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General => Archive => General Music Archives => Topic started by: wolfking on July 13, 2012, 06:37:13 PM
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wolfking's top 50 albums - the soundtrack to my life.
Doing a top 50 was not an easy task. Music in many shapes and forms has been my life since I could remember. When I was a kid, I loved everything and would always just sit and watch music television for hours, it always fascinated me, no matter what the style, I appreciated everything. From about the age of 13 the world of rock/metal changed me forever. Since my teenage years metal and hard rock with some prog has been what I live and breathe and it’s still in my blood to this day.
I own well over 2000 cd’s so narrowing down these 50 was tough and there were hundreds of albums I have of course left out, and really deserve to be here. My tastes vary all the time, but I believe with this list I have a pretty solid foundation on albums that have impacted on my life over the last 18 or so years. There won’t be anywhere near as much diversity as a lot of other lists and I tried to vary it out, but I couldn't deny my choice, and there still is a good, solid broad spectrum of music, and really these 50 albums tells the story of my music life.
There will be albums most of you probably are not familiar with at all and to a lot of prog guys on here, most of this list you may even find a little boring. But I will say that there will be a lot of albums and their rankings here that will shock people and that most fans of the bands wouldn’t dream of adding it to a top 50 list. Nevertheless, I make no apologies, because if I did this again in 6 months time, I don’t think much would change.
Fun trivia regarding my top 50;
* The earliest album is from the year of my birth
* The latest album is from 2007
* Decades and number of albums represented:
*80’s – 9
*90’s – 21
*00’s – 20
* No restrictions on the list regarding years or release, number of times the band
is represented, nothing.
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Since it's Saturday morning here in Australia, I'm never really around DTF much on the weekends. I have a quieter weekend this weekend, so the schedule is when I come home later on tonight, honorable mentions we will get out of the way, then my actual top 50 will start hopefully Sunday night. From Monday, I will be updating on a daily basis.
Stay tuned. :tup
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Following big time. This is my most anticipated top 50; wolf is the king of metal and rock. However I will try and ignore the fact he isn't much of a fan of Led Zeppelin and Van Halen :)
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Following big time. This is my most anticipated top 50; wolf is the king of metal and rock. However I will try and ignore the fact he isn't much of a fan of Led Zeppelin and Van Halen :)
Thanks bro, what a compliment. Man, the pressure now is immense. :mehlin
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From what I've seen, you enjoy a lot of the same things I do. So I will definitely be following this list!
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Following and looking forward to a sweet list! :tup
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Following big time. This is my most anticipated top 50; wolf is the king of metal and rock. However I will try and ignore the fact he isn't much of a fan of Led Zeppelin and Van Halen :)
I'm with ya J. Definitely been anxiously awaiting this one. Wolf, your lack of 70s releases is disturbing though.
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Following big time. This is my most anticipated top 50; wolf is the king of metal and rock.
I'm with ya J. Definitely been anxiously awaiting this one.
All of this. Should be a great list! The Wolf has always stuck me as somewhat of an extensive metal library with which I could converse. I can't wait to see what he has to tell me.
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Following!
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Will be a great list, hands down.
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Following!
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You are probably one of the people with the music taste most similiar to my own, so I will definitely be following this list. :tup
Also, you're a tease.
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I'm interested and will follow. :)
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I am expecting every King Diamond album to make an appearance.
If not, I will be disappoint.
Also Ascendency better be in the Top 5
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I'm right here waiting Wolfie. Though I do expect some stuff heavier than my taste I know I'll find something interesting here.
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I was here hoping I would see at least #50. I was mislead, but I will follow this.
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^ You can really smell the outrage there.
:lol
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It wasn't meant like that :sadpanda:
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I was joking! :laugh:
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Man you guys are hungry, I really appreciate the positive feedback. Hopefully I can deliver some goods, but am a bit nervous.
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Man you guys are hungry
(https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/bizarredevotedfan/Randomness/hungry.gif)
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Following big time. This is my most anticipated top 50; wolf is the king of metal and rock. However I will try and ignore the fact he isn't much of a fan of Led Zeppelin and Van Halen :)
I'm with ya J. Definitely been anxiously awaiting this one. Wolf, your lack of 70s releases is disturbing though.
