults - Cults
5. The Slow Death - Born Ugly Got Worse

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I discovered Frank Turner in early 2010 I think... However, I didn't truly let the music hit me until early this year when I was writing for our new album. I listened to his first record nonstop the month of January this year, so I'm just going to say Frank Turner. I spent a lot of this year coming to terms with a few harsh realities and trying to make the best of what I am fortunate enough to have. Every now and then I need something to remind me where my head and heart should be, and Frank Turner was the one to do it in 2011. I'll just say that these albums hit home for me on many levels and he might be one of my favorite lyricists ever.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

Besides the year 1994, I don't think I have remembered any year in terms of music. I couldn't tell you when any of my favorite bands records came out beyond Dookie in 1994, and I couldn't tell you the year that I discovered Hot Water Music even though when I did I couldn't stop listening to them... So musically, I will probably just remember 2011 as the tenth Fest where I saw Kid Dynamite for the first time.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

We will be touring the US and internationally a lot as in support of our new record Borrowed Time, which just came out in September this year. I am also hoping we can squeeze out a 7" or two, as the first month of 2012 we will be working on new material and experimenting to figure out the direction of our next release.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

Well I think everyone is anticipating the new Menzingers record. I am always looking forward to more releases from Off With Their Heads and Against Me! as well.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

I don't really ever expect anything to be "huge" anymore in my favorite genres of music. It's just not going to happen... The things I expected to be huge in 2011 made it just fine, Katy Perry was the first woman to have so many hit singles on an album, so I guess I was right!

Colin H van Eeckhout (AMENRA / KINGDOM / BLINDTOFAITH / SEMBLERDEAH / CAAN)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

nothing worth mentioning got released in 11.

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

i need a hell of a lot more to make an impact on my life.
so the answer here would be, none and nothing.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

a pain.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

AMENRA mass V album on Neurot, AMENRA splitreleases on Dark Empire,
on Holy Terror, new BTF record, an american KINGDOM release, some solo
acoustic stuff.. etc.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

ours

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

i didn't expect anything to be huge. it all met my anticipation.

Curtis Grimstead (Rorschach Records / Best Friends Day)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. Brain F# - Sleep Rough
2. Young Widows - In and Out Youth and Lightness
3. Pygmy Lush - Old Friends
4. Mind Spiders - S/T
5. The Men - Immaculada

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Too many to name! I just started using Pandora at work this year and have discovered some awesome bands because of it. I really got heavily into the Dirty Three due to this. I had always liked them, but they kept coming up on one of my pandora stations, and between them and Mono they are my work jams.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

For me this year was all about live music more than recorded music. I got to see Archers of Loaf, Shellac, PG 99, Zero Boys and Kid Dynamite in a 2 month period. If you have told me on January 1, 2011 that I would be seeing all those bands I probably would of thrown up in excitement.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

A long deserved break! For the first time in 5 years there is nothing on deck. We are going to start a skateboard deck side of things. But it will be a quiet 2012 at the time being. I am going back to school full time, and it seems like a great time to save some money.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

I hope Shellac records a new one, when I saw them recently they had a lot of new songs that sounded rad. Also that Ceremony record coming out should be awesome. More than anything I hope folks keep on re-issuing records that have been hard to find. Dischord has done an amazing job as of late getting their Catalog out again. I hope more labels do this. Someone needs to reissue those At the Drive In LPs.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

I really didn't have any expectation for anything, having said that and to be someone apocalyptical. This year was a very dark time for DIY labels, there are not many reliable distributors anymore and there was a week where every day I turned on the radio and there was news of another record store closing. I have said it a couple of times now that Rorschach had its best/worst year ever. The beginning of this year was incredible but the fall was easily one of the worst times we have had.

Daniel (Vestiges)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. Downfall of Gaia/In the Hearts of Emperors Split
2. Circle Takes the Square - Decompositions Vol. 1 Ch. 1: Rites of Initiation
3. Aussitot Mort/Heaven in Her Arms Split
4. Altar of Plagues - Mammal
5. Raein - Sulla Linea D'Orizzonte Tra Questa Mia Vita e Quella di Tutti

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Downfall of Gaia. Their debut full-length definitely got our attention in 2010, but their side of the split with In the Hearts of Emperors blew us away in 2011. Their music is an amalgamation of so many aspects of our favorite musical styles, including crust, screamo, atmospheric sludge, post-rock, and hardcore, all while coming together with so much power and grace that it seems too good to be true. To be honest, it's hard to imagine that it can be done any better than this and to learn that the band used our record as a reference point for mixing and mastering this split was both surprising and completely flattering. We have since become very close with the band and will be touring extensively with them both domestically and abroad.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

2011 was a busy year for us as it was the first whole year that we were a full-functioning band. We hadn't announced that we were a band until the release of our debut full-length back in October of 2010, so prior to that we were merely writing, recording, and focusing on completing our lineup in order to hit the road in support of our album. We toured extensively in the United States and Canada on three separate tours this year and followed up our full-length with our newly released split with Ghaust.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

We will be touring with Downfall of Gaia on their first of tour of the states this winter and meeting back up with them overseas in the summer. We have two splits that are due out in early 2012 and we will begin writing our next full-length after returning home from our six-week tour in Europe.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

We are really looking forward to Sky Burial's debut full-length, as well as the benefit split between Masakari and Tempest, but we are completely biased since we will be putting out both of these records. Other than that, we are really looking forward to new releases from Skagos, Lake of Blood, Panopticon, Cynarae, Ash Borer, Breag Naofa, and Alcest to name a few.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

Alda. We have been fans of theirs for quite some time now and had the privilege of playing with them in Seattle over the summer. Their latest release was greatly overlooked and deserved a lot more attention than it received. Tahoma is an amazing album and everyone needs to get their hands on a copy of this record as soon as humanly possible.

Dave Drobach (Grabass Charlestons / No Idea Records Production Manager)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. Future Virgins - Western Problems
2. Cutman - Universal Laws
3. Good Luck - Without Hesitation
4. Senders - Lucidity / Lividity
5. Post Teens - s/t 7"

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Wooden Shjips. They are loud, abrasive, but still smooth. As far as an impact on my life, the name haunts me. Their band name is one of the best I've ever encountered. I doubt I will ever think of a name so clever. Surrendering to that genius lets me focus on being good and creative in my own sphere, knowing at best I'll get the silver medal.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

Musically, 2011 is anther great link in a chain that spans the past, and continues boldly into the future.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

Expect these three by the end of 2012. Grabass should record an LP as a four-piece. WGOT, Gainesville's Low-Power FM station should be streaming online. No Idea will continue to release stellar records at rock-bottom prices.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

Cheap Girls, Holopaw, Tim Version, Mean Jeans, Die Hoffnung

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

University of Florida football, Occupy Wall Street, Solar power for American housing.

I never expect punk bands to be huge. While Radon records sit unsold, why would I expect any punk album to be huge?

Domenic Romeo (A389 Recordings / Pulling Teeth / Hatewaves)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. INTEGRITY Detonate VVorlds Plague
2. FULL OF HELL Roots Of Earth Are Consuming My Home
3. SERAPHIM The Light In The Distance
4. WITCH-LORD Atomized In The Black Solarian
5. ANNE Dream Punx

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I spent most of the year surrounded by songs on Yo Gabba Gabba thanks to my daughter. I think Muno's song about rain is a standout track.?

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

It was the year A389 cranked out 30 releases all of which were perfect in their own way.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

A lot of bad jokes and a lot of great records.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

Pick Your Side LP, Junior Bruce LP, Homewrecker LP, Hatewaves LP and any Booger Sugar recordings that may surface.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

Most underrated record for sure was SERAPHIM The Light In The Distance. I think their new record is going to make people backtrack and realize they overlooked something really special.

Eric Solomon (O Pioneers!!! / Black Clouds)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

Not in a specific order

• Senders-lucidity/lucidity
• Static radio nj- we are all beasts
• Bridge & tunnel-rebuilding year
• Small brown bike-fell and found
• Junior battles-idle ages

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

This year I feel like I fell in love with Tigersjaw. I really liked their s/t a lot and after playing with them a bunch this year and constantly listening to their records, I really became enamored with them. I really feel like they are an important band, making an awesome impact.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

I'll remember 2011 as the year all of my friends constantly decimated the gauntlet that was thrown down. Writing some of the best records of the year and their career and its only gonna get better.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

I'm excited to start a new project called Black Clouds. Our first record is a split with Tigersjaw, coming out in 2012 on Run for Cover.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

I'm super excited for the new New Bruises record to finally come out. I'm also really excited for the new Sidekicks record.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

I didn't really see any flops this year. As I mentioned all of my friends slayed everything in their path. We are all on team awesome.

