Killswitch Engage – Strength Of The Mind
Reluctant figureheads for a post-millennial US metal scene that has singularly failed to live up to their standards, Killswitch Engage return in 2016 with an album that promises to be one of the year’s most significant. The band’s second album since the return of vocalist Jesse Leach in 2012, it needs to be brilliant for all concerned, but even at their most pedestrian Killswitch exude a passion and belief in what they’re doing that, while occasionally a little too earnest for we cynical Brits, is as endearing as it is believable. Strength Of The Mind suggests that high expectations could well be met this time round. It’s a huge, groove-driven modern heavy metal anthem with a big but gritty chorus and subtly inventive riffs by the score: prime Killswitch, in other words. Still a class act.
Megadeth – The Threat Is Real
Say what you like about Dave Mustaine – truly, he gives not one shit – but he continues to be full of surprises. After the plodding, half-arsed mess of 2012’s Super Collider threatened to undo all the good work Megadeth had put in in recent times, a reshuffled lineup and a renewed sense of enthusiasm have led to Dystopia: the strongest Megadeth album in a while and a genuine statement of metallic mastery that outstrips even Slayer’s latest effort for sheer snotty thrash metal hostility. The Threat Is Real may hark back to the glories of Rust In Peace and Countdown To Extinction, but this remains a fiercely modern affair, with good old Megadave sounding more engaged (and furious) than he has in years.
Abbath – Winter Bane
So synonymous with Norwegian black metal that he has inspired thousands of moderately amusing memes, Abbath led Immortal through over two decades of furious, frostbitten extremity. The split has been less than amicable, but early 2016 will see the release of the debut from Abbath’s eponymous new band and a rejigged Immortal have similar plans for later in the year. Regardless of the politics involved, Abbath looks likely to reap the greater spoils, not least because his riffs, voice and imperious bravado are writ large throughout the album’s eight epic tracks. Winter Bane is the most overblown and sinister of the lot: an eviscerating heavy metal snowstorm imbued with the spirit of the Norwegian scene but somehow bigger, bolder and blacker.
Toothgrinder – Diamonds For Gold
Yes, I featured this band in a previous playlist. They’re that good. Toothgrinder’s debut album Nocturnal Masquerade is such an invigorating breath of fresh air that it’s hard to recall anything comparable from the last decade or so. Hugely original and yet perfectly placed to thrill a strong majority of metal fans, the New Jersey quintet’s explosive gait and multi-subgenre abandon deserve to propel them into the spotlight in 2016. Diamonds For Gold is just another good reason why.
King Diamond – Christmas
While everyone else is torturing each other with Slade, Wizzard and Jona sodding Lewie, diehard metalheads tend to rely on King Diamond’s No Presents For Christmas as their festive anthem. As fans get excited about the prospect of the great Dane hitting London next spring to perform classic album Abigail in full, a quick blast of his /other/ Yuletide anthem seems appropriate. Ah-rup-ah-pum-pum to you all. Hail Santa.
