Avatar, Amaranthe, Soilwork + Others: Fred Phillips’ Best of 2020 Hard Rock and Metal
This year has been lousy for a lot of reasons, but as this Best of 2020 list shows, hard rock and heavy metal were not among them.
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Durbin, “The Prince of Metal” from ‘The Beast Awakens’ (2020): One Track Mind
Yes, Durbin came from ‘American Idol’ – and yes, I’m banging my head and throwing horns with a big, stupid grin on my face because it’s glorious.
Amaranthe – ‘Manifest’ (2020)
At times, Amaranthe’s ‘Manifest’ is so poppy that I feel almost embarrassed to crank it up, but then it swings around and punches you square in the face.
Anti-Mortem, “Old Washita / STFU” (2020): One Track Mind
Anti-Mortem’s “Old Washita” and “STFU” have given me more joy lately than is probably sane and healthy for an adult.
Avatar – ‘Hunter Gatherer’ (2020)
I’m not sure what made me click on ‘Child’ from ‘Hunter Gatherer’ after steadfastly ignoring Avatar for years, but I’m glad that I did.
The Reality of Alice Cooper’s Brutal Planet’ Made It Perhaps His Scariest LP
Alice Cooper’s ‘Brutal Planet” arrived 20 years ago this month like a gut punch, setting up as a kind of morality play set to metal.
Archon Angel – ‘Fallen’ (2020)
If I can’t have a Savatage reunion, here’s hoping that Archon Angel keeps the magic alive.
Alestorm – ‘Curse of the Crystal Coconut’ (2020)
For the first time ever I leave an Alestorm album not with a big grin and a desire to hoist the Jolly Roger, but actually kind of bummed.
Why Bruce Dickinson’s ‘Tattooed Millionaire’ Keeps Revealing New Layers
Released 30 years ago this week, ‘Tattooed Millionaire’ gave us the chance to learn a little more about Bruce Dickinson’s quirky personality.
Why Metal Fans Should Give Skid Row’s ‘Subhuman Race’ a Second Chance
Skid Row released ‘Subhuman Race,’ perhaps their heaviest and most grown up album, 25 years ago this week.
