Average Rating: 3.33 Rating Variance: 0.62 Objectivity Score: 83% (Well Balanced)
Sort by: Rating | Release Date | Rating Date | Name5.0 classicBathory Blood Fire DeathFrom start to finish, Blood Fire Death takes you on a ride. A brutal ride filled with, well, blood, fire and death. The music is dark and pummeling, as are the vocals. The atmosphere is naturally dark, and the ambience present on a few of the tracks is a nice. Quorothon plays all of the instruments on the album, as well as the vocals, and does so very well. The only thing wrong with this album is that Bathory set the standard so damn high, it's hard to come across another great album. Classic in the black metal scene, and superb overall in the metal world.Black Sabbath ParanoidBlack Sabbath, the band that put metal on the map, released Paranoid in 1971. The first four tracks on the album are known today as metal classics, and to many, this entire album is a classic. From start to finish the album is trademark Black Sabbath.. The eerie vocals of Ozzy Osbourne haunt this album, and add a depth to the songs that was unparalled at the time of it's release. His vocals are not dated though, and upon listening to this album in the present day, sound strong. The guitar work of Tony Iommi is outstanding. His riffs are more than memorable, and helped to lay the foundation for metal guitarists of the present. The main riffs in Paranoid and Iron Man are classic, and his solos are phenomenal (for the time period). Even though these may be the most well known Black Sabbath songs, that doesn't mean that the other tracks can't hold their own; Planet Caravan and War Pigs are phenomenal and show the jazz influence that Sabbath spawned from. Rhythmically this album has no pyrotechnics, but is solid nonetheless. Bill Ward does an excellent job of providing the listener with what a solid drummer should sound like, while not becoming repetitive. Geezer Butler does a good job of keeping up with many of Iommi's faster riffs, and every so often throws in a nice bass fill. When Iommi solos, he provides solid groundwork for which Iommi to run on. In short this album is phenomenal, and is a must for any metal fan; if you don't already own it, go buy it, and if you're not planning on buying it, buy it anyway.Burzum Hvis Lyset Tar OssHvis Lysett Tar Oss is without a doubt, the pinnacle of Burzum's discography. It encompasses everything that black metal should be, without becoming a generic blueprint for the genre. Atmosphere, shrieking vocals, and simple guitars all ravage the album, and make it near impossible to turn it off until the last notes have rung out. Hvis Lysett Tar Oss very well may be the best black metal album to date, and is a must for any black metal or extreme metal fan.Cacophony Speed Metal SymphonyCacophony aka Jason Becker and Marty Freidman managed to put out a shred guitar classic back in 1987 with Speed Metal Symphony. The guitar work is amazing, and is an excellent blend of melody and shred (more shred though). The bass is audible and solid. The drumming however, is so-so. On more than one occasion it seems as though the beats fall back into the same simple 4/4 pattern. The vocals are split. Sometimes they are great, sometimes they are bad. It seems as though they are sharp on a couple of songs. The production is also sub-par, and overall makes for a very thin sound. So how can this get a five? Simple: it's a staple in the underground music world, and the talent generated by Becker and Friedman is jaw dropping. Like shred? Listen to Cacophony.Cynic FocusDarkthrone Transilvanian HungerTransilvanian Hunger is quite possibly the most important black metal album to date. Hell, it is the definition of black metal: horrible production, blast beats, shrieking vocals and simple guitar patterns. All the way through this album is pummeling, and never lets up. Even though the production may make it hard to listen to at points, it will command your attention and force you to sit through it's 8 bluggening tracks. I'll wrap this up quickly, if you're a black metal fan or a fan of metal in general, buy this album. It is more than worth your time.Death SymbolicDeath's Symbolic is arguably one of the most influential and most important releases in death metal history. Mixing Chuck Schuldiner's lyrical wizardy with his aggressive, progressive music, Symbolic nothing short of a true metal classic. Chuck's vocals are top notch, and showcase him in his prime. His guitar work is also astounding. Many of his riffs have a strong jazz influence, but maintain the crunch and tear that come along with being the mastermind of Death. Rhythmically this album has a strong groove factor. The drumming (a la Gene Hoglan) adds a new depth to the music, and is great throughout. The bass is also something to behold. It is not only sonically present on the album, but musically present as well. On tracks like Without Judgement the bass and drums weave an intricate pattern for the vocals and guitars to flourish. The solos are badass as well, however sometimes Chuck returns to the same scale on several different tracks, but for the most part manages to avoid repetition unlike many of his counterparts...*cough"Hammett*cough* In short, Symbolic is just that. It is a stamp of where Death, and Chuck were in 1995, and is one of the most sonically appealing, brutal albums you're likely to hear.Die Verbannten Kinder Evas Dusk And Void Became AliveEmperor In the Nightside EclipseEmperor's second full length album, In the Nightside Eclipse is nothing short of a true black metal classic. In short, the album is black metal the way it was meant to be. The guitar lines are fast, and despite the low production value, manage to escape sounding thin. The drumming is fast and accurate throughout, adding the perfect backing for the vocals and guitars. Ihsahn does a great job vocally. His voice is high pitched and his shreiks are just what Emperor needs. The overall mood of the album is dark (obviously), but it is not created with the use of synths and keyboards, but rather by a band getting together and writing some great music. Definitely a must for any fan of black metal or Emperor, and worth a listen for any metal fan in general.Meat Loaf Bat Out of HellThe perfect blend of hard rock and theater, that's what Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell is. The music on the album is original and innovative, and to say the least, epic. The songs range up to ten minutes and beyond, all while keeping your attention, and never sounding recycled. The music was written by Jim Steinman, and excellent musician in his own right. The vocals are classic. Powerful and emotional; enough to take you to the edges of sadness and aggression all within your own mind. A truly phenomenal listen for any fan of rock, hard rock, or anyone who wants original innovative music.Morbid Angel Altars of MadnessWith Altars of Madness, Morbid Angel managed to create one of the most devastating, relentless, and influential death metal albums of all time. From start to finish the album is sonically pummeling, and never becomes boring or drags on. The riffs ad solos are top notch; they are frantic, yet refined enough so the listener can tell what is going on. The bass can be heard, and it helps to add to the powerful wall of sound that is the guitars and bass drums. The drumming is a definite highlight. The footwork is fast, and the fills and blast beats suite the album perfectly. In short: Altars of Madness is one of the greatest, if not the greatest death metal albums ever released; get it now.Opeth Ghost ReveriesQueen A Night at the OperaQueen's "A Night at the Opera" is rock the way it was meant to be. From it's opening notes to the end of God Save the Queen, this album is nothing short of amazing. The vocals on the album are jaw dropping, and Freddie Mercury was at his vocal prime during the recording of this album. He often reaches into his upper register to deliver an angelic falsetto, which takes the music to a whole new level. He natural baritone is also a nice addition to the mix, and when he makes use of the two together in the same song, there are amazing results (i.e. Bohemian Rhapsody). His bandmates also contribute backing vocals, which are very well done. Brian May's guitar work is great, and his solos always seem to suite the respective songs. His