Heavy Hops

Heavy Hops


HH 026: Top North American Albums of 2020 (Luca Cimarusti & Gregg Elzinga)

December 31, 2020

Joining us for our final episode of 2020 are Luca Cimarusti (Luggage, Annihilus music critic for the Chicago Reader) and Gregg Elzinga of Metal Vinyl Weekend. We reveal our top five North American heavy albums for 2020 and discuss how we keep up with releases throughout the year, what sources we use to find new music, and what we look forward to next year.  We also take time to catch up with our guests; Luca last appeared on HH 012 and Gregg joined us midway through the year on HH 006. Annihilus’ debut full length Ghanima has been well received and positively reviewed leading to inclusion on year end lists, including Bandcamps “Best Metal Albums of 2020”.  While it’s been a slow year for live music and in person events, Gregg gives us insights into exciting plans for Metal Vinyl Weekend in 2021.
Gregg’s Top 5 (In No Particular Order):
Huntsmen Mandala of Fear
Lesser Glow Nullity
Midnight Rebirth of Blasphemy
REZN Chaotic Divine
In The Company of Serpents Lux
Notables: Soft Kill Dead Kids R.I.P. City, Golden Light Sacred Colour of the Source of Light, Necrot Mortal, Day of Doom Live series (Horsehunter, Domkraft, Elephant Tree, Summoner), Idles Ultra Mono.
Luca’s Top 5 (In No Particular Order):
Bruges A Thread of Light
Exhalants Atonement
Brandy The Gift of Repetition
Nothing The Great Dismal
Uniform Shame
Notable Singles, Re-Pressings/Remasters, Live Albums etc: Merge reissued the first two Polvo records. Deadlife‘s black metal GG Allin cover.
Non Metal Notables: Don Toliver Heaven or Hell, Spice S/T
Alexi’s Top 5 (In No Particular Order):
Wake Devouring Ruin 
Gulch Impenetrable Cerebral Fortress