TotalRock’s albums of the year 2020 – Part 1

As the curtain finally comes down on a year like no other,  we turn our attention to the finest releases that came out during the last 12 tumultuous months. As live concerts have largely been on hold this year, we’ve been reminded like never before the importance of getting lost within a good album. In a year where all artists have struggled, many have taken advantage of the down time from the road and the stress of lockdown to create some truly remarkable records.

We at TotalRock have  polled our DJs, writers and presenters to create this aggregate list of our very favourite releases.  Here we have gathered together our top 20 albums of 2020 and created the only list you’re going to need. Without further ado, here is the first half of our top albums countdown:

20:  Ward XVI – Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis is the band’s second full-length album and it’s horror themed metal is sure to scare and delight fans new and old. As Ward XVI describe their album,  2It’s the story of Psychoberrie, a thankfully fictional serial killer locked up inside Whittingham Asylum and her journey from sweet-natured infant to murderous, dead-eyed adult”. Their terrifying new video for `Mister Babadook` premiered right here on TotalRock in September. Check it out above and remind yourself why the ghoulish shocked their way onto our list.

19:  Collateral – `Collateral`

This much hyped young British band finally released their self-titled debut album this year and it did not disappoint their eager fanbase. Over the nine feelgood tracks here Collateral pay tribute to their musical heroes from Bon Jovi to Mr Big. With a record that’s sure to please those looking for a simple, no frills rock and roll record. Hopefully this album is just the first step in a long career for Collateral.

18: – Vandenburg – 2020

Former Whitesnake gunslinger and all around guitar great returned with a new band and a very welcome new album this year. With the addition of former Richie Blackmore and MSG vocalist Ronnie Romero, Vandenberg have produced one of the finest melodic AOR records of the year. Packed with big choruses and bigger riffs, `2020` is a rock solid record.

17: The Cadillac Three – Country Fuzz

Lockdown or no lockdown, Nashville’s fast rising sons The Cadillac Three have had one very busy year. Between writing, recording and various livestreams, the band released not one but two records this year. Here we have chosen their fourth album `Country Fuzz`.  Packed with the good old hooks and catchy choruses we’ve become used to, this is also their funkiest and, dare we say it, most polished and commercial album yet. It’s an album sure to bring a smile and some Tennessee sunshine to even the coldest night.

16: Ozzy Osbourne – Ordinary Man

Following his much publicized health problems and tour cancelations, it seemed that a new album was the last things we were going to receive from the Prince Of Darkness in 2020. However,  a collaboration with young Rap star Post Malone and his producer Andrew Watt turned into a full length album with guest appearances from Slash and Elton John. It’s the most interesting album that Ozzy has released in the last decade and in its most earnest and unguarded moments its a truly moving listening experience. Whether we will get a follow up is yet to be seen, but to still have Ozzy not only alive but recording is surely a small blessing in such a year. Ordinary Man is an outstanding releases from a metal legend.

15:  Black Stone Cherry – The Human Condition

2020 saw Kentucky’s finest Black Stone Cherry release their seventh full length studio album `The Human Condition`. The band still walk the fine line between softer, more polished ballads like `In Love With The Pain` and the harder, more rocking numbers like the single `Again`.  Now almost 20 years into their career, Black Stone Cherry have proved they have the staying power and the vitality to keep growing while staying true to their roots, and `The Human Condition` is a perfect example.

14: Blue Oyster Cult – The Symbol Remains

There are comeback albums, then there are albums that come straight out of the blue, filed in the “Are they still together?” folder. As far as legendary bands go, Blue Oyster Cult have very little left to prove after over 5 decades together, which makes their new album all the more unexpected and exciting. Their first new studio album since 2001’s `Curse of The Hidden Mirror, `The Symbol Remains` is a classic helping of melodic, heavy rock spread over a glorious hour. Guitarist Buck Dharma is still flying the flag for classic rock here, with old-school riffs like `The Alchemist` sounding like they’ve been pulled straight from 1975. `The Symbol Remains` even features a guest appearance from founding member Albert Bouchard on percussion and cowbell, and if there is one thing that might just be able to solve some of the problems the world is currently facing, its more cowbell.

13: Marilyn Manson – We Are Chaos

A creative comeback in the fullest sense of the word, Marilyn Manson’s collaboration with Shooter Jennings has brought out the very best in him, both musically and lyrically.  The title track itself seems as perfect a description as any to the state of the world at the moment, while songs like `Paint Me With Your Love` and `Broken Needle` bring an authentic, even tender quality to Manson’s music that has been sorely lacking on his last few albums.  The erstwhile “God Of F*ck” has finally settled into artistic maturity and it suits him very well.  A superb effort.

12: Those Damn Crows – Point Of No Return

Those Damn Crowes released their 2nd album `Point Of No Return` and it’s easy to see why many people claim that this Welsh five piece is flying the flag for the new generation of British rock bands. With a hard yet highly polished sound, Those Damn Crowes deliver big riffs , big melodies and even bigger choruses. While their sound is not exactly ground-breaking, at this stage of their young career it doesn’t really matter. Those Damn Crowes show big potential and if  `Point Of No Return` is anything to go by, the future should be very bright for this band

11: Testament – Titans Of Creation

In 2020, not only is the Bay Area sound alive and kicking, its practically breathing fire. Original Thrash masters `Testament` delivered their 13th studio album `Titans Of Creation` to much acclaim from fans and critics alike and its not hard to see why. Guitarist Alex Skolnick is still churning out riffs that could cut through diamond while singer Chuck Billy is still in fine scream even after all these years. Songs like `Dream Deceiver` and `Night Of The Witch` take everything that old-school thrash fans loved about Testament while keeping their sound vital and anything but stale. A straight up, no frills thrash metal sledgehammer of an album.

Let us know what your list would look like and be sure to return tomorrow for the all important top 10 and the greatest album of 2020…