2020 has been an atypical year for the music industry. The usual album and tour cycles have been turned on their heads. Some bands chose to hold their albums for when touring starts up again. Some bands found creative ways to release their albums, many with livestreams to go with it. Other bands took the opportunity to record and release unexpected music, and much more of that will be coming in 2021. Heavy Metal has always been a cathartic release, and that was much needed in 2020. There were plenty of incredible headbangers to help us get through it all. Here are our Five Fave: 2020 Mainstream Metal Albums.
5 – Lamb Of God – Lamb Of God
This self-titled album from metal masters Lamb Of God is everything you hope for. The sounds, the screams, the lyrical messages, are all American metal at its best. Vocalist Randy Blythe, guitarists Mark Morton and Willie Adler, bassist John Campbell, and new drummer Art Cruz are in perfect sync.
4 – Trivium – What The Dead Men Say
Trivium has been kicking ass and taking names for a long time. They consistently deliver crushing tunes, full of aggression and lyrics that make you think. There is plenty to love about “What The Dead Men Say” and we simply cannot wait to finally hear these songs performed live.
3 – Killer Be Killed – Reluctant Hero
The second release from supergroup Killer Be Killed is outstanding. The band has three lead singers, and they all take their moments to shine. KBK is The Dillinger Escape Plan vocalist/guitarist Greg Puciato, Soulfly / Cavalera Conspiracy / ex-Sepultura frontman Max Cavalera, Mastodon bassist/co-vocalist Troy Sanders and Converge drummer Ben Koller.
2- Armored Saint – Punching The Sky
Legendary thrash masters Armored Saint dropped their first new album in 5 years, and all of the pent-up energy is fully released on “Punching The Sky”. John Bush, Joey Vera, Jeff Duncan and the Sandoval brothers, Gonzo and Phil, are still as relevant and impressive 4 decades in as they have ever been.
1 – Avatar – Hunter Gatherer
Sweden continues to produce creative and dynamic rock bands, who continue to push themselves with each album release. Avatar continues to push boundaries with “Hunter Gatherer”, possibly their most completely satisfying effort to date. Check out their upcoming livestream specials coming in January.
Five Fave: 2020 Metal Albums You May Have Missed