After the turmoil the world went through in 2020, it is fitting to now look forward to 2021. I am cautiously optimistic that we will resume to some sort of normality this year. Either way we have plenty to look forward to. Like the proverbial Phoenix we have some new bands commencing proceedings. But above all else we need a return of the nourishment that heavy metal desperately needs – the return of live music.
New Beginnings
There are a number of new starts for bands this year. Following Children of Bodom calling it a day last year and the use of the band name escaping the grasp of frontman Alexi Laiho, he and fellow COB guitarist Daniel Freyberg have begun their new venture Bodom After Midnight – named after a COB song on their critically acclaimed Follow The Reaper album. I am not sure how the founding member, frontman and guy who wrote all the music walks away with being able to keep the COB brand. But I am not surprised in the nefarious world of music business.
Bodom After Midnight played a few gigs in Finland covering old COB songs, which focussed mainly on early COB tracks. Very promising for the direction of the band. It is well documented that their first 4 albums were Children of Bodom at their very best. They have finished recording for their new album ready for release this year.
UPDATE – 4 Jan 2021: It is heart breaking to provide an update following the death of Alexi Laiho announced today. Children of Bodom are one of my favourite bands and Alexi was my guitar hero. Rest in peace Wild Child.
A second band I am extremely excited for the arrival of is Wizardthrone. Containing members of Alestorm, Gloryhammer, Aether Realm, Forlorn Citadel and Nekrogoblikon I have pretty good idea of what they are going to sound like.
From the teaser clips of recordings posted to Facebook, Extreme Wizard Metal translates to high tempo double kicks, neoclassical solos and interdimensional keys. Fantasy power metal with a dark twist. Like if the tables were turned and Zargothrax was at the helm of Gloryhammer? Can’t wait to see.
Return of the Live Show
I missed a number of gigs and festivals in 2020 as a result of the global pandemic and the ban on live shows. I am most definitely foaming at the mouth to see a return to live heavy metal. Not just for the music, but the community comradery that is present – especially at festivals. A particular shout out to Hammerfest in the UK which I am going to hopefully be gracing with my presence next year!
I also missed seeing German power metal OGs Helloween at the tail end of 2020 – the first time I would have seen them and very much hope to see them at their rescheduled show at the back end of 2021. There are becoming less and less old school bands (who still tour and I care about) who I have not seen live. But Helloween are certainly one of the ones I am sorely missing.
On a less selfish note, I know how the live arena and touring is a huge source of income for bands, especially in the age of music streaming. So for their sake I really hope the world begins to return to normal and the tours can continue. We have seen a huge growth in the use of YouTube, Twitch and other online services during lockdown. With some memorable performances to boot.
A particular shout out to the amazing Floor Jansen and her metal covers.
Will we see a continuation of this even after lockdowns have ended? I think in part yes, but nothing can replace the feeling of watching music live with your fellow metal brethren. It has however further increased the connection from band member to listener which is positive.
Upcoming New Albums
Based on some single releases in 2020, there appears to be some excellent new albums on the horizon. Some from established bands, some from up and comers, and some from genre trailblazers.
Some particular ones I am looking forward to:
Tetrarch
Bringing nu metal screaming back to the scene, Tetrarch are due a new album in 2021. After their terrific debut album Freak back in 2017, they brightened up 2020 with release of new (or should that be nu?) single I’m Not Right. Taking inspiration from bands I grew up listening to 20 years ago this takes me right back to a time without responsibilities, a mortgage and being able to survive on a diet of cheap lager and even cheaper kebabs.
Accept
One of the European originators of power metal Accept are due to release their new album Too Mean To Die in 2021. The first single from this album The Undertaker has one of the grooviest bass lines I have heard in years. It is impossible to listen to the solo without making facial expressions that would get you a few funny looks down the pub.
Epica
With one of the standout singles of 2020 Abyss of Time, Dutch symphonic metallers Epica stand placed for an epic (pun absolutely intended) new album in 2021. They even graced us with a jaunty acoustic version of said single to bring a bit of extra Christmas spirit to close out the year.
Architects
Single releases Animals and Black Lungs were a couple of standout releases back in 2020. Making way for an exciting upcoming album For Those That Wish To Exist release in February 2021. An album exploring the global uncertainty displayed in 2020 and the need to better ourselves to sustain the human race is a pretty good mindset to take into 2021.
2020’s Final Surprise
Bringing a couple of surprise singles at the dying embers of 2020 were Italy’s death and symphonic metal mashers Fleshgod Apocalypse. Again trying to remind us better times past they squeezed in a 90s cheesy pop classic into single No.
Ending with a glorious bit of strange was their death metal cover of a 90s Eurodance classic in Blue (Turns To Red). Will this start a trend of extreme genre bands covering 90s Eurodance wonders? I look forward to Infant Annihilator‘s cover of Ooh Ahh Just A Little Bit next.
For a review of metal in 2020 see the best metal albums and best metal songs.
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