MetalHead

Trivium - The Crusade (2006)

2006-09-17T03:31:00.000-07:00

Country: U.S.A.
Genre: Metalcore /Thrash Metal
Label: Roadrunner Records

Tracklist:
01. Ignition
02. Detonation
03. Entrance of the Conflagration
04. Anthem (We are the Fire)
05. Unrepentant
06. And Sadness Will Sear
07. Becoming the Dragon
08. To The Rats
09. This World Can't Tear Us Apart
10. Tread the Floods
11. Contempt Breeds Contamination
12. The Rising
13. The Crusade

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Pig Destroyer

2006-09-09T05:14:00.000-07:00

Pig Destroyer is an extreme metal band from Virginia, United States. Combining elements of grindcore, thrash metal, death metal, and doom metal, Pig Destroyer have pushed the boundaries of their chosen genres and gained a loyal following in the process. Their unique sound is characterized by, amongst other things, an absence of bass guitar.

The band formed in 1997 with vocalist J.R. Hayes of Enemy Soil, guitarist Scott Hull of Agoraphobic Nosebleed, Anal Cunt, and Japanese Torture Comedy Hour, and drummer John Evans. John Evans was later replaced by Brian Harvey.

The band chose their name motivated by a strong socio-political consciousness. Believing that naming themselves "Cop Killer" or "Cop Destroyer" would be tactless, they eventually settled on "Pig Destroyer" ("pig" being a pejorative American slang term for the police). Derived from a non-musical source as extreme as the band's sound, Pig Destroyer's easily identifiable logo was created using the emblem from the infamous ANSWER Me! magazine as a template. The band has become less political in recent times, causing some fans to believe that the name no longer holds the meaning it once did.

In the summer of 2006, the band recruited a fourth member, Blake Harrison (previously seen in the bands Triac, Daybreak and Hatebeak), who will be using electronic instruments to add noise and samples to the live show, as well as on the upcoming records.

Pig Destroyer - Pig Destroyer / Orchid Split (1997)

Pig Destroyer - Explosions In Ward 6 (1998)

Pig Destroyer - Pig Destroyer / Gnob Split (1999)

Pig Destroyer - Pig Destroyer / Isis Split (2000)

Pig Destroyer - 38 Counts of Battery (2000)

Pig Destroyer - Prowler In The Yard (2001)

Pig Destroyer - Benumb / Pig Destroyer Split (2002)

Pig Destroyer - Painter of Dead Girls (2004)

Pig Destroyer - Terrifyer (2004)

Exhumed

2006-09-09T04:42:00.000-07:00

Exhumed is a death/grind band from the San Francisco Bay Area signed to Relapse Records. Exhumed plays gore-obsessed death metal with a tongue-in-cheek flair and an overall musical approach that are often reminiscent of Carcass, a band whom they have frequently acknowledged as a primary influence. They have endured constant lineup changes to become, if not a highly original act, at least one of the better representatives of their doomed-to-obscurity subgenre. The band formed in 1991 with a lineup consisting of Matt Harvey (guitar, vocals), Col Jones (drums), Derrel Houdashelt (guitar), Jake Giardina (vocals), and Ben Marrs (bass). They made their first recordings under this formation, including the Excreting Innards 7" for Afterworld Records. Giardina and Marrs left the band within the next few years, with Matt Widener (bass) and Ross Sewage (vocals) brought in as replacements. After recording the Horrific Expulsion of Gore demo (1994), Widener left and Sewage took over bass duties. This lineup eventually recorded a split CD with the Ohio band Hemdale, In the Name of Gore, which came out on Visceral Productions in 1995 and featured an absolutely revolting album cover. Soon after, Houldashelt left and was eventually replaced by Mike Beams. With this lineup intact, they signed to Relapse Records and finally released their first official full-length, Gore Metal, in 1998, with guitarist James Murphy (Death, Obituary) at the production helm. Sewage left the band shortly after this record, leaving the trio of Harvey, Beams, and Jones to record the follow-up, Slaughtercult. The album was released on Relapse in 2000 and was enthusiastically received among the death metal scene.

Exhumed - Dissecting The Caseated Omentum (Demo) (1992)

Exhumed - Excreting Innards EP (1993)

Exhumed - Cadaveric Splatter Platter (Demo) (1993)

Exhumed - Grotesque Putrefied Brains (Demo) (1993)

Exhumed - Exhumed / Pale Existence Split (1996)

Exhumed - In The Name of Gore (1996)

Exhumed - Chords Of Chaos EP (1997)

Exhumed - Instruments Of Hell EP (1997)

Exhumed - Exhumed / Retaliation Split (1998)

Exhumed - Totally Fucking Dead (1998)

Exhumed - Gore Metal (1998)

Exhumed - Recordings 2000 (2000)

Exhumed - Exhumed / Gadget Split (2001)

Exhumed - Slaughtercult (2001)

Exhumed - Anatomy Is Destiny (2003)

Exhumed - Platters Of Splatter (2004) ---> CD1 CD2

Exhumed - Garbage Daze Re-Regurgitated (2005)

Exhumed - Something Sickened This Way Comes/To Clone And To Enforce (2006)

Symphony X

2006-09-09T03:29:00.000-07:00

Symphony X is a North American progressive metal band from New Jersey founded in 1994 by guitarist Michael Romeo. Their 1997 album The Divine Wings of Tragedy and their 2000 release V: The New Mythology Suite brought the band atop the mainstream progressive metal field. Musically Symphony X is similar although heavier than most other progressive metal bands to which they are commonly compared to: Dream Theater, Fates Warning, Machinae Supremacy, and Pain of Salvation. They play in a style similar to that of power metal acts DragonForce and Rhapsody Of Fire, however in a very syncopated, progressive fashion, also incorporating elements of symphonic metal into their sound. Their music contains strong neo-classical elements in line with the music of Yngwie Malmsteen, Randy Rhoads and other influential neo-classical metal artists.

Symphony X - Danse Macabre (Demo) (1994)

Symphony X - Symphony X (1994)

Symphony X - The Damnation Game (1995)

Symphony X - The Divine Wings Of Tragedy (1996)

Symphony X - Twilight In Olympus (1998)

Symphony X - Prelude To The Millennium (1998)

Symphony X - V: The New Mythology Suite (2000)

Symphony X - Live On The Edge Of Forever (2001) ---> CD1 CD2

Symphony X - The Odyssey (2002)

Symphony X - Rarities And Demos (2005)

Asphyx

2006-09-08T06:05:00.000-07:00

Asphyx was a Dutch death metal band formed in 1987. The band featured former Pestilence singer Martin van Drunen in the early 1990s and had signed to Century Media Records. In 1998, they changed their name to Soulburn. In 2000 they renamed back into Asphyx. Their music was largely death metal based, but they melded forms of doom metal and thrash metal into their music. Asphyx disbanded in 2001.

Asphyx - The Rack (1991)

Asphyx - Crush The Cenotaph EP (1992)

Asphyx - Last One On Earth (1992)

Asphyx - Asphyx (1994)

Asphyx - Embrace The Death (1996) ---> Pt1 Pt2 Pt3

Asphyx - God Cries (1996)

Asphyx - On The Wings Of Inferno (2000)

Blind Guardian

2006-09-08T00:35:00.000-07:00

Blind Guardian is a speed metal/power metal (and more recently epic metal) band started in the mid-1980s in Krefeld, Germany by André Olbrich (guitar), Hansi Kürsch (vocal, bass), Marcus Siepen (guitar) and Thomen Stauch (drums). Before calling themselves Blind Guardian, the band released two demos under the name Lucifer's Heritage in 1985 and 1986.

From the very beginning, Blind Guardian have been inspired by the fictional worlds of fantasy writers such as John R.R. Tolkien, Michael Moorcock, Margaret Weis, Tracy Hickman, as well as traditional legends and epics. Over the years, a running theme has developed associating the band members with traveling bards.

The line-up has always been the same since 1988, but in 2005 the drummer, Thomen Stauch, has left the band due to the direction the band was taking in their last studio albums, "Nightfall In Middle-Earth" and "A Night At The Opera". He was replaced by Frederik Ehmke.

Lucifer's Heritage (Pre-Blind Guardian) - Symphonies Of Doom (Demo) (1985)

Lucifer's Heritage (Pre-Blind Guardian) - Battalions Of Fear (Demo) (1986)

Blind Guardian - Battalions Of Fear (1988)

Blind Guardian - Follow The Blind (1989)

Blind Guardian - Demo 1990 (1990)

Blind Guardian - Tales From The Twilight World (1991)

Blind Guardian - Somewhere Far Beyond (1992)

Blind Guardian - Tokyo Tales (1993)

Blind Guardian - A Past & Future Secret (Single) (1995)

Blind Guardian - Imaginations From The Other Side (1995)

Blind Guardian - Mr. Sandman (Single) (1996)

Blind Guardian - The Forgotten Tales (1996)

Blind Guardian - Mirror Mirror (Single) (1998)

Blind Guardian - Nightfall In Middle-Earth (1998)

Blind Guardian - And Then There Was Silence (Single) (2001)

Blind Guardian - The Lucifer's Heritage Demos (1985-86) (2001)

Blind Guardian - A Night At The Opera (2002)

Blind Guardian - The Bard's Song (In The Forest) (Single) (2003)

Blind Guardian - Live (2003)

Blind Guardian - Fly (Single) (2006)

Blind Guardian - A Twist In The Myth (2006)

Sadus

2006-09-07T07:06:00.000-07:00

Sadus is a highly tech metal thrash metal trio from the United States. Sadus formed in 1984 in Antioch, California. While their very first efforts were based highly on Slayer, these players gradually progressed and developed their sound into a unique, innovative kind of music. Even suffering from poor media exposure, this band has been able to reach the highest peaks in the genre, due to the constantly improving musicianship.

Sadus - Death To Posers (Demo) (1986)

Sadus - Illusions (1988)

Sadus - Swallowed In Black (1990)

Sadus - A Vision Of Misery (1992)

Sadus - Elements Of Anger (1997)

Sadus - Out For Blood (2006)

Black Label Society - Shot To Hell (2006)

2006-09-07T04:50:00.000-07:00

New album of Zakk Wylde’s hard rock band Black Label Society.

Tracklist:
01. Concrete Jungle
02. Black Mass Reverends
03. Blacked Out World
04. The Last Goodbye
05. Give Yourself To Me
06. Nothing's The Same
07. Hell Is High
08. New Religion
09. Sick Of It All
10. Faith Is Blind
11. Blood Is Thicker Than Water
12. Devil's Dime
13. Lead Me To Your Door

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Mayhem

2006-09-07T03:54:00.000-07:00

Mayhem is a Norwegian black metal band which was originally formed in 1983, taking strong influence from earlier bands such as Bathory. The band's initial line-up consisted of Manheim on drums, Necrobutcher on bass guitar and Euronymous on guitar. The name "Mayhem" was taken from the title of the Venom song "Mayhem With Mercy". Much controversy has surrounded the band regarding various murders, suicides, and other forms of violence. Mayhem have moved through a variety of black metal styles, even going so far as delving into the areas of dark avant-garde industrial and electronica. The group (at least in its earliest incarnation; 1983-1993) are widely considered to be one of the cornerstone bands in the movement often labelled "the second wave" of black metal. In the years since, their influence has only grown; many consider Mayhem the greatest extreme metal band of all time.

Mayhem - Pure Fucking Armageddon (Demo) (1986)

Mayhem - Deathcrush EP (1987)

Mayhem - From The Darkest Past!!! (1992)

Mayhem - Live In Leipzig (1993)

Mayhem - De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas (1994)

Mayhem - Dawn of the Black Hearts (1995)

Mayhem - Out From The Dark EP (1996)

Mayhem - Wolf's Lair Abyss EP (1997)

Mayhem - Mediolanum Capta Est (1999)

Mayhem - Grand Declaration of War (2000)

Mayhem - Eurpean Legions (2001)

Mayhem - Chimera (2004)

Mayhem - Sadistic Black Years

Týr

2006-09-07T03:05:00.000-07:00

Týr is a band from Faroe Islands. Their music can be described as folk/progressive metal. They incorporate many folk elements and melodies in their songs. But the thing that makes Týr stand out is that they really are progressive. Their songs include many rhythm changes and complex time signatures instead of playing easier, linear melodies.

Týr - How Far To Asgaard (2002)

Týr - Eric The Red (2003)

Týr - Ragnarok (2006)

Lord Belial

2006-09-07T02:50:00.000-07:00

This venerable Swedish band has been around since 1992, playing reliably decent, if a shade generic, black metal for the last decade or so. This is one of those bands that doesn't clone anyone else and performs their material well, yet doesn't really offer much in the way of originality or uniqueness -- though no single band comes to mind when listening to them, their style is quite familiar and they don't stray far from the boundaries of traditional Scandinavian black metal.

Lord Belial - Kiss The Goat (1995)

Lord Belial - Enter The Moonlight Gate (1997)

Lord Belial - Unholy Crusade (1999)

Lord Belial - Angelgrinder (2002)

Lord Belial - Scythe of Death EP (2003)

Lord Belial - The Seal Of Belial (2004)

Lord Belial - Nocturnal Beast (2005)

Falkenbach

2006-09-07T00:51:00.000-07:00

Black metal seems to be one of the few genres of metal where one-man bands are commonplace, and Falkenbach is just such band, led by one Vratyas Vakyas, who once lived in Iceland but is now residing in Germany (so, make up your own mind on whether Falkenbach is an Icelandic or German band). Lyrically, the band is rooted in various Germanic and Scandinavian folklore, making Falkenback much more of a pagan/Viking band than a traditional black metal band. Musically, mid-period Bathory stands out as a prime influence, the songs being mid-paced, drawn out epics, with Vakyas alternating between clean and black singing, and with prominent keyboards providing the proper folkloric atmosphere. Two albums were recorded in 1996 and 1998, with Vakyas spending much of his time since then running his own record label, Skaldic Art Productions. Finally, in late 2003, a new album was released, the first with session musicians (three members of a Skaldic Art band named Vindsval), followed by Heralding - The Fireblade in 2005.

Falkenbach - ...En Their Medh Riki Fara... (1996)

Falkenbach - ...Magni Blandinn Ok Megintiri... (1998)

Falkenbach - Ok Nefna Tysvar Ty (2003)

Falkenbach - Heralding - The Fireblade (2005)

Overkill

2006-09-06T23:54:00.000-07:00

A legendary East Coast thrash band, Overkill gained a large initial following from their well-received stage shows, and have carved a remarkable career for themselves, churning out blue-collar thrash albums for just short of 20 years now. Members have come and gone (the exceptions being vocalist Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth and bassist D.D. Verni, who've been there from the beginning), but the basic style hasn't really changed much, and nor has their commitment to energetic live shows and quality thrash metal.

