Welcome to Metal Power Rankings: Our weekly rankings take a number of factors into account: newsworthiness, record sales, internet buzz, word of mouth and overall importance in the genre. Ultimately, it’s subjective, but if a band generates enough buzz, they’ll wind up on the list. This week, rumors about a certain festival are making the rounds, leading to a one-two combo at the top and a lot of movement elsewhere.
1) Slayer (re-entry)
The new album is coming out sometime soon. And if the rumors are true, we’ll have a high-profile summer tour to see them on.
2) King Diamond (debut)
If the Mayhem Fest rumors are true, we’ll be seeing a lot of King this year. That’s awesome for the many people that haven’t seen him in years.
3) Tool (re-entry)
Finally, we’re getting a Tool album! Or at least we’re starting to have some forward progress.
4) Megadeth (re-entry)
Chris Adler is somewhat of a journeyman drummer, apparently. But only if the rumors are true.
5) Metallica (no change )
The band’s in the news this week for all the wrong reasons. But are they really in that bad of a place?
6)Mastodon (from 1)
Happy 40th birthday to Brann!
7) Killswitch Engage (re-entry)
Hearing the band’s Game of Thrones track reminded us how solid of a band they are. Hopefully we’ll be hearing more music from them this year.
8) Faith No More (no change)
We’d see Roddy Bottum’s Sasquatch musical.
9) Slipknot (from 2)
Anyone heard from Mick Thomson lately?
10) Anthrax (from 3)
The new Game of Thrones song suggests that the band still have plenty of kick left to them. They’re about to hit the road. And the high seas.
11) The Devil Wears Prada (debut)
Big week for TDWP, losing a guitarist, returning to their original label, announcing a new EP and joining the Mayhem Fest (allegedly)
12) Unlocking the Truth (debut)
If you’re trying to get out of your contract before you’ve released a note of music, that’s probably not a great thing. Reviews of the preteens’ film points them as pawns in a game though, so this could be a cautionary tale. Here’s hoping they come out relatively unscathed.
13) Royal Thunder (no change)
With Crooked Doors about to come out, the band’s getting love from everyone. Even Entertainment Weekly.
14) Byzantine
They won over jaded industryites and metal fans alike with their set at SXSW, and with To Release is To Resolve about to actually be released, expect to hear a lot more from them. Just ask Doc Coyle.
15) Limp Bizkit (debut)
Fred Durst is making headlines! Well, Robert Durst actually, but why wouldn’t someone at AP confuse a 72 year-old multimillionaire and suspected serial killer with a 40-something rap rocker?
