Over the last few days, I’ve had some people over twitter (who I’ve never met before) asking what albums or bands I’m looking forward to later this year and why. I’ve told them what the truth but I really don’t think 3 140-character messages conveys my full opinions. So here is a list of the 3 most anticipated bands and/or albums I’m looking forward to in 2014.

#1 – Mudvayne

I love this band. I don’t care who you are, where you’re from, what you think, I LOVE Mudvayne. They were the first metal band I ever really got into and loved. They released 5 albums in their time from 2000 with L.D. 50 to 2009 with their self-titled album. Their songs reached several highs, one of which was their music video for “Dig” ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIqbdnaPcT8 ) winning an MTV Music Video Award, and their song “Forget to Remember” from “Lost and Found” ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ea_7J1hffs ) being featured as the first song to appear in the credits for Saw 2 (which seems like a pretty big deal to me). But, the band went on hiatus after releasing “Mudvayne” in 2009. However, the singer, Chad Gray, and guitarist, Greg Tribbett, formed together with other musicians to form the supergroup, Hellyeah. And after years of being on tour, it has been speculated that Gray and Tribbett will get back together with the other members of Mudvayne and throw together another album. I cannot wait for this album because I (and many others) have been waiting 5 years for even news of when they will get back together, and now we have a good idea of when that might happen, even though it’s only speculation. If you haven’t heard of Mudvayne but like metal, go and listen to them!

 

#2 – Metallica

Sigh….. Metallica… I never said that “anticipation” was only going to mean positive now did I? We hard rock and metal bands remember the first time we listened to “Master of Puppets”, “Ride the Lightning”, and “And Justice For All”…….and then came “Load”. They’re charts…. tanked. In all honesty though out of my love for old Metallica I was able to pull a FEW songs out of those latter albums and find some joy in them… but not a lot. What was the last Metallica album? I can’t even remember…. that’s how much they’ve gone down in my opinion. If I had to guess it would be called “Saint Pain” or “Saint” something. I just… I want to see a return of old Metallica… thrash metal and lyrics from the old days. You know…. good music. But if you like their newer stuff better than their older works, I highly disagree with you, but hey…. whatever floats your shitty little boat. I just hope this album will be at least a sliver better. Probably won’t. But a man can dream, right?

 

#3 – Slipknot

Ever since the death of the beloved Slipknot member, Paul Gray, died, many Slipknot fans were patient for another studio album, but at the same time, they dreaded the thought of the remaining 8 members splitting up. These fears were dashed when it was announced by Corey Taylor (lead singer) that there will be in fact another studio album expected to come out later this year. Even though Joey Jordison (excuse if I got his last name wrong), long time drummer, will not be part of the making of the album, it’s still going to be made. It was said that this album will have a darker theme and be a sort of cross between “Iowa” and “Vol. 3 Subliminal Verses”. I’m looking forward to it. I liked “All Hope Is Gone”. Why wouldn’t this one be good if not at least exceptional. (hint hint- it’s even been said that this might turn out to be a double album. Don’t hold me against it.)

 

Let me know what albums or bands you’re looking most forward to at my twitter @ReviewsRock.