We've already received a bounty of amazing new albums this year, but 2022 is hardly over. Fall is looking like one of the most plentiful heavy metal harvests in recent memory, with new albums from pioneers like Ozzy Osbourne and Megadeth, heavy hitters such as Lamb of God and Slipknot, and countless younger bands on the rise who are vying to make their mark. We published our most anticipated albums list of fall 2022, so then it was time to hear what the fans are aching to hear. We asked, you cast your ballots, and the top five vote-getters are ranked accordingly below.
5. Behemoth - Opvs Contra Natvram
Ever the arbiters of edge and divisiveness, Behemoth will return on September 16th with their first album in four years, Opvs Contra Natvram. Described by Nergal as "a middle finger" to "cancel culture, social media, and tools which I feel are very dangerous weapons in the hands of people who are not competent to judge others," the record's track listing and cover variations were released in May alongside lead single, "Ov My Herculean Exile." If the scathing, lumbering tale of a violent wanderer who performs cannibalistic murder is any indication, the rest of the album will be business as usual, Behemoth-style.
4. Clutch - Sunrise on Slaughter Beach
Also arriving on September 16th is Maryland hard rockers Clutch's latest, Sunrise on Slaughter Beach. Notably featuring the Clutch firsts of vibraphone, theremin, and female backup vocals, the record was written largely during the pandemic and, according to drummer Jean-Paul Gaster, reflects an experimental spirit. One track even cites vaccine conspiracy theories as inspiration, and if the video for the single "Slaughter Beach" is any indication, this could be Clutch at their weirdest yet — get a load of those sea creature masks from NYC special FX artist Kelly Harris!
3. Slipknot - THE END, SO FAR
Slipknot could release little more than a post-dinner belch and the Maggots would come running. Naturally, their upcoming record is planted firmly on this list. THE END, SO FAR is the seventh in the 'Knot's discography and promises their signature face-smashing grandiosity as heard on singles "The Dying Song" and, more dynamically, "Yen." Iowa's heaviest exports hit the road with the new tracks in tow next month, bringing the show to huge arenas and festivals across the country so fans can experience them firsthand.
2. Lamb of God - Omens
Richmond metal vets Lamb of God are back just two years after their last blistering LP and, according to guitarist Mark Morton, are working together better than ever. The recently released title-track, "Omens," points to this as truth, utilizing some of the hardest-hitting grooves they've ever laid down with a breakdown worthy of the mosh hall of fame. Old-timers who've been with the Lamb since the beginning should start stretching now.
1. Megadeth - The Sick, The Dying... and the Dead!
As they approach their 40th anniversary as a band, thrash titans Megadeth will release their sixteenth full-length, The Sick, the Dying…and the Dead! Starring a fresh lineup with stalwart leader Dave Mustaine at the helm, the record is the culmination of the frontman's battles with cancer, the pandemic, and betrayal over the past few years, resulting in a fiery mash-up of tracks inspired by militaristic language like "Soldier On!" and "Night Stalkers: Chapter II" featuring a cameo by Ice T. Clearly, our readers are excited as we are.
