Gojira was my surprise of the year – a much-welcomed change of pace and sound from a band that maybe I haven’t given enough of a chance in the past. Ripper can do no wrong, and this album is #1. It works every time, and it got more play than anything else. Warm up, stretch, turn on the Ripper, and get to work.

But at some point, I came to realize that Charred Walls of the Damned was my workout music for about four months straight. He ruins the album for me, and I don’t see myself ever pulling this one out years from now.īy all indications, Theories of Flight is musically the best album of the year. But I just can’t get past the slow, bland, and sometimes annoying drum beats laid down by Lars. Without question, Hetfield’s vocals tear it up and deserve a far better ranking.

This became a tale of two lists: Stuff that I liked better than Metallica, and stuff that isn’t better than Metallica. Mike’s Best Albums of 2016Īirplay - especially in the gym - put this one way over the top. What a weekend, I can’t recommend ProgPower enough – the most professionally run concert I have seen, first class all the way. Anneke and Devy sharing the stage, Fates Warning with Jon Arch performing Awaken the Guardian. Green Carnation – Light of Day, Day of Darkness live was magic, there are no words for it, you have to witness it to understand. ProgPower in Atlanta, Georgia in September, filled with once in a lifetime performances. Metal Church live with Mike Howe! And it was worth the 27 year wait. Impressive doesn’t even begin to describe the Iron Maiden machine in 2016. On the live front, I was lucky enough to see Iron Maiden kick off the Book Of Souls World tour in Fort Lauderdale. This record is a beautiful tribute to her, full of emotionally powerful songwriting and one of the best vocal performances I have ever heard. Sadly, Aleah passed away in April from a battle with cancer. Trees of Eternity and their incredibly talented singer Aleah Liane Stanbridge is that band this year. I’m a sucker for great songs and both bands delivered albums full of great songs.Įvery once in awhile a band comes along that I really connect with. I am proud to say I am not too cool for Metallica or Volbeat. Just when we thought 2016 couldn’t be beat… the Book of Souls Tour continues into 2017!

Heavy metal albums 2016