10 Heavy Albums to Put You in the Summer Mood

We’re officially in the throes of summer, so why not dig into some awesome rock and metal albums that’ll keep those beach days, chill nights, and endlessly good vibes going?

Now, not all 10 LPs discussed below are breezy, happy, colorful, or otherwise – well – summer-like in an obvious sense. Many of them are, though — at least to some degree. In most instances, these records capture a feeling of the brazen (if not risqué) rambunctiousness that’s typically associated with the year’s hottest afternoons. And for when the mercury drops and the cool evening breeze hits, we’ve also got some chilled out tunes that hit different.

Whatever the case may be, each and every one could provide the soundtrack to your summer, but we’d love to know about other songs/albums/bands you dig during this time of year in the comments below.

Deafheaven – Sunbather (2013)

A seminal blackgaze record, Deafheaven’s sophomore sequence ironically contrasts the peaceful tone of its title and artwork with plenty of brutal passages (“Dream House,” “Vertigo”). Yet, it’s precisely that vehemence that could support some truly rowdy (but legal…ish) activities. Plus, Sunbather’s explorations of classism and unachieved ambitions – inspired by vocalist George Clarke juxtaposing his perceived failures with the idealism of “a girl . . . sunbathing [on] her front lawn” who presumably lived “in this big house with this nice family” – speaks to the alienation that might be felt on seemingly purposeless days. Throw in the serene yet bittersweet instrumentation of “Irresistible,” “Please Remember,” and “The Pecan Tree” and you have the relaxation and disgruntlement of the season.  

Enslaved – E (2017)

Few groups do progressive black metal better than legendary Norwegian quintet Enslaved, and when it comes to capturing calming grooves and hooks within an arid aesthetic, 2017’s E is their magnum opus. Opener “Storm Son” alone is mostly blissfully scorched thanks to its shimmering guitar arpeggios, pleasant percussion, divine harmonies and invigorating rhythmic shifts.

It’s easy to imagine blasting this one as you drive down a desert road or embark on a sundrenched woodland hike. Thankfully, that tone is kept for the majority of what remains – especially on the daring “The River’s Mouth” and the intricate but soothing “Feathers of Eolh” – meaning that E is perfect for humid adventures.

Amorphis – Queen of Time (2018)

Maybe it’s just us, but this entire album radiates luscious and vitalizing golden splendor. For one thing, it kicks off with what’s unquestionably among the catchiest progressive metal songs of all time: “The Bee.” Packed with mesmerizing instrumentation, pacing, and melodies, it’s a quintessential Amorphis gem that can’t help but pump you up as you get ready to seize the summer day. Luckily, that full-bodied majesty and ferocity persists for virtually all of Queen of Time’s runtime, such as on the luminously symphonic “The Golden Elk” and “We Accursed.” There are even some beautifully softer moments scattered around “Pyres on the Coast,” “Message in the Amber,” and “Daughter of Hate” that lend themselves to meditative downtime on a beach or by a nighttime campfire.

Between the Buried and Me – The Great Misdirect (2009)

Although it oozes the quintet’s trademark prog/tech-death metal intensity, The Great Misdirect is probably Between the Buried and Me’s mellowest and toastiest collection (rivaled only by 2015’s stylistic successor, Coma Ecliptic). The cover insinuates as much, and the LP is about as tastefully tranquil as it is intimidatingly chaotic. Hell, it begins with “Mirrors,” a comfortingly lively ode built upon gently sung introspections; gently strummed guitarwork; and gently played drums and bass. Thus, it’s suited for summertime listlessness and/or joyfulness, and later, acoustic ballad “Desert of Song” doubles down on that relaxingly balmy atmosphere. Every other track has its fair share of trippy, festive, and/or downright quiet passages, too, making The Great Misdirect a great backdrop for when you want to spend an hour floating away on a river, in a pool, or just in your own mind.

Avantasia – Moonglow (2019)

Similar to Arjen Lucassen’s Ayreon project, Tobias Sammet’s Avantasia endeavors involve a cast of revered vocalists and musicians breathing life into his symphonic metal odysseys. Each album is exuberant and varied, but there’s something particularly fitting about Moonglow’s transcendental nighttime artwork and detailed energy. Opener “Ghost in the Moon” is quite inspirational and impassioned, getting its protagonist (and listeners) ready for an impactful journey. Eventually, Candice Night brings vibrant sensitivity to “Moonglow,” just as the Geoff Tate-sung “Invincible” encourages self-examination as it paints a vivid picture of the healing nature of the ocean. Even bonus track “Heart” is a mandatory playlist addition because of how empowering and fun it is.

