Most Anticipated Music For 2016

Jan 05, 2016 James Currie Features, Music News, Reviews 1

Here are some of our predictions and hopes for greatness to come from the 2016 music scene. A few of our staff have chimed in on some high expectations for the new year. Do you see your favorites listed here?

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By Amy Hughes

@smallmegapixel

The most anticipated new release of 2016 should be happening as you read this: David Bowie’s “Black Star.” Produced by long-time collaborator Tony Visconti, Bowie has headed off to jazzland with the versatile talents of saxophonist Donny McCaslin and his group. The 10-minute single “Lazarus” is lush and pleading. Bowie is singing higher and breathier and the treat will be to see how the public responds to his new direction… once more.

Another veteran will have a new release in February. With “The Ghosts of Highway 20,” Lucinda Williams continues her tradition of mixing Americana folk with guttural blues. The single “Dust” is a heartbreaker and can only reveal what Williams has in store for her first release in 17 months.

I will mention right here that the END of 2016 should see new music from U2. As confirmed by Bono and The Edge, they are currently in the studio with Brian Eno. Bono has mentioned that his 2014 bicycle accident has propelled the band to get back to a more stripped down sound. Tentative album title is “Songs of Experience.”

One band that has teased out their new release with a full-length film is Suede. Titled “Night Thoughts,” (out February 22) the group has been carefully planning this album with the concept of a film that “starts with a man drowning in the waters of a deserted beach at night, as he fights for life, his mind plays out the events that lead him to be there.” Intriguing as the band has shown dedication to the material by playing it in its entirety last fall. No word on whether they will bring it to the States.

The duo of Julian Hatfield and Paul Westerberg – The I Don’t Cares – has my full attention. I included their single “1/22 P” in my 2015 Year End Review and from what I’ve read, a full out album (titled “Wild Stab”) is scheduled for release in 2016.

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By James Currie

@BeInTheLoopChi

I am really excited for 2016. Things are lining up to be a great year for new music. Here are some of my favorites with pressings already in place or recording sessions in action. Twenty artists I’m looking forward to seeing and hearing very soon (in no particular order).

Anthrax : For All Kings

This is a band that just seems to get better with age. We did an interview with Charlie Benante last year about the recording process and song structure and from what we learned, this is going to be fierce!

Beck : Untitled 2016 Album

We got a little sample of what this album might sound like last year with the single, Dreams. Here’s to hoping the rest of the album is as funky poppy as the single. A harken back to Midnight Vultures.

The Besnard Lakes : A Coliseum Complex Museum

The Besnard Lakes are a new favorite of mine. I just really learned about them a couple years ago. I had the pleasure of seeing them live and that sold me. Their live performance takes them to a whole new level.

Crystal Castles : Untitled 2016 Album

Ethan Kath is one half of the band Crystal Castles. The other have was Alice Glass was the other. She left the band in 2014 sighting creative differences. Mid year 2015, Kath surprised us with a new single and new partner in electronic experimental noise. Edith Frances now completes the band and according to Kath, a new album is due this year.

The Cult : Hidden City

I’ve been a fan of The Cult since Electric. I love the way the band has grown throughout the years. They keep it fresh, but still The Cult. Something very hard to do. When you hear the first guitar riff you know it’s Billy Duffy. Ian Astbury was quoted as saying this album will be far heavy that anything in the last few years. It will complete a trilogy of records that started with Born Into This. It’s also the fifth album produced by legendary producer, Bob Rock.

David Bowie : Blackstar

He may not ever tour again, or even give interviews anymore, but The Thin White Duke can still produce compelling and crafty tunes. This marks his 27th official studio album and first in almost 3 years.

Foo Fighters : Untitled 2016 Album

The Foo have released singles, record store day promos and scores for the last couple years, but this will mark their first full studio album, non soundtrack, since 2011’s Waisting Light. Hopefully Grohl has healed nicely since his spill on stage where he broke his leg mid tour last year and the band comes back with a monster gig that showcases the new tracks.

The Horrors : Untitled 2016 Album

This British rock band has been around for a decade now and produced 4 albums in that time. The last full length recording we got from the band was in 2014 called, Luminous. It was a fantastic, danceable rock record that left me wanting more. Hope this one fills that void.

The Jesus and Mary Chain : Untitled 2016 Album

The Reid brothers are back and just celebrated their 30th anniversary of the first album, Psychocandy in 2015. Back with newly reformed Creation Records, they promised a new album to mark the occasion. This will be their first in almost 20 years since 1998’s, Munki.

Lush : Untitled 2016 Album

On September 2015, the band announced their reformation after an almost 20 year hiatus. I can’t say enough about this band. The sound is angelic, spooky, trippy and complex. I hope they continue with their roots and bring that unique shoe gazing sound.

M83 : Untitled 2016 Album

French electronic composer, Anthony Gonzalez, has been busy with scoring soundtracks these past couple years, but 2016 marks the return of his original band, M83. This will be his first proper album since 2011’s, Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming.

Nine Inch Nails : Untitled 2016 Album

I can’t even contain myself on this one. Trent Reznor is bringing back Nine Inch Nails for another studio album. He claims the band will no longer tour, so if that’s true, at least we’ll have the new memories to make. I only wish he’d release something every year.

