Into the new year we go, with all sorts of expectations (see: Behemoth, Mastodon, even Anthrax), and a rash of new albums to check out. (Our own Matthew Bowling said he’s anxious to “dive into the abyssal wards of 2014.) Here is hoping that 2014 is just as interesting than 2013, just without some of the tragic events (Hanneman) or misadventures (Tim Lambesis). Perhaps that’s the cool thing about metal: You never know what’s going to happen next… – David E. Gehlke
General housekeeping
Finnish melodic death metal heroes Omnium Gatherum took home our Album of the Year.
What’s your most anticipated album of 2014? Vote in our poll.
Features
New Jersey death/thrashers Hammer Fight work around the “beer metal” tag levied at them for something of more significance.
The latest in unsigned bands are consumed and exhumed in our December 2013 Demo Tribunal.
Danish thrashers Artillery spoke to DR about their new album Legions, and what it’s like wading through the 90’s as a European thrash act.
Reviews
Alcest might not be metal anymore, but they’re no less enticing on their new album, Shelter.
Former Morbid Angel bassist/vocalist Steve Tucker returns in Warfather, whose Orchestrating the Apocalypse debut is right around the corner.
Tolkien terminology in the house: Eternal Helcaraxe conjure up a worth black metal blend on Against all Odds.
Long-running thrashers Legion of the Damned might get their just due with Ravenous Plague.
Swedish newbs The Isolation Process strike post-metal gold on their self-titled debut.
Polish instrumental crew Tides from Nebula conjure up familiar sounds on Eternal Movement.
Spanish melodic death metal crew Dawn of Tears take us back to times of yore with Act III: The Dying Eve.
An Exhumed/Iron Reagan split doesn’t exact get Kyle McGinn going.
Forget trying to spell the album’s title, Cult of Fire are an exotic black metal band worth keeping an eye on.
Veronica Freeman and team return with Benedictum’s fourth album, Obey.
The news in ten:
1. Goatwhore to commence recording new album.
2. Kirk Hammett to join Death Angel and Exodus at his Fear FestEvil.
3. Wormed announce new drummer.
4. King of Asgard to hit the studio in March.
5. First preview clips of Judas Priest’s appearance on The Simpsons revealed.
6. Enslaved reflects upon 2013.
7. Converge bassist Nate Newton joins Cavalera Conspiracy.
8. Lacuna Coil’s Cristina Scabbia looks back on 2013…and forward to 2014.
9. Vader’s new album is due in the Spring of 2014.
10. Insomnium check in from the studio.