Not much say here. As with most years there is a bit more stylistic diversity with the song set than in the album list. This is the first year (to my knowledge) I’ve included something I discovered thanks to the efforts of NPR (the stellar Buscabulla). In 2020 many aspects of normalcy came to end. Fantastic new music, fortunately, was not among them.
Hexecutor – Danse Macabre
Beyond Any Human Conception of Knowledge is the most black metal title not released by a black metal band this year. Instead the French group delights with a ferocious and often fiendishly catchy array of thrash cuts. I fucking love this album.
Nothing – Just A Story
1993 but steeped in existential despair.
Fortress Of The Olden Days – A Pact with Night Itself
Fortress Of The Olden Days resonated as one of many outstanding underground black metal groups I stumbled across in 2020. Colossal.
Eternal Champion – Coward’s Keep
When it comes to Ravening Iron there are no regrets nor missteps.
Stormkeep – Of Lore
Galdrum is a force of nature across its 32 minutes.
Thundercat – Dragonball Durag
Don’t be afraid. Embrace it.
Pallbearer – Caledonia
Uada – In The Absence Of Matter
Buscabulla – Mío
Vampire – Melek-Taus
Of all the topics I thought I might encounter through metal in 2020, the central figure in the Yazidi faith was not among them.
Extreme metal: educating the world.
Biggest Surprise/Newcomer: The Suns Journey Through the Night
Like last year, these two categories are occupied by the same artist. Underground atmospheric black metal bands are a dime a dozen on Bandcamp and across the vast stretches of the internet. The band released two albums in 2020, each alike in their thematic focus but very different in their execution. Wherever this artist goes in the future you can expect my attention will not be far behind.
Biggest Disappointment: Like many – the complete death of touring in general
For me personally, the postponement of the central event of my year: Fire In The Mountains.
Best Cover Art: Atramentus – Stygian (see larger version HERE)
A familiar name in a familiar place: Mariusz Lewandowski. Much like Mirror Reaper in 2018 I was so taken by the cover art for Stygian that I currently have a copy of it in the center of my living room. May his dominance continue for the decade.
Best Video: Once AGAIN
Most Anticipated Album of 2021: Straight up repeat of 2020: Wolves In The Throne Room
This time it’s happening!