Best Metal Albums 2016!

My Favourite Rock & Metal Albums 2016

• Opeth- Sorceress 

This is now Opeth's third release since completely dropping the death metal vocal style. And still appropriates a massive nod towards the classic European progressive rock acts of the 70s. But unlike its two predecessors Heritage and Pale Communion. It seems Akerfeldt has slightly laid back on the jazzier fusions of the past two albums and taken on a bluesier sabbathesque approach on the new material. Replacing the rhythmic flow of their classic death metal period riffs with a sabbath like chug which give provides a good balance of modern foot tapping riffs alongside the usual retrograde King Crimson and Jethro Tull style fusions the band have mastered in recent years. The album also features a completely acoustic track entitled "Willow The Wisp" Which harks back to rockier 70s bands such as Wishbone Ash.

Khemmis- Hunted 

This is the second album from the Denver based band and my introduction listen, And wow what a first good impression. Alot of bands of the past 10 years have tried to reinvent the wheel only to find themselves falling short on a path that has been trod much harder by bands such as Mastodon. Where these guys find strength and identity is the pure honesty within the music. You can hear clear influences from Judas Priest, Thin Lizzy and Iron Maiden. As soon as the album kicks in your ears are met with blissfully clear twin guitar harmonies and crushing backing riffs that also share nods to more contemporary doom acts such as pallbearer. The production is raw and honest yet clear and pounding and the construction of the songs are modern and carefully crafted. Giving every member of the band the opportunity the opportunity to get out their bag of tricks and demonstrate everything from shredding guitar solos to hectic drum fills. Definitely a band that is here to stay.

Metallica- Hardwire... To Self- Destruct

Im not going to lie, I wasn't expecting anything groundbreaking from this album. Despite being a regular listener for the past 10 years or more. The problem being each album seems further and further apart in release and the fans no longer no what to expect. 2008's Death Magnetic had some great moments for me but for a seasoned band failed to stand ground alongside releases from bands like Mastodon who seemed to be pushing the envelope further. And fortunately enough my scepticism was met with much force. Since purchasing the album I have struggled to take my finger off the repeat button. Every classic aspect of Metallica is present on this release. Hammett's solos are aplenty and Hetfields vocals sound as powerful as on their debut album. The classic open chugging is present but also balanced alongside twin guitar harmonies and powerchord stabs that is guaranteed to put a smile on veteran fans faces, But also impress a new generation of fans. I don't even think their is one track on the album that is under 5 minutes, But it doesn't matter at all because the songs are so well crafted and packed with everything from catchy lyrics to foot stomping riffs. Standout tracks for me are Moth Into Flame, Atlas Rise and Am I savage. 

Alcest- Kodama

This is the first time Alcest have made one of my favourite albums of the year list. Although comprising of a strong back catalogue. This is the first time the French blackgaze band have really produced what is deemed to me, The perfect balance between post rock beauty and all out sinister black metal discordance. Wrapped up in a unique concept inspired by Hayao Miyazaki's film princess mononoke. 

Anciients- Voice Of The Void

This band has appeared on my radar as one since their debut in 2013. And have continued to tread the path of success by utilising everything in their arsenal of sound that made their first album so impressive and elaborated it even further. The album clearly echoes influences from some of the biggest progressive rock acts of the past decade, Most noticeably for me "Mastodon" and "Opeth". But have refined their craft so quickly they have instantly raised their heads above the water, It's hard not to imagine the band soon sharing festival stages with some of their more popular long running prog metal contemporaries. 

Gojira Magma

Although in my own personal opinion not as strong or consistent as their previous album. The progressive french legends still aim to show us why they remain one of the biggest progressive metal acts of the current era. The album is filled with the usual weaponry of odd finger tapped riffs, Open chugged bottom end bludgeons. But have thrown in more open space, Letting alot of the faster paced tempos take more of a backseat in favour of slower sludgier syncopation and melodies.

Isahn Arktis

Arktis is the latest instalment from the Norwegian legend Ishahn. This is his third album within six years and in my opinion the strongest of the three. It certainly shows him playing to his strengths in other words throwing every possible influence and genre he likes into the concoction. Everything from classic 90s black metal discordant riffs to sinister soundscapes and brash saxophone sections can be heard within its 50 minute running time. Creating an unpredictable but enjoyable 50 minute journey for anyone who likes their metal out of the ordinary.

Meshuggah The Violent Sleep Of Reason

After a four year wait this was probably one of the most anticipated albums this year, Coming from the undisputed leaders of the Djent metal tag. For a band that have enjoyed a career that has jumped over quarter of a century. The album has an insatiable aggressive adolescent quality about it. The riffs and drums are as tight and mechanical as ever and the vocals ear cracking.

Vektor-Terminal Redux

This is probably the most of the wall release this year to make my list and the first time Vektor have really blown me away. A sci-fi concept album about an astronaut finding the key to immortality. Not only is the concept itself off the wall, Where the band differ from the usual black thrash bands is the off beat riffs that fit more comfortably alongside the progressive metal label than traditional thrash. Their is plenty of wacky dual guitar riffs and over the top finger tapping but this is also balanced with clean picked chord passages to give the album space and a sense of foreboding doom. Imprinting the image of being stuck in space awaiting for an outbreak of disaster.

Nothing- Tired Of Tomorrow

Released really early on in the year. I could not stop blasting the single "Vertigo Flowers" followed by the follow up single "Eaten By Worms". And was eager to hear the full release, In my opinion the album isn't quite as consistent as the bands first offering. But it's 90s pop sensibilities still make it an album of rotated listens, The chorus's are easy to sing or hum along to but the verses still utilise an almost pixies like soft to heavy dynamic. But kicking in with drowsy chord progressions that are much weightier and closer aligned with an indie metal sound than the average 90s throwback indie band.