As we begin the year of 2017 and leave behind the disaster that was 2016 we look back on all the albums that have been released. Yes, the year may have been rough. But there were plenty of excellent hard rock and heavy metal albums that were released within the past 365 days. Let’s take a look.
Fates Warning – Theories of Flight
Two years ago Fates Warning roared back with their first album in nine years, 2014’s ‘Darkness in a Different Light’. Since then it seems that there’s no looking back for the prog metal innovators from Hartford. This past year they released ‘Theories of Flight’. A perfectly appropriate follow up. It’s two ton heaviness mixed with signature time changes and introspective lyrics makes for one of the best metal releases of not only the year, but the decade thus far. It may even be their strongest album in their storied 32 year career. It’s certainly their highest selling album in 25 years solidifying an already solid comeback. Standout tracks include: ‘Seven Stars’, ‘White Flag’, and the incredible ‘The Light and Shade of Things’.
Chevelle – The North Corridor
It was a very interesting year for Chevelle. They made a risky choice and it paid off. Through out their career they have always been a very very heavy alternative band. Mixing metal with indie and alternative influences. The formula won them a following and major success. However, 2016 was the year that Chevelle finally made the album that I feel they always wanted to make. 100% modern melodic heavy metal!! I’m assuming the album was a risk to make and the studio probably gave them a very hard time on making the album. However, sometimes you have to believe that the people want to hear want you really want to do and ‘The North Corridor’ is instant proof. It slams from beginning to end. Stand out tracks include: ‘Door to Door Cannibals’, ‘Young Wicked’ and the unreal ‘Last Days’.
Metallica – ‘Hardwired…To Self Destruct’
A perfectly hard album for hard times. Metallica knew the political and social structure of 2016 and played right into the frustrations of millions of people around the world. ‘Hardwired…To Self Destruct’ is the strongest Metallica album since Re-load. The production is slick, the songs are solid and there’s a sense of comrodary that the band hasn’t shared since ‘Master of Puppets’. The 80 minute, two disc adventure is full of surprises as well as familiar Metallica antic-dotes that make the album comforting for long term Metallica fans. Stand out tracks include: ‘Hardwired’, ‘Moth into Flame’ and the phenomenal album closer ‘Spit out the Bone’.
Cheap Trick – Bang, Zoom, Crazy…Hello!!
2016 may have been a rough year for most of us. But for the foursome from Rockford, IL 2016 was a year to celebrate. Scoring a record contract with Big Machine Records (Taylor Swift), releasing their first top 40 album since 1990 and being welcomed into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. Cheap Trick are back in a big way. And what better way to celebrate that than with a big, fun hard rocking album? ‘Bang, Zoom, Crazy…Hello!!’ is an almost perfect Cheap Trick album. Pop lyrics and vocal melodies mixed with hard rocking music and drive. It’s hard to believe that they’re all in their 60’s since they sound like 20 year olds. ‘Bang, Zoom, Crazy…Hello!!’ is everything we love about Cheap Trick and more. Hopefully they’re working on a follow up. Stand out tracks include: ‘Heart on the Line’, ‘No Direction Home’ and ‘The Sun Never Sets’.
Prong – X No Absolutes
Like Fates Warning, Prong has made an impressive comeback after a nine year hiatus. Tommy Victor led his group Prong to release their strongest album to date in 2012. Since then it’s been a streak of winning albums. Straight up, solid as fuck heavy metal. Victor is an endless vat of guitar riffs and on 2016’s ‘No Absolutes’ he proves himself again to be one of metals most underappreciated artists. The vocal melodies are fluent and articulate (who would have thought right?), the rhythm section is in typical tightness and of course, there are guitar riffs invading your ear hole at a million decibels. While ‘No Absolutes’ isn’t quite as strong as 2012’s ‘Carved Into Stone’ or 2014’s ‘Ruining Lives’, it’s certainly a welcome addition to a hot streak of releases. Stand out tracks include: ‘Cut and Dry’, ‘Belief System’, and ‘Worth Pursuing’.
Megadeth – Dystopia
The first big heavy metal release of 2016. ‘Dystopia’ sees Dave Mustaine and crew back on track. The addition of Chris Adler on drums was a smart choice as he fills the album with the best drumming on a Megadeth album since ‘Endgame’. The music is superb, riff after riff after riff. Jam after jam. It’s the consistency that we expect from the thrash god fathers. Dave’s voice is a little lower due to strenuous abuse over the years but he fits it in well with the music. He also doesn’t sound nearly as tired as he did on the last album ‘Super Collider’. This is a newly energized Megadeth that will hopefully be around for years to come. Stand out tracks include: ‘Dystopia’, ‘Poisonous Shadows’ and ‘Bullet to the Brain’.
Anthrax – For All Kings
It’s pretty great that three of the big four members of thrash metal released albums in 2016. It’s really cool that all four released albums within 14 months of each other (Slayer released ‘Repentless’ at the end of 2015). The strongest of all these, and one of the best albums of 2016, is Anthrax’s ‘For All Kings’. Anthrax released their best album in 2011 with ‘Worship Music’. So of course they had to top themselves and release and even stronger album. They delivered. ‘For All Kings’ is simply a masterpiece of heavy fucking metal. From Ian’s rhythmic guitar chug to Frank Bello’s incredible bass finger playing. From Charlie’s tight drumming to Joey’s soaring voice, this is a perfect album. There isn’t one dull moment. And it punches. Anthrax record their demos on analog and then do the final sessions digitally. That’s what gives their albums such punch. The analog brings the bass out more. If you do not have this album, do yourself a favor and pick it up. Stand out tracks include: ‘Monster at the End’, ‘Suzerain’ and the truly epic ‘Blood Eagle Wings’. Disclaimer: The track below may make you want to start a riot of justice.
The Cult – Hidden City
Finally! The Cult are back on track. After a few years of vocal trouble, weight battle and inconsistent song writing, Billy Duffy and Ian Astbury are delivering the quality rock that they alone can deliver. ‘Hidden City’ is pure Cult, no bones about it. Astbury’s voice is back. Billy Duffy’s guitars are heavy without sacrificing melody. And the drums are finally consistent with what the band is trying to do. Unlike their last album ‘Choice of Weapon’. They also got some major help from Guns N Roses, offering them an opening slot on their ‘Not in this Lifetime’ tour. It’s great to see one of the best bands in the business on the up and up again. Here’s hoping for a solid follow up. Stand out tracks include: ‘Dance in the Night’, ‘Hinterland’ and ‘GOAT’.
Judas Priest – Battle Cry (Live)
Another live album from the Priest? Yes please!! They’ve release another double disc live album from the 30th anniversary of ‘Defenders of the Faith’ and are about to release another one with the 30th anniversary of ‘Turbo’. All of these installments are welcome as Judas Priest is just about the best sounding live band out there. Even though Rob Halford is in his mid 60’s his voice soars as it always had. You can even listen to the 1984 live album from the ‘DOTF’ 30th anniversary and then listen to ‘Battle Cry’ to see just how much their sound has held up. It’s truly unbelievable. Taken from the Wacken festival in 2015, ‘Battle Cry’ shows all the live goods. ‘Victim of Changes’, ‘Metal Gods’ and ‘Jawbreaker’ shatter through the speakers with more intensity and heaviness than ever. But just wait until you hear Halford’s ascending vocal scream on ‘Halls of Valhalla’. Stand out tracks: ‘Halls of Valhalla’, ‘The Hellion/Electric Eye’ and of course, the soul crushing ‘Painkiller’.
