Anticipated Album Releases in 2021 – Part 3
Welcome to the third and probably, given it is now February, my final chapter in my ‘Anticipated Album Releases in 2021.
Once again, I have put together quite a wide ranging mix of albums and genres in the hope that I mention something to everyone’s tastes. It is also quite a mix in terms of certainty, as some of these albums are definite releases, whilst a couple are more hopeful, albeit not without some small amount of evidence. If you missed parts one and two, the links are right here, so feel free to check them out.
Now, let’s get on with the show…
Gojira – TBC
Label: Roadrunner Records
Release date: TBC
The French behemoth know as Gojira is easily one of the most highly-rated bands in heavy metal. And yet, my relationship with them has been chequered; I like them, but I don’t get as excited as others about them. Progressive, modern, heavy, and unique, they should resonate more with me and I desperately hope that 2021 will be the year that they release an album that brings me into the fold once and for all. It’s a decent start as I like their most recent single, ‘Another World’
— MoMM —
Evile – Hell Unleashed
Label: Napalm Records
Release date: 30 April 2021
Only just officially announced, 2021 will see the return of UK thrash metal band Evile. It’s news that many of us knew for a while but the fact that it is now officially announced, provides the certainty that we were all hoping and craving for. I’ve been a fan of this xtet for some time and I will definitely be checking this out and offering a review as soon as I can. Expect some riffs!
— MoMM —
Amorphis – TBC
Label: Nuclear Blast
Release date: TBC
This is a bit of a punt, but a recent post on the Finns’ social media has led to the inclusion of Amorphis in this list. If there’s any chance of a new album from these guys, I’ll be delighted, as their last couple of records have been utterly brilliant. Proggy, dark, melodic, and heavy, the music of late has really been out of the top drawer. Let’s keep our fingers crossed, yes?
— MoMM —
VOLA -TBC
Label: Mascot Label Group
Release date: TBC
Danish quartet VOLA will make a highly-anticipated return in 2021 with their follow-up to the utterly stupendous ‘Applause Of A Distant Crowd’. In 2018, I was spellbound by the music on that record, awarding it 9.75 thanks to the myriad of different ideas and influences that combined to create such a unique and sophisticated end product. I cannot wait for the next chapter if ‘Head Mounted Sideways’ is a true indication of what we can expect.
— MoMM —
Ne Obliviscaris – TBC
Label: Season Of Mist
Release date: TBC
Back in November 2020, Australian progressive death metal band Ne Obliviscaris confirmed that they were hard at work trying to complete their fourth album, scheduled for release in 2021. The world hasn’t been an easy place of late, so with no new updates since then, I hope everything remains on course for our ears to be battered with new extreme metal sounds (with violin!) later this year.
— MoMM —
Witherfall – Curse Of Autumn
Label: Century Media Records
Release date: 5 March 2021
The 2018 sophomore release from Witherfall, ‘A Prelude To Sorrow’ knocked many of us sideways when it was released. Heavy, emotional, poignant and beautiful, it contained so much great material that I personally loved. 2021 sees the release of its follow-up, ‘Curse Of Autumn’ and, based on the singles that have been released so far, this threatens to be a real highlight of the year. As will their upcoming tour with Evergrey, should the pandemic disappear in time.
— MoMM —
Subsignal – TBC
Label: TBC
Release date: TBC
Another hopeful one, but not plucked out of thin air, as there have been hints across social media that new material is on the way. I’m not sure when it’ll be released, but rest assured, this German melodic prog rock/metal outfit are bound to deliver the goods as and when their new material sees the light of day. These guys understand quality control.
— MoMM —
Cradle Of Filth – Existence Is Futile
Label: Nuclear Blast
Release date: TBC
They may divide opinion somewhat, and their output hasn’t always been flawless, but I still have a soft spot for Cradle Of Filth, my ‘hometown’ band. When they get it right, they really get it right, as ‘Dusk…And Her Embrace’, ‘Cruelty And The Beast’, and more recently, ‘Cryptoriana’ demonstrate. Let’s hope that ‘Existence Is Futile’, due sometime later this year continues that trend and isn’t a futile listening experience.
