Top 10 (a bit more than) first half of 2016
Finally found the gems I was looking for. Didn't have enough to make a solid enough list until now. |
| 10 |  | Periphery
Periphery III: Select Difficulty
I've always shamelessly said that Periphery was one of my favorite bands since they released PI. To me this is their worst album yet (not counting Clear). I still like quite a bit of stuff on this but it mostly feels so by the numbers and safe. |
| 9 |  | Textures
Phenotype
Some long stretches of boredom and lackluster vocals hinder an album filled with potential. Shaping A Single Grain of Sand is such a jam though. |
| 8 |  | Silent Planet
Everything Was Sound
Silent Planet finding their identity by really exploring their Ambient side. It feels a bit samey sometimes but it's really well executed overall. |
| 7 |  | Fates Warning
Theories of Flight
Nothing extraordinary but as far as typical prog metal this couldn't be much better. |
| 6 |  | Haken
Affinity
A more consistent album than The Mountain but doesn't quite reach the same highs. I especially like how varied the album but everything thing still works with the concept. |
| 5 |  | Myrath
Legacy
So many highlights on this album. Just a perfectly solid Myrath album, which is better than most things. |
| 4 |  | Dream Theater
The Astonishing
Started extremely disappointed but after listening to it from start to finish with the lyrics in hand, something clicked. This isn't perfect, but it's almost why I like it so much. There is something honest about it, and the fact that a 2 hour Dream Theater album is almost devoid of needless shredding sections is quite refreshing. I love it, sue me. |
| 3 |  | Sithu Aye
Set Course For Andromeda
A progressive instrumental album not based on musicianship but on songwriting and melody? Sign me up anytime. |
| 2 |  | Katatonia
The Fall of Hearts
Probably their most varied album and feels inspired all the way through. |
| 1 |  | Thank You Scientist
Stranger Heads Prevail
Too soon? I don't know. But after multiple listens it's still growing on me. So creative yet focused just enough. Mr. Invisible is my favorite song of the year by a pretty clear margin. |
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