With so many releases in 2012 to be thankful for, 2013 looks like it will have quite a few gems as well. Sticking with the genre that I truly adore, these are the top 10 metal releases that I’ve heard about or know about so far that personally I am super excited to hear. We here at PMM would love to hear what releases you are most looking forward to, so please leave some comments for all of us to stay informed and keep the conversation going!
Mastodon- I fell in love with these prog-metallers years ago and like fine wine, they just seem to get better with age. Last year at Stage AE they were unbelievable live and had such amazing tones and grooves that defy description. This could be the biggest year for The Mastodon yet, having for the first time received mainstream radio airplay with The Hunter. Can’t wait to hear what new spin they put on their sound and really hope to catch them on the road a few times in ’13.
Alice in Chains- With their second effort under new vocalist, William Duvall, Alice in Chains has already proven that they are back. Somewhat akin to Brian Johnson replacing Bon Scott in AC/DC when I was a young lad, it’s always a tough go, but Duvall has more than proven himself. He’s so much more than someone who sound like Staley, and let us be clear anyhow that it has always been Jerry who was the backbone genius and vocalist of the band. Can’t wait to see where this second one takes them now that the rust is worn off and they don’t necessarily have to prove anything.
Black Sabbath- I’ve always loved Sabbath- Ozzy led Sabbath. With three quarters of the original back and production by none other than Rick Rubin this has to be good right? My only trepidation is the absence of Bill Ward who is truly part of the classic sound. But I am so happy to see that Tony is feeling better and who doesn’t love the Oz? Rubin has really proven himself time and time again, and although a lot of people are still pissed about the “sound” of the last Metallica record, I’m sure he will do the godfathers of metal justice.
Dillinger Escape Plan- These guys have been brutal hardcore since the late 90’s and I’ve loved every minute of their intensity. One of my faves has been their EP of covers called Plagiarism- yes, even the genius cover of Justin Timberlake’s, “Like I Love You”. They remind me of everything that was good about Black Flag taken to a higher level. Make no mistake it will be in your face and gut wrenching- but that’s what we pray for.
Ghost- Gimmick or not, these guys are really good musicians. I’m not sure what their real deal is, but their show was hands down one of my favorites of 2012, and I’m still smiling from that one. Do they have a new lead singer or is it still the first one? Who cares! The schtick so to speak is working and I think they are going to take their sound a lot further than what the first effort showed. Please tell us you are returning with your satanic set in 2013 to the U.S.
Killswitch Engage- Back with original vocalist Jesse Leach, the diehard fans choice, Killswitch made quite an impression on the road at the Trespass America Fest this past summer. It will be interesting to see what they bring forth now that they are back with Jesse who reportedly, “blew them away” during auditions when their previous singer left.
Opeth- 2011’s Heritage was mind blowing as always. Hard to believe that these guys have been cranking out gorgeous works of art for pretty much 20 years. What will 2013 bring to the forefront? More layers and textures of what Opeth does best, Scandinavian death metal that defies its own category and genre. Requiring multiple listens to truly “get it”, Opeth continually produce fascinating doom laden music.
Queens of the Stone Age- Since his first success with Kyuss, Josh Homme has certainly made a name for himself. Seems Dave Grohl is back to pound the skins on this one as well, and so once again we should be treated to some of the finest stoner rock around. Homme is an innovator in his own right and even though he has a signature sound, he always seems to come up with something fresh, sort of like the Jack White of the metal genre if you will. Love the guy or hate him, you can’t deny his talent. I just hope he spends some time to get the next Eagles of Death Metal CD out as well…
Slayer- Well, c’mon its Slayer. For the first time this summer I had the chance to get real close to King Kerry and Tom as they did their thing at Mayhem and it was a “religious experience”. They still kill every night. And I expect no less of this record; they always put forth maximum effort and still love what they do. There is nothing like Slayer riffs. Hopefully Jeff Hanneman will be fully recovered (from a truly nasty spider bite that actually left him touch and go for awhile) enough to join them on the road this time around. The current kings of metal should deliver and deliver hard.
Tool- Oh, we thought you would join us again in 2012. But, making wine and Puscifer (incredible live by the way) seem to slow things down. These guys have always played by their own rules and lived by their own time schedule. But, hopefully, it’s time to pop the cask and let the music flow this year. We know they have been working on stuff, its just a matter of Maynard. Maybe we will get a double wish and get some new tunes and a new tour…now that I will drink to!
