Despite all efforts to keep up with the new releases, there's always records that go by unnoticed or I just didn't have the time. But at the end of each year, the famous best of lists helps us finding some hidden jewels and give them a second chance. Instead of messing with the laborious Top 51 List, I decided to create a special post for those "missed records". In no particular order...
Sumac - What One Becomes
Within the extreme metal world, this Sludge / Post-Metal release by Sumac was regarded as one of the top albums of 2016. I came across when my list was already done, but I came to love it. It would've been right up there in my top 15. It's not that different from the Neurosis album. 5 heavy, experimental, long songs, with many instrumental moments, deep vocals and slow riffs. And it's all beautifully written and executed. It's one of those intense musical journeys and it's worthwhile.
Oranssi Pazuzu - Värähtelijä
This Finnish band is in sum what Pink Floyd (specially early albums) would sound like if done by a Black Metal band. The idea is interesting and the song writing is good. It's a fun experience. But for some strange reason, the album production is not great. For this type of music, I can't understand the flat production with such a low DR of 4. Värähtelijä wouldn't alter materially my top albums, but I'm happy to have it.
Deströyer 666 - Wildfire
These Australians deliver a blackened thrash metal with big choruses, Salyer-ish riffs and epicness. A fun record for traditional metal fans loose their minds and get into the mosh pit.
Marillion - FEAR
Marillion used crowdfunding to finance their 18th album. And Prog Rock fans are glad the band did this and managed to release this great album. Sales and chart positions were very decent and it was featured and several "best of 2016" lists. Essentially FEAR has 5 songs of which 3 are broken into several parts. The 68 minutes of prog rock with clear Pink Floyd references is dark and intense. Prog journey worth the wait, I'm glad I came across it at the 11th hour.
Astronoid - Air
Within the extreme metal world, this Sludge / Post-Metal release by Sumac was regarded as one of the top albums of 2016. I came across when my list was already done, but I came to love it. It would've been right up there in my top 15. It's not that different from the Neurosis album. 5 heavy, experimental, long songs, with many instrumental moments, deep vocals and slow riffs. And it's all beautifully written and executed. It's one of those intense musical journeys and it's worthwhile.
This Finnish band is in sum what Pink Floyd (specially early albums) would sound like if done by a Black Metal band. The idea is interesting and the song writing is good. It's a fun experience. But for some strange reason, the album production is not great. For this type of music, I can't understand the flat production with such a low DR of 4. Värähtelijä wouldn't alter materially my top albums, but I'm happy to have it.
These Australians deliver a blackened thrash metal with big choruses, Salyer-ish riffs and epicness. A fun record for traditional metal fans loose their minds and get into the mosh pit.
Marillion used crowdfunding to finance their 18th album. And Prog Rock fans are glad the band did this and managed to release this great album. Sales and chart positions were very decent and it was featured and several "best of 2016" lists. Essentially FEAR has 5 songs of which 3 are broken into several parts. The 68 minutes of prog rock with clear Pink Floyd references is dark and intense. Prog journey worth the wait, I'm glad I came across it at the 11th hour.
It's hard to describe this band, I love those bands that challenge this stupid sub-genre madness. Arguably, Astronoid may not even be considered metal, but I dig it big time. It's different, it's refreshing, it's just great stuff. My humble attempt to describe them is as follows: Deafheaven with Deftones vocals.
Rotting Christ - Rituals
In 2013 I was introduced to Rotting Christ when they released their Katá ton Daímona Eautoú. I really liked that album and it made #13 in my 2013 list. Therefore I was myself surprised that it took me so long to get into their twelfth full-length album Rituals released on 12 February 2016! But eventually I did, and Rotting Christ delivers a solid record that is full of Black Metal and folk elements but all very dark and satanic.
In 2013 I was introduced to Rotting Christ when they released their Katá ton Daímona Eautoú. I really liked that album and it made #13 in my 2013 list. Therefore I was myself surprised that it took me so long to get into their twelfth full-length album Rituals released on 12 February 2016! But eventually I did, and Rotting Christ delivers a solid record that is full of Black Metal and folk elements but all very dark and satanic.
