Hard Rock Daddy presents the Top 135 Hard Rock Songs of 2015.
In 2015, the hard rock and metal genres continued to flourish, so much so that we have once again increased the number of songs featured on the year-end list. It started with the Top 52 Hard Rock Songs of 2013 in the year of our launch, and was followed by the Top 100 Hard Rock Songs of 2014 last year.
To give our readers the greatest possible variety of music, the Top 135 Hard Rock Songs of 2015 only features one song per album release (although a number of artists released more than one single worthy of recognition during the year).
While a good portion of the songs on the list were heard throughout the year on SiriusXM’s Octane and on Active Rock radio stations throughout North America, this list gives a much broader look at the year in hard rock music.
The Top 135 Hard Rock Songs of 2015 is a musical journey that spans the globe and a number of sub-genres. To make the list as user-friendly as possible, it is subdivided into the following categories: Top 25 Hard Rock Songs (regardless of genre), Top 65 Active Rock Songs, Top 45 Classic/Mainstream Rock Songs, Top 20 Prog/Power/Heavy Metal Songs and last, but certainly not least, the Top 5 Southern Rock Songs of 2015.
Hard Rock Daddy prides itself on giving exposure to artists that fly below radio’s radar…from artists whose careers date back to the ‘80s to today’s up-and-comers. Many of the artists and songs on this list were featured on Music Discovery Monday or the HRD Radio Report.
The Top 135 Hard Rock Songs of 2015 can be found on the sub-genre playlists below, in addition to the Hard Rock Daddy Network (HRD’s YouTube channel).
In an effort to expose our readers to artists, and not just songs, a short write-up for each featured song is provided.
Any links provided at the end of a write-up will take you to the corresponding Music Discovery Monday article, where the artist shared the meaning and inspiration behind the featured song.
TOP 25 HARD ROCK SONGS (regardless of genre).
{Song list and write-ups listed below the YouTube playlist}
1-THE WINERY DOGS – “Oblivion”
The lead track from Hot Streak – the sophomore release from The Winery Dogs – dials up the intensity and energy from the first note, setting the tone for a musical journey that lasts for 13 songs, and yet somehow still leaves you wanting more (see Hard Rock Daddy album review). “Oblivion” is an excellent representation of the sound that The Winery Dogs are cultivating.
When the band first appeared on the scene with their eponymous debut album, they were justifiably categorized as a supergroup (which is something of a double-edged sword nowadays). Featuring legends Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan and the equally-talented (but lesser-known) Richie Kotzen, the supergroup categorization is understandable. However, with their second full-length album released on the same cycle as most acts today, the time has come to look at The Winery Dogs as developing artists (albeit with a big head start).
Any thoughts that The Winery Dogs are merely another side project, like the ones that are prevalent in hard rock today, are not justified. “Oblivion” is an outstanding introduction to the band. After you listen to this track, dig deeper into everything that they have to offer. You will not be disappointed! (MIKE PORTNOY discusses “Oblivion”)
2-SEVENDUST – “Thank You”
Sevendust is undoubtedly in the upper echelon of artists that get played on Active Rock radio today, alongside other recent heavy hitters like Shinedown, Disturbed, Five Finger Death Punch and Breaking Benjamin (to name a few), but they don’t always get the recognition that they deserve. “Thank You” – the first single off of Sevendust’s album, Kill The Flaw – may be the song that gives them their just due. Hard rock/metal music fans have learned to put little credence in the nominations for the annual Grammy Awards in this category, but they finally got it right this year by including “Thank You” in the mix. The song – which features the perfect blend of heavy and emotive (both signature Sevendust qualities) – stands out on Active Rock radio because of Lajon Witherspoon’s distinct vocals and the overall intensity of the band.
3-HELLYEAH – “Hush”
To put it in sports terms, the emergence of “Hush” off of Hellyeah’s album, Blood For Blood, gives the band a radio hat trick. Like the previous singles, “Sangre Por Sangre (Blood For Blood)” and “Moth,” this track drips with angst and rage in a uniquely melodic way. Active Rock radio programmers understandably can’t get enough of this supergroup, who have finally managed to join the ranks of the elite in the hard rock music genre, and are well on their way to becoming a staple in the Active Rock format.
Just as he did with the first two singles off of the album, frontman, Chad Gray, masterfully channels his angst, rage and tormented lyrics into a unique style that makes him stand out amongst other hard rock vocalists. With Gray, drummer Vinnie Paul, and guitarist Tom Maxwell handling the writing duties, and producer Kevin Churko (Ozzy, Five Finger Death Punch) guiding the process, Hellyeah has really hit their stride. As they release each single, the only real question is how high each song will climb on the charts, not if they will. Hellyeah should be a force on Active Rock radio for many years to come. (CHAD GRAY discusses “Hush”)
4-NOTHING MORE – “Jenny”
If you listen to Active Rock radio, you are undoubtedly familiar with Nothing More at this point. All of the singles off of the band’s debut eponymous album are powerful in their own right, but “Jenny” takes the intensity to an entirely different level.
On a debut album filled with incredible songs, “Jenny” was the track that left the most lasting impression (both musically and lyrically) when the album review was featured on Hard Rock Daddy. Because of the personal story behind the lyrics, it should come as no surprise that frontman Jonny Hawkins brilliantly delivers the song with unbridled, heartfelt passion. The only real surprise for those unfamiliar with Nothing More’s history is that Hawkins was originally the drummer.