Ethan McCarthy (Clinging to the Trees of a Forest Fire (CTTTOAFF))

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. Disma (Towards the Megalith)
2. Elitist (Fear in a Handful of Dust)
3. Burials (Self titled LP)
4. The Body/Braveyoung collaboration record (Nothing Passes)
5. Ken Mode (Venerable)

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Chelsea Wolfe.  She put out a record called Apokalypsis on Pendu Recordings this year.  It is super dark and depressing.  I haven't stopped listening to it since I heard it back in June. 

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

I'll remember that it was a busy year for CTTTOAFF and for a bunch of our friends that are also in bands.  We put out 2 records this year, Dark Castle, Elitist, KEN mode, The Body, Brave Young, Ritual Necromancy, Burials, and Maruta also had releases.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

We are writing material for another full length so hopefully those songs will see the light of day next year.  We are also touring down south/midwest/east coast in March as well as trying to fit in a european tour and another U.S. tour in 2012. 

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

I heard that there was supposed to be a new INCANTATION but other then that i'm not sure of anything else coming out next year. 

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

Well, most of the music I listen to is pretty hard to digest so I don't normally expect for bands to be "huge."  There are so many great hardworking bands that put out amazing records, but have shitty promotion from their labels or go on tour to have shitty shows that more people should be at. So I find it difficult to answer that question by just picking one band or album. 

Franz Nicolay

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. Mischief Brew "The Stone Operation"
2. Tom Waits "Bad As Me"
3. Pearl And The Beard "Killing The Darlings" (full disclosure: I co-produced this. It'd be one of my favorites anyway.)
4. Frank Turner "England Keep My Bones"
5. Good Luck "Without Hesitation"

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I don't know about a significant impact, but a band I saw for the first - and probably only - time that blew my mind was a group called Jagwa Music, from Dar Es Salaam. They're a kind of underground street band, a five-piece with three percussionists (a tambourine, a bucket, and a small stool played with sticks); an unbelievably energetic singer, and a guy playing a two-foot Casio keyboard, hand-held and plugged into a tiny, overdriven guitar amp. Apparently, they mostly play generator-powered street parties (or - in the usual irony - giant world-music festivals) and all their releases are on cassettes I couldn't find in Dar or Zanzibar, just these couple tracks on a Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/jagwamusicmchiriku) and some YouTube videos.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

I'll remember going to the U.K. a lot, including an amazing tour with Ben Marwood and Frank Turner, who wrote my newest entry in "Songs I Wish I Had Written" with his "Balthazar, Impresario." Tom Waits reminding me how far he is ahead of everyone else. I'll remember all the people through the years telling me "You've got to check out Dave Dondero" and finally seeing what they were talking about.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

A new record! I start work on "Do The Struggle" in January, produced by oktopus from dälek (www.deadverse.com). Should be out mid-year. And I'm planning a literal world tour, including Russia, Mongolia, and China. Every day an adventure...

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

Tim Fite (timfite.com) has a new one called "Ain't Ain't Ain't" on Anti- in March. His last, "Under The Table Tennis," was the first best protest record of the Great Recession.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

Never say never -- any album that's not a hit is just one waiting to be discovered. More people should be talking about the Mischief Brew & Pearl And The Beard records though.

G. Thérèse Lanz (Mares of Thrace)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

Oh boy.

1. Yob: Atma. This band is unstoppable. I wasn't sure how they were going to top The Great Cessation, but brother, they did. Also I got to see them live at SXSW, and their performance was, if I can borrow a totally pretentious journalist word, incendiary. I hope all the MGD-swilling shlubs who catch them on tour with Tool realize how lucky they are to be witnessing it. 
2. Russian Circles: Empros. This is the record that's going to prove to all my jerk friends who aren't into Russian Circles that they should really be into Russian Circles. While prior outings were soundscapey, pretty, twinkly etc, this one is a savage, dystopian earfuck. And yet they wear it just as well, maybe even better.
3. Fucked Up: David Comes to Life. This is one of those records that makes me think all humans should stop making records. You know, go out on a high note. 
4. Today is the Day: Pain Is A Warning. The funny thing is that they're one of the most seminal bands in the circles I roll in, and this is the FIRST record of theirs that ever really blew my skirt up.
5. Florence and the Machine: Ceremonials. I love Florence, shut the fuck up.

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Lozen, a two-piece from Seattle (feat. a member of Helms Alee, by the way), was my discovery of the year. As Mares of Thrace is a two-piece, I'm constantly keeping my eye on people who push the boundaries of what two people with loud instruments can do. Lozen makes us look lazy. They're incredible.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

Unfortunately I'll remember 2011 as the high-water mark of broken amps, broken van parts, and recurrent illnesses on tour.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

Our new record will be coming out in 2012. I think it whups the first one's ass, but everyone always says that. Also, Lord Quetzalcoatl will cleanse the earth with holy flame and raise the faithful to His celestial kingdom, or some horseshit like that.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

Three-way tie: Alcest, Blut Aus Nord and I keep hearing rumours of a new Gorguts.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

How come more people aren't making a big deal about Altar of Plagues? That's what I want to know.

Give Up (Artist / Horders / Sisster Sounds Records)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

the burden - feral children
horseback -  the invisible mountain   
rot in hell / wayfarer split 7"   
mammoth grinder / hatred surge split 12"   
infinite light ltd LP

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

dragged into sunlight.  i kept hearing the talk but with so many labels of genre and sub genre, after hearing 'blackened crust' so many times i just lumped them in with the others without giving it a listen.  when i finally put it on i was completely blown away.  i don't know what it is that makes them stand out so much, but i think they're fucking awesome.  can totally change the direction of my day.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

i saw the secret with masakari and trap them.  and i saw george strait with willie nelson and joe satriani.  after those two shows none of the others seem important enough to remember the line up.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

got a lot of irons in the fire already.  both visually and musically, for myself and others.  the HORDERS lp will be coming out on FEAST OF TENTACLES.  as well as some other collaborations and splits.   SISSTER SSOUND will be launching some cassettes for THE LESSER KEY, ODESSA, SCISSORING, RVEVV, and END REIGN to start.  and visually i'll be working on some stuff with MIDNIGHT FUNERAL records and others as well as continuing to crush on the street.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

 definitely the HORDERS lp. the new king dude lp,  hopefully a vinyl re-press of the dragged into sunlight lp.  and the heksed 7" and hang the bastard / brotherhood of the lake split 7" if they aren't out before then.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

i think all my expectations were pretty much met.

Jacob Parmentier (Abernathy Designs)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. Integrity - Thee Destroy+ORR
2. Pulling Teeth - Funerary
3. Rot In Hell - As Perils Before Swine
4. Ancient VVisdom – A Godlike Inferno
5. Withdrawal – Faith, Flesh and Blood

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

A little late in the year but due to the staff at Cvlt Nation I discovered the band Dephosphorus. Their album Axiom has been played pretty much every day since I got my hands on it.. I cant think of another band right now that sounds like them.. The band truly inspires me creatively and Im sure Ill be creating to their tracks quite a bit in 2012.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

2011 will be the year that I really got back into the Power Violence Genre. Low Places, Desphosphorus, and ACxDC are just a few names that come to mind that steered me in that direction.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

You should see some new artworks from Botfly, along with work for Unholy Majesty, Human Slaughter, and Everything Went Black. A Collaboration with an extremely talented Polish artist by the name of Szymon Siech is underway as well. I don’t want to give out to much info on that but what I can say is that fans of either of our works will not be disappointed. This shit is brutal as fuck.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

Hopefully new works from Unholy Majesty, Gehenna, Withdrawal, Vermapyre, and Integrity will hold me over in 2012.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

The Most underrated group in 2011 had to be Botfly from Texas.. These dudes put out some really good DIY material and most people didn’t even give a shit.. Then you have bands like Touche Amore that hardly put any work in and fucking blow up beyond anything else.. I just don’t get it.. Now im told that Botfly will cease to exist mid 2012..

