|
|
Post by metalcrypt on Dec 6, 2020 7:54:01 GMT -5
Well, 2020 really sucked dick as far as years go (I think I'm the jinx; at the end of 2019, I said 2020 couldn't possibly be worse than 2019...). But there was a hell of a lot of good metal that was released, so even though live shows were shut down in March, it's been a good year for metal.
Use this thread to list your favourites. Maybe add a link to their M-A or Bandcamp page to help people check them out, and/or to a review on this site if it's been reviewed (your pick...)
Feel free to list disappointments as well. Rank if you want to, or just a random list in no order of preference.
|
|
metalmike
Staff
We need it as a liquid in our veins instead of blood
Posts: 298
|
Post by metalmike on Dec 6, 2020 10:51:52 GMT -5
In no order and I'm probably missing some that should be here
Megaton Sword - Blood Hails Steel - Steel Hails Fire Glacier - The Passing of Time Eternal Champion - Ravening Iron Torch - Reignited Hexx - Entangled in Sin Hittman - Destroy all Humans Mike Lepond's Silent Assassins - Whore of Babylon Ages - Uncrown Traveler - Termination Shock Screamer - Highway of Heroes Kvaen - The Funeral Pyre Cloven Hoof - Age of Steel Road Warrior - Mach II
|
|
|
|
Post by larmer28 on Dec 13, 2020 6:22:16 GMT -5
Not sure I bought ten albums. I'll have to see. *counts*
Yeah, ask me again in a couple of years. I think I have exactly ten 2020 releases on CD (mostly automatic purchases by old favourites), and have not exactly actively chased new music to sample.
I'm always notoriously late on new releases. I remember liking Rage, Testament, Mystic Prophecy and Blue Öyster Cult. And that Zach Stevens project, Archon Angel. So those are my current top 5.
I played a couple that seemed promising, but I usually don't go into heavy listening until I've decided to take the plunge and add it to my collection. And that might take years.
|
|
|
|
Post by reigninbloodygore on Dec 17, 2020 21:50:18 GMT -5
In no order and I'm probably missing some that should be here
Screamer - Highway of Heroes
I liked your list! I would have included Screamer on my list (which will be posted in the next day or two I imagine) if it hadn't been released in October in 2019. But what a great record! It has a certain feel that other early heavy metal revering bands just don't have. And for me, it was a grower. The first time was great, but the 20th play through was epic. haha |
|
metalmike
Staff
We need it as a liquid in our veins instead of blood
Posts: 298
|
Post by metalmike on Dec 19, 2020 16:29:12 GMT -5
In no order and I'm probably missing some that should be here
Screamer - Highway of Heroes
I liked your list! I would have included Screamer on my list (which will be posted in the next day or two I imagine) if it hadn't been released in October in 2019. But what a great record! It has a certain feel that other early heavy metal revering bands just don't have. And for me, it was a grower. The first time was great, but the 20th play through was epic. haha Ah, shit, forgot that one was released at the tail-end of 2019. Oh well, I'll call my list "Best albums I reviewed in 2020" LOL |
|
|
|
Post by reigninbloodygore on Dec 20, 2020 0:39:55 GMT -5
Top 10 Albums of 2020 1. Defeated Sanity- The Sanguinary Impetus (Brutal Technical Death Metal)This album did not impress me on first listen, but it did confuse and surprise me. I put it away after a few listens without much thought. I don’t know what possessed me to pick it up again 2 months later, but once I did, I did not let go. At this time, I can hum every moment of the album, as silly as it sounds. If I tell you I don’t like brutal death metal much, but this is the best album I’ve heard this year, then there’s something impressive here. Listen to: "Imposed Corporeal Inhabitation" 2. Warbringer- Weapons of Tomorrow (Thrash Metal)I expected this to be my #1 right after hearing it the first time. It almost made it! “Defiance of Fate” is my song of the year, and for good reason. Those leads that evolve from a single guitar to dual guitar at the end are just badass. This song, and another being flirtations with black metal, this album is adventurous and very well executed. Also, I like themes of war, especially those that question its purpose in the way this one does. The closing track does just that in heavy lyrical fashion, “Tell me father, have you lied. This is no way for a soldier to die! Was there meaning when I fell. Where is the glory, where is the glory for me?”Listen