“Jenny” seamlessly vacillates between sullen verses and impassioned choruses. Hawkins makes you feel – in a visceral way – the desperate frustration of unsuccessfully trying to get through to someone to help them. Although “Jenny” is an amazing song, Hawkins’ reasoning for exposing such painful, raw emotions to the world goes well beyond the music. (JONNY HAWKINS discusses “Jenny”)
5-FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH – “Jekyll & Hyde”
It feels like a lifetime ago that a meltdown on stage during a Five Finger Death Punch concert had people speculating that the band would break up. Fast forward a few months, and they come roaring back onto the scene as if nothing had ever happened. Perhaps the stage meltdown was the ultimate “Jekyll & Hyde” moment. No matter, FFDP’s latest album continues to solidify their place in the upper echelon of modern hard rock artists. Because the band features an instantly recognizable sound, they can “borrow” ideas from others and make it their own. Although “Jekyll & Hyde” bears a resemblance to “Pepper” by Butthole Surfers, there are enough signature FFDP moments to give the song its own personality (or two as the case may be).
6-DISTURBED – “The Vengeful One”
After a four-year hiatus, the long-awaited return of Disturbed arrived with power in the form of “The Vengeful One,” the first single off of the band’s latest release. It’s fair to say that Active Rock programmers were chomping at the bit for new music from Disturbed as much as the fans were, and that the band is back with a vengeance with their distinct brand of aggressive rock. It’s no surprise that “The Vengeful One” soared up the Active Rock charts and peaked at #1. Sometimes, big-name acts rise to the top because of their status, not necessarily because they have put out a great single. This is not the case for “The Vengeful One.” Even without the pent up demand for new Disturbed music, it’s highly likely that this song would have shot up the charts anyway. It’s just that damn good!
7-RICHARDS CRANE (f. MYLES KENNEDY) – “Black & White”
Sometimes less is more, and in the case of “Black And White,” less comes in the form of a sparse musical arrangement designed the allow the stellar vocals of Whitfield Crane and Myles Kennedy to shine in the spotlight. That’s not to say that guitarist Lee Richards (who wrote “Black And White”) doesn’t add a very important element to the song, because he does. While the dual vocals bring the thought-provoking lyrics to life, the tone of “Black And White” is set by a riff that is as emotionally stirring (and in the same vein) as the instantly-recognizable riff on Bob Seger’s “Main Street.” Richards is far from a household name, but he could have been had he not received a life-changing phone call early in 1997 that led to his departure from Godsmack. You can’t help but think that the poetic lyrics of “Black And White” are extremely personal to Richards. He may always wonder what might have been if he had remained with Godsmack, but Richards can take solace in the fact that he has written a timeless classic in “Black And White.” (WHITFIELD CRANE discusses “Black And White”)
8-SLASH f MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS – “Bent To Fly”
The most recent album by Slash f. Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators was loaded with material, none of which was filler. There could have easily been several singles released, but for some odd reason, only “World On Fire” (the title track) and “Bent To Fly” made the cut. The song made a nice run on the Active Rock radio charts, and got significant airplay earlier in the year on SiriusXM’s Octane. More than any other track, “Bent To Fly” may be the one that takes the unique style that Slash and Kennedy have honed outside of this band, and blends it together seamlessly. From Slash’s beautifully melodic picking intro and leads to Kennedy’s emotional phrasing and distinct bridge, “Bent To Fly” offers the best of both worlds of GNR and Alter Bridge.
9-SHINEDOWN – “Cut The Cord”
Like Five Finger Death Punch and Disturbed, “Cut The Cord” – the first single off of Shinedown’s latest album (Threat To Survival) – made a tremendous debut, and rocketed up the Active Rock radio charts out of the gate. The three-year wait for the follow-up to 2012’s hit album, Amaryllis, had fans clamoring for new material from Shinedown, and they delivered as usual. While many songs on Active Rock radio have a similar sound that makes it hard to differentiate between them, Shinedown (thanks in large part to Brent Smith’s outstanding, distinct vocals) is instantly recognizable. There’s a good reason that Active Rock radio programmers have made them a staple of the format.
10-SEETHER – “Nobody Praying For Me”
As one of the most popular rock acts today, Seether gets attention whenever they release a new single. Although frontman Shaun Morgan has questioned why the band (inexplicably) no longer receives any support from Alternative radio stations, Seether’s music is well-represented on Active Rock radio. While the band eventually releases YouTube videos, it isn’t always done when the single impacts at radio. “Nobody Praying For Me” is a good example of their approach. The official video debuted long after the song was already being played regularly on Active Rock radio.
As the saying goes, anything worth having is worth waiting for, and Seether proved this to be true with their inspired, thought-provoking, interactive video for “Nobody Praying For Me,” which features multiple endings to the same story. The video is as inspired as the song. Seether has the ability to tap into the emotions of a song as well as anyone in hard rock today.
11-RED SUN RISING – “The Otherside”
It’s rare to find a current hard rock band that seamlessly blends the dark, grunge influences of Alice In Chains and Nirvana with the bright, soaring melodic influence of Shinedown. Perhaps that is why “The Otherside” – the debut single from Akron, OH rockers, Red Sun Rising – immediately stood out as unique from the first listen.
Based on frontman, Mike Protich’s comments, it’s clear that Red Sun Rising’s unique sound is by design…
“Red Sun Rising is what rock was built on, but is not today’s rock, but a new rock alternative. Subtle touches of blues mixed with the dark minor tonality of today. Our music allows the listener to travel through a song that is anything but linear. With soaring vocals, we strive to find melodies that convey the passion of our thought-provoking lyrical content, and push the boundaries that rock has somewhat forgotten.”
“The Otherside” grabs you right away with a haunting, grunge-influenced verse and never lets go as it crescendos into the soaring melodic chorus. The more you listen to the song, the more you begin to peel back the layers, revealing a seasoned sound that rivals artists who have made several albums together. (MIKE PROTICH discusses “The Otherside”)
12-SONS OF TEXAS – “Baptized In The Rio Grande”
Supergroups are all the rage nowadays in the hard rock music genre, but they usually consist of long-established artists. Formed in 2013, Sons Of Texas is a new breed of “supergroup.” A world away from Austin, TX – the lone star state’s music hotbed – this powerful quintet, comprised of local all-stars from McAllen, burst onto the scene with their first single, “Baptized In The Rio Grande.”
