Waiting and anticipating is often underrated. In my opinion it’s one of the best part of being a dedicated fan. It doesn’t take away the letdowns or the disappointments but it lets you speculate and discuss endlessly about the things you love. These discussions also tend to reveal a lot about music fans. That’s why I asked our editiors to compile a list of their most anticipated albums.
With this list I hope you’ll get better insight as to who our writers and moderators are. We plan on expanding our roaster of talented writers the coming month and what better way to introduce some of them than to ask them to list some of their favorite artists? And since we’re a community we want your opinion, so don’t forget to add your list either in the forum or in the comment section below. Enjoy!

Matthew’s Picks
Editor. Read Matt’s articles and features here.
Thrice – Anthology
Thrice as a band have said goodbye for now to their fans as they go on hiatus for the foreseeable future after 8 full and critically acclaimed albums over 10 years. Their last tour setlist was completely fan-selected and this live double album is the fruit of that endeavor.
Ellie Goulding – Halcyon
I do think I’m on my own with this album, but the sudden influx of young cutesy yet very competent female electro-pop artists of 2010 (Marina and the Diamonds, Little Boots, Ellie and others) in ’10 was exciting to me, and while Marina came back this year with a pretty weak Europop affair, I always felt that Goulding would be the one to go further abreast into more intriguing fields.
G.O.O.D Music – Cruel Summer
As of writing, this album has not leaked yet, but I still may look to be proved foolish by the time of publishing these lists. Kanye’s back with his Clique (including new late additions to the release in Mos Def and Common). Everything Mr. West touches turns to diamond at the moment, and his hand-picked posse shouldn’t disappoint.
QOTSA – TBA
This may be extremely wishful thinking to put this on my 2012 list, but this album has apparently been in the works since summer ’11…! It’d better be out soon! I have never been disappointed by any project with Josh Homme involved. I’m pretty sure it’s impossible for him to not produce something that isn’t face-meltingly awesome
Streetlight Manifesto – The Hands That Thieve
Finally these guys are making an album of original songs! Their last couple of reissues (an acoustic solo album of previous SM songs by front-man Thomas Kalnocky and a cover album as part of the 99 Songs For Revolution project) has been scarcely enough to satisfy my appetite for relentless ska punk since ’07′s Somewhere In The Between. Still the best live experience I’ve ever had, maybe this time they’ll come to me in Ireland…
Sean’s Picks
Editor. Read Sean’s articles and features as well as his published novels.
Mountain Goats – Transcendental Youth
John Darnielle, the creative force behind The Mountain Goats, is one of the most underrated songwriters out there, and even with his impressive creative output (13 LPs since 1994), he has delivered literate, catchy songs that stick with you long after you’re done listening. The new album, Transcendental Youth, features Darnielle working with Arcade Fire collaborator Owen Pallett and is based loosely around a group of mentally deranged misfits…which pretty much describes every Mountain Goats album ever. The first single from the album, Pray for Judas sounds like another strong effort from the group.
M.I.A. – Matangi
OK, let’s get it out of the way…M.I.A.’s 2010 effort, Maya (or /\/\ /\ Y /\ if parts of your keyboard are broken, apparently), was lackluster to say the least, aside from the superlative “Born Free”. But it’s been a couple of years, and judging by the quality of her latest single, Bad Girls, this could be a return to the M.I.A. that delivered Arular and Kala. I’m not the only one who has faith she can deliver, either, as Jay-Z signed her to Roc Nation, Hova’s management firm, earlier in the year.
Girl Talk – TBA
This might be wishful thinking on my part, since Girl Talk hasn’t announced new music since 2010′s amazing All Day, but Girl Talk didn’t announce that album before he dropped it on an unsuspecting world in November 2010. Girl Talk has maintained a pattern of releasing an album every two years for a decade, so hopefully the new album is waiting in the wings.
Melissa’s Picks
Guest editor. Look forward to Melissa’s articles and features in the coming months.
Trash Talk – 119
Due out on October 9, the band’s first LP to be released on Odd Future’s record label will undoubtedly make for an interesting debut. The first single, “F.E.B.N.” alone is a fun indication of the insanity that is sure to come.
A$AP Rocky – LongLiveA$AP
A$AP’s mixtape “LiveLoveA$AP” was a critical success last year thanks to his smooth flow and even tempo, not to mention the gritty New York vibe present throughout his lyrics and rhymes. His much-anticipated studio album “LongLiveA$AP” will come out on Halloween, and I’m hoping he will preview some new material when I see him in New York City September 27.