I thought about this man, but as I said, the top 50 is a top 50, and no releases form the 70's fit in.
I'm right here waiting Wolfie. Though I do expect some stuff heavier than my taste I know I'll find something interesting here.
Yeah, I know man, hopefully I can at least give you something different that might interest you.
I am expecting every King Diamond album to make an appearance.
If not, I will be disappoint.
Also Ascendency better be in the Top 5
:lol We will see my friend.
Honorable mentions coming soon.
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I'm so following this! :metal :metal :metal
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I was joking! :laugh:
Sarcasm. My favourite figure of speech, though surprisingly bad when used on the internet. :P
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:P
Been there, done that way too many times. All good, dude.
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Meet me in person and you'll have no idea what I'm saying. I get that remark a lot, that people have no clue whether I'm serious or joking/sarcastic. I suppose that's bad right? :P
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I get that sometimes too - especially at work. Peeps there think I'm such a bitch. :lol
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Foooolowing!
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Alright, let's knock these honorable mentions over. Excuse the honorable mentions but I have 10 of them. These are simply 10 albums I had to reference in my thread, I felt I couldn't leave any of them out. Let's start and I'll number them and count it down to the top 50;
60. James Labrie - Static Impule
Terrific album from CJS, dabbling in the world of melodeath with simply an outstanding collection of tracks. Matt and Marco return also continuing where EOP left off and it was simply great to see James doing something different and experitmenting which really paid off.
Best tracks: One More Time, Mislead, Euphoric, I Need You, Over the Edge
59. Danger Danger - Revolve
One of the best melodic rock releases in the last 10 years or so. Danger Danger returned with this gem and blew all their past releases out of the water. Great production, good variety, blazing guitars, great vox from Ted, and most of all, just sublime melodies all the way through.
Best tracks: That's What I'm Talking About, Ghost of Love, Hearts on the Highway, Rocket To Your Heart, Killing Love
58. In Flames - The Jester Race
Classic In Flames and some of the best melodic death metal ever produced. Brutal vocals from Anders, terrific musicianship and most of all just sweet guitar melodies and harmonies which work so damn well over Anders harsh vocals. One of the first albums that opened my eyes to growls, and I have never looked back.
Best tracks: Moonshield, Artifacts of the Black Rain, December Flower, Dead Eternity
57. Pain of Salvation - The Perfect Element
Everyone knows how good this gem of an album is. Complex arrangements, lots of variety, killer guitar work and probably DG's best vocal work with some simply stunning vocal areobatics. Just an absolute killer concept album.
Best tracks: Used, In The Flesh, Ashes, Idioglossia, Her Voice, King of Loss, Reconciliation
56. Magnum - On A Storyteller's Night
Perfect 80's AOR. Stunning album with catchy chorus after chours. Magnum are a british band that have been around since the 70's. This is their best work it is a near perfect album. Everyone remotely interested in melodic rock and/or AOR should check this out.
Best tracks: How Far Jerusalem, Title tack, Just Like An Arrow, Before First Light, Two Hearts
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You get me all hyped up with posting in this thread, and now it's only honourable mentions. :P
You're a tease.
Good ones, though. :tup
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Good ones for sure. SI and Revolve are great. Magnum is on my (very long) list of albums to check out. Death Metal aint my thing as you know, so I'll pass on that... and POS, I just haven't been able to grasp. I do have TPE, so I'll give it another spin just to see where it fits with me nowadays.
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You get me all hyped up with posting in this thread, and now it's only honourable mentions. :P
You're a tease.
Good ones, though. :tup
Paitence my friend.
Good ones for sure. SI and Revolve are great. Magnum is on my (very long) list of albums to check out. Death Metal aint my thing as you know, so I'll pass on that... and POS, I just haven't been able to grasp. I do have TPE, so I'll give it another spin just to see where it fits with me nowadays.
Get Storytellers Night, you'll love it. TPE needs your time and attention, invest in it and it will pay off.
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I wanna warn you guys that during the first 20 albums, there are gonna be quite a few really odd and even unexciting choices for me. If some of you get disappointed by my list, don't say I didn't warn you.
Just looking at my list now, it's essential, but I know some are gonna be disappointed. My apologies in advance.