Like a Texas tornado, “Baptized In The Rio Grande” grabs you from the first note with shredding guitars and an intense rhythm. Displaying dynamics that go well beyond their years, Sons Of Texas dial back the intensity during the soulful verses before taking it to another level when the chorus kicks in with heavy, melodic harmonies.
If you didn’t know any better, you might think that Zakk Wylde had made a guest appearance on the song, but the bending of notes and shredding solos actually come courtesy of lead guitarist, Jes De Hoyos. Because of the incredibly tight rhythm section consisting of guitarist Jon Olivares, and the Villarreal brothers (Mike – drums, Nick – bass), De Hoyos is afforded the freedom to showcase his immense guitar skills.
The impressive musicianship on “Baptized In The Rio Grande” provides an ideal backdrop for the soulful, gritty, impassioned vocals of frontman, Mark Morales, to bring the song to life.
Listening to “Baptized In The Rio Grande,” you are left wondering how a relatively inexperienced band of guys in their mid-20s could have a sound as seasoned and mature as bands with a decade or more under their belts. (JES DE HOYOS discusses “Baptized In The Rio Grande”)
13-JOEL HOEKSTRA’S 13 (f. JEFF SCOTT SOTO) – “Scream”
After making a name for himself by being one of the most talented and hard-working guitarists around, Joel Hoekstra has risen to greater fame after joining Whitesnake. Long before joining David Coverdale and company, Hoekstra began writing an album that shows that his writing prowess is every bit as impressive as his guitar playing. Picking a favorite track off of this album is like picking your favorite child, but “Scream” gets the nod for the pure heart-pounding energy, and stellar vocals of the vastly underrated Jeff Scott Soto. “Scream” is sung from the standpoint of the demon or vice holding you back in your life. It’s hard to imagine anyone doing it any better than Soto. And though this album was about showcasing Hoekstra’s songwriting ability, he shows why he was tabbed by Coverdale to be Whitesnake’s guitarist with some impressive shredding.
14-BUMBLEFOOT – “Little Brother Is Watching”
Daring to be different and not subscribing to any notion of what hard rock “should” be, Bumblefoot delivers a track that is both lyrically and musically unique. Incredible guitar playing is par for the course for Bumblefoot, but on “Little Brother Is Watching,” he showcases how talented he is as a singer and songwriter.
The song opens up with anthemic gang vocals, transitions to a very cool vibe with distinct bass lines and then ratchets up the intensity with a heavy, danceable beat. If you are a fan of intelligent, thought-provoking lyrics, this is a track that you MUST check out. (BUMBLEFOOT discusses “Little Brother Is Watching”)
15-HIGHLY SUSPECT – “Lydia”
You don’t have to be from New York to have an image in your mind about Brooklyn. It is a place with a very distinct culture, and a unique, collective personality. There is a cool, tough image that many people envision when they think of the vibrant borough of NYC. In the case of Brooklyn rockers, Highly Suspect, they ooze cool from every pore with their debut single, “Lydia.”
Highly Suspect lacks the brashness that many Brooklynites wear as a badge of honor. Perhaps, it is due to the fact that they are transplants from Cape Cod, or maybe it’s because they really are surprised by the attention that their music is getting. Either way, it’s refreshing to witness a band that is truly grateful to hear what others have to say about them.
This power trio didn’t start out with the intention of creating a sound that defies being easily categorized, but they have done so just the same. For some bands, blurring the genre lines can be risky because radio and media don’t know what to do with them. In the case of Highly Suspect, the opposite has been true, as they stand out amongst both the Active and Alternative Rock genres as something fresh and different. The attention that “Lydia” has gotten is proof positive that music fans just crave great songwriting and musicianship; they don’t care about how things “fit.”
16-SHAMAN’S HARVEST – “In Chains”
If there is one word to describe Shaman’s Harvest, it would be “diverse.” It would be easy to shower them with a number of other positive adjectives, but what sets them apart from most is their ability to deliver a variety of musical experiences on one album and make it work so well. The band’s two previous singles (“Dangerous” and “Dirty Diana”) off of Smokin’ Hearts & Broken Guns both garnered radio attention, and “In Chains” has done the same.
Whereas “Dangerous” was a straight-forward southern rocker and “Dirty Diana” was an inspired, bluesy cover of a classic Michael Jackson song, “In Chains” offers yet another side of Shaman’s Harvest. There is a seamless transition between the verses (which would be an ideal fit for a modern western film), and the choruses, which feature larger-than-life gospel theatricality. Need more? How about some soulful blues shredding thrown in for good measure? Nathan Hunt’s vocals are impressive enough on their own. They become even more awe-inspiring when you take into account that he was receiving treatment for throat cancer during the recording of the album. (NATHAN HUNT discusses battle with cancer)
17-BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE – “You Want A Battle? (Here’s A War)”
“You Want A Battle? (Here’s A War)” – from Bullet For My Valentine’s latest album, Venom – is the perfect anthem for the downtrodden and underappreciated who have reached their breaking point. Clearly, BFMV has no trouble tapping into their inner rage, but they do so in such a melodic and inspiring way, that it never comes off as bitter.
“You Want A Battle? (Here’s A War)” begins with acapella gang vocals and quickly transitions into a powerful musical intro that is reminiscent of Iron Maiden’s “Aces High.” Frontman Matthew Tuck delivers tortured growls of anguish over intense guitars that border on thrash, before pulling back to a more subdued verse supported by the heavy bottom of the rhythm section. The pounding, driving rhythm helps the song to build to a crescendo into the chorus (which features thunderous double-bass drumming beneath Tuck’s melodic vocals).
