As always, we’re not going into the new year entirely unprepared. There’s a few releases that have already been confirmed for this year that I’m keeping an eye on. Rumor has it that some more noteworthy artists might make a return this year as well. Looking at past iterations of this format, it’s amusing to see some projects as recurring guests on the list of anticipated releases. Let’s get to it.
The “Confirmed” List
These albums are either already announced or so far along the process that it’s almost impossible for them not to come out this year.
- Enslaved
- The Hirsch Effekt
- Lurker of Chalice (streaming in full)
- Neaera
- Obsydians
- Paysage d’Hiver
- Old Man Gloom (before the 21st of May)
The “Possibly” List
These albums are likely to be finished this year based on information the bands have shared so far though there is no concrete information.
- Ad Nauseam
- Anti Ritual
- Botanist
- Conjuror (US)
- Cynic
- Gojira
- Howling Sycamore
- Mastodon
- Midnight Odyssey
- Neurosis
- Slugdge
- Vermin Womb
The “This year for sure” List
These bands are known to have been working on something for years or were supposed to release something.
- Cadaveric Fumes
- Plague Widow
- Hamleypa
- Martröð
The “If only” List
Altar of Plagues
There has been nothing on this except for some joking around in a Facebook post, but one can hope.
Trudger
These guys teased being “back at it” on Facebook in August 2018 but have since been silent. We’ll see what this year brings.
VI
With BST and Inrvi leaving Aosoth in 2018 and five years since their last major release, VI are long overdue. Though they have been silent since their split release with Temple of Baal and Order of Apollyon in 2017, new music from these guys is something I’d do unspeakable things for.
Wyrding
These guys are supposedly still active after their debut release in 2015, but social media activity has been close to inexistent. Another one I can only hope for.