Nate's Top 5 of 2016 (So Far)
Here we are in June already, midway through the year. 2016 seems to be speeding by. So far there have been some excellent metal releases, but, as we know, some of the best are yet to come. Through the year I keep a list of my favorite releases, see how they hold up over time, and use that list to construct my top 10 albums of 2016. So far I have 26 albums on my list, so reducing it to my top 5 (halfway through the year list) was difficult. Some of these albums are extremely excellent, you may see them again on my top 10 of '16 list, but we'll see.
Virulency – The Anthropodermic Manuscript of Retribution
So far this has been my favorite brutal death metal album of the year. Its technical, heavy, and the vocals are the icing on top. The album art is very creative. A "fresh" given how recycled a lot of BDM art work can be. New Standard Elite keeps bringing the brutal to a new level. Review
Vibrion – Bacterya
This album surprised me. These guys are from Argentina and have been around since 1992, and they bring the classic old school death metal back to life. Everything from the vocals to the catchy riffs that roll you through each song. The vocals reminded me of Watto from Starwars, but once you get over that, you will not be able to stop spinning this high quality death metal.
Sumac – What One Becomes
I'm very grateful Sumac released an album last year and this year. They continue to bring fresh ideas and structures to their music in a creative way that maintains the listeners attention like no other. The production is executed perfectly, and What One Becomes will easily stand the test of time. Their shortest song is over 9 minutes too, so there is plenty to enjoy.
Aborted – Retrogore
There is not much to be said about Retrogore other than it's unstoppable. If you enjoy heavy, fast, and gruesome music, look no further than the best death grind band out there. Aborted. Review
Heiress – Made Wrong
I'm still listening to Made Wrong on a regular basis. This album has it all. Please read the review, because a description of Heiress cannot be explained in a few sentences. This band cannot be categorized, and I hope they never will be. Enjoy the innovative music, and let this near perfect album redefine music. Review
Honorable mention: Gorguts' newest EP Pleiades' Dust is a near masterpiece. If you have not listened to it yet, you must!