This empowering song will undoubtedly connect with those who have suffered any form of abuse, as well as those who feel under-appreciated or enraged by those who abuse their authority and disrespect others.
18-SCORPIONS – “We Built This House”
The number of bands that stay together for several decades is fairly small. Out of those bands, the number of them that have continuously remained relevant is even smaller, almost infinitesimal. There is no doubt that the Scorpions have managed to defy all odds with their career (which now spans 50 years), and claim their place in this elite group. “We Built This House” is yet another example of the Scorpions’ ability to continue to write outstanding, timeless music.
Taken at face value, the lyrics to “We Built This House” may lead you to believe that this is a love song about perseverance. While it can certainly be interpreted that way, there is clearly an underlying metaphor for the rock solid foundation that the Scorpions have built their career upon.
In an article featured on Ultimate Classic Rock, Klaus Meine shared some insight about “We Built This House”…
“In the end, it tells our story. We’ve built this house called Scorpions brick-by-brick, and often, quite arduously. From the first days in Hannover and the first concerts abroad, until this very day, we’ve weathered severe storms, but the house withstood everything. It turned out to be weatherproof and stable. However, building this house was never just cumbersome, but joyful as well. The joy of music, the joy of having experienced and still experiencing it all, the joy of – and the thankfulness for – the fans’ affection.”
While Meine is thankful for the affection that the band has received throughout their illustrious career, it is we, the fans, who should be truly thankful for everything that the Scorpions have given to us (and continue to give) long after most bands would have called it a day.
Someday, the Scorpions will record their final song, and play their final concert. For the sake of the fans, we can only hope that it doesn’t happen anytime soon. They are still an incredible live band, who have the rare ability to write new material that fans look forward to hearing in concert (along with their countless hits).
19-SEASONS AFTER – “Lights Out”
Seasons After’s “Lights Out” is a defiant anthem that showcases the band’s ability to persevere in the face of trying times. There was a time when getting a major record label deal was the holy grail for aspiring artists. Those days have long since passed. Stories of artists returning to true independence have increased in recent times, especially since the Internet and social media have helped to level the playing field for DIY artists. Seasons After is the latest hard rock act to take this approach, even going so far as to use their label conflict as inspiration for the Calamity, Scars & Memoirs album…
“A lot of bands go through the “music business horror stories”, which is basically what happened to us. But thankfully, we were able to come out the other side – and that is what the whole album is about,” states guitarist, Chris Dawson.
You have to give kudos to any artist that can not only embrace their freedom from the grips of a major label, but also write about it in a very powerful way without mincing words.
Given the inspiration for the song, “Lights Out” comes across as intensely personal. Seasons After channels their rage perfectly in this dynamic, melodic rocker that features impassioned vocals and guitars that ideally capture the meaning behind the lyrics.
To the average person who grinds out a living, it may seem like making a living playing music is all glory. The truth of the matter is that, in today’s climate, most bands are working harder than most people just to make ends meet. More often than not, the biggest benefit of making a living in music is pursuing a passion, not living a life of luxury.
If you are fan of great, melodic hard rock, and like to root for the underdog, you’ll love “Lights Out.”
20-MAGNUS KARLSSON’S FREE FALL (f. JOE LYNN TURNER) – “No Control”
Swedish guitarist/songwriter/producer Magnus Karlsson – whose work includes: Primal Fear, Allen/Lande, Kiske/Somerville, Last Tribe and Starbreaker – released his second solo album under the Free Fall moniker in 2015. Once again, Karlsson has enlisted a who’s who of hard rock singers to help bring his songs to life.
“No Control” is melodic hard rock at its best. If this song had come out during the ‘80s (the decade of music that heavily influenced Karlsson), there is no doubt that it would have been a huge commercial hit. Featuring the always-stellar vocals of Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow, Yngwie Malmsteen, Deep Purple), “No Control” takes you on a journey back in time. The melody and harmonies are infectious, and Karlsson makes the guitar sing with shredding that makes you long for days gone by. This song is tailor-made for JLT’s voice and distinct style, featuring a nice blend of Rainbow and Yngwie elements. (JOE LYNN TURNER discusses “No Control”)
21-HALESTORM – “Apocalyptic”
After a three-year wait since Halestorm’s hit album, The Strange Case of…, they returned earlier this year with their latest album, Into The Wild Life, returning to the scene with the lead single, “Apocalyptic.”
Josh Smith’s fat bassline, Arejay Hale’s pulsating drums and Joe Hottinger’s gritty guitars hit you hard and heavy from the first note, but it is frontwoman extraordinaire, Lzzy Hale, that brings out the “balls” in “Apocalyptic” with her take-no-prisoners delivery. Both musically and lyrically, Lzzy proves time and again that she can not only hang with male hard rock vocalists, but also outshine them in many cases.
“Apocalyptic” is dirty and edgy in a way that empowers women (like Lzzy) to take as much pleasure in having break-up sex as a man would. The beauty of Lzzy is that she is just as comfortable and engaging when she sings about life from a traditional female perspective (“Here’s To Us”), as she is when she turns the tide and embraces the traditionally male perspective (as she does in “Apocalyptic”).
22-SAINT ASONIA – “Better Place”
Whenever musicians from bands with name recognition get together to form something new, the tendency is to instantly dub them as a “supergroup,” even if the individual members shun the label. Such is the case with Saint Asonia, which features Adam Gontier (Three Days Grace) on lead vocals, Mike Mushok (Staind) on guitar, Rich Beddoe (Finger Eleven) on drums and Corey Lowery (Dark New Day, Stereomud, Eye Empire) on bass.
