With 2012 ending and 2013 starting up we’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly in the metal and punk music world. The good has been that we have had many legendary bands produce albums, tours or both. Legendary artists such as the Misfits, Motley Crue, GWAR, Soulfly, and Black Label Society had hugely successful worldwide tours in 2012. Even in a time where the top 40 charts are filled with pre-fab pop or r & b acts, metal and punk bands did well in album sales in 2012. Shows like VH1 Classics “That Metal Show” have brought the metal and hard rock world back into the public eye and have made many fans aware of new albums or reissued albums by some of their favorite bands. The bad was having lost some musicians of the genre once again and having lost them way too soon. The ugly would have to be the legal issues for Lamb of God lead singer Randy Blythe. As the band was to play a show in the Czech Republic Blythe was arrested and held in jail on charges that he had a hand in killing a fan that jumped on stage during a past show. While Randy Blythe is home free on bond, he is due to go back to court in Prague when the court case goes to trial. Many in the metal community and especially in the RVA metal community showed their love and support for Randy and Lamb of God during this tough time and had support events over the summer. These acts of support can be part of the good in the metal year in review that came out of the ugly.
What will the upcoming year have in store for metal and punk? From all signs it shall be a good one. New albums have been slated for release with new ones from both Dropkick Murphy’s and OTEP coming in of January 2013. Rumored albums or compilations from Judas Priest, Motley Crue, Bif Naked and GWAR are the horizon as well. Many acts have hinted at some major tours so that is a good start to 2013 too. Check out your favorite artist websites, Facebook, Twitter or your local arena’s links for any ticket information as well as album release news.
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