Jamie (Fist In The Air Records)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. Title Fight - Shed
2. Beau Navire - Hours
3. Departures - When Losing Everything Is Everything You Wanted (one of ours, is that cheating haha?)
4. Full Of Hell - Roots Of Earth Are Consuming My Home
5. Mother Of Mercy - IV: Symptons Of Existence

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I saw Defeater for the first time this year; although I've listened to them in the past this was really a bit of an eye opener. I had no idea just how far they had come, I caught them at the Underworld in London and the place was packed, I think maybe even sold out which is pretty nuts as that place is about 500 capacity. The whole room exploded when they started (after the acoustic opener), I was totally blown away. Reminded me of seeing Have Heart a couple of years ago, complete chaos but everyone having the best time and singing along. You could barely hear Derek over the crowd! Although I wasn't the biggest Defeater fan, that show is definitely one of the highlights of the year for me and kicked me back into listening to them.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

'm honestly not too clued up as to what's due out next year; I know The Saddest Landscape have a record due out but I heard that might hit late this year. Either way, fully excited for that. I'd love to see a new record from Dangers, everything that band has done has been fucking amazing. End Reign are writing for a new record too, I think it's going to be a split with someone and I'm not entirely sure who's going to be releasing it but they're some of our best friends and a great band, that'll definitely be one to look out for!

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

I have no idea really. Last year, I thought Never Again would be touring tonnes and releasing a full length in 2011 but they broke up. Huge shame, they were one of the best bands the UK had to offer.

Jamie Grimes (Drainland / stressball in chief at Suburban Mayhem Records)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

Jesus, just five? Off the top of my head

1. Negative Plane "Stained Glass Revelations"
2. Timbre Timber "Creep On Creepin' On"
3. Hexvessel "Dawnbearer"
4. Trtrkmmr/Dead Times split lp
5. Dead Language "Dead Language" s/t

I'm leaving out the Column of Heaven and Thantifaxath demos (because technically they're not albums); Custodian and Thou's output (because I can't pick just one of either artist's many releases this year); and Total Control, Oranssi Pazuzu and Chelsea Wolfe because I've just realised I left them out of my list.

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

There's a lot.. but the one that I'm going to pick here is Mutant Video, which I'm pretty sure might at least partially be because I've only come across them in the past week..but regardless, it's some of the most simple yet evocative music I've heard in quite some time. It both brings back fond memories of a time in my life where I really began to delve into one of my other great loves - 80s "video nasties" - and with the days being much darker as we draw closer to the year it has been a perfect soundtrack to late night walks through empty housing estates and dirty streets.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

I will remember it primarily for my first trip to the Roadburn festival, where a variety of old bands (Godflesh, Winter, Voivod, Swans, SunnO)), Candlemass) and newer bands (Black Math Horseman, Trap Them, Rwake, Grave Miasma) handed my ass to me in no uncertain terms. Also, the year I finally "got" certain ends of the Techno/Electronica sphere - I've become pretty much hooked on FACTmag mixes in the last couple of months. I'll definitely remember Tombs and the Secret both destroying in unfairly half full venues here in Ireland for a couple of nights in a row.Sadly, I'll also remember it as the year a lot of the music closest to my heart started to become hollow and predictable - particularly death metal's revisionism reaching saturation point, and hardcore's various subgenres feeling like they're getting dumber and more superficial. I will also struggle to erase the perverse thrill of hearing the monstrosity that is the newest Morbid Angel album for the first time and realising that they really have made our generation's "Cold Lake". But my abiding memory will be standing drunkenly atop a van in a field in Germany at Cry Me A River festival after we played djing Wipers and Phil Collins songs to a bunch of drunkards.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

A Drainland album that will hopefully be longer, less instant and more frightening than the first one. And, presumably, loads of coverage from Scene Point Blank for that, seeing as you're mailing me randonly looking for lists of the year and all that. Clearly we're best buds now right? On Suburban Mayhem, albums from Absolutist and Enabler that will kill you are duew to emerge in the first half of the year. You can also look forward to me being drunk off my ass as an audience member at both the Broken Flag 30th Anniversary gig and Nuclear War Now 3 if I can afford to make it to both.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

The new Swans record. I can confidently state without hearing it that it will be top of my albums of the year list come this time 2012, probably with the Column of Heaven "Mission From God" release (whatever format it takes) right behind it. Also, I expect the upcoming Wrathprayer, Horrendous, No Faith, Walls, Iron Lung, Trtkmmr and Nazi Dust records to be killers too.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

Laura Sheeran should be the most famous woman on earth and sadly isn't. Also, people need to pay more attention to Cages, Melodica Deathship and Church Whip.

Johannes, Ole and Jonas (Heksed)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. Integrity - Thee DestroyOrr
2. Seven Sisters of Sleep - Selftitled
3. Young and in the Way - I am not what I am
4. Low Places - Spiritual Treatment
5. Ancient VVisdom - A Godlike Inferno

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Young and in the way. Sometimes it's difficult to explain just why something resonates with you, but it will grab your attention and keep you listening. They're a band with a sound that appeals to us, and what they're doing feels new and exciting.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

A more exciting DIY scene in a business that is dying and bleeding money. Tons of good bands are popping out and playing out of sheer love for music, and having to pay for everything out of their own pockets mean bands are more in charge of their own products. Vinyl is making a comeback and bands are taking more pride in providing a good package in terms of music, artwork and design.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

Writing a lot more music and releasing a second full length album. Our first full length consisted of songs made 2-3 years ago and we didn't have an opportunity to create something new until our Plague Embrace ep, which we feel is more relevant in terms of where we are musically now. The first half of the year we will dedicate to writing music and getting the band on the road. Second half of the year we will spend recording a new album. We do not wish to spend more than a year between records and would like to have a steady input of new songs.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

We don't know of anything specific to be released next year, but we look forward to another year of checking out new music and digging into the grand musical history to find some hidden classics.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

Nothing comes to mind. The news of a collaboration between Metallica & Lou Reed was pretty exciting until we got the chance to hear it. Although it's a horrible album, to Metallica's credit it's the most interesting thing they've done in 20 years. 

Jonathan and Kimmi Ashwell (Flannel Gurl Records)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. Pygmy Lush-Old Friends
2. My Fictions-I Want Nothing
3. Football, Etc.-The Draft
4. Timeshares-Bearable
5. Weak Teeth-What A Plague You Are

*HONORABLE MENTION*

• The Cassettes-I've Been Gone Far Too Long...
• Zona Mexicana-S/T
• Code Orange Kids-Cycles

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

My Fictions. Just listen to I Want Nothing and tell us it didn't leave some sort of mark on your life!

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

Oh gosh... so much great music from so many good bands. The Fest 10! All of the great shows that we were able to organize for a lot of bands; which have become some of our really good friends. Henry Rollins owns a record we put out! Just the plain fact that we have put out 4 records is still beyond us... 

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

We are working with this really cool band from San Antonio, TX called Sohns.  We are hoping to have a 7" out by them in the spring, along with another project yet to be announced.  And probably some other things that we don't even know about yet. Then in our free time continue organizing all-ages shows in our respective hometowns!  

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

The untitled Sohns 7”.  The debut LP's from Dikembe, You Blew It!, and The Bastards of Fate. We heard through the grapevine that Football, Etc. might be releasing a new record of some sort. The new Buck Gooter record Consider the Grackles. Gifts From Enola & Caravels and some new tunes from Hold Tight! Fingers crossed for some new The Cassettes and My Fictions music, but we will see...

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

Picking up after yourself, electrical cars, the end of the world, and world peace.

Josh (Expire)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. Trapped Under Ice- Big Kiss Goodnight
2. Harm's Way- Isolation
3. Foundation- When The Smoke Clears
4. Rival Schools- Pedals
5. Backtrack- Darker Half

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I'd have to say that band is Alice In Chains. It's a band I've grew up hearing, but this year was the year that I've really started digging into their discography and listening    to all of their albums. I've become obsessed with the song Nutshell lately and can listen to that song on repeat for hours. That song alone just gets to me and can both ruin and make my day.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

2011 was a big year for Expire. We signed with Bridge 9 and embarked on our first ever European tour.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

Our debut LP on Bridge 9 will be out sometime in the spring of 2012 which will most likely be followed up by us hitting the road hard to support it.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

Looking forward to a debut 7" from our buds in Bent Life, The Promise Ring is back together, and I'm crossing my fingers for a Suburban Scum LP.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

I think Most Precious Blood released a pretty good record this year and I really wish they would've toured on it, but nope, nada.

