To us, the definition of a Hard Rock band is simply this: harder than Rock but not hard enough to be considered Metal. All of the following bands might be more Rock than Metal, or vice versa, but in our opinion, this is where we see them.
We caught most of these Hard Rock acts at festivals like Carolina Rebellion, Louder Than Life, Aftershock, Rocklahoma, and many others. A special thanks to DWP for the opportunity to cover all of these events.
With this, Rockwell Unscene Magazine is proud to announce the Best Hard Rock Bands of 2016!
#1 Sabaton
There’s nothing about Sabaton we don’t love. My only complaint is that we don’t see them enough. The Louder Than Life Music & Bourbon Festival in Louisville, KY was our most recent chance to see them, and Mischevious Mel’s first opportunity to see and shoot them. How impressed was she? She made the final call on who was going to be our “Best Hard Rock Band of 2016”.
#2 Invidia
You might recognize this man from In This Moment – other Invidia members are from bands such as Five Finger Death Punch and Skinlab.
#3 Five Finger Death Punch
This isn’t a band, this is a machine. Better yet, it’s a war machine like an Abrams tank on the front lines. Look for a new album to battle for #1 in 2017.
#4 Helldorado
Another band you might not be familar with, but once you see them, you’ll be hooked for life!
#5 All That Remains
Look for another banner year for this band in 2017 with the release of a new sure-to-be stellar album.
#6 Bullet For My Valentine
With the recent release of their epic new single “Don’t Need You“, you can be sure to expect more amazing material from BFMV in 2017.
#7 Sevendust
Sevendust’s live performances never disappoint. They recently released a DVD titled “Sevendust – Live in Denver”. We’re looking forward to seeing these guys perform at ShipRocked 2017!
#8 Alter Bridge
This band is beyond talented and features some of the best hard rock you can get your ears on. We got to chat with Myles Kennedy after their performance at Louder Than Life 2016. Check out our interview with him by clicking here.
#9 Pop Evil
In addition to seeing this band perform at many DWP festivals this year, we got to catch one of their concerts in our home state of Wisconsin. This was a huge treat, to say the least.
#10 Shinedown
Seeing these guys perform live always gets us pumped. Most of their songs contain a positive message that will keep you inspired. A sure bet for hard rock fans of all ages.
#11 Skillet
This band is always a sure bet. They deliver awe inspiring, energetic performances and hard rock that’s packed with dynamic harmonies and meaningful lyrics.
#12 Clutch
This band has been around since the early 90’s. Their music has an addictive, funky groove that will take you back to the days of Led Zepellin and Faith No More.
#13 The Mendenhall Experiment
This band kicked off day two of Aftershock 2016 and their performance was nothing short of stellar – click here to check out our interview with the band at the festival.
#14 Chaotic Resemblence
We caught this band at Rocklahoma last year. They’re right on the border of rock and metal with a touch of 80’s glam. Looking forward to seeing/hearing more from them in 2017.
#15 Wilson
You can catch these rockers on tour next year with one of our favorite bands of all time, Breaking Benjamin.
#16 Disturbed
As one of the household names of hard rock, Disturbed always blows us away. They tore up DWP festival stages last year with memorable, fire-filled performances that featured songs both old and new.
To find out more about our “Best of 2016” bands, visit Rockwell Unscene Magazine on Facebook.
Happy New Year!