tone is classic, and even though some make think it thin and tinny, I see it as part of the sound that has helped to define Queen. The rhythm section on this album (Roger Taylor and John Deacon) is very solid, and even though they never do anything over top and jaw dropping, they create a nice wall of sound on which the guitars and melodies can flourish. On certain occasions (You're My Best Freind) the bass also contributes excellent melodies which add to the overall catchiness of the songs. In short, A Night at the Opera is a classic album full of classic songs. This album is strongly reccomended for any fan of Queen, rock, or anyone looking for excellent music. Go buy this. Now.Rosetta The Galilean SatellitesSlayer Reign in BloodSleep Sleep's Holy MountainStoner rock has never sounded so good. Sleep managed to create a classic with the release of their 1993 album, Sleep's Holy Mountain. The album combines the sludge like sounds that come along with stoner rock, and the unconvential heavyness of early heavy metal. By unconventially heavy, I mean don't expect to be headbanging...instead you'll feel as though you're drowning in a vat of toxic sludge. The musicianship is very low key on this album, but that only adds to the laid back atmosphere that is created through this lack of wankery. The vocals aren't great, but sound like an actual person is singing. The emotion is always there; atleast I think it's emotion, it could very well be a drug induced haze. This is album is a must for any fan of Sleep, High on Fire, or Asbestosdeath, and is strongly recommended toward any fan of stoner rock, or rock in general.The Beatles Abbey Road4.5 superbAC/DC Back In BlackIt's not technical and it's not overly original, but AC/DC's Back in Black is still one helluva listen. From beginning to end this album is full of radio classics like "Hells Bells", "Back in Black", and "You Shook Me All Night Long." The vocals of Brian Johnson combined with the simple straightforward guitar work of Angus Young make for an infectious grouping of songs. This album is a good time album, plain and simple. This is undoubtedly the career defining album that AC/DC will be remembered for, and with good reason: it's damn good.Agalloch Ashes Against the GrainAshes Against The Grain is just one of those albums. And by one of those albums I mean it's fucking epic. Album openers Limbs and Falling Snow leave little to the listeners imagination as to why Agalloch are held in such high regards around the progressive metal community. What is suprising (and amazing) about this album however, is that they manage to create such a fulfilling atmosphere without the use of synths; the guitar layering is very well done, and every note serves a purpose. The simplistic drumming and bass combined with the harsh vocals combine to make Ashes Against the Grain a very enjoyable listen from start to finish. The song lengths may be a bit long for some, but very rarely do they drag on or become boring. Bottom line: this album is very well put together and more than worth a listen.Atheist Piece of TimeAutopsy Mental FuneralAutopsy Severed SurvivalRaw, aggressive, and primal are only a few of the words that could be used to describe Autopsy's Severed Survival. Everything about this album is absolutely crushing. The guitar tones are overly distorted and the riffs are simple yet powerful. At times they can come across as a bit sloppy, but not to the extent that it takes away from the songs. The bass can be heard throughout, which is nice, even if for the most part it does just follow the guitars. The primal aspect of the album comes from he drumming. Simple beats ravage the album, however the drums always sound as though they are being abused mercilessly. Lyrically the album is lacking a bit. However, one shouldn't expect much more from Autopsy. All in all Severed Survival is a fine death metal album and is more than worth checking out if you are a fan of raw, old school death metal.Behemoth DemigodIt doesn't really get any heavier than Demigod. From start to finish you're greeted my a barrage of blast beats, layered growls, and shred solos. Nergal, the main songwriter for Behemoth really stepped up his game on this album. In comparison to past Behemoth releases, this album shines. The riffs are aggressive, never recycled, and accent the vocals nicely. The bass can actually be heard, and it is great as well. Orion does a great job keeping up with Nergal and Seth, and it's even more impressive that he plays with his fingers. Inferno's drumming is both tight and precise, and his footwork is amongst the best in the genre. I'd strongly reccommend this album to anyone looking for brutal death metal, technical death metal, or just good metal in general. Be prepared though, this album isn't for the faint of heart.Bloodbath Nightmares Made FleshBlotted Science The Machinations of DementiaBlotted Science's The Machinations Of Dementia is an instrumental album done right. All of the instruments fit well together, even during the overly technical passages. All members of the band execute their parts flawlessly and create melodies and harmonies that will leave the listener in awe. The drumwork is complex and tight, and does a great job of holding everything together. All in all, despite the lack of vocals the album does not suffer at all. Blotted Science have found the right balance of melody with technicality with The Machinations Of Dementia.Cacophony Go Off!This album is undoubtedly one of the most important shred guitar albums of all time. Although it is a tiny step down from Speed Metal Symphony (IMO) it is great nonetheless. The guitar work is blisterng, and it gives the listener a clear indication of why Becker and Friedman would go on to achieve the success they would latter in their careers. The solos alternate between shredding and sweep picking and melody, which makes for quite the listen. The riffs are powerful, even though the bass is mysteriously absent throughout much of the album. The drumming is a highlight as well. The fills, use of double bass, and beats in general really help to bring the songs up to a new level. The vocals are much improved over SMS, and are powerful throughout. In short, if you are a fan of Becker/Friedman or shred in general you need this album.Carcass HeartworkMetal legends Carcass were arguably at the top of their game when Heartwork was released. Almost every aspect of the album is flawless, and is a major step up from Carcass' previous work, which was none too shabby either. The guitars are much more melodic than they were on previous releases, but still aggressive and technical. The vocals are very good as well, they are consistant throughout the entire album, but may become a but monotonous at point. They do not however, drag the album down at all, so it's no really a problem. The drumming is a nice blend of simple 4/4 beats and fast intricate beats with nice footwork. Carcass' Heartwork may very well be their best album, and if not it is certainly their most mature. Very well done, almost a definite to please any metal fan.Carcass Necroticism: Descanting the InsalubriousCarnage Dark RecollectionsLow production value + uber aggression = Dark Recollections. This album is one of the more underrated albums in the death metal genre, and it's quite a shame. Instrumentally the album is sludgy but not slow, and all around powerful. Vocally it spews aggression and never lets up. At points throughtout it can get a bit difficult to tell what exactly is going on with the guitars, seeing as they are tuned so low, but these moments leave just as quickly as they arrive for the most part. When it is all said and done, this album makes for a great listen and will not dissappoint and fans of older death metal or simpler death metal in general.Children of Bodom HatebreederCryptopsy None So VileCynic Traced in AirDarkthrone A Blaze in the Northern SkyDe Lirium's Order Victim No. 52Wow. Can you say brutal? This album combines all of the best elements from death and thrash metal to create one heavy album. The guitars are fast and intricate, and the riffs blend seemlessly from one to another within the context of the song. At times a gallop riff is used in a few different songs, but it avoids sounding recycled. The bass isn't present at all, so there's nothing to say. The vocals and lyrics are what