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The Perfect Element not higher? Aahw.
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The Danger Danger would probably be in my top 50, as would Storyteller's.
In Flames have never done it for me because of the harsh vocals (though I like Static Impulse).
I have one PoS album, Remedy Lane, but it never resonanted with me. I did enjoy them supporting DT though, which is why I bought the album.
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Try their other stuff, The Perfect Element is very good, the Road Salt albums are more garage-rock-ish but don't really lose their prog-roots, BE is too difficult to grasp at first listen so I would not recommend that if you want to check the band out. Entropia is their debut, very progresisve and weird, but cool nonetheless. Scarsick is just.. well, bad and One Hour By The Concrete Lake is my personal favourite of theirs though people might frown upon me for that.
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Wolf, you're list won't be boring. Wait till you see mine! Now that'll be boring! :D
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TAC, I'm looking forward to your list, so it'd better not be boring...
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I know you like some of the bands I listen to as well so I'm interested to follow :smiley:
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Better not be boring I'm gonna follow.
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The Jester Race :metal
Not my favorite In Flames but a damn good album and one of the most important melodic death albums ever released imo.
Sure it's not in the top 50 here but I still good to see that album getting praised.
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Static impulse :tup
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In Flames is a band that I can't swallow. The vocals are too harsh for my tastes... really off-putting
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Well, The Jester Race is pretty awesome, but I prefer Clay Man and Whoracle above them.
That said, I haven't really listened to In Flames in quite some years.
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Wow...nothing from the past 5 years in your top 50 is a rather bold statement. I'm glad it won't be oversaturated with recent stuff like some lists were, but none...that's pretty harsh. Without actually looking at my catalog, I'd venture a guess that there would be at least three if I ranked my top 50 albums. Anyhow, following, and my lack of activity in this thread will be pretty consistant with my reduced DTF presence over the next month or so.
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Still meaning to check out more Magnum and Danger X2. Not into Death Metal in the slightest, so don't care about that crap at all. But I have heard some In Flames and it's not your typical Death Metal; but for me it's only decent at best though.
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Yeah, Static Impulse! James' best release by far, a major notch above his previous albums. Nice pick.
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James LaBrie, In Flames, Pain Of Salvation, Magnum just in the honorable mentions? :omg: I would put them much higher but now you got me interested. I'm following this.
For Magnum I would have chosen Wings Of Heaven but Storyteller's Night is definitely up there.
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I just noticed; how the hell is TPE's title track not in the 'best tracks' list when you name that many?
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I just noticed; how the hell is TPE's title track not in the 'best tracks' list when you name that many?
Because it's not one of the best tracks bro. :P
Wow...nothing from the past 5 years in your top 50 is a rather bold statement. I'm glad it won't be oversaturated with recent stuff like some lists were, but none...that's pretty harsh. Without actually looking at my catalog, I'd venture a guess that there would be at least three if I ranked my top 50 albums. Anyhow, following, and my lack of activity in this thread will be pretty consistant with my reduced DTF presence over the next month or so.
That surprised me too mate. But really, it explains my cd buying obsession over the last 3 to 4 years. I have bought so many cd's lately and I think it's just trying to find something that I haven't found in releases 2007 and before.
I actually don't think it's the music's fault come to think of it, I think I am just in a different place in my life where music isn't as influential. I'm 28 now, and music is something I enjoy on a daily basis, but I've grown up and things don't influence me and affect me like they did when I was 20.
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Alright, I'm at work at the moment but let's knock over the rest of the HM;
55. The Tea Party - The Edges of Twilight
Seriously underrated trio from Canada right here. Terrific music with influences from Zeppelin, The Doors with lots of middle eastern flavours. This album is the pick of the bunch, but really all of the bands albums are different and worthy purchases. Great songs, melodies, vocals, and use of many different types of instruments. A truly unique album that is something different but really should be enjoyed by rock lovers also. Check it out.
Best tracks: Fire In the Head, The Bazaar, Coming Home, Sister Awake, Walk With Me, Correspondences
54. Redemption - Snowfall on Judgement Day
Most of you know this one. Killer prog metal from Ray Alder and co. Easily the bands best work with killer production, and not a weak song in the bunch.
