umm, funny i was just going to say that i thought the new Combichrist album is easily one of the worst this year.
for best of the year, personally these 3 bands come to mind:
Mark Nichcolas - Duchess 33
this is sort of industrial/electro/synthpop/pop/club, very interesting stuff. i thought it was a great album!
Saltillo - Ganglion
this one is much hard to explain, but i recommend you give it a listen. again, very interesting music.
Rotersand - Welcome To Goodbye
now this last one i'm sure most people here are familar with, what can I say,,, i just really enjoyed the album, no part or sound in particular, just all over well done.
just my 2 cents...