By: Brandon “Big Mac” McCarthy
Well metal fans, 2016 has come to a close. Though we did indeed feel the sting of Lemmy’s
departure, there were some great records that came out of this year. Many albums were produced
from metal juggernaut legends to veterans with star-power to up-and-comers leaving their mark
on the world. These are my Top 20 Hard Rock/Heavy Metal records that came from 2016. It was
tough for me to choose because a lot of great artists this year blew me away. To start this article
(Transcendence), Korn (The Serenity of Suffering), Avenged Sevenfold (The Stage) and I Prevail (Lifelong).
even with a new singer. Their second release with frontwoman Vicky Psarakis (who replaced
founder Alissa White-Gluz back in 2014), Five is a testament to their chemistry. Psarakis with
her pipes is a recipe for The Agonist. Armed with killer solos from Danny Marino, this Canadian
powerhouse band continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the metalcore world. The one
song that stood out the most was the acoustic “The Raven Eyes.” While I do not think it meshes
with the rest of the songs, it is still stirring and addictive to listen to. Psarakis is coming into her
own to make Agonist her band.
own to make Agonist her band.
that brings alternative rock and hard rock together. Led by frontman/guitarist Josh Kennedy, the
Black Moods create their first major label debut that is so electrifying. From the songs they
wrote, I could see how their influences helped shape them into a great trio. Medicine delivers a
knock-out punch filled with wicked guitar solos, groovy bass rhythms by Johannes Lar, soulful
pipes from Kennedy and explosive drumming by Danny “Chico” Diaz. When Kennedy into his
solo on the song “Someone to Save Us,” I feel like I am listening to Eric Clapton or Jimmy Page.
Not too aggressive, but not too subtle. Though it is their second release,
Medicine is the best album to start off with for fans who want to know more about the Black Moods.
Medicine is the best album to start off with for fans who want to know more about the Black Moods.
fascinating with Christian rockers Skillet. While the subject of their songs deals with their
Christian faith, they bring stellar rock music to their words. Since 2006’s Comatose, the band has
been on a role. Now with their 10th release, Unleashed brings them that much closer to rock ‘n’
roll immortality. Each song delivers a solid punch to fans from all walks of life, not just those
who follow Christianity. Vocalist/bassist John Cooper brings real aggression to his voice. On the
lead single “Feel Invincible,” guitarist Seth Morrison performs a guitar solo that is very
hypersonic. The song “Out of Hell” is destined to be their next classic. Though the style is not
much of a change from the previous release Rise, Skillet has still managed to put together
an album that flies to Heaven.
an album that flies to Heaven.
heavy metal with 1950s rockabilly music, you have a winning combo. Volbeat has been on a
rampage since they entered the music world with their style. Seal the Deal and Let’s Boogie
picks up where 2013’s Outlaw Gentleman & Shady Ladies left things. Singer/guitarist Michael
Poulsen has this kind of voice that does not sound forceful, but restrained enough to make the
songs sound cool. As soon as you hear the first single “The Devil’s Bleeding Crown,” the music
has a life of its own. “Battleship Chains” probably has one of the catchiest chorus’ that is very
addictive. Lead guitarist Rob Caggiano had to pull double duty on bass since original bass player
Anders Kjølholm left the band, but he pulls it off with nifty bass lines and sublime
guitar licks that hook you in. With an album as magnificent as this, Volbeat is getting better by the album.
guitar licks that hook you in. With an album as magnificent as this, Volbeat is getting better by the album.
Godfathers, Lacuna Coil. They have delivered one of their darker albums to date. It is a concept
record that deals the struggles of mental illness. I thought of thought they would lose their edge
since the departure of three founding members, but Delirium showed me they were not done.
Unclean vocalist Andrea Ferro goes a little metalcore with songs like “Take Me Home.” For each
skull-crushing guitar solo, they were played with precision by guest players like Alter Bridge’s
Myles Kennedy on “Downfall.” Female vocalist Cristina Scabbia soars even higher with her
voice than on their previous album. While Delirium is dark, it is hauntingly
beautiful at the same time. Nothing can stop Lacuna Coil.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYIEGaIjklk
beautiful at the same time. Nothing can stop Lacuna Coil.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYIEGaIjklk
Dillinger Escape with the voice of Alice in Chains, and then you get a supergroup’s debut album.
Giraffe Tongue Orchestra really caught my ear with the combination of mathcore, progressive
metal, and grunge. They even add a little techno with their evocative first single, “Blood Moon.”
The unnerving vocal work of William DuVall sent chills down my spine. The combine efforts of
guitarists Brent Hinds (Mastodon) and Ben Weinman (Dillinger Escape Plan) brought out some
of the best shredding in both of them. With songs that also included “Crucifixion,”
“Fragments & Ashes,” and “Adapt or Die,” Broken Lines has the makings of an excellent record.