Overkill - Fell The Fire (1985)

Overkill - Taking Over (1987)

Overkill - Under The Influence (1988)

Overkill - The Years Of Decay (1989)

Overkill - Horrorscope (1991)

Overkill - I Hear Black (1993)

Overkill - W.F.O. (1994)

Overkill - Wrecking Your Neck Live (1995)

Overkill - The Killing Kind (1996)

Overkill - Fuck You And Then Some (1996)

Overkill - From The Underground And Below (1997)

Overkill - Necroshine (1999)

Overkill - Coverkill (1999)

Overkill - Bloodletting (2000)

Overkill - Wrecking Everything (2002)

Overkill - Extended Versions (2002)

Overkill - Killbox 13 (2003)

Overkill - ReliXIV (2005)

Forefather

2006-09-06T06:23:00.000-07:00

The Forefather project was born in September 1997 in Surrey, England by founding members and brothers Athelstan and Wulfstan. The aim was to create powerful and epic Metal tributes to their Anglo-Saxon ancestors, straight from the heart and of the highest quality. Song-writing began immediately for what was to become their debut album "Deep Into Time" and in true underground fashion it was recorded in August 1998 at their home-studio "The Croft" and released in March 1999 by their own label Angelisc Enterprises. The album was well-received by the underground Metal press and by this time album number 2 was already beginning to take shape.

It wasn't until a year later though that "The Fighting Man" was recorded, between the months of May and August in 2000. Thanks to an improvement of the equipment at "The Croft" the sound this time around was much improved and the already evident originality of the duo's music was taken to new levels. The album was released in October 2000, again by Angelisc, and once more the reaction from magazines was very positive.

Also during 2000 a limited edition album "Legends Untold" was released by Germany's Millennium Metal Music label. It featured 5 demo recordings, including the never-before-heard "The Fyrdmen Cometh", "The Paths of Yesterdays" and "These Lands". The "Deep Into Time" recording of "These Lands" (left of the final master) and a synth rendition of Ancient Voice (from "Deep Into Time") completed the tracklisting.

Athelstan and Wulfstan next entered the studio in September 2001 to record their 3rd and latest album "Engla Tocyme" (The Coming of the English). Work was completed in November and after a small delay Angelisc released the album in March 2002 along with a re-issue of "Deep Into Time" featuring brand new artwork and bonus-track "These Lands". "Engla Tocyme" sees Forefather's unique style brought ever more to the forefront with all the power and passion one has come to expect. Songs such as "Into The Forever" and "Fifeldor" have once again attracted Forefather the praise and acclaim they deserve.

Forefather - Deep Into Time (1999)

Forefather - Legends Untold (2000)

Forefather - The Fighting Man (2000)

Forefather - Engla Tocyme (2002)

Forefather - Ours Is The Kingdom (2004)

Iron Maiden - A Matter Of Life And Death (2006)

2006-09-05T07:09:00.000-07:00

New album of the NWOBHM gods Iron Maiden. The album doesn’t have an original style. It’s kind of a mix between new and old Iron Maiden. Anyway it is a must have for every metal fan on the planet.

Tracklist:
01. Different World
02. These Colours Don't Run
03. Brighter Than a Thousand Suns
04. The Pilgrim
05. The Longest Day
06. Out of the Shadows
07. The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg
08. For the Greater Good of God
09. Lord of Light
10. The Legacy

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Opeth

2006-08-23T02:40:00.000-07:00

Opeth are a progressive death metal band. Opeth adds several lighter elements to their music with acoustic guitar interludes, and influences from jazz, '70s progressive rock and blues on top of a fast, churning death metal-esque sound. Vocalist Mikael Åkerfeldt performs both clean singing and death vocals (although on the first two albums, his vocals are actually more similar to the shrieking typically found in black metal). Due to their unique blend of melodic and progressive elements, they are said not to conform to typical death metal acts, or any other specific metal sub-genre. Opeth has also attracted a lot of attention from doom metal fans. The name "Opeth" was taken from the novel Sunbird (1972) by author Wilbur Smith (Åkerfeldt calls the book "shit"), and was originally spelled Opet. In the book, Opet is the name of the location for an ancient empire which translates to "City of the Moon".

Opeth - Apostle In Triumph (Demo) (1994)

Opeth - Orchid (1995)

Opeth - Morningrise (1996)

Opeth - My Arms, Your Hearse (1998)

Opeth - Still Life (1999)

Opeth - Blackwater Park (2001)

Opeth - Deliverance (2002)

Opeth - Damnation (2003)

Opeth - Ghost Reveries (2005)

Shadow Gallery

2006-08-23T02:23:00.000-07:00

Shadow Gallery is a six-piece American band from Pennsylvania. Their name is taken from the graphic novel V for Vendetta by Alan Moore and their musical style can be described as progressive metal. They have a reputation amongst fans for complex song structures and virtuoso musicianship and have been compared to contemporaries Dream Theater, Queensrÿche and Symphony X. Despite the many complex passages in their songs Shadow Gallery manages to combine them with tight songwriting, production and performance. Their songs are frequently long with instrumental pieces in the middle. Their music is hard at times, soft at others, providing an interesting variety to the listener.

Shadow Gallery - Shadow Gallery (1992)

Shadow Gallery - Carved In Stone (1995)

Shadow Gallery - Tyranny (1998)

Shadow Gallery - Legacy (2001)

Shadow Gallery - Room V (2005)

Iron Maiden - The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg (CDS) (2006)

2006-08-21T12:31:00.000-07:00

This is the retail single, and has a newly recorded version of the Iron Maiden classic "Hallowed Be Thy Name" on it.

Tracklist:
01. The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg
02. Hallowed Be Thy Name (Radio 1 Legends Session)

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Behemoth

2006-08-21T04:43:00.000-07:00

Behemoth is an influential Polish blackened death metal band. They are considered to have played one of the most important roles in establishing the Polish extreme metal underground, alongside Graveland and Sacrilegium. Until early 2000s, the band played rather classical black metal with a heathen lyrical content, but soon changed to that of occult and thelemic themes written by their lead vocalist, Nergal and Krzysztof Azarewicz. This coincided with an increase in musical craftsmanship that allowed them to expand out of the black metal underground and garnered them with some international recognition. With the 2004 release of Demigod, they had fully embraced brutal technical death metal, while retaining their own signature style characterized by the staggering drumwork of Inferno, multi-layered vocals and Nile-style middle-eastern influence. Their transition from black to death metal has made them "traitors" in the eyes of some fans, but they have become darlings of the modern death metal scene, often mentioned alongside other rising stars such as Nile (with whom they have collaborated and toured).

Behemoth - Endless Damnation (Demo) (1992)

Behemoth - ...From the Pagan Vastlands (Demo) (1993)

Behemoth - And the Forests Dream Eternally EP (1994)

Behemoth - Sventevith (Storming Near The Baltic) (1995)

Behemoth - Grom (1996)

Behemoth - Pandemonic Incantations (1998)

Behemoth - Satanica (1999)

Behemoth - Thelema.6 (2000)

Behemoth - Antichristian Phenomenon EP (2001)

Behemoth - Zos Kia Cultus (Here and Beyond) (2002)

Behemoth - Conjuration EP (2003)

Behemoth - Demigod (2004)

Behemoth - Slaves Shall Serve EP (2005)

Behemoth - Demonica (2006)

Holy Moses

2006-08-21T03:31:00.000-07:00

One of the few female-fronted thrash bands of the eighties, Holy Moses released a couple of well-received albums early in their career (Finished With The Dogs appears to be the most popular) and then dropped from view. They carried on for a time, with several different lineups, finally disbanding in 1992, with the No Matter What's The Cause album released two years later. Finally, in 2000 vocalist Sabina Classen recruited an entirely new lineup, and the group has prospered ever since. Sabina was actually recruited to the band by then-boyfriend Andy Classen (the two later married, and have since divorced), who has been a successful record producer for some time.

Holy Moses - The Bitch (Demo) (1986)

Holy Moses - Queen Of Siam (1986)

Holy Moses - Finished With The Dogs (1987)

Holy Moses - The New Machine Of Lichtenstein (1989)

Holy Moses - World Chaos (1990)

Holy Moses - Terminal Terror (1991)

Holy Moses - Reborn Dogs (1992)

Holy Moses - Too Drunk To Fuck (1993)

Holy Moses - No Matter What's the Cause (1994)

Holy Moses - Master Of Disaster EP (2001)

Holy Moses - Disorder Of The Order (2002)

Holy Moses - Strength Power Will Passion (2005)

Whiplash

2006-08-21T02:40:00.000-07:00

Whiplash was an American thrash metal band. The band was founded in 1984 in Passaic, New Jersey by the three Tonys: Tony Portaro (vocals, guitar), Tony Scaglione (drums) and Tony Bono (bass). Joe Cangelosi replaced Tony Scaglione in 1986 when he left for a small stint with Slayer. Joe Cangelosi recorded Ticket To Mayhem in 1987 with the two Tonys. In 1989 Glenn Hanson joined the band as the new singer along with Joe from the pevious album. They were part of perhaps the best Whiplash album yet, titled Insult to Injury. The band split up, but reunited in 1996 for two great albums before the three Tonys recorded a final album together in 1998. Bassist Tony Bono died in 2002 after suffering a heart attack, at the age of 38.

Whiplash - Power And Pain (1985)

Whiplash - Ticket To Mayhem (1987)

Whiplash - Insult To Injury (1900)

Whiplash - Cult Of One (1996)

Whiplash - Sit Stand Kneel Prey (1997)

Whiplash - Thrashback (1998)

Whiplash - Messages In Blood (1999)

Six Feet Under

2006-08-21T00:57:00.000-07:00

Six Feet Under (often abbreviated as SFU) is a death metal band that was formed initially as a side project of lead singer Chris Barnes (then of Cannibal Corpse). Six Feet Under lyrics are apocalyptic and brutal, though Barnes's lyrics are somewhat less brutal than that of his past.

While their lyrical themes revolve around concepts of violence, gore, and death, many Six Feet Under songs are politically keen and advocate, among other things, legalization of marijuana, overthrow of capitalism, and even anti-war sentiments. One notable song by SFU is their pro-cannabis track "4:20" from Warpath. The album's liner notes state that the song (which clocks in at four minutes and twenty seconds) was recorded at 4:20 p.m. on 20 April, 1997.

Six Feet Under has also released two albums of cover songs. The first, Graveyard Classics, is an album of cover songs ranging from Dead Kennedys' California Über Alles, to Black Sabbath's Sweet Leaf, to Jimi Hendrix's Purple Haze, whilst the second, Graveyard Classics II, is an entire remake of the classic AC/DC album Back in Black.

Six Feet Under has a strong following in Europe, especially in Germany. In fact, the band also released a special German language version of the song "Bringer of Blood". Six Feet Under have met moderate commercial success, with Maximum Violence being their best-selling record. They figure among the top 5 best-selling death metal bands.

The band's line up has remained stable since 1997 when Allen West quit and was replaced by Steve Swanson, formerly of Massacre.

Six Feet Under - Haunted (1995)

Six Feet Under - Alive And Dead EP (1996)

Six Feet Under - Warpath (1997)

Six Feet Under - Maximum Violence (1999)

Six Feet Under - Graveyard Classics (2000)

Six Feet Under - True Carnage (2001)

Six Feet Under - Double Dead Redux (2002)

Six Feet Under - Bringer Of Blood (2003)

Six Feet Under - Graveyard Classics II (2004)

Six Feet Under - 13 (2005)

Sonata Arctica

2006-08-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

Formed in Finland in 1996 (initially as a non-metal act known as Tricky Means), Sonata Arctica quickly established themselves as a power metal force with their debut, Ecliptica, and really hasn't looked back since. The style here is classic melodic Euro power metal, with their closest soundalike perhaps being countrymen Stratovarius. As with a lot of bands in this arena, Sonata Arctica score high points for presentation, musicianship, and overall class, with low marks for sheer originality -- as good as they are at what they do, it's hard to really say that they are a lot different from several other European bands playing this style. Thus, Sonata Arctica aren't about broadening the horizons of metal, but rather perfecting their art of crafting fine melodic speed metal tunes. They are among the best in their field, and highly recommended to those into bands such as the aforementioned Stratovarius or Gamma Ray.

Tricky Means (Pre-Sonata Arctica) - Fullmoon (Demo) (1999)

Sonata Arctica - UnOpened (Single) (1999)

Sonata Arctica - Ecliptica (1999)

Sonata Arctica - Successor EP (2000)

Sonata Arctica - Orientation EP (2001)

Sonata Arctica - Wolf & Raven (Single) (2001)

Sonata Arctica - Only Way You Can (Bootleg) (2001)

Sonata Arctica - Silence (2001)

Sonata Arctica - Last Drop Falls (Single) (2001)

Sonata Arctica - Songs of Silence - Live in Tokyo (2002)

Sonata Arctica - Victoria's Secret (2003)

Sonata Arctica - Winterheart's Guild (2003)

Sonata Arctica - Broken (Single) (2003)

Sonata Arctica - Takatalvi EP (2003)

Sonata Arctica - By The Gates Of Metal (Bootleg) (2004)

Sonata Arctica - Don't Say A Word EP (2004)

Sonata Arctica - Reckoning Night (2004)

Sonata Arctica - Shamandalie (Single) (2004)

Sonata Arctica - Symphony Of Angels - Live At Palladium (Bootleg) (2004)

Sonata Arctica - The End Of This Chapter (2005) (Bonus Tracks)

Sonata Arctica - For The Sake Of Revenge (2006)

Cannibal Corpse

2006-08-20T06:40:00.000-07:00

Cannibal Corpse is an American Death Metal band from Buffalo, New York, noted for its controversial and ultra-violent lyrics and imagery, founded in 1988 by Chris Barnes, Bob Rusay, Jack Owen, Alex Webster and Paul Mazurkiewicz. Cannibal Corpse is noted as the most successful death metal band of the Sound Scan era, having combined worldwide record sales of over one million copies with virtually no radio or television exposure. They are regarded as one of the longest lasting and best-known bands in the death metal scene.