Justin Smith (Vitriol Records / Graf Orlock / Dangers Ghostlimb)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. Griever "Inferior" EP
2. Obits "Moody, Standard, and Poor"
3. Graveyard "Hisingen Blues"
4. Owen Hart "Earth Control"
5. Leatherface "Viva La Arthouse"

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Griever, from San Diego. Some old friends making heavy music in a really different and articulate way than a lot of bands out there right now. It has a strange focus on melody and song writing you don't see around too often, thus making me stoked to hear what they have coming next. Solid instrumentation and a real unique mood about it.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

I feel like a lot of scenes and "fringe music" may still be stuck in d-beat uniformity or painful afterglow of fifteenth wave screamo. I haven't figured out if that is better than the cognitively functionless tough-guy take over of five years ago. Aside from that, it is nice to see a lot of supportive d.i.y. stuff alive and kicking all over, and bands/labels functioning in a cooperative way.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

A lot of releases coming out soon: the French band Birds in Row has a collection LP, a new Earth Control (nee, Owen Hart) 7", Graf Orlock represses, the Canadian band Tempest with a new 7", a new Ghostlimb 7" and LP, as well as a few books in the works for Vitriol Literary. Aside from that, lots of tours, Dangers and Gorlock in Japan in Spring, Gorlock on the East coast in Spring, and Europe in July. Keeping it busy and an affront to positive sensibilities.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

I am awaiting a new Propagandhi record, which I hear is supposed to be out sometime soon - only a few things I am truly fanboy about, and that is one of them.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

....

Kevin Beacham (Social Media Manager / Music Buyer / Rhymesayers / Fifth Element / DJ)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

Top 5 HIP HOP album (I have to narrow it to just Hip Hop or my brain will explode...it still might)

• Evidence-Cats & Dogs
• Willie Evans JR-Introducin
• Sims-Bad Time Zoo
• Hail Mary Mallon-Are You Gonna Eat That?
• TIE: Big Quarters-Party Like A Young Commie/Phill Most Chill-All Cuts Recorded Raw

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I think the best example here is MaLLy. I had heard of him before 2011, but it was this year he made some huge strides as an artist. I got a chance to hang out with him at SXSW and he made a really really good impression me. Not just as a MC, but on how he carried himself to promote his music, talk to fans or potential fans, network with artists and people in the business. Plus he's just a really good person. He impressed me all around. I think that is what you can attribute all the support he received, fans he gained and progress he made too. Great music + Great Human = Great results. I suspect he'll continue to grow in 2012.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

I'll definitely remember it as a year that a lot of great lost treasures and rarities come to the surface. It was nearly impossible to keep up with all the amazing gems from back in the day that keep popping up courtesy of Dope Folks, Diggers With Gratitude, Jamille Records, Get On Down Records, Traffic, Numero Group, Slice Of Spice Records, etc... Unfortunately, I think I'll also remember it as another year that a lot of really good albums came out that so many people slept on or didn't know about. It's becoming increasingly more difficult to discover artists doing great music who don't have the money and/or team behind them to market and promote it so that people are aware. As a result, a lot of talented artists don't reach as many people as they should; Open Mike Eagle, Live, Malcolm & Martin, Blitz The Ambassador, Jon Connor, Tribe & Big Cats!, Willie Evans JR, Paten Locke, Grip Grand, Jehst, Big Quarters, Carnage, Qwazaar & Batsauce, etc...

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

In 2012 I plan to increase my efforts to focus on the projects that are most important and personal to me. I'll continue to do my marketing job with Rhymesayers/Fifth Element and with that I'm working on a long list of cool and special projects! More rarities and exclusives than ever is the goal! Plus I'll be doing a lot more writing with the FE Blog. Heavy work on my RedefineHipHop project; research and video interviews  exploring Hip Hop History and the "Untold Stories Of Hip Hop". Less DJing. More internet videos, I have a bunch of cool video concepts that I plan to launch.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

Here's what's on my radar right now:

• Chief Kamachi Rise And Rhyme album
• Soundsci album
• JEL (new solo album)
• X:144 (lots of new music!)
• Illogic & Blockhead album
• Carnage (new album)
• Audio Dragons (special project from Mr Gene Poole & Chilam Balam of Los Nativos. Super good!)
• Numero Groups's Rare Rap Label Imprint
• I Self Devine-The Sounds Of Low Class America album + more music! (Rhymesayers)
• Brother Ali & Jake One-Mourning In America Album (Rhymesayers)

Plus more projects from my fav reissue labels; Dope Folks, Get On Down, Jamille, and Diggers With Gratitude

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

Truthfully, I never expect anything to be huge, particularly these days. Plus I don't really pay attention to sales numbers and public opinion on any grand scale. I keep that stuff on a "need to know" basis. I like to just keep it focused on me enjoying the music. Point being, I have no idea what  a lot of these records that I might think weren't that big sold. However, I don't feel I heard enough people talking about the latest albums by Murs, M.anifest, Open Mike Eagle, Willie Evans Jr, Shabazz Palaces, Blueprint, and probably a few others. I don't think they were going to be huge, per se', just feel they have plenty of potential to be much bigger than I think they are.

Lasse (Dead Section Records)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. Corrupted - Garten Der Unbewusstheit
2. Sutekh Hexen - Luciform
3. Mogwai - Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will
4. Unkind - Harhakuvat
5. Warhead - Never Give Up

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Sutekh Hexen. Their sound was very different from what i've been into in the past. However, the atmosphere and their noise combined is just amazing.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

By the amazing bands I have been able to work with.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

The Austrasian Goat and White Medal

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

The Austrasian Goat 7"
Pagan Youth 7"
Redflesh 7"

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

People - Fairy Tale LP

Matt Fox (Shai Hulud)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

Not only am I not giving you my top 5 in order, I'm not even entirely sure this is my true top 5. A top 10 is hard enough, and you've narrowed down to 5. Now suffer the potential inaccuracy of the below list, alphabetically listed.

• Alice Cooper - "Welcome 2 My Nightmare"
• Earth Crisis - "Neutralize The Threat"
• Megadeth - "TH1RT3EN"
• Opeth - "Heritage"
• They Might Be Giants - "Join Us"

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Good question, and a difficult one at that. I'll choose Triptykon who come from the ashes of Celtic Frost, another impactive band for me. I happened to find myself on quite a Celtic Frost bender the past few months, and while scouring the interwebz for rare merchandise and products, and new bites of Celtic Frost information (Frost Bites!), Triptykon kept getting rammed down my throat. Though I knew about their recent birth I hadn't gotten around to checking them out because past Celtic Frost projects and offshoots didn't appeal to me how I hoped they would, and Frost's last album "Monotheist," while good, hadn't blown me away. 

On a European tour this year we were fortunate enough to play Hell Fest in France, Triptykon happened to be headlining one of the stages the same day we played. To effectively hook me in, as if they knew I was watching, they opened with a doomy version of the Frost classic "Procreation Of The Wicked." I literally squealed. No joke. What I saw of their set ruled (I was running back and forth to and from 3 different stages trying to catch as much of Triptykon, Coroner, and Bad Brains as possible) Upon returning home from tour I made sure to grab both of their releases, the "Shatter" EP, and full length "Eparistera Daimones." Both slay.

Long story short, I now have a new(ish) band to be very excited about; Triptylon is a stellar Metal band, and a worthy successor to our beloved dethroned emperor's in Celtic Frost, furthering all the significant elements that ensnared me then and now, and then some. 

