29. System of a Down - Toxicity (2001)It’s chaotic, it’s quirky, it’s comedic, it’s serious, and it’s heavy. Like their (probable) influences in Frank Zappa and Primus, System of a Down infuse a lot of melodrama and tongue-in-cheek humor into their music. Yet, what sets them apart and establishes their uniqueness in the musical universe is the method in their madness; namely, to write heavy riffs and political lyrics. This album is a thrill ride from start to finish and it is one of the finest nu-metal/alt-metal releases in history. Serj Tankian’s over-the-top vocals combined with Daron Malakian’s chunky riffage make it irresistible to headbang with a bit of a smile on your face. While the subject matter of the songs is quite serious, Toxicity is nevertheless a very fun album to listen to and it has quite deservedly become a staple of modern metal.
Recommended songs: Aerials, ATWA, Psycho, Toxicity
28. The Mars Volta - De-Loused in the Comatorium (2003)A unique blend of Latin jazz-fusion, progressive rock, and hard rock, The Mars Volta’s debut album proved to be one of the most unique and well-respected releases in the modern prog-rock world. The singing is bombastic, the music volatile and the lyrics almost incomprehensible (one would have to read the liner notes or Wikipedia just to know that this is a concept album with a coherent story). Yet, that is what me and other TMV fans enjoy so much about the band. The intensity and energy of the album instantly sucks you into a strange world that sounds like a cross between Al di Meola/Santana and Led Zeppelin. The album’s epic piece, “Cicatriz ESP” is a perfect example of the combining of these two disparate styles. Hard rock intensity is pierced by extended psychedelic, jazzy sections that set up a great atmosphere. But really, all of the songs on the album more or less follow this formula and each one is a joy to listen to. More so than on any of their later albums, De-Loused finds the band putting accessibility and experimentation in a perfect balance as well as making some of the most memorable songs of their career. Though most of you guys have probably already heard this album and are familiar with this band, I highly suggest you check it out if you haven’t or listen to it again if you have.
Recommended tracks: Televators, Cicatriz ESP, Inertiatic ESP
27. Gojira - The Way of All Flesh (2008)Like their American counterparts Lamb of God, Gojira play a sort of heavy, groovy metal but unlike LoG, Gojira also add a progressive twist with odd-time signatures and the like. That said, the progressive elements do not at all interfere with the sheer headbangability of the album and the absolutely legendary riffs such as in “Vacuity” and “Art of Dying.” In fact the ending on the latter track is so good as to be comparable to some of Opeth’s epic outros. This is hands-down one of the best death metal albums of all time. Not to mention that Mario Duplantier is one of the most talented metal drummers as is his brother Joe in the vocal and riffage departments. Add in the beautiful lyrics which deal with metaphysical and environmental themes and what you have is a piece of death metal art. In all, The Way of All Flesh might not be what most people consider a staple of death metal, but after repeated listens, I have come to the conclusion that it is indeed one of the best albums in the genre.
Recommended songs: Vacuity, Art of Dying, Toxic Garbage Island