Reyka Osburn – Death Valley High
Death Grips, Bottomless Pit (Harvest)
2016 revealed this duo’s return with what I think is their best record to date. Plenty of variation that still is memorable
Gojira, Magma (Roadrunner)
After surviving some personal loss, Gojira came back with a powerfully devastating record.
Dillinger Escape Plan, Dissociation (Party Smasher Inc.)
Allegedly their “last album”, which I ain’t buying. What I *will* buy, is this record. Front to back, they pulled out the stops.
David Bowie, Blackstar (Sony)
Leaving us with a record from beyond the pale, Bowie delivers a bittersweet auto-eulogy to be embraced to the fullest.
Savages, Adore Life (Matador)
One of our collectively favorite records of the year. Savages harness the spirit of post-punk and shoves it right in your face.
Babymetal, Metal Resistance (Red)
Say what you wanna but this record delivers happiness in soundwaves. A little less fun than their debut but just as much payoff.
The Body, No One Deserves Happiness (Thrill Jockey)
This record embodies many current styles, yet retains all the blissful brutality. Highly enjoyable.
S U R V I V E, “Stranger Things Vol 1 & 2 (Lakeshore)
This is the duo responsible for the soundtrack of the highly celebrated Stranger Things TV series. Fans of John Carpenter, rejoice.
Oathbreaker, Rheia (Deathwish)
Both beautiful and crushing; and it’s relentless in both categories. This is easily one of my favorite records of the year.
Cult of Luna, Mariner (Indie)
Epic by every sense of the definition. The addition of Julie Christmas is brighter than an angel on a Christmas tree.
Jamie Madrox, Twiztid
10) Anthrax, For All Kings (Megaforce)
My list starts out with the immortal Anthrax. When I heard the track “Breathing Lightning”, I was impressed at how Anthrax sounded current, and at the same time, just as intense as the first time I heard “Belly of the Beast”… yeah I said it.
9) Avatar, Feathers & Flesh (eOne)
I honestly don’t think that Avatar gets enough love. They rock faces!
8) Of Mice & Men, Cold World (Rise)
This record is packed with hits like “Real”, and that “take no prisoners” type sound that they have makes this album remain in rotation for me.
7) Nonpoint, The Poison Red (Spinefarm)
My #7 pick is Nonpoint “The Poison Red”… man these guys kick major ass and the lead singer Elias Soriano’s flow is almost like he’s rappin’, and of course that’s right up my alley.
6) Korn, The Serenity of Suffering (Roadrunner)
Korn is legendary, and when they drop a record I cop that very record. The Serenity of Suffering is nothing less than pedal to the metal, ass kickin’ goodness and just as powerful as the first time I ever heard them.
5) Zakk Wylde, Book of Shadows II (eOne)
We are at the half way point of my list and shit’s about to get serious. That said, I have a serious respect for Zakk Wylde and his in-your-face sound that seems to remain constantly perfect to turn up and rock out to.
4) Highly Suspect, The Boy Who Died Wolf (300 Entertainment)
It took me a while to find Highly Suspect, but when I did, I was impressed at how truly soulful and hard hitting this rock band is, and that their music jives well with my metal playlist.
3) Rob Zombie, The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser (T-Boy/uME)
My #3 slot goes to Rob Zombie and his 2016 release of The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser. There’s something fun, blood curdling and dark about Mr. Zombie’s music that makes it my perfect party soundtrack. Thank you, Mr. Zombie!
2) Bring Me the Horizon, Live at the Royal Albert Hall (Sony)
The #2 spot on my list goes to BMTH because I bump their music constantly and their live performances are power driven and intense. This is a no brainer for me.
1) Twelve Foot Ninja, Outlier (Volcanik)
My #1 pick is them Aussie boys Twelve Foot Ninja with their release of “Outlier”. Their fusion sound is amazing and captivating! The first time I heard “One Hand Killing”, I was so impressed I felt intrigued to hear more. Tracks like “Collateral” and “Point Of You” are the reason I will be a fan of these guys for years and years.
Emir Erkal, Voodoo Terror Tribe
10) Voodoo Terror Tribe, The Sun Shining Cold (self)
Sorry, had to! I’ll share a quote from our producer: “This album is possibly one of the best metal albums I’ve ever been a part of.” – Ill Niño lead vocalist Cristian Machado.
9) Lacuna Coil, Delirium (Century Media)
This is kind of a combination of old and new Lacuna Coil, which makes for a diverse and dynamic release.
8) Otep, Generation Doom (Napalm)
This is a nasty, nasty record, even by OTEP’s standards. It’s also one of the band’s most focused efforts.
7) Tarja, The Shadow Self: Since her departure from Nightwish, the Finnish vocalist has made an iconic name for herself over the years as she managed to create her own music that combines elements ranging from Classical to Metal and ‘The Shadow Self’ is her heaviest one yet.
6) Volbeat, Seal the Deal & Let’s Boogie: This album continues to showcase how Volbeat amazingly fuses different musical styles with rock.
5) In Flames, Battles (Eleven Seven)
Yes they’ve been changing their style and sound album by album, but those who appreciate In Flames’ recent output should enjoy this.
4) Korn, The Serenity of Suffering (Roadrunner)
Back to the original Korn, since the missing element Head is back.
3) Sixx: A.M., Prayers for the Blessed: Vol.2 (Eleven Seven)
Continuation to the awesomeness! Glad that Nikki Sixx has more time for this project now.
2) Sixx: A.M., Prayers for the Damned: Vol.1 (Eleven Seven)
Awesome band! And this is another one of their albums packed with numerous hits, and also laden with passion and emotion, a combination not easy to find.
1) Amon Amarth, Jomsviking (Metal Blade)
This is definitely one of Amon Amarth’s finest. Jomsviking, while not entirely different from Amon Amarth’s already spectacular discography, does succeed in breaking a little new ground for the band.
