Top albums of 2016 from the writers of Empire Extreme

As yet another trip around the sun comes to an end we like to reflect backwards to the events of the previous year. In spite of the celebrity deaths and political turmoil there were some bright spots in the musical world in 2016. Some of the writers from Empire Extreme have gathered together their personal favorite albums for the previous year. This is in no a way a definitive list as there were many great albums left off due to space and time restraints. Hopefully you enjoy the list(s) and discover a new album you may have missed this year.

JJ Ulizio – Staff Writer

#5  Killswitch Engage – Incarnate
It wouldn’t be a list of mine without metal-core represented somewhere on it. This is the second album since the return of original vocalist Jesse Leach. Maybe I’m a big fan of the writing style for the guitars. Maybe it’s the fact that Jesse is one of my favorite vocalists of all time. Either way KsE stays true to themselves and their form with this newest installment with harsh and thrashy riffs and screams that pave the way for soaring vocal melodies. KsE has proven to be an old standby for me over the years. When nothing else will do, I can always listen to Killswitch Engage.

#4 Dunsmuir – Dunsmuir
The self-titled debut from this band of all stars definitely had to make the list. Sounds and songwriting that at times are reminiscent of Black Sabbath, Clutch, and I even heard some Motörhead influence lingering in there. This album did not disappoint. From start to finish it’s just a hard hitting rock album with obvious throwbacks to classic metal and the stoner metal that the sum of its members other bands participate in. The pioneers of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal that they claim to be influenced by would be proud.

#3 Scorpion Child – Acid Roulette
Back in July I said that I felt this had a strong chance to be my album of the year. I still feel just as strongly about this album, if the two that beat it had not been released till January, then it would have been. There is nothing else to really say about this album that hasn’t already been said. Its just a balls to the wall rock album with strong songwriting all the way through. This group of Texans made a fantastic record for getting in your car and playing loud with your windows down at 65mph.

#2 The Dillinger Escape Plan – Dissociation
It saddens me that this is supposed to be the final album by the Dillinger Escape Plan, unlike most other musicians out there they have managed to outdo themselves time and time again, album after album. This is a great record, almost like they locked Mike Patton in a room and made him listen to their old album Calculating Infinity on repeat. It has everything that a Dillinger fan would come to expect from one of their albums, without coming off as repetitive. If you are a fan already then you MUST HAVE this album to complete the collection.

#1 Serpentine Dominion – Serpentine Dominion
This is as much of a surprise to me as it may be to some of you reading this. Maybe its because its recent enough that it still has me riding high from its adrenaline inducing riffs and crushing vocals, maybe it’s the melodies and vocal harmonies that seem to come out of nowhere, maybe its that this album had slipped under my radar until I was approached to do the review, but the odd and amazing combination of Corpsegrinder & Adam D produced something I found to be unique and I can’t see myself taking it out of my regular music rotation anytime soon. A must have for any fan of hard, heavy, or “extreme” music.

Ryan Hensler – Staff Writer / Photgrapher

Knocked Loose- Laugh Tracks: (Released September 2016)
In my opinion this album is what hardcore has been lacking. If you only listen to one album on my list let this be the one! It truly is too good to pass up. Not to mention that they are ridiculous live. They will be touring with Every Time I Die in 2017 , including a date in Pittsburgh. If have the opportunity please try to catch them live, because it is exactly how this music should be experienced.

Eternal Sleep- The Emptiness Of (Released May 2016)
Once again Pittsburgh does not disappoint when it comes to metal and all the bands that call the 412 home. The rhythms on this album are like a jackhammer pounding in your ears, and the groove is unmistakable, They have an amazing ability to blend so many different aspects of metal and hardcore into their sound. They remind me of Entombed a bit, and they do not disappoint when it comes to their live show. If your able to, please come check them out at the Code Orange release show on Friday the 13^th in January at the Rex in Pittsburgh. I’ll be there covering the show for Empire Extreme and I VERY stoked.

King 810- La Petite Mort (Or A Conversation With God) (Released September 2016)
King 810 hail from Flint Michigan are always going too be a band that I support and will never miss a chance too see perform live. Metal is not supposed too be pretty, metal is supposed too be ugly, in your face, and not for everyone. King 810 is metal and King 810 is not for everyone! They are not afraid too say what is wrong in our messed up world and they bring real life shit to the masses from their hometown of Flint dubbed “Murder Town”.

