2015 was an intriguing year in the rock and roll playing field. With many claiming that "rock is dead," the release schedule for those who like heavier music has often seemed barren over the past 12 months. However, there have been several gems that prove that rock and roll isn't dead or even dying: it's evolving.

One of the ways the genre has done this is through the increasing trend of hard rock groups choosing independence, turning to dedicated fanbases to fund their new music. Another way it has survived is through choosing to release shorter EPs rather than full length albums, mirroring an increasing habit in the music industry as a whole.

Another characteristic of this era of rock music is the rebirth of multiple veteran acts who either folded or changed genre several years ago. The increasing development of fan funding services and options for those looking to release music independently has resulted in reunion records that never would have been possible a few years ago. 

We've rounded up a year end list of some highlight releases you might have missed along the way.

Of Beauty & Rage by RED
 
Ever since the 2006 release of End of Silence, RED's releases have consistently been some of the most anticipated releases of rock listeners. Of Beauty & Rage was no exception, ultimately delivering the highly conceptual, visually rich symphonic rock album fans had been hoping for. This album set a standard for rock releases in 2015 that few other bands would be able to match.

Handmade by The Ongoing Concept
 
This unconventional hardcore album was created from the ground up, in the most literal way possible. The band made all their own instruments for the project, displaying a work ethic and an attention to detail that would translate through the recording and mixing process. The Ongoing Concept has held one of the most unique sounds in the genre over the past few years, and this album only cemented that position.

Land by Tree63
 
It's a rare case when comeback albums not only live up to but perhaps surpass the band's previous work, but Land by Tree63 does just that. The refreshingly classic approach to instrumentation and the honest, soul-searching lyrics make this album a gem of 2015 that will be well worth a listen even for those who have never heard Tree63 before.

The Awakening by P.O.D.
 
With albums like Testify and Satellite under their belts, it's challenging in a way for the veteran rockers in P.O.D. to keep forging ahead, but with this year's concept record they achieved exactly that. The album is full of P.O.D.'s signature adrenaline-laced, reggae-infused sound, punctuated by conversation snippets that highlight a variety of individual stories. 

One Love Revolution by Pillar
 
The long-awaited fan-funded reunion record of Pillar arrived this year in the form of One Love Revolution, a collection of songs crafted by Pillar's core lineup from the past (Rob Beckley, Noah Henson, Michael Wittig and Lester Estelle). The album also shows a return to some of the roots of Pillar's sound, holding their heaviest material in years. 

Vultures EP by Disciple
 
This six song EP is built from b sides that didn't fit thematically with Disciple's 2014 independent album Attack, but it is anything but a collection of cast-offs. The collection of songs carry Disciple's trademark declarations of the truth of God's redemption, even in our darkest moments. Musically, the songs display the incredible strength of Disciple's current lineup, proving that even after over 20 years of experience, this band isn't slowing down any time soon.

Pretty Lies EP by Veridia
 
This year was, seemingly, the year of the rock and roll EP. One of those EPs was Pretty Lies by Word Records rockers Veridia, who have been turning heads both in the Christian market through performances on tours like WinterJam and the mainstream market in coveted spots opening for Evanescence this fall. Pretty Lies shows that all the attention is well-deserved, with a gritty electronic rock sound that can instantly be marked as nothing short of ear candy.

Redline EP by Seventh Day Slumber
 
The first in a set of two EPs from this seasoned rock group, the Redline EP shows a return to some of the best of Seventh Day Slumber's sound with heavy-hitting guitar tones and unabashed expressions of truth. The group plans to donate the profits from the project to charities, putting into practice the challenges they lay out in the songs.

Surrender by Kutless
 
After several releases more in the adult contemporary realm, Kutless revisited their roots with 2015's Surrender. Although perhaps not quite as heavy as early albums like Sea of Faces, with songs like "Tear it Up" and "My Heart is a Ghost," Kutless certainly holds their own in the rock arena again with this album. Older Kutless fans are sure to appreciate the return of a sound they know and love, while the sleek contemporary polish on the project should hold the attention of newer listeners as well.

Falling Up by Falling Up
 
Although they have officially been broken up for a few years now, Falling Up has continued to release occasional projects, of which this self-titled record is likely to be the last. Featuring stunning poetry in the lyrics and the highly artistic, unconventional approach that has characterized Falling Up's albums more and more in recent years, this final album is a worthy cap to the band's career. 

Breathe Again by Spoken
 
This fan-funded project closed off the rock releases of 2015 on a high note. With some of the most dynamic vocals in the genre paired with tight riffs and emotionally charged lyrics, this is the perfect final addition to 2015's rock and roll roster. The independent path gives the band room to display exactly what Spoken can achieve when given free rein, and the results are something well worth a listen.