Cannibal Corpse - Cannibal Corpse (Demo) (1989)

Cannibal Corpse - Eaten Back To Life (1990)

Cannibal Corpse - Born In A Casket (Vinyl) (1991)

Cannibal Corpse - Butchered At Birth (1991)

Cannibal Corpse - Tomb Of The Mutilated (1992)

Cannibal Corpse - Hammer Smashed Face EP (1993)

Cannibal Corpse - Meat Hook Sodomy Live Dallas (Bootleg) (1993)

Cannibal Corpse - The Bleeding (1994)

Cannibal Corpse - Created To Kill (Demo) (1995)

Cannibal Corpse - Vile (1996)

Cannibal Corpse - Deadly Tracks (1997)

Cannibal Corpse - Monolith Of Death (1997)

Cannibal Corpse - Gallery Of Suicide (1998)

Cannibal Corpse - Bloodthirst (1999)

Cannibal Corpse - Live Cannibalism (2000)

Cannibal Corpse - Gore Obsessed (2002)

Cannibal Corpse - Live In Wacken (2002)

Cannibal Corpse - Worm Infested EP (2002)

Cannibal Corpse - Live At Waldrock (2004)

Cannibal Corpse - The Wretched Spawn (2004)

Cannibal Corpse - Kill (2006) (Bonus CD)

Rudra - The Aryan Crusade (2001)

2006-08-20T03:14:00.000-07:00

Rudra is a Death Metal band from Singapore. This album is their second release.

Tracklist:
01. Aryaputra
02. Hymns to Thee
03. Anantarupa
04. Malevolent Creed
05. Burnt at the Stakes
06. Rudrapatni
07. Amen
08. Homage to the Seers
09. Manifesto of the Demented
10. Atmavichara
11. Sad But True
12. My Soul is Marching On
13. I

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All That Remains

2006-08-20T02:52:00.000-07:00

All That Remains is a Massachusetts, United States-based metalcore band. Originally established in 1998, the group is currently signed to Prosthetic Records. Vocalist Philip Labonte was previously singer for the metalcore band Shadows Fall before he was replaced by Brian Fair. The band's debut album, Behind Silence And Solitude, was released in March 2002, prompting DigitalMetal.com to hail the group as "one of the premier melodic death metal acts this side of the Atlantic." Since the release of the first album, All That Remains have toured the United States three times, including tours with The Crown, Darkest Hour, As I Lay Dying, and Arch Enemy. This Darkened Heart, All That Remains' second album, showcases a kinetic sound drifting seamlessly between melody and relentless aggression. Produced by Adam Dutkiewicz at Zing Studios, some hits from this album were "Vicious Betrayal", "Enter Sandman", "Passion", and "This Darkened Heart". Videos from this album were "This Darkened Heart" and "Tattered on My Sleeve", and "The Deepest Gray."

The bands newest album entitled "The Fall Of Ideals" was released on July 11, 2006. The first video from this new album is "This Calling" and can be viewed on the bands myspace page.

All That Remains - Behind Silence And solitude (2002)

All That Remains - This Darkened Heart (2004)

All That Remains - The Fall Of Ideals (2006)

Soilwork

2006-08-20T00:27:00.000-07:00

In the space of a few short years, Soilwork has risen from their initial status of just another Swedish melodic death metal band to their present position as one of the most popular and well-respected bands playing the so-called Gothenburg style. Though their first two albums were fine efforts themselves, it was their third album, 2001's The Predator's Portrait, that really put their name on the map, and their position as leaders in their field was solidified a year later with Natural Born Chaos, an album that topped many fan's and writer's lists for best album of 2002. Now, in 2003, Soilwork takes another step forward with Figure Number Five. Even though their style has not radically altered over the years, and even though the style itself is not terribly unique, Soilwork makes it effective, by maturing and refining their sound with each successive release. They are what modern extreme metal is all about.

Soilwork - Steelbath Suicide (1998)

Soilwork - The Chainheart Machine (2000)

Soilwork - A Predator's Portrait (2001)

Soilwork - Natural Born Chaos (2002)

Soilwork - Figure Number Five (2003)

Soilwork - Stabbing The Drama (2005)

Nevermore

2006-08-20T00:13:00.000-07:00

With a string of solid albums dating back to their debut in 1995, Nevermore has firmly establisheed themselves as one of the premier modern American power metal bands. In a genre overrun with staleness and unoriginality, Nevermore continues to deliver quality music, mixing just the right amounts of power, melody, crunch and aggression to great effect. The roots of the band go back to an earlier band called Sanctuary, a similarly-styled technical power metal outfit that themselves released two albums before internal problems forced their breakup. Vocalist Warrell Dane is Nevermore's trump card, as he's one of the best in the business, with a clear yet forceful voice that never wanders out of control. Nevermore really have yet to release a sub-standard album, and considering the stellar reviews given to their new release (This Godless Endeavor), the band look set to continue their reign as a premier metal act.

Nevermore - Nevermore (1995)

Nevermore - In Memory EP (1996)

Nevermore - The Politics Of Ecstasy (1996)

Nevermore - Dreaming Neon Black (1999)

Nevermore - Dead Heart In A Dead World (2000)

Nevermore - Enemies Of Reality (2003)

Nevermore - This Godless Endeavor (2005)

Therion

2006-08-19T06:28:00.000-07:00

Therion is a Swedish symphonic metal band. It takes its name from the Greek word therion (θηρίον), which means beast, in reference to the "beast" of the Christian Book of Revelation. However, the band's name itself originates from the Celtic Frost album To Mega Therion. Therion was founded by Christofer Johnsson in 1987. Beginning as a death metal band, they later turned to combining orchestral elements with their metal music, employing heavy use of choirs and classical musicians, not only as additions to but also as integral parts of the composition.

Therion's music takes its themes from different mythologies and is based on concepts ranging from occultism, magic and ancient traditions and writings. The majority of their lyrics are written by Thomas Karlsson, head and founder of the magical order Dragon Rouge, of which Johnsson is a member. The band has seen many changes in line-up and style throughout its history.

Therion - Beyond The Darkest Veils Of Inner Wickedness (Demo) (1989)

Therion - Paroxysmal Holocaust (Demo) (1989)

Therion - Time Shall Tell EP (1990)

Therion - Of Darkness... (1991)

Therion - Beyond Sanctorum (1992)

Therion - Symphony Masses: Ho Drakon Ho Megas (1993)

Therion - The Beauty In Black (Single) (1995)

Therion - Lepaca Kliffoth (1995)

Therion - Siren Of The Woods (Single) (1996)

Therion - Theli (1996)

Therion - A'arab Zaraq Lucid Dreaming (1997)

Therion - Eye Of Shiva (Single) (1998)

Therion - Vovin (1998)

Therion - Crowing Of Atlantis EP (1999)

Therion - Deggial (2000)

Therion - Secret Of The Runes (2001)

Therion - Bells Of Doom (2001)

Therion - Live In Midgard (2002)

Therion - Lemuria (2004)

Therion - Sirius B (2004)

Therion - Atlantis Lucid Dreaming (2005)

Therion - Celebrators Of Becoming (2006)

Kerrang! Presents 'Remastered' (Metallica's Master Of Puppets Revisited) (2006)

2006-08-19T04:28:00.000-07:00

Some of the players on this revisited album weren’t even born when Metallica unleashed the monster that is Master Of Puppets on a Metal hungry populace twenty years ago. So to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of this ground breaking release legendary UK Metal mag Kerrang! has brought together a collection of today’s heavy hitters in the world of Metal who attempt to stamp their own authority on this classic release.

Tracklist:
1. Machine Head - Battery
2. Trivium - Master Of Puppets
3. Mendeed - The Thing That Should Not Be
4. Bullet For My Valentine - Welcome Home (Sanitarium)
5. Chimaira - Disposable Heroes
6. Fightstar - Leper Messiah
7. Mastodon - Orion
8. Funeral For A Friend - Damage, Inc.

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Vanden Plas - Christ 0 (2006)

2006-08-19T03:40:00.000-07:00

This is an album that's larger than life with epic orchestral sections, complex solos and painstaking arrangements. It's a work with a noticeable arc of musical ebbs and flows and superb dynamics. The musicianship is outstanding as well. And most importantly they are able to combine emotion with technique.

Kuntz's vocals have improved dramatically. His time in the theater served him well as his vocals here are spot on. The album ends with the song "Gethsemane" from the musical Jesus Christ Superstar. It's an appropriate way to end the album, one that is a must have for progressive metal fans.

Tracklist:
01. Christ 0
02. Postcard To God
03. Wish You Were Here
04. Silently
05. Shadow I Am
06. Fireroses Dance
07. Somewhere Alone In The Dark
08. January Sun
09. Lost In Silence
10. Gethsemane

Pt1 Pt2

Vader

2006-08-19T03:10:00.000-07:00

Vader is a Polish death metal band founded in 1986. It stands as one of the best known European death metal bands. Vader plays a style of death metal different from that of their American counterparts, but their approach is nonetheless firmly based upon the template created by Slayer. For example, many bands of this genre tend to play guitar solos and lead parts which do not adhere strictly to traditional musical principles (such as being in key) and make extensive use of tremolo bar, creating a rather dissonant sound. Vader, on the other hand, whilst often playing in this style, occasionally diverge and play diminished, augmented, and even minor scale solos. Vader is also different in that vocalist Piotr Wiwczarek's vocals do not follow the standard sound widely considered acceptable for death metal. While his vocal approach remains extreme, it is a much more throaty approach, giving him the ability to sound out words far more clearly than most death metal bands.

Vader - Necrolust (Demo) (1989)

Vader - Morbid Reich (Demo) (1990)

Vader - The Ultimate Incantation (1993)

Vader - The Darkest Age (1993)

Vader - Sothis EP (1994)

Vader - De Profundis (1995)

Vader - Future Of The Past (1996)

Vader - Black To The Blind (1997)

Vader - Reborn In Chaos (1998)

Vader - Kingdom EP (1998)

Vader - Live In Japan (1998)

Vader - Litany (2000)

Vader - Reign Forever World EP (2001)

Vader - Revelations (2002)

Vader - Blood EP (2003)

Vader - Beware The Beast (MCD) (2004)

Vader - The Beast (2004)

Vader - Night of The Apocalypse (2004)

Vader - The Art Of War EP (2005)

Vader - Impression In Blood (2006)

Barathrum

2006-08-18T03:52:00.000-07:00

Barathrum is one of the older Finnish black metal bands, with a rich history featuring several members who went on to success with other bands. Formed in 1990 as Darkfeast by vocalist Demonos Sova, they debuted in 1994 with Hellstorm and have recorded relatively steadily since then, with eight albums released. The two albums reviewed here are quite different. 1996's Eerie, their second album, is a simplistic, raw, bass-heavy black metal album, somewhat in the same league as fellow Finns Beherit, quite effective for its primal groove and, unbelievably, catchy (yet undeniably evil) rhythms. By contrast, 2002's Venomous is far more uptempo in keeping with modern black metal bands, arguably less distinctive than their early work but certainly more polished and mature. With the release of 2005's Anno Aspera came word that the band was done, or at least on indefinite hold. A trivial note that is often mentioned is that the first letters of the band's eight albums spell out "Heil Sova".

Barathrum - Hailstorm (1994)

Barathrum - Eerie (1995)

Barathrum - Infernal (1996)

Barathrum - Jetblack EP (1997)

Barathrum - Legions Of Perkele (1998)

Barathrum - Saatana (1999)

Barathrum - Okkult (2000)

Barathrum - Venomous (2002)

Barathrum - Anno Aspera (2005)

Yngwie Malmsteen

2006-08-18T03:10:00.000-07:00

Yngwie Malmsteen is arguably the most influential classical metal guitarist of the 80's and 90's. Though he was already well known in Europe in the early 80's with his Rising Force project, he didn't really get worldwide acclaim until he collaborated with Ron Keel (who later went to found his band, Keel) on a short-lived project called Steeler, and then followed that with a stint in Alkatrazz before going solo. Detractors may criticize his songs-written-just-for-soloing style, but his musical and technical talents are unparalleled. The numerous people who have played on an Yngwie album comprise a virtual all-star lineup in the field of hard rock/metal.

Yngwie Malmsteen - Rising Force (1984)

Yngwie Malmsteen - Marching Out (1985)

Yngwie Malmsteen - Trilogy (1986)

Yngwie Malmsteen - Odyssey (1988)

Yngwie Malmsteen - Trial By Fire: Live In Leningrad (1989)

Yngwie Malmsteen - Eclipse (1990)

Yngwie Malmsteen - The Yngwie Malmsteen Collection (1991)

Yngwie Malmsteen - Fire And Ice (1992)

Yngwie Malmsteen - I Can't Wait EP (1994)

Yngwie Malmsteen - The Seventh Sign (1994)

Yngwie Malmsteen - Magnum Opus (1995)

Yngwie Malmsteen - Inspiration (1996)

Yngwie Malmsteen - Facing The Animal (1997)

Yngwie Malmsteen - Double Live (1998)

Yngwie Malmsteen - Concerto Suite For Electric Guitar (1999)

Yngwie Malmsteen - Alchemy (1999)

Yngwie Malmsteen - Best of Yngwie Malmsteen: 1990-1999 (2000)

Yngwie Malmsteen - War To End All Wars (2000)

Yngwie Malmsteen - Attack (2002) ---> Pt1 Pt2

Yngwie Malmsteen - The Genesis (2002)

Yngwie Malmsteen - Unleash The Fury (2005) ---> Pt1 Pt2

Children Of Bodom

2006-08-18T00:42:00.000-07:00

Children Of Bodom is a metal band from Espoo, Finland. There is some contention regarding the band's genre classification, but in general the band's musical style can be described as a hybrid of power metal and melodic death metal.

The band's earlier releases leaned more towards a power metal style, but recently the band has focused on a style more closely related to melodic death metal. However, several key traits have remained consistent throughout the band's history, such as a focus on rapid tempos and technical guitar and keyboard solos. Other traits, such as Alexi's vocal approach and Jaska's use of blast beats are also consistent across the band's discography. The lyrics of Children of Bodom's songs are written in English and most often are concerned with the subjects of death, personal struggles, the grim reaper, war and the Lake Bodom murders. Recent albums have seen a shift to more antagonistic lyrics (songs such as "Better Off Dead" and "In Your Face") that has alienated some older fans.