La Coka Nostra – To Thine Own Self Be True (Released November 2016)
This is outside the norm of listening for me, but I absolutly LOVE hip-hop just as much as I do metal and hardcore. This is an amazing hip hop super-group made up of Danny Boy from House Of Pain, DJ Lethal of House of Pain and Limp Bizkit on the one’s and two’s, along with Ill Bill, and Slaine. They bring nothing but fire on all of their releases, but this one in particular is their best to date in my opinion. I love everything about this album as they are on top of their game. They always have an amazing amount of support from hip-hop legends that spit some bars on their albums and this one is no different.

Those Who Fear – State Of Mind (Released December 2016)
I will always support where I am from and especially the music scene first and foremost. This is another representative of the 412. Those Who Fear are another band that I love covering and seeing live, and I support them a 100%. I have nothing but respect for a band that is not afraid to let others know that they are a Christian band. They write a great deal about how their religion has helped them overcome serious issues and how they have found therapy in heavy music. No matter what your thoughts are on religion, Christianity, or anything else, these dudes bring the HEAVY when it comes to their music and they are on point live.
Editor’s Note: This album features guest vocals by Tommy Green of Sleeping Giant and Garrett Russell of Silent Planet)

Tony Bernardi – Staff Writer

This year has produced some really good music. I say this because it feels as though the rock musicians have really out done themselves in 2016 proving that the older you get the better you become at your craft. Thats not to dispel the new and upcoming bands that are fresh on the scene, it just a statement that about the top of the crop for this current year.

It’s really hard to pick just five albums that stood out to me this year as there were so many great ones. So here it is…

Coming in at #5 (to those of you that think this # is a hashtag it’s actually a number symbol)

#5 Korn – The Serenity of Suffering
This is their 12th album. The return of Brian “Head” Welch to the band and the writing process makes this album fall more in kine with that hardcore traditional Korn sound the fans want. I personally feel this is one of the heaviest albums they have made in years, and I cannot wait to see this album played live!

#4 Volbeat -Seal the Deal and Lets Boogie
The masters of Copenhagen have not lost their touch with their 6th studio album “Seal the Deal and Lets Boogie”. From the first time I listened to it I was quite impressed. Now touring with bands like Metallica, Avenged Sevenfold. They are having all the beer and whiskey they can handle while playing for sold out arenas. So if you haven’t given it a listen I highly recommend it!

#3 Source – Return To Nothing
Now I had mentioned up coming new bands. This fine trio of musicians have certainly captured my ear this past year. To be honest this CD hasn’t left my player since August. This album has amazing bass riffs, killer drums solos, excellent guitar picking, and vocals that will forever echo in the mind. So do you have what it takes to “Return to Nothing”?

#2 Five Finger Death Punch – Got Your Six
With six albums and touring nonstop these guys know how to throw down. I have thoroughly enjoyed this album, With tracks such as “Jekyll and Hyde” and “I Apologize”, it seems like every track is destine to be a hit single! I have witness these guys live four times in the last two years and they get better every time I see them. When we are in the thick of the pit remember “I Got Your Six”!

#1 Metallica – Hardwired… To Self-Destruct
Listening to this album brought me back to the summer of 1991. Yes, I am referring to the infamous Black album. I don’t remember when I head banged so damn hard. When I hit play I was immersed in pure bliss. I felt like I was 13 years old again listening to Metallica in my buddies basement, smoking cigarettes away from prying eyes.

As I listened I found that I was tapping my feet with the beat and wanting more. For a group of guys that have gone grey, cut their long hair off, and have been selling out arenas around the world since 1981 they have not lost their touch or their understanding of pure metal..

With a massive tour in the works I’m sure Metallica will never cease to not impress the masses around the globe.

So that’s my top 5 albums of 2016 what is your top 5?

Catch you on the flip side…

Alexa Linger – Staff writer

2016 was a great year for music. So much so that I had a difficult time choosing just five albums. However, in the end, I had to remain true to myself. So, here they are – my (somewhat strange) choices for best albums (in no particular order):

Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser by Rob Zombie

Tidal Wave by Taking Back Sunday

Concrete Confessional by Hatebreed

Dark Side of Black by Texas Hippie Coalition

Human Performance by Parquet Court

Josh Drespling – Writer, Photographer, Mastermind

In an era of a single-based music industry it’s a bit more cumbersome to pinpoint stellar albums in the mammoth sea of music that is available thanks to the internet. There were several releases that had the hype machine behind them that in my opinion did not live up to the expectations, such as the new Dillinger Escape Plan, Dope, and Metallica albums.

