There is nothing better than a good comeback album and 2016 delivered a number of gems from bands and artists in the rock and metal scene.
It was as if 2002 was relived once again as pop-punk greats, Blink 182, Simple Plan and Sum 41 made their comeback albums and even Metallica brought out a new record for the first time in eight years.
Korn also made a triumphant return to their nu-metal roots with one of their best records to date.
This year was a breath of fresh air from musical greats who showed that experience and talent cannot be bought.
Honourable mentions:
Metallica – Hardwired, Sum 41 – Fake My Own Death. Memphis May Fire – Carry On, I Prevail – Scars, Billy Talent – Big Red Gun
5. Biffy Clyro – Animals
The first song on the countdown is a gem of a track from Biffy Clyro who released Ellipsis this year.
‘Animal Style’ is a great song with a guitar riff that catches your attention from the outset. Simon Neil’s vocals then join the party with a great verse, pre- chorus and chorus. Each part flows perfectly into each other and this will definitely be part of Biffy Clyro’s set list for years to come.
The song has majestic sing-along parts and really lets your inner rock animal out.

4. Korn – Rotting in Vain
When I first heard this song, you would have forgiven me for thinking it was a song from a 90s Korn album. The sound, eerie instrumentation and hard riffs and screams from Jonathan Davis really make this one of Korn’s best songs in more than a decade. Korn’s 2016 album, The Serenity Of Suffering is a magnificent return to form for the metal band that is probably one of the most unique bands on the scene. The lyrics are also classic Korn with agony, suffering and ultimate acceptance being the main themes.
Korn has breathed a new breath of life and you can feel the hunger they have and enjoyment in making new music.
The addition of Brian ‘Head’ Welch has really given the band a boost. A must listen for all the Korn fans of the 90s.

3. Blink 182 – Bored to Death
Blink 182 is one of my favourite bands of all times and the addition of Matt Skiba, formerly of Alkaline Trio, after Tom Delonge’s departure was an interesting move.
Many Blink fans (myself included) wondered how this new three-piece with Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker would work out. Their 2016 album, California, answered that question in full and with aplomb.
Although elements of Tom’s guitar playing may be missing, this album is still a great listen and Bored to Death is one example. It is basic Blink, but it strikes a chord.
The lyrics are great, as well as the sing-along melodies and bridge – something that Blink is known for. Still, Mark and Matt’s voices seem too similar – that is the only downside.

2. Green Day – Bang Bang
I like this song because it has a great nostalgic Green Day feel and song structure with three-chord guitars and a great punk drumbeat from Tré Cool with an added bass intro for great effect.
Billy Joe’s lyrics are as strong as ever as he berates the problem of school shootings in the United States.
The timing of the album, Revolution Radio is also great as the album almost feels like an America Idiot sequel, especially with the current political situation in the United States. Green Day is back!

1.A Day To Remember – Bullfight
This might be an interesting choice to some but, to me, this song and accompanying music video have a unique sound and blending of different musical aspects.
This is why it is number one – it literally has everything good from A Day To Remember in one song. The soft verses, the sing-along choruses, Jeremy McKinnon’s signature screams and a kick-ass breakdown in the bridge. This song is on their newest album, Bad Vibrations which, in my opinion, is one of the best albums of 2016. A Day To Remember brings it full on with this one, and if you should either be able to sing along or bang your head to the beat.