If you are a frequent listener of my show, then you know that Metal Storm is my go-to source for metal news. Every February, voting for the Metal Storm Awards opens up, and members of the site vote for their favorite metal releases of the previous year. Because my show focuses on symphonic metal, I played songs from the nominated albums last week. Sadly, my favorite symphonic metal album of 2012 was not nominated. In my opinion, however, Epica's Requiem for the Indifferent was the best symphonic metal album of 2012 if not the best metal album of 2012. As the band has progressed in their career, the riffs have gotten heavier and more rhythmic, but the bombastic symphonic and choral elements remain as strong as ever. Requiem for the Indifferent features grandiose metal epics, memorable symphonic metal tracks, and perhaps the band's most radio-friendly single to date -- all in all, their strongest album to date. Here is a music video for the first single from the album. For the more epic tracks, go pick up a copy from your favorite music retailer.