Given the fact that “’supergroups” have a tendency to have a relatively short shelf life, it’s understandable why Gontier was quick to dismiss the label…
“Truth is, we’re more like refugees that just really hit it off creatively,” joked Gontier when discussing his view of Saint Asonia.
The band’s first single, “Better Place,” instantly gained traction on Active Rock radio.
Gontier shocked everyone when he parted ways with Three Days Grace just as the band was peaking. Citing a desire to “create real music from the heart rather than for radio,” Gontier promised that “real, honest music from his soul” was forthcoming. He delivered on his promise with “Better Place,” an edgier version of the type of songs that he wrote with Three Days Grace. (ADAM GONTIER discusses “Better Place”)
23-ALL THAT REMAINS – “This Probably Won’t End Well”
If ever there was a band that marches to the beat of their own drum and laughs in the face of criticism, it is All That Remains, particularly their outspoken frontman, Phil Labonte. While the band’s sound has evolved throughout their career (which dates back to 1998), there are fans from the early days who want to keep them confined in a tightly sealed “metalcore” box.
All That Remains admittedly draws from a vast variety of musical influences, many of whom would be considered “guilty pleasures” by most hard rock bands, but ATR wears their appreciation of “uncool” artists on their collective sleeves. To their credit, All That Remains creates music that inspires them without any consideration for “fan” backlash.
“This Probably Won’t End Well” probably seemed like a prophetic title for fans stuck in “metalcore mode” when they first heard the melancholic piano intro. However, it doesn’t take long for the song to kick into a heavy rocker featuring crunchy guitars and a driving rhythm with insane drum fills. The music definitely sets the stage for angry growls, but what you get instead are beautiful vocal harmonies complemented by soulful, bluesy guitar leads.
If you’re stuck in 1998, then “This Probably Won’t End Well” may leave you believing that the song is appropriately titled, but if you have an appreciation for what constitutes a kick-ass hard rock tune in 2015, then the title will just come across as ironic.
24-IRON MAIDEN – “Tears Of A Clown”
With the exception of a five-year hiatus from the mid-to-late ‘90s, Bruce Dickinson has been the voice of Iron Maiden since 1981. Although Dickinson is the voice, the band’s lyrics are mostly derived from the mind of Steve Harris.
Though he has tackled serious subjects before with his lyrics, Harris generally focuses on the bigger picture. It was revealed by Dickinson that “Tears Of A Clown” was written specifically about Robin Williams, his depression and ultimate suicide.
Not only do the lyrics have a different tenor than most Maiden songs, but the music does as well. “Tears Of A Clown” eschews Maiden’s signature galloping rhythm for more groove-oriented pacing, which makes it stand out as unique for the band. Dickinson brings the lyrics to life with his vocals, an impressive feat considering that their most recent release (The Book Of Souls) was recorded as he was battling tongue and throat cancer.
25-BOBAFLEX – “Mama Don’t Take My Drugs Away”
When you first hear “Mama Don’t Take My Drugs Away,” you might think that Bobaflex has written an infectious (dare I say “addictive”) drug anthem, but that is not the case. While the song is both infectious and addictive, the meaning behind the song is not actually what it appears to be at first blush.
The gang vocals at the beginning of the track are reminiscent of another song about drugs (Alice Cooper’s “Hey Stoopid”), but the verses are much grittier. Bobaflex continues to hone their unique delivery of melodies on “Mama Don’t Take My Drugs Away,” distinguishing them amongst the plethora of hard rock artists on the scene today. (MARTY McCOY discusses “Mama Don’t Take My Drugs Away”)
TOP 65 ACTIVE ROCK SONGS OF 2015.
{Song list and write-ups listed below the YouTube playlist}
NOTE: See Top 25 Hard Rock Songs (above) for write-ups and links for songs 1-18.
1-SEVENDUST – “Thank You”
2-HELLYEAH – “Hush”
3-NOTHING MORE – “Jenny”
4-FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH – “Jekyll & Hyde”
5-DISTURBED – “The Vengeful One”
6-SLASH f MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS – “Bent To Fly”
7-SHINEDOWN – “Cut The Cord”
8-SEETHER – “Nobody Praying For Me”
9-RED SUN RISING – “The Otherside”
10-SONS OF TEXAS – “Baptized In The Rio Grande”
11-HIGHLY SUSPECT – “Lydia”
12-SHAMAN’S HARVEST – “In Chains”
13-BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE – “You Want A Battle? (Here’s A War)”
14-SEASONS AFTER – “Lights Out”
15-HALESTORM – “Apocalyptic”
16-SAINT ASONIA – “Better Place”
17-ALL THAT REMAINS – “This Probably Won’t End Well”
18-BOBAFLEX – “Mama Don’t Take My Drugs Away”
ACTIVE ROCK SONGS 19-65
19 – CAGE9 – “Illuminator”
Every once in a while, you come across a band and hear a song that blows you away, and leaves you wondering how they have managed to stay below the radar. Such is the case with Cage9’s “Illuminator.”
The brainchild of Evan Rodaniche (vocals/guitar) – who is known for his guitar work with Powerman 5000 (featuring Rob Zombie’s brother, Spider) – Cage9 is a Los Angeles-based power quartet.
Though the band has gone through some lineup changes since its inception, the current incarnation (which includes Brian Sumwalt – drums, Leslie Wyatt – bass and Matt Borowski – guitar) is a force to be reckoned with, and one that promises to make a significant impact in the hard rock music genre once they get on more peoples’ radar.
