Best New Artist of 2013 – 3rd Annual Loudwire Music Awards
Every year, there's a whole new batch of acts that come along, adding to the legacy that is hard rock and metal music. Some may dominate their respective genres for years to come while others may be enjoying their moment in the spotlight now, but all of the nominees for Best New Artist of 2013 definitely left their mark on the year that was.
Even though this is a "new artist" category, a majority of the nominees are familiar faces with new projects. But there are a few acts truly enjoying their first taste of success. Check out the Best New Artist of 2013 nominees below:
Beware of Darkness
California rockers Beware of Darkness hit radio in a big way with their hit song 'Howl.' The tune appears on the band's debut album 'Orthodox,' which came out in the spring of 2013. The band is kicking 2014 off with the new single 'All Who Remain.'
Death Division
Nothingface bassist Jerry Montano and Morbid Angel drummer Tim Yeung join frontman Sean de la Tour and guitarist Rick DiMarco in the hard-hitting new band Death Division. The band released their 'MMXIII' EP earlier this year and began to build their profile on the Megadeth-led Gigantour festival.
Device
The David Draiman-led Device entered 2013 with lots of hype and the band's self-titled debut disc delivered on the promise. The single 'Vilify' topped the charts and follow-up 'You Think You Know' also generated significant airplay. Draiman was joined by guitarist Virus and drummer Will Hunt for Device's live shows.
Devour the Day
Egypt Central are no more, but the band's Blake Allison and Joey "Chicago" Walser decided to push forward with their new band, Devour the Day. The band's 'Time & Pressure' album yielded the hit single 'Good Man' and the follow-up single 'Move On.'
Newsted
Former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted returned with his self-titled new project. The addition of Staind guitarist Mike Mushok after his initial EP only added to the sounds on their debut full-length, 'Heavy Metal Music.' Highlights included the singles 'Soldierhead,' 'Heroic Dose' and 'King of the Underdogs.'
Oblivion
The death metal upstarts Oblivion enjoyed a breakout year with their 'Called to Rise' album. Their technicality shined through on such tracks as 'Black Veils of Justice,' 'Reclamation,' 'Canon 1 in E Minor' and 'Multiverse.'
Palms
Former members of Isis joined forces with Deftones frontman Chino Moreno to add a voice to their lush musical soundscapes in the new group Palms. The band's self-titled debut included such standout cuts as 'Patagonia,' 'Future Warrior' and 'Tropics.'
Philip H. Anselmo & the Illegals
Philip Anselmo is already a metal legend, but he did issue his first solo disc in 2013, with some help from his backing band the Illegals. The album, 'Walk Through Exits Only,' yielded such standouts as 'Bedridden,' 'Usurper Bastard's Rant' and 'Ugly Mug.'
Purson
The London-based psychedelic rock outfit Purson generated one of the year's most interesting efforts with their 'The Circle and the Blue Door' disc. Songs like 'Rocking Horse,' 'Leaning on a Bear' and 'The Contract' helped introduce the band to music listeners.
Scar the Martyr
Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison launched Scar the Martyr in 2013, and the discovery of frontman Henry Derek helped fuel the band's self-titled debut disc. The songs 'Blood Host' and 'Soul Disintegration' paved the way for the band's musical introduction. Jordison has since parted ways with Slipknot, which may mean a busy 2014 for Scar the Martyr.