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This week we are going to take a look at all of our reviewers Top 10 album picks of the year. Please pipe up down in the comments with any that we may have missed or if you don’t agree with any of our picks.

Today we have our UK reviewer, CharlesMartel take a look at his favorite moments of 2012.

Albums

Alcest – Les Voyages de l’Âme

The Chaw – The Chaw

Lana del Rey – Born to Die

Disappears – Pre-Language

Der Noir – A Dead Summer

Right from the start of the year, Alcest’s third album looked like it would be a winner and none has topped it since. Alcest practically invented blackgaze and their reputation is firmly established with this album.

The Chaw is an unsigned band whose debut album I reviewed during the year. It has been a long time since I heard a new band with such a good sound.

Lana del Rey’s (a.k.a Lizzie Grant) much awaited album lived up to expectations. Her sultry voice was one of the successes of the year.

Disappears issued a fine album in pre-language, probably better than expected. Given that Disappears utilise members from the Ponys, I would suggest the latter give it up and the former continue.

Der Noir hail from Rome and their dark Goth/post-punk sound is reminiscent of Italian outfit Diaframma at their best.

Best Reissue

The Sound – Jeopardy

What can I say, after such a long time waiting, the 1980 classic post-punk album finally gets reissued. One of the classics of its genre.

Best Gig

John Watts has gathered together a talented group of young musicians and is touring again, playing a mixture of his solo material and Fischer-Z tracks. Always a pleasure to watch.

Best Newcomer

The Chaw are unsigned but if their debut album is anything to go by then this state of affairs should not last long.

Biggest Surprise

Led Zeppelin’s “Celebration Day” live recording of the one off concert of 2007. Even after all these years, Zeppelin show why they were, are and probably always will be the best exponents of hard blues based rock

Biggest Letdown

Swans – The Seer. A highly rated and much anticipated album, this was hyped as the rebirth of Michael Gira as a musical force. Trouble is it is overblown, pompous and lacking direction. About time the Swans packed it in I fear.