“Illuminator” grabs you by the throat from the first power chord and never lets go. On this track, you get all of the ballsiness and intensity of Powerman 5000, but in a much more melodic way. Though Rodaniche made his bones as a guitarist, his powerful vocals rival the best singers in hard rock today. Particularly impressive is his ability to bring meaningful lyrics to life with his heartfelt delivery. Hauntingly beautiful harmonies perfectly complement Rodaniche’s vocals, as does the dynamic playing of this killer quartet. (EVAN RODANICHE discusses “Illuminator”)
20 – BLACK VEIL BRIDES – “Goodbye Agony”
After dominating Active Rock radio with “In The End” a few years back, “Goodbye Agony” didn’t get nearly the recognition that it deserved, which is a disservice to the listening audience. “Goodbye Agony” is an incredibly haunting, emotionally-stirring track. As far as Black Veil Brides is concerned, they have proven to have (arguably) the most dedicated fanbase in hard rock today, so any lack of radio support doesn’t stop them from getting their message to the masses. Despite the lack of radio support, “Goodbye Agony” has over 12.5 million views on YouTube early in January of 2016. Thankfully for Black Veil Brides, they can always count on the viral buzz created by their fans, which far exceeds the reach that most bands achieve (even if they get more love from Active Rock radio).
21- FROM ASHES TO NEW – “Through It All”
From Ashes To New is not your typical hard rock act, with influences deviating far from the norm. Born from the mind of vocalist/programmer Matt Brandyberry, From Ashes To New is equal parts rock and rap, and both elements come across as truly authentic. That’s what happens when you cut your teeth on Biggie and Tupac and then discover the likes of Sevendust. With a passion for hip-hop flows, guitar, piano, songwriting and most importantly, a thirst for learning various techniques, Brandyberry is a force to be reckoned with, and it shows on “Through It All.” Like the rest of his small-town Pennsylvania bandmates, Brandyberry held down a full-time job while recording the album, which is why they connect on a meaningful level with their growing fanbase. You don’t have to be a fan of rap-rock to appreciate everything that FATN has to offer.
22 – POP EVIL – “Footsteps”
Following up 2013’s Onyx (an album loaded with singles) is no small task. Pop Evil’s sound continues to evolve with the first single from their latest release, Up. Whereas most of the singles from their previous album were somewhat angst-ridden, “Footsteps” offers a more upbeat, feel-good sound. The song had a nice radio run, but the greatest exposure may very well have come as the music bed for a Dodge Ram commercial. There was a time when it was considered “selling out” to allow your song to be used commercially. Those days are over, as bands must do whatever they can to monetize their music to earn a living. A sign of the times…
23 – THE GLORIOUS SONS – “Heavy”
In the early ‘90s, the Black Crowes (featuring the Robinson brothers) rose to fame with their brand of Rolling Stones-inspired rock. Fast forward two decades, and it looks as though history may repeat itself with Canadian rockers, The Glorious Sons (featuring the Emmons brothers). Although they are more edgy than either of the aforementioned bands, The Glorious Sons have built their sound upon the same rock and roll foundation. “Heavy” is not only the title of the song, but also an accurate description of the direction that the band is taking with their sound (due in large part to Brett Emmons’ vocals). Emmons takes a little bit of Mick Jagger and mixes it with an Ian Astbury (The Cult) vibe to create a vocal style that stands out as unique in the current hard rock landscape. (BRETT EMMONS discusses “Heavy”)
24 – BREAKING BENJAMIN – “Failure”
In 2010, while touring to support their album, Dear Agony, Breaking Benjamin went on hiatus due to Benjamin Burnley falling ill, and being unable to tour in support of the record. After dealing with legal issues and a number of lineup changes (Burnley is the only original remaining member), Breaking Benjamin finally returned this year without missing a beat. The first single off of 2015’s Dark Before Dawn, “Failure” seamlessly bridged the gap between 2009’s Dear Agony album and today’s Active Rock sound. Fans and programmers alike clearly were hungry for new material from Breaking Benjamin based on the airplay and sales that have been generated thus far.
25 – REVOLVE – “Believe”
Talent and connections only take you so far in today’s hard rock music climate. Though the days of huge record deals have long since passed, the reality is that it still takes money to rise above the din in a very crowded genre. Since their inception, Revolve has been one of the ultimate DIY bands. Much of the burden to promote the band early on has fallen on the strong shoulders of guitarist, Debbie Barlow, whose hard work is finally beginning to pay off in a meaningful way, as this independent band has played with the likes of Shinedown, Hinder and Shaman’s Harvest. Barlow, a cancer survivor, is a testament to what can be achieved in the face of adversity. Revolve’s entire debut EP is rock solid. Any of the songs could have been chosen for this forum, but “Believe” was selected because it fits so well with the cancer survivor story, and the fact that Barlow’s unwavering belief in Revolve is now taking the band to new heights. This hard-hitting tune features an infectious melody, to go along with impressive guitar work and vocal harmonies. If you’re a fan of bands like Sevendust, Shinedown and Breaking Benjamin, make sure to check out Revolve! (DEBBIE BARLOW discusses cancer battle)
26 – SEPTEMBER MOURNING – “Children Of Fate”
September Mourning’s “Children Of Fate” has a theatrical quality to it, which makes sense given that the band members are considered to be a cast of characters (one of the things that makes September Mourning unique and interesting). Although it fits very well into the Active Rock genre, the song’s intro has a mystical feel that is in the same realm as Rainbow’s “Gates Of Babylon.” Lead vocalist September shines with vocals that range from soft, sweet and melodic to powerfully anthemic to angst-ridden rage. (SEPTEMBER discusses “Children Of Fate”)
27 – PARKWAY DRIVE – “Vice Grip”
With a hard rock / metal foundation built in the ‘80s, I tend to favor melodic songs and clean vocals. Although my appreciation has grown in recent years for a well-placed growl when it captures the angst, rage or torment of a particular lyric, songs that exclusively feature “unclean” vocals generally do not grab my attention. That being said, “Vice Grip” – by Australian metalcore artists Parkway Drive – instantly made me turn up the volume the first time that I heard it on SiriusXM’s Octane. The combination of incredibly melodic guitar riffs, anthemic gang vocals and a big hook gives the song an appeal that transcends the metalcore niche. Although more extreme, at its core, “Vice Grip” is in the same wheelhouse as anthems from bands like Accept and Five Finger Death Punch. While Parkway Drive is well-known and highly accomplished in the metalcore world, they just broke through on Active Rock radio when “Vice Grip” became a listener favorite.
