Lesser-Known 2020 Metal Albums to Check Out Based on the Cancelled/Postponed Tour You’re Missing
Man, I tell ya, 2020 is just, like, a total bummer, dude. When is the last time you went this long without seeing live music? It really, really blows.
Hopefully, this will provide a small consolation: recommendations for lesser-known bands to check out, based on the summer show for which you were most excited, but will now no longer be happening. I obviously couldn’t do this for every summer tour, so, y’know, use your best judgment. Also please note these are only my opinions. Don’t @ poor Vince.
If you were going to Judas Priest, you should check out…
Traveler – Termination Shock (Gates of Hell)
I keep thinking Traveler should be called “Time Traveler,” because they seem to have been sent here from 1984. Pairs well with battle vests, leather, bullet belts, and spiked-studded boots. Best listened to blasting from your car while you grill and swill cheap beer.
If you were going to Guns N’ Roses and/or Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe, Poison, etc. and/or Kiss and David Lee Roth, you should check out…
Girish and the Chronicles – Rock the Highway (Lion’s Pride)
This Indian band made the most rockin’ hair metal album I’ve heard in ages. I am, in fact, fairly certain that I could play this is for someone who didn’t know better and convince them the band was big during the Riki Rachtman era of Headbangers Ball. Best listened to while roaring down the open road atop your Harley.
If you were going to Megadeth, Lamb of God, Trivium, and In Flames, you should check out…
Oceans of Slumber – Oceans of Slumber (Century Media)
You want something heavy, with top-notch musicianship, but also kinda catchy, right? The Texas band’s fourth full-length oughta tickle you where it feels good. Unfortunately it doesn’t actually come out until September 4. But you can check out the latest single, “The Adorned Fathomless Creation,” below, and pre-order the album here.
If you were going to Rage Against the Machine and Run the Jewels, you should check out…
Disciples of Verity – Pragmatic Sanction
Like Oceans of Slumber, this album isn’t out yet it drops August 7. But it’s heavy and hooky and, given the involvement of Living Colour singer Corey Glover, we can assume it’s gonna have some deep thoughts about the state of the world to share.
If you were going to Korn and Faith No More, you should check out…
Abrams – Modern Ways (Sailor)
Huge, hearty, and melodic, Modern Ways is neither as weird as FNM nor as aggro as Korn… but I’m guessing you’ll still dig its vibe, which definitely draws from ’90s alt-rock.
If you were going to Deftones, Gojira, and Poppy, you should check out…
Insect Ark – The Vanishing (Profound Lore)
Featuring current and former members of Swans and SubRosa, Insect Ark’s music is just as dreamy, if considerably less polished and more experimental, than that of the Deftones. Gojira fans will also probably dig its willingness to get weird and introspective.
If you were going to Tool, you should check out…
Descend – The Deviant (Aftermath)
This will definitely lean towards the heavy side for you — the sometimes-screamed vocals might not be your thing — but in terms of music that’s proggy and emotional and only benefits from marijuana use, you can’t do much better than The Deviant.
If you were going to Primus, The Sword, Wolfmother, Battles, you should check out…
Dool – Summerland (Prophecy)
Psychedelic, cinematic, and kinda-sorta trad metal, this may not quench your thirst for Claypoolian funkiness… but honestly, I think they’re way better than The Sword or Wolfmother. Debate me.
If you were going to Windhand, you should check out…
Acid Mammoth – Under Acid Hoof (Heavy Psych Sounds)
So you wanna smoke your brains into a wet puddle and wrap yourself in a warm blanket of fuzz’d-out doom? Well, this band is really, really, really into acid and mammoths, so. Yeah. You’ll probably dig this.
If you were going to The Gathering of the Juggalos, you should check out…
Night Crowned – Impius Viam (Noble Demon)
I’ll be honest: I have no idea if you’ll like this. You bought tickets to The Gathering of the Juggalos, so while I’m sure you’re a nice person, I really have no idea what constitutes “good” in your mind. But this band is pretty great, and also, they wear costumes and make-up, so maybe you’ll get into them…?
If you were going to Disturbed, you should check out…
A Neurologist
That isn’t the name of a band or an album or whatever. I just think you need to get your head checked.
