10. Armored Saint + Metal Church + Sin Circus + Alchemy @ Brick By Brick (San Diego) 06/05: Longstanding Los Angeles old-school metal flagbearers Armored Saint are at the peak of their powers these days, and their co-headline tour with Metal Church this year was a great indication of the same. The two bands hit the best stage in San Diego for a well-attended gig and both were at their 100 per cent and more, as the scene was perfectly set for them by openers Sin Circus and Alchemy. Riding high on their latest masterpiece ‘Win Hands Down’, Armored Saint delivered on all fronts with a triumphant performance, and rejuvenated by the return of singer Mike Howe, Metal Church garnered a massive response as well. Hands down the most enjoyable old-school metal show of 2016.
9. Holy Grail + Exmortus + Spellcaster @ The Roxy (West Hollywood) 08/07: Standing tall shoulder-to-shoulder with bands much older and far more popular, three young bands Holy Grail, Exmortus and Spellcaster joined forces to spread the gospel of the shred this year, and ending their extensive summer tour around the States with a gig at the Roxy, each band played the best set they’ve ever played in the LA area, which is saying a lot in itself as they’ve done many shows in this town in the past. Besides presenting their finest tunes old and new, they also threw in special surprises in the form of covers and guitar duels, and truly did something different, fresh and engaging for fans that have seen them multiple times. In an era where touring endlessly and repeatedly is essential for bands to survive, the biggest challenge is to keep things interesting enough to justify repeat attendees, and these three bands are doing it as well as anyone. An unforgettable evening of righteous heavy metal.
8. Refused @ Fonda Theater (Hollywood) 05/27: During a time wherein reunions and comebacks have become a trend, many of which have proven to be unwarranted and ingenuine, one reunion that we can definitely welcome with open arms is that of Swedish post-hardcore/experimental rock/art punk group Refused. Their 2015 comeback album ‘Freedom’, their first since 1998, is better than most releases to have surfaced in the past ten years, at least, and for first-timers and longtime fans alike, their sold-out show at the Fonda this year established them as one of the most powerful live bands on the planet. Vocalist Dennis Lyxzén was in his element and had the entire audience under his command, with his musicianship as well as politically charged speeches. His efforts as well as that of his band mates deemed Refused the most dynamic and energetic, yet most elegantly dressed hardcore punk group one would ever get to see, and hopefully this time they’re here to stay.
7. Dream Theater @ Grove of Anaheim (Anaheim) 11/16: Prog metal demigods Dream Theater brought the second and final North American leg of ‘The Astonishing’ tour to the Grove of Anaheim, performing almost all of their latest double LP as well as an encore of classics, the show presented in a manner more visual than Dream Theater have ever ventured to in the past, as a staggered array of screens displayed visuals to portray the conceptual story behind the new album. While the visual element was a welcome addition to their show, their exemplarily top-class musicianship has been the standout trait of this band throughout their career, and it was no different in this show as vocalist James LaBrie was stunningly amazing, and the virtuosic exploits of John Petrucci, Jordan Rudess, Mike Mangini and John Myung ignited this stage to no end. When you witness these musicians performing together on stage, it doesn’t even matter whether or not you’re a fan of their music, because by the end of the show, you’re certain to become one for life.
6. Steven Wilson @ Belasco Theater (Los Angeles) 11/05: The most unique personality in the realm of progressive rock, Steven Wilson, as he himself proclaimed during this concert at the Belasco, is the most miserable music composer this genre has probably ever seen, and this is very much evident in all his work, whether it be Porcupine Tree or solo albums. But he clearly channels his dark side to the extent others can only dream of, by creating such powerful music that is as libertaing as it is depressing. Performing his latest full-length ‘Hand. Cannot. Erase’ in its entirety and a full set of older solo songs, Porcupine Tree selections and a cover tune as a heartfelt tribute to David Bowie, Steven Wilson spent an evening with his LA fans and laid down the gold standard for what progressive rock and metal music should aspire to achieve in the live setting. Wilson, with his backing band of highly accomplished musicians, held the audience captive with the music and humored them with his articulate monologues.
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