Best tracks: Peel, Walls, Black and White World, Unformed, Love/Life
53. Black Sabbath - Heaven and Hell
Dio (RIP) fronted Sabbath took the world by storm and Sabbath found a new found status again in the metal world. Dio took the band to a new level with an absolute powerful and iconic hard rock album. Brilliant.
Best tracks: Title track, Neon Knights, Lonely is the Word, Die Young
52. Evergrey - Recreation Day
Prog metal band Evergrey here with a brilliant piece of metal. Perfect melodies, very tight drumming and some really incredible guitar solos. The band were at their peak here with easily their best effort.
Best tracks: Title track, The Great Deceiver, End of Your Days, As I Lie Here Bleeding, Visions
51. Gamma Ray - Land of the Free 2
An odd pick here from Kai Hansen and the boys but I loved this album, even more than the first Land of the Free. I thought it was well played, well written and put together really well. Kai obviously wears his influences on his sleeve, but I can forgive him for that. Some absolute blasting power metal here which is really really solid, great album.
Best tracks: From the Ashes, When the World, Real World, Opportunity, Insurrecction.
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Gamma Ray :metal
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Wolf, for the first I follow one member's own thread about fav. list because I've always thought our musical taste is pretty much similar. So my eyes are on your list.
So far, I enjoy your list. :tup
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The 'other', 'other' Canadian trio :laugh: The better trio(s) had better make an appearance!
Good choices there. Don't know Gamma Ray, but the others are exccellent.
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Gamma Ray have always been the kings of power metal IMO.
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Nope, it was Helloween but Gamma Ray took the place years ago.
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Evergrey - Recreation Day is a fantastic album.
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Blind Guardian is the best for Power Metal, not counting Iced Earth.
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Nope, it was Helloween but Gamma Ray took the place years ago.
Yep, this is more precise.
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Nope, it was Helloween but Gamma Ray took the place years ago.
Yep, this is more precise.
I was always partial to Freedom Call.
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I own I think 2 or 3 of their albums and to be honest, they never really did anything for me. Mind you I didn't give the albums a lot of time. What's their best album?
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My fav two are Crystal Empire (not a bad track on that album) and Eternity (couple of softy's there). Circle of Life and Dimensions honk (ie, suck), and I'm not overly fond of this year's release. Legend of the Shadowking is pretty good.
Crystal Empire made my Top 50. If you've got that one, give it a spin.
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Man, I have no idea which ones I have, I'll check when I get home.
Official list won't start for another 8 hours of so, apologies.
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Heaven and Hell is top 5 overall for me
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Fuck yes Gamma Ray!!! My favourite album by them, though I am quite iffed that you didn't list Empress amongst your favourite tracks.
Sabbath rock as well. I have to check out the others, especially Evergrey. They sound as though they are right up my alley.
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Some very good albums in there, especially Heaven and hell. :tup
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My fav two are Crystal Empire (not a bad track on that album) and Eternity (couple of softy's there). Circle of Life and Dimensions honk (ie, suck), and I'm not overly fond of this year's release. Legend of the Shadowking is pretty good.
Crystal Empire made my Top 50. If you've got that one, give it a spin.
I only have Circle of Life and Shadowking which is a newer one I think. I do also have the 2 disc Live Invasion, so I guess my best bet is to give that a spin.
Fuck yes Gamma Ray!!! My favourite album by them, though I am quite iffed that you didn't list Empress amongst your favourite tracks.
Sabbath rock as well. I have to check out the others, especially Evergrey. They sound as though they are right up my alley.
Good to see appreciation for that album. Empress is good but not one of my favs. Check Evergrey, you'll like them.
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I only have Circle of Life and Shadowking which is a newer one I think. I do also have the 2 disc Live Invasion, so I guess my best bet is to give that a spin.
Yeah, no wonder you weren't that impressed with them. Actually, Shadowking was 2010. This year's release is Land of the Crimson Dawn. I'm not a huge fan of Live Invasion.
Go here (https://grooveshark.com/album/Crystal+Empire/577890).
Oh, and listening to TPE right now to re-acquaint myself with it.
