Ghost Cult once again brings you another of our guest “End Of Year” list, memories, and other shenanigans from our favorite bands, partners, music industry peers, and other folks we respect across the world. Today we have our pal Doc Coyle’s Top Ten Albums Of 2016 list. The metal personality, blogger and ex-God Forbid guitarist has had a banner year; touring with drummer and YouTube sensation Meytal Cohen, dropping an EP with his new rock band Vagus Nerve, and starting a killer podcast The Ex Man. Hailz!
1. Metallica – Hardwired…To Self-Destruct
I don’t remember the last time a metal album has completely captivated the entire heavy music world and penetrated pop culture. Along with genius marketing, Hardwired encapsulates Metallica‘s entire career combining all of their strengths – thrash, groove, hooks, and a great production.
2. Twelve Foot Ninja – Outlier
As far as I am concerned, this band should be the #1 band on active rock radio, and playing arenas. It is by far the catchiest and irresistible hard rock/metal release of the year.
3. Gojira – Magma
Magma is the record I wanted Gojira to make after From Mars To Sirius. They have finally graduated from top of the extreme heap to mainstream success. Magma is the reason.
4. Radiohead – A Moon Shaped Pool
The ability of this band so late in their career to make such relevant and profound music is awe-inspiring. I found this album to be uniquely moving from an emotional standpoint, and cinematic, reminiscent of Jonny Greenwood’s film scoring work.
5. The Black Queen – Fever Daydream
The Black Queen is Dillinger Escape Plan singer Greg Puciato’s gothy nu wave side project that just totally hit the mark for me when I was looking to listen to something moody and sexy.
6. Giraffe Tongue Orchestra – Broken Lines
If you know me, you know I love supergroups. The anticipation of imagining the mesh of talent is always alluring. GTO delivers on being equally infectious and quirky enough to be left of center, and leaves room to grow on you.
7. Moon Tooth – Chromaparagon
As far as I’m concerned, Moon Tooth is at the forefront of the future of where adventurous heavy music is going. Hopefully the rest of world will soon discover what I already know.
8. Megadeth – Dystopia
The infusion of fresh talent from Chris Adler and Kiko Loureiro ignited Megadeth to create their best album possibly since Cryptic Writings. Luckily, I got to see the album line up live, and it was the best and most energetic Megadeth show I’ve seen.
9. Toothgrinder –Nocturnal Masquerade
I have to give love to my New Jersey homies in Toothgrinder, who in a way are a throwback to bands like the underrated A Life Once Lost. They have really honed their sound since their début EP bringing frenetic pacing, east coast groove, and experimental melody.
10. Aeges – Another Wasteland
I discovered Aeges in the LA rock scene, and they are truly a standout living somewhere between Antenna era Cave In and Queens of the Stone Age. In an environment lacking in hard rock bands with heart, Aeges speak to me.
Honorable Mentions
Haunted Shores – Viscera
Opeth – Sorceress
Gary Clark Jr. – The Story of Sonny Body Slim
Killswitch Engage – Incarnate
Twitching Tongues – Disharmony
Fire From The Gods – Narrative
Candiria – While They Were Sleeping
letlive. – If I’m The Devil…
Testament – Brotherhood of the Snake