J Mays

Consider this a fair warning that this will be one of the most mainstream lists you’ll see. I like to sing along with my metal. I want to say thanks to Erik and the rest of the dudes at Teeth for giving me a shot (also thanks for letting me write the intro to the lists and getting a poop and sex joke all in one). I started writing for this site at what could only be described as an awful point in my life. Coming out on the other side, I can say talking to those guys, immersing myself in some incredible music, and writing for the site has been a joy I can’t even begin to express. My musical tastes have changed a lot this year and thanks to them, I have discovered a lot of classics I never heard thanks to getting into metal quite late in my life. Thanks a million. Cheers!

Albums of the Year:

1. Unleash The Archers – Despite the title of their last album, this one is indeed their true Apex.
2. Lamb of God – If someone had told me earlier in the year Lamb of God would release their best album since Ashes of the Wake,, I would have slapped them in front of their mother… with a dildo.
3. DevilDriver – Dealing with Demons Part 1. Dez’s son guests on the track “You Give Me a Reason to Drink.” Take that for what you will.
4. Protest The Hero – Tasty progressive metal from Canadians who know more about United States history than we. Go figure.
5. Black Crown Initiate – Violent Portraits of Doomed Escape. In my review, I stated I would be disappointed if this band didn’t consistently release album of the year material. How does top 5 sound? Underachievers.
6. Dethlehem – Maelstrom of the Emerald Dragon. This is the most fun album of 2020… Watch their videos, listen to the album, and sink your teeth into its meaty tenderness, too.
7. Killer Be Killed – Reluctant Hero. Not as good as their previous, but still outstanding.
8. Deathwhite – Grave Image. If I had been asked around June my favorite album, this would have been #1. Being in the top 10 is a true testament to its staying power.
9. The Ocean – Phanerozoic II: Mesozoic/Cenozoic. I much prefer this Over the actual ocean (all of them). That includes Billy.
10. Eternal Champion – Ravening Iron. If this came out earlier in the year, it would be much higher on the list.
11. Carach Angren – Frankensteina Strataemontanus. Screw you, Carach Angren for releasing an album with this title, but kudos for making it so good.
12. Dark Tranquillity – This album was potentially best described as “moody” by a fellow writer. Indeed.
13. Imonolith – State of Being. I’m not sure why this slab of beautiful, mainstream, alternative metal has barely been covered anywhere. That’s criminal.
14. Terminal Nation – Holocene Extinction. BLECH! A “fuck the system” album from Red State, Arkansas. I don’t usually go for that “Entombed-core” sound, but this one kicked my ass.
15. Hail Spirit Noir – Eden in Reverse. Don’t think about it too hard.
16. Pulchra Morte – Ex Rosa Ceremonia. I love death doom and this is only the second album to meet that descriptor on my list.
17. Anaal Nathrakh – Endarkenment. A pig. With cocks in its eyes. Masturbating. To the end. Of the world.
18. Spirit Adrift – Enlightened in Eternity. Their previous works have left me lukewarm at best. Not even sure who Luke is, but he should consider removing layers.
19. Amiensus – The title of this album is based on what happens to my midsection after too many crunches.
20. Abysmal Dawn – This album has really grown on me. I liked it when I reviewed it, but now, I love it.
21. Orbit Culture – This album has no right to be as good as it is.
22. Svalbard – When I Die, Will I Get Better? Is it possible for an album to make oneself want to jump off a building… in a good way?
23. Trivium – What the Dead Men Say. This is nothing new for them, but I have still listened to it endlessly.
24. Xenobiotic – Despite the album’s title, I do not, and will not ever want “More Drake.” Less Drake, please.
25. Warbringer – Weapons of Tomorrow. Thrash really isn’t my bag, baby, but this album transcends it.
26. Benighted – Obscene Repressed. “Give me a bree, Julien.”
27. Suicide Silence – Become the Hunter. Deathcore isn’t my thing anymore, either, but this album is.
28. Macabre – Carnival of Killers. Such catchy lunacy.
29. Spellbook – Magick & Mischief. I have not had much time with this album, but it would be much higher on the list if I had. It would be criminal to leave it off.

EP of the Year:

1. Soilwork – A Whisp of the Atlantic. This is longer than many full lengths, so maybe it’s cheating, but also maybe “fuck you, you’re not my real dad.”

Songs of the year:

1. Unleash The Archers – “Through Stars.”
2. Lamb of God – “Resurrection Man.”
3. Katatonia – “Behind the Blood.”
4. DevilDriver – “Wishing.”

Label of the Year: Transcending Obscurity Records… and it’s not close. Their physical merch game is second to none. If it’s on TO, it’s really good, at worst.

Live Show of the Year: Ugh. I went to one and had 3 lined up before they were cancelled. I was more fortunate than a lot of people. The one I did get to see was spectacular for a few reasons. It was my boss’s first metal show. Haha. Shadow of Intent, Inferi, Brand of Sacrifice, and Signs of the Swarm.