truly make this release so brutal. They are heavy and the growls are clear. The lyrics are what you might expect from such a band (murder, death...murder), but they don't take away from the album at all, despite having been used before. The drumming adds a new element of groove where most death metal doesn't have it. Often he will opt for a simple beat as opposed to blast beats and double bass rolls (they are there though, so don't worry), and by doing so adds a nice rhythm to the songs. If you are a fan of DLO or death/thrash in general I'd reccomend you pick this up.Death HumanFlawless. That's really the only way to describe Human. Chuck Schuldiner really outdid himself with this album. The vocals and lyrics are top notch, the guitar work is amazing, and the rhythm section of the album is no slouch either. Overall the album is the most technical music to ever come out of the Death camp. The only thing wrong with this album is that it's too short...a mere 30 minutes or so. But don't let the length discourage you, this album is jaw dropping and brilliant, go buy it....now.Death The Sound of PerseveranceThe Sound of Perseverance is the last chapter in the death metal legacy that is Death. From start to finish the album is full of progressive guitar riffs, pounding double bass, and excellent bass work. Lest we forget the vocal work by none other than Mr. Chuck Schuldiner, mastermind of Death; it is higher than it was on previous albums, but suites the music well, and only manages to add to the sonic brutality that is TSoP. From start to finish, every note, every riff, and every lyrics are perfect. Chuck Schuldiner managed to save the best for last, even though it wasn't intentional. R.I.P. Chuck. Death Individual Thought PatternsDeicide DeicideThere is heavy, and then there is Deicide, whom far surpass that. Deicide is one of those bands that never really evolved beyond what their debut album had to offer, but why mess with perfection? Deicide's debut, 1990's Deicide, is undoubtedly one the heaviest album's ever released. Everything about the album will kick your teeth in. The vocals, which are split between black metal like shrieks and death metal like gutterals are phenomenal. Often times the two are used at once, creating a harmonized scream effect. Although the lyrics on the album cannot be understood for a large majority of the album, they are not really mean to be understood, so much as his voice is supposed to be another abrasive percussive tool. The guitars on the album are also very well done. Throughout the album they are aggressive and the riffing is fast and furious. The guitar solos are so-so, and are sometimes outof key with the rest of the song, but they take up such a minute part of the album it's not really a big deal. The bass cannot be heard for most of the album, and as a result there is really not much to say about it...it would be impressive if it could be heard, I guess. The drumming on the album is the key highlight for your truly. It is fast paced and technical throughout. Deicide's debut album has stood the test of time, and will continue to put extreme metal albums to shame for some time to come.Dio Holy DiverDissection Storm of the Light's BaneEnslaved VertebraeEnslaved's Vertebrae is a near perfect combination of progressive rock and black metal. The melllow, melodic passages on the album flow smoothly into the more aggressive passages and make for a very interesting, very well done collection of music. Instrumentally everything is well executed and tight, without becoming robotic or stale. Vocally, the cleans are solid (not perfect, but solid) and the aggressive vocals are clear and understandable. From start to finish this album is an amazing listen and will satisy any fan of their earlier work, as well as any fan of progressive rock or black metal in general.Faith No More King for a Day... Fool for a LifetimeForgotten Tomb Love's Burial GroundImmortal Sons of Northern DarknessSons Of Northern Darkness is but another great album from Immortal. The prestine production on this album make make it a bit more accessible for those wanting to get into the black metal genre, and musically speaking Immortal delivered; big time. The guitar work is for the most part is simple but it still packs a punch. The riffs and solos are catchy enough to stay in your mind, but are heavy enough to satisfy older fans. The drumming is also very well done. Blast beats are intertwined with slower, more standard rhythms in order to give the album some contrast, and they succeed in doing so. Vocally Abbath's voice sounds strong and clear. Lyrically Immortal don't bring anything new to the table, but still manage to write some interesting stories. Sons Of Northern Darkness is more than worth checking out if you are a fan of Immortal's older work, or a fan of black/death metal in general.In Mourning Shrouded DivineIron Maiden PowerslavePowerslave is arguably Iron Maiden's most well known album, and with good reason. From start to beginning, Powerslave is full of the classic chugging riffs, dueling solos, and high pitched vocals that Iron Maiden have become known for. The album is full of classic songs that are still in rotation today; i.e. Powerslave, 2 Minutes to Midnight, Aces High. The guitar work on the album is phenomenal; the solos soar above the rhythms and manage to add a nice atmosphere to the songs. The only thing bad about the guitar work is that it may become slightly repetetive to some listeners. For example, songs like Flash of the Blade and Duelists sport the same chugging triplet riff and seem to blend together. The bass work is excellent as well. It is audible throughout the entire album, and keeps up with the guitars as though they were playing simple 4 chord progressions. Rime of the Ancient Mariner is most certainly a standout track for the bass, seeing as it is the backbone and brain of the song. The drumming is solid and keeps a nice hard hitting beat throughout, however much like the guitars, may become repetitive. The vocals are well above average, and the lyrics are phenomenal. All in all, Powerslave is the essential Iron Maiden album for any fan, or fan of metal in general. Standout Tracks: Aces High, 2 Minutes to Midnight, Powerslave, Rime of the Ancient Mariner. Below Average Tracks:Go look somewhere else.ISIS PanopticonJudas Priest PainkillerPainkiller is quite possibly Judas Priest's best effort to date. Every member of the band stepped up to create this (near) metal masterpiece. The guitars shriek and intertwine throughout the entire album and create catchy, yet powerful melodies and harmonies. The drumming is for the most part fairly simplistic, but it does a solid job of providing a backbone for the rest of the band. Halford's vocal performance is also top notch, and he sounds the best he ever has on any album. Lyrically the album is severely lacking, but Priest have never been known for their lyrics. At points on the album the guitars may sound a bit recycled, but these moments pass quickly and do little to bring down the album as a whole. Painkiller is a near perfect example of what classic heavy metal should sound like, and makes for a very good listen.King Diamond AbigailAbigail is widely regarded as King Diamond's strongest album, and with good reason. The story line of the album is KD's strongest to date, and musically the album stands taller than anything else released to date. Andy LaRocque does an outstanding job of coming up with catchy riffs and licks, all while never showboating enough to take away from any one song. The percussion on the album is solid; not above average, but suites its purpose nonethless. Abigail makes for such a good listen because of the vocals though. King's voice can be quite the acquired taste for some, but this is his strongest delivery. His falsetto (although corny) is clear and not quite to the point ofbeing overused, and his "standard" voice is strong as well. Lyrically the album is lacking a bit, but they do serve the purpose of perpetuating the story all while keeping the listener interesting and inclined to listen to the plot unfold. Listen to Abigail if you are a fan of any of KD's work, or a Mercyful Fate fan. Mastodon Blood MountainMayhem De Mysteriis Dom SathanasMegadeth Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?Mercyful Fate Don't Break the OathMelissa is