 | Blog author: Alex Mrkonjic Wow! I can’t believe that we have reached the tail end of 2016 already! Another great year has come and gone for the world of rock and metal with a lot of great new music. |
Needless to say, 2016 has not been a great year for music with the loss of David Bowie, Nick Menza, Glenn Frey, Prince, and Leonard Cohen just to name few. But with every great loss, there has been great music as well. Picking albums to go in my top 10 was very hard. I cannot begin to say how frustrating it was to pick only 10 albums especially when so many bands came out with amazing music. Metal has always been an important and therapeutic part of my life, and these are the albums that helped me a lot, so let's get down to business.
10. METALLICA - Hardwired...To Self-Destruct
Now I know what you are thinking. Alex, how could you put Metallica of all bands at number 10!? Well, to be honest, this album did not blow me away by any means. I mean c’mon! Have you heard “Confusion”. Not the strongest song on the album. Hardwired...To Self-Destruct however does have some pretty kick ass, head-banging tunes such as “Moth Into Flame”, “Spit Out The Bone”, “Hardwired”, and “Atlas Rise”. Plus they did have a nice tribute to the late legend Lemmy Kilmister in the track “Murder One” named after the amp Lemmy would always use during a Motorhead show. Lead guitarist Kirk Hammett is really on top of his game with this album, and oh my god, the solos! For diehard Metallica fans, I would recommend this album, but other than that, this album was okay.
Now I know what you are thinking. Alex, how could you put Metallica of all bands at number 10!? Well, to be honest, this album did not blow me away by any means. I mean c’mon! Have you heard “Confusion”. Not the strongest song on the album. Hardwired...To Self-Destruct however does have some pretty kick ass, head-banging tunes such as “Moth Into Flame”, “Spit Out The Bone”, “Hardwired”, and “Atlas Rise”. Plus they did have a nice tribute to the late legend Lemmy Kilmister in the track “Murder One” named after the amp Lemmy would always use during a Motorhead show. Lead guitarist Kirk Hammett is really on top of his game with this album, and oh my god, the solos! For diehard Metallica fans, I would recommend this album, but other than that, this album was okay.
09. GOJIRA - Magma
To be completely honest, I was quite surprised how much I enjoyed this album. That is not a slight on Gojira in any way, but for anyone that knows me, knows that extreme metal is not my cup of tea. I just recently started getting into the French heavy metal giants, and got really into them when I heard their previous effort: 2012’s L’Enfant Sauvage. Magma does not top their previous record but it is a great record in it’s own right with great tracks such as “Silveria”, “The Shooting Star”, “The Cell”, and “Stranded”. Songs like “The Shooting Star” and “Magma” also have a very eerie feeling to them but damn are they good. For anyone looking simply looking for a kick ass heavy metal record, this is one you should definitely considering picking up.
To be completely honest, I was quite surprised how much I enjoyed this album. That is not a slight on Gojira in any way, but for anyone that knows me, knows that extreme metal is not my cup of tea. I just recently started getting into the French heavy metal giants, and got really into them when I heard their previous effort: 2012’s L’Enfant Sauvage. Magma does not top their previous record but it is a great record in it’s own right with great tracks such as “Silveria”, “The Shooting Star”, “The Cell”, and “Stranded”. Songs like “The Shooting Star” and “Magma” also have a very eerie feeling to them but damn are they good. For anyone looking simply looking for a kick ass heavy metal record, this is one you should definitely considering picking up.
08. ALTER BRIDGE - The Last Hero
I got really excited for this record for a long time. I first saw Alter Bridge open for Disturbed on their recent North American tour, and now I get to see them headline in February! Naturally, when The Last Hero came out, I was blown away with how epic it was! Now, I still feel like it didn’t top their previous effort 2013’s Fortress, but that is only because Fortress was hard to top. Anyone looking for some kick ass rock music to listen to, this album is a must! Songs like “ Show Me A Leader”, “Poison In Your Veins”, “Island Of Fools”, “The Last Hero”, and “Twilight” are prime examples of this. With catchy riffs, pulse-pounding drums, and even dipping into the 7-string guitar territory, this album is quite enjoyable from start to finish. My favourite song on the album is by far the power ballad “You Will Be Remembered”. Just listen to it and you will see why. I am really looking forward to seeing them headline in February.
