Our year end series continues, with contributor Marco Castro’s 10 favorite releases of 2012, plus some runner-ups.

Top 10 releases

P.O.D. – Murdered Love / The boys from the southtown delivered again. From beginning to end, it’s an ode to old and new fans alike.

Thrice – Anthology / A nostalgic compilation that goes all the way back to their post-hardcore beginnings, and back to their alternative / experimental latest releases. Recorded live at their farewell show.

Carolina Story – Home / Great Americana album from the Nashville husband & wife duo. Very earthy and full of stories and awesome harmonies.

Sixpence None The Richer – Lost in Transition / This album was a great surprise! A totally revamped Sixpence that showed maturity and explored new genres while keeping their essence intact. Good stuff.

Pioneer – self-titled / These guys brought back the early 2000’s emo sound that was very popular among pop/punk rock and indie scenes alike.

For Today – Immortal / Very solid record with a trademark sound that only they can pull off. Very special guests include Tommy Green, Sonny Sandoval and Jake Luhrs.

Heather Evans – Out of the Woods / This EP is full of passion and sincerity. Tunes like “Awaken Me” are fully recommended.

Wolves at the Gate – Captors / Great metalcore release from this Columbus OH based band. Great combination of melodic and heavy.

Benjamin Dunn & The Animal Orchestra – Fable / Indie rock done well. These guys are definitely on the rise.

Kye Kye – Young Love (Remix EP) – A follow up to their 2011 Young Love release, the songs were heavily transformed as they explored along various genres of electronic music.

Runner Ups: (Because I couldn’t leave them behind)
Fever Fever – Kingdom EP
Underoath – Anthology: 1999–2013
Come Wind – Grow My Roots
Disciple – O God Save Us All
As I Lay Dying – Awakened
Mumford & Sons – Babel
Enrique Infante – Canciones Ajenas
Respirando Un Nuevo Día – Final De Los Tiempos
Lights – Siberia (Remixed)
Future of Forestry – Young Man Follow
AND Justin Bieber – Believe 🙂