Things to Look Forward to in 2012

Nope, this is not a cynical list of things to do if the Mayans were really right and things will end in December 2012. Personally, I think we’ll all be ok come January 2013, so the Mayans will be seen as frauds. But either way, there should be some things in the hard rock and metal world for 2012. Some will be right off the bat, some are further down the road and some of this is just pure, wild speculation. But even if it’s only speculation, it’s always fun to dream up stuff that may be based in some reality down the road.
So, here’s some of the things that hard rock and metal fans have to look forward to in 2012:

Concert: Tool @ Huntington Center (Toledo)- January 24^th: Tool was last in the area back in 2008, and even though Maynard Keenan has been busy with various projects, it’s good to see his main band back in action. The tour runs for about a month, but the band makes their first trip to the border town of Toledo in a long time. I haven’t checked out the new Huntington Center for a show as of yet because the only thing there has been country shows so far, but I heard it’s nice and should be a good show.

Album: Lamb of God “Resolution”- January 24^th: Easily the most anticipated metal album of the year. If you’ve already heard “Ghost Walking”, you get the idea that Lamb of God ain’t trying dubstep or classic rock for this album. With Lamb of God, it’s pure pedal to the floor metal and “Resolution” should be no different. To quote Bart Scott from the 2011 NFL Playoffs :“Can’t Wait!”.

Concert: Gigantour 2012 @ Palace of Auburn Hills- February 9^th: Visions of Megadeth getting blown off stage by Lamb of God back in at the Gigantour 2006 still brings memories to me, but Megadeth has rebounded from that time to put out some of their best work in a long time over the past several years. But Mustaine and company will have their work cut out for them as the immortal Lemmy and Motorhead open up the show. Also, Volbeat open up as well and why anybody still cares about Lacuna Coil is beyond me.

Concert: Rammstein @ Palace of Auburn Hills- May 6^th: If anybody made the trip to Chicago or Toronto last year to see Rammstein light those arenas on fire, I’m willing to bet absolutely no one left the arena disappointed. But now the band has expanded their touring to nearly 20 U.S. dates in 2012, and one is right here as the German industrial giants prepare to unleash hell on the Detroit crowd. Rammstein was the show of the year in 2011, and there is no reason why they shouldn’t repeat in 2012.

Concert: Rockstar Mayhem Festival @ DTE Energy Music Theater- July 22^nd: Yes, that date and venue have already been announced- but with no lineup. Early rumors for the fifth go-around for the festival include the first major dates for Slipknot since the death of bassist Paul Gray. Also, Five Finger Death Punch and Korn are rumored to be on the bill as well. Except a full lineup announcement sometime in late January.