Inearthed (Pre-Children Of Bodom) - Shining (Demo) (1996)

Children Of Bodom - Something Wild (1997)

Children Of Bodom - Hatebreeder (1999)

Children Of Bodom - Tokyo Warhearts (1999)

Children Of Bodom - Follow The Reaper (2000)

Children Of Bodom - Hate Crew Deathroll (2003)

Children Of Bodom - Trashed, Lost & Strungout (2004)

Children Of Bodom - In Your Face (CDS) (2005)

Children Of Bodom - Are You Dead Yet? (2005)

Norther

2006-08-18T00:13:00.000-07:00

Norther is one of several Finnish bands that have been dogged with the "Children Of Bodom clone" tag. The similarities between the two bands are undeniable, as both mix harsh vocals with inventive speed/power metal. Whether Norther is a COB clone, a COB-influenced band, or just a band that happens to sound similar, is subject to debate. The guys themselves probably don't care one way or another, as their career is moving along quite nicely, as evidenced by a strong early showing from their latest album, Till Death Unites Us.

Norther - Dreams Of Endless War (2002)

Norther - Mirror Of Madnes (2003)

Norther - Death Unlimited (2004)

Norther - Solution 7 EP (2005)

Norther - Scream (CDS) (2006)

Norther - Till Death Unites Us (2006)

Ensiferum

2006-08-17T11:53:00.000-07:00

Ensiferum is one of a handful of bands operating under the Viking metal banner, though they aren't as overtly Viking as, say, Einherjer or Thyrfing. Their self-titled 2002 debut received several glowing reviews, and with good reason, as the band has a keen sense of melody and pacing, as well as a varied songwriting style that gives them an air of originality. There are moments where a Finntroll influence is very plain, but otherwise no one band stands out as a standalike. Anyone into melodic death/black/folk/viking metal should give Ensiferum a listen. 2004's Iron is similarly being well received.

Ensiferum - Demo I (Demo) (1997)

Ensiferum - Ensiferum (2001)

Ensiferum - Tale Of Revenge (CDS) (2004)

Ensiferum - Iron (2004)

Ensiferum - 1997-1999 (Demo Re-Release) (2005)

Ensiferum - Dragonheads EP (2006)

Ensiferum - 10the Anniversary Live (2006)

Amon Amarth

2006-08-17T04:40:00.000-07:00

Amon Amarth is a viking-themed melodic death metal band from Sweden founded in 1992 in Tumba, named after a location in J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. The name means "Mount Doom" in Sindarin.

The five Swedish musicians are known for their songs based on Norse Mythology, with such tunes as The Arrival of The Fimbul Winter, Pursuit of Vikings and Versus the World.

Formed under the name Scum, they switched to the name Amon Amarth in 1992 and released a demo recording, The Arrival of the Fimbul Winter, in 1994, selling all 1000 demo discs in less than 12 hours. With the release of the album Once Sent From the Golden Hall in 1998 their popularity rose on an international level and since has brought forth multiple U.S. tours, two music videos and appearances in over 100 metal magazines.

Their new album, With Oden On Our Side, will be released on September 26, 2006.

Amon Amarth - Thor Arise (Demo) (1993)

Amon Amarth - The Arrival Of The Fimbul Winter (Demo) (1994)

Amon Amarth - Sorrow Throughout The Nine Worlds EP (1996)

Amon Amarth - Once Sent From The Golden Hall (1998)

Amon Amarth - The Avenger (1999)

Amon Amarth – The Crusher (2001) ---> Pt1 Pt2

Amon Amarth - Versus The World (2002)

Amon Amarth - Versus The World (Bonus CD) (2002) ---> Pt1 Pt2

Amon Amarth - Fate Of Norns (2004)

Lamb Of God - Sacrament (2006)

2006-08-16T06:15:00.000-07:00

Thrash metal's Next Big Thing handled their much-ballyhooed leap to the majors admirably on 2004's Ashes of the Wake. Now, in the throes of an extreme music renaissance, they (along with Mastodon and Shadows Fall), have an opportunity to break down mainstream doors for good. First single "Redneck" conjures Pantera in the best possible way.

Tracklist:
01. Walk With Me In Hell
02. Again We Rise
03. Redneck
04. Pathetic
05. Foot To The Throat
06. Descending
07. Blacken The Cursed Sun
08. Forgotten (Lost Angels)
09. Requiem
10. More Time To Kill
11. Beating On Death's Door Click Here

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Darkthrone

2006-08-16T03:06:00.000-07:00

A charter member in the infamous Inner Circle of early Norwegian black metal bands, Darkthrone remains true to the spirit of that era. Originally known as Black Death, the band played standard Scandinavian death metal, releasing one album in that field (Soulside Journey) before deciding that the then-new wave of black metal was the way to go -- abruptly they changed style and image (adopting the corpsepaint look synonymous with the scene) and with A Blaze In The Northern Sky the legend was born. Darkthrone albums are uncompromisingly primitive, raw, evil works, mostly in a similar early black style (the aforementioned Journey and Panzerfaust, with its quite evident Celtic Frost worship, are slight variations on the theme) -- definitely not easy listens but quite notable for their influence on the black metal scene.

Darkthrone - Soulside Journey (1991)

Darkthrone - A Blaze In The Northern Sky (1991)

Darkthrone - Under The Funeral Moon (1993)

Darkthrone - Transylvanian Hunger (1994)

Darkthrone - Panzerfaust (1995)

Darkthrone - Total Death (1996)

Darkthrone - Goatlord (1996)

Darkthrone - Ravishing Grimness (1999)

Darkthrone - Plaguewielder (2001)

Darkthrone - Hate Them (2003)

Darkthrone - Sardonic Wrath (2004)

Darkthrone - Under Beskyt'telse Av Morke EP (2005)

Darkthrone - Too Old, Too Cold EP (2006)

Darkthrone - The Cult Is Alive (2006)

Sigh

2006-08-16T02:46:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time it seemed that every band coming out of Japan was little more than a Loudness soundalike. Not anymore, with bands such as Zeni Geva and Church Of Misery making their mark on the noisier end of the metal spectrum, and now there's this here band called Sigh, one of the oddest bands to emerge from anywhere in quite some time. Others have found it difficult to describe exactly what Sigh sounds like, and this is quite understandable. Though the core of their sound isn't hard to fathom (semi-black metal vocal rasps, and (a heavy, 80's-inspired affair with riffs that alternately might remind one of the more experimental side of Celtic Frost, at other times perhaps old Mercyful Fate (guitars, not vocals), the trio constantly throws in oddball riffs, instruments, and interludes, from odd female backing singing to weird piano breaks, to hand clapping, jazz breaks, country (!) interludes, and a host of various where-did-that-come-from sounds that can often baffle the listener. Sometimes these only serve to distract, but more often they intrigue and draw the listener in, just to find out what might come next. Though the last three albums in particular are not dissimilar from each other in style, the ever-broadening outside influences make each song, and each album, unique in itself. This is truly a band for those who want and seek out the unexpected. Highly recommended.

Sigh - Desolation (Demo) (1990)

Sigh - Tragedies (Demo) (1990)

Sigh - Requiem For Fools EP (1992)

Sigh - Scorn Defeat (1993)

Sigh - Infidel Art (1995)

Sigh - To Hell And Back (A Tribute To Venom) (1995)

Sigh - The Eastern Force Of Evil (1996)

Sigh - Ghastly Funeral Theatre EP (1997)

Sigh - Hail Horror Hail (1997)

Sigh - Scenario IV: Dread Dreams (1999)

Sigh - Imaginary Sonicscape (2001)

Sigh - Gallows Gallery (2005)

Anacrusis

2006-08-16T02:04:00.000-07:00

Hailing from Missouri, Anacrusis was one of the best bands that attempted to blend thrash and progressive metal. The debug album (Suffering Hour) featured raw thrash, bordering on death metal, but by the time of their third album (Manic Impressions) the progressive elements had been brought to the fore, resulting in an intense and unique style -- both Impressions and the fourth (Screams And Whispers) were landmarks in the progressive thrash field, thanks to excellent songwriting and the unique vocal style of Kenn Nardi. The band unfortunately disbanded some time after that fourth album, with little information as to what future plans the ex-members may have had.

Anacrusis - Annihilation Complete (Demo)

Anacrusis - Quick To Doubt (Demo)

Anacrusis - Manic Impressions (Demo)

Anacrusis - Suffering Hour (1988)

Anacrusis - Reason (1990)

Anacrusis - Manic Impressions (1991)

Anacrusis - Screams And Whispers (1993)

The Berzerker

2006-08-16T01:46:00.000-07:00

Originally conceived as a solo project in 1995, The Berzerker arrived on the Australian scene as a rather mysterious band, the members referenced only by their instruments ("The Singer", "The Guitarist", etc) and wearing masks on stage. The masks are gone now, some names are now known, but their style remains intact, that being a frenzied death metal assault laced with industrial touches such as a few samples and drums that often sound programmed (but aren't, at least on their second album, though some of the blast beats do sound inhumanly fast), a veritable sonic blast that bludgeons with each succeeding track.

The Berzerker - No! EP (1996)

The Berzerker - Inextricable Zenith EP (1998)

The Berzerker - Demo (2000)

The Berzerker - The Berzerker (2000)

The Berzerker - Dissimulate (2002)

The Berzerker - The Principles And Practices Of The Berzerker (2004) ---> Pt1 Pt2

The Berzerker - World Of Lies (2005) ---> Pt1 Pt2

Gorgoroth

2006-08-16T00:50:00.000-07:00

Formed in 1992 and taking their name from Lord Of The Rings (as have many other bands), Gorgoroth is a pretty typical Norwegian black metal band in many respects. They've got the standard corpsepaint visual, they have suitably black-metal-like pseudonyms, their present and past members have several ties to other black metal bands, and most importantly, their music is firmly rooted in old-school black metal, in the tradition of Darkthrone, Marduk, and the like. As a result, much of their work, particularly the early albums like Antichrist, is on the generic side -- certainly they've nailed the style to a T, but there isn't a lot that distinguishes them from other similarly-styled bands. On their more recent album, such as 2000's Incipit Satan, they are more adventurous, as they are starting to spread their wings just a bit without sacrificing any of their early evilness or intensity.

The band has had its share of notoriety in recent times, with vocalist Gaahl facing jail time on an assault charge and a recent show in Poland potentially running afoul of local law for "offending religious beliefs".

Gorgoroth - Pentagram (1994)

Gorgoroth - Antichrist (1996)

Gorgoroth - Under The Sign Of Hell (1997)

Gorgoroth - Destroyer (1998)

Gorgoroth - Incipit Satan (2000)

Gorgoroth - Twilight Of The Idols (2003)

Gorgoroth - Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam (2006)

Mirror Of Deception

2006-08-15T08:42:00.000-07:00

Germany's Mirror Of Deception has been around for some time, forming in the early nineties and releasing several demos in their formative years, along with two EPs and two albums. Mirrorsoil, the band's first full-length album released in 2001, is a decent traditional doom album, not really expanding the boundaries of the genre but yet still with enough variation and personality to avoid the clone tag. The vocals are a bit understated -- while not possessing the greatest of range, the voice does fit the music well, and is a welcome respite from the overly histrionic high-pitched vocals of many a European band. Again, these guys aren't radically different than other modern doom bands, but fans of the genre will surely want to give them a listen.

Mirror Of Deception - Word Unspoken (Demo) (1994)

Mirror Of Deception - Veil Of Lead EP (1997)

Mirror Of Deception - Mirrorsoil (2001)

Mirror Of Deception - Conversion EP (2003)

Mirror Of Deception - Forgone (2004)

Unearth

2006-08-15T07:25:00.000-07:00

Unearth (formed 1998) is a metalcore band from Winthrop, Massachusetts. Their debut album, The Stings of Conscience, was a popular offering in the underground metalcore scene. Their music is categorised by complex guitar riffs and loud screaming vocals. They are also well known for playing seven-stringed guitars, while the bass player plays a five-stringed bass.

Unearth - Above The Fall Of Man EP (1999)

Unearth - The String Of Conscience (2001)

Unearth - Endless EP (2002)

Unearth - The Oncoming Storm (2004)

Unearth - Our Days Of Eulogy (2005)

Unearth - III: In the Eyes of Fire (2006)

Secret Sphere

2006-08-15T05:55:00.000-07:00

Secret Sphere is an up-and-comer in the Euro prog/speed metal field. Their sophomore effort, A Time Never Come, is a flawlessly produced and executed slice of prime melodic progressive metal in the Rhapsody or Angra vein. Occasionally they get a bit too sweet and poppy for their own good (as on the ballad "The Mystery Of Love"), but in other places a good deal of heaviness emerges (see "Under The Flag Of Mary Read"). If there's a criticism here, it's the same one that one might have for others in this field, and that is that Secret Sphere is offering absolutely nothing new in metal, but instead are content to stay within the confines of the style that has been popular in their native Italy and other European countries for some time now. Having said that, those into the aforementioned bands will surely enjoy this band.

Secret Sphere - Mistress Of Shadowlight (1999)

Secret Sphere - A Time Never Come (2001)

Secret Sphere - Scent Of Human Desire (2003)

Secret Sphere - Heart & Anger (2004) ---> Pt1 Pt2

Nile

2006-08-15T05:32:00.000-07:00

Nile has been at the forefront of old school American death metal for a number of years now, ever since their album Amongst The Catacombs Of Nephren-Ka hit the streets in 1998. Much has been made of their fascination of Egypt and Middle Eastern rites, though to an extent this has been overstated. True, their lyrics are steeped with references to Egyptian gods the like, but musically such influences are slight, mostly relegated to the occasional intro or interlude (two fine examples are found on the Nephren-Ka album, these being "Die Rache" and the intro to "Ramses Bringer Of War". No, the musical focus is brutal, heads-down thrashing death metal to the core, flawlessly played and executed. Truly one of the best of the field.

Nile - Nile (Demo) (1994)

Nile - Festivals Of Atonement EP (1995)

Nile - Ramses Bringer Of War EP (1997)

Nile - Amongst The Catacombs Of Nephren-Ka (1998)

Nile - In The Beginning (2000)

Nile - Black Seeds Of Vengeance (2000)

Nile - In Their Darkened Shrines (2002)

Nile - Annihilation Of The Wicked (2005)

Obituary

2006-08-15T04:41:00.000-07:00

Formed in 1985 as Xecutioner (before changing name to avoid confusion with the Boston band Executioner), Obituary was one of the leading bands of the then-rampant Florida death metal scene of the late eighties (along with Death, Morbid Angel, Deicide, and others) and carved a successful career for themselves playing brutal, old-school death metal. After a string of successful albums in the nineties, they announced their breakup in 2000, with John Tardy's disinterest in touring apparently a major factor. Trevor Peres soon started up a new band, Catastrophic, while Donald Tardy joined Andrew WK's band some time later. But as of early 2004 the band was back in business, and their first studio album in eight years, Frozen In Time, has since been released.