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And here we go;
50. Bush - Sixteen Stone (1994)
(https://imperiodescargas.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/sixteen-stone.jpg)
many of you are scratching you head right now I now, but starting off my top 50 is something that you would not expect from me but was the first real rock album I ever heard and embraced. Bush are a British band fronted by Gavin Rossdale and were very popular in the mid ninties. This is their debut album and by far the best work they have ever done. Hearing Glycerine on the charts interested me so I tried to look into them further. Seeing the clip for Comedown then sealed the deal and this was my Xmas present in 1994. It opened the door for rock to me and this album will always be special and deserves a spot at number 50. Powerful guitars, gritty vocals, strange lyrics, great rhythm section and just amazing songs, this album churns through song after song hitting you in the face everytime with some powerful grunge, even verging slightly on hard rock and metal at times. Gavin’s vocals and melodies are very interesting and Nigel’s guitar playing made the Bush sound IMO, while Dave and Robin was a very rockin’ and adequate rhythm section. A wonderful album that every grunge fan should own. i still enjoy listening to this album a lot.
Best tracks: Everything Zen, Bomb, Little Things, Comedown, Machinehead
Everything Zen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qE7SgQHlGCE
Little Things: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9fZrMIJLXY
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I only have Circle of Life and Shadowking which is a newer one I think. I do also have the 2 disc Live Invasion, so I guess my best bet is to give that a spin.
Yeah, no wonder you weren't that impressed with them. Actually, Shadowking was 2010. This year's release is Land of the Crimson Dawn. I'm not a huge fan of Live Invasion.
Go here (https://grooveshark.com/album/Crystal+Empire/577890).
Oh, and listening to TPE right now to re-acquaint myself with it.
Fuck, Dan Zimmerman (Gamma Ray) and Sascha Gertsner (Helloween) are on this, checking out now.
Come to think of it, I think I knew they were in the band but the releases I have don't feature them. listening now.
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Well, Sixteen Stone is a very solid album, but it would never top some of the things in your 50-60 for me..
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Of course, I would expect that response, but a lot of these albums you'll see in my list just have had a special connection with me over time, and have impacted my life on a big level.
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I think of the big "hits" from Sixteen Stone, I'm not thoroughly sick of Machinehead yet. :lol Bush was never my favorite of the grunge/psuedo-grunge scene back in the early/mid 90s (that's reserved for Alice in Chains), but they were by no means a bad band.
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I only have Circle of Life and Shadowking which is a newer one I think. I do also have the 2 disc Live Invasion, so I guess my best bet is to give that a spin.
Yeah, no wonder you weren't that impressed with them. Actually, Shadowking was 2010. This year's release is Land of the Crimson Dawn. I'm not a huge fan of Live Invasion.
Go here (https://grooveshark.com/album/Crystal+Empire/577890).
Oh, and listening to TPE right now to re-acquaint myself with it.
Listening now, this is pretty damn solid power metal. What other albums from these guys would you class as essential?
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I think of the big "hits" from Sixteen Stone, I'm not thoroughly sick of Machinehead yet. :lol Bush was never my favorite of the grunge/psuedo-grunge scene back in the early/mid 90s (that's reserved for Alice in Chains), but they were by no means a bad band.
They were always classed as a b-grade grunge band which annoyed me. This and Razorblade Suitcase were simply killer in my book.
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Crystal Empire and Eternity are essential. Taragon (which isn't much more than an EP) and Stairway to Fairyland are fairly good. Circle of Life and Dimensions aren't very good at all (IMO). Shadowking is pretty good, and Crimson Dawn I haven't listened to enough to really be able to tell.
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From what I can recall Shadowking was decent but Circle of Life was absolute shit. I think I skipped through every single track. This Crystal Empire is decent though. Reminds me of a mix between Blind Guardian, Hammerfall and Silent Force.
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From what I can recall Shadowking was decent but Circle of Life was absolute shit. I think I skipped through every single track. This Crystal Empire is decent though. Reminds me of a mix between Blind Guardian, Hammerfall and Silent Force.
Not to derail this into a jingle-wolf conversation, but you're right. I was just trying to be more polite. :lol
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From what I can recall Shadowking was decent but Circle of Life was absolute shit. I think I skipped through every single track. This Crystal Empire is decent though. Reminds me of a mix between Blind Guardian, Hammerfall and Silent Force.
