Top 5 Rock and Metal Albums of 2016

2016-12-21

Story by Anne Erickson

Alter Bridge’s ‘The Last Hero’ is Audio Ink Radio’s top album of 2016

This year brought a plethora of new and exciting releases from rock and metal bands, both up-and-comers and pioneers. This year packed plenty of surprises, too. For most of the year, there were only a few sparse rumors about Metallica working on new music, but – surprise! – in the fall, the guys unleashed the news that a new studio album would be out by year’s end. That album, Metallica’s “Hardwired…to Self-Destruct,” is Audio Ink Radio’s No. 2 album of 2016. Another release, Alter Bridge’s “The Last Hero” – our No. 1 album of the year – was also somewhat of a surprise release, as band members were active with other projects for all of 2015. Read on for the rest.

1. Alter Bridge, “The Last Hero”

With Alter Bridge frontman often busy with his duties with Slash’s solo band, the Conspirators, and Mark Tremoni working hard with his solo band, it was welcomed news when Alter Bridge announced they’d release a new album in 2016. That set, “The Last Hero,” was totally worth the three-year wait since 2013’s “Fortress.” With deep, questioning lyrics and solid songwriting, “The Last Hero” takes Alter Bridge to the next level, while remaining true to the band’s classic sound. I’m addicted to this album!

2. Metallica, “Hardwired…to Self-Destruct”

The guys of Metallica are back. We’re not talking about just the fact their back with a new album, “Hardwired…to Self-Destruct,” but also that they’re back to their original fight and vigor. “Hardwired…to Self-Destruct” is classic Metallica, with its unmistakable thrash-y, meaty riffing and guttural delivery, reminds metal fans why they still love Metallica. When I first heard Metallica’s new album would be out by the end of the year, I had high hopes, and those hopes were fulfilled.

3. Killswitch Engage, “Incarnate”

Killswitch Engage are known for consistently churning out solid metal-core releases, and the band’s latest set, “Incarnate,” follows suit. The album marks singer Jesse Leach’s second one since rejoining the band, and it shows off a radiant, positive energy that recalls Killswitch classics such as “The End of Heartache.”


4. Megadeth, “Dystopia”

Megadeth’s latest release, “Dystopia,” is a tight, smartly fashioned set of brainy metal. From opening track “The Threat is Real” to the eerie “Post American World,” Dave Mustaine and his players impress with their proficiency and glittering instrumental work.

5. Korn, “The Serenity of Suffering”

When Korn release a new album, it’s always bound to get lots of attention, and the band’s latest set deserves the fanfare. “The Serenity of Suffering” still has Korn’s melodic, nu-metal vibe, but delivers a very heavy sound that shows the guys aren’t getting soft with time.

Follow Audio Ink Radio on Facebook here and Twitter @AudioInkRadio.

Anne Erickson
Latest posts by Anne Erickson (see all)
Posted by Anne Erickson | Features, Metal, Music, Rock

Related Posts