Published 10th December

In this packed issue of Metal Hammer, we look back at the last 12 months in metal. While it seemed like the world stopped, metal didn't – and we catch up with the artists who made 2020 a killer year for our scene, against all odds. We also run down the top 50 albums of the year, as voted by our panel of critics. Code Orange, Oceans Of Slumber, Napalm Death, Cirith Ungol, Sólstafir, Midnight, Bury Tomorrow, Deftones, A.A. Williams, Ozzy, Trivium, Imperial Triumphant and many, many more made the list, but who bagged the top spot? Elsewhere in the mag, we fire your questions to Alter Bridge’s Myles Kennedy, Jamey Jasta gives us his life lessons (PMA FTW), and we look back at the surreal story of Hammerfall’s Hearts On Fire. Curling, anyone? We hit the studio with Light The Torch, Black Stone Cherry’s Chris Robertson shows us his music collection, and Shinedown’s Brent Smith talks drugs, George Floyd and his side-project. We check out the best new bands, and bring you the latest news and more than 50 album reviews! The mag also comes bundled with a best of 2020 15-track CD, calendar and 32-page activity book. That little lot should keep you busy over the festive season.