Scorpions – Blackout (1982)

At their best, Germany’s Scorpions – like a lot of ‘70s and ‘80s heavy metal – embody the limitless and carefree pleasure-seeking of summer (especially during our high school and college years). Blackout seizes those vibes across its 37-minute runtime, with its instigating title track potentially riling up audiences as it supports an over-the-top party or quest for debauchery with friends. “Can’t Live Without You,” “China White” and “Arizona” pack comparable punches, whereas “No One Like You,” “When the Smoke is Going Down,” and “You Give Me All I Need” are delicate tunes that underpin the ups and downs of steamy romance. Intentionally or not, Blackout works with the whole spectrum of summer situations.

Mastodon – Emperor of Sand (2017)

It’s true that several prior Mastodon LPs radiate arid textures and seductive grooves – chiefly, 2006’s Blood Mountain and 2011’s The Hunter – but it’s 2017’s Emperor of Sand that’s most suitable for summer. Aside from its name and cover, Emperor of Sand’s metaphorical and meaningful concept (revolving around a “protagonist who . . . gets lost and walks through this vast desert for days,” according to drummer/vocalist Brann Dailor) will immediately connect with beachgoers, hikers and anyone else spending their day outside. Plus, the introductory chimes of “Sultan’s Curse” perfectly setup the sweltering tone of subsequent pieces “Show Yourself,” “Precious Stones,” “Roots Remain,” “Scorpion Breath,” and “Ancient Kingdom.”  

Alcest – Les Voyages de l’âme (2012)

French blackgaze duo Alcest are known for melding the brutality of black metal with the beauty of shoegaze, so it’s no surprise that 2012’s Les Voyages de l’âme is as chaotic as it is chill. Of course, closer “Summer’s Glory” lives up to its title thanks to its hopeful and liberating arrangements, singing, and lyrics (loosely translated as “July is finally coming closer / And so is your smile / We have slept for a whole year / Now, let’s all awake / Let’s go and collect euphoria / Drifting on the summer wind”). Prior to that, “Autre Temps” and “Nous sommes l’émeraude” cascade with peaceful percussion and guitar lines (putting you in the mood to be calm and contemplative), and “Havens” is wonderfully serene. While its hectic moments work, too, it’s Les Voyages de l’âme’s tranquility that ticks our seasonal boxes.

Queens of the Stone Age – Songs for the Deaf (2002)

Building upon the gimmick of 1967’s The Who Sell Out, Queens of the Stone Age’s third LP – Songs for the Deaf – is framed as if the listener is cycling through radio stations while driving from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree. As such, it’s inherently designed to accompany lengthy road trips, shenanigans on the boardwalk, and the like (with plenty of musical variability and interjections from miscellaneous DJs adding to the authenticity and immersion). Even without those devices, though, Songs for the Deaf’s finely tuned stoner/desert rock selections (primarily, “You Think I Ain’t Worth a Dollar, But I Feel Like a Millionaire,” “No One Knows,” “The Sky is Fallin’,” “Hangin’ Tree,” and “Go with the Flow”) personify parched rambunctiousness

Mr. Bungle – California (1999)

California was Mr. Bungle’s swan song until 2020’s The Raging Wrath of the Easter Bunny Demo, and its accessible take on the group’s genre-splicing experimental rock foundation makes it ripe for rowdy escapades and reflective downtime. After all, orchestral swing/doo-wop opener “Sweet Charity” establishes a tropical ethos via waves crashing, birds chirping, and multiple instruments – including a guitar, piano, and guiro – being played leisurely. It instantly puts you in “vacation mode,” paving the way for later tracks to provoke zany behavior (“None of Them Knew They Were Robots,” “Goodbye Sober Day”); restful breaks (“The Air-Conditioned Nightmare,” “Pink Cigarette”); or something in-between. From start to finish, California captures summer’s utmost eclecticism and unpredictability.