to: "Defiance of Fate" 3. Bone Church- Acid Communion (Stoner Metal, Heavy Metal)I brought this band up into the discussion boards a day or two ago, so you guys already are familiar with it by now. Just some excellent riffs that would make Iommi proud with wonderfully bluesy vocals and general approach. The album was excellent on first listen, and still gets better with each subsequent playthrough. Listen to: "Witch in the Cellar" 4. King Witch- Body of Light (Epic Heavy, Doom Metal)I also brought up this album recently on the message boards. Laura Donnelly is the main reason I love this band, as she is the best female vocalist in metal I’ve heard this year, if not ever. On top of that, great Sabbathian guitar attacks with a tendency to go for the epic bring this album to a very high point on my list.Listen to: "Of Rock and Stone" 5. Havukruunu- Uinos Syomein Sota (Epic Black Metal, Viking)Havukruunu have cracked my top 10 list again with another solid record. I did not really think too much of it aside from the epic viking call and response chanting and choir at the beginning of the first track. The album mostly flew over my head for the first three or four listens. But I’m now past my 30th listen to the whole album and it only gets better and better. Totally epic, and I hardly like black metal anymore. Listen to: Uinuos Syomein Sota 6. Traveler- Termination Shock (Traditional Heavy Metal)Traveler have been my favorite band since their debut album. I must admit, while I think this album is a step up for them on many levels, I believe I actually enjoy the debut more. Probably for nostalgic reason. Anyway, this album saw the band experimenting with song structure a bit, as well as vocal melodies. Listen to: "Deepspace" 7. Eternal Champion- Ravening Iron (Epic Heavy Metal)Everyone knows this release, right? Like others on here have said, this one is good on first listen, but requires many more for it to really settle in. Most of my favorite albums function that way, which is one of the reasons I strongly believe it’s not acceptable to review an album publicly unless you have listened through at least 6 times or so. My opinion changed greatly on this one from first time to the 20th. I love the pinch of thrash energy that sneaks into their sound. But unlike many, I don’t think vocalist Tarpey is a reason I like this band. I almost don’t like his voice, in fact. I just love the heaviness and riffs, which I consider very strong here. Listen to: "A Face in the Glare" 8. Inquision- Black Mass for a Mass Grave (Black Metal)Admittedly, my first listen to this band was their 2016 album, which I only picked up because Sargon’s review was so favorable. I did not enjoy that album, but only listened to it once or twice. Clearly this band is not one that should receive that kind of treatment. This album was similar, but instead of putting it away, I continued trying. Wow, this is actually a stunning record that impresses in a very sneaky way. And now I feel the same about the previous record, which I have begun listening to endlessly recently. This newer album is a bit less riffy to my ears, but atmospherically it is a very unique record, and I just can’t quite put my finger on what it is that makes it so brilliant, but I just keep coming back. Listen to: "Triumphant Cosmic Death" 9. Butcher- 666 Goats Carry my Chariot (Speed Metal, Blackened Speed)Despite how early in the year this released, I didn’t get around to hearing it until early December. If I had heard it sooner, who knows, it might have been higher on this list. I love fast speed metal that doesn’t take itself too seriously, especially when it is blackened. The thing I love most about this album is the spots here and there where you feel they couldn’t get any more intense, louder, or faster, and then out of nowhere, they jolt you with a bolt of energy, like at the end of “45 RPM Metal” on that last vocal burst. That gets me every time!Listen to: "45 RPM Metal" 10. Purification- Perfect Doctrine (Doom Metal, Stoner)Purification were only truly on my radar because my favorite album of 2019 was Troll’s album, “Legend Master,” another doom album who shares the same vocalist. Purification bring an atmosphere unlike most doom metal I have heard this year, more on the stoner-y side, but still its own unique entity. These riffs are serious earworms. And the vocalist does here so well what he did with Troll’s album. He’s a very unique vocalist with a low voice and a surprising range. But what I like so