Obituary - Slowly We Rot (1989)

Obituary - Cause Of Death (1990)

Obituary - Godly Beings (1991)

Obituary - The End Conplete (1992)

Obituary - World Demise (1994)

Obituary - Back From The Dead (1997)

Obituary - Dead (1998)

Obituary - Anthology (2001)

Obituary - Frozen In Time (2005)

Obituary - Turned Inside Out... In Germany

Sodom

2006-08-15T03:57:00.000-07:00

Sodom are one of a trio of German bands that are acknowledged as pioneers/leaders of the 80's thrash scene in Germany (the other two being Destruction and Kreator), and like those two, continue to perform after more than two decades in the business. In their infancy they had more in common with bands such as Venom and Hellhammer than straight-ahead thrash, with the result being that much of their work is chaotic, frenzied, a bit on the messy side. Despite mixed critical views, the band has continued to maintain a healthy fan base and are still churning out albums.

Sodom - In The Sign Of Evil EP (1984)

Sodom - In The Sign Of Evil (1984) / Obsessed By Cruelty (1986)

Sodom - Witching Metal (Demo) (1982)

Sodom - Victims Of Death (Demo) (1984)

Sodom - Expurse Of Sodomy EP (1987)

Sodom - Persecution Mania (1987) ---> Pt1 Pt2

Sodom - Mortal Way Of Live (1988)

Sodom - Agent Orange (1989)

Sodom - Ausgebombt EP (1989)

Sodom - Better Off Dead (1990)

Sodom - Tapping The Vein (1992)

Sodom - Get What You Deserve (1994)

Sodom - Marooned Live (1994)

Sodom - Masquerade In Blood (1995)

Sodom - 'Til Death Do Us Unite (1997)

Sodom - Code Red (1999)

Sodom - M-16 (2001)

Sodom - One Night in Bangkok (2003) ---> CD1 CD2

Sodom - Sodom (2006)

Carpathian Forest

2006-08-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

Carpathian Forest have been card-carrying members of the Norwegian old-school black metal elite for several years, forming back in 1990 though they didn't start releasing albums until later in the nineties. They don't often stray too far from the beaten path that is old-school black metal (though they do throw in the odd experiment such as "Cold Murderous Music", weird but very cool), but they execute the style as well as anyone and they have an excellent track record with their releases -- they truly embody classic Norwegian black metal.

Carpathian Forest - Through Chasm, Caves And Titan Woods EP (1995)

Carpathian Forest - Black Shining Leather (1998)

Carpathian Forest - Strange Old Brew (2000)

Carpathian Forest - Morid Fascinaton Of Death (2001)

Carpathian Forest - We're Going To Hell For This (2002)

Carpathian Forest - Defending The Throne Of Evil (2003)

Carpathian Forest - Skjend Hans Lik (2004)

Carpathian Forest - Fuck You All!!! (2006)

Kreator

2006-08-14T05:08:00.000-07:00

Kreator (who early on went by the name of Tormentor) rose to prominence in the mid-eighties, joining Sodom and Destruction as the top-ranked German thrash bands of the decade. But the second half of Kreator's career has not been so successful. Founder Mille Petrozza's attempts to broaden the band's sound (most notably on albums such as the industrial-tinged Renewal) have met with some critical acclaim but not commercial success, as hardened fans seem to have become disillusioned with straying from the raw, frenetic thrash that made winners of albums such as Pleasure To Kill. The addition of guitarist Tommy Vetterli, late of Coroner, in 1998 sparked renewed interest in the band, but the resulting album, Endorama, was even more perplexing, further distancing itself from its predecessors, and arguably underutiliziing the talents of Vetterli.

2001 was the comeback year for the band, with Mille and company (including new guitarist Sami Yli-Sirniö, replacing Vetterli) returning to the sound of old. The album of that year, Violent Revolution, retains the maturity of the recent output but the aggression of the early work -- easily one of the band's best albums in some time. Most recently is the band's followup, Enemy Of God.

Tormentor (Pre-Kreator) - Blitzkreig (Demo) (1983)

Kreator - End Of The World (Demo) (1984)

Kreator - Endless Pain (1985)

Kreator - Pleasure To Kill (1986)

Kreator - Terrible Certainty (1987)

Kreator - Out Of The Dark... Into The Light EP (1988)

Kreator - Extreme Aggression (1989)

Kreator - Coma Of Souls (1990)

Kreator - Renewal (1992)

Kreator - Cause For Conflict (1995)

Kreator - Scenarios Of Violence (1996)

Kreator - Outcast (1997)

Kreator - Chosen Few EP (1999)

Kreator - Endorama (1999)

Kreator - Voices Of Transgression (1999) ---> Pt1 Pt2

Kreator - Past Life Trauma (2000)

Kreator - Violent Revolution (2001)

Kreator - Live Kreation (2003) ---> Pt1 Pt2

Kreator - Enemy Of God (2005)

Throwdown

2006-08-14T02:03:00.000-07:00

Throwdown is a metalcore band which spawned from the OC hardcore scene. They have toured as part of Ozzfest, Sounds of the Underground and Warped Tour, as well as with bands like In Flames, Lamb of God, As I Lay Dying, Norma Jean, Soulfly, and Hatebreed. The songs "Forever" and "Burn" have been staples on MTV2's Headbanger's Ball and Revolver Magazine called them part of "The Future of Metal." The band's music is heavy, metallic, dynamic, and driving.

Throwdown - Throwdown (1998)

Throwdown - Beyond Repair (1999)

Throwdown - Drive Me Dead (2000)

Throwdown - You Don't Have To Be Blood To Be Family (2001)

Throwdown - Face The Mirror (2002)

Throwdown - Haymaker (2003)

Throwdown - Vendetta (2005)

Chimaira

2006-08-14T01:22:00.000-07:00

Self proclaimed leaders of the "new wave of American heavy metal", Chimaira was formed in Cleveland in 1998, recording the indie This Present Darkness album in 2000 before earning a contract with Roadrunner Records for their next two releases. The band's style might be described as aggro, post-thrash metalcore, with one somewhat similar band (not a direct soundalike, but a comparable band) being Lamb Of God. Their latest, The Impossibility Of Reason isn't a particularly unique record, but it's very heavy and it's done right, with thick, crunchy guitars, excellent double-bass drumming, a stellar production, and vocals, though a tad one-dimensional, that are venomous and up to the task. A solid metalcore/thrash band that should continue to gain popularity in the coming years.

Chimaira - This Present Darkness EP (2000)

Chimaira - Pass Out Of Existence (2001)

Chimaira - The Impossibility Of Reason (2003)

Chimaira - The Impossibility Of Reason Re-Release (2004) ---> CD1 CD2

Chimaira - Chimaira (2005)

Falconer

2006-08-14T00:47:00.000-07:00

Falconer was formed by guitarist Stefan Weinerhall following the breakup of his previous band, Mithotyn. Mithotyn was a decent black metal band whose most distinctive characteristics were various Viking/folklore influences, which lent the band a bit of originality. While Falconer is a straight-ahead power metal band, those influences appear here as well, with similar results -- the traditional metal field is quite saturated in Europe right now, but Falconer manages to stand just a bit apart from their many contemporaries by seemlessly blending those influences with a traditional power metal base. Weinerhall's guitarwork is excellent, but the prize here might be vocalist Mathias Blad, whose clear, midrange vocals occasionally are strangely reminiscient of Jethro Tull, again managing to stay within the metal mold without sounding derivative (though Blad has since left the band). With four solid albums behind them, Falconer's career may still be on the rise.

Falconer - Falconer (2001)

Falconer - Chapters From A Vale Forlorn (2002)

Falconer - Sceptre Of Deception (2003)

Falconer - Grim Vs. Grandeur (2005)

Kamelot

2006-08-13T08:56:00.000-07:00

Florida's Kamelot have been releasing quality melodic, slightly progressive tinged metal albums for a number of years now. The early albums drew several comparisons to Crimson Glory, due mostly to then-vocalist Mark Vanderbilt's uncanny vocal resemblance to former CG vocalist Midnight. As good as Vanderbilt was, though, the band turned up a notch with the arrival of heralded vocalist Roy Khan, late of Conception. Since then, Kamelot has been virtually faultless, releasing quality album after quality album, and with 2005's The Black Halo, the band shows no sign of slowing down.

Kamelot - Eternity (1995)

Kamelot - Dominion (1997)

Kamelot - Siege Prilous (1998)

Kamelot - The Fourth Legacy (1999)

Kamelot - The Expedition (2000)

Kamelot - Karma (2001)

Kamelot - Epica (2003)

Kamelot - The Black Halo (2005)

Mithotyn

2006-08-13T08:11:00.000-07:00

Mithotyn was a Swedish black metal band with pronounced Viking/folklore influences. Most of the vocals are of the typical black metal shrieking variety, which tends to get kind of samey, though there are some almost Manowar-ish backing choirs here and there that are nice. The pace of the songs varies from mid-paced to speedy, with enough variance to not be too monotonous. Mithotyn were neither totally generic nor really all that original, resulting in a mid-level career that was officially terminated sometime in 1999. Guitarist Stefan Weinerhall has since formed Falconer.

Mithotyn - In The Sign Of The Ravens (1997)

Mithotyn - King Of The Distant Forest (1997)

Mithotyn - Gathered Around The Oaken Table (1999)

Gamma Ray

2006-08-13T07:36:00.000-07:00

Gamma Ray ranks alongside Helloween and Blind Guardian as the most popular, and most influential, of the German speed/power metal bands playing today. The similarities between Gamma Ray and Helloween are, of course, not coincidental, as GR founder Kai Hansen played in Helloween in their formative years, leaving after that band's Keeper Of The Seven Keys pair of albums to pursue his own path. Originally he recruited Rob Halford soundalike Ralf Scheepers to sing, but Kai later decided he wanted to sing himself, as he did on the earlier Helloween albums.

Gamma Ray - Heading For Tomorrow (1990)

Gamma Ray - Sigh No More (1991)

Gamma Ray - Insanity And Genius (1993)

Gamma Ray - Land Of The Free (1995)

Gamma Ray - Somewhere Out In Space (1997)

Gamma Ray - The Karaoke Album (1997)

Gamma Ray - Power Plant (1999)

Gamma Ray - Blast From The Past (2000) ---> CD1 CD2

Gamma Ray - No World Order (2001)

Gamma Ray - Skeletons In The Closet (2003) ---> CD1 CD2

Gamma Ray - Majestic (2005)

Blitzkrieg

2006-08-13T02:22:00.000-07:00

Though Blitzkrieg has survived over two decades in the music business (albeit sporadically), they are still best remembered for their very first recording, a 1981 single featuring "Blitzkrieg" and "Buried Alive", two of the best songs of the era. Metallica reverently covered "Blitzkrieg" early in their career, and the track was also featured on the NWOBHM compilation put together by Lars Ulrich several years later. By the time the band was able to put out their first album, the lineup was quite different from that of the single, and vocalist Brian Ross had already served a stint with fellow NWOBHMers Satan Over the years Ross has disbanded and reformed the band countless times with many different lineups, but the basic style has remained intact ever since the beginning -- Blitzkrieg will always be a NWOBHM band at heart. Most recently is the release of Sins & Greed in 2005.

Blitzkrieg - Blitzed Alive (Demo) (1981)

Blitzkrieg - A Time Of Changes (1985)

Blitzkrieg - 10 Years Of Blitzkreig EP (1991)

Blitzkrieg - Unholy Trinity (1995) ---> Pt1 Pt2

Blitzkrieg - Ten (1996)

Blitzkrieg - The Mists Of Avalon (1998)

Blitzkrieg - Absolute Power (2002)

Blitzkrieg - A Time Of Changes - Phase 1 (2003) ---> Pt1 Pt2 Pt3

Blitzkrieg - Sins & Greed (2005)

Fates Warning

2006-08-13T02:17:00.000-07:00

Along with Dream Theater and Queensryche, Fates Warning is acknowledged as one of the more influential progressive metal bands in existence. Aside from the Maiden-ish Night On Brocken, the early albums are where the band was (arguably) their most original, with John Arch's unique vocals blending perfectly with the various melodies and time changes. The mid-period work (Perfect Symmetry and after) shows the band adopting a slightly less progressive, more mainstream (but also more mature) style, while the later albums such as A Pleasant Shade Of Gray and Disconnected mix a bit of the earlier and mid-period styles, with the addition of guest keyboardist Kevin Moore (ex-Dream Theater) giving the band a bit more depth.

The band has released its tenth studio album, appropriately titled FWX. Drummer Mark Zonder has stated it will be his last album with the band, as he wishes to pursue other interests.

Fates Warning - Night On Brocken (1984)

Fates Warning - The Spectre Within (1985)

Fates Warning - Awaken The Guardian (1986)

Fates Warning - No Exit (1988)

Fates Warning - Perfect Symmetry (1989)

Fates Warning - Through Different Eyes (1989)

Fates Warning - Parallels (1991)

Fates Warning - Inside Out (1994)

Fates Warning - Chasing Time (1995)

Fates Warning - A Pleasant Shade Of Gray (1997)

Fates Warning - Still Life (1998) ---> CD1 CD2

Fates Warning - Disconnected (2000)

Fates Warning - FWX (2004)

HammerFall

2006-08-12T12:39:00.000-07:00

HammerFall is a Swedish heavy/power metal band assembled in 1993 by Oscar Dronjak (guitar, ex-Ceremonial Oath) and Jesper Stromblad (drums,In Flames). In 1996 they were joined by new vocalist Joacim Cans. Hammerfall reached semi-finals in Rockslaget music contest, and their debut album "Glory to the Brave" (1997) was awarded as album of the month by Rock Hard magazine. In 2000 "Renegade" was their first album that reached top position in Sweden album charts. The band also took part in many tribute albums.

