Rock is also being well represented so far this year. Still not quite at the same volume of releases as its more aggressive counterparts, but quite varied stylistically. Europe continues to fly the hard rock flag high. The obvious 1980s influences still have an immense impact on the genre, and not only on the veterans, but encouragingly so on the new talent! Please support the acts you love! They need us during these trying times. I know I'm not alone looking ahead at a not too distant future, when we will be able to cheer these bands live once again!
The following are the 10 rock albums released in the first quarter of 2021, that made the biggest impression on me. I've deliberately omitted including any prog ( progressive rock) releases on this list. The Q1 Top 10 Prog Albums will be published separately due to the lush landscape of 2021 studio releases in the progressive rock genre. (Ordered based on release date.)
SERGEANT STEEL
Truck Tales
Austria
Released on January 22, 2021
Melodic/hard rock
Studio album #4
W.E.T.
Retransmission
Sweden
Released on January 22, 2021
Melodic/hard rock
Studio album #4
WIG WAM
Never Say Die
Norway
Released on January 22, 2021
Melodic/hard rock
Studio album #5
ART OF ILLUSION
X Marks the Spot
Sweden
Released on January 29, 2021
Melodic hard rock, AOR
Debut album
(Not available in the US)
BLACK DIAMONDS
No-Tell Hotel
Switzerland
Released on March 12, 2021
Hard rock
Studio album #4
THUNDER
All The Right Noises
UK
Released on March 12, 2021
Melodic/hard rock
Studio album #13
SUNSTORM
Afterlife
Italy
Released on March 12, 2021
Hard rock
Studio album #6
CHEZ KANE
Chez Kane
UK
Released on March 12, 2021
Hard rock, glam metal
Debut album
WINDING ROAD
Winding Road
Sweden
Released on March 26, 2021
Melodic hard rock. AOR
Debut album
THE L.A. MAYBE
Dirty Damn Tricks
US
Released on March 26, 2021
Hard rock
Debut album
© 2021 by Emil Chiru
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