Another year, another turning point, another chapter in metal has passed. Something that’s always intrigued are music videos so it’s time to take a look at my pick for the Top 13 Music Videos of 2016. Yes it’s typically Top Ten Tuesday around here, but 13 has been my lucky number so let’s bend the rules a bit and go with the lucky 13. It’s always tough every year to come up with these lists, especially if you can’t seem to pick favorites. Luckily, I managed not to gouge my eyes out and cut off my ears at the expense of this list. If you’re like me though and love pretty much most genres of metal and are open-minded then this list might be worthy of checking out.
Music videos I believe are the most powerful tool in an artists arsenal to be successful in this industry. These videos were chosen based on performance and creativity. No, no lyric only videos here. I respect an artist when they take the traditional route and perform in front of the camera and a story or mini-movie only adds to the enticement. Without further ado, here’s my list of the Top 13 Music Videos for 2016! Another year gone my metal brethren! Stay Metal \m/
13. Nightmare – Ikarus
With Miss Magali ‘Magi’ Luyten at the forefront, I think it makes for some charismatic performances such as this one. The band also gives a pretty solid performance and that noodling is top-notch!
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0Y8knz7Ri0[/tube]
12. Arion – Unforgivable
Definitely one the bands to watch out for in 2017, their power metal presence draws you in. At this age, they are destined for metal greatness, I mean they’re from Finland, c’mon.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kq0AdjPUUU[/tube]
11. Whispered – Strike!
Samurais and action. Two irresistible combos that spell out a strong video. The band’s energetic performance is intense, I can’t even imagine what they are like live.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPIPy8sqvHU[/tube]
10. Diabulus In Musica – Invisible
An interesting story here, the main character in this story fights to be seen and when he get’s his wish, it’s not exactly as what he had hoped for.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uopyt1uuUig[/tube]
9. Sirenia – Dim Days of Dolor
When life seems hopeless and you don’t want to continue any longer, you question whether its worth even being around this world. Perhaps there are other non-traditional methods of escaping this tormented world?
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGePool-Heg[/tube]
8. Nemesea – Forever
Would you take you own life in your hands if you lost a loved one? Check out this ode to the one that means the most in your life.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGI0Pja2Sro[/tube]
7. Epica – Universal Death Squad
Technology. It’s all around us and sometimes not in our best intentions. Technology and it’s manipulators are attempting to control the human race so as the end goes, Show No Remorse!
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_Ys_W7ySkM[/tube]
6. The Agonist – The Hunt
Very atmospheric, the setting of this video, the angles, everything comes together in one interesting package. A pretty non-typical location for a metal music video, shooting this must have been quite the feat.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgR0r94J8EM[/tube]
5. Behemoth – Ben Sahar
Let this one mess with your minds…
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xbZMJGpc9I[/tube]
4. Otep – Zero
You can always count on Otep to be as honest as they can and this is no exception. The anger in this video just radiates from Otep Shamaya’s expressions, makes me want to punch the screen in anger also.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsWSsp38KnY[/tube]
3. Slayer – Pride In Prejudice
Nothing like filming with an all-star metal friendly cast. Weather as cold as metal, bloodbaths, stunts, violence….oh yeah this is where it gets brutal right here.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eF5iMLldBzE[/tube]
2. Delain – Suckerpunch
Most of these bands did not surprise me with their music videos which is why Delain comes in at #2. This video, this track, their talents have taken it to a whole other level trying to get the inner demons out of oneself. They are out to make a name for themselves and this video proves their thirst and seriousness.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmo06CrXP4M[/tube]
1. Equilibrium – Eternal Destination
Everything about this video is too darn perfect. The earthly visuals of our planet, the intense presence of the group, the soldiers navigating what looks like a dystopian land, the young girl who rectifies virtuosity with the symbolic flower and the innocent look on her face at the end seals the condition of our world.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kd4yoMRgmf8[/tube]
The Metal Alchemy 