Looking ahead to 2013

Well, musically, 2012 had some good stuff (an attempt to make up for the rest of the year, perhaps). Here's hoping for a better 2013 and some good music, too:

DevilDriver
DevilDriver #6 is currently underway. The follow-up to Beast promises to be as punishing as ever. It's amazing these guys have time for new material given their relentless touring. I'm not complaining, having seen them a handful of time over the last couple if years. If the past is any indication, the next record will be blistering on CD and on stage - make way for the groove machine.

Black Sabbath
The first new Black Sabbath songs in years?! This is something every metal head has been waiting for. The grandfathers of doom, death, and progressive metal are set to return with a new album in 2013. All hail the kings!

Filter
Richard Patrick, founder and driving force behind Filter, as been doing things his way since the band's early days. Filter's last album was a return to form with the catchy riffs, soaring choruses, and dark lyrics that make this an enduring band. This new record, the follow-up to The Trouble With Angels, reminds the front man of Title of a Record and that is a very good thing.

Soilwork
Soilwork has been working on new material for their next album. With a recently released track, it's clear that the trademark guitar attack and vocalist Speed's gruff howl and melodic croon are in full effect. I've got a few of Soilwork's previous records, each with outstanding tracks, so the new record has a lot to prove and there is no doubt that they are up to the task.

Behemoth
Behemoth promises to return in 2013 with the best material and stage show yet - and that is saying something given their awesome tour this year. Lead singer Adam Darski released his autobiography this year and there's rumor of an English version in the near future.

Tool
Pioneers of American progressive metal in the 90s and early 00s Tool is roumored to be working on their 5th major release, the follow-up to 10,000 Days. It will interesting to hear what they have to offer the prog metal/rock genre and their die-hard fans.