Musically, 2016 has been an incredible year, which led to the challenge of narrowing it down to ten. I’m a mixed breed that loves all things metal from extreme, melodic death, to the power cheese, and more. Therefore, I wanted to be as fair as possible to mention one from each batch as best as I could.
10) Revocation, Great Is Our Sin (Metal Blade)
Revocation continued to push the limit and managed to release a different style which marks. Great Is Our Sin their first conceptual album. Despite the lineup changes, David Davidson’s ambition has appeared to be invincible where this new album included a well-composed mix between Technical Death, Metalcore, and Progressive Metal elements. It is a concept piece that came from a Charles Darwin quote, “If the misery of the poor be caused not by the laws of nature, but by our institutions, great is our sin.” Well done Revocation, well done.
Album Highlights: “Arbiters of the Apocalypse,” “Crumbling Imperium,” “The Exaltation”
9) Devin Townsend Project, Transcendence (HevyDevy/InsideOut)
For the longest time, I had Opeth’s Sorceress (Moderbolaget/Nuclear Blast) at the progressive metal spot. However, Devin Townsend’s beautiful mind in 2016 with Transcendence has won me over as it captivates the constant change and human struggles with musical excellence. As Townsend’s style continues to transcend, audiences will be sucked in with endless captivation.
Album Highlights: “Failure,” “Higher,” “From the Heart”
8) Equilibrium, Armageddon (Nuclear Blast)
The category of folk/pagan/viking was probably the most difficult one to decide as I had Moonsorrow’s Jumalten Aika (Century Media) running for this for a decent amount of time along with debating between Suidakra’s Realms of Odoric (AFM Records) and Amon Amarth’s Jomsviking (Metal Blade). After a few extensive revisits, I put my foot down and decided on Equilibrium’s Armageddon and have no regrets. The album is filled with diversity as a few parts are slower than others while other tracks surprise you with intensified growls, riffs, and an Epic energy.
Album Highlights: “Erwachen,” “Born to Be Epic,” “Eternal Destination”
