The Best Heavy Albums of 2020, So Far

Well, we have made it through the first quarter of 2020. Even though there is a worldwide pandemic going on, a lot of new and adventurous music has come out! Too much even and that is okay. Fret not, I am here to give you my opinion of some of the best heavy albums of 2020 so far (January through April 3rd). Here are 8 albums that stood out the most to me and I think you should check out.

Just a few things before we get into the Best Heavy Albums of 2020, so far list. These are not the only albums I have enjoyed in this time frame. Rather these are a few albums that stood out the most thus far. I am also compiling a larger-more in-depth list of albums to share at the end of the year too. We have a long way to go and still some great releases are yet to be put out. Don’t look for a review of the album here because I am not doing that. I will give you some important info and maybe the reason I am listening to it. But that is it. Enjoy and leave me a comment and let me know your 8 below.

Ether Coven – Everything Is Temporary Except Suffering

Ether Coven is based out of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and you may remember lead vocalist/guitarist Pete Kovalsky from Remembering Never, Until The End, and xBishopx. Well, this project is nothing like the previous ones before. This band explores the Doom & Sludge sides of metal in an epic way. Signed to Century Media this is the band’s second release and is sure to be on a lot of “Best Heavy Albums of 2020” lists at the end of the year. Even if the song is 11 minutes long you will never lose interest in it, it’s that kind of masterpiece. I would strongly suggest trying this album out, even to those who think they are not into the Doom and Sludge subgenres.

Igorrr – Spirituality and Distortion

French Metal “band” Igorrr just recently put out “Spirituality and Distortion” and it’s almost taken over my life. I am going to attempt to quickly describe the album to you, if possible. The group is made up of 4 members, at least when they play live. A programmer, a drummer, a female soprano vocalist, and a male screaming vocalist dressed like something from the White Walker army. Don’t try to sing along, the vocalists have made up and use their own language. “Parpaing” does feature Cannibal Corpse frontman George “Coprsegrinder” Fisher if you want some real lyrics, you peasant. The record literally goes everywhere. Sounds of groovy middle eastern metal, European circuses, electronic programming, random slappy mouth noises and more. I can not stop listening to this, it’s a must check out.

Loathe – I Let It in and It Took Everything

Loathe can easily be described as “Deathcore Deftones”. I previously wrote a post that mentioned the resurgence of Nu-Metal and this release was one of those I was referring to. The band took a slight departure from their earlier metal/metalcore sound and replaced it with a whole lot of sexy Nu-Metal vibes. Actually, “sexy” is a great way to describe the feel of the record. They combine the heaviness of the current state of Deathcore/Metalcore but also explore a more seductive “Deftones–esque” style. One second you are being beaten by a mix of Progressive Deathcore Nu-Metal and the next you are floating in a spacey groove being carried by Chino like vocal melodies. Please do not be mistaken, this isn’t a Nu-Metal album at all. The overall progression of the band’s sound on the album will surely thrust them into the next level.

Orthodox – Let It Take Its Course

Nashville, TN straight edge band Orthodox put out one hell of a heavy banger. What we hear on the band’s second album is a unique blending sound of new and old, much like we have seen with bands like Knocked Loose, Gulch, and Vein. I listened to this album a bunch in preparation for sitting down with them for a podcast and heard the “Nu” influence. We went more in-depth about that during the podcast, that also could be why I enjoy this record so much. It helps the guys in the band are actually decent and cool dudes too. The record has a heavy, gloomy, and eerie feel to it… but in the best of ways.

Verbal Razors – By Thunder and Lightning

This is going to the most surprising release on this list for me. Admittedly I am not as big of a fan of fast and angry punk sounding music anymore. So kudos to Verbal Razors for having some awesome album artwork that caught my attention. After the first listen I wasn’t much of a fan but because the artwork was that good I kept coming back to the record to re-listen. A few more spins later and I am holding down my own circle pit in my living room. The record’s sound has a quick and fast-paced feel blending elements of punk, hardcore, thrash, & metal. They fit great in the emerging “Crossover” genre, I bet Metallica wishes they sounded like this. For a fun and good time check this record out, and enjoy the cool artwork by Jerôme Brizard.

Lorna Shore – Immortal

Lorna Shore was in the headlines prior to the album’s release but not for the best of reasons. CJ McCreery was removed as the band’s vocalist after allegations came to light about a concerning situation. That all being said, this album hits pretty heavy. Do you want brutal double bass? Low guttural vocals during heavy ass breakdowns? Solos? Keys and pads that sound like 18th-century choirs singing? Good, then this album is for you! This is another album I am sure will be on a lot of “Best Heavy Albums of 2020” lists at the end of the year. Most deathcore fans are well aware of Lorna Shore. However, if you’re new to the genre this is a great record to cut your teeth on.

Invent, Animate – Greyview

This is going to be my new “Metalcore” choice for this list. Invent, Animate ‘s Greyview beat out releases by Polaris, Motives, and August Burns Red to be on here. To me this the metalcore/post-metalcore release that stuck out to me the most. Just look at who they had to “beat out” to be on my list. I should point out that I am a pretty big ABR fan too. Usually, I am not one to be super fond of the post-metalcore singing/clean vocal stuff, but the IA boys can pull it off. Which few bands can successfully actually do, in my opinion.

Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs – Viscerals

Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs is from Newcastle upon Tyne in the northern part of the UK. What a weird name for a town/city. Anyway, if you follow me on Twitter then you have seen me post about this album a few times. Again being a sucker for the album art, I tried this release out knowing nothing about the band prior. At first glance I thought “Clockwork Orange” and that made me think of England funny enough. I pressed play and the delightful combination of UK Psychedelic Rock, Sludge, Metal, and Rock and Roll infected my brain and mood. There is a somber and dreary vibe throughout the entire record with hints of Drug Church meets Black Sabbath. I think you should roll yourself a fatty, put on some headphones, and kick back with this record on like they used to back in the ’60s and ’70s..

Well, there you have it, my “Best Heavy Albums of 2020” so far list

I hope that this list helps you find a few new records to listen and enjoy. Granted there were many more albums I could have put on this list, I chose to make it a bit more creative than most lists. Most of these albums didn’t get a huge release push and for the most part you’d have had to search them out. So I did most of legwork for you. Of course I could have put the regular list of biggest albums out but what is the fun of that. Open your mind and interests. Thank you for check out this post, leave me a comment and let me know which releases you’ve enjoyed this year so far!