Not to derail this into a jingle-wolf conversation, but you're right. I was just trying to be more polite. :lol
:lol This Crystal Empire though, good stuff.
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I think of the big "hits" from Sixteen Stone, I'm not thoroughly sick of Machinehead yet. :lol Bush was never my favorite of the grunge/psuedo-grunge scene back in the early/mid 90s (that's reserved for Alice in Chains), but they were by no means a bad band.
They were always classed as a b-grade grunge band which annoyed me. This and Razorblade Suitcase were simply killer in my book.
Yeah, they were a LOT better than they were ever given credit for - I completely agree.
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Might as well do one more before I go to bed;
49. Soilwork - The Chainheart Machine (2000)
(https://www.metal-archives.com/images/2/0/4/204.jpg)
As some of you know I am quite a big fan of death and melodic death metal. I was once at a stage where I despised growls of all types, I just thought they were rubbish. After going through a very harsh breakup when I was about 19 or 20, I was very hurt and angry and needed something more in my music at the time. I discovered Soilwork and pretty much all of their work right away, and from there I have loved harsh vocals ever since. This is their second album and it instantly struck a chord with me. This is the last album where Bjorn’s vocals are all harsh, and even though people more lean towards A Predators Portrait or Natural Born Chaos, The Chainheart Machine was the one that grabbed me more and I still love it today as much as I did back then. Every song is perfect and the consistency of the record is incredible. Fast paced songs, incredible vocals, and the twin leads from Ola and Peter are just perfect. The production is crystal clear and the whole record just sounds so powerful and heavy. I would also like to mention the amount of amazing guitar harmonies and melodies throughout the songs. Mixing the melody of the guitars with Bjorn’s voice was just such a perfect recipe. A tremendous death metal release.
Best songs: The Chainheart Machine, Million Flame, Spirits of the Future Sun, Machine Gun Majesty
The Chainheart Machine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-deRh1VGYA
Millionflame: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFaSXInnNtw
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Two albums that I don't know, but I like the way that you describe your reasonings for the placements. :tup
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Don't think I've listened to Gamma Ray ever, will have to check them out. Wasn't a huge Helloween fan tbh but they have grown on me since I gave them the chance.
Heaven & Hell is half awesome, with a couple of poor tracks dragging it down.
Not a fan of Evergrey.
Redemption is good but nowhere near top 50 for me.
I was put off The tea Party by the Zep comparisons as I can't stand them- well, I can't stand Robert Plant I should say. Might give them a listen as my taste has broadened since I first heard of them.
Bush? Not for me.
Soilwork I think I did have a listen to but those harsh vocals... not my thing.
Keep 'em coming though.
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That's cool lowdz, but check Gamma Ray, I think you'd get a kick out of them.
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Gamma Ray have always been the kings of power metal IMO.
Not wanting to pre-empt your top 50 in case you have other albums higher, but where should I start with Gamma Ray?
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That's cool lowdz, but check Gamma Ray, I think you'd get a kick out of them.
Yeah, this. Especially their recent output is far superior to Helloween's.
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Heaven and Hell is top 5 overall for me
Though not Top 5, this album will be rated very high on my list.
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Dont know Soilwork. Remember that Bush disc in the mid 90's; had some decent tunes. The one song that stool out to me was the opening track. I think that was the Zen tune.
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Gamma Ray have always been the kings of power metal IMO.
Not wanting to pre-empt your top 50 in case you have other albums higher, but where should I start with Gamma Ray?
Land of the Free 1 & 2, Powerplant, No World Order
That's cool lowdz, but check Gamma Ray, I think you'd get a kick out of them.
Yeah, this. Especially their recent output is far superior to Helloween's.
Woah, dude, can't agree with you there. 7 Sinners is top Helloween material, To the Metal was a step down for Gamma Ray.
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Dont know Soilwork. Remember that Bush disc in the mid 90's; had some decent tunes. The one song that stool out to me was the opening track. I think that was the Zen tune.
Yep, you are right, Everything Zen, absolute killer track.
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From what I can recall Shadowking was decent but Circle of Life was absolute shit. I think I skipped through every single track. This Crystal Empire is decent though. Reminds me of a mix between Blind Guardian, Hammerfall and Silent Force.
