One of the few good things about 2020 was the metal music that was released. This was a year with a lot of amazing albums from supergroups, metal heavy weights, and emerging artists alike. Those that I consider to be the best metal albums of 2020 are the releases that helped me survive this hellacious year.
The Best Metal Albums of 2020
My list of the best metal albums of 2020 is not listed in numerical order. All of these records are very different from each other. Instead of worrying about which album is number one, I encourage you to sit back and enjoy each of these albums for what they are.
‘Oceans of Slumber’ – Oceans of Slumber
One of my favorite discoveries of 2020 is Oceans of Slumber’s self titled album. I can’t think of any other band that even comes close to doing what the progressive metal band has done here. It’s emotional, heavy, and powerful with a dark atmosphere perfect for the doom 2020 has brought us. ‘Oceans of Slumber’ will make you melt into the floor. If you haven’t heard it, you are missing out on a musical masterpiece.
‘Slow Decay’ – The Acacia Strain
When I opened my top songs of 2020 on Spotify, the first four songs were from ‘Slow Decay’. This was no surprise to me, considering I have credited this album for getting me through my hardest moments of 2020. ‘Slow Decay’ is an intense musical masterpiece, and I’d argue that it’s The Acacia Strain’s best album to date. I actually did a full merch and album review for it when it came out. If you missed it, check it out here.
‘Lamb of God’ – Lamb of God
When Lamb of God’s self titled album was released back in June, it became my everyday soundtrack for the shit storm that has been 2020. The band came back with a vengeance after 5 years of no new music, bringing banger after banger on this record. One of the things that makes this album stand out from the rest, though, is it embodies the pure rage we’ve all been feeling this year. Nothing feels forced and that brings a sense of comfort.
‘Ohms’ – Deftones
‘Ohms’ was probably one of the most anticipated metal releases in 2020, and Deftones delivered. The album only further proves while Deftones are hailed as metal kings, while still being completely unique in their own right. ‘Ohms’ flows seamlessly from beginning to end like a beautiful river of heaviness. It’s a record that will be celebrated as one of their best, not just in recent years, but in the band’s entire discography.
‘Enlightened in Eternity’ – Spirit Adrift
Spirit Adrift’s ‘Enlightened in Eternity’ will make your metal heart swoon. With smooth, electrifying riffs it brings an energy that we all know and love from classic metal records. It doesn’t stop there though. ‘Enlightened in Eternity’ will have you banging your head from beginning to end. Not to mention, it has choruses that you just can’t help but sing along to. Overall, this is a great album to put on and rock out to, no matter the setting.
What Do You Think Are the Best Metal Albums of 2020?
Let me know your AOTY in the comments!
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