much about his vocals are the vocal inflections which breathe much life and character into his lyrics. It sounds as if he is acting these lyrics at times, varying how much breathiness goes into each lyric or even word. Don’t sleep on this release if you like doom metal. If I heard it sooner than the time I made this list, I could almost guarantee if would be much higher on my list. Unfortunately, another album I heard first at the end of November/early December time. Listen to: "Opium Blade" 11-20 (Not so much in order, although sort of...) 11. Hexecutor- Beyond Any Human Conception of Knowledge… (Thrash, Blackened Thrash Metal)Why this had to come out at the end of the year, I don’t know. This band are insanely talented. I found them with their first release at a time it seemed they were virtually unknown, but they were bringing an intense blackened thrash attack unlike the other masses doing black/thrash. This album continues that energy, but this time feels a bit different. Interestingly, I find with this band (just like I do with Sepultura, a classic example being the instrumental track on Schizophrenia album) that the most exciting moments/songs for me are when this band take out the vocalist and just focus on instrumental work. They are just so freaking talented and exciting to listen to. Likely to enter my top 10 if I had heard it any sooner. Listen to: "Danse Macabre" 12. Ripped to Shreds- Luan (Death Metal)Interestingly, here’s a band which has two touring lineups, kinda like Trans Siberian Orchestra (I only knew that because I played with Trans Siberian a few shows), one in California, and the other in Taiwan. What you get here is a really well composed worship of old Entombed. End of story. Well, just know that it is so well done that it’s worth checking out as opposed to hearing that comparison and ignoring. Listen to: "Baigujing" 13. Solicitor- Spectral Devastation (Traditional Heavy Metal, Speed Metal)I love the energy of this album, but the only reason it didn’t go higher on my list is that the first half of the album is exceptionally better than the second half, in my opinion. Vocal duties here are carried out by a woman with a raspy, yet commanding voice, and will shock you with her electrifying energy. Definitely her vocals are a highlight of the album for me, but the guitars are also phenomenal in many areas of the album. Listen to: "The Red Queen" 14. Megaton Sword- Blood Hails Steel- Steel Hails Fire (Epic Heavy Metal)I’m late to this album, but it grows on me with each listen. Their previous release, Niralet, got so much praise that I checked it out, but I didn’t like it. I think vocals really soured the experience for me. Here, however, I don’t feel that way at all. I do think the vocals require some getting used to, however. Actually, while the vocals are not evidently the best part, in some way I think it is me wanting to get to understand them more that keeps me coming back. Listen to: “The Givers Embrace” 15. Skeletal Remains- The Entombment of Chaos (Death Metal)Okay, honestly, I think THIS IS THE BEST SOUNDING ALBUM ON THIS WHOLE LIST. I love the throwback old school death metal in the vein of early-mid-era Morbid Angel. The vocals are tortured and powerful. The guitar riffs are busy and motivically interesting. The crunchy heavy half time stomp moments are catchy and crushing. The guitar solos are slightly atonal and fast in a way reminiscent of many old school death and thrash metal bands like I like. Somehow, listening to this album is only great for me however if I'm not doing a run from front to back. It's best in small bursts for me, as it begins to feel very long by the time I've gone from track 1 to track 6. I think the most difficult thing about it is that I can't find the reasons for why this is. But don't get me wrong. This album is a banger, especially if you dig mid-era Morbid Angel. In fact, I feel it’s the best mid-era Morbid Angel album that Morbid Angel did not release! So go get it!Listen to: "Congregation of Flesh" 16. Ironsword- Servants of Steel (Epic Heavy Metal)I was late to the Ironsword party. Or rather, late to the fan club. I had Overlords of Chaos, but did not grow attached to it back then. Now, I’m really on board with what this band delivers. Now that I’m at this point in my list, I think this should be higher on my list, but oh well. The riffs, heaviness, the pounding drums, and the incredible vocal performances here…it just really stacks up as an amazing album from front to back. My