The votes have been counted for the Fourtheye Readers Top 10 albums of 2016, and without further ado I present you the list!
1. Deftones – Gore
The Deftones are a firm favorite with Tool fans and typically perform very well in Fourtheye polls. This time around they have claimed the number 1 spot with the excellent Gore. Probably one of their more mellow releases, this album gives us a diverse range of sounds from these nu-metal stalwarts.
2. Gojira – Magma
Interesting to see French Metal band Gojira at number 2. Speaking anecdotally with fans suggested this album was a little disappointing, though it appears to have made the top 10 list of many readers none the less – a testament to their increasing popularity, or possibly a sign that 2016 was a weak one for records?
3 Meshuggah – The Violent Sleep of Reason
Meshuggah are another favorite of Tool fans and it’s no real surprise to see them in this years top 10. In fact I think The Violent Sleep of Reason is one of their best since Nothing.
4 Russian Circles – Guidance
Instrumental Rock is pretty popular with Tool fans, and former touring buddies Russian Circles are at the top of their game. While I didn’t think Guidance was quite up to the standard of Memorial, it was still a very solid and atmospheric record.
5. Opeth – Sorceress
Swedish Prog Rock outfit Opeth have put out another 70s themed album along the lines of their last one, and it seems to be pretty well received by Fourtheye readers. I guess the lack of death growls isn’t a big deal after all?
6. David Bowie – Blackstar
Released days before David Bowie passed away, his strong musical legacy was left intact by a powerful final album.
7. The Swans – The Glowing Man
I can’t say I was a fan of this album, but the Swans remain and popular choice among Fourtheye readers.
8. Cult of Luna & Julia Christmas – Mariner
I actually haven’t listened to this album yet, so it was a bit of a surprise to me that it made the top 10. I like Cult of Luna so really should have a listen, especially since many of you hold it in high esteem!
9. Radiohead – A Moon Shaped Pool
The highly anticipated new album from Radiohead came out early in 2016, and seemed to get some mixed reviews. Despite that, it easily made the top 10 which shows how much Tool fans enjoy their music.
10. Dillinger Escape Plan – Dissociation
Dillinger Escape Plan announced their latest album Dissociation earlier this year, and also announced that the band would be calling it quits (though some think it might be a hiatus).
So there we have it – maybe not a whole load of surprises in that top 10, but they are a range of excellent albums. Stay tuned as over the next couple of days I’ll post my top 10!
fair enough. thought new Dillinger was weak – Car Bomb def their successor
I agree, it had a few good moments but overall was one of their weakest in a while.
Mariner was easily my top pick for 2016. You should definitely give it a spin.
Will you be posting the list of all albums that received more than “x” amount of votes?
I might do this over the next couple of days when I sort my own list out.
Excellent! It’s always fun to see that.
Gore? Album of the year? Wow. Only on a tool board…. That’s sad and says something about us..
Please correct us and let us know what all the cool kids are listening too these days.
Also, lets not delude ourselves – at this kind of level a top 10 is as much a popularity contest as it is a measure of actual quality. Gore was a pretty good album though (but I’m not sure I’d have it in my top 10).
The deftones don’t even like gore.
Source? I don’t think the carry on by the guitar player that he initially wasn’t into it really counts.
By the amount they play those songs live. Look, I agree with a lot of the list. I don’t claim to be cool or know cool undiscovered bands…but gore? I’m just disappointed I guess. But like you said, popularity contest I guess. If APC came out with an album, as shitty as it could be, it would be number 1. Money shot was number one last year right?
Not sure I agree with your Deftones assessment. They have a large back catalog and at the shows I’ve seen have always played only 3-4 tracks from their most recent album. This is consistent with the Gore tour.
Regarding Money Shot – you are correct it was number 1, which was no surprise to anyone really. In future polls I intend to disregard votes for Tool, APC and Puscifer, as it’s much a given that the majority will dig their releases.
I like it hellboy. It’s a give in with those albums. And in 2019 or 2020 tool doesn’t count either.
It was missing THE FALL – WISE OL’ MAN [EP]. Granted, I didn’t cast my one vote that would have gone for it, but I am American and reserve the right to not vote and then complain in the coming years.