Top albums of 2016

Closing the year we have the list of the best releases we reviewed this 2016. After scouring through hours of music each week for Infernal Masquerade, these 25 albums are the ones we were most impressed by. In terms of the albums we didn't review (because no promo was submitted), but we think they deserve some props as they would have easily made this list we have: Alcest - 'Kodama', Dark Tranquility - 'Atoma', Clouds - 'Departe' and Borknagar - 'Winter Thrice'.

25. Howls of Ebb – Cursus Impasse: The Pandlomic Vows (2016)

Creepy Black/Death Metal release that is very eerie and retro sounding.

24. Fleshgod Apocalypse – King (2016)

Crushing and technically proficient, this release has it all.... including dramatic orchestrations to completement the brutality.

23. Thränenkind – King Apathy (2016)

Never holding back, this outfit crafted a hauntingly beatiful release that is both complex and depressing.

22. Sirenia Dim Days of Dolor (2016)

Sirenia almost takes the top spot with their new singer and their highly bombastic release.

21. Deadlock – Hybris (2016)

A change in female vocalist and a dramatic loss of a band member didn't slow this band or their very modern sounding music.

20. Cult of Luna and Julie Christmas – Mariner (2016)

One of the oddest collaboration of 2016 actually worked out great and gave us one killer release that no fan of Cult of Luna should miss.

19. Sabaton – The Last Stand (2016)

The most epic band in the world returns with another brilliant Power/Progressive Metal album that will make you get out of your seat and march into battle.

18. Harakiri for the Sky – III: Trauma (2016)

Perfectly translating raw emotions into music, M.S and J.J have crafted one of the most emotionally charged releases of the year.

17. Ketzer – Starless (2016)

As one of the most unique Black Metal releases of 2016, this band perfectly mixes Thrash and Post-Metal elements with more Black'n'Roll influences to create a very cohesive and engaging style.

16. Todtgelichter – Rooms (2016)

Constantly evolving over time Todtgelichter delivered in 2016 their finest release to date. Featuring a very unique signature style, this band should be recognized for their experimental bravery.

15. Brujeria – Pocho Aztlan (2016)

Taking the top spot this year we have Brujeria and their triumphant retrun of their politically charged music... which fits right in with the current political climate.

14. In The Woods… - Pure (2016)

As one of the most expected returns of the year, In the Woods... delivered a great album from fans of their original sound and pushed the boundaries of it into Progressive territories.

13. Ihsahn – Arktis. (2016)

Returning into more 'traditional' and Proggy territories, Ihsahn delivers a brilliant album full of his signature style music.

12.Oranssi Pazuzu – Värähtelijä (2016)

Totally weird Psychedelic Black Metal that will hypnotize your from the first note.

11. Amon Amarth – Jomsviking (2016)

The vikings return with another brilliant release featuring tons of headbanging moments and epic horn raising tunes, this is one of the band's finest efforts to date.

10. Aenaon – Hypnosophy (2016)

Taking the scene by surprise, this Greek outfit delivers their most mature and musically experimental release to date. If you like Emperor, Ihsahn, Arcturus and Sigh, this album features elements from all of them.

9. Vuolla – Blood. Stone. Sun. Down. (2016)

This multi-faceted release perfectly blends traditional Death/Doom influences with more modern Post-Metal/Depressive Rock elements.

8. Dead to a Dying World – Live at Roadburn 2016 (2016)

Very few things have impressed us this 2016 as much as this live performance. Now you can live it with this awesome live release.

7. Delain – Moonbathers (2016)

Delain continues to refine their sound over the years and with "Moonbathers" they show they are ready for the spotlight in this crowded scene.

6. Epica – The Holographic Principle (2016)

This Dutch band continues their hot streak with yet another amazing Symphonic/Gothic Metal release.

5. Throes of Dawn – Our Voices Shall Remain (2016)

Another highly awaited return has produced one of the greatest mixtures of Dark Metal and Progressive Metal/Rock that we have heard in the last few years.

4. True Black Dawn – Come the Colorless Dawn (2016)

With one of the most impressive debuts of 2016, True Black Dawn take the top spot with their punishing sound.

3. Downfall of Gaia – Atrophy (2016)

This German outfit managed to deliver the most powerful and crushing Post-Black Metal release in a very elegant and seemingly effortless way.

2. Trees of Eternity – Hour of the Nightingale (2016)

Hauntingly beautiful and eerily depressive, this amazing release managed to get under our skin for weeks.

1. Omnium Gatherum – Grey Heavens (2016)

Hailing from Finland, Omnium Gatherum has managed to constantly improve over the years and with "Grey Heaves" they deliver one of the finest Melodic Death Metal albums in HISTORY.

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