After listening to and reviewing many CDs through the year, I find myself in the strange position of ranking CDs that have come my way, either by promotional copy, label submitted downloads, or, God forbid - PURCHASING.  As a matter of fact, any disc that received a high rating from me throughout the year was purchased after listening to a download.  Call me crazy, but I still love to hold the product in my hand.  I enjoy reading the liner notes and getting more tidbits of information that you might not get from reading a press release.  Well, you didn't read this hoping to understand my quirks when it comes to forms of music distribution.  Here are my choices for the Top 25 Music Releases of 2013.

1. Five Finger Death Punch - The Wrong Side Of Heaven and The Righteous Side Of Hell, Volume 1

Read The CD Review HERE

Read The Chris Kael Interview HERE

2. Black Veil Brides - Wretched And Divine: The Story Of The Wild Ones

Read The CD Review HERE

Read LIVE Review  HERE

See LIVE Photos HERE

3. Buckcherry - Confessions

Read The CD Review HERE

Read The Keith Nelson Interview HERE

See Live Photos HERE

4. Revamp - Wild Card

Read The CD Review HERE

Read The Floor Jansen Interview HERE

5. Alter Bridge - Fortress

Read The CD Review HERE

Read The Mark Tremonti Interview HERE

6. Avenged Sevenfold - Hail To The King

Read The CD Review HERE

See The LIVE Photos HERE

7. Huntress - Starbound Beast

Here's a quote from lead guitarist Blake Meahl: "Thanks Toddstar! It's an honor to be listed with legends!!"

Read The CD Review HERE

Read The Jill Janus and Blake Mehal Interview HERE

Read The LIVE Review HERE

See The LIVE Photos HERE

8. Tom Keifer - The Way Life Goes

Read The CD Review HERE

Read The Tom Keifer Interview HERE

Read The LIVE Review HERE

See The LIVE Photos HERE

9. Sammy Hagar - Sammy Hagar & Friends

Read The CD Review HERE

Read The LIVE Review HERE

See The LIVE Photos HERE

10. Louna - Behind A Mask

Here's a quote from the band: "We're honored.  Thanks so much for recognizing our hard work.  It's unexpected but pleasant to hear such nice things about our music - especially from across the ocean so far from our base of fans and support.  Thank you to everyone  who came out to our first US tour from Sept-Nov with The Pretty Reckless and Heaven's Basement.  We hope to see you again!"

Read The CD Review HERE

11. W.E.T. - Rise Up

Read The CD Review HERE

Read The Jeff Scott Soto Interview HERE

Read The Erik Martensson Interview HERE

12. Joan Jett - Unvarnished

Read The CD Review HERE

13. Hollywood Undead - Notes From The Underground

Read The CD Review HERE

Read The J-Dog Interview HERE

Read The LIVE Review HERE

See The LIVE Photos HERE

14. Lullwater - Lullwater

Here's a quote from rhythm guitarist/vocalist John Strickland: "We are thrilled the new record has been so well received and want to give a huge thanks to our fans for the support.  We can't wait to see everyone on the road in 2014... and much appreciation to Toddstar for the acknowledgment."

Read The CD Review HERE

15. Walking Papers - Walking Papers

Here's a quote from vocalist/guitarist Jeff Angel: "Wow! We are thrilled to be included in Todd's Top 25 of 2013 list! What an honor! And Todd, I don't care what those other guys say about you.  You are alright in my book. :)"

Read The CD Review HERE

16. Sister Sin - Dance Of The Wicked

Here's a quote from drummer Dave Sundberg: "Awesome to hear we're part of the best bands of 2013!!! This year has been amazing to us as we've done 100+ shows spread over 16 countries around the globe.  We've been fortunate enough to travel the world thanks to our growing fan base and fine folks in the press like Toddstar from Toddstar Photography and 100% Rock Magazine!  Looking forward to next year with a brand new album and hopefully make your 'Top 25 Releases if 2014' as well :)  CHEERS!"

Read The CD Review HERE

17. Voodoo Circle - More Than One Way Home

Read The CD Review HERE

18. Nightwish - Showtime, Storytime

Read The CD Review HERE

19. Hinder - Welcome To The Freakshow

Read The CD Review HERE

Read The Cody Hansen Interview HERE

20. Forever The Sickest Kids - J.A.C.K.

Here's a quote from lead singer Jonathan Cook: "WHAT AN HONOR! The hard work we put into this album for over two years pays off when you find out people love it this much!"

Read The CD Review HERE

21. Mothership - Mothership

Read The CD Review HERE

22. Pamela Moore - Resurrect Me

Read The CD Review HERE

23. Zebrahead - Call Your Friends

Here's a quote from bass guitarist Ben Osmundson: "Beyond STOKED to have 'Call Your Friends' included in your Top 25 of 2013!  This next keg of beer is for you!!  Or maybe 2??  Thanks!!!"

Read The CD Review HERE

24. Sevendust - Black Out The Sun

Read The CD Review HERE

Read The John Connolly Interview HERE

25. Alpha Rev - Bloom

Read The CD Review HERE