considered to be the masterpiece in Mercyful Fate's discography, but for my money, Don't Break The Oath takes the cake. It is strong from start to finish, sporting both Mercyful Fate's musical and vocal strengths. The guitar and percussion work is well above average, and the bass provides a great platform and backbone for the rest of the band. King Diamond delivers vocally, and this album is arguably his strongest vocal performance on any album (minus Abigail). Don't Break The Oath is more than worth checking out if you're looking for the origin of black metal (along with Venom), or just looking for a superb album in general.Merrimack Of Entropy and Life Denial...Of Entropy and Life Denial... is everything that black metal should be: harsh, shrieking vocals, fast paced guitars and bass, and relentless drumming. Musically, the album is amazing. The transitions within songs are smooth, and the amount of riffs they manage to throw into each individual song is nothing short of incredible. The lyrical content is one of the very few flaws about this album, considering it has been recycled from band to band, but it doesn't drag the album down or hinder the listening experience in any major way. If you have the time, and if you can find the album it is more than worth your time. ...Of Entropy and Life Denial... is one of the best black metal albums in the past decade, hands down.Meshuggah Catch ThirtythreeMetallica Master of PuppetsNapalm Death ScumNapalm Death's Scum: the blueprint for grindcore as it exists today. Armed with only some low production value and some piss and vinegar, this album is guaranteed to be either hit or miss. Musically the pace is chaotic and quick throughout, and vocally it's not much different. You won't be able to understand a word of it, but it's irrelevant in long run; this album pioneered grindcore. You should check this album out only if you're into Napalm Death, grindcore, or aggressive low-fi chaos.Neurosis Given to the RisingNevermore This Godless EndeavorNevermore's latest studio album, This Godless Endeavor is a combination of progressive and thrash metal. The album isn't a huge venture from anything that Nevermore have done in the past, but that's not really a bad thing now is it? Jeff Loomis' guitar work on the album is amazing, as he often goes off into minute long shred solos. Smyth is no slouch either, and he does much of the same, just at a slightly lower level that Loomis. The vocals on the album are what you would expect also. Warrel Dane's unique voice is all over the album, and his lyrics are more "intelligent" than ever. The drumming and bass are superb, as they have been on all of Nevermore's previous releases. His double bass is strong, smooth, and never takes away from the songs as a whole. The fills are progressive, and the drumming is innovative overall. The bass does a fine job of keeping up with the guitars, and helps to create a powerful wall of sound. All in all, Nevermore have managed to produce another near classic album that is as enjoyable to listen to as it is perplexing. Nile Annihilation of the WickedAnnihilation of the Wicked...a fitting title for such an amazingly technical and heavy album. From start to finish the album makes you feel like you are being bluguned in the head while building the pyramids of Eygpt. The blast beats are plentiful, and the thrash influenced riffs are present on every song. The eygptian influence (as though I needed to say this) is around and present more than ever. Brutal, technical death metal the way it should be...that's what AotW is.Nocturnal Breed Fields of RotNovembre MateriaObituary Slowly We RotOpeth Blackwater ParkOrphaned Land Mabool (The Story of the Three Sons...)Pain of Salvation The Perfect Element, Part 1Pantera Cowboys from HellPestilence Consuming ImpulsePossessed Seven ChurchesRotting Christ TheogoniaRush Moving PicturesSleep DopesmokerSodom M-16Thrashy guitar riffs, driving bass, pounding drums, and aggressive vocals? M-16 really is a classic thrash metal album. From start to finish the album is aggressive and always manages to keep your interest. The vocals are a definite highlight on the album, seeing as they re the driving force behind the music. At points the riffs seem a little recycled,but the nostalgic feeling will pass. The drumming is well done, and the double bass is used sparingly, and only to accent patterns and fills. The bass can be heard throughout, and creates a nice wall of sound along with drums. Pick up M-16 is you like thrash...hell, pick it up if you like metal.Spiritual Beggars Ad AstraSuffocation SuffocationTestament The New OrderThe Beatles 1The Ocean AeolianTheatre Of Tragedy Velvet Darkness They FearVader De ProfundisVirgin Black Sombre RomanticWintersun Wintersun4.0 excellent1349 HellfireAbigail Williams LegendAborted Goremageddon: The Saw and the Carnage...Abysmal Dawn Programmed to ConsumeAhab The Call of the Wretched SeaAkercocke AntichristAlice Cooper Alice Cooper's Greatest HitsAmon Amarth With Oden on Our SideWith Oden On Our Side, Amon Amarth show why Viking Metal is arguably the most agressive form of music around today. On their latest release, Amon Amarth incorporate brutal vocals, simple guitar riffs and bass lines, and fast drum beats to create a dark atmosphere, as well as some great music. Many of the tracks follow the same blueprint and will get repetetive after a few listens, but for the most part, the album is very solid and is worth a listen or two. If you have any of Amon Amarth's, you can almost predict what this album will sound like, however, I would recommend this album for any fan of Amon Amarth or any music fan in search of brutal music.Amon Amarth Twilight of the Thunder GodAnaal Nathrakh Hell Is Empty and All the Devils Are HerAnathema A Fine Day to ExitAndrew W.K. I Get WetAnnihilator Alice in HellAnorexia Nervosa New Obscurantis OrderAntestor The Return of the Black DeathAnthrax Fistful of MetalAnthrax Among the LivingArcturus La Masquerade InfernaleArsis We Are the NightmareAtheist ElementsAtmosphere Overcast!Atmosphere When Life Gives You Lemons...Averse Sefira Advent ParallaxBad Company Bad CompanyBaroness Red AlbumBathory Under the Sign of the Black MarkBehemoth Zos Kia Cultus (Here and Beyond)Behold... The Arctopus SkullgridBethlehem Dictius Te NecareBlack Sabbath Greatest Hits 1970–1978Blood Red Throne Come DeathBloodbath Resurrection Through CarnageBob Dylan MTV UnpluggedIt's only right that Bob Dylan has his own MTV Unplugged album, he deserves it. This album showcases Dylan's unique voice, simple guitar riffs, and the intelligent lyrics that have helped to make Dylan the legend he is today. The backing band also does a phenomenal job, running through the songs as though they had originally recorded them. He runs through such tracks as All Along the Watchtower and The Times They Are A Changin' with amazing precision, and they sound just as strong, if not stronger than when they were recorded. All in all, this is quite possibly thr best Unplugged CD today, give it a shot.Bob Dylan The Essential Bob DylanBob Marley and The Wailers LegendBurst OrigoBurst Lazarus BirdBurzum Det Som Engang VarCannibal Corpse The BleedingCannibal Corpse Tomb of the MutilatedCarcass SwansongCeltic Frost MonotheistChoking Victim No Gods, No ManagersCliteater Scream Bloody ClitCoheed and Cambria From Fear Through the Eyes of MadnessControl Denied The Fragile Art of ExistenceConverge Jane DoeDarkest Hour Deliver UsDarkthrone Soulside JourneyDeath LeprosyDeathchain Deadmeat DisciplesDecapitated Organic HallucinosisDeicide The Stench of RedemptionDestruction Thrash AnthemsDevilDriver The Last Kind WordsDiablo Swing Orchestra The Butcher's BallroomDimmu Borgir Enthrone Darkness TriumphantDisarmonia Mundi Mind TricksRepitition mixed with doeses of originality is still repition. No where has this been more true than on Disarmonia Mundi's second full length album Mindtricks. Many of the tracks will follow the same format, and even begin the same way. The guitars on the album are solid, but not groundbreaking. The drumming is very much the same. The bass...lets skip that. The vocals are split between average, and slightly above average. The clean vocals and aggressive vocals are very well done (Bjorn of Soilwork) and are interesting for the most part. The goth vocals however, are flat out annoying. I can't really