One sidetone, as a final Celtic Frost album "Monotheist" is unquestionably good, as a forerunner to Triptykon it's gold. Up the irons.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

Aside from the expansion and worsening of silly trends, 2011 left me with a great many new releases to explore and enjoy. This was one of the only, if not thee only year that I just could not single out a favorite release above all. This might be a bit of a let down for scenepointblank.com, but it says a lot about the quality of music released in 2011. I could have easily listed 20 releases that I absolutely loved, and I know I could name at least another 10 I love that I haven't even heard yet. A music lover could have worse problems.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

You can expect a new Shai Hulud album whether you're looking forward to it or not. In addition, we have a fun little surprise planned that will hopefully materialize, and of course as much touring as we can muster. For information as details warrant, check in with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/shaihuludofficial

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

From what I have heard, both Sheer Terror and Sick Of It All are hoping to release new albums next year. That's some serious NYC Hardcore to get smacked up with in one year. I am highly anticipating being clobbered by both of those. And of course a new Black Sabbath album seeing the return of Ozzy. I'm equally excited and nervous. In 2009 Black Sabbath fronted by Ronnie James Dio under the monicker Heaven And Hell released one hell of an album in "The Devil You Know." There's no doubt the 3 Sabbath mainstays will be able to maintain the quality, Ozzy, however, has some big shoes to fill - oddly enough, left behind by Dio who was such a little fella. Physically speaking, vocally, he was a giant.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

I never expect anything I like to get huge because it's been made very evident to me that what I am typically moved by isn't what moves the masses. That said, if there was one album I really enjoyed that I wish more people knew about it would be "Punishment" by Endwell. Everyone who hears it loves it, its quality isn't an issue, more people just need to hear it!

Michael Britten, Music Ruins Lives

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

PJ Harvey – Let England Shake

Rarely does an early-year release hold top ranking all the way through until December, but then again, Let England Shake is a rare album: a later-career major “statement” record that loses none of its power if the listener decides to discard that aspect entirely. To the academics out there: Let England Shake is Harvey’s induction to the Western canon, a widescreen rumination on national pride and cultural identity in the face of the daily war-between-wars that is life in 2011. There is no soapbox-shouting, nor conclusion drawn – aside from, perhaps, an echo of what fellow-Englishman Alexander Pope wrote so long ago: “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” Is there really any other way to explain the relationships we have with the countries we call home?

Tombs – Path Of Totality

Path Of Totality is the album that Tombs has always had in them, and that no other metal band ever will – despite that other record of the same name having also dropped this year. But everything lies in the naming of things, doesn’t it? Path Of Totality, then, is fighting-weight lean among the Many Tons Of 2011 Heavy: an invading shadow, the hard road into Hell, a becoming of self. As cohesive as they are far-reaching, Brooklyn’s Tombs truly cross into the upper-echelon on this release – and all this before mention of “Passageways”, the cut that sank a thousand sub-Swans. Can we get that Hill/Gira tour package already?

St. Vincent – Strange Mercy

If past experience is any indication, I will eventually meet – and go out of my way to date – a girl that looks enough like Annie Clark that it borders on creepy fantasy-fulfillment. After maintaining an emotionally-muted and socially-draining relationship far past the point where happiness is involved, I’ll realize that this girl whom I dated was never the one I actually wanted, past superficial attraction. And then I’ll spin Strange Mercy, an album as secretly dangerous as it is toothsome: Annie Clark’s St. Vincent in a nutshell. The cure for the common courtship.

Pygmy Lush – Old Friends

I no longer age, though the world around me changes. That’s as close to mediating on mortality as I come, being a boy-man of indeterminate years, and that’s the frame of reference in which I’ve absorbed Old Friends, the third album by Pygmy Lush. Earlier output attempted to prove there was no David Bowie/Ziggy Stardust dichotomy at work, splitting the difference between severe and serene, and showcasing the same everything-at-once aptitude that Johnny Ward and the Taylor brothers pulled off at higher volume and greater physical risk whilst in Pageninetynine. That the same musicians whose music resonated with me years ago are still able to hit home via another genre is proof enough: the strongest trees have the deepest roots, and the ring-count doesn’t always matter.

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart – Belong

I've always deserved a mousey girlfriend who wears sundresses, remembers episodes of My So-Called Life as vividly as I do, and chooses “piggyback ride” whenever transportation options are discussed. Thanks to Belong, I finally have that, if only for 39 minutes at a time.

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Deafheaven – Roads To Judah

My introduction to Deafheaven’s Roads To Judah took place the first time thermometer readings edged over 80° in New Jersey this year, as soundtrack to a 7-mile hill run. Fitting in ways I didn’t realize at the time, Roads To Judah continually found its way into rotation this year to soundtrack similar moments both punishing and quixotic – mini-events through which physical association forced an emotional response. Translation: Roads To Judah was (and still is) life-affirming in the most direct of ways. The band’s live performances and subsequent post-show group bromance sessions did nothing but reinforce that.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

2011 was a sleeper year of sleeper hits. I admittedly got burnt out on music (comparatively speaking) last year, between learning the ropes of launching a label, and trying to keep up with releases despite dwindling funds. Despite only listening to a fraction of what I wanted to, 2011 still delivered so unexpectedly – and consistently – that it’ll be the latest banner year that the next few are measured against.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

Industry.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

I don’t dig as deep as I used to, and tend to fall into releases as they arrive nowadays, but here’s the short list: Spiritualized’s Sweet Heart Sweet Light, and the as-of-yet-untitled albums by The Knife and Fiona Apple.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

BAD LIFE – THE DAY YOU DIE

I don’t pretend to understand the process of creation or genesis of song that musicians experience, though I have been fortunate to observe such things vicariously through close friends. I also don’t normally afford tags like “genius,” or “brilliance,” when discussing recorded output, but THE DAY YOU DIE forces my hand; I carefully tried to avoid placing any MRL releases on this list, but BAD LIFE is a project so abnormal and beyond my ken that, well, here it is. I truly lose myself imagining how this Memphis native arrives at some ideas – moments that seem otherworldly in their inspiration – and somehow make them all work in concert. Was THE DAY YOU DIE huge for us? Maybe not. Is it huge to us? The thing’s a perception-skewing auditory encounter with the Unknown – the sole reason why Music Ruins Lives exists. Good enough for me.

Mike (Gehenna / The Lesser Key / Devil / Sangraal / Mother Fucking Titty Suckers, etc)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. PENETRATION PANTHERS - Perpetual 80's 7"
2. NOEL GALLAGHER'S HIGH FLYING BIRDS - NOEL GALLAGHER'S HIGH FLYING BIRDS LP
3. DOCTORSHOPPER - "Pax Pharma" Cassette
4. JUICY J - "Blue Dream & Lean" Mixtape
5. HOLY GHOST! - "Holy Ghost!" LP

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I was given the DOCTORSHOPPER tape by a my good friend Bryan Huber and was instantly blown away by what I heard. It's a perfect blend of G.I.S.M. styled noise/hardcore mixed with primitive black metal similar to early DODHEIMSGARD. The music is blown out and distorted beyond recognition and the vocals are barbaric yells drenched in echo effects that make the singer sound like the barking of a pack of rabid wolves. I have a feeling this band will continue to make really intense fucked up music.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

Mostly I'll remember it as the year my computer got stolen and I lost 2 albums worth of both written and recorded material forever. After that I got my medicinal marijuana prescription to help prevent me from flipping my wig and killing a motherfucker.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

A new GEHENNA album. the GEHENNA / INTEGRITY split 7", the "Cult OF The 7 Crowns" mixtape series finally getting off the ground. The LESSER KEY Cassette. And much much more.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

PENETRATION PANTHERS album. End of story. The PENETRATION PANTHERS are the best band playing music right now hands down.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

BISHOP LAMONT. I hope 2012 is his year cause the dude deserves it!

Mike Riley (Pulling Teeth / Firestarter Records / Toxic Pop Records)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

In Between. They are new band out of Baltimore playing really great melodic hardcore, sounding somewhere between Lifetime and Texas Is the Reason. I hope they stick around because they could have a lot more great music in them. Check out their demo - http://photoboothrecords.bandcamp.com/album/demo

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

Sick Sick Birds - Gates of Home LP, Tenement/Cheeky split 7", and anything Terrible Feelings puts out.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

Tenement should be the biggest band in punk. Maybe if they toured more. Same goes for Dead Mechanical. I wanted Samiam's "Trips" to be as good as "You Are Freaking Me Out" or "Astray" but it didn't happen.

