Official DT Top 50 Thread (Riceball Up Now - starting Page 66)

[antigoon]

I think This Dying Soul is one of DT's worst, but good start otherwise.

[AwakeFromOctavarium]

Frankly, your placement of ITNOG is the only one I agree with. Others are way too low.

[CrimsonE]

This just goes to show how much tastes in DT vary, as two of my top ten are listed in BrotherH's  40's--and I don't even consider them to be that controversial.  It's great that a band can provoke such different reactions among the fans.  Looking forward to seeing what else makes your list (and what doesn't). 

[Finally Tree]

Frankly, your placement of ITNOG is the only one I agree with. Others are way too low.

I totally agree. The first seven or so minutes of ITNOG kind of drag on a little, IMO.

[Ħ]

40.  Another Hand/The Killing Hand (Live at the Marquee)
When I go back again
Will it be the same?
I've stopped the cries
But now they know my name

I first listened to this version while I was on a jog.  At that point in time, I had barely listened to WDaDU.  I figured this was some jam or mashup or something, and didn't bother to look at the title.  Then....BAM. Totally edgy guitar riff cuts through the nice little ballady instrumental and slices my soul in half.  I stop jogging, absolutely stunned.  Holy crap.  I'll admit, it is my FAVORITE riff from all of DT's material, I swear.  It is just sooo powerful.  The vocals and the novelty of being a live song are only icing on the cake.

Favorite moments: 2:13-4:45, 7:45-10:20


39.  To Live Forever (1991)
Until I show a desire for revenge
My hunger will waste me to sleep
As long as I have to die in the attempt
Then there is no reason to live forever

The best version of the song, pretty much because of James being healthy and wild.  I just love the mood of the song.  I wish they had put this on IaW instead of Another Day.  Just a very simple yet mystical song.  I really hope they bring it back with the jam...Barfbag, I think it's called?  Anyway, great song that shows the skill and creativity of all the members.

Favorite moments: too hard for such a short song


38.  Scarred
People in prayer for me
Everyone there for me
Sometimes I feel I should face this alone
My soul exposed, it calms me to know that I won't

This and Space-Dye Vest seem to be the most controversial songs in DT's catalogue.  You love it or you hate it.  Well, I guess I'm an anamoly since I'm a little bit in between.  I think the first half is sheer brilliance.  This song would easily be my #1 if the second half was just as good....but that's unfortunately not the case.  The second half is AWFUL.  Maybe DT planned it that way?  Artistic contrast?  It's so bad that it's hard to claim it wasn't intentionally made to be that way.  But anyway...the "Do you feel?" section is probably my favorite little moment in all of DT history.

Ya know...one thing I wish they would have done is end the song the way they did in OiaLT.  Not only did it truncate the second-half horribleness, but it was extremely epic.  Anyone agree?

Favorite moments: 5:15-6:25


37.  Erotomania

One of the best (not the best...hint hint) instrumentals.  It's just so energetic and creative and works so well.  Unlike some of DT's more recent instrumentals and intstrumental breaks, it isn't fillled with random wankery.  I almost never play it alone though--it compliments Voices very nicely.

By the way...one part sounds like the wild Pokemon encounter music from D/P...the keyboards from 2:23-2:37.  Anyone wanna verify this?

Favorite moments: 2:23-2:37, 5:29-5:43

[DarkLord_Lalinc]

Why the lack of lyrics in Erotomania?


Nice choices. I would put Scarred much higher.

[inoku]

  for another hand/the killing hand.
although i think it should rank a bit higher than 40

[jsem]

Good that you're continuing your list 

Killing hand is epic

[jsem]

Baoump

[hefdaddy42]

Oh wow.

[Ħ]

Oh crap I forgot about this!    I suck.  I'll resume today...I'll do about 10.

[Ħ]

I decided to do 4 instead of 10 like I promised, because these next four picks are controversial.  But I promise I'll continue to do 4 a day with no more long breaks.

I also dropped the "Favorite Moments" thing because I couldn't decide what they were now that we are getting higher up in the list....I love everything.


36. In the Presence of Enemies
Servants of the fallen fight to pave the way
For their savior's calling on this wicked day
Through a veil of madness with a vicious blade
One man rises up, standing in their way

When I first listened to SC, I was extremely excited because it was the first release since I got into the band.  And ItPoE was the first epic.  I loved it to death.  Then I went thruogh a phase where I sort of hated this song and everything else on SC.  But I've since grown to love this song as well as others on the album.  Anyway, it's easy to point out the song's flaws...Mario keyboard effects, the "ee doo nut fite 4 u dark msssster", and The Reckoning....but other than that, this epic rocks!  And to add some controversy...I like Part 2 about twice as much as Part 1.


35. Beyond This Life
"I feel there's only one thing left to do
I'd sooner take my life away than live with losing you"

Yes, I put BTL above FT for a very simple reason.  It's better.  

I used to think this song was kind of meh, but then one day while I was blasting SFAM in the car, this song came on and for some inexplicable reason, I loved it.  I love the groove, I love the 5/8 -> 6/8 transition, I love the drumming...I was especially blessed to have seen this song during PN09 when they played with Steve Vai.  The only thing I don't really dig is the chorus...but everything else is incredible.  Nothing filler.  One riff -- I think they call it the JM riff on the M2000 commentary -- just makes me wanna do a little jig.  Love it!


