The Best Of 2016

I know this list is published rather late, but I simply give adequate space to albums released towards the end of the year and also check albums from other yearly lists. One of them is from Metal Storm and its yearly awards. I discovered there let say Inter Arma, Cult Of Luna & Julie Christmas and Zeal & Ardor. In general the success rate for me to find something great during checking albums is about 13.5%. Is it worth the time and energy? Hell yeah! I present you 30 best albums of 2016. Top eleven albums include comments. I hope you will discover something, you will fall in love with…

01 – The Black Queen – Fever Daydream

It is definitely surprising music, but there was simply no other album which became so important to me, during let say past five years! After I gave some of these songs a try, while the album was not finished yet, based on the personal recommendation from a signer Greg Puciato (The Dillinger Escape Plan), I was immediately addicted. It spoke to every aspect of my taste and even reached my wildest pop interests. In my review for January issue of Czech magazine Rock&All I wrote: “I know it’s still January, but I found my album of the year.” Nothing changed since then.

Album of the year deserves two songs. 3:40 moment of the year.

02 – Oceans Of Slumber – Winter

Incredible voice and technical metal instrumentation. Amazing production and lyrics. No wonder their first full length release with Cammie Gilbert ended on top positions in other yearly lists too.

03 – The Gathering – TG25: Live at Doornroosje

The Gathering mean a world to me since I was fourteen. Therefore it was very simple a matter of choice which song to choose from their 25 years anniversary show. I wish I could be there. Don’t forget to check also Travel and Heroes For Ghosts.

04 – Leprous – Live At Rockefeller Music Hall

Since I heard song The Valley for the first time in 2013 it was an absolute addiction to their constantly rising music quality. I experienced with them numerous interviews, multiple shows and I’m constantly nicely surprised how many people I met through Leprous from all over the world. I included their live album, as it is a true presentation of their great live show and also because we sponsored this album with my friend in crowdfunding campaign.

05 – Pain Of Salvation – Remedy Lane Live

I fell in love with Pain Of Salvation sort of late with Road Salt albums, which always ended very high in my yearly lists. Next to these two pieces, I loved from PoS discography mainly Remedy Lane album from 2002. That’s why I was really happy to see they decided to remix the album and included also incredible live album. Thank you Daniel for incredible moments with your music, motivational lyrics and we are all glad, you won your health battle.

06 – Steven Wilson – 4 ½ EP

I always had big respect for all Steven Wilson’s work, whether it was solo work, Porcupine Tree or Blackfield. Practically with anything he did in the last decade, I can just turn on shuffle and enjoy anything. However this EP has become my absolute favorite in his discography, not only because of incredible atmosphere, but also due to one of the strongest lyrics he wrote for us.

07 – Esben And The Witch – Older Terrors

I absolutely admire their artistic direction. They left any sort of mainstream possibilities and concentrated on their musical soul. Four songs, each above ten minutes length, released through Season Of Mist, which usually concentrating on black/death metal. Breathtaking ambient rock atmosphere.

08 – Madder Mortem – Red In Tooth And Claw

More than satisfying for their loyal niche market. Tasty grown up schizophrenia.

09 – Russian Circles – Guidance

Hard to pick one song to share. So glad to see, some of my most favourite bands releasing practically the best album of their careers. Plus they were amazing live in Prague.