Tyler, The Creator – Wolf
I have been awaiting Tyler’s next effort since “Goblin” dropped last year, and my fingers are crossed that Tyler’s faithful therapist/alter ego Dr. TC makes another appearance for the third act. Wolf is currently scheduled to be released sometime in November.
The Soft Moon – Zeroes
Originally conceived as a solo project by Luis Vasquez, (who, as it turns out, I am distantly related to - one of the perks of having a large Cuban family) the newest ”full sensory experience” by the band is set to debut October 30. The Soft Moon has been categorized under multiple genres (darkwave, post-punk, among others) but as with all music, labels will just not do the ear justice.
Titus Andronicus – Local Business
Penned after the infamous Williams Shakespeare tragedy, the signature emotional anthems - comprising of grand, eight-minute sing-a-long marathons - from Titus Andronicus will hopefully be showcased yet again on their new album “Local Business”, released October 23. As previously reported by Has it Leaked contributor feelgoodlost, this album will be the first release since the departure of bassist Ian Graetzer and guitarist Amy Klein.
Justin’s Picks
Editor. Read articles and features by Justin and follow him on Twitter.
Mumford and Sons – Babel
This band took the world by storm with Sigh No More; who wouldn’t want to hear the follow-up to it? I wasn’t too keen on the album’s first single “I Will Wait,” but my thoughts were similarly lukewarm for “Little Lion Man” right out of the gates, yet it all grew on me eventually. Babel will be solid, without a doubt.
Two Door Cinema Club – Beacon
An early album leak of Beacon back in July only ensured my pre-order for this record. TDCC has both matured and reinvented its sound with its sophomore LP.
We Are The Ocean – Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow
After dropping its raspy lead vocalist, melodic co-vocalist Liam Cromby is now the frontman and it’s a decision that is sure to pay off. This is by far my most anticipated rock release of the year. Look for my feature on the band right here at the end of the month.
Deftones – Koi No Yokan
Having been a fan of Deftones since my adolescent high-school days, it’s not exactly a secret I’m looking forward to what Chino and co. are brewing. Diamond Eyes, the band’s lastest release, vanquished any doubts of stale songwriting. Koi No Yokan hits shelves Nov. 13th.
The World Is A Beautiful Place And I Am No Longer Afraid To Die – TBA
The as-yet titled debut full-length from the band with the longest name you’ll ever see doesn’t even have an official release date yet, but after a split EP with Deer Leap in late 2011, TWIABPAIANLATD (still following?) proved it is a force to be reckoned with. Combining elements of atmospheric rock ala Explosions in the Sky with a sonic energy akin to Moneen and Tokyo Police Club, the world can rest assured knowing this latest indie-emo rock act is playing for keeps.
Alyssa’s Picks
Guest Editor. Look for Alyssa’s articles in the coming months.
My Dying Bride – A Map of All Our Failures
My Dying Bride is what I’m most looking forward to as the bleakness of winter approaches. They are one of the pioneers of the doom metal genre, but unlike Paradise Lost, they still make music that is relevant to the times while still being something oldschool fans of the doom genre can appreciate. Nothing goes better with the dreary days of wintertime than the morose melancholy that is My Dying Bride.
Anaal Nathrakh – Vanitas
Anaal Nathrakh has been getting faster, more technical, and more bizarre with every album. They are some strange combination of black metal, industrial, grind, and death, and I’m curious to see where they take it with their new album. Only a year has gone by since their last full length release and the studio sessions are done by only 2 musicians, so I wonder how technical the new album can really be with such a short amount of time to write and record. I guess we will see.
Behold…The Arctopus – Horrorscension
Behold…The Arctopus has only released one full length album, and it was already 5 years ago. The album was just about as technical as you can get, with influences ranging from everything from jazz to classical to metal. They are bizarre as hell, not to mention incredibly talented musicians and songwriters (Plus, the guitarist plays a 12 string Warr guitar). I’m really excited to see what they have been doing for the past 5 years, especially with all the jazz influenced metal that has been erupting on the scene lately.
Enslaved – RIITIIR
Enslaved’s last studio release in 2010 (Axioma Ethica Odini) was by far one of my favorite releases that year. Enslaved is one of the few bands that seems to not only continue to release good music, but actually gets better with every release.
