2016 was a pretty great year for music. Near the end of it anyways. The year certainly finished strong. So I, alongside most of the writers of IVM, have constructed a list. And away we go!
Death Requisite – Revisitation
Death Requisite brought their A-GAME with this fantastic sophomore release. The band started in 1999, but took a hiatus in 2005. In 2010, the band reunited with a new lineup and released two EPs and have finally blessed us with this amazing full-length. The album was definitely one of the best albums of the year. Death Requisite hasn’t had their break yet, but with an album like this, it will happen.
Forfeit Thee Untrue – Cremationem Jesus Lacrimam
This South African band certainly brought the best of their talents despite releasing only an EP. Forfeit Thee Untrue is definitely one of the few bands that can tear off such an amazing album on the first try. The debut has styles varying from alternative metal to metalcore to death metal. According to Guitarist/Vocalist Mitch Pearson, Cremationem Jesus Lacrimam means the “Cremation of Jesus’ Tears”. This album was like something I never listened too, and it totally made my list.
Zao – The Well-Intentioned Virus
Zao killed all expectations this year. Releasing their 11th full-length album since initiating in 1993, Zao has had a great run. The album was well received and to me, they certainly brought their all after waiting 7 years since their last album Awake?. Totally their best work, though Blood and Fire will always be tied with this one.
Fit For A King – Deathgrip
Fit For A King had a great year. The metalcore act released their fourth album, Deathgrip this year and has embarked on several tours. They are about to embark on an tour with Emmure, Fit for an Autopsy, Invent, Animate and After the Burial. The album was definitely one of the best of this year and definitely the best one from Solid State this year.
Aggelos – Silentium
Aggelos, a semi-recent Rottweiler Records signing, had a great album this year. Aggelos released Silentium this year and it was awesome. The only thing I had a problem with was the lyrics. There were not very many English lyrics. There was a few but not many. The album was amazing with symphonic and melodic components as well as opera singing and death growls.
Dangerous Minds – Blood Diamonds
Dangerous Minds had an AMAZING album this year. Blood Diamonds was a killer album and probably my favorite hardcore album. Dangerous Minds is a side-project of Dynasty’s member Marcel Muniz on vocals. The band has only been around for a few years. But just enough to release an amazing album.
My Heart to Fear – The Draft
My Heart to Fear‘s EP was a good EP. I didn’t like how they lost some of their groove, if you listen to some of their older stuff, there is some groove, which they lost with this EP. The EP was very melodic with a lot of singing. I liked “The Draft” and “You’ve Been Distant Lately” more than any of the tracks. The EP had been the first EP with Rhythm Guitarist Dan Pugh on it. Good induction if you ask me.
Spirit and the Bride – With Eyes and Ears to See and Hear
The metalcore band, Spirit and the Bride released an amazing album this year. The band has been around for a few years but released only an album and are working on their second one currently. Be prepared for that. The band had tons of melody and djent. Though there were some parts with djent that did not clash with vocals.
Atrocity – Promo 2016
Atrocity, a brand new Christian slamming death metal band, released their Promo this year and it slayed!! It was only two songs with mainman Nathan Baird playing Guitars and programming Drums, Noe Castillo on Bass and two guest vocalists, Matthew Plunkett of Abated Mass of Flesh and Brandon Cooper of Misanthropogyny (a band that yours truly is going to be working with). The band actually released their debut album this year, unbeknownst to me until I went to their Bandcamp page. Review for that will be coming soon. Brandon has actually become an official member.
Jared Dines – The Dark
Jared Dines, everyone’s favorite YouTuber, released The Dark and The Light this year. I purchased The Dark and I loved the album. It’s a great EP that deserves it’s credit. The first single, “Demogoron” was released right as Jared came out of his brief hiatus. Jared was in two Christian metal bands before he started focusing on his YouTube career, They Charge Like Warriors and Dissimulator. Go purchase this album.
Honorable Mentions:
- Darkness Divided – Self-titled
- Death Therapy – Demo
- To Live As Sons – beaten.broken.alive
- Toarn – Giant Killer
I thought it was pretty good year. Here’s to making 2017 a better one!
Unless Jared Dines has cleaned up his mouth and attitude, I’m staying away from anything he’s releasing. If the key to the Christian life is to “be not conformed to this world”, he’s failing horribly.