Run The Jewels : RTJ3

Killer Mike and El-P are returning for yet another episode of Hip Hop Rock legends. If you haven’t heard RTJ 1 or 2, you need to catch up.

Santigold : 99 Cents

Santi White AKA Santigold is releasing her 3rd studio release entitled, 99 Cents (.99¢) This BreakThrough Artist has been heard in commercials and soundtracks since her start just 2008. It’s just fun, hooky music you can’t help but move to.

School of Seven Bells : SVIIB

This is a band that was cut short way, way too soon with the rather sudden death of guitarist/co founder Benjamin Curtis. This left Alejandra Deheza alone on her own. Thankfully, several other musicians stepped in to complete what will be the bands fourth and final album. It’s produced by Justin Meldal-Johnsen (Beck, Nine Inch Nails, The Mars Volta). “This is a love letter from start to finish. It’s the story of us starting from that first day we met in 2004, and that’s the story of School of Seven Bells”, Alejandra says, “When I see those roman numerals, I just think of an era”.

Sleigh Bells : Untitled 2016 Album

Brooklyn based, rythmic noise pop arrangements from Alexis and Derek are coming back. This album is long over due after the bands success from feature film placement and touring.

Surgical Meth Machine : SMM

You probably won’t know the name (unless you follow us here at In The Loop Magazine), but you’ll for sure know the voice behind Surgical Meth Machine. It’s Al Jourgensen’s latest endeavor. This one is all over the place. I was fortunate enough to be at a listening party for it back in October 2015 and it’s going to be good. It’s unlike anything he’s ever done before, but yet still uncle Al at heart. You hear everything from industrial to crooning on this one. One track in particular will make you nuts as it’s all over the place. Another promises to be the fastest music you’ve ever heard and another will have you humming along with it. Yeah, I know, that doesn’t make much sense, but once you hear it, it will. This is something completely different and fresh from Jourgensen. If you are a fan of his works like Ministry and Revolting Cocks, you’ll dig this too.

Tool : Untitled 2016 Album

Not much is known about this one, but the band did just play a show in California. Rumor has it that they already started recording tracks for a new record last year. As with most projects Maynard James Keenan takes his time, but it’s always worth it in the end. The band has been together for almost 25 years, but this will mark only their 5th album.

Ty Segall : Emotional Mugger

Ty is one busy guy. He’s got several projects going including one of my new favorites, Fuzz, and his solo work. He has released an album every year since his start in 2008. This marks his 8th solo in as many years in the business. This is modern garage rock at it’s best.

Wolfmother : Victorious

Austrailian hard rockers, Wolfmother are back with another one. This new line up promises to be just as hard and heavy as anything before. Original member Andrew Stockdale has a new line up that he will take on the road in 2016 in support of this soon to be classic.

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By Fernando Martin

@MetalFern

Devildriver – It’s been about 3 years now since the release of their last album, Winter Kills. To be honest, I’ve fallen off the bandwagon with these guys and lately have been looking to get back on with Devildriver. This will be the first album without staple members, John Boecklin and Jeff Kendrick, so this will be an interesting album with some fresh blood. Titled, Trust No One, the album is set for release in May.

Fleshgod Apocalypse – The fourth album from the extreme symphonic metallers, titled, King, the album looks to be even more devastating than any of their releases. More classical influences will be featured and if you are not familiar with the Italian quintet, you are missing out on some powerful musicianship.

Lacuna Coil – The last I heard from the group, they lost two of their longtime members. Currently, the group is a quintet, recruiting their drum tech, Ryan Folden, as a full-time member. On a more positive note, lead singer, Cristina Scabbia promises that they will incorporate more growls. Going back to their roots seems like something that many bands do, especially now that the group has been around for nearly twenty years. This should be an interesting release.

X Japan – Their first album in nearly 20 years, the group played a reunion show in 2014. Having a well established base in their native Japan, the group also has a satisfying presence in the states. Already having released a single late last year, not much else has been mentioned in regards to the new album, which is scheduled for a March 11 release.

Babymetal – Their debut and only album currently was such a masterpiece, I am extremely eager to see if they will be able to top themselves with their next album, conveniently due April 1st. No singles, no teasers, nothing else has been released or hinted. This album might set records for the metal industry.

Rammstein – The German industrial metallers announced that they would be touring in 2016. Though that is the case, it doesn’t necessarily entail that the group would be releasing an album. But of course most bands tour on an album, but if you now Rammstein, you know that they don’t need to tour on a new album. But hey, you never know.

Dimmu Borgir – 2010 marked the last year we received an album from these Black metal greats. While certain members have been tending to side projects, the group stated that they like to take their time when writing an album that they can appreciate and stand behind. When they do release their next album, hopefully this year, it will certainly create a buzz within the metal community.

Delain – The world of Delain has been nonstop for a while now and their journey continues next month in February with the release of their their next EP titled, Lucidity. Their last album was very atmospheric and dark so I am hoping that this album follows in a similar notion with some unpredictable surprises. No singles or leaks released yet!

Aside from the aforementioned artists, there are also other artists that currently have material in production that you should look out for. While the year has just begun and only a handful of artists have announced possible albums, there is still a whole year ahead of us so who knows, maybe your favorite band might be releasing something later in the year hopefully. Here is but a small list of the artists that may or may not release an album this year: