Several music outlets have published lists of the best metal albums of 2016, with some lists including 40 albums and others featuring fewer, such as 30 or 20. There is some variation in the specific albums included on these lists, but they all appear to be recognizing notable metal releases from 2016. However, not all of the lists are specifically focused on 2016, with one outlet publishing a list of the best black metal albums of all time and another referencing 2015.