28 – SONIC X – “Pray”
Sonic X is a hard rock unit hailing from Toronto and Detroit. Truth be told, if not for hearing “Pray” one time on SiriusXM’s Octane, it’s quite likely that Sonic X would still be flying below my radar. No matter…one listen is all that you need to be hooked on a song that kicks your ass from the beginning and never lets up throughout. With a song title like “Pray,” you may be thinking Christian Metal, but the song is more about rage than spirituality.
Similar to Five Finger Death Punch’s collaboration with the legendary Rob Halford on “Lift Me Up,” “Pray” chugs along with an intense driving rhythm and an incredibly catchy chorus. Tight playing anchored by a powerful rhythm section, passionate vocals and an impressive display of guitar shredding all combine to make this a killer track. (ADAM TROY discusses “Pray”)
29 – WAYLAND – “Bloody Sunrise”
Wayland is the epitome of an up-and-coming, nose-to-the-grindstone modern day hard rock band. With a relentless touring schedule, it’s hard to imagine how they find the time to record new music. But they do, and every time that they release new material, it stands out as something different (in a good way). Of course, different can be a double-edged sword when it comes to radio airplay, where conformity seems to take priority over originality. Like fellow mid-westerner, Kid Rock, Wayland has proven that they have a southern side with “Bloody Sunrise.” While the band isn’t from the south, they are managed by Jesse James Dupree (Jackyl), so they are (at the very least) southern by association. Make no mistake though; “Bloody Sunrise” is not pure southern rock, just a killer track with a southern rock influence. Wayland is exactly the type of band that should be used to add a unique, fresh infusion to an Active Rock format that tends to get a bit stale at times.
30 – TREMONTI – “Another Heart”
For the legion of Alter Bridge fans around the world, the three-year cycle between albums can seem like an eternity. The silver lining is the music that comes out from the band members’ various side projects, like Tremonti’s second album, Cauterize.
Mark Tremonti has gotten a tremendous amount of well-earned acclaim for his guitar work, which shines as usual on “Another Heart.” Adding to the intrigue of Tremonti is the fact that his vocals are front and center, unlike Alter Bridge where they usually take a back seat to frontman, Myles Kennedy. “Another Heart” not only showcases Tremonti’s vocal ability, but also a powerful group of dynamic musicians who have the ability to seamlessly blend melody and speed. Featuring Wolfgang Van Halen (bass), Garrett Whitlock (drums) and Eric Friedman (rhythm guitar), Tremonti is a force to be reckoned with in its own right, not just a side project to fill the void between Alter Bridge albums.
31 – TRIVIUM – “Until The World Goes Cold”
The evolution of Trivium probably came as a surprise to many. Although hints of the band’s departure from their metalcore roots became evident with 2013’s Vengeance Falls (while working with Disturbed’s David Draiman as the producer), there was still a considerable amount of angst in singles like “Villainy Thrives” and “Strife.” Fast forward to 2015’s Silence In The Snow, and it looks as though the transition is complete. While the change probably doesn’t appeal to a number of longtime fans, it has been well-received by Active Rock radio. The band’s evolved sound is actually closer to European metal than their metalcore roots, but for fans of big hooks and melodies, the change is something to embrace.
32 – BRIDGE TO GRACE – “Everything”
From the moment that “Everything” was released, it was featured in the “Spin It” section of the HRD Radio Report and also on Hard Rock Daddy’s Music Discovery Monday. These up-and-comers draw comparisons to Shinedown (a band that Bridge To Grace producer Rick Beato has worked with in the past).
The band has blended influences from the top bands in the genre to create their own sound. Huge hooks, soulful vocals, powerful vocal harmonies, big crunchy riffs, shredding guitars, a pounding rhythm and nice dynamics…the title of the song says it all….it has “Everything” that you want to hear in an Active Rock track.
33 – ARANDA – “We Are The Enemy”
The latest album from Aranda is aptly titled, Not The Same. Brothers Dameon and Gabe Aranda have found a home on Active Rock radio even though their sound is quite unique compared to most others. Often times, deserving bands don’t get the opportunity that they deserve in the format. Kudos are well-deserved to programmers for giving Aranda’s latest single the attention that it deserves. The band describes their sound as “Rock, Funk, Soul,” and the Aranda brothers have surprisingly worked with some high-profile pop artists. “We Are The Enemy,” while clearly a great rock song, has some influences from bands that go beyond the genre.
34 – WE ARE HARLOT – “Someday”
When We Are Harlot finally made their debut in 2014, it was looked at as a side project for frontman, Danny Worsnop. It wasn’t long before Worsnop parted ways with Asking Alexandria to focus all of his attention on We Are Harlot, a risky move considering his former band’s place in upper echelon of hard rock at the time of his departure. Asking Alexandria’s loss is We Are Harlot’s gain. Though this band will cater to a smaller audience (for the time being), there is no reason that they can’t eventually reach the same heights as his former band. If you are a fan of Worsnop’s melodic singing, “Someday” will be right in your wheelhouse. If you’re looking for the angst-ridden growls that he was once known for, this song will leave you wanting more. You have to admire people who take chances that others won’t because they are afraid of change. “Someday” (soon), this gamble should pay off, provided that We Are Harlot continues down their current path.
