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Hellboy’s Top 10 Albums of 2016

You guys have had your turn at selecting a top 10, and after much procrastination it’s time for me to reveal mine.  Over the weekend I might also add the best of the rest – a list of albums that gather lots of votes, but not quite enough for the top 10 or I think you may have missed in general.

I present this list from 1 to 10 in some order of preference.  My opinion on albums changes sometimes on a daily basis, and while it’s safe to assume I like album #1 more than #10, there are others that have a position that may be somewhat interchangeable.

Gojira – Magma

To many the latest Gojira album was a bit of a step down from their earlier work.  While I don’t necessarily disagree with that statement, I feel like this is a really strong album, which is a testament to how fucking great some of their earlier work is!  With some great and unique sounding tracks – no one writes riffs or sounds quite like Gojira.

Every Time I Die – Low Teens

“Metalcore, urghhh” – I hear some of you moan! It’s true that some if it is quite shit, but Every Time I Die are one of the best examples of the genre. It’s got some great songwriting, relentless energy and just fucking rocks. Get behind it!

Red Fang – Only Ghosts

Only Ghosts was released during a period this year stuffed with albums.  It seemed like months passed with not much being released, and then BAM! a bunch of great bands all released albums in a short period of time.  One of these was Red Fang‘s album, which I actually think is one of their best and more mature works.  Surprisingly it get very few votes in the readers top 10!

A Tribe Called Quest – We got it from Here… Thank You 4 Your service

A long time between albums for these guys, and We got it from Here was well worth the wait!  It’s got plenty of great rhymes, excellent sampling and beats and is accompanies by a range of interesting guests.

Meshuggah – The Violent Sleep of Reason

Meshuggah threw away the amp modelling software for this album, and to me have come back with one of their more organic and compelling releasing since Nothing.  While not pushing the limits of their songwriting chops on this album, I found this album to be more cohesive and consistent that their somewhat more diverse last two releases.

Sex Prisoner – Tannhauser Gate

It wouldn’t be a top 10 of mine without at least on grindcore or power violence album, and Sex Prisoner‘s Tannhauser Gate is the best of 2016. 20 minutes of grindy bliss!

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Skeleton Tree

I’m more of a fan of Nick Cave‘s more energetic work (think Grinderman and 90s Bad Seeds) however this album while mellow, is heavily laden with enough emotion that I found it an enticing listen.

Iggy Pop – Post Pop Depression

When I first heard this album, it was a bit “meh, this is ok” and didn’t really expect it to come close to making my top 10.  Much like the last Queens of the Stone Age album (which is relevant as the album is co-written by Josh Homme) it’s a grower, with most tracks offering something for the attentive listener.  I think the final track Paraguay would be close to my favorite track of 2016.

Wrong – Wrong

I’m a really big fan of early Helmet, and clearly Wrong are as well.  In fact several of the tracks on this album sound like borderline plagiarism based on their similarity to tracks from the seminal Strap It On and Meantime albums.  But fuck it – I really enjoyed their tribute of sorts, and is a great listen unlike most recent Helmet albums (though to be fair I enjoyed Dead to the World)

Meek Is Murder – Was

Meek Is Murder are a relatively recent addition to my library.  I was impression with the brand of hardcore on their last EP, and their latest album Was is just as good.  The album is full of energy, great riffs and is done in about 20 minutes.  As all good (non-Tool) albums should be!

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hexagone
hexagone
7 years ago

Good list man. I agree with your assessment of the Iggy Pop album and the song Paraguay. I forgot about the red fang album. Good stuff.

I guess nobody likes autolux around here. Surprising considering the tool connection. I thought Pussys dead was a great album.

Undertowjones
Undertowjones
7 years ago

Deafheaven new Bermuda may fav gojira latest is great too

bsfurr
bsfurr
7 years ago

Great List!

If you like Red Fang, please check out Helms Alee, if you haven’t already. They toured with Red Fang a bit and are just fantastic!

I loved Frank Ocean’s new record “Blonde”. Definitely original as far as RnB goes.

Hopefully we’ll have a Tool record to review at the end of 2017.

Cheers

hexagone
hexagone
Reply to  bsfurr
7 years ago

I saw helms alee open for torche years ago and they blew me away.

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