favorite track here is “Tower of the Elephant,” because I personally feel the musicality in the guitar solo is one of the most musically interesting solos I’ve heard all year. Listen to: "Tower of the Elephant" 17. Ensiferum- Thalassic (Viking, Melodic Death Metal)Here’s something I didn’t expect to add to my list. I think this kind of music is what brought me into metal fandom, but I overdosed on European melodic death metal very quickly and got burnt out on it after a while. So perhaps now coming back to this sound I am a bit refreshed. While I must say that all the songs here are well constructed, the real star of the album for me is the new keyboardist/vocalist, who really elevates this album with his powerful and soulful performances. I especially love his intense contributions at the end of “One with the Sea,” the big climax of the album. I better not forget to include the fact that I really love the folky instrumental work at the end of the album, which is extremely catchy, and done respectfully well. Listen to: "Run from the Crushing Tide" 18. Ambush- Infidel (Traditional Heavy Metal)One of the first 2020 albums I heard. I do believe I listened to it in my rotation for a good 3 months before I put it away, which I believe is an impressive feat. To be honest, I can’t claim there is anything here that you must hear, but I do believe it to be a fantastic album in the vein of Riot’s classic work. Listen to: "Leave them to Die" 19. Enslaved- Utgard (Viking, Progressive Black Metal)Here’s a difficult album for me to put words to. I think in some way this band makes my list because I respect what they’re doing and know this album will continue to grow on me with time, much like the previous full-length E did. I currently think E is a phenomenal record, which you wouldn’t have caught me saying the year it came out, when I didn’t really care for it. It grew on me in a big way. I expect this one to do the same. “Homebound” is somehow the standout track for me here, despite how much it sounds like a post-metal album song at times. The addition of the drummer’s vocals here is quite impressive in my opinion, and a much welcomed opportunity. Listen to: "Homebound" 20. Magnus Karlsson’s Freefall- We Are the Night (Heavy Metal)This one I almost did not check out. Glad I did! I love efforts like these, which feature multiple high profile and/or outstanding classic metal/hard rock vocalists. For this reason, I always had a huge respect for Ayreon as well. Not everything on this album is a banger in my opinion, but the stellar vocal performances do more than enough to keep me coming back for more listens. I really also want to add that I really appreciate that they got Tony Martin on here. I was a latecomer to his efforts with Black Sabbath, but I love his work. Here he seems almost above his range at times, but he still sounds great. Listen to: "Hold Your Fire" EP of the Year Living Gate- Deathlust (Death Metal)Awarding this my EP of the year spot is an easy choice. This one functions for me just like Vader’s awesome EP from last year in that it is short, full of great riffs and songwriting, and when it finishes you don’t feel a need to deviate and find something else to listen to. Just play it again! Wow, I could only imagine if this was completed to a full-length, it would surely be in my top 5 albums. If you are like me and love early Suffocation, there is something here for you, although it does not only scream Suffocation, as it is a mixture of influences. Very cool release!Listen to: "Living Gate" |
|
|
|
Post by doomyguy on Dec 24, 2020 4:37:33 GMT -5
Good list - and really great that you taken time to write a few lines on each entry.
|
|
|
|
Post by doomyguy on Dec 26, 2020 4:48:21 GMT -5
2020 has been a really mixed year for metal for me. On the one hand I missed out on some eagerly anticipated concerts (including finally seeing Mercyful Fate), but on the other, a lot of great albums have been released, and Bandcamp fridays have for helped drive a flood of discoveries each month. It is probably telling, that a rather large percentage of my list are actually debuts and/or newer bands. We truly live in great times for metal fans. (But probably less so for the bands.) The top part of the list is in a loose order - but really most could easily switch places, I enjoyed them all greatly!
Dexter Ward: III
One of the best Epic Metal albums I have heard in a long time. Muscular and melodic, with long, yet varied songs and huge & catchy choruses.