Mustafa Daka (The Brokedowns / Vicelords / Los Muchachos Dos Hombres)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. Elephant Gun - Kid Scissors
2. In Defence - Party Lines and Politics
3. Vacation Bible School - Ruined The Scene LP
4. Bust! - Fuck It
5. Dethwarrant - All Things Must Kick Ass

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Meatwave. The dude in Wide Angles on bass. The laddy from Elephant Gun on drums. That dude smokes on the drums! oh, and Chris, who recently played bass in Bust! plays guitars and sings. Awesome band! They played a Halloween party at my house and blew all of us away. They did a sweet Hot Snakes cover, too. Super group!

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

2011 is the year of the reunion shows. I think 2012 is going to follow that patter and grow so much that new bands will form, immediately break up then have a reunion show where all the band members will get free bud, yay booze and blowjobs. Then breakup and plan on having an annual reunion where they can only hope that the blow and the poon are at least half as good as the prior year. The joke is on them, of course since on December 21st, none of that shit will matter.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

2012 is gonna be a big year for me! So much to do, such little time. Gee, where do I begin? First, I have a few procedures I need to get knocked out before my civil union. I'm also getting a golf-ball sized kidney stone removed cuz I get a great deal on doing them all at once. I'm also gonna go bungee jumping, kayaking, sky dive naked from an arrow plane (whatever that is) and see the pyramids! I'm gonna make the best of it! I may or may not be doing anything with music. I'm not sure yet. I haven't made up my mind. You'll know when I know, how's that?

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

The new Rad Payoff. I have their tape and it fucking rules! I can't wait for that to come out. I also hope that Meatwave does something. You hear me, Meatwave? Strike while the iron is hot! oh, and Treasure Fleet, too! Another amazing group composed of some of the best musicians in Chicago, I saw them play the Elephant Gun record release show with Wide Angles. They played an awesome set. I wanna get ripped and play that record in my basement!

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

I expected The Rum Diary was gonna be a big hype and that everyone was gonna see it and it was gonna be almost as good as Fear and Loathing or Where the Buffalo Rome. But that shit didn't happen. Fuck, I havent even seen it yet. Is it even in theaters anymore? Speaking of which, I totally thought that 2011 was gonna be the year that the movie, Macgruber would be recognized for it's brilliance. You idiots don't know what you're missing!

Nate Gangelhoff (Banner Pilot / Gateway District)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. Joyce Manor - self titled
2. The Copyrights - North Sentinel Island
3. Dead to Me - Moscow Penny Ante
4. House Boat - The Thorns of Life
5. Johnny Foreigner - Vs Everything

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I don't think any band literally "had an impact on my life" this year, but Tokyo Police Club was a great band to stumble across. I always like discovering a band that already has a few albums out because then you immediately get to explore their back catalogue instead of having to wait years between releases. And in the case of Tokyo Police Club, they have three excellent records of... I don't know if "indie rock" is the right phrase but it's definitely not punk rock. Really cool sounding (as in, production-wise) songs that have interesting parts but are still catchy and not over-complicated.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

I discovered a lot of new bands in 2009 and 2010, but 2011 seemed to be more about checking out new records by bands I've been into for awhile. A lot of follow-up records, basically—most of which were pretty good. On a personal level, I'll mostly remember working on and releasing new Banner Pilot and Gateway District albums.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

Some touring for sure, and a new Gateway District album

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

Against Me, Menzingers, The Dopamines

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

I was hoping crab core and ska were going to merge and be huge. Skarab Core. 2012!

Nick Johnson (Banner Pilot)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. Fucked Up – David Comes to Life
2. The Copyrights – North Sentinel Island
3. Dead to Me – Moscow Penny Ante
4. Against Me! – Total Clarity/Live at Fest 11
5. Nothington – Borrowed Time

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

There's no record released this year that I listened to more than Propagandhi's "Supporting Caste". This record is incredible for so many reasons. Such a perfect blend of genres, such amazing lyrics – so perfect. We actually played their Minneapolis show in early 2009 when they were touring on this record; I was focused on their old Fat Wreck stuff – in hindsight this record blows all that away and I can't wait to hear what they release in 2012!

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

Aside from all the awesome music that came out, we had some great tours with Dead to Me and the Flatliners. The best local show of the year was when the tour de force of Off With Their Heads/Riverboat Gamblers/Dead to Me came to Minneapolis. So rad. I also got to see Ray Davies of the Kinks play at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul. Super fun, and I was the youngest one there, sweet.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

Touring and writing! Hope to get to Europe and Japan in 2012. Hitting the West Coast in Jan/Feb and doing some Midwest stuff after that. Hope to hit some festivals too.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

So many great bands are due for LPs in 2012. Here's my short list: Against Me!, Teenage Bottlerocket, Off With Their Heads, Propagandhi, Dear Landlord, The Dopamines, Iron Chic, Murder by Death, and the Flatliners. 2012 is going to be fucking sweet.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

Nothing comes to mind – all expectations were met. How'd another year turn out so rad?

P.O.I. (Rot In Hell)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. I, Partridge: We need to talk about Alan,
2. Integrity -  The DestroyORR,
3. My Dying Bride -  The Barghest O' Whitby (not an album, but I don’t care),
4. Leviathan -  True Traitor., True Whore,
5. Altar Of Plagues -  Mammal.

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Dispirit from SF. I was bereft when I discovered that Asunder had split (John Gossard later informed me they haven't split, they are just on hiatus), but Dispirit have filled an utterly miserable blackened hole in my soul this year. I also got really into Antony & the Johnsons this year; real soul music, so inspirational, in terms of my own song writing that is, rather than with regards aspirations for gender reassignment.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

It's definitely oscillated wildly; the amazing sleepless Baltimore experience with Integ, and the Unbroken gig/backstage furnace in London were surreal and incredible. Nate and Boardy leaving RIH was a shocker, but the recruitment of Hans and James has been “a real fillip”, as they say in sports writing. RIH is now thrumming with vigour, vitality and the COS.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

Our very first tour and our first record with the new line up; we have around 10 dates lined up with INTEG in mainland Europe in February. I seriously would follow Dwid over the top, across the Somme and into oblivion, no questions asked. The new record will be released by the resurrected Dark Empire Recording Company of Cleveland; I'd say it's a mix of Integ (duh), Confront, My Dying Bride and Slayer. Hans is laying down the vocals at Chez Hellion any day now. We also have one or two other exciting things on forever's horizon, including a teenage dream realised, but they are, of course, under wraps for now.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

I heard talk of a new FAUNA record; I really hope that's true.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

I have low expectations of every aspect of existence and I’m invariably proved correct.

Patrick Eaton (Old Problems)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

I always have a terrible time ranking bands/albums in a descending order but here it goes for 2011:

1. Weekend Nachos - Worthless 
2. Pulling Teeth - Funerary
3. Griever - Inferior
4. Withdrawal - Faith, Flesh, Blood
5. Agitator - Walls Closing In
6. (Because I couldn't decide) The Deep Dark Woods- The Place I Left Behind

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Greiver - This band got me excited about writing music again. Ironically they sound nothing like my band, but their simplistic and straight ahead approach to songwriting gave me more musical inspiration than any band has given me for a very long time. Honest, creative music that doesn't necessarily fall directly into any one genre, just how it should be. Griever got me having fun in the jam space again.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

Black Metal / Being very annoyed with dub-step.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

Old Problems will be releasing a yet to be named 7" record in the Spring as well as one, possibly two splits later in the year with some of our favorite Canadian Hardcore/Thrash bands. Touring a large portion of Canada and possibly a few of those American Provinces.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

I am looking forward to records from Suburban Scum, Black Breath, Griever (weird hey?), Converge, Withdrawal, Rehashed, Magrudergrind (they better have a record coming out), Crucified, Frustration, and more than anything else, Secret Rivals.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

I honestly thought doing hard drugs and listening to dub-step would be huge in 2011....oh wait.

Paul Sunderland (Give Praise Records)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. In Defence - Party Lines and Politics
2. Spazz - La Revancha (Reissue) LP
3. The Afternoon Gentlemen / Cyborg - Split 7"
4. The Afternoon Gentlemen - Pissedography CD
5. Agoraphobic Nosebleed / Despise You - Split LP

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

There were a lot of radical bands that poked their heads around this past year. I think, one, that totally stuck out for me was The Afternoon Gentlemen. I know, I may be a bit biased because they actually did a CD on Give Praise - but they had sent me some songs to listen too and really it was some great stuff. A lot of bands, try and channel the feeling of bands like Spazz, Charles Bronson, etc. but the Gents really do a spot on job!

