The season for hayrides, pumpkin carving, bobbing for apples and candy grabbing is in full swing and the current rock scene looks just as appealing. Though nothing can ever top Michael Jackson’s spine chilling blockbuster Thriller, there are still plenty of October rock releases to heat up the festivities. From spiritually-minded crossover favorites like Mute Math, Needtobreathe and even Coldplay, to Tooth & Nail stable mates Family Force 5, Thousand Foot Krutch and Emery, gear up for plenty of revved up treats.

The Act: Mute Math
The Album: Odd Soul (Teleprompt/Warner Bros.)
The Sound: Electro Rock

The Scoop: What happens when classic rock influences pop up on an electronic rock project packed with plenty of spiritual soul searching? Well that must mean the latest direction for New Orleans’ always innovative Mute Math, complete with bits of dance pop and searing psychedelia to keep listeners guessing.

The Best Download: “Tell Your Heart Heads Up”

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The Act: Needtobreathe
The Album: The Reckoning (Atlantic)
The Sound: Garage Rock

The Scoop: After opening an arena trek for Taylor Swift, Needtobreathe’s The Reckoning is amongst this season’s most anticipated CD releases. The group seems to be taking cues from the dusty rock grooves of Kings of Leon or The Black Keys, while continuing its seeker-friendly songwriting.

The Best Download: “White Fences”

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The Act: Coldplay
The Album: Mylo Xyloto (Capitol)
The Sound: Brit Rock

The Scoop: Though the Chris Martin-led modern rockers are full-fledged superstars these days, their fifth studio CD suggests there’s still plenty of room for musical experimentation and additional spiritual pondering. “Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall” leads the charge as a single with surging acoustics and towering percussion, though the disc also serves as a partial throwback to the band’s stripped down Brit rock beginnings.

The Best Download: “Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall”

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The Act: Relient K
The Album: K Is For Karaoke (Gotee Records)
The Sound: Punk Rock

The Scoop: During most of its concerts, Relient K covers a random track in its punk-tinged tradition. Catch a smattering of those selections polished up in the studio, including versions of top tunes originally cut by Cyndi Lauper, Weezer, Justin Bieber and Tom Petty, amongst many more.

The Best Download: “Surf Wax America”

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The Act: Family Force 5
The Album: III (Tooth and Nail)
The Sound: Electro Rock

The Scoop: Seeming like they just landed from outer space, Family Force 5’s aptly named third album is loaded with futuristic instrumentation and production, alongside one of its catchiest and most affirming lyrical dichotomies to date.

The Best Download: “Paycheck”

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The Act: Deas Vail
The Album: Deas Vail (Gotee Records)
The Sound: Experimental Rock

The Scoop: Some have dubbed this group the second coming of Radiohead, while others have cited similarities to Death Cab For Cutie and Mae. No matter what the point of reference, Deas Vail provides a fresh batch of cerebral indie rock that shoots for the stars.

The Best Download: “Pulling Down the Sun”

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The Act: Thousand Foot Krutch
The Album: Welcome To The Masquerade: Fan Edition (Tooth and Nail)
The Sound: Modern Rock

The Scoop: The initial version of the album was considered one of 2009’s best sellers, but with this expanded edition, listeners can look forward to three new songs, plus a plethora of fan submitted photos throughout the linear notes.

The Best Download: “Bring Me To Life”

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The Act: Emery
The Album: Ten Years (Solid State)
The Sound: Hard Rock

The Scoop: Celebrating its tenth year as a band, Emery is about due for a retrospective collection and this release covers all its career crests, plucked from nearly a half million album sales.

The Best Download: “In Shallow Seas We Sail”

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The Act: Satellites & Sirens
The Album: Frequency (self-released)
The Sound: Alternative Rock

The Scoop: Armed with towering harmonies, monstrous guitars, shiny synthesizers and an evangelical mindset, this second CD from Satellites & Sirens is hands down its most aggressive and ambitious.

The Best Download: “Run To You”

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The Act: Various Artists
The Album: Courageous Soundtrack (Reunion)
The Sound: Pop/Rock

The Scoop: One of this year’s top faith-based films is clearly Sherwood Pictures’ Courageous, as evidenced by its rank as the top grossing new movie (and fourth place film overall) during its debut week. See what all the fuss is about on the hit-laden soundtrack, featuring modern rock favorites like Third Day, Sanctus Real, Tenth Avenue North, John Waller and Brandon Heath, alongside contemporary leaders Casting Crowns.

The Best Download: Third Day’s “Sound of Your Voice”