Below is a collection of what the I feel is the best that came across my desk and made it to my ears in the last twelve months.

Testament – Brotherhood of the Snake
I, being a true classic, metal-head highly anticipated this release. Testament is at the top of their form on this album and are able to highlight the amazing abilities of each and every member of the band with this collection. This is perhaps their best effort in decades. They have stayed true to their thrash metal roots thus making these song immediately reconcilable as Testament.

Anthrax – For all Kings
I could just duplicate the above review about Testament and replace the name with Anthrax. These guys have hit their stride again and are producing music that would make any metal-head proud. I hope this is just the beginning of their new found momentum and they keep producing records like “For All Kings” for the next 30 years.

Death Angel – The Evil Divide
Again, I feel like I’m repeating myself, but this is another classic thrash act that has returned to the much deserved limelight. The release of The Evil Divide is how this genre should be done. Death Angel has compiled what should be the handbook for any up-and-coming band. The guitar work is phenomenal and the vocals OMG. You just have to listen to appreciate the prowesses that is produced by Rob Cavestany’s throat.

Giraffe Tongue Orchestra – Broken Lines
This is something quite different. I honestly did not have any clue as what to expect going into this album, but was pleasantly surprised. The band consists of Alice In Chains vocalist William DuVall, guitarist Brent Hinds of Mastodon, lead guitarist Ben Weinman of The Dillinger Escape Plan, Thomas Pridgen of The Mars Volta, and Pete Griffin of Dethklok and Zappa Plays Zappa.

It’s kind of a disjointed progressive rock with hints of each of the members respective bands spattered throughout the album. It is chocked full of unexpected turns that keep every listen interesting and enjoyable. The songs are not overtly heavy, but neither do they lull you to sleep. This has been on regular rotation at my desk since it’s release in September.

Fates Warning – Theories Of Flight
Yet another classic band has made my 2016 list. This is straight ahead rock/metal album with mountains of guitar chops. This release is reminiscent of bands such as Iron Maiden, Dream Theater, and dare I say Savatage. It’s full of well crafted and driving songs coupled with soaring rock vocals.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Purson – Desire’s Magic Theater
I give this a big thumbs up for originality. The band has a 60-70s psychedelic feel with fuzzy guitars, organs, and female vocals. At times I feel they are conjuring the spirit of long lost Cream, Deep Purple, or Jethro Tull jam sessions.
Wovenwar – Honor is Dead
This album is a beautiful combination of classic thrash with metal-core. The cleaner vocal style along with the guitar crunch makes for a head banging and fist pumping listen.

Surgical Meth Machine – Surgical Meth Machine|
Another astonishing project from Al Jourgensen of Ministry fame. This would have nade my top five except there are couple filler songs, but sill an amazing release full of industrial and slow burn mayhem from dear old Uncle Al.

Prong – X-No Absolutes
Prong has returned with vengeance and thunder. Twelve tracks that prove why every band from Korn to Slipknot list Prong as a major influence.

George Archibald – Writer, Photographer

#1 Black Crown Initiate – Selves We Cannot Forgive
Such a great listen from start to finish, and just over all technicality and groove won me over as the #1 album of the year.

#2 Fallujah – Dreamless

Another technically solid album throughout. This album is a producer’s wet dream, with soaring guitars, atmospheric programming, heavy drums, and a vocalist that hit all the ranges; this album continues to shine and keep my interest.

#3 Car Bomb – Meta

Car Bomb just dropped a very much anticipated album and made it a monster. The aggression level was turned up to 11 with their own blend of math styled mayhem.

#4 Katatonia – The Fall of Hearts

The kings of doom, turned another page in a solid catalog of releases by dropping by far one of their best works in years.

#5 Every Time I Die – Low Teens

Another highly anticipated release this year, these southern groove masters did not disappoint bringing many memorable riffs and hooks to the party.

Honorable Mentions
Aborted – Retrogore
Opeth – Sorceress
Carnifex – Slow Death

About Author

Josh Drespling

Josh is the Publisher and creator of Empire Extreme and it’s sister publication Kingdom Extreme Magazine. He is an accomplished writer, photographer and graphic designer. He is always conjuring up new ideas and has a amazing passion for the music industry and all the things that surround it.

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