I got really excited for this record for a long time. I first saw Alter Bridge open for Disturbed on their recent North American tour, and now I get to see them headline in February! Naturally, when The Last Hero came out, I was blown away with how epic it was! Now, I still feel like it didn’t top their previous effort 2013’s Fortress, but that is only because Fortress was hard to top. Anyone looking for some kick ass rock music to listen to, this album is a must! Songs like “ Show Me A Leader”, “Poison In Your Veins”, “Island Of Fools”, “The Last Hero”, and “Twilight” are prime examples of this. With catchy riffs, pulse-pounding drums, and even dipping into the 7-string guitar territory, this album is quite enjoyable from start to finish. My favourite song on the album is by far the power ballad “You Will Be Remembered”. Just listen to it and you will see why. I am really looking forward to seeing them headline in February.
07. DREAM THEATER - The Astonishing
Dream Theater have always been one of my favourite bands. With every new album announcement, I always look forward to that brand new 24 minute magnum opus song that appears on every album. However, that was not the case this time around. They have done concept albums before such as 1999’s Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From a Memory but this years The Astonishing is another animal entirely. This album is not just an album, it’s a story, a play, a movie, a theatrical production. You will need at least 2 hours out of your day to listen to this from start to finish. Guitarist John Petrucci is the mastermind behind this project writing the story, the characters and the lyrics. If you want to listen to a couple songs just to see what the album is like, I would recommend “The Gift Of Music”, “Moment of Betrayal”, or “Our New World”. Lzzy Hale of Halestorm provides guest vocals on the latter. After listening to The Astonishing for the first time, I felt exhausted from listening to the whole thing, but it was well worth it. What an experience.
Dream Theater have always been one of my favourite bands. With every new album announcement, I always look forward to that brand new 24 minute magnum opus song that appears on every album. However, that was not the case this time around. They have done concept albums before such as 1999’s Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From a Memory but this years The Astonishing is another animal entirely. This album is not just an album, it’s a story, a play, a movie, a theatrical production. You will need at least 2 hours out of your day to listen to this from start to finish. Guitarist John Petrucci is the mastermind behind this project writing the story, the characters and the lyrics. If you want to listen to a couple songs just to see what the album is like, I would recommend “The Gift Of Music”, “Moment of Betrayal”, or “Our New World”. Lzzy Hale of Halestorm provides guest vocals on the latter. After listening to The Astonishing for the first time, I felt exhausted from listening to the whole thing, but it was well worth it. What an experience.
06. LACUNA COIL - Delirium
Before the new album was released, Lacuna Coil had a tumultuous couple of years. After the release of their previous record: 2014’s Broken Crown Halo, the band lost longtime rhythm guitarist Cristiano "Pizza" Migliore and longtime drummer Cristiano 'Criz’ Mozzati to retirement. Then just when things couldn’t get any worse, just before the recording sessions for the new album, longtime lead guitarist Marco "Maus" Biazzi decides to call it quits, so naturally, I thought the new album was not going to be all that great and to be honest, I wasn’t all that excited for it. However, when I first heard the song “The House Of Shame” and then “Ghost In The Mist”, man was I happy to be wrong! They have great replacements in drummer Ryan Blake Folden and lead guitarist Diego Cavallotti. Delirium goes back to the classic Lacuna Coil sound that I fell in love with when I was in grade 10. Lead singer Andrea Ferro really digs in deep to bring out some pretty bone chilling death growls. There are ear-pounding riffs, a floor shaking double bass, and dark lyrics in songs such as “Ghost In The Mist”, “Delirium”, “Take Me Home”, “Broken Things”, and “Downfall”. Alter Bridge vocalist Myles Kennedy provides a guest solo on the latter. There is a lot to like about this album.
Before the new album was released, Lacuna Coil had a tumultuous couple of years. After the release of their previous record: 2014’s Broken Crown Halo, the band lost longtime rhythm guitarist Cristiano "Pizza" Migliore and longtime drummer Cristiano 'Criz’ Mozzati to retirement. Then just when things couldn’t get any worse, just before the recording sessions for the new album, longtime lead guitarist Marco "Maus" Biazzi decides to call it quits, so naturally, I thought the new album was not going to be all that great and to be honest, I wasn’t all that excited for it. However, when I first heard the song “The House Of Shame” and then “Ghost In The Mist”, man was I happy to be wrong! They have great replacements in drummer Ryan Blake Folden and lead guitarist Diego Cavallotti. Delirium goes back to the classic Lacuna Coil sound that I fell in love with when I was in grade 10. Lead singer Andrea Ferro really digs in deep to bring out some pretty bone chilling death growls. There are ear-pounding riffs, a floor shaking double bass, and dark lyrics in songs such as “Ghost In The Mist”, “Delirium”, “Take Me Home”, “Broken Things”, and “Downfall”. Alter Bridge vocalist Myles Kennedy provides a guest solo on the latter. There is a lot to like about this album.