say that they are high pitched, because they're not pitched at all, they're just...high? Overall DM's second album Mindtricks is worth a listen for fans of Soilwork and melodic death metal in general, but don't expect to be blown away, just mildly amused.Disillusion Back to Times of SplendorDissection ReinkaosDraconian Turning Season Withindredg Catch Without ArmsDying Fetus War of AttritionElectric Wizard DopethroneElton John Greatest Hits 1970-2002Emperor Anthems to the Welkin at DuskEmperor Prometheus: The Discipline of Fire...Empyrium Where at Night the Wood Grouse PlaysEnslaved IsaEternal Tears of Sorrow Before the Bleeding SunExodus Bonded by BloodExodus Tempo of the DamnedEyehategod In the Name of SufferingFaith No More The Real ThingFiona Apple Extraordinary MachineFirewind The PremonitionForgotten Tomb Negative MegalomaniaGoatwhore A Haunting CurseDon't let the obvious attempt at finding a brutal name turn you off. Goatwhore really are a heavy band, and A Haunting Curse a testament to that fact. The album starts off a long winded scream, frantic guitars, and blast beats, and continues this way throughout most of the album. The only let up from the sludge/black/death metal that plagues this album is the title track, which is instrumental. A downside to the album however is that it may get repetitive after a few listens. Worth a listen if you're searching for new music.Gojira From Mars to SiriusGrand Magus Grand MagusGraveworm Collateral DefectGuns N' Roses Appetite for DestructionGuttural Secrete Reek Of Pubescent DespoilmentHate Eternal Fury & FlamesHigh on Fire Death Is This CommunionHour of Penance The Vile ConceptionHypocrisy Into the AbyssHypocrisy VirusI Between Two WorldsIhsahn The AdversaryIhsahn angLImmolation Failures for GodsImpaled Nazarene Pro Patria FinlandiaIn Flames The Jester RaceInsomnium Above the Weeping WorldInto Eternity The Scattering of AshesIon Dissonance SolaceIron Maiden Piece of MindJimi Hendrix Experience Hendrix: The Best of HendrixJohn 5 The Devil Knows My NameJudas Priest Screaming for VengeanceKamelot The Black HaloKataklysm PrevailKataklysm Shadows and DustKataklysm Serenity in FireKing Crimson In the Court of the Crimson KingKrisiun AssasiNationKronos Colossal Titan StrifeLamb of God New American GospelLegion of the Damned Son of the JackalLou Reed TransformerLynyrd Skynyrd All Time Greatest HitsMayhem ChimeraMegadeth Greatest Hits: Back to the StartMercyful Fate MelissaMeshuggah obZenMetallica Ride the LightningMetallica Kill 'Em AllMinistry The Land of Rape and HoneyMisfits Collection IIMisfits Earth A.D./Wolf's BloodMisfits Collection IMorbid Angel Blessed Are the SickMorbid Saint Spectrum of DeathMortician Chainsaw DismembermentMotorhead Ace of SpadesMotorhead InfernoMotorhead MotorizerMourning Beloveth A Disease for the AgesMouth Of The Architect Time and WitheringNaglfar HarvestNeurosis The Eye of Every StormNeurosis Times of GraceNevermore Dead Heart in a Dead WorldNile In Their Darkened ShrinesNine Inch Nails The Downward SpiralNirvana With the Lights OutNovembers Doom The Pale Haunt DepartureNovembre ClassicaObituary DeadObituary Xecutioner's ReturnOceansize Everyone Into PositionOdious Mortem Cryptic ImplosionOld Man's Child VerminIt's not overly original, and at points it drags a bit, but Vermin still makes for an overall great listen. The album is ravaged with powerful guitars, pounding drums, and strong, raspy vocals. Galder did an excellent job of writing and arranging the songs present, and in doing so proved that Old Man's Child is very much alive and well. The overall atmosphere is sinister and dark, and is created more through the use of the guitars and vocals than keyboards and string arrangements. A points on the album, the songs drag a bit and sound recycled, but they quickly rebound from their monotony and regrab your attention. All around the album is strong, and is more than worth a listen. Omniscient Ultima Destructo InfinitusOpeth Still LifeOpeth LamentationsOpeth OrchidOpeth WatershedOrigin AntithesisOverkill The Years of DecayPantera Reinventing Hell: The Best of PanteraPantera Vulgar Display of PowerPearl Jam TenPelican AustralasiaPestilence SpheresPig Destroyer Phantom LimbPink Floyd The Dark Side of the MoonPoison the Well VersionsPorcupine Tree Fear of a Blank PlanetPrimordial The Gathering WildernessRage Against the Machine The Battle of Los AngelesRebel Meets Rebel Rebel Meets RebelRed Hot Chili Peppers Greatest HitsReverend Bizarre In The Rectory Of The Bizarre ReverendRigor Mortis Rigor MortisRob Zombie Past, Present & FutureRotting Christ Sleep of the AngelsRunic Liar FlagsRush Snakes & ArrowsRush R30: 30th Anniversary TourSamael Solar SoulSaxon LionheartSlayer South of HeavenSolefald In Harmonia UniversaliSoundgarden BadmotorfingerSpiritual Beggars DemonsSteve Vai Infinite Steve Vai: An AnthologyStevie Ray Vaughan Greatest HitsStormtroopers of Death Speak English or DieSublime SublimeSuffocation Souls to DenySworn Enemy ManiacalSymphony X The Damnation GameSymphony X Twilight in OlympusTemple of the Dog Temple of the DogTerrorizer World DownfallTestament The Formation of DamnationTextures Drawing CirclesThe Beatles Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club BandThe Black Dahlia Murder NocturnalThe Duskfall Lifetime Supply of GuiltThe Faceless AkeldamaThe Project Hate MCMXCIX Armageddon March EternalThe Red Chord Prey for EyesToday Is the Day Axis of EdenUlver Bergtatt - Et eeventyr i 5 capitlerUnleashed MidvinterblotUnleashed Hammer BattalionVenom Black MetalVesania Distractive KillusionsVital Remains Icons of EvilWu-Tang Clan Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)Wyrd Heathen3.5 great1349 Beyond the Apocalypse3 Inches of Blood Fire Up The BladesAbigor Channeling The Quintessence Of SatanAbigor Supreme Immortal ArtAborted The Archaic AbattoirAborym With No Human InterventionAbysmal Dawn From AshesAgalloch The MantleAgathodaimon Serpent's EmbraceAgoraphobic Nosebleed Altered States of AmericaAlice Cooper Along Came a SpiderAlice in Chains Greatest HitsAmon Amarth Fate of NornsAmorphis Silent WatersAmorphis EclipseAnaal Nathrakh EschatonAnnihilator King of the KillAnthrax The Greater of Two EvilsArch Enemy Doomsday MachineArchitects RuinArsis A Celebration of GuiltArson Anthem Arson Anthem EPAs I Lay Dying An Ocean Between UsAt the Gates Slaughter of the SoulAt the Gates With Fear I Kiss the Burning DarknessAtheist Unquestionable PresenceAutopsy Acts of the UnspeakableAvantasia The ScarecrowAvenger Of Blood Death BrigadeAverse Sefira Tetragrammatical AstygmataBal-Sagoth The Power CosmicBehemoth The ApostasyBelphegor Bondage Goat ZombieBeneath the Massacre Mechanics of DysfunctionBilly Joel Greatest Hits Volume I & II (1973 - 1985)Blood Stain Child IdolatorBloodbath Breeding DeathBloodbath The Wacken CarnageBloodbath Unblessing the PurityBob Dylan Modern TimesBolt Thrower Those Once LoyalBongzilla AmerijuanicanBruce Springsteen Hammersmith Odeon London '75Buckethead Monsters & RobotsBurn in Silence Angel MakerBurn the Priest Burn the PriestBurzum BurzumBurzum HlidskjalfCadacross Corona BorealisCandlemass NightfallCarcass Wake Up and Smell the CarcassCarnifex Dead in My ArmsCarpathian Forest Fuck You All!!!!Cattle Decapitation Karma.Bloody.KarmaCattle Decapitation Homovore Cellador Enter DeceptionChildren of Bodom Chaos Ridden Years - Stockholm KnockoutChildren of Bodom Follow the ReaperConverge No HeroesCrowbar Broken GlassDaath The HinderersDark Funeral Attera Totus SanctusDark Tranquillity CharacterDark Tranquillity Exposures: In Retrospect And DenialDarkthrone Under a Funeral MoonDeath Scream Bloody GoreDecapitated NihilityDeeds of Flesh Crown of SoulsDef Leppard PyromaniaDelain LucidityDemilich NespitheDestroy the Runner I, LuciferDevilDriver DevilDriverDevourment Butcher The WeakDiablo Mimic 47Dimension Zero He Who Shall Not BleedDimmu Borgir Stormblåst MMVDisillusion GloriaDismember DismemberDissection The SomberlainDivine Heresy Bleed the FifthDown Down II: A Bustle in Your HedgerowDragonlord Black Wings Of DestinyDream Theater Train of ThoughtDropkick Murphys The Warrior's CodeDropkick Murphys The Meanest of TimesDrowning Pool SinnerDying Fetus Killing on AdrenalineDying Fetus Stop at NothingEagles Very Best Of The Eagles 1972 - 1979Echoes of Eternity The Forgotten GoddessEdge of Sanity Crimson IIEdge of Sanity Purgatory AfterglowElvenking