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

I think, this year, we've really seen a huge growth in independent record labels and even some cassette only labels have been sprouting up! This year, there has been a lot of growth with labels, and that is not really a good or bad thing. It's kind of somewhere in the middle -- I think the pressing plants, and digital people have made it so easy for you to get music out there, that really anyone with a few hundred bucks of start-up money and knows someone in a band, can get a label going and build a pretty solid following in a few months.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

A lot of new releases! Will be working with ANTiSEEN, Brody's Militia, Deep Shit, Buried At Birth, Thrak, Failure Face, Suffering Mind, and a ton more! Also, we'll be getting more regular updates going with the podcast, as that seems to be a really good way to get music out there! Also, we'll be starting to get even more imports. This year, we built solid relationships with Power-It-Up (Germany), Laja (Brazil), RSR (Germany), I Feel Good (France), and a few more, bringing their music into the USA and making it easier for everyone to get their hands on the actual vinyl as oppose to waiting for the digital rip on someone's blog.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

Personally, I am looking forward to the Brody's Militia records, and also doing a cassette with Funerary Box. I also, am getting a little bit more into the heavier metal stuff (just a little bit) and am really enjoying doing that - so hopefully 2012 will bring a lot more of that! I am really looking forward to working with all the bands (old and new) on the Give Praise roster this upcoming year, so really all of those bands as well! As for non Give Praise stuff, I am really looking forward to the new In Defence stuff -- not sure which label, Profane ExistenceI think -- but that's a band that really gets better on every record!

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

Hhhhmmm can't really think of anything! I think 2011 was full of new bands and labels, so I think a lot of stuff was pretty well received, but nothing really made it huge or stood out.

Rennie Resmini (Starkweather)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

• Ulcerate - Destroyers of All
• Revok - grief is my new moniker
• Moloken - Rural
• Blut Aus Nord - 777: Sects and 777: the Desanctification

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Danishmendt. Was a late discovery. Un Passe Aride slays me. The vocals remind me a lot of La Gritona and the music hits like the bastard spawn of Overmars and Dirge. Checking their back catalog they've made leaps and bounds with each release. Awesome act.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

Getting to work on great projects such as Caina's Hands that Pluck and Concealment's Phenakism.  The quality and output from the Malignant Records, Zeitgeister Music, Profound Lore and Kairos labels.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

A 2 song full-length with artwork by Alex Eckman-Lawn.  And, possibly, another full length before the end of 2012. Maybe get a jump on a new project called Lighteater.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

The new Samo, Steeve Hurdle's Chaos, Chaos Infinite Wisdom project, Gorguts, the third part in Blut Aus Nord's 777 trilogy, Seraphim, Pharmakon, Amen Ra, Hexis, Shelob, and Cynic come to mind.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

When it comes to music I don't think in those terms. Honestly.

Roo Pescod (Bangers)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

I really can't do this in an order;

Good Luck - Without Hesitation

I can't think of a single thing I don't like about Good Luck. Both of their albums are incredible, they're goofy and funny and sweet and cool and inspiring, and they are all ridiculous musicians. Since I flew back from America with it, I've spent as much time as I can justify listening to Without Hesitation on my headphones.

The State Lottery - When The Night Comes

More about The State Lottery later, but listening to this album reminds me of spending time with The State Lottery and El Morgan which is a very happy memory indeed. Oh, this record was released in 2010.

Lemuria – Pebble

On a long car journey a friend of mine asked me out of the blue who my favourite band was and I told her that it was probably Lemuria. There aren't that many bands that I feel like I'm a real 'fan' of, like that the prospect of them having new music makes me feel giddy and excited rather than interested, and Lemuria are on that pile. So were The Hold Steady until that new album. Pebble is Awesome.

Great Cynics – Don't Need Much

I went to Budapest for a month earlier in the year to do a TEFL course and Don't Need Much on a memory stick was the only music I took with me. I spent a lot of time drinking dirt- cheap wine with headphones on trying to learn grammar. I think I probably listened to this album more than anything else released in 2011.

Joyce Manor – Joyce Manor

Hamish and Andrew hate this so I can't listen to it in the van. In fact almost everyone I know thinks this record is really mediocre but I think its swell.

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

This summer The State Lottery came over to the UK and we got to tour with them and El Morgan. I have so many great memories from those two weeks, but what I remember most of all is that those guys love to dance and that when The State Lottery are dancing it is fucking contagious. Since that tour I've danced a lot more, and every time I dance I think about Bobby, Nicki, Dave, Jordan and Andy in the back room of Mozarts in Swansea dancing our way from Andy's birthday to mine.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

God knows. I hope I remember it all.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

Well I heard yesterday that we might all be living in the same town again for the first time in about three years, so hopefully we'll do a lot more. But our current plans are to record some songs in January for a couple of 7 inchs, and then tour that over Easter and into the future.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

I've been listening to mixes of the new Attack!! Vipers!! album for a couple of weeks now.  I'm really looking forward to everybody else hearing that.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

My debt. In December 2010 my girlfriend and I called 2011 as a year of pleasure that we'd pay for in 2012. Despite only working half the year and spending more hours on aeroplanes than previous years combined my debt seems to be more or less dead level with last year. I guess 2012 should be a year of pleasure too.

Taylor Young (Twitching Tongues / Nails / Young Bros Recordings)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. Disma - Towards the Megalith
2. Harm's Way - Isolation
3. Fell to Low - Sensible Sounds of Men
4. Horse Marriage - Eisenhower Interstate
5. Disma - The Manifestation 7"

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Disma. The absolute hardest death metal band I've heard in a long time. They take a heavier spin on the classic death metal sound and remove a lot of the boring parts that ruin some bands for me. The pits and riffs are there and his vocals are insane. This is exactly what I want from music as a whole, and they drove me and those around me to write harder music. We'll still never compare.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

Lots of good hardcore records and 7"s and probably the most touring I've ever done in one year. This is also the first year where most of my recordings weren't demos but 7"s and LP's - Rotting Out, Soul Search, Xibalba, World of Pain, Expire, Minus, Ruckus, Twitching Tongues, Minority Unit.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

Lots more touring, recordings and music. Twitching Tongues will have a 7" precursor to our next LP, Nails will have new music, Xibalba is in the midst of tracking their LP and I've got some other awesome stuff scheduled. I'm also singing a band called Disgrace that will be releasing a 12" EP early next year.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

Off the top of my head: Creatures, Disma vinyl, Funebrarum, Hooded Menace, Fell to Low, Minus, Black Breath, Candlemass, Power Trip, Eddie Brock, Stout

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

Mob Mentality. Baltimore's greatest secret. RIP.

The Dwarves (Greedy Media)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. The White College Kids- Is This Boring Enough For You?
2. Li'l Souljah Guy- Hip/Hop Really Sucks Now
3. Mariah Jones-Cartwright Wheeler Fontaine- Acoustically Retarded
4. William Shatner- Bloated Enough to Love You
5. Norah Jones- I'm Still Alive, I Swear to God

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Frank Zappa reentered my life after starting me on this path over 30 years ago. The fucker!

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

I had a lot of sex on the road by playing it.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

The Dwarves Are Born Again record was released last yar. Now it's time for us to die off again.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

Mick Jagger solo featuring Pat Benatar and Rick Astley.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

There's nothing huger than our egos- the Dwarves!

Thom Wasluck / Planning For Burial / Music Ruins Lives

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1.  Deafheaven - Roads To Judah
2.  Chelsea Wolfe - Apocalypse
3.  Pygmy Lush/Des Ark - Old Friends/Don't Rock The Boat Sink The Fucker
4.  PJ Harvey - Let England Shake
5.  St. Vincent - Strange Mercy

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Most of the bands that we put out on the label, because I think they all make incredible music and allowed me to do some great things with my life this year.  

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

Playing tons of shows between Planning For Burial and Lonesummer, seeing a lot of my friends bands and getting to meet a lot of great people.  