HammerFall - Glory To The Brave (1997)

HammerFall - Legacy Of Kings (1998)

HammerFall - I Want Out EP (1999)

HammerFall - Renegade (2000)

HammerFall - Always Will Be EP (2001)

HammerFall - Hearts On Fire EP (2002)

HammerFall - Crimson Thunder (2002)

HammerFall - One Crimson Night (2003) ---> CD1 CD2

HammerFall - Blood Bound EP (2005)

HammerFall - Chapter V: Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken (2005)

HammerFall - Greatest Hits

Razor

2006-08-12T11:59:00.000-07:00

Razor made some noise in the mid-eighties with a string of albums displaying a strong Slayer-esque vibe, and were for a time one of Canada's best known thrash bands. They managed a reasonable following but never quite made the major leagues, finally disbanding in 1992 and then reforming several years later. Since then, one album has been released (1997's Decibels) and the band has otherwise been rather quiet, though they have not officially broken up.

Razor - Armed And Dangerous EP (1984)

Razor - Armed And Dangerous EP (1984) / Executioner's Song (1985)

Razor - Evil Invaders (1985)

Razor - Malicious Intent (1986)

Razor - Custom Killing (1987)

Razor - Violent Restitution (1988)

Razor - Shotgun Justice (1990)

Razor - Open Hostility (1991)

Razor - Decibels (1997)

Blood Feast

2006-08-12T11:17:00.000-07:00

Blood Feast was a heavy thrash band from New Jersey. Their self-financed first album was called "Kill for Pleasure." Soon after it's debut Blood Feast went into the recording studio once again for their second album, an EP entitled "Face Fate," on New Renaissance records. 1990's "Chopping Block Blues" was the bands last recording, however in 1999 Blood Feast reunited to play various shows including the Milwaukee Metalfest.

Blood Feast - Kill For Pleasure (1987)

Blood Feast - Face Fate EP (1987)

Blood Feast - Chopping Block Blues (1989)

At Vance

2006-08-11T13:30:00.000-07:00

More traditionally minded metal from Germany, At Vance's style is not terribly unique for European metal these days (a mixture of neo-classical, hard rock, and Germanic speed metal, somewhat in the Rainbow mold, or for a more recent soundalike, akin to the stuff Axel Rudi Pell is doing), but they execute it as well as any. The band formed in 1988 by vocalist Oliver Hardmann (who has since departed) and guitarist Olaf Lenk, once a member of Zed Yago. Despite numerous lineup changes over the years, the band has released six albums, the most recent being Chained in early 2005.

At Vance - No Escape (1999)

At Vance - Heart Of Steel (2000)

At Vance - Dragonchaser (2001)

At Vance - Early Works (Centers) (2001)

At Vance - Only Human (2002)

At Vance - The Evil In You (2003)

At Vance - Chained (2005) ---> Pt1 Pt2

Exodus

2006-08-11T07:54:00.000-07:00

Several 80's San Francisco thrash bands had successful careers and are fondly remembered, with Exodus being one of the best of the bunch. The band emerged in the early 80's, with early lineups featuring none other than Kirk Hammett, who was directly recruited by Metallica following that band's firing of Dave Mustaine. Their debut album, Bonded By Blood, is an undisputed thrash classic, and one of a handful of albums that would define American thrash for the next several years. Switching vocalists from the volatile Paul Baloff to Steve Sousa (who sang for Testament in their early days, when they went by the name Legacy), two more fine albums were released before the end of the decade, including 1989's Fabulous Disaster, which narrowly gets the BNR nod as their best album. Riding high on their success, they were awarded a major label contract with Capitol Records, but by then the scene had caught up to them. With a flood of like-minded thrash bands competing for space, Exodus was relegated to just another band, and their two Capitol releases, Impact Is Imminent and Force Of Habit, failed to generate the same fervor as their early works, and by the mid-nineties the band was done. A brief reunion with original vocalist Baloff happened in 1997, long enough to record and release the Another Lesson In Violence live album, followed by another break in activity. Finally, the band became active once again in late 2001, but just as they started gathering steam, they were struck by a tragic blow in Paul Baloff's death in January 2002. Former vocalist Steve Sousa returned to the fold to continue playing live in tribute to Baloff, and after a delay or two, the long-awaited comeback studio album, Tempo Of The Damned, was released in 2004. Very much a classic Exodus album, the album stays true to their roots with just enough progression to avoid the dated tag. Exodus has rightfully re-ascended to the ranks of prime thrash bands.

Wholesale member changes have taken place since the release of Tempo, with guitarist Gary Holt now the sole original member. But the band motors on, with a new, well-received album, Shovel Headed Kill Machine, now released.

Exodus - Bonded By Blood (1985)

Exodus - Pleasure Of The Flesh (1987)

Exodus - Fabulous Disaster (1989)

Exodus - Impact Is Imminent (1990)

Exodus - Good Friendly Violent Fun (1991)

Exodus - Force Of Habit (1992)

Exodus - Another Lesson In Violence (1997) ---> Pt1 Pt2 Pt3

Exodus - Live In San Fransisco (2001)

Exodus - Tempo Of The Damned (2004)

Exodus - Shovel Headed Kill Machine (2005)

Exodus - Tempo Of The Damned (2CD Deluxe Edition) (2006) ---> Pt1 Pt2

Meshuggah

2006-08-10T10:42:00.000-07:00

Harsh vocals, dense riffing, and a somewhat mechanical style are the specialties of Meshuggah, one of the leading post- thrash bands of the late nineties. The band has evolved from a more general thrash style (as heard on Contradictions Collapse) to the stark anti-melody sound on Chaosphere and None. Though this style is getting pretty common nowadays, Meshuggah's complex riffing and song structure has helped them remain an influential leader in the extreme metal field.

Meshuggah - Meshuggah (Psykisk Testbild) EP (1989)

Meshuggah - Contradictions Collapse (1991)

Meshuggah - None EP (1994)

Meshuggah - Selfcaged EP (1995)

Meshuggah - Destroy Erase Improve (1995)

Meshuggah - The True Human Design EP (1997)

Meshuggah - Contradictions Collapse + None (Reissue) (1998) ---> Pt1 Pt2

Meshuggah - Chaosphere (1998)

Meshuggah - Rare Trax (2001) ---> Pt1 Pt2

Meshuggah - Nothing (2002)

Meshuggah - I EP (2004)

Meshuggah - Catch 33 (2005)

Mortician

2006-08-10T10:07:00.000-07:00

One of New York's cult death metal bands, Mortician has been around since 1989 in one form or another, with the duo of founder Will Rahmer and Roger Beaujard being the core of the band almost from the very beginning. Their music is classic death/grindcore, with a fascination of all things horror that is displayed not only in the album/song titles but also with frequent horror movie samples sprinkled throughout. They are one of the few death metal bands who employ a drum machine (in the studio -- Beaujard often plays drums live with touring guitarists filling in), having dismissed founding member and drummer Matt Sicher early on and never really finding a suitable replacement. Certainly not the most multi-dimensional band out there, but for horror-laced grindcore, one could do far worse.

Mortician - Brutally Mutilated (Demo) (1990)

Mortician - Mortal Massacre EP (1993)

Mortician - House By The Cemetary EP (1995)

Mortician - Hacked Up for Barbecue (1996)

Mortician - Zombie Apocalypse (1998)

Mortician - Chainsaw Dismemberment (1999)

Mortician - Domain Of Death (2001)

Mortician - Final Bloodbath Session (2002)

Mortician - Darkest Day Of Horror (2003)

Mortician - Re-Animated Dead Flesh (2004)

Dope

2006-08-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

Edsel Dope, the lead singer/song-writer started the band. As a child, he and his brother, Simon Dope, were separated when their parents divorced. When the two were adults, they reunited and Simon joined Edsel's band, playing keyboards. The pair then recruited Acey Slade as bassist, Preston Nash as drummer, and Sloane Jentry as guitarist. The band has never sold drugs, despite rumors among fans. The bands name came from a greek mythology tale that edsel enjoyed as a child.

Their first album was felons and revolutionaries, which was self-released in early 1999. The album was later picked up and re-released by Sony, through its Epic Records imprint. After the ensuing tour, Edsel and his brother changed the lineup of the band and recorded Life. After its release, Simon Dope left the group to pursue a career as a video game producer. Disappointed with the label's lack of promotion for the album, the band left Epic and recorded Group Therapy with a different line-up. It was released by Artemis Records. One song from that album, "Today is the Day" served as the official theme song for WWE's No Mercy pay-per-view event in October 2003. Since then, the lineup has again changed. American Apathy is (as of July 2005) the band's latest release.

Dope has toured nationally with such bands as Pigface, Mushroomhead, Motograter, Twisted Method, Socialburn, Static-X, and Saliva.

Dope - Felons And Revolutionaries (1999)

Dope - Life (2001)

Dope - Group Therapy (2003)

Dope - American Apathy (2005)

Monster Magnet

2006-08-10T06:24:00.000-07:00

One of two bands cited as major innovators and founders in the field of stoner rock/metal (the other being Kyuss), Monster Magnet continue to produce their unique brand of psychedelic metal, often drawing influences from the 70's and even the 60's. They've maintained a loyal following throughout their years, gradually growing more popular as their later albums have taken a slightly more mainstream sound, while still retaining a sound that is uniquely their own. It was '98's Powertrip that broke the band nationally (thanks to massive airplay of "Space Lord"), though many point to the early Superjudge as perhaps their best album. In 2004 they released their first album with their newly revamped rhythm section, that album being Monolithic Baby.

Monster Magnet - Tab (1991)

Monster Magnet - Spine Of God (1991)

Monster Magnet - Superjudge (1993)

Monster Magnet - Dopes Of Infinity (1995) ---> Pt1 Pt2

Monster Magnet - Powertrip (1998)

Monster Magnet - God Says No (2001)

Monster Magnet - Monolithic Baby (2004)

Monster Magnet - Las Vegas Live

Nostradameus

2006-08-10T02:44:00.000-07:00

Next to Germany, Sweden is one of the leading exporters of melodic speed/power metal bands, and Nostradameus is one such band, formed in 1998 (according to their bio, two of the members were inspired to start a band after witnessing a Gamma Ray/ Iron Savior concert). This is a very crowded field these days, and the focus for many of the bands that play this style is to stick to the tried and true, and that's just what Nostradameus does. As a result, the songwriting isn't quite as varied as it could be, but there's no shortage of barrelling double-bass drumming, speedy riffing, and singalong choruses that any fan of this style will enjoy. Vocalist Freddy Persson is quite accomplished, with a voice that is clear and can reach the high notes when/if needed, but thankfully he isn't a wailing, too-high-pitched vocalist. Overall, Nostradameus is another solid Euro power metal band for melodic power metal purists to add to their collection.

Nostradameus - Words Of Nostradameus (2000)

Nostradameus - The Prophet Of Evil (2001)

Nostradameus - The Third Prophecy (2003)

Nostradameus - Hellbound (2004)

Slayer

2006-08-09T11:49:00.000-07:00

No introduction necessary here, as most acknowledge Slayer as one of the premier thrash bands of all time, with Reign In Blood, their most popular album, universally regarded as a thrash classic. Cut from the same cloth as Metallica (the two debut albums do have similarities), and probably just as influential as Metallica, though clearly the musical directions of the two bands grew apart. The band's style has largely remained unchanged over the years, almost to the point of stagnation (noticeable on the relatively bland Divine Intervention -- while not bad at all, a sense of been-there-done-that can be felt), though the two albums since then are a bit more contemporary, while still retaining that classic Slayer style.

Slayer - Show No Mercy (1983)

Slayer - Haunting The Chapel EP (1984)

Slayer - Live Undead EP (1985)

Slayer - Hell Awaits (1985)

Slayer - Reign In Blood (1986)

Slayer - South Of Heaven (1988)

Slayer - Seasons In The Abyss (1990)

Slayer - Decade Of Aggression (1993)

Slayer - Divine Intervention (1994)

Slayer - Live Intrusion (1995)

Slayer - Undisputed Attitude (1996)

Slayer - Diabolus In Musica (1998)

Slayer - God Hates Us All (2001)

Slayer - Live At Ozzfest (2002)

Slayer - Soundtrack To The Apocalypse (2003) ---> Pt1 Pt2 Pt3 Pt4 Pt5

Slayer - Still Reigning (2004) ---> Pt1 Pt2

Slayer - Eternal Pyre EP (2006)

Slayer - Christ Illusion (2006)

Dark Tranquility

2006-08-09T07:58:00.000-07:00

The style of Swedish melodic death metal, sometimes referred to as Gothenburg, has been around for some time and played by an increasing number of bands (Swedish and other) of late, but when the subject of the founders of said style comes up, only two names come to mind, that being In Flames and Dark Tranquillity (the two bands share more than an early similar sound -- they indirectly traded vocalists early in their careers). They remain a powerful force in Swedish extreme metal, even though their style is less the classic Maiden-with-death-vocals approach than in their past.

Dark Tranquility - Skydancer (1993)

Dark Tranquility - The Gallery (1995)

Dark Tranquility - The Mind's I (1997)

Dark Tranquility - Projector (1999)

Dark Tranquility - Haven (2000)

Dark Tranquility - Damage Done (2002)

Dark Tranquility - Exposures: In Retrospect & Denial (2004) ---> Pt1 Pt2 Pt3

Dark Tranquility - Character (2005)

Edguy

2006-08-09T03:13:00.000-07:00

Edguy have established themselves as a major player in the ever-popular Euro traditional power metal field, mixing symphonic and speed metal elements to forge a sound similar to bands such as Stratovarius, Angra, or Rhapsody, or better yet a mixture of these and other similar bands. While their debut did have a few rough edges (to be fair, the band was mostly teenagers for that recording), by the time of 1999's Theater Of Salvation the band really had put it all together -- flawless production, perfect musicianship, all the elements one would want in such a band.

Edguy aren't about changing the world, or introducing anything really different to heavy metal. But fans of the aforementioned bands could do much worse than this band -- anyone into classy, melodic, symphonic Euro metal should check out this band. In addition to this band, vocalist Tobias Sammet is in charge of the highly regarded Avantasia project.