The ScytheEminem The Eminem ShowEngel Absolute DesignEnslaved RuunEnya A Day Without RainEternal Tears of Sorrow Chaotic BeautyEvergreen Terrace WolfbikerEvergrey Monday Morning ApocalypseFaith No More Introduce YourselfFalkenbach Ok Nefna Tysvar TyFirewind AllegianceFirewind's Allegiance album is nothing short of a great listen. Guitar virtuoso Gus G has recruited a new line up for this album, and in doing so puts together what very well may be the most talented line up to date. The guitar work is great, and the solos are astonishing. The only problem is that some of the riffs sound the same, but this can be overlooked if you are listening to the album as a whole. The drumming and bass are a dominant force in the music of Firewind, and combined make for a very solid rhythm section that help to drive the music. The vocals on the album are veyr well done too. Apollo, making his debut with Firewind on this album, shines for the most part. Several times on the album he uses too much vibrato, but his voice is powerful and captivating nonetheless. Power metal how it should sound, that's what Allegiance is. Shove it, Dragonforce.Flotsam and Jetsam Doomsday for the DeceiverFragments of Unbecoming Sterling Black Icon: Black But ShiningGallhammer Ill InnocenceGodsmack The Other SideUsually when a band decides to unplug and put out an acoustic album, it either sucks or is amazing. Godsmack have found that middle ground with The Other Side. The album (EP technically) is a nice break from the nu-metal that made Godsmack famous, but has just enough edge to remind you that they are still a nu-metal band. The vocals on the album are good, seeing as Sully takes some of the aggression out of his voice to suite the music. The guitars and bass are solid, but not groundbreaking; however, some of the guitar melodies are very well written. The drumming is more or less the same from track to track, but it wasn't meant to stand out here anyway. If you're a fan of Godsmack pick this up, if you want a good acoustic album, give it a shot, you may like it.Gojira The Way of All FleshGorgoroth Ad Majorem Sathanas GloriamGrave Dominion VIIIGraveworm (N)utopiaGreen Day DookieGuns N' Roses Greatest HitsHate Eternal King of All KingsHatebreed Rise of BrutalityHigh on Fire Blessed Black WingsHigh on Fire Art of Self-DefenseImmortal Pure HolocaustImmortal Souls WintereichIn This Moment The DreamInborn Suffering Wordless HopeInsomnium Since the Day It All Came DownIon Dissonance Minus the HerdIron Maiden A Matter of Life and DeathJesu Lifeline EPJob For A Cowboy GenesisJoe Satriani Professor Satchafunkilus and the Musterion of RockJohn Lennon The John Lennon CollectionJudas Priest Angel of RetributionJudas Priest British SteelKamelot Ghost OperaKataklysm In the Arms of DevastationKing Crimson LizardKing Crimson DisciplineKing Diamond VoodooKing Diamond Give Me Your Soul...PleaseKreator Enemy of GodLamb of God KilladelphiaLamb of God As the Palaces BurnLimbonic Art Ad Noctum - Dynasty Of DeathMachine Head The BlackeningMachine Head's newest album, The Blackening is most certainly a great album, howeer the hype it is recieving as "Best Metal Album Ever" is ludacris. The riffs and strong and the solos are innovative. The drumming is a highlight of the album, it is very solid, fast, and often complex throughout the album. The bass is heard moreso than on previous Machine Head albums, and when it is heard, is just as, if not more impressive than the guitars. The only thing I can see bothering people is the lengthy songs and the vocals. Robbie Flynn's clean voice is decent, and some of his aggressive vocals sound extrordinary, but other sound very forced and unnatural; as if he has to work to get out the lyrics. The songs are of epic lengths, sometimes reaching near 11 minutes (Clenching the Fists of Decent), but for the most part, Machine Head make it enjoyable. In short, this album would be a good buy for anyone looking for a good thrash metal album, any fan of old Machine Head, or just diehard Machine Head faithfuls.Machine Head Burn My EyesMachine Head Through The Ashes Of EmpiresMalevolent Creation RetributionMastodon LeviathanMaylene and the Sons of Disaster Maylene and the Sons of DisasterMegadeth United AbominationsMercenary 11 DreamsMercyful Fate In the ShadowsMeshuggah ChaosphereMetal Church Metal ChurchMetallica S&MMetallica MetallicaMetallica ...And Justice for AllMirrorthrone GangreneMorbid Angel Gateways to AnnihilationMorbid Angel CovenantMors Principium Est The UnbornMortician Hacked Up For Barbecue/Zombie ApocalypseMotley Crue Too Fast for LoveMotorhead Kiss of DeathMourning Beloveth DustMunicipal Waste The Art of PartyingNapalm Death Inside the Torn ApartNapalm Death From Enslavement to ObliterationNapalm Death Time Waits for No SlaveNasum ShiftNegura Bunget OMNevermore The Politics of EcstasyNightrage Descent Into ChaosNightwish Dark Passion PlayNine Inch Nails Year ZeroNorther Mirror of MadnessNothingface SkeletonsNovembers Doom The Novella ReservoirObituary Frozen in TimeOceansize FramesOpeth DeliveranceOpeth My Arms, Your HearseOpeth MorningriseOrphaned Land SaharaOverkill ImmortalisPain of Salvation EntropiaPantera Far Beyond DrivenPantera Reinventing the SteelParamore Riot!Paul McCartney Memory Almost FullPearl Jam Pearl JamPelican City of EchoesPestilence Testimony of the AncientsPig Destroyer 38 Counts of BatteryPig Destroyer Prowler in the YardPink Floyd The WallPoison Greatest Hits: 1986-1996Porcupine Tree In AbsentiaPorcupine Tree Lightbulb SunProbot ProbotProstitute Disfigurement Left In Grisly FashionPungent Stench Been Caught ButteringQueen Greatest Hits I & IIQuo Vadis Defiant ImaginationRoadrunner United The All-Star SessionsRotten Sound CyclesRush SignalsSacred Reich IgnoranceSam Cooke Portrait Of A Legend 1951-1964Samael Blood RitualSatanic Warmaster Carelian Satanist MadnessSatyricon Dark Medieval TimesSaxon The Inner SanctumScar Symmetry Pitch Black ProgressSebastian Bach Angel DownShadow Gallery Carved In StoneShadows Fall The Art of BalanceShinedown The Sound of MadnessSigh Gallows GallerySixx:A.M. Heroin Diaries SoundtrackSkinless Trample the Weak, Hurdle the DeadSkyfire SpectralSlayer Christ IllusionWith the release of Christ Illusion, Slayer show that it is possible to return to form after a series of mediocre albums. The album is full of the fast riffs, chaotic solos, blast beats, and aggressive vocals that Slayer have become known for. The guitar work is above average, and the drumming is phenomenal, adding to every song; to an extent, many of the drum tracks sound as though they were improvised, which could have turned out horrible, but in this case is a plus for the album. Tom Araya's vocals are strong and his screaming is up to par with the likes of SoH and Reign in Blood. Many of the lyrics however, are below average. Although this shouldn't come as a surprise to any devout Slayer fan, it is still disappointing after 20+ years. Overall the album is great, and the good far outways the bad. Standout Tracks: Catatonic, Skeleton Christ, Flesh Storm, Jihad. Below Average Tracks: Eyes of the Insane, CultSlayer Seasons in the AbyssSlayer Hell AwaitsSlayer Show No MercySodom Agent OrangeSolefald NeonismSoundgarden SuperunknownSpawn of Possession CabinetStaind DysfunctionStatic-X CannibalWith their newest release, Cannibal, Static-X show a return to form: programmed beats, drum machines, simple riffs, and aggressive vocals. This album is much better than SaW and Shadow Zone, but falls short of the greatness they achieved with Wisconsin Death Trip. That is not to say the album is bad however. Wayne's vocals have improved, and his singing and screaming sound better than on their earlier work. The guitar work is mixed between complex speed riffs (Catatonic) and simpler 3 chord rhythms (Behemoth, Cannibal) that Static-X had become known for. Something newon thisalbum is the use of the guitar solo; it doesn't always manage to add to the songs, but for the most part, they are fine. The bass lines are very audible on this album, which is a good thing, considering they add quite alot of power the album. Most of the time Tony simply locks up with the guitars, but in doing so he helps to create a nice wall of sound. The drums follow the same pattern as the previous Static-X albums, and are split between simple 4/4 beats and chaotic/sparatic drumming. All