Anticipated Album Releases in 2020
Welcome to 2020. I thought I’d start it off in familiar fashion by giving you a hint at what’s to come during the year, although I have tried to be a little more streamlined and not waffle on for ages about each release. There are likely to be further posts in this series, so watch this space. In the meantime, here are a handful of very exciting releases coming our way in 2020…
Vanishing Point – TBC
Hurrah! A new Vanishing Point album is nearly upon us. Sometime in 2020 is 99% guaranteed, maybe more certain than that. It has been a long time coming and the frustrations of band mastermind Chris Porcianko have been there for all to see. However, despite a large number of hurdles and obstructions, the Australian melodic metal band with progressive tendencies have remained together, remained focused and are on the brink of delivering a new record.
According to Porcianko himself, this as-yet untitled record should find favour with fans. “I’m pretty sure that most people who like Vanishing Point’s music will find something cool with this one, it’s a ride of emotions and subject matter lyrically speaking is going to be a cross between the usual anxiety issues , questioning and this time questioning morals and ethics when it comes to the human race, the environment and all the instability going on.”
Caligula’s Horse – TBC
Anyone who enjoys modern progressive rock/metal music should be thrilled with the news that Australian band Caligula’s Horse are due to return in 2020 to follow up the magnificent last couple of releases, 2015’s ‘Bloom’ and ‘In Contact’ released in 2017.
As recently as New Years Eve, the band posted on social media to update fans on the latest progress:
“Let the big sing begin. Vocal tracking is off to a soaring start with Sam
and Jared at the helm.
Getting close now.
#caligulashorse #CHalbum5 #vocals #vocalist #progressiverock #progressivemetal #recording #studio
#studiogear”
And then there’s the following tantalizing snippet that sounds very enticing indeed. Anyone else excited?
Katatonia – TBC
Nothing is confirmed yet but after being on hiatus for a period of time, a recent social media post from the band has ignited the enthusiasm of their fans, me included.
This photo appeared alongside the following quote: “However, 2020 is the threshold to a new decade and will see us keepin’ busy for other reasons than paying tribute to our past. Actually, here’s a pic to give you a clue about what’s waiting on the other side…”
I’ll let you judge for yourselves, but I’m definitely thinking ‘new album’! Fingers are firmly crossed.
Serenity – The Last Night
Napalm Records – 31 January 2020
Over the past few years, Austria’s Serenity have become one of my favourite, go-o bands in the melodic metal genre. In fact, with their blend of melody, power and symphonics as well as a penchant for historical subject matter, they are often hard to beat. So it’s great to be able to confirm that Serenity will return on January 31st with their latest record, ‘The Last Night’. I just wish it wasn’t via Napalm Records, which means my review will have to be written based on streaming only. But I’ll do my best despite this impediment!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gbjR_kbA-4&w=560&h=315]
Sylosis – Cycle Of Suffering
Nuclear Blast – 7 February 2020
It’s always nice when a band you like returns from nowhere and announces that they are not only back, but that they are releasing a brand new album as well. Marvellous.
In this case, it is the turn of Sylosis to return to the gaze of the public eye, with ‘Cycle of Suffering’, released at the beginning of February. I have certainly missed the UK-based extreme metal band’s style and sound and, based on the track below, they’ve lost none of their bite during their extended hiatus.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZDd-MwuvcM&w=560&h=315]
God Dethroned – Illuminati
Metal Blade Records – 7 February 2020
Ever since I discovered the Dutch death metal band via ‘Into The Lungs of Hell’, back in 2003, I have been a huge admirer of God Dethroned. They create music that’s brutal, with some great riffs and strong melodies that mean the music is often memorable and addictive. Admittedly, I haven’t been as enamoured with a couple of their most recent releases, but based on the track below, I’m very interested in hearing more of this album as I suspect it’ll be a powerful listen.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vj9hcFj66BY&w=560&h=315]
Mercenary – TBC
At long last, after a protracted hiatus that has probably lasted longer than anyone expected, including the band themselves, Mercenary are finally back and we can expect a new album at some point in 2020. That’s definitely music to these old ears!
I love the blend of aggression, groove and melody that this melodeath band creates. It’s brutal yet catchy, not to mention frequently epic and anthemic. If this isn’t a winning combination, then I don’t know what is.
No news on when, but, in the same vein as the Katatonia picture above, it can’t be too far away now.
Demons & Wizards – III
Century Media Records – 21 February 2020
An incredible 15 years after releasing their second album, ‘Touched By The Crimson King’, Demons & Wizards have returned. The collaboration between Blind Guardian’s Hansi Kursch and Iced Earth’s Jon Schaffer wowed fans of both bands at the turn of the millennium when the partnership began with the incredible self-titled debut. However, as a decade and a half passed, it was feared we may never see more than two albums. Thankfully, that isn’t the case and I’m looking forward to getting my teeth stuck into the appropriately-titled ‘III’ as February draws to a close.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frMkdkCV2D0&w=560&h=315]
Anathema – TBC
The only hint that we have been given regarding a new Anathema album in 2020 came buried within the press release to announce the Liverpudlians’ departure from KScope and new contract with the Mascot Label Group. Within that press release, the bands’ manager, Andy Farrow of Northern Music Company is quoted as saying: “I’m delighted to be working with them on Anathema’s next release in 2020.”
Not much else to say at this stage, except that if this happens to be true, I have high hopes for another masterpiece from this sensational band.