05. HELLYEAH - Unden!able
In a recent interview with Loudwire during their Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction segment, Hellyeah drummer and heavy metal legend Vinnie Paul said, “This is one of the best records we have ever written” and quite honestly, I have to agree with that. Ever since I started listening to Hellyeah, none of their records have every really blown me away. That is until they came out with their latest effort Unden!able. This album kicks ass in every way. Tracks like “Human”, "Unden!able”, “X”, and my personal favourite “Blood Plague” get right in your face and get your adrenaline going almost instantly. Another highlight is their cover of the classic Phil Collins track “I Don’t Care Anymore” which also includes some previously unreleased solos from the late legend Dimebag Darrell. If you have always been on the fence about Hellyeah, I guarantee you this album will change your mind.
In a recent interview with Loudwire during their Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction segment, Hellyeah drummer and heavy metal legend Vinnie Paul said, “This is one of the best records we have ever written” and quite honestly, I have to agree with that. Ever since I started listening to Hellyeah, none of their records have every really blown me away. That is until they came out with their latest effort Unden!able. This album kicks ass in every way. Tracks like “Human”, "Unden!able”, “X”, and my personal favourite “Blood Plague” get right in your face and get your adrenaline going almost instantly. Another highlight is their cover of the classic Phil Collins track “I Don’t Care Anymore” which also includes some previously unreleased solos from the late legend Dimebag Darrell. If you have always been on the fence about Hellyeah, I guarantee you this album will change your mind.
04. DEATH ANGEL - The Evil Divide
Death Angel have really hit their stride the last couple of years. My first taste of the Bay Area thrash legends was the song “Truce” from their 2010 album Relentless Retribution. Ever since then I have been a hardcore fan, especially when they came out with their last album 2013’s The Dream Calls For Blood. However, on The Evil Divide, they have upped their game and proven that they are a still a force to be reckoned with. Songs like “The Moth”, “Cause For Alarm”, “Breakaway”, and “Hatred United / United Hate” bring the intensity and thrash to the forefront. Lead guitarist Rob Cavestany is on top of his game with amazing solos, and epic riffs. Drummer Will Carroll also brings his intensity up to 11. “Hatred United / United Hate” is a prime example. The song also features a great guitar solo duel between Rob Cavestany and Andres Kisser of Sepultura fame. Anyone looking for a balls-out thrash metal record should pick this up.
Death Angel have really hit their stride the last couple of years. My first taste of the Bay Area thrash legends was the song “Truce” from their 2010 album Relentless Retribution. Ever since then I have been a hardcore fan, especially when they came out with their last album 2013’s The Dream Calls For Blood. However, on The Evil Divide, they have upped their game and proven that they are a still a force to be reckoned with. Songs like “The Moth”, “Cause For Alarm”, “Breakaway”, and “Hatred United / United Hate” bring the intensity and thrash to the forefront. Lead guitarist Rob Cavestany is on top of his game with amazing solos, and epic riffs. Drummer Will Carroll also brings his intensity up to 11. “Hatred United / United Hate” is a prime example. The song also features a great guitar solo duel between Rob Cavestany and Andres Kisser of Sepultura fame. Anyone looking for a balls-out thrash metal record should pick this up.
03. ANTHRAX - For All Kings
After 5 long years and a lineup change, we finally got some new music from the thrash kings of New York: Anthrax, and they did not disappoint! This is also their first album with new lead guitarist Jonathan Donais of Shadows Fall fame replacing Rob Caggiano. Every member of the band is on top of their game for this record, the most noteable being lead singer Joey Belladonna. Songs like “Monster At The End”, “For All Kings”, “Breathing Lightning”, and “Blood Eagle Wings” are examples of Joey bringing his A game. One noteworthy thing is that my best friend for the most part is not a thrash metal diehard like myself, but when she told me she loved the song “Breathing Lightning”, I was impressed. It is one thing to make a metal fan enjoy your music if they never listen to you before, but it is something else when it is someone who doesn’t usually listen to metal. I also had the pleasure of seeing Anthrax open for Slayer just recently which was a real treat. Great job Anthrax.
After 5 long years and a lineup change, we finally got some new music from the thrash kings of New York: Anthrax, and they did not disappoint! This is also their first album with new lead guitarist Jonathan Donais of Shadows Fall fame replacing Rob Caggiano. Every member of the band is on top of their game for this record, the most noteable being lead singer Joey Belladonna. Songs like “Monster At The End”, “For All Kings”, “Breathing Lightning”, and “Blood Eagle Wings” are examples of Joey bringing his A game. One noteworthy thing is that my best friend for the most part is not a thrash metal diehard like myself, but when she told me she loved the song “Breathing Lightning”, I was impressed. It is one thing to make a metal fan enjoy your music if they never listen to you before, but it is something else when it is someone who doesn’t usually listen to metal. I also had the pleasure of seeing Anthrax open for Slayer just recently which was a real treat. Great job Anthrax.
