Our Picks

pulsing with vibrant life and emotionally potency. this is the sound of being in flux. letting it all wash over you.

Heavily conceptualized album centered on the idea of passage of time and weather, Saijiki presents 31 songs spread through 12 tracks, each one representing a month of the year, through the point of view of Mount Fuji.

This is easily one of the top deathcore records to exist (alongside Exoplanet). This is also one of the best concept albums I've ever heard. This truly is a musical masterpiece; this is art.

Rory has one of those voices that never gets old. Dayseeker releases another fantastic album that will for sure make my top 10. Do not sleep on this album if you're into Metalcore.

An absolutely beautiful prog record, almost like a softer VOLA with some great clean vocals. Fairly simplistic sound but stunning nonetheless.
 

One of the most underrated indie albums of 2016. I recently got back into these dudes and I'm so glad I did. For fans of: The 1975, Skylar Spence, Roosevelt, Palace Winter.

My most anticipated album of the year and it doesn't disappoint. Melanie Martinez has that voice you love from the very moment you listen to her music. This album by far is my favorite this year.

Imagine shoegaze but with buzzsaw instead of guitars, followed by a great mix of drone and noise. Very unique experience for people who want to try something outside of their comfort zone. This release is definitely something you will never forget.

Pain of Salvation are the kings of concept albums. PoS delivers a heartbreaking story about coming to terms with our mortality as well as reflecting on who we are as individuals. The closing track to this record is something that will stick with me until I die. This is musicianship at its finest.

One of the most underrated prog bands of the past few years. Excellent in all departments, highly recommended, especially for fans of Leprous, Caligula's Horse, Native Construct, Distorted Harmony, VOLA, and others.

Imagine if LotR or GoT had an epic symphonic, Queen-esque metal soundtrack that told a story through the lyrics and the music... This would be it. This is an essential listen, easy.

Adore is such a relaxing and ethereal sounding record. Imagine if Gojira went a little black with a hell of a lot of atmospheric; this is what you get!

Japanese rapper CHANMINA is back with her second studio album to deliver the bop you didn't know you were waiting for.

 A must listen for anyone into ANY kind of metal/rock. Heavy riffs with a touch of poppy tunes thrown in between. Simply amazing.

Pretty obvious pick from my side as this is my favorite release this year and the album means a lot to me. Northlane stepped up their game with Alien and it absolutely delivers.

This album is still to this day, absolutely nothing short of perfection. After never hearing of Rolo Tomassi prior to this record, this has become my all time favorite record; no question.

Alien soundscapes, detached voices, and fragmented vignettes adorn these recordings. A must for fans of experimental music.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Excellent indie punk from Cali rockers HUNNY. Be sure to check this one out!

Garage punk that occasionally hits into sludge metal territory. All about the pains of making relationships work.

This album just shows how far metal can go and how different it can sound sometimes to more traditional Metalcore or Prog, the addition of folk-like instruments mixed in with the core-like breakdowns, the guitar solos and great vocals this music came with a surprise and I quite frankly loved it. This album is currently one of my favourites this year, If you looking for something fresh and different I highly recommend this album and if you are open minded about metal I reckon you will enjoy it.
 

There hasn't been a single track this year that blew me away as hard as the opening track on this record did. This record is ridiculously melodic as it is dark and mysterious.

Cloud rapper and GOTHBOICLIQUE member Cold Hart comes in strong with his debut album 'Good Morning Cruel World' supported by longtime collaborator YAWNS on production to perpetuate the Peep legacy. The duo brings out the guitars and takes on a more Pop Punk/Alternative sound this time around, drifting away from their usual trap beats. A fun listen and nice return to form for Cold Hart.

This album is pure filthy awesomeness. If you like your Deathcore/Metalcore raw and hard, you will love this. It has some serious Thy Art Is Murder & Fit For An Autopsy vibes. It was a smart decision for Stay Sick Records to pick up these dudes to release their sophomore full-length album. Don't sleep on these dudes!

Awesome riffy core hailing from Sweden relatively unknown in the scene but if you are a fan of kickass screams, cleans and riffage give them a listen if any of that interests you

I really don't know how to express so much to these guys. If you love Hard Rock stuff these fellas you really need to check them out. In my eyes, it can be a great AOTY.