Heavy Hops Ep. 026: Top North American Albums of 2020 (Luca Cimarusti & Gregg Elzinga)
Joining us for our final episode of 2020 are Luca Cimarusti (Luggage, Annihilus music critic for the Chicago Reader) and Gregg Elzinga of Metal Vinyl Weekend. We reveal our top five North American heavy albums for 2020 and discuss how we keep up with releases throughout the year, what sources we use to find new music, and what we look forward to next year. We also take time to catch up with our guests; Luca last appeared on HH 012 and Gregg joined us midway through the year on HH 006. Annihilus’ debut full length Ghanima has been well received and positively reviewed leading to inclusion on year end lists, including Bandcamps “Best Metal Albums of 2020”. While it’s been a slow year for live music and in person events, Gregg gives us insights into exciting plans for Metal Vinyl Weekend in 2021.
Gregg’s Top 5 (In No Particular Order):
Huntsmen Mandala of Fear
Lesser Glow Nullity
Midnight Rebirth of Blasphemy
REZN Chaotic Divine
In The Company of Serpents Lux
Notables: Soft Kill Dead Kids R.I.P. City, Golden Light Sacred Colour of the Source of Light, Necrot Mortal, Day of Doom Live series (Horsehunter, Domkraft, Elephant Tree, Summoner), Idles Ultra Mono.
Luca’s Top 5 (In No Particular Order):
Bruges A Thread of Light
Exhalants Atonement
Brandy The Gift of Repetition
Nothing The Great Dismal
Uniform Shame
Notable Singles, Re-Pressings/Remasters, Live Albums etc: Merge reissued the first two Polvo records. Deadlife‘s black metal GG Allin cover.
Non Metal Notables: Don Toliver Heaven or Hell, Spice S/T
Alexi’s Top 5 (In No Particular Order):
Wake Devouring Ruin
Gulch Impenetrable Cerebral Fortress
The Atomic Bitchwax Scorpio
Rezn Chaotic Divine
Arkheron Thodol Rituals of the Sovereign Heart
Honorable Mention: Year Of the Knife Internal Incarceration
Notable Singles, Re-Pressings/Remasters, Live Albums etc: Iced Earth Alive in Athens 20th Anniversary, Thou’s cover albums A Primer of Holy Words, Blessings Of The Highest Order.
Non Metal Notable: Ak’chamel, the giver of illness The Totemist
Sam’s Top 5 (In No Particular Order):
Emma Ruth Rundle & Thou May Our Chambers Be Full
Huntsmen Mandala of Fear
Hum Inlet
In the Company of Serpents Lux
Imperial Triumphant Alphaville
Notable Singles, Re-Pressings/Remasters, Live Albums etc: Wraith Speed Armageddon, Earthless “Never Say Die”, Non Metal Notables: Kurt Vile Speed, Sound, Lonely KV, Soft Kill Dead Kids R.I.P. City, Gramps The Vamp Keeper of the Void.
We compiled a large playlist of albums, singles, and re-released material from 2020. Listen to it HERE.
Beers Enjoyed: Three Floyds Permanent Funeral, 3 Fonteinen Oude Kriek, Miller Lite, Miller High Life (clear 12oz bottle), De Dolle Boskeun, Maplewood Brownie Points
Find Luca: Annihilus: Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram; Luggage: Bandcamp, Facebook
Chicago Reader
Find Gregg: Metal Vinyl Weekend: Instagram
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Episode Art and HH Logo By: Bryn Gleason
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