34.  Constant Motion
Focus here, focus there
Cannot see the light (falling down through the night)
Searching left, searching right
Panic setting in (I can no longer fight)


I don't care what you say, this is THE BEST balls-to-the-wall "short" metal song they've ever done.  I can tell you right now that it is miles better than Pull Me Under (which you won't be seeing in this top 50) and is pretty much the best thing on SC.  I can't say enough good things about this song.  The riffs are so metal, so animalistc, so driving, so INSANE.  I have a minor case of OCD and I can say that I really relate to this song, so maybe that's why I love it so much.  And before you criticize "FORVERMORE INTO THE NIGHT BLISTERING"........that's one of my favorite parts!  


33.  Endless Sacrifice
Try to stay alive until I hear your voice
I'm gonna lose my mind, someone tell me
Why I chose this life, this superficial lie
Constant compromise, endless sacrifice

Boy, I have a hunch I'm really gonna get it this round.  I know how people hate this song....but you know what?  I think it's beautiful.  I think it's filled with emotions of longing, anguish, despair, and desperation.  I simply love Endless Sacrifice.  Sometimes I'll get more shivers from this than I do from SDV, the only two "love" songs that I can think of off the top of my head.  But a piece of my heart is with this song.  It's potentially the best off of ToT.

[Kosmo]

I don't like Mike's vocals on Constant Motion otherwise it's not bad.

[Mladen]

Beyond this life is top 10 material for me. 

[Jirpo]

Endless Sacrifice would be a lot higher for me

[jsem]

Good choices.

[jsem]

update?

[hefdaddy42]

BrotherH

wat

[bloop]

Seriously though.

[Ben_Jamin]

I'd like to do one of these. Sounds fun....and based on where were at now should give me time to listen to the songs and get a good analysis of the songs.

[Ħ]

I'm very very sorry guys.  I've been super busy with finals and haven't had a good chance to sit down and do write-ups.  I finish tomorrow though, and I promise, promise, promise I'll do it tomorrow night.

[jsem]

just Take The Time

[Ħ]

Yeah, so I'm just gonna list out the songs up to my top 20 since I haven't updated in a while and I won't be able to update for a week.  I underlined the interesting ones.

*snip* (tee hee)

[Plasmastrike]

BrotherH, tisk tisk..

[Mladen]

The Shattered fortress and Honor thy father would be at the bottom of my list for sure. The rest of these range from perfection to pretty damn good. 

[Ħ]

All right, time to bust these out.  I had school, finals, and then spring break, but now nothings gonna stop me.

32.  Metropolis
I was told there's a miracle for each day that I try
I was told there's a new love that's born for each one that has died
I was told there'll be no one to call on when I feel alone and afraid
Iwas told if you dream of the next world, you'll find yourself swimming in a lake of fire

I used to love this song.  Now I just like it.  I haven't seen it in concert but it looks/sounds thrilling based on the live versions, especially the added section before the final verse.  You might be wondering why it's so low compared to how people usually rank it, but...I just don't think there's anything particularly mind-blowing or outstanding about it.  Maybe I've just listened to it too many times.


31.  Lifting Shadows Off A Dream
Lifting shadows off a dream once broken
She can turn a drop of water into an ocean

One of my favorites off Awake.  Simply beautiful--I wish they'd bring it back.  The last verse gives me all sorts of chllls.

30.  As I Am
Taking in the view from the outside
Feeling like the underdog
Watching through the window, I'm on the outside
Living like the underdog

Haterz gonna hate.  This is hands down the best chunky metal single-esque song they've ever done.  It's actually my most played song.  And it's got arguably the best guitar solo.  What an outstanding composition.

[Kosmo]

As I Am over Metropolis.

It's cool man, your list. Too bad you can't finish it since i'll have to MOCK you to death. 

[Ħ]

29.  A Nightmare to Remember
Picture for a moment
The perfect irony
A flawless new beginning
Eclpsed by tragedy

One of the best songs off BCSL.  Yes it drags on, yes it doesn't need those back-and-forth solos, yes it doesn't need the MP death metal rap, but everything up to the section after Beautiful Agony is top 10 material.  


28.  Honor Thy Father
You took advantage of an outreached hand
And twisted it to meet your every need
''Gimme time to re-charge my batteries,
I'll see her when she's older and I'll bounce her on my knee''

Such a fantastically brutal song.  I think it could be my favorite mix too.  In fact, this is one of the definitive DT songs in my eyes. Sooo nasty.


27.  Home
I remember the first time she came to me
She poured out her soul all night and cried
I remember I was told there's a new love that's born for each one that has died

WOMP WOMP

[Kosmo]

Home, you say? I forgive you! 

[j]

32.  Metropolis
I just don't think there's anything particularly mind-blowing

You have it in the lyrics you posted "swiiiimiiiiing iiiiiiin aaaa laaaake of fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiire!"

And Brother man, you've got a weird-ass list but it's unique and I'm enjoying reading your write-ups, so keep up the "good" work.

-J

[jsem]

My only problem with As I Am is it sounds kinda empty. Just the guitar riff, bass doubling, keyboards laying chords. The solo is : tho.

[bloop]

Not a fan of the vocals in As I Am. It might have been a good move to hire a guest vocalist with a much deeper voice.

[LieLowTheWantedMan]

My only problem with As I Am is everything. My least favourite DT song.

[Ben_Jamin]

We have the same opinion about Honor Thy Father. It is one of their definitive metal songs.

[Ħ]

*posting so I don't get the last post on the page*