“Fragments & Ashes,” and “Adapt or Die,” Broken Lines has the makings of an excellent record.
an album that mixes both metalcore and melodic rock. Follow-up to the successful Restoring
Force, this record shows the maturity in the group’s songwriting capabilities. Songs like “Pain”
and “Real” comes from the personal struggles of frontman Austin Carlile (who is coping with
Marfan syndrome). Both he and bassist Aaron Pauley come together nicely to play their most
experimental stuff yet. Unfortunately, this is the last album to feature Carlile,
for he retired to focus on his recovery. He will be missed, but has left a lasting impression with Cold World.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkjvyMBeqUE
for he retired to focus on his recovery. He will be missed, but has left a lasting impression with Cold World.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkjvyMBeqUE
form a group that combines J-pop (Japanese pop) and heavy metal is crazy, then Babymetal’s
Metal Resistance is the proof that it is not crazy. This being there sophomore album, it is filled
with tunes that draw tons of different influences like groove metal (“Karate”) and progressive
metal (“Tales of the Destinies”) to name a few. Though it for the most in Japanese, the song “The
One” features the girls singing mostly in English and it was beautiful. What stood out the most
was “No Rain, No Rainbow” because it showcased the range of frontwoman Su-Metal’s voice
and it was in the style of a ‘80s power ballad that reminded me of Journey. Dubbed as Kawaii
metal, Babymetal is a band that belongs in metal. This is why Japan has a huge metal following.
metal, Babymetal is a band that belongs in metal. This is why Japan has a huge metal following.
Observatory. As soon as they played their first note, I was hooked. Their debut album, Narrative,
has an old school nu metal feel to it. Vocalist AJ Channer not only can rap, he can sing with both
melody and aggression. He is like Public Enemy’s Chuck D and Pantera’s Phil Anselmo rolled
into one. The best tracks include “Composition,” “Public Enemy,” and “Pretenders.” The duo
guitar work of Jameson Teat and Drew Walker is magnificent. This is a superb debut album from
a band that makes rap metal cool again.
Killswitch Engage has been stampeding through the metal circuit. As soon as their 7th release
Incarnate hit the radio waves, I was in for a treat. This album is loaded with skull-crushing guitar
playing, balls to the wall rhythms, and passionate lyrical content. What is great about Incarnate is
the approach the band took to their songwriting. One song that stood out to me the most was
“Embrace the Journey…Upraised” because it was much slower and more symphonic than
anything they have done before. Killswitch Engage still brings plenty of metalcore fun with “We
Carry On” and “Hate By Design.” The drumming on the song “The Great Deceit” by Justin
Foley is earsplitting. He just tears through the song and lead guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz whips a
riff that is in frenzy. Metalcore is at its finest with this record.
riff that is in frenzy. Metalcore is at its finest with this record.
people. For Letters From the Fire, retooling the group that has been around a while is what they
needed to do. With some new players and singer Alexa Kabazie, the band came up with Worth
the Pain. What has stood to me the most was Kabazie’s voice. It was so vigorous and powerful.
Founding member and lead guitarist Mike Keller riffs on the record like a pro. From the crunchy
metallic “Given In to Me” to the piano led ballad “At War,” Worth the Pain is chalk full of
rocking tunes that give Letters From the Fire an identity. The chemistry that these guys have is
astounding. Worth the Pain is worth owning.
astounding. Worth the Pain is worth owning.
guitarist Mark Tremonti focusing on his solo career, they always have enough energy to bring
Alter Bridge back and produce works of art. The Last Hero is their fifth release and it does not
disappoint. I did not think they could top the predecessor Fortress, but they are like a Phoenix
rising from the ashes to bring the world of rock something new and exciting. Tremonti lays down
some awesome guitar tracks that would rival his own stuff. Songs “Show Me a Hero” and
“Poison in Your Veins” were crafted with such precision and stand out as some of the top rock
songs of 2016. Kennedy’s voice shows no signs of strain and brings the melody with authority.
Bassist Brian Marshall and drummer Scott Philips create steady rhythms that keep each song
from coming apart. Huge in Europe, this record will give them more fans in their hometown of
the United States. This album is why they are one of my favorite groups today. Alter Bridge is back!
describe Deftones newest masterpiece. From the beginning to the end, Gore was a journey down
the rabbit hole. When I first heard the single “Prayers/Triangles,” I was mesmerized by its beauty
and eccentricity. Vocalist Chino Moreno has a haunting voice that can transform dark lyrics into
something exquisite. Though we still do not know what they are singing about, Deftones have
managed to create a striking album. The heaviest track “Doomed User” is the best song. It is
fitting to know that a band from the 1990s can still generate works of art with their brand of
metal.
Beyonce or Lady Gaga. Not for the ladies of Doll Skin. With their debut album In Your Face
(Again), they blend together hard rock and punk rock. They were first discovered at talent show
by Megadeth’s own David Ellefson, he brought them to his label and the world took notice.