Edguy - Savage Poetry (1995) ---> Pt1 Pt2

Edguy - Kingdom Of Madness (1997) ---> Pt1 Pt2

Edguy - Vain Glory Opera (1998)

Edguy - Theater Of Salvation (1999) ---> Pt1 Pt2

Edguy - Mandrake (2001)

Edguy - Burning Down The Opera (2003) ---> Pt1 Pt2 Pt3

Edguy - King Of Fools EP (2004)

Edguy - Hellfire Club (2004) ---> Pt1 Pt2

Edguy - Hall Of Flames (2004)

Edguy - Superheroes EP (2005)

Edguy - Rocket Ride (2006) ---> Pt1 Pt2

Machine Head

2006-08-09T02:21:00.000-07:00

Machine Head's Burn My Eyes created quite a stir upon its release -- rooted in 80's thrash (a natural, given founder Robb Flynn's previous stints in Vio-lence and Forbidden) but with heavier guitars, harsher vocals, and a more aggressive style. One of the prime factors in the revitalization of thrash in the mid-nineties, that album alone must be considered an influential work on several bands to emerge since its release. Though The More Things Change was a capable, if less innovative, followup, the third album, The Burning Red, now has to be viewed as somewhat of a disappointment, as the band's attempts to expand their sound met with mixed critical and fan reaction. Reaction to 2001's Supercharger have also been mixed, and sales have been disappointing (the unfortunate timing of the release, amidst the events of 9/11, may have contributed to the decline in sales). The band is edging slightly towards a more contemporary nu-metal style as opposed to the thrash of Burn My Eyes, a move that is both gaining and losing fans in the process. By contrast, Through The Ashes Of Empires, while not a complete reversal of direction, clearly harkens back to the heavier early style, and has been lauded by fans and critics as their best album in several years.

Machine Head - Burn My Eyes (1994)

Machine Head - The More Things Change... (1997)

Machine Head - Year Of The Dragon (1999)

Machine Head - The Burning Red (1999) ---> Pt1 Pt2

Machine Head - Supercharger (2001)

Machine Head - Hellalive (2003)

Machine Head - Through The Ashes Of The Empire (2003)

Machine Head - B-Sides And Bonus

Katatonia

2006-08-08T11:48:00.000-07:00

Katatonia have come a long way since the slow, sorrowful doomdeath sounds of Dance Of December Souls. Like others in the doomdeath field, the progression has been toward clean vocals and a less heavyhanded (though still metallic) songwriting style, with the new material such as Tonight's Decision and Last Fair Deal Gone Down bordering on alternative metal (albeit a darker, heavier version) at times. What increasingly sets this band apart from others is the guitar work, a melancholy yet quite tuneful style that is distinctive, interesting, and unique.

Katatonia - Dance Of December Souls (1993)

Katatonia - For Funerals To Come EP (1995)

Katatonia - Brave Murder Day (1996)

Katatonia - Sound Of Decay EP (1997)

Katatonia - Saw You Drown EP (1998)

Katatonia - Discouraged Ones (1998)

Katatonia - Tonight's Decision (1998)

Katatonia - Last Fair Deal Gone Down (2001)

Katatonia - Viva Emptiness (2003)

Katatonia - My Twin EP (2006)

Katatonia - The Great Cold Distance (2006)

Katatonia - Deliberation EP (2006)

or

Pt1 Pt2 Pt3 Pt4 Pt5 Pt6 Pt7 Pt8 Pt9 Pt10 Pt11 Pt12 Pt13 Pt14 Pt15 Pt16

Nasty Savage - Psycho Psycho (2004)

2006-08-07T13:54:00.000-07:00

Nasty Ronnie and company return with yet another semi-weird piece of metal. Those of you who can recall releases such as “Indulgence” or the “Abstract Reality” EP of the late 1980’s and specifically those of you who did enjoyed them, you have many reasons to be happy. NASTY SAVAGE continue exactly where their last album (“Penetration Point”, 1990) got them. As if the last 14 years never happened, the material of “Psycho Psycho” is the most natural progression to its predecessor (even the line-up remained the same). An obscure, but nevertheless enjoyable to explore, blend of thrash and power metal that – it has to be said – leaves a musical taste of its own. Quite a lot of mid-tempo SLAYERisms, some high-pitched vocal lines, a slice of gothic taste to the overall ambience, the odd early METALLICA tone, a kind of old school production, a chaotic sequence of guitar riffing and Ronnie’s stagy way of singing, picture the character of “Psycho Psycho”. Add some b-movie horror artwork, few smashed TV sets on stage plus infamous wrestler Chris Jericho singing on three of the songs and here is the ‘Triumphal re-entry’ of NASTY SAVAGE onto the metal scene of the new millennium.

Tracklist:
01. Psycho Psycho (4:11)
02. Hell Unleashed (4:56)
03. Anguish (3:28)
04. Human Factor (4:14)
05. Terminus Maximus (4:25)
06. Dementia 13 (4:21)
07. Step Up to the Plate (4:13)
08. Return of the Savage (4:09)
09. Triumphal Entry (3:41)
10. Betrayal System (4:23)
11. Savage Desire (3:56)
12. Merciless Truths (6:10)

Click Here

Sphere Of Souls - From The Ashes (2006)

2006-08-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

"From the Ashes" is the stunning debut album from Sphere of Souls, a new band that is already being described as the ultimate amalgamation of Dutch progressive metal talent. Fans of Dream Theatre will love the album.

Tracklist:
01. From The Ashes...
02. Sweet Sorrow
03. Loss
04. Beneath The Surface
05. Empty
06. Until Death Do Us Part
07. Extinct
08. Room 9
09. No Salvation
10. Untruth
11. Lies Inc.
12. Room 6
13. Epilogue

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Deicide

2006-08-07T08:40:00.000-07:00

Deicide was one of the mainstays of the early Floridian death metal scene (alongside Death and Morbid Angel, among others), and still reigns supreme as a potent death metal force, led by the ever controversial Glen Benton (he with the inverted cross on his forehead). Neither their old-school style nor their heavily anti-Christian lyrics have wavered much over the years, the band sticking to a tried and true formula that has largely served them well, though their last couple of albums (Insineratehym and In Torment In Hell) haven't had the same fan impact as their earlier releases such as Legion, often regarded as their best. Having signed to a new record label, a rejuvenated Deicide released Scars Of The Crucifix early in 2004.

As of late 2004, the Hoffman brothers were apparently out of the band, due to various personal differences. Benton and drummer Steve Asheim eventually settled on guitarists Jack Owen and Ralph Santolla, both metal veterans, to take their place. At one time the Hoffman brothers indicated interest in starting their own band and retaining the Deicide name, though little has been heard of on that front.

Deicide - Deicide (1990)

Deicide - Legion (1992)

Deicide - Amon: Feasting The Beast (1993)

Deicide - Once Upon The Cross (1995)

Deicide - Serpents Of The Light (1997)

Deicide - When Satan Lives (1998)

Deicide - Insineratehymn (2000)

Deicide - In Torment In Hell (2001)

Deicide - Best Of (2003)

Deicide - Scars Of The Crucifix (2004)

Deicide - The Stench Of Redemption 666 (EP) (2006)

Deicide - The Stench Of Redemption (2006)

Deicide - London Burns (2006)

Mastodon - Blood Mountain (2006)

2006-08-07T07:57:00.000-07:00

Tracklist:
1. The Wolf Is Loose
2. Crystal Skull (feat Scott Kelly)
3. The Sleeping Giant
4. Capillarian Crest
5. Circle Of The Cysquatch
6. Bladecatcher
7. The Colony Of Birchmen (feat Joshua Homme)
8. Hunters Of The Sky
9. Hand Of Stone
10. This Mortal Soil
11. The Siberian Divide (feat Cedric Bixler-Zavala)
12. Pendulous Skin
13. Hidden Track

Click Here

MetalHead Forum

2006-08-07T07:34:00.000-07:00

I just opened a forum. It is completely empty yet but I am willing to make it one of the most visited metal forums with your help. You can post all kinds of Rock/Metal albums there. You can get to the forum by clicking the picture here or by clicking the link in the sidebar. You must register in order to read or post something.

Eternal Tears Of Sorrow

2006-08-07T03:04:00.000-07:00

Eternal Tears Of Sorrow formed in the early nineties, with their early material being more in the death metal camp but their final two releases, Chaotic Beauty and A Virgin And A Whore, expanding their style to move closer to gothic metal, or perhaps melodic death metal (but not the typical Swedish version of melodic death). Both of the latter albums showed a great deal of maturity and diversity and also won their fair share of critical acclaim. The band broke up in January 2003, but two years later they announced their return, and a new album has since been released.

Eternal Tears Of Sorrow - Sinner's Serenade (1997)

Eternal Tears Of Sorrow - Vilda Mannu (1998)

Eternal Tears Of Sorrow - Chaotic Beauty (2000)

Eternal Tears Of Sorrow - A Virgin And A Whore (2001)

Eternal Tears Of Sorrow - Before The Bleeding Sun (2006)

Death

2006-08-07T01:15:00.000-07:00

One of the more storied bands in metal, the band known simply as Death is recognized as one of the most influential bands in the field of death metal. Their origins date back to 1983, with the first incarnation of of the band (first known as Mantus) featuring guitarists Chuck Schuldiner (really the driving force behind the band) and Rick Rozz along with drummer Kam Lee. Lee and Rozz would leave to form Massacre in 1985, though Rozz would return, along with other ex-Massacre members, in 1987. Schuldiner eventually moved to San Francisco and teamed up with drummer Chris Reifert (later to form Autopsy) and it was this duo who recorded the legendary debut, Scream Bloody Gore. A raw, primitive affair (bearing quite a similarity to Possessed, another death metal pioneer), Gore created quite a buzz at the time, and the seeds of the infamous Floridian death metal seeded had thus been planted. Schuldiner then moved back to Florida, hooked up with the aforementioned Massacre members, and two more landmark albums, Leprosy and Spiritual Healing, were released, with the band's popularity steadily increasing.

In 1991, Schuldiner decided to take the band to another level. With an all-new lineup, 1991's Human presented a different view of death metal, mixing advanced technical musicianship with brutal riffing. As influential as the early material was on early death metal bands, Human and the later Death albums have proven equally influential on a host of 90's technical death metal bands. Now with regularly shifting lineups, Death continued progressing in the technical death metal field until around 1996, when Schuldiner decided on another change. Dissatisfied with his own vocals (i.e. he wanted a less death metal approach) he disbanded the group and started the project later to be known as Control Denied. After some dabblings with that project, Schuldiner decided to record one more album as Death, that being The Sound Of Perseverance, after which he formally revived Control Denied.

In 1999 Chuck was diagnosed with a brainstem tumor, and he spent much of the next two years battling cancer. Though it was reported in 2001 that he might be improving, eventually the disease took over, and sadly he passed away on December 13, 2001. Almostly universally reported as a truly nice guy, he will be missed by all metal fans, but his legacy will live on.

Death - Death By Metal (Demo) (1983)

Death - Reign In Terror (Demo) (1984)

Death - Back From The Dead (Demo) (1985)

Death - Scream Bloody Gore (1987)

Death - Leprosy (1988)

Death - Spiritual Healing (1990)

Death - Human (1991)

Death - Fate (1992)

Death - Indıvidual Thought Patterns (1993)

Death Symbolic (1995)

Death - Sound Of Perseverance (1998)

Death - Live At Cottubus DVD (1998) ---> Pt1 Pt2 Pt3 Pt4 Pt5

Death - Live In Eindhoven (2001) ---> Pt1 Pt2 Pt3

Death - Death And Raw (Live In L.A.) (2001)

Death - The Sound of Perseverance (Deluxe Edition) (2005)
CD1 ---> Pt1 Pt2 Pt3 CD2 ---> Pt1 Pt2

Xentrix

2006-08-04T12:55:00.000-07:00

Xentrix was one of a handful of British thrash bands that existed in the heyday of thrash (late eighties/early nineties), with with a style that fit perfectly alongside the leading Bay Area bands of the time, such as Forbidden and Testament. After four albums, the band broke up for awhile and then reformed in 1996, eventually releasing Scourge before disbanding again. They scored some minor publicity/controversy due to their cover of the Ghostbusters theme (the controversy surrounded their unauthorized use of the Ghostbusters logo on their EP, which was subsequently re-released with a different cover).

Xentrix - Shattered Existance (1989)

Xenrtix - Ghostbusters (EP) (1989)

Xentrix - For Whose Advantage (1990)

Xentrix - Dilute To Taste (1991)

Xentrix - Kin (1992)

Xentrix - The Order Of Chaos (EP) (1992)

Xentrix - Scourge (1996)

Primal Fear

2006-07-31T12:55:00.000-07:00

Vocalist Ralf Scheepers was once strongly considered as Rob Halford's replacement in Judas Priest. Based on his performance here, it's easy to see why -- his vocals are not merely similar to Halford's, but practically a clone. Indeed, some tabbed Primal Fear, this band's 1998 debut, as "the album Judas Priest should have recorded instead of Jugulator". And in fact there are similarities to mid-late period Priest here (in addition to the vocals), with perhaps a nod toward Scheeper's old band and, in places, a more American mainstream sound. They have done little to change or expand their sound over the years, but they continue to churn out popular albums.

Primal Fear - Primal Fear (1998)

Primal Fear - Jaws Of Death (1999)

Primal Fear - Nuclear Fire (2001)

Primal Fear - Black Sun (2002)

Primal Fear - Devil's Ground (2004)

Primal Fear - Seven Seals (2005)

Running Wild

2006-07-31T05:56:00.000-07:00

Everyone's favorite pirate metal band, Running Wild continues to march on after almost twenty years in the recording business. They are basically the brothers of Grave Digger, as the two bands have much in common -- both were early signees to the fledgling Noise Records label at about the same time, both have carved similarly successful careers in the German power metal field, and the one common factor in both bands have been their respective frontmen. Though they flirted with satanic imagery briefly in their early career (as seen on the debut), the aforementioned pirate theme was hatched for their third album (Under Jolly Roger) and they haven't looked back since.

Running Wild - Rock From Hell (Demo) (1981)

Running Wild - Gates To Purgatory (1984)

Running Wild - Branded And Exiled (1985)

Running Wild - Under Jolly Roger (1987)

Running Wild - Ready For Boarding (1988)

Running Wild - Port Royal (1988)

Running Wild - Death Or Glory (1989)

Running Wild - Blazon Stone (1991)

Running Wild - The First Years Of Piracy (1991)

Running Wild - Pile Of Skulls (1992) ----> Pt1 Pt2

Running Wild - Black Hand Inn (1994)

Running Wild - Masquerade (1995)

Running Wild - The Rivalry (1998)

Running Wild - Victory (2000)

Running Wild - The Brotherhood (2002)

Running Wild - Rogues En Vogue (2005)

Agent Steel

2006-07-31T05:51:00.000-07:00

In the eighties, Agent Steel was a standout semi-thrash band, releasing two fine albums and an EP before internal strife caused the band to break up. Vocalist-founder John Cyriis was often described as hard to work with (or for, depending on one's point of view), which may well have the catalyst in the band's decision to disband following the Unstoppable Force album. Though his vocals drew mixed reviews (some feeling that he wailed a bit too much, others finding his non-thrash style quite suitable and distinctive), the band deservedly drew critical and fan support for their work.