Not to derail this into a jingle-wolf conversation, but you're right. I was just trying to be more polite. :lol
Aw but I loved that album :( (but then again I think almost every FC album is great)
any way OT:
Nice pick on that Soilwork album, never was one of my favorites, but nice to see them getting some love here.
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Sixteen Stone was the second cassette I ever bought (first being Tom Petty's Wildflowers), and although I still appreciate the album, it wouldn't make my top 50 these days.
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Bush sounds promising, I will definitely check them out. Soilwork, on the other hand, doesn't sound like my cup of tea.
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That first Bush album is boss! You're right in that everyone snickered at them as knock-offs, but they really weren't. I think grunge just flowered in England a little later than America.
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That's cool lowdz, but check Gamma Ray, I think you'd get a kick out of them.
Yeah, this. Especially their recent output is far superior to Helloween's.
Woah, dude, can't agree with you there. 7 Sinners is top Helloween material, To the Metal was a step down for Gamma Ray.
Right. I had totally forgotten about that album. :lolpalm:
Gamma Ray's output before that was pretty stellar, though.
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That's cool lowdz, but check Gamma Ray, I think you'd get a kick out of them.
Yeah, this. Especially their recent output is far superior to Helloween's.
Woah, dude, can't agree with you there. 7 Sinners is top Helloween material, To the Metal was a step down for Gamma Ray.
Right. I had totally forgotten about that album. :lolpalm:
Gamma Ray's output before that was pretty stellar, though.
Definitely.
That first Bush album is boss! You're right in that everyone snickered at them as knock-offs, but they really weren't. I think grunge just flowered in England a little later than America.
Great to see more love for that album. I think you are right, they were a bit late so they were accused of being a rip off. Really great band.
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48. Ozzy Osbourne - The Ultimate Sin (1986)
(https://www.recordsale.de/cdpix/o/ozzy_osbourne-the_ultimate_sin%281%29.jpg)
This is by far my favourite Ozzy album, yes you read that right. Blizzard and Madman are obviously classic, but since hearing The Ultimate Sin many years ago, I was hooked. Even Ozzy dislikes this album and I still don’t know why. Every song has great melodies, excellent chorus’, great tempos and rhythm and probably also my fav guitar work on any of Ozzy’s albums. Jake is absolutely on fire here, and some of the solos are catchier than the songs themselves. A perfect 80’s hard rock album which is just criminally underrated. Love the production and overall atmosphere on the whole album too.
Best tracks: The Ultimate Sin, Secret Loser, Killer of Giants, Never Know Why, Shot in the Dark
Secret Loser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMYjK7kjziY
Shot in the Dark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H11L1hrWEPc
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The Ultimate Sin!
It was the first Ozzy album I bought, and I loved it right away. Great songs overall, and Jake E Lee does some impressive guitar work.
Glad to see some love for this one :tup
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The Ultimate Sin!
It was the first Ozzy album I bought, and I loved it right away. Great songs overall, and Jake E Lee does some impressive guitar work.
Glad to see some love for this one :tup
Yeah man, I never understood why people regarded it as Ozzy's weakest.
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Perhaps because he moved into a more "hair metal" territory, buth musically and visually.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-ibfU4eE-BA/S8SSpxLXNTI/AAAAAAAACho/bNiA1EK-aws/s1600/ozzy.gif)
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Perhaps because he moved into a more "hair metal" territory, buth musically and visually.
Well damn... sounds like it's up my alley. No More Tears is actually the only Ozzy solo disc I have. Title track sucks, rest of it is pretty good.
Will check this one out.
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Perhaps because he moved into a more "hair metal" territory, buth musically and visually.
Well damn... sounds like it's up my alley. No More Tears is actually the only Ozzy solo disc I have. Title track sucks, rest of it is pretty good.
Will check this one out.
The title tracks sucks?? Dude.
Anyway, check Ultimate Sin https://grooveshark.com/#!/album/The+Ultimate+Sin/191511
I think you would like it.
