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Rock Album of the Year

After honing their skills on the underground scene, Toronto four-piece Billy Talent broke through in a big way with their self-titled major label debut. The single "Try Honesty" was a hit here and in the U.K. and U.S., and it typifies a guitar-fuelled rock sound that is both aggressive and accessibly melodic. They appeared on the Area: 2 tour and have a real love of performance. "Playing live comes first for us," says drummer Aaron Solowoniuk.

This artist is also nominated for: Single of the Year | New Group of the Year

The album title of the latest disc from Toronto trio Danko Jones sums up their intense and electric performance style. Combined with their hard-drivin' rock 'n roll meets blues and funk sound, it has made them favourites on the European festival circuit. Danko Jones were once described as "the offspring of Hendrix, Howlin' Wolf and Lemmy, off on a whorehouse bender in the South." They were nominated for a JUNO in this category last year with Born A Lion.

With international sales of over 10 million copies, 2001s Silver Side Up placed Vancouver-based hard rockers Nickelback in the rock elite. That album featured one of the most-played singles in radio history, "How You Remind Me." The band is back on top with their fourth CD, The Long Road, already a double platinum smash here. "We've pushed things further in every way possible," says mainman Chad Kroeger of the release. Nickelback and Chad won a 2003 JUNO as Songwriter Of The Year.

This artist is also nominated for: Single of the Year | Juno Fan Choice | Group of the Year | Album of the Year

After years of heavy dues paid in bands like William and Northstar, Montrealer Sam Roberts hit the jackpot with 2002's breakthrough independent EP, The Inhuman Condition. It's verging on gold status and hits like "Brother Down" and "Don't Walk Away Eileen" showed Sam's range and melodic gifts. Full-length debut We Were Born In A Flame showed he's the real deal, a new populist rock hero.

This artist is also nominated for: Artist of the Year | Album of the Year

The contagion known as Sum 41 just keeps on spreading, thanks to their irresistible hook-heavy punk meets hard rock stylings. Their aptly-named debut disc, All Killer No Filler, sold over three million copies worldwide, thanks in part to their 300 shows a year schedule. More musical mayhem is delivered on Does This Look Infected?, which sports sinus-clearing production from Greig Nori (Treble Charger).