35 – HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD – “Day Of The Dead”
The title track from Hollywood Undead’s fourth studio album captures everything that the band stands for, and adds in some unexpected elements (particularly the acoustic flamenco guitar). If you didn’t know about the enigmatic, masked men’s sharp wit, you would probably lock up the women and children upon listening to one of the premier rap-rock band’s take on a day that is supposed to be about remembrance. Somehow, they manage to wrap a very violent package in an upbeat, melodic wrapper with a huge, infectious chorus. Just when you expect “Day Of The Dead” to rise to an aggressive crescendo, it pulls back to a subdued, sweet sounding bridge, before launching back into the powerful hook. There’s a reason why Hollywood Undead has a massive audience that goes beyond rap-rock fans. “Day Of The Dead” showcases the band’s “f**k-the-world” attitude, and it clicks on all cylinders.
36 – BUCKCHERRY – “The Madness”
Buckcherry is widely known, but still underrated. It’s hard to believe that the band formed two decades ago, and has been releasing albums since 1999. After a dark period for hard rock and metal, Buckcherry emerged onto the scene with a gritty, dirty, rock and roll sound in the Guns N’ Roses vein. By all rights, they should be one of the biggest bands in the world today. Aside from a brief hiatus, the band has been going strong for many years, always putting out quality music. Though they have evolved through the years, their signature sound remains intact. From the band’s latest release, Rock ‘n’ Roll, “The Madness” has an interesting guitar picking intro before kicking in with a heavy Megadeth-esque riff. Like Megadeth’s “Sweating Bullets,” “The Madness” deals with the different sides that live inside us all (albeit in a more subdued, less deranged manner). Great vocals, riffs and drums are held together by the heavy groove of the bass on yet another standout track from Buckcherry.
37 – FAILURE ANTHEM – “Paralyzed”
Like fellow newcomers (and label-mates) Red Sun Rising and Sons Of Texas, Failure Anthem made their debut with a single that stands out on Active Rock radio. The band sets the tone at the outset before hitting a powerfully emotive crescendo when the melodic chorus with a huge hook kicks in. Particularly notable are the vocals of frontman JD Eubanks, who looks every bit the part of a modern-day rock star. This is somewhat surprising, given that he has a background as a chef that studied under Wolfgang Puck and served as a Navy Culinary Specialist previously. If you haven’t discovered Failure Anthem yet, make sure to check out “Paralyzed.”
38 – SLIPKNOT – “Killpop”
Being the frontman for two of the most successful hard rock bands today, you’d think that Corey Taylor would be enjoying his career more than most. But the music industry is not what it once was, and while Taylor still loves making music, he has reached the end of his rope with the music industry. The lyrics to “Killpop” are not what they may have seemed at first blush, and were being misinterpreted early on, until Taylor revealed the meaning behind them in a Blabbermouth article earlier this year… “I’ll be honest with you: the song is my reflection on my relationship with music. That’s who the ‘she’ is. And, not just music, but the music industry in general. So there’s a love-hate relationship there that really kind of comes into view.” Although “Killpop” is one of Slipknot’s less intense songs, Taylor’s rage comes across just the same.
39 – RA – “We Won’t Back Down”
With radio airplay becoming more and more challenging for all but the most well-known artists, there is a benefit to being able to get your music to the masses through other mediums such as television, movies and video games. Another avenue that is not quite as obvious, but very effective, is having your song played at sporting events. Ra has always been a band whose talent far exceeds the exposure that they get, but they are now getting some nice exposure at the home games of the Washington Capitals with “We Won’t Back Down.” Rather than waiting for a team to adopt an existing song, frontman Sahaj Ticotin worked directly with the Capitals to come up with the theme to this arena rock anthem. This is not the first time that this underrated band has been associated with sports, as their most popular song (“Do You Call My Name?”) was licensed exclusively to ESPN for years. If you haven’t yet discovered Ra, make sure to check this song out and then go back and discover more of what you’ve been missing.
40 – FOO FIGHTERS – “Saint Cecilia”
With so much hand-wringing these days about artists getting paid for their work, it was interesting to see Foo Fighters offer Saint Cecilia (the band’s latest EP) as a free download as a sign of gratitude for their fans. At least that was the initial intention. Ultimately, it was dedicated to the victims of the Paris terrorist attack that took place just 10 days before the EP was released. The title track is an upbeat, melodic rocker about finding salvation and healing. Dave Grohl’s legend continues to grow with each Foo Fighters’ release. Just like his days with Nirvana, he is now a part of one of the most popular bands in the genre, a feat that is arguably more impressive given the nature of the business, and the fact that his current role is much more integral to the band’s success than his previous one. Because they are at the top of their game, it took everyone by surprise when Grohl announced that their most recent EP would be the last thing that fans hear in a while, as the band is going to be taking a hiatus.
41 – RED SKY MARY – “Gone”
Turning back the hands of time, just as Crobot and Rival Sons have done in recent years, Red Sky Mary delivers their own brand of high-energy, ‘70s-inspired rock with “Gone” (the lead single from their debut album). The distorted riffs, reminiscent of classic Zeppelin and Sabbath, are complemented by the soaring vocals of frontman Sam Vlasich. What makes the band unique is that Vlasich’s vocals seem to be more influenced by the ‘80s than the ‘70s, creating an interesting, timeless sound that harkens back to two golden eras of hard rock. The cool, funky verses lead into infectious, straight-ahead choruses with big harmonies that have an early Journey feel. There’s a lot to like about this New Hampshire power quartet. Keep these guys on your radar as we move into the new year.
42 – MARILYN MANSON – “The Mephistopheles of Los Angeles”
Originally the title track of Marilyn Mason’s most recent release, The Pale