5 Best Albums of 2012 by Charm City Devils Frontman John Allen

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Maryland hard rock troupe Charm City Devils kick butt on their own, but they also get points for featuring two members that used to play in a hair metal band Noisecreep is fan of. Charm City Devils vocalist John Allen (then playing drums) and guitarist Nick Kay both cut their teeth in '90s hair metallers Child's Play, releasing two albums before splitting up. Oh yeah, Allen also spent time in SR-71, a poppy rock band that scored a hit in 2002 with a song called "Right Now."

Going back to their roots, Allen and Kay spend their days now cranking out ballsy guitar-driven rock and their latest album, Sins, is stacked to the rafters with one tasty track after the other.

Noisecreep recently chatted with Allen and put him on the spot by asking the singer what his five favorite albums of the year were.

All I Was, Tremonti

"Having just played with these guys, I can say that the top notch musicianship and its great songs make All I Was one this year's best records!"

Amaryllis, Shinedown

"These guys always bring it! I mean as a singer I have so much respect and admiration for Brent. Our producer said he could sing the phone book and make it sound awesome and I agree. He has a tremendous set of pipes. I'm a huge fan."

The Strange Case of..., Halestorm

"Halestorm are one of the hardest working bands I know. They have awesome energy and attitude and again, killer singing, killer songs and killer production!"

Sins, Charm City Devils

"For obvious reasons."

Transit of Venus, Three Days Grace

"These guys write fantastic songs! I got to see their set after we played on the Rock Allegiance festival and they are a hit machine. 30K people rocking out was the only proof I needed."

Watch Charm City Devils' "Man of Constant Sorrow" Video

Charm City Devils' latest album, Sins, is available now on iTunes and Amazon.

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