In looking at last year's list, a record 7 out of 10 of the Most Anticipated Metal CDs Of 2008 were actually released. 2009 looks to be another stellar year for heavy metal, with some of the biggest artists in the genre set to release new material. This isn't meant to be a comprehensive list of 2009 releases, just a brief overview of some of the most anticipated CDs. For a more complete release schedule, check out my frequently updated list of Heavy Metal CD Release Dates.
Slayer
2006's
Christ Illusion was popular with both fans and critics and
Slayer won a couple of Grammys, probably the most extreme band to ever pick up one of those awards. They are currently working on a new material and a fall release is possible. It wouldn't be surprising to see this one pushed to 2010.
Lamb Of God
Lamb Of God gets more successful with each CD, and 2006's
Sacrament was their most popular so far.
Wrath is slated for a February release, and the band worked with a different producer this time around, Josh Wilbur (Hatebreed, Avenged Sevenfold). Word is it's even more aggressive than their last effort.
Mastodon
Crack The Skye will be released in February after making the 2008 most anticipated list. 2006's
Blood Mountain was named the number one CD of the year by this site and many others. Scott Kelly from Neurosis once again makes a guest appearance on one of the songs. It's a concept album, but
Mastodon is not revealing much beyond confirming Rasputin is one of the characters.
Cannibal Corpse
Pioneering death metal legends
Cannibal Corpse show no signs of mellowing with age. The band's 11th studio album is
Evisceration Plague, produced by Erik Rutan. Those who have heard it say it's one of their best. It's said to be a little more polished than 2006's
Kill, but without losing any brutality or aggression. It will be released February 3rd, 2009.
Megadeth
Megadeth released one of their best CDs in years with 2007's
United Abominations. Dave Mustaine and company hope to continue that momentum with their latest album, still untitled. It will feature new guitarist Chris Broderick (Jag Panzer) who replaced Glen Drover. Andy Sneap is set to produce.
Killswitch Engage
Killswith Engage's fifth studio set is tentatively scheduled to be released sometime in mid 2009. Their last CD,
As Daylight Dies was released in 2006 and sold very well. Guitarist Adam D is a sought-after producer and has helmed KsE's previous CDs, but they brought in Brendan O'Brien (who also produced the new Mastodon CD) to co-produce.
Mayhem
Norwegian black metal veterans
Mayhem have had a major personnel change. Guitarist Blasphemer has left the band after 13 years. They are planning a spring 2009 U.S. tour, but a release date for the follow up to 2007's
Ordo Ad Chao hasn't been firmed up yet.
Heaven And Hell
After the Ronnie James Dio era Black Sabbath reunited to record some new material for a greatest hits album, things went so well they kept going. Dubbed
Heaven And Hell, they toured the world for the past two years. Their first album since 1992's
Dehumanizer could be released sometime in the spring.
Napalm Death
Time Waits For No Slave is
Napalm Death's 13th studio album, and the latest effort from the grindcore pioneers will hit the shelves in February. It's the follow up to 2006's
Smear Campaign.Morbid Angel
Their 1989 album
Altars Of Madness is considered a death metal classic, and
Morbid Angel is finally ready to release their eighth studio album. It doesn't have a title or release date yet, but it will probably start with the letter I, since their past seven releases started with an A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H title. The band is shopping for a label, but has said the album will be released in 2009.
Other Notable Bands Scheduled To Release New CDs In North America In 2009
Anthrax, Baroness, Between The Buried And Me, The Black Dahlia Murder,
Cattle Decapitation, Cathedral, Chimaira,
Dillinger Escape Plan, Every Time I Die, Exodus, Goatwhore,
God Forbid, Immortal, Job For A Cowboy, Katatonia, Kreator, Kylesa,
Lacuna Coil, Marilyn Manson,
Mayhem, Municipal Waste, Necrophagist, Nile, Primordial,
Satyricon, Saxon,
Sepultura
