Eight Rock and Metal Albums We May Never Get to Listen to

cade worth of material was written and even demoed by the band, tensions quickly arose between Judas Priest and Stock Aitken Waterman. Judas Priest, known for their hard-hitting sound and leather-clad image, found themselves at odds with the producers’ emphasis on pop sensibilities and mainstream appeal.

The project was ultimately scrapped, with Judas Priest returning to their classic heavy metal sound and releasing their album Ram It Down in 1988. While some rumors and theories have emerged over the years, fueling speculation that the collaboration could eventually see the light of day, the collaborative album remains shelved. Despite the novelty and intrigue surrounding the concept, it seems unlikely that Judas Priest’s foray into pop territory will ever materialize.

Textures – Reflections

Dutch progressive metal band Textures made waves with their first three albums, crafting intricate, polyrhythmic compositions that pushed the boundaries of the genre. In 2015, Textures announced plans for their fourth full-length album, Reflections, promising a return to their technical roots while exploring new sonic landscapes.

The band entered the studio with producer Jochem Jacobs, who had previously worked on their albums Silhouettes and Dualism. Early reports indicated that Reflections would feature a mix of aggression and melody, with ambitious song structures and complex arrangements that showcased Textures’ instrumental prowess.

However, as the recording process progressed, internal tensions within the band began to surface. Creative differences and personal conflicts reached a boiling point, leading to the departure of vocalist Eric Kalsbeek and keyboardist Richard Rietdijk. Despite attempts to salvage the album with new members, Textures ultimately disbanded in 2017, leaving Reflections unfinished.

While some material from the sessions has since surfaced online, offering a glimpse into what might have been, the album remains unofficially released. Reflections stands as a testament to the band’s legacy and the untapped potential of their final chapter, leaving fans to wonder about the sonic landscapes that could have been explored.

Necrophagist – Last Ark

German technical death metal outfit Necrophagist made an indelible mark on the metal scene with their genre-defining album Epitaph in 2004. Following the release, anticipation was high for their next record, tentatively titled Last Ark. However, over 17 years have passed since Epitaph, and Necrophagist’s elusive follow-up has yet to materialize.

Rumors and speculation have swirled around the band’s reclusive guitarist and mastermind, Mohammad Suicmez, who reportedly spent years crafting and perfecting the material for Last Ark. Despite occasional updates and assurances from Suicmez that the album was in progress, Necrophagist remains notoriously silent about its status, leading to fervent fan curiosity and anticipation.

While the band has released no new music since Epitaph, and Suicmez himself has largely withdrawn from the public eye, Last Ark continues to hold a mythical status in the metal community. Fans have dissected any hints or teases from the band, hoping for a glimpse of the album that may never arrive, cementing Necrophagist’s unrealized potential as a tantalizing enigma in the annals of metal history.

These lost metal albums, from aborted collaborations to unfinished masterpieces, represent the intersections of creativity, ambition, and circumstance in the world of rock and metal music. While some may remain forever out of reach, their legacy endures, fueling speculation, nostalgia, and fascination among fans and musicians alike.