Wintersun – Time
Any metalhead that doesn’t put this on their list of anticipated albums is nuts. Wintersun’s first album was amazing. Metalheads can never agree on anything, but the majority of us can agree on that. The album has been in production since 2006 – The songs are complex, consisting of 200 to 300 tracks per each song. So complex, in fact, that it caused computer problems and delays in the recording for 3 full years, following which, Wintersun claimed to be suffering from writer’s block. It’s one of the longest case of musical blue balls I’ve ever experienced, and after 6 years of waiting, I am BEYOND ready to hear it.
Julian’s Picks
Moderator. You’ll find Julian fighting spam and trolls in the comment section of the site. Here’s his profile.
Ill Niño : Epidemia
I’ve always liked Ill Niño and I believe that their latest album „Dead New World” is one of the best nu/alternative metal endeavors of all time.
In Fear And Faith : In Fear And Faith
I got mesmerized when I heard the single from this album and it was enough to put it on my most-wanted list. Even though I didn’t like their previous LPs and by and large I’m not a huge post-hardcore fan, Scott Barnes vocals and brilliant guitar work from Ranim Niroomand just captivated me.
Stone Sour – House Of Gold & Bones – Part I
I can’t say Corey Taylor is my role model, at least not after I read his semi auto-biography called „Seven Deadly Sins”. However I love Slipknot, which is one of my favourite bands and I always impatiently await any work from it’s members – whether it is Joey Jordison and his Murderdolls or Corey and Jim Root in Stone Sour.
Thy Art Is Murder – TBA
Tech-death, technical deathcore – whatever you want to call it – in it’s prime. The Adversary album from 2010 is just the best example of my previous statement. This newest TAIM’s work is set for 2012 release through Metal Blade Records, thought besides a demo song, nothing has yet been revealed.
Periphery : Juggernaut
Periphery never ceases to amaze. First album was out-of-the-ordinary progressive metal’s masterpiece and the second one, even better than its predecessor, is constantly on my daily’s playlist (probably not only mine). Maryland’s outfit, being one of the few truly interesting metal acts around, absolutely deserves the first place on my wish list.
Austin’s Picks
Editor and Facebook admin. Read Austin’s previous work here.
Flying Lotus – Until the Quiet Comes
The Los Angeles based electronic instrumentalist is set to release his fourth album this October. Ever watch Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim and heard the amazing music between shows? Sixty percent of that is Flying Lotus. With guest spots including Erykah Badu, Niki Randa, and Radiohead’s own Thom Yorke and Johnny Greenwood this upcoming release is set to be another stellar album. I’m stoked.
Tilly and the Wall – Heavy Mood
In the absence of Rilo Kiley, Tilly and the Wall has grown to fill the space in my heart. Now they have surpassed them thanks in part to their infectious female vocals and rhythms. A delicate balance of songs about summer fun, dancing, drinking, kissing, and dreaming set them apart from anything else in indie pop today. Oh yeah, the group opted to forgo a drummer in favor of a tap dancer. Pretty rad, don’t miss them on tour this fall.
Converge – All We Love We Leave Behind
Hardcore legends Converge are set to release their eighth studio album this fall. You won’t find any out of house artists on this release. Guitarist Kurt Ballou did all of the mixing and recording while Bannon handled the art and packaging. Be sure to peep the full color forty eight page hardcover booklet available now for pre-order.
Ben Gibbard – Former Lives
Seattle Death Cab For Cutie front man Ben Gibbard plans to release another solo album this Fall. He previously put out a few tracks on a split ‘Home Volume V’ as well as his work under the moniker “¡All-Time Quarterback!” so you should give those a listen too. This new release features content from his last eight years, “Other cities, other plans; different friends, different dreams; former loves, former lives.”
Kendrick Lamar – good Kid, m.A.A.d City’
K Dot has been working with Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre on this latest release so who knows what to expect. In interviews Lamar has stated the album “will discuss his life in the infamous city of Compton.” Ab-Soul, Schoolboy Q, and Jay Rock from Black Hippy make guest appearances as well as Young Jeezy, Kelis, and Lady Gaga. Going to be an impressive major label debut, feeling this the same way I was pumped for ‘channel ORANGE.’
What are your most anticipated albums?
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deeznutz
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TOPH
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Diane
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Benjamin Asante
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dafe
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nyc22
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Chris P.
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Giorgio p
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