Jean-Francois "Johnny Jackal" Poulin's Top Ten Albums of 2016
December 28, 2016
No. 10:
Band: Denner-Shermann
Album: Masters of Evil
General Info:
Year of Formation: 2014
Record Label: Metal Blade Records
The collaboration between the two former members of KING DIAMOND/MERCYFUL FATE. It does really sound like old school KING DIAMOND minus the incredible voice of the King. The singer is really good and he comes from a band called CAGE. He sounds a bit like Jorn Lande et this album is just a big treat.
No. 9:
Band: Primal Fear
Album: Rulebreaker
General Info:
Year of Formation: 1997
Record Label: Frontiers Records
They don't breakout of their routine, it still sounds like some really good old school JUDAS PRIEST. We aren't reinventing the wheel but each song has it's own unique vibe. I think this album is actually even better than ''Delivering the Black''.
No. 8:
Band: Metallica
Album: Hardwired to Self Destruct!
General Info:
Year of Formation: 1981
Record Label: Blackened Recordings
I know there is alot of people that did not like this album at all but I beg to differ. I thought it had this ''Kill Em All'' feel to alot of the songs including the first three singles. The album is way too long though and they should have cut out the excessive solos but it's still a pretty damn good release.
No. 7:
Band: Death Angel
Album: The Evil Divide
General Info:
Year of Formation: 1982
Record Label: Nuclear Blast Records
This is by far the best Thrash Metal album of the year. It's a logical follow-up to the ''Dream Calls for Blood''. This is one of the most underrated bands out there and they don't get the credit they rightfully deserve. It's straight up Thrash Metal without any compromises and it's one of those albums that really caught my eye in 2016.
No. 6:
Band: Anthrax
Album: For All Kings
General Info:
Year of Formation: 1981
Record Label: Megaforce Records
I have to admit it took a long time to really appreciate this album. I mean it's my favorite band ever since my first listen in 1991. One thing I still hate about the band is the number of years between each release, it still bugs me to this day. A very solid effort and it took me some time to really love this album because it was a departure from what I was used to listen.
No. 5:
Band: Amon Amarth
Album: Jomsviking
General Info:
Year of Formation: 1992
Record Label: Metal Blade Records
Our favorite vikings put out one hell of album in 2016! This album is on par with the preceding album and alot better than ''Surtur Rising'' in my honest opinion. I heard they did one awesome show in Montreal this summer and they even had this Viking boat on stage!
No. 4:
Band: Sabaton
Album: Last Stand
General Info:
Year of Formation: 1999
Record Label: Nuclear Blast Records
Look I know its pretty much the same formula from one album to another from these guys. Funny thing is that I discovered them in 2014, much later than alot of people. It's another European history lesson by the loveable guys from SABATON. I can't wait to see them live in 2017 if I can find time in my busy schedule!
No. 3:
Band: Omnium Gatherum
Album: Grey Heavens
General Info:
Year of Formation: 1996
Record Label: Century Media Records
Nowadays it's quite difficult to put out a strong effort in Melodic Death Metal. Well this album just broke the standards and are now the flag bearers of the genre. A very good album that is as good on the first listen than the 100th. They have been around 20 years and this year I discovered them!
No. 2:
Band: Testament
Album: Brotherhood of the Snake
General Info:
Year of Formation: 1986
Record Label: Nuclear Blast Records
I have waited for this album for such a long time. I know alot of my friends don't really like this album and thought it was a pretty big disappointment. I thought this was on par with the album and definitely not a step back. This album reminds me of some of their classic albums like ''Low'' and ''Practice What You Preach''. I thought it was an excellent album, almost as good as ''Dark Roots of the Earth''.
No. 1:
Band: Dream Theater
Album: The Astonishing
General Info:
Year of Formation: 1988
Record Label: Roadrunner Records
Another concept album from the masters of Prog Metal. It's an album that transports you to another world, it tells you a story, one masterful story. The live version was such a treat and it just blew me away. I like this album more and more with every listening.
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