Anticipated Album Releases in 2021 – Part 2
Welcome to Part 2 of my mini-series looking into my crystal ball at what music we have to look forward to in 2021. If ever there was a need to look into the future at positive things, it’s now, as we all stare down the barrel of several more months under the cloud of Covid-19. Deep joy.
So, let’s see what music is coming to cheer us all up…
If Part 1 focused specifically on albums that have been confirmed with release dates, Part 2 is a slightly less sure bet. Very few of these records have a name, let alone a nailed-on release date. But, importantly, there is evidence from the bands themselves that an album is on the way. Otherwise I’d not have included them in this list.
The other nice thing about Part 2, is that there are plenty of ‘smaller’ bands featured amongst the big boys.
And on that note, let’s get cracking…
Lalu – Paint The Sky
Label: TBC
Release date: TBC
Eight long years since the release of the last album, ‘Atomic Ark’, Vivien Lalu joyously returns with his Lalu project. I’m really excited by the prospect, especially after taking one look at the glorious cover artwork created by Travis Smith. Billed by the man himself as ‘Yes-Metal’ with Damian Wilson on vocals, this is one of the most welcome announcements in the world of progressive metal so far in 2021.
— MoMM —
Sylvan – TBC
Label:
Release date:
One of my favourite melodic and atmospheric progressive rock bands, Germany’s Sylvan have recently announced the good news that we can expect a new album in 2021. I’m looking forward to hearing what the band have come up with, as they rarely release anything less than great.
— MoMM —
Marianas Rest – Fata Morgana
Label: Napalm Records
Release date: 12 March 2021
Melodic death/doom metal? From Finland? Featuring the keyboardist from Omnium Gatherum? You had me at ‘hello’! Suffice to say that, on paper, this is right up my particular musical alley. And, based on the song they have already released, there is absolutely no way that I’m letting this one pass by without investigating further. Exciting new discovery perhaps.
— MoMM —
Subterranean Masquerade – Mountain Fever
Label: TBC
Release date: TBC
Israeli progressive rock/metal band Subterranean Masquerade are a band that I have followed for a few years. Theirs is an intriguing blend of many styles that culminates in a challenging, yet fun and vibrant listening experience. If the new record is anything like the past couple, it stands to be a very good one.
— MoMM —
Cosmograf – Rattrapante
Label: Gravity Dream
Release date: 26 March 2021
Robin Armstrong is a musician that I admire, creating the music that he wants, regardless of trends or the financial payoff at the end. And he does it all himself…or at least most of it. Over the years, Robin has created some superb progressive rock under the Cosmograf moniker, with ‘The Hay-Man Dreams’ and ‘Mind Over Depth’ spun frequently in the Mansion of Much Metal.
— MoMM —
My Soliloquy – TBC
Label: TBC
Release date: TBC
I know that a third My Soliloquy album is in the works right now, thanks to recent updates from mastermind Pete Morten (ex-Threshold). The most recent update confirmed the inclusion of Threshold drummer Johanne James on the record. It’s a strong, welcome statement that, to me, shows the band mean business in 2021.
— MoMM —
Hypocrisy – TBC
Label: Nuclear Blast
Release date: TBC
I have always had a soft spot for Hypocrisy and so I am delighted to get news that there is almost certainly going to be a new album from Peter Tägtgren and friends in 2021. The music hasn’t always been of the very best quality consistently, but when they get it right, these guys’ brand of melodic death metal is up there with the very best. Plus I love Peter’s vocals, so I hope to cover this one when it comes out later in the year.
— MoMM —
A Dying Planet – TBC
Label: TBC
Release date: TBC
It’s a busy time for one of my very favourite guitarists at the moment. Not only is there a solo album on the way, but Jasun Tipton has confirmed that work continues on a new Zero Hour record. And then there’s this, a new A Dying Planet album. According to his latest update, the mixing is just about finished and, although by his own admission it might take some time before it’s released, I’m seriously hoping that it’ll be in 2021. Watch this space and have a listen to the track below if you’re not familiar with this band’s work to date.
— MoMM —
Helloween – TBC
Label: Nuclear Blast
Release date: Summer 2021
A new Helloween album in 2021? Yes please. A new Helloween album featuring Kai Hansen and Michael Kiske, following the success of the ‘Pumpkins United’ tour? Oh my goodness, yes, yes and thrice yes. I’m a fan of all eras of the German power metal band, so this threatens to be an exciting release, when it sees the light of day sometime this summer.
— MoMM —
Megadeth – TBC
Label: Tradecraft/Universal
Release date: TBC
After his diagnosis of throat cancer last year, I was one of many fearing for Dave Mustaine and, more selfishly, for the future of Megadeth. Despite a few ups and downs in overall quality over the years, they have always been my favourite thrash metal band, and so it’s great news that members of the band have confirmed there will be a new album in 2021. The working title is ‘The Sick, The Dying And The Dead’ but whatever it’s called, I can’t wait.
