Rock + Metal Class of 2013

The Swedish metal band Avatar may be onto their fourth album, but 2013 found the band truly making their first inroads in the U.S. Their 'Black Waltz' album also enjoyed airplay success as 'Smells Like a Freakshow' turned out to be their breakout single in North America. As the year winds down, the song 'Let It Burn' is also getting some attention.

California rockers Beware of Darkness emerged on the scene with their debut album 'Orthodox' in May. The disc, bolstered by the breakout single 'Howl,' helped put the band on the map. The song became a Top 5 song at Active Rock radio. Showing that they were no one-trick pony, Beware of Darkness began climbing the charts with 'All Who Remain' at the end of the year.

The David Draiman-led Device entered the year as one of the most highly-hyped new acts and they didn't disappoint. The band's breakout single 'Vilify' topped the charts and the group also had a solid follow-up single in 'You Think You Know.' The band's debut album also enjoyed plenty of attention for its star-studded guest lineup and the duet with Lzzy Hale on the cover of 'Close My Eyes Forever' also earned some attention.

Though Egypt Central dissolved in late 2012, the good news to come out of that was that was that Blake Allison and Joey 'Chicago' Walser had decided to continue under the new band name Devour the Day. Now in control of their own fate, the duo built the impressive 'Time & Pressure' debut disc, which yielded one of the year's better songs in 'Good Man.' It enjoyed a lengthy chart run and Devour the Day have given 'Move On' some attention as well.

Gemini Syndrome came firing out of the gates with their 'Lux' album, which showcased the powerful vocals of Aaron Nordstrom. The band got the ball rolling with their breakout single 'Basement,' a track that perfectly blended moments of intensity with Nordstrom's melodic mastery. They followed with 'Stardust,' a driving fist-pumping rocker. And they're just getting started.

The Norwegian metal outfit Kvelertak made their presence known in 2013 with their sophomore set, 'Meir.' The band immediately captured everyone's attention with their in-your-face rocker 'Bruane Brenn,' and enjoyed similar success with their relentless song 'Evig Vandrar' and the straight-up rocker 'Kvelertak.'

What do you get when you mix the former members of Isis with Deftones frontman Chino Moreno? You get the atmospheric ebb and flow of the new band Palms, who wowed with their debut effort. Fans were treated to the moody intensity of the preview track 'Patagonia' and later got an equally powerful 'Future Warrior' to chew on.

Yes, the Pretty Reckless have been around a few years, but they truly enjoyed a breakout in 2013 with a pair of tracks from their forthcoming album 'Going to Hell.' The title track, with some funky riffing, fat bass and grab-your-attention vocals from Taylor Momsen, opened some doors for the band. They used that opening to introduce fans to the infectious, foot-stomping follow-up single 'Heaven Knows.'

The Idaho upstarts We as Human may be the most radio-ready rock band on this list. The group's single 'Strike Back' has helped introduce the band to listeners and the prime opening slot on the Carnival of Madness only helped grow their fan base. 'Strike Back' earned a Dove Award nomination for Rock Song of the Year, and with tracks like 'Bring to Life,' 'Take the Bullets Away' and 'Sever' it's likely we'll be hearing more from We As Human in 2014.

The British rockers Young Guns made their inroads in the U.S. with their sophomore set, 'Bones,' which yielded the highly successful title track. Though the single began to pick up steam in late 2012, it didn't reach No. 1 until 2013. Meanwhile, the follow-up single, 'You Are Not (Lonely),' is currently climbing the charts as the band starts working toward a new album.