OUR LIST OF 2016’S MOST INFECTIOUS EXTREME METAL SONGS: THE COMPLETE LIST

 

Yesterday I ended the roll-out of our annual list of Most Infectious Extreme Metal Songs. As I’ve explained, it was more of an arbitrary halt than an orderly conclusion. When I began the rollout back on January 2 I had a big group of songs I knew would be on this list, but I hadn’t finished the selection. I started the rollout, and then continued to make up the list as I went along. I’m still not finished, but decided that we shouldn’t be continuing with a 2016 year-end list past the end of January in the new year.

Although many more songs could easily still be added, I do think the list, as it is, provides a decent snapshot of both the quality and the diversity of metal in 2016. And I think that’s true even though we only focused on the most “infectious” songs (some of the best songs and albums released in 2016 weren’t really “infectious”, but were stunning listening experiences nonetheless).

Of course, the list is a reflection of my own tastes, though I did try to cover a broad spectrum of genres and sub-genres. As we always do around here, I also made sure that lesser-known underground bands were represented along with the higher-profile groups. But of course I didn’t listen to every album released last year, or even to all of the roughly 800 songs that were recommended by our readers (though I listened to the majority of them).

Below is a list of all the songs on this year’s list — 71 of them — in the order in which I rolled them out. The songs are hyperlinked to the original posts where you can listen to the music. I know it would have been nicer if I had included all the streams right here in one place, but that would have taken more time than you probably realize.

I’m grateful to everyone who suggested songs for this list, to everyone who read the installments, and especially to all the bands.

 

Part 1
Harakiri For the Sky
Anaal Nathrakh

Part 2
Vredehammer
Deströyer 666
Rotting Christ

Part 3
Martyröd
Mantar

Part 4
Scorched
Deathcrown
High Command

Part 5
Ghost
Hail Spirit Noir
Zeal and Ardor

Part 6
Gojira
Yliaster

Part 7
Ihsahn
Cult of Luna & Julie Christmas
Disillusion

Part 8
Ripper
Hobbs Angel of Death
Vektor

Part 9
Mithras
Blood Incantation
Void Omnia

Part 10
In Mourning
Mistur
Moonsorrow

Part 11
Cantique Lepreux
Wode
Forteresse
Gevurah

Part 12
Asphyx
Sorcery
Gatecreeper

Part 13
Rebel Wizard
Barbarian Swords
Tides of Sulphur

Part 14
Krater
Ultar
Arkona
Simulacro
Djevel
Gaerea

Part 15
Centinex
Abnormality
Volturyon

Part 16
Abbath
Dormant Ordeal
Darkend

Part 17
WarCrab
Heaven Shall Burn
UR

Part 18
Khonsu
Terra Tenebrosa
Howls of Ebb
Black Hole Generator

Part 19
Fallujah
Veilburner
Dahaca
ColdWorld

Part 20
Borknagar
Helcaraxë
In the Woods…
Conan
Phantom Winter

Part 21
Woman Is the Earth
Death Fortress
Uprising
Skeletonwitch
Beyond Grace
Winterfylleth