This is is the album where Dexter Ward goes from merely promising, to becoming a top tier band within the genre. Demonslayer, Demonslaayer! BandcampGlacier: The Passing of Time Surprise of the year. This is just really good heavy metal - melodic, yet with just the right crunch in the sound. Had never heard of these guys, but will definitely keep an eye out for their future releases. BandcampCloven Hoof: Age of Steel This album have some of the most catchy songs ever. Some of them sounds like something you have heard before, but who cares - they will stay in your head for days. Bandcamp Solitary Sabred: By Fire and BrimstoneAnother band I had never heard of, but which released an incredible album in 2020. With over the top - almost operatic vocal stylings in places, this should not really work for me, but oh, does it work. Bandcamp
Pale Divine: Consequence of Time
I was not amongst those who applauded the inclusion of Dana Ortt (how ever talented he may be) and the proggier sound direction this has resulted in. The songwriting is still top-notch, but I preferred the older, more muscular sound. Still, Pale Divine is one of my favourite bands and I have a hard time seeing them ever releasing anything that would not end up on my year-end list. Bandcamp
Traveler: Termination ShockWas actually a little on the fence whether to include this, but fuck it; it slays and it stays. I think my hesitation is more about it not quite living up to my high expectations for their sophomore album, than any fault with with the album itself. (and possibly because it was released for what now seems to be ages ago.) Traveler is deservedly considered one of the news stars on the traditional heavy metal firmament and Termination Shock cements that. Bandcamp Dark Forest: Oak, Ash & ThornSolid album from this English band. I have a hard time adequately describing it - so what this guy said. BandcampBear Mace: Charred Field Of Slaughter Now, I am not really a Death Metal fan. Unless the tempo is not all that fast, it is heavy as fuck and filled with good songwriting. As this fits all of the above in spades, it has been on heavy rotation for most of the year and slowly, but surely wormed it's way into my year end list. Bandcamp
Greyhawk: Keepers of the flameGreat debut from these newcomers - really catchy power metal with some quite good vocals. BandcampPossessed Steel: Aedris This almost ended up among the honourable mentions - for some reason it took a good few spins to click for me. But I am glad I gave it an extra chance, because this actually a very good epic metal album. Compositional it is a step upwards from their ep, and the occasional blackened vocals works well for variation. BandcampIronsword: Servants of Steel Iron Sword is one of those bands, that I should probably like more than I actually do. They have never quite clicked enough with me to gain status a favourite. But Servants of Steel is a mighty good album, with better than usual production (for Ironsword). BandcampSolicitor: Spectral Devastation When speed metal is done like this (right that is), I like it a lot. BandcampMegaton sword: Blood Hails Steel - Steel Hails FireAnother newcomer on the epic metal scene. Not really crazy about the vocals, but the music is more than solid. BandcampAmbush: InfidelThis is a decent 80'es style trad metal album. Some of the songs are overly commercial for my tastes (especially in the vocal department) - and some of it sounds a lot like something you have heard before. But loads of great guitar-work saves the day and makes this a really enjoyable album. Double Cross: Obey Thy MasterA real charmer of a debut ep. This is unpolished Heavy Metal with gruff vocals and the bass mixed delightfully high in the mix. (Which I am a real sucker for.) Basic this may be, but the four short songs are quite good with effective hooks and riffs, ultimately leaving you wanting more after the last note has rung. Bandcamp Bone Church: Acid Communion A really late addition to the list, thanks to reigninbloodygore reccomending it on his list. That this slab of catchy, bluesy Sabbathian heavy rock, immediately catapulted itself onto my list is a testament of how good it is. Bandcamp