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

Touring, a few split releases, and maybe finishing up the 2nd full length (that's doubtful though) 

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

Have A Nice Life's 2nd full length if we're lucky.  

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

Dubstep.  

Tim Browne (Elway)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. Nothington – Borrowed Time
2. Bomb The Music Industry! - Vacation
3. Dead To Me – Moscow Penny Ante
4. Bridge and Tunnel – Rebuilding Year
5. Red City Radio – The Dangers of Standing Still

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I was introduced to a really fantastic new band called Joyce Manor that seriously rips hard! Their self-titled record really struck a chord with me. I seriously heard it at the perfect time, and the lyrics really resonated. Listen to "Constant Headache" to see what I mean. I'm really interested to see where this band will go!

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

It really was a banner year for the type of music that I listen to! Great records from tons of my favorite bands. This year was very productive for us as well. We made a record that we're really proud of and we got to see all kinds of new places and make new friends on tour.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

We'll be doing another record and playing shows all over. Prepare your livers!

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

• The Holy Mess
• The Menzingers
• Broadway Calls
• Sour Boy, Bitter Girl
• Red Collar

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

I wouldn't say that they 'never made it', but it surprises me that Restorations isn't one of the biggest bands in the country right now. Everyone should be rocking their self-titled record right now!

Tobias Jeg (Red Scare Industries)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

I'll omit any releases on my own label, because I may be shitty and shameless, but not that shitty and shameless:

1. Cobra Skulls "Agitations"
2. Swingin' Utters "Here Under Protest"
3. Alkaline Trio "Damnesia"
4. The Dwarves "The Dwarves Are Born Again"
5. Wild Flag "Wild Flag"

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I actually saw a fantastic new band in Madison, Wisconsin a little while back called Masked Intruder. I was travelling with the Cobra Skulls/Nothington tour and they were the opener. A kickass pop-punk band with a hilarious on-stage shtick and we all were immediately in love with them. I sit through a lot of so-so opening bands, but there's nothing better than seeing an unheard of band and being genuinely impressed. That's what going out to rock 'n' roll shows is all about. I would love to do a record with those guys...

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

Looking back on it, it may have been the best year ever for Red Scare. Shit! It started off especially nice because we found out that one of our releases (The Menzingers Chamberlain Waits) was voted best album of 2010 by the folks at Punknews.org. Then Alternative Press did a "label spotlight" on us and we were voted Best Local Label in the Chicago Reader, a huge weekly in our hometown. More importantly than all the recognition for our silly record company, we did a decent job of helping our friends bring their music to the rest of the world. Overall, it was a pretty positive and fruitful 2011 for much of the Red Scare family and that's how I'll remember it.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

From ME? Like personally? Shoot... well, The Menzingers are foolhardy enough to take me to Australia in February/March. So I guess the Aussies get to look forward to my loutish behavior and German-American wherewithal. My friends and I do shows in Chicago as "Red Scare Presents" and we plan on doing more of that shit. They're less "concerts" and more "unhinged drinkathons", but the crowds that come out and join us are STOKED. I think everybody looks forward to more of those parties around Chicago in 2012.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

We're putting out some great stuff from Brendan Kelly and the Wandering Birds, The Sidekicks, The Holy Mess, etc etc. That's just what our little operation will be doing next year, but I also am looking forward to new stuff from our comrades in Teenage Bottlerocket and The Menzingers. I hear One Man Army is doing something in 2012, and that's cool to hear.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

Musically, I thought a record we put out from a band called The Heat Tape would catch on. Absolutely lovable songs, but they kinda don't have an angle...or a proper label behind them! Heh heh. Beyond bands and songs, I guess I was (and still am) hoping for some reform when it comes to what we do in this country to protect Intellectual Property. I hate to get all gloomy/preachy on ya, but filesharing hangs over us like a rickety pendulum, and in order for us to keep enabling bands to make music, our government needs to protect American innovations, be it art or software or patents or whatever. Maybe we'll be saved in 2012?

Todd Congelliere (Recess Records / Toys That Kill / Underground Railroad to Candyland / Stoned At Heart)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

I can't really number em! No particular order please.

• The Arrivals-Volatile Molotov
• Lenguas Largas - S/T
• Big Kitty - Florence
• Landlord - Beneath The Wheel
• Japanther - Beets, Limes & Rice.

I really feel this way. No snide comments please.

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Pangea. Knew about em before 2011 but they made a great album this year.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

I'll remember our (Underground Railroad to Candyland) October tour with Screaming Females and how Isaac (Arrivals) came walking into the club every night with his "get-up". Around 10pm every night, back at home, I keep expecting him to only be wandering around only to walk in with make up and a ridiculous jacket. Whadda great tour!

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

New Toys That Kill album and Clown Sound 7" series (Bands: Landlord, Treasure Fleet, Pangea, Audacity, URTC, Lenguas Largas and more!)

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

Treasure Fleet album

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

The White Stripes

Topon Das (Fuck The Facts)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. Secret Chiefs 3 - Saptarshi/Radar
2. Ulcerate - The Destroyers Of All
3. Today Is The Day - Pain Is A Warning
4. Defeatist - Tyranny Of Decay
5. KEN Mode - Venerable

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

My neighbor showed me Ulcerate and it's rad. They remind of of Morbid Angel meets Gorguts and those bands had a definite impact on my life.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

I played, wrote and recorded a lot of it.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

I'll be playing, writing and recording a lot more music. I also might shave my beard.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

I don't really have my ear to the ground on what's happening, I usually find out about a new album after it's been released. Even from bands I already like. But some friends of mine will be releasing new ones. Check out Biipiigwan and Deamon for their new stuff.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

Chocolate covered potato chips and the end of the world.

Vince Conriquez & William Cutts (Low Places)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

Vince- Drake "Take Care", Cults "Cults", Royal Headache "Royal Headache", Full of Hell "The Roots of Earth are Consuming my Home", Twin Steps "Serial Parade".
Will - The Men "Leave Home", Hoax "Hoax", Twin Steps "Serial Parade", Royal Headache "Royal Headache", ASAP Rocky "LiveLoveA$AP",

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Will - Merchandise. Feedback, shitty recordings, shitty attitude, reverb, cool art... they're like a punk band without being a punk band. They take risks but they're not even risks, it's just what they want to do.
Vince - Merchandise was my shit up until i heard Royal Headache. That band is fucking perfect.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

Vince - Haters, cops, lots of weed. This year has been a bit of a blur. There's a lot I don't remember...
Will - Really sorting some shit out through music. Living at the Mountain Man House and listening to more than just fucking hardcore.

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

Will - A split with Twin Steps. An LP. A tour. Secret projects. Fires.
Vince - Pure Fucking Armageddon.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

Will - I don't look forward to anything. I kind of just keep an ear to the ground.
Vince - I look forward to the projects my friends are involved in. We are fortunate enough to be surrounded by great bands and great people.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

Vince - Sound & Fury was kind of a let down. That's a long list. This question is sort of asking us to talk shit. We had a great time hanging out and selling drugs, but the festival didn't feel the same.
Will - Beyond that, it seemed like a lot of bands and people took the safe route this year. At least where we're from. Some of the most intense were the most hated.

Vinnie Fiorello (Less Than Jake / Paper + Plastick Records)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)

1. Red City Radio - The Dangers Of Standing Still
2. Junior Battles – Idle Ages
3. Frank Turner – England Keep My Bones
4. Bayside – Killing Time
5. The Wonder Years – Suburbia I've Given You All And Now I'm Nothing

What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

With all the Descendents show buzz that's been around it really kicked off my crate digging through all of my ALL records. ALL always has been the nerdier (musically) little brother but man every record brings back memories of when the records were new. The shows we did with them back in 1997 made my inner music geek explode and the records still do.

A close second has been getting back in touch with my Ted Leo discography.

How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?

The year that nothing broke. So many bands bending genre just for bendings sake. Should a jazz influenced death metal band with drum and bass breakdowns and melodic chorus make me yawn? When it's done by a half dozen bands it does!

What can we look forward to from you in 2012?

More Graphic Novels! Reading is the new listening to music. Haven't you heard.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?

The new Slayer, Menzingers, Cheap Girls, and Make Do And Mend.

What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?

I was expecting the economy to make a comeback but that never happened.