02. TESTAMENT - Brotherhood Of The Snake
You should've seen my face when I first heard the title track for the new Testament album Brotherhood Of The Snake. My jaw dropped and my face lit up! Oh man, that signature Chuck Billy death growl! This record combines elements of The Gathering and Dark Roots Of Earth and puts it all together for one kick ass heavy metal record. Now, in my opinion, it doesn’t top Dark Roots Of Earth, but it is a strong record in its own right. I love the bass sound coming from returning bassist Steve DiGiorgio and what’s even cooler is that a former rhythm section of Death is now in Testament with Steve and Gene Hoglan. I love it! Taking time to write and record an album has its advantages because you get to take your time and come out with some amazing stuff, but this album was put together and recorded rather quickly. The title track, “The Pale King”, “Stronghold”, “Seven Seals”, and “Neptune’s Spear” are great songs and prime examples of Testament at their best. I am really looking forward to seeing and hearing some of these songs played live in the new year.
You should've seen my face when I first heard the title track for the new Testament album Brotherhood Of The Snake. My jaw dropped and my face lit up! Oh man, that signature Chuck Billy death growl! This record combines elements of The Gathering and Dark Roots Of Earth and puts it all together for one kick ass heavy metal record. Now, in my opinion, it doesn’t top Dark Roots Of Earth, but it is a strong record in its own right. I love the bass sound coming from returning bassist Steve DiGiorgio and what’s even cooler is that a former rhythm section of Death is now in Testament with Steve and Gene Hoglan. I love it! Taking time to write and record an album has its advantages because you get to take your time and come out with some amazing stuff, but this album was put together and recorded rather quickly. The title track, “The Pale King”, “Stronghold”, “Seven Seals”, and “Neptune’s Spear” are great songs and prime examples of Testament at their best. I am really looking forward to seeing and hearing some of these songs played live in the new year.
01. MEGADETH - Dystopia
Okay, was there really any doubt? Anyone that knows me, had to have known that Megadeth's new album Dystopia was going to be number 1. After the disappointing and lackluster previous effort Super Collider and the simultaneous departures of longtime drummer Shawn Drover and guitarist Chris Broderick, things were looking pretty bleak for Megadeth. However, Dave Mustaine hired Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler and Guitarist Kiko Lourerio of Brazilian heavy metal band Angra and all of a sudden, the anticipation for the new record was incredibly high. Dystopia went right back to the Megadeth sound I love, which is the sound from albums like 2007’s United Abominations and 2009’s Endgame. The title track, “The Threat Is Real”, “Fatal Illusion”, “Post American World”, and “Lying In State” are all examples of classic Megadeth sounding songs. With great riffs and dual guitar solos, amazing drumming, pouding bass, and even some Brazilian music influences from Kiko, there is a lot here for any heavy metal fan. I had this album on repeat for a good 2 months and if you're a Megadeth fan, even remotely, then you will too. With that said, congratulations to Megadeth’s Dystopia as my top album of 2016!
Okay, was there really any doubt? Anyone that knows me, had to have known that Megadeth's new album Dystopia was going to be number 1. After the disappointing and lackluster previous effort Super Collider and the simultaneous departures of longtime drummer Shawn Drover and guitarist Chris Broderick, things were looking pretty bleak for Megadeth. However, Dave Mustaine hired Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler and Guitarist Kiko Lourerio of Brazilian heavy metal band Angra and all of a sudden, the anticipation for the new record was incredibly high. Dystopia went right back to the Megadeth sound I love, which is the sound from albums like 2007’s United Abominations and 2009’s Endgame. The title track, “The Threat Is Real”, “Fatal Illusion”, “Post American World”, and “Lying In State” are all examples of classic Megadeth sounding songs. With great riffs and dual guitar solos, amazing drumming, pouding bass, and even some Brazilian music influences from Kiko, there is a lot here for any heavy metal fan. I had this album on repeat for a good 2 months and if you're a Megadeth fan, even remotely, then you will too. With that said, congratulations to Megadeth’s Dystopia as my top album of 2016!
HONOURABLE MENTIONS (No Order)
| Korn The Serenity Of Suffering  | Tremonti Dust  |
| HammerFall Built To Last  | Logical Terror Ashes Of Fate  |
So there you have it! My top 10 albums of 2016. Let me know which albums you like, and what you think of my choices. I look forward to another year of new heavy metal releases in 2017. If any of you reading this, love metal and haven’t really listened to any of these records, then please give them a listen and let me know what you think! I hope everyone has a Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! Here's to 2017!
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