in all, the album shows improvement and does have replay value. I'd recommend this album for any fan of Static-X, newor old, or any fan of industrial/nu-metal. Standouts: Catatonic, Behemoth, Cannibal...Below Average: Reptile, Hate TeamStatic-X Wisconsin Death TripSuffocation Effigy of the ForgottenSuffocation Pierced from WithinSuidAkrA CaledoniaSum 41 ChuckSummoning Oath BoundSymphony X Paradise LostTestament First Strike Still DeadlyTestament DemonicTestament Souls of BlackThe Beatles The BeatlesThe Black Dahlia Murder MiasmaThe Dillinger Escape Plan Ire WorksThe Doors The Best of The DoorsThe Offspring Rise and Fall, Rage and GraceThe Red Chord Fused Together in Revolving DoorsThe Sword Age of WintersTool ÆnimaTrans-Siberian Orchestra The Lost Christmas EveType O Negative October RustUnleashed Shadows in the DeepVader Impressions In BloodVelvet Revolver ContrabandVesania God the LuxVirgin Black Elegant and DyingVital Remains DechristianizeWatain Sworn to The DarkWhite Zombie Astro Creep: 2000Windir LikferdWoods of Ypres Pursuit of the Sun & Allure of the Earth3.0 goodAborted Slaughter & Apparatus: A Methodical OvertureAborted Strychnine.213Aborym GeneratorAC/DC High VoltageAgathodaimon Chapter IIIAlice Cooper ConstrictorAll That Remains This Darkened HeartAll That Remains OvercomeAmon Amarth Versus the WorldAmorphis Tales from the Thousand LakesAnaal Nathrakh Total Fucking NecroAnathema A Natural DisasterAnnihilator MetalApokryphos InsightArch Enemy Rise of the TyrantRise of the Tyrant is quite possibly the best Arch Enemy album to date. From start to finish, the music and vocals are aggressive, even more so than on past albums. Angela's vocals have improved, and in doing so adds a new depth to Arch Enemy. The lyrics are also very well done, and rival with those of Stigmata. The guitar interplay between the brothers Amott is very well done. The riffs are straight forward and punishing, and the leads are great. The harmonies and melodies laid done by either Amott add a nice atmoshperic element to the album, and push the second half of almost every song to be greater than it already is. The drumming is flawless, as is the case on every Arch Enemy album. It is fast, precise, innovative, and never recycled. The bass is sonically missing except for a few spots, which is dissappointing. The only downside I see to this album is that the vocals can sound a little repetitive, melody wise. Other than that, this album is truly amazing, and worth a listen, or two.As Hope Dies Legions Bow to a Faceless GodAt The Throne of Judgment The Arcanum OrderAudioslave RevelationsAutopsy Torn from the GraveAvenged Sevenfold City of EvilBal-Sagoth Battle MagicBathory Twilight of the GodsBelphegor BlutsabbathBetween the Buried and Me ColorsBlack Label Society Shot to HellBlood Stain Child MozaiqBorn of Osiris The New ReignBuckethead Population OverrideBullet for My Valentine The PoisonCannibal Corpse Worm InfestedCannibal Corpse KillCarpathian Forest Black Shining LeatherCattle Decapitation Human JerkyCeltic Frost Morbid TalesChevelle Wonder What's NextCliteater Clit 'Em AllCliteater Eat Clit or DieCoheed and Cambria No World for TomorrowConverge When Forever Comes CrashingCryptopsy Once Was NotDark Funeral Diabolis InteriumDark Tranquillity FictionDark Tranquillity Damage DoneDark Tranquillity ProjectorDarkest Hour Undoing RuinDarkthrone PanzerfaustDeath Spiritual HealingDef Leppard Rock of Ages: The Definitive CollectionDeicide Scars of the CrucifixDemon Hunter Storm the Gates of HellDestruction The Least Successful Human CannonballDethklok The Dethalbum Devastation Violent TerminationDimmu Borgir In Sorte DiaboliDimmu Borgir Death Cult ArmageddonDisturbed The SicknessDisturbed Ten Thousand FistsDraconian Where Lovers MournDragonForce Valley of the DamnedDream Theater Systematic ChaosDrowning Pool Full CircleDrudkh EstrangementEminem EncoreEnsiferum IronEric Clapton 20th Century MastersEvergrey In Search Of TruthForever In Terror Restless In The TidesGoatwhore Funeral Dirge For The Rotting SunGod Dethroned The Toxic TouchGorguts Considered DeadGrave As Rapture ComesGreen Day American IdiotHammerFall ThresholdHate Eternal Conquering the ThroneHate Eternal I, MonarchHatebreed SupremacyIll Nino ConfessionImmortal Blizzard BeastsImpending Doom Nailed. Dead. Risen.Imperanon StainedIn Flames Soundtrack to Your EscapeIn This Moment Beautiful TragedyInto Eternity Buried in OblivionJourney The Essential JourneyKalmah SwampsongKamelot EpicaKatatonia Brave Murder DayKatatonia Dance of December SoulsKillswitch Engage As Daylight DiesKing Diamond House of GodKittie OracleLamb of God Ashes of the WakeLeng Tch'e MarasmusLinkin Park Hybrid TheoryLinkin Park MeteoraMarduk Heaven Shall Burn... When We Are GatheredMeat Loaf Bat Out of Hell IIIMendeed This War Will Last ForeverMetallica LoadMetallica Death MagneticMinistry Psalm 69Mirrorthrone Carriers of DustMoonsorrow Viides luku - HävitettyMorbid Angel DominationMors Principium Est InhumanityMortician Darkest Day of HorrorMortician Domain of DeathMortician House By The Cemetery/Mortal MassacreMotley Crue Red, White, & CrueMotorhead No RemorseNapalm Death Harmony CorruptionNecrophagist EpitaphNeuraxis A Passage into ForlornNightrage A New Disease Is BornNightwish OceanbornNile IthyphallicIthyphallic is Nile's latest release, and a step down from much of ther previous material. That is not to say however, that the album was poorly written or recorded, it is just very repetitive. The album stays true to form in the respect that it is riddled with blast beats, dual vocal work, and Egyptian themes, but it sounds as though Nile as beginning to wear thin; the Egyptian themes that used to make their music so original and interesting is beginning to become boring and unispirational (or so it seems). The guitar work on the album is mediocre, the first time you hear the riffs, they're interesting, but they seem to be repeated throughout each song. The bass is inaudible throughout much of the album making rare appearances in such songs as Papyrus Containing the Spell to Preserve Its Possessor Against Attacks From He Who Is in the Water and the title track Ithyphallic. The drumming one of the bright spots on the album, and in many cases, saves the album from being unlistenable. The double bass work is well above average, and many of the drum fills are interesting and original. The vocals are about 50/50 between Karl and Dallas, and show no progression from previous albums; the vocals are still brutal, however, they're nothing different from their past albums. In short, the album is a step down from Nile's previous albums, but is worth a listen. Standout Tracks: What May Be Safely Written, PCtStPIPAAFHWiitW.Nine Inch Nails With TeethNokturnal Mortum WeltanschauungNorther Death UnlimitedNovembre Novembrine WaltzOpeth DamnationOpeth The Roundhouse TapesOrphaned Land El Norra AlilaOverkill Killbox 13Overkill The Killing KindOzzy Osbourne The Essential Ozzy OsbourneP.O.D. SatelliteParamore All We Know Is FallingPig Destroyer Painter of Dead GirlsProtest the Hero FortressPyramaze Legend of the Bone CarverQuiet Riot Greatest HitsRay Charles Ray Original SoundtrackRed Hot Chili Peppers Stadium ArcadiumRotting Christ Sanctus DiavolosSantana The Best Of SantanaSatyricon Now, DiabolicalSepultura SchizophreniaSevendust AlphaShadow Gallery Room VSlayer Divine InterventionSoilwork Stabbing the DramaSoilwork Natural Born ChaosSoulfly ProphecyStatic-X Start A WarStory of the Year Page AvenueSymphony X The OdysseyThe Accursed Seasons of the ScytheThe Autumn Offering Embrace the GutterThe Clash Combat RockThe Dillinger Escape Plan Miss MachineThe Rolling Stones Forty LicksTheory In Practice Third Eye FunctionThree Days Grace Three Days GraceTool 10,000 DaysTrivium AscendancyTurisas The Varangian WayType O Negative World Coming DownUnearth III: In the Eyes of FireUnleashed Across the Open SeaVelvet Revolver LibertadVintersorg Cosmic GenesisVirgin Black Requiem - Mezzo ForteVomitory Terrorize Brutalize SodomizeWarbringer War Without EndWolves in the Throne Room Two HuntersZao The Splinter Shards the Birth of SeparationZao Where Blood and Fire Bring RestZyklon Aeon2.5 averageAirbourne Runnin' WildAkercocke The Goat of MendesAlter Bridge BlackbirdAntestor MartyriumArsis United in RegretArtillery By InheritanceAs I Lay Dying Shadows Are SecurityAstarte DemonizedAt