Twelve years later, most of the former lineup (minus Cyriis) came back together. A slight name change (to Agents Of Steel) was briefly considered, but apparently later rejected. The comeback album, Omega Conspiracy, has also won its fair share of acclaim, as it retains the style of the old days, updated with a more aggressive vocal approach due to new vocalist Bruce Hall. Their most recent album is 2003's Order Of The Illuminati. For a time in 2001 this was the working name for the band itself, following a dispute over the name Agent Steel with former vocalist John Cyriis. This dispute was amicably settled some time later. By the way, Cyriis himself briefly reappeared in 2003 with his new band Stellar Seed, announcing intents to record an album. At one time there was a (extremely cryptic) website, but it doesn't appear to exist anymore.

Agent Steel - Skeptics Apocalyose (1985)

Agent Steel - Mad Locust Rising (1985)

Agent Steel - Unstoppable Force (1987)

Agent Steel - The Omega Conspiracy (1999)

Agent Steel - Earth Under Lucifer (2003)

Agent Steel - Order Of The Illuminati (2003)

The Haunted

2006-07-31T05:31:00.000-07:00

The Haunted was formed in 1996 when three members of the Swedish death metal band At The Gates decided a change was necessary, prompting the folding of that band. Rather than sticking to death metal, The Haunted borrows heavily from prime 80's thrash metal, with with a 90's attitude and an updated style that prevents them from sounding stale or dated. Heavy and vicious, this band is one of the best thrash bands working today.

The Haunted - The Haunted (1998)

The Haunted - The Haunted Made Me Do It (2000)

The Haunted - Live Rounds In Tokyo (2001)

The Haunted - One Kill Wonder (2003)

The Haunted - rEVOLVEr (2004)

At The Gates

2006-07-31T04:54:00.000-07:00

One of the prototypical bands of the so-called NWOSDM (New Wave Of Swedish Death Metal), At The Gates progressed from a more faster, old-style death metal on the earlier albums, to a more polished (but still quite heavy) death style on Slaughter Of The Soul that might be likened to, say, Clandestine-era Entombed. The band broke up late in 1996, with three members forming The Haunted.

At The Gates - Demos & Covers & Unreleased Tracks

At The Gates - Gardens Of Grief (1990)

At The Gates - The Red In The Sky Is Ours (1991)

At The Gates - With Fear I Kiss The Burning Darkness (1992)

At The Gates - Terminal Spirit Disease (1994)

At The Gates - Slaughter Of The Soul (1995)

At The Gates - Suicidal Final Art (2001)

At The Gates - Slaughter Of The Soul (Special Edition) (2002)

American Head Charge

2006-07-31T04:48:00.000-07:00

The nu-metal phenomenon came and went in the space of several years starting in the late nineties, with a lot of bands seemingly jumping on board without a lot to say. The bands that have survived are groups like System Of A Down, who get by on sheer originality, a rarity for the field. American Head Charge aren't as quirky as SOAD, but throughout the sixteen tracks that make up 2001's The War Of Art the band displays an impressive songwriting ability, cleverly avoiding the every-song-sounds-the-same trap while remaining intrenched in the nu-metal genre -- this is really an excellent album. Bolstered by Ozzfest appearances in support of Art, the band has become a major player in modern American metal. After several lineup changes, the band returned with The Feeding in early 2005, but then suffered a major setback with the untimely passing of guitarist Bryan Ottoson. As of this writing, the band is continuing to tour in Ottoson's honor.

American Head Charge - Demos & Rare Songs

American Head Charge - Trepanation (1999)

American Head Charge - The War Of Art (2001)

American Head Charge - The Feeding (2005)

Nothingface - Skeletons (2003)

2006-07-30T14:03:00.000-07:00

Skeletons is the first standout metal record of the new century and will serve as the blueprint for the next wave of hard music. Nothingface is simply one of the best bands in metal today.

Tracklist:
01-Mechinations
02-Beneath
03-Murder Is Masterbation
04-Ether
05-I Wish I Was A Communist
06-In Avenus
07-Patricide
08-Here Come The Butchers
09-I Am Him
10-Scissions
11-Big Fun At The Gallows
12-Incarnadine
13-All Cut Up

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Finntroll

2006-07-30T13:02:00.000-07:00

You've got a bunch of guys from Finland, singing about trolls and goblins, so what else would you call the band but Finntroll? This highly entertaining sextet has brought forth a unique style, taking a black metal base and mixing in Finnish humppa influences (humppa is a variety of polka), resulting in a sound that simply must be heard. The polka influences are subtle, but they are there for the listening, and they are quite enjoyable and fascinating to hear. Another twist -- they are all Finns, but sing entirely in Swedish. While the image and lyrics don't match, they have a bit in common with Viking metal, as they are both feature predominant keyboards and a similar rousing approach to their stongs. Their albums are short, quick and to the point, and just plain fun to listen to. A great band.

Sadly, misfortune has plagued the band since the release of their second album, starting with the forced retirement of vocalist Katla due to a worsening throat condition, and ending with the tragic death of founding guitarist Somnium. Eventually the band regrouped, drafting replacments for both members, and in 2004 released their new album Nattfodd, preceded by the Trollhammaren EP. Thankfully, the core Finntroll sound remains intact, as the band is as manic as ever on Nattfodd.

Finntroll - Midnattens Widunder (1999)

Finntroll - Jaktens Tid (2001)

Finntroll - Visor Om Slutlet (2003)

Finntroll - Trollhammaren (2004)

Finntroll - Nattfödd (2004)

Blind Illusion - The Sane Asylum (1988)

2006-07-27T00:24:00.000-07:00

In the list of old cult bands, Blind Illusion appear to have been one of the most respected. Besides the band having had numerous line-up changes with many well-known musicians over time, their only release The Sane Asylum seems to be much sought after nowadays. Maybe this is more due to the special characteristics of the band than the musical values as I've never been too impressed by this album. The tracks are highly technical and progressive but the result is anything but focused. Granted, there's some respectable musicianship involved but the approach is way too academic and experimental for my taste. At their best Blind Illusion put out some decent speed metal, at their worst they sound just too disjointed and weird. As a collector's item The Sane Asylum may deserves its place.

Tracklist:
1. The Sane Asylum
2. Blood Shower
3. Vengeance Is Mine
4. Death Noise
5. Kamakazi
6. Smash The Crystal
7. Vicious Visions
8. Metamorphosis Of A Monster

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Razor - Shotgun Justice (1990)

2006-07-26T12:48:00.000-07:00

Razor's music took another step forward on this album which may well be one of the fastest and most intense thrash metal releases ever. These songs feel like abrupt sonic attacks at your face; the immense speed makes even simple riffs sound like small explosions in a row. I rarely pay any special attention to the rhythm section unless there's something wrong with it, but this disc is an exception as the awesome drum work by Rob Mills essentially breathes new life to the music. In the vocal department there are considerable differences compared to Razor's earlier works as Bob Reid was introduced as the new singer here, but his rough voice fits the new songs just perfectly. The lyrics are now filled with even more extreme violence and pure hatred against society and cheaters in the music industry and personal life. Shotgun Justice is definitely not an easy album, far from it, but it is guaranteed to give you a total listening experience.

Tracklist:
1. Miami
2. United By Hatred
3. Violence Condoned
4. Electric Torture
5. Meaning Of Pain
6. Stabbed In The Back
7. Shotgun Justice
8. Parricide
9. American Luck
10. Brass Knuckles
11. Burning The Bridges
12. Concussion
13. Cranial Stomp
14. The Pugilist

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Violent Force - Malevolent Assault Of Tomorrow (1987)

2006-07-26T12:32:00.000-07:00

Violent Force may well represent the least known German thrash metal bands of the eighties which must be partially due to the poor availability of their only official release. Malevolent Assault Of Tomorrow certainly lives up to its name as far as speed and energy are considered. The album is given a great start with the somewhat Motorhead-ish Dead City and from then on continues in the same frantic vein without the slightest drop in intensity. One could call the band's style rather simple which it may well be, but it's also very effective and doesn't waste time on unnecessary attempts at some more complex or refined output. Complete with great aggressive vocals, this album is simply quite refreshing and straight to the point. It's actually a great shame that Violent Force never got any better distribution for their music as the band were clearly very good at what they did.

Tracklist:
1. Dead City
2. Soulbursting
3. Vengeance and Venom
4. M.A.O.T.
5. What About the Time After?
6. Sign of Evil
7. Violent Force
8. The Night
9. Destructed Life
10. S.D.I.

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Vio-lance - Eternal Nightmare (1988)

2006-07-26T12:22:00.000-07:00

I remember the very first time when I was listening to this album. After the first minute or so, I couldn't help but start laughing - not because of the vocals or anything like that, it was just the sheer intensity of the music that really struck me hard. Except for maybe Slayer's Reign In Blood, I had never heard anything so hilariously violent (pun intended) in thrash metal before. In my opinion, Eternal Nightmare is one of the best thrash metal debuts ever and a nearly perfect album. It starts off with furious speed and keeps it up until the very end, no slowdowns between. The songs are such wonderful riff-fests that to find another full-length album with anything similar you really got to try. I know many people dislike Vio-lence because of Sean Killian's vocals, but at least on this album his howling voice sounds just fine to me and helps to create the distinguishable sound of Vio-lence. If you want to take a really good nostalgia trip to the heydays of thrash metal, this is definitely one album to pick up.

Tracklist:
1. Eternal Nightmare
2. Serial Killer
3. Phobophobia
4. Calling In The Coroner
5. T.D.S.(Take It As You Will)
6. Bodies On Bodies
7. Kill On Command

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Wargasm - Why Play Around? (1988)

2006-07-26T12:13:00.000-07:00

With their debut album Wargasm added some inventive touches to the standard thrash metal formula. For being the band's first release, Why Play Around? is surprisingly mature and filled with incredibly tasty and catchy riffs. The music contains some strong Motorhead influences which shows in the relaxed sound and bouncy rhythms of many songs on this album. Actually, it isn't until Undead when the band really hit the full speed, however, the quality of the riffs is quite amazing throughout this disc and the rich production only helps to highlight this fact. The vocals sound a bit thin but they still fit the band's style very well. Why Play Around? may not be the fastest thrash metal album around but there's no reason to complain about it when the music is this good.

Tracklist:
1. Wasteland
2. Revenge
3. Bullets & Blades
4. Undead
5. Merritt's Girlfriend
6. Sudden Death
7. Wargasm
8. Le Cou Cou
9. Humanoid

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Apocalypse - Apocalypse (1987)

2006-07-26T11:58:00.000-07:00

Among the few Swiss speed/thrash metal bands, Apocalypse got a definite style of their own. The self-titled debut catches one's attention with its fresh and fairly intense sound and some notably melodic touches. The latter feature in particular gives the music of Apocalypse some original feel even though the band still manage to demonstrate some respectable energy throughout. The vocals vary seamlessly between rather melodic and more rough. Although the album on the whole is not quite equally strong, songs like Digital Life, the title track, and Cemetery appear quite impressive almost immediately. The band's more ambitious approach is made even more apparent by the inclusion of two instrumental tracks which complement the general mood of this album very well. All things considered, Apocalypse made quite a fine debut with this one.

Tracklist:
1. Digital Life
2. A Tale Of A Nightmare
3. Crash!
4. F**k Off And Die
5. The Night Before
6. Apocalypse
7. Back To The Fire
8. Dark Sword
9. Cemetery

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Angel Dust - Into The Dark Past (1986)

2006-07-26T11:50:00.000-07:00

Better not let Angel Dust's later record as a major power metal act fool you with this one. Done with the original line-up before the band decided to seek less extreme directions, their debut Into The Dark Past is a classic piece of German thrash metal filled with steady high-speed riffs throughout. The consistent speed is really a major aspect of this album - although the riffs are mostly not too distinctive, smashing fast thrashers like I'll Come Back and Legions Of Destruction hardly leave anyone cold. Just listen to Fighter's Return and try to sit still while this whirling wind unavoidably blows your socks off. Granted, as a whole this album is a bit one-dimensional and after the initial impression the overall effect starts to wear out little by little, however, the best moments make you get back into it again and again. While not a perfect album by any means, Into The Dark Past got a lot of special appeal for the fans of old school thrash metal.

Tracklsit:
1. Into The Dark Past
2. I'll Come Back
3. Legions Of Destruction
4. Gambler
5. Fighter's Return
6. Atomic Roar
7. Victims Of Madness
8. Marching For Revenge

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Dark Angel - Darkness Descends (1986)

2006-07-26T11:32:00.000-07:00

Darkness Descends completely fulfilled the promise that was so apparent on We Have Arrived. Now the band had found the true formula of intense thrash metal and the result is a wonderful combination of fast riffs, some very hard-hitting drumming, and striking vocals. Many tracks are faster than ever before (Burning Of Sodom almost to the extent of being ridiculous) and this album is some real fun to listen. My only gripe with it is the production which, while still pretty decent, has lost some clarity compared to the band's debut. Other than that, Darkness Descends is a great thrash metal album and unarguably Dark Angel's best release.

Tracklist:

1. Darkness Descends
2. The Burning Of Sodom
3. Hunger Of The Undead
4. Merciless Death
5. Death Is Certain (Life Is Not)
6. Black Prophecies
7. Perish In Flames

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Deathrow - Deception Ignored (1988)

2006-07-26T07:54:00.000-07:00

Whereas Raging Steel was probably the culmination of Deathrow's early intense thrash metal attack, Deception Ignored was a definite step into a more technical direction. The somewhat progressive nature of this album is evident in the lengthy tracks that are full of highly complex, sometimes downright quirky riffs. This approach is undeniably very ambitious but not fully successful as many times the excessive complexity seems to be present just for the sake of it. In many ways the result is way too disjointed for its own good and lacks a cohesive direction - confusing tracks like Narcotic are just too perfect examples of the general style of this album in both good and bad. Deathrow deserves full respect for introducing original elements in their music to this album.

Tracklist:
1. Events In Concealment
2. The Deathwish
3. Triocton
4. N.L.Y.H.
5. Watching The World
6. Narcotic
7. Machinery
8. Bureaucrazy

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