We continue to count down the finest slabs of metal from the last year, as chosen by the devout scribes here at BW&BK;/BraveWords.com. As with previous years, each writer was asked to pick his top 20 albums of the year (no live records, compilations or covers etc...). We perform a little behind-the-scenes metal math and voila, we have our list! We'll be counting down the Top 30 all month - yup, one a day until we get to New Year's - yes, we're aware that December has 31 daze but we thought we'd let you hang until January 1st!

It's time for #23 - drum roll please...

#23 - SOILWORK - The Panic Broadcast (Nuclear Blast)

Swedish modern metal heroes SOILWORK released The Panic Broadcast in July and it was the first album to feature original guitarist, songwriter and producer Peter Wichers since his return to the band in 2008.

The Panic Broadcast was also produced by Wichers who says "it was great challenge for me but also one of the greatest experiences of my career. I can honestly say that I’ve never worked this hard on any record that I’ve produced, but it was all worth it. I am super happy with the performances from all the guys, and I don't think Soilwork has ever sounded this good. My approach for this record was to try and keep an open mind to the overall sonic picture, without letting my own ego take over (I am a guitar player after all, haha). By doing so, I think everyone on this record got a chance to shine, and that was my main goal. I’m super proud of this record and I know that even if you’re an ‘Old School’ or ‘New Listener’ to Soilwork, this album has something for both. There are some insane fast and furious songs with insane blast beats, as well as groove. There’s also a balance with songs that have some beautiful guitars/vocals and keyboard melodies. This is the best album Soilwork has ever done!"

Wichers recorded a track-by-track breakdown for The Panic Broadcast below:

Brave Picks Top 30 Of 2010

#30 - STONE SOUR: Audio Secrecy (Roadrunner)

#29 - APOCALYPTICA - 7th Symphony (Sony)

#28 - TWILIGHT: Monument To Time End (Southern Lord)

#27 - HAIL OF BULLETS - On Divine Winds (Metal Blade)

#26 - FORBIDDEN - Omega Wave (Nuclear Blast)

#25 - KROKUS - Hoodoo (Columbia)

#24 - AIRBOURNE - No Guts. No Glory. (Roadrunner)

#23 - SOILWORK - The Panic Broadcast (Nuclear Blast)