the Gates The Red in the Sky Is OursAtreyu Suicide Notes and Butterfly KissesAutopsy Dead as FuckAvenged Sevenfold Avenged SevenfoldBal-Sagoth Atlantis AscendantBehemoth SatanicaBilly Idol Idol Songs: 11 of the BestBloodbath The Fathomless MasteryBolt Thrower Honour - Valour - PrideBon Jovi Have a Nice DayBorknagar OriginBreaking Benjamin PhobiaThe album as a whole is good. After a few listens, you will begin to notice how it all blends together. The riffs aren't up to the standard on previous Breaking Benjamin albums, and Phobia only has a few standout tracks. The lyrics on this album are greatly improved from previous albums, but they don't redeem the album in total from stale repetitive riffs and bland soft verses and generic hard choruses. Overall this is a good pick up for any Breaking Benjamin fan, or any fan or mainstream rock. Buckethead Pepper's GhostCarcass Reek of PutrefactionCarpathian Forest Defending the Throne of EvilCeltic Frost To Mega TherionChevelle This Type Of Thinking (Could Do Us In)Children of Bodom Are You Dead Yet?Chimaira The Impossibility of ReasonCoheed and Cambria The Second Stage Turbine BladeCold A Different Kind of PainConverge Petitioning the Empty SkyCrossfade CrossfadeDeadlock WolvesDeicide LegionDeicide Till Death Do Us PartDisarmonia Mundi Fragments Of D-GenerationDismember Massive Killing CapacityDisturbed BelieveDisturbed's second full length album, Believe, is slightly dissapointing in retrospect. Upon first listen, the album strikes you as aggressive and innovative (as far as nu-metal goes), but upon replay sounds tired and repetitive. The album also begins to drag half way through. The first half of the album is packed with hard hitting songs like Liberate, Prayer, and Remember which keep a majority of there power when replayed, but after the track entitled Rise, it goes downhill...quickly. The guitars begin to sound recycled and uninspired, the drums are all the same, and the vocals never seem to change. Also, the bass is missing, as though I needed to add insult to injury. All in all, Believe is an ok album to listen to every now and again, as long as you have listened to your fair share of genuinely good music in between.DragonForce Inhuman RampageDrowning Pool DesensitizedElvenking The Winter WakeEnslaved FrostFalkenbach Heralding - The FirebladeGodsmack FacelessGojira The LinkHellyeah HellyeahImmolation Harnessing RuinIn Flames Come ClarityJob For A Cowboy DoomKalmah The Black WaltzKampfar KvassKillswitch Engage The End of HeartacheKrisiun Works of CarnageLamb of God SacramentMarduk Opus NocturneMastodon RemissionMetallica ReloadMnemic PassengerMors Principium Est Liberation = TerminationNachtmystium Instinct: DecayNorma Jean RedeemerPossessed Beyond the GatesProtest the Hero KeziaPyramaze Melancholy BeastRaventhrone Malice in WonderlandsRotting Christ A Dead PoemSadus IllusionsSargeist Disciple of the Heinous PathSkeletonwitch Beyond the PermafrostSoilwork Sworn to a Great DivideStatic-X Shadow ZoneSum 41 All Killer No FillerSummoning Minas MorgulThe All-American Rejects Move AlongThe Faceless Planetary DualityTherion Sirius BThree Days Grace One-XVader The BeastWu-Tang Clan 8 Diagrams2.0 poorAbigor Origo RegiumAbruptum Casus LuciferiAkercocke ChoronzonAlter Bridge One Day RemainsAmorphis Privilege of EvilArkhon Infaustus Filth CatalystArtillery Terror SquadAs Blood Runs Black AllegianceAs I Lay Dying Frail Words CollapseAt the Gates Gardens of GriefAtreyu Lead Sails Paper AnchorAxenstar The Final RequiemBal-Sagoth The Chthonic ChroniclesBathory Nordland IIBehemoth Sventevith (Storming Near the Baltic)Black Label Society Hangover Music Vol.6Black Tide Light From AboveBolt Thrower War MasterBuckethead Enter the ChickenBullet for My Valentine Scream Aim FireCandlemass Ancient DreamsCathedral Supernatural Birth MachineChevelle Vena SeraChildren of Bodom Hate Crew DeathrollCirith Ungol King of the DeadDeath Angel Killing SeasonDeathspell Omega Si Monvmentvm Reqvires CircvmspiceDisavowed Stagnated ExistenceDispatched MotherwarEvile Enter the GraveFlotsam and Jetsam Dreams of DeathFoo Fighters One by OneFreya Lift the CurseGodsmack IVBoring. That's the only real way to describe Godsmack's fourth full length album appropriately entitled IV. Godsmack have never been anything new or ground breaking as far as I'm concerned, but they were always at the forefront of nu-metal, combined solid music with aggressive vocals. On this album however, the guitars are bland, the bass does nothing note worthy, and the above average that was on all of Godsmack's previous releases is suprisingly missing. The vocals seem tired and the lyrics are pathetic at best. There are no standout tracks, seeing as everything just blends into one giant track of mediocrity. In short, the album is generic, bland, boring...it's nu-metal in it's basic form...spare yourself the listen and pass.In Flames A Sense of PurposeIn Flames WhoracleJet Get BornJudas Priest NostradamusKatatonia For Funerals to Come...Legion of the Damned Feel the BladeLinkin Park Minutes to MidnightLurker Of Chalice Lurker Of ChaliceMachine Head The Burning RedMnemic The Audio Injected SoulMonstrosity Rise to PowerMoonsorrow VerisäkeetMudvayne Lost and FoundMy Chemical Romance The Black ParadeNorma Jean O' God, the AftermathOverkill Taking OverPantera The Great Southern TrendkillRotting Christ Passage to ArcturoSadus Swallowed in BlackSlayer God Hates Us AllStaind 14 Shades of GreySum 41 Half Hour Of PowerSystem of a Down MezmerizeThe Autumn Offering Fear Will Cast No ShadowThe Offspring Greatest HitsTherion VovinThrowdown Venom & TearsTiamat Judas ChristTrivium The CrusadeTrivium's most recent major label release, The Crusade was being hyped as an album full of complex guitar riffs and bass/drum rhythms that would be sure to keep it's listener in awe. Well guess what? This album delivers none of the above. Many of the songs have the same recycled riffs, and this time not even the solos can save the songs from drifting off into mediocrity. The vocals have also changed, I won't say they are bad, but Matt Heafy no longer screams, and instead has more of an aggressive clean vocal style. The lyrics on The Crusade are also horrible; songs like And Sadness Will Sear and Contempt Breeds Contamination sport the worst lyrics on the album, and only add to the growing suspicion that Matt Heafy can't write decent lyrics to save his life. The drumming on the album is mediocre, although Travis' talent is fairly evitable on songs like To the Rats, he makes little use of it, and constantly plays simple 4/4 beas over a rolling double bass. The bass isn't much better, for the most part Paulo just locks up with Matt and Corey to create a rather uninteresting and dull wall of sound. Corey does much of the same as Matt, create uninteresting riffs and solos, nothing more, and nothing less. From what I can hear off The Crusade, it doesn't sound like Trivium will be the next Metallica, but they have a great shot at matching Jethro Tull. Standout tracks: To The Rats, Treading the Floods Below Average Tracks: The Crusade, Ignition, Detonation, And Sadness Will Sear, Contempt Breeds ContaminationTurisas Battle MetalWhitechapel The Somatic DefilementXasthur Subliminal Genocide1.5 very poorAbruptum Obscuritatem Advoco Amplectere MeAlabama Thunderpussy Open FireAlkonost The Path We've Never MadeAngelcorpse Of Lucifer and LightningAnkla Steep TrailsAsmegin Hin Vordende Sod & SøAvenged Sevenfold Waking the FallenBehemoth GromBehexen Rituale SatanumBlack Label Society MafiaCathedral The Garden Of Unearthly DelightsChildren of Bodom BlooddrunkCirith Ungol One Foot in HellCirith Ungol Frost and FireCruachan PaganDarkthrone F.O.A.D.Despised Icon The Ills Of Modern ManGod Dethroned Into The Lungs Of HellImpaled Nazarene Tol Cormpt Norz Norz NorzInto Eternity The Incurable TragedyMetallica St. AngerMonstrosity MilleniumMyChildren MyBride UnbreakableSaliva Back Into Your SystemSystem of a Down HypnotizeThe All-American Rejects The All-American RejectsThe Panic Channel (ONe)Thirty Seconds to Mars A Beautiful LieVenom Metal Black1.0 awfulAstarte Dancing In The Dark Lakes Of EvilAtreyu A Death-Grip on YesterdayBurzum FilosofemCruachan FolkloreHavohej Dethrone the Son of GodHell Within Shadows of VanityKorn See You on the Other SideNeurosonic Drama Queen
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