Hyperbole aside, 2020 has suuuucked. From political divisiveness to civil unrest to the continued COVID-19 crisis, this year has served up serious challenges. Thankfully, the artists we love have continued to create and share killer music to help us get through the dark days. We know what albums made our Best of 2020 list, but we wanted to find out what the musicians themselves were spinning this year.
With that in mind, we asked drummer Matt Byrne, whose band Hatebreed just released their eighth full-length, Weight of the False Self, to weigh in with his favorite albums from the last 12 months. See his picks below — and get great albums on vinyl, from this year and beyond, via the Revolver store.
Napalm Death - Throes of Joy in the Jaws of Defeatism
There is no band heavier than Napalm Death. [Bassist and bandleader] Shane Embury continues to churn out the greatest metal/grind riffs ever to be recorded. After 16 or so albums and many years of shows and tour miles, the band continues to reinvent themselves and keep it fresh. Case in point, check out the song "Amoral." You're welcome.
Sepultura - Quadra
Lifelong Sepultura fan here! I always look forward to what they will come up with next. Being a drummer, Eloy Casagrande has become the main focus of the band for me these days. So much energy, power and dynamics. Fun to watch and always bringing that Brazilian flava!
The Black Dahlia Murder - Verminous
Black Dahlia Murder always brings the heavy and the shred, but all of that comes with a good dose of melody, too. Awesome horror-meets-fantasy imagery in Trevor [Strnad's] lyrics.
Lamb of God - Lamb of God
Every metal fan knows that Art Cruz had huge shoes to fill assuming the drum throne in this band. He does not disappoint and I give him a huge round of applause for being able to stick with the trademark Lamb of God sound/feel but also take some chances and add his own identity.
My Dying Bride - The Ghost of Orion
Doom metal with a pinch of goth! A nice addition to this list. I know My Dying Bride has been around for a long time now, but I have just recently gotten into their catalog and I'm happy I did. That being said, I have to give a shout-out to a similar band who also has a new release this year — Paradise Lost Obsidian!
Testament - Titans of Creation
I'm a thrash guy. And Testament is on my list of all-time favorites. Thirteen records in, Chuck Billy's voice sounds better than ever, the production is fat and the music is still delivering after all these years.
Hum - Inlet
I have loved this band since they started. One of the great "fuzz-rock" bands to come out of the Nineties. Loaded with catchy vocal melodies and "feel-good" guitar chords. In 2003, Hatebreed played Furnace Fest in Birmingham, Alabama. Hum played the same night so I can say I've seen them live once in my lifetime. I hope they continue to release new music.
Killer Be Killed - Reluctant Hero
Heavy-metal supergroup! A little bit of hardcore, a little bit of thrash and a little bit of prog with a huge sound. I dig all of the music that these guys have done in their current/previous bands. Three completely different singers each bringing their own flavor to the table.
Mastodon - Medium Rarities
This is a cool must-have compilation for the Masto fan. And a great, fun release for the shit year that has been 2020. New stuff, live stuff, soundtrack stuff, instrumentals ... you get the idea. Really looking forward to the next full-length.