Vocalist Sydney Dolezal has a razor sharp voice that brings fans to their feet, especially with the
song “Family of Strangers.” Not only that, guitarist Alex Snowden’s licks would rival that with
Lita Ford and Joan Jett. There is nothing too complex about this record. The simplicity of it
makes the album that more accessible. I cannot wait for the next one.
single off this diversified album. When I spoke founders Olof Mörck and Elize Ryd, they told me
that “That Song” would draw some attention both positive and negative. I focus on the positive
because it such an infectious song with a great pop hook. What is great about Maximalism is that
it takes more risks than ever before. Not only do they mix their metal pop, but they add a little
dance (“On the Rocks”), rap rock (“Fury”), and disco (“Limitless”). Even screamer Henrik
Englund Wilhemsson does an impressive job taking the lead with “Fury.” Mörck does an
excellent job creating new riffs to headbang to. Drifting further from their signature melodic
death metal sound, Amaranthe has not lost their touch when it comes to making good records
like this one. Their style approach may be changing, but their metal soul is still intact.
like this one. Their style approach may be changing, but their metal soul is still intact.
knew they were destined for greatness. This album is actual proof that I am not wrong. Armed
with stellar guitar licks from Merritt Goodwin and stupendous vocals by Alecia “Mixi” Demner,
Never Alone is a prime example of how cool Goth metal can be. With fantastic songs like
“Monster” and “Catch Me When I Fall,” this group could become the next Lacuna Coil and In
This Moment. Drummer James Decker is a beast behind the kit. All the songs go together nicely
and I am sure the fans will agree me when this album belongs in the Top 5. They have a good
following, but Never Alone will bring more fans to their already growing legion. Keep it up
Stitched Up Heart, the ride has only begun.
proportions. With Magma, Gojira decided to head into a direction that is more melodic than they
have ever done before. Guitarist/vocalist Joe Duplantier maintains his death metal snarl while
opting to sing more cleanly. A slight departure from their signature sound, they honed their
musical skills to craft complex progressive metal that can bring in new legions of fans. When I
heard “Stranded,” I was immediately caught up in the madness. Now Magma has been
nominated for Best Rock Album at the Grammys as well as Best Metal Performance for
“Silvera.” They have outdone themselves and it just makes me love them more.
I hope they pull off the impossible and win at the Grammys. All hail Gojira!
I hope they pull off the impossible and win at the Grammys. All hail Gojira!
Metallica to follow-up Death Magnetic. Well, the wait is finally over and it was well worth the
wait. A throwback to their early 1980s roots, the Kings of the Big 4 put together an album that
screams thrash. Powerful lyrics, pulse-beating drums, and thunderous riffs, Hardwired is
testimony to how the band has come and why they are still the number 1 heavy metal group in
the world. Lead guitarist Kirk Hammett played all his solos without writing them out before
recording. It was a spontaneous gamble that pays off. From “Atlas, Rise!” to “Moth Into Flame,”
these are marvelous tunes that every generation of Metallica fans can get behind. Their closing
track “Spit Out the Bones” is the best because the intensity of James Hetfield’s vocals gave me
goose bumps. I loved every song off this record. Welcome back, Metallica!
goose bumps. I loved every song off this record. Welcome back, Metallica!
Chris Broderick and drummer Shawn Drover, I thought Megadeth was finished. However, I was
proven wrong with the release of Dystopia. Frontman Dave Mustaine keeps showing the metal
world that he still has a trick or two up his sleeve. Arming himself with new players like guitarist
Kiko Loureiro and drummer Chris Adler, this album has brought new life to the thrash metal
legends. Probably one of their most politically driven albums since United Abominations,
Megadeth dives deeper into the songwriting abilities to bring us great songs like “The Threat is
Real,” “Dystopia,” and “Post American World.” The dual guitar shredding by Mustaine and
Loureiro is out of this world. My favorite is “Poisonous Shadows” because Loureiro plays a
haunting piano part that makes it breathtaking. Adler played some of the best Megadeth
drumming since Nick Menza. Unfortunately, he had to leave due to his commitments to
Lamb of God. Welcome back, Megadeth!!!
Lamb of God. Welcome back, Megadeth!!!
Gemini Syndrome’s sophomore release was a true masterpiece. Following the critically
acclaimed Lux, they executed a work of art with Memento Mori. The songwriting has gotten
better, the music is exquisite, and the whole tone of the record was. Though the mood sounds
melancholy, the message behind their songs was one of hope. With “Anonymous” and
Remember We Die,” they tell us to live life to the fullest. New members joined the group
(guitarists Daniel Sahagún and Charles Lee Salvaggio) brought new energy. Thought they were
not many solos, the guitar riffs these two performed are harmonious. Vocalist Aaron Nordstrom
is probably one of the best new voices in metal. His vocals were not only combative, but also
canorous. That being said, Memento Mori was awe-inspiring and will be looked back as
one of the best rock records produced.
one of the best rock records produced.
This is my final list of which records of 2016 rocked my world. As I mentioned before, so much
great music but only a few stood out. It was great seeing both Megadeth and Metallica return to
form that satisfied ears. Congratulations to Gemini Syndrome for the top spot because they truly
deserved it. For groups like Doll Skin, Fire From the Gods, Black Moods, and Stitched Up Heart,
I look forward to the future. I have a feeling 2017 will rock even harder. To every band that made
the list, I salute you. Horns up!!!
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