Honourable mentions: Old Mother Hell: Lord of Demise - Had expected this to be a certain year list entry. That it is not, is probably more about the high quality of releases this year, than because this album is lacking. Great doomy heavy metal - with one of the best songs of the year in Avenging Angel. Bandcamp Blazon Rites: Dulce Bellum Inexpertis E.P. - fun little epic metal debut ep. Will be looking for more from these guys. Bandcamp
Meurtrières: Meurtrières - Blistering epic metal sung in French. A little raw and basic - but not bad at all. Bandcamp Neck Cemetery: Born in a Coffin - Great headbanging fun. Bandcamp Hydra: From Light to the Abyss - These newcomers does not really bring anything new to the stoner doom genre, but what they bring is tasty indeed. Bandcamp Ecclesia: De Ecclesiæ Universalis - Out of nowhere came this French doom band with a really interesting debut full-length. I call it doom, because that is what it feels like to me, but it really is very varied in tempo, style and tone. Bandcamp |
|
|
|
Post by reigninbloodygore on Dec 26, 2020 8:25:37 GMT -5
Good list - and really great that you taken time to write a few lines on each entry. I likewise enjoyed reading through your list. I always try to write about each and do my lists giving as much to them as I can, as I see year end lists as a form of promotion of these bands. Some bands in my list could really use that, especially Bone Church and Hexecutor. There are a few albums in your list I’ve yet to hear so I’ll be digging into those in the coming days. I heard the Dexter Ward album but didn’t finish my first playthrough. For some reason, I found the vocals so hit and miss. But seeing that it was well-received gives me reason to try again, especially since I don’t believe one listen enough to make a decision on any band’s material. Thanks for posting yours, and in similar fashion which I like. |
|
|
|
Post by doomyguy on Dec 26, 2020 9:20:38 GMT -5
Hexecutor are on the fast side for me, but you have have made at least one Bone Church convert alreay  |
|
|
|
Post by reigninbloodygore on Dec 26, 2020 10:43:11 GMT -5
Hexecutor are on the fast side for me, but you have have made at least one Bone Church convert alreay I love doom. Did you hear the Purification album from this year? It’s fantastic. Also, their singer’s other band Troll needs way more attention. Their 2019 album Legend Master is incredible. Can’t believe how little conversation there is about Troll (Oregon). |
|
|
|
Post by doomyguy on Dec 27, 2020 4:08:11 GMT -5
No to both, Purification I have never heard of, and I thought I had checked out Troll, but possibly that was one of the other Trolls out there. (Dream troll perhaps) Will look them up. I am totally with you on the doom appreciation - one of my favourite genres for sure. Not so much the very slow "pure" doom, like Reverend Bizarre though, but bands like Procession, Pale Divine, Pentagram are right up my alley. Actually much of what I listen to much are classified as having some doom aspect, which I don't really get, but it must be true, ha ha.  (Like Atlantean Kodex, Doomsword, Solstice, Argus) |
|
|
|
Post by reigninbloodygore on Dec 27, 2020 5:36:24 GMT -5
No to both, Purification I have never heard of, and I thought I had checked out Troll, but possibly that was one of the other Trolls out there. (Dream troll perhaps) Will look them up. I am totally with you on the doom appreciation - one of my favourite genres for sure. Not so much the very slow "pure" doom, like Reverend Bizarre though, but bands like Procession, Pale Divine, Pentagram are right up my alley. Actually much of what I listen to much are classified as having some doom aspect, which I don't really get, but it must be true, ha ha. (Like Atlantean Kodex, Doomsword, Solstice, Argus) I’ve yet to hear Pale Divine, which must be a shocker given they’re seemingly one of your favorites. Actually, I’ve never heard Procession either. But I’m a big fan of Solstice, and a slightly lesser but still fan of those other you mentioned. Pentagram I really need to dive into more. But anyway, really good Doom metal for me is often better than really good metal from other sub genres I like. I loved Crypt Sermon’s two full-lengths. That’s how you do epic doom! |
|
|
|
Post by doomyguy on Dec 27, 2020 9:43:39 GMT -5
Oh? Then you have something to look forward.
A couple of my fave songs for a quick taste:
Procession:
Pale Divine:
Totally agree on Crypt Sermon! Like the first one best, but they are both great.
|
|
(Like Atlantean Kodex, Doomsword, Solstice, Argus)