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47. Korn - Korn (1994)
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QjjMlgSalPE/S7yR2MgZCoI/AAAAAAAAAM8/NpPrIDD6aGw/s1600/korn.jpg)
Seeing Blind on pay music tv for the first time really quite shocked me. The dark atmosphere, heavy ass guitars and depressed vocals hooked me immediately and this was one band that changed my life as a young kid. Listening to Korn’s debut for the first time, I think it was about 3 years after its release. It was quite a shocking experience, it was nothing I had ever heard before, and really, this was another band initially shaping my metal heart. The darker tones, the low end guitars, Jon Davis’ depressing, stressful and obscene vocals and lyrics are very in your face and explicit and you can feel the pain and emotions the man portrays. Great tight musicianship all round, raw sound and great catchy songs all the way through. Daddy is very shocking, Faget is intense and the intro to Clown still makes me a little uncomfortable for some reason. Landmark album.
Best tracks: Blind, Ball Tongue, Clown, Divine, Predictable, Faget
Blind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGK00Q7xx-s
Divine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IetaaBPtS6I
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Two great albums that don't get nearly enough love. :tup
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Wolf, surprised to see The Ultimate Sin on the list. I wouldn't say it's his weakest, but it's easily the weakest of the first 4.
Korn? that's not even music. I've seen them twice. Yuck! :)
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Korn? that's not even music. I've seen them twice. Yuck! :)
Oh, it's definitely music, and amazing music I might add. Why would you see them twice if you hate them?
Two great albums that don't get nearly enough love. :tup
:metal
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Korn? that's not even music. I've seen them twice. Yuck! :)
Oh, it's definitely music, and amazing music I might add. Why would you see them twice if you hate them?
They were opening. I saw them open for Megadeth in 95. I would've skipped them, but they came on after Flotsam & Jetsam, and I love them. Korn was absolute fuc#ing noise in the club setting.
Then in 96, I saw them open for Ozzy. Honestly, I didn't know they were the opener, but I was already in the Centrum before they started. I will say that it was a much better experience in the arena.
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The Ultimate Sin was the first Ozzy disc I bought as well; love it. It deserves more attention and it's a shame that ozzy himself doesn't like it. The title track and shot in the dark are two of ozzys best tunes. Definitely moved into hair metal territory from his previous discs. Korn, however, wouldn't make my top billion list. Yuck.
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Shot In The Dark IS a great tune!
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Recommending Korn on a prog board may cause trouble ;D
But seriously I like some of their stuff and they definitely had their own style.
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Too bad I haven't heard any of the first four entries in this list. Also, I'm quite surprised that Korn released their first album in 1994, I didn't know that.
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Although Korn isnt my cup of tea...saw them a few months ago (My son loves them) in a club setting, they are actually a very tight live band and tore the place up I was pleasantly surprised
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Though I can't stand Korn much anymore. That album still holds a bit of nostalgia value for me, so I can't bash you for it. :tup
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Say what you will about Ozzy, he does have some COOL album covers. As for Korn, I've never been a fan, but their music always has intrigued me.
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Ozzy even ignored the ultimate sin during the latest round of remastering his back catalogue. I think the era just holds bad memories for him in regards to his drug use. Too bad, because he should realize its a kick ass album and lots of people love it. Bottom line, nice to see it on wolfs list.
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Saw Ozzy on the Ultimate Sin tour with Metallica. TAC, remember Jake E. Lee getting pulled into the crowd by his headstock? He got back up and threw his guitar across the stage, got a new guitar and then pointed for 2 songs until the A-hole that pulled him in was arrested.
Great album. Love Killer Of Giants.
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Saw Ozzy on the Ultimate Sin tour with Metallica. TAC, remember Jake E. Lee getting pulled into the crowd by his headstock? He got back up and threw his guitar across the stage, got a new guitar and then pointed for 2 songs until the A-hole that pulled him in was arrested.
Great album. Love Killer Of Giants.
Unfortunately, I had tix for the Providence show. Sometime between Worcester and Providence, Ozzy got sick and the Prov show was postponed.
So I missed that tour...and Metallica!! :censored
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Not TOO big on Korn, but I recognize their impact and respect where they come from as musicians.
The Ultimate Sin is massively underrated. Great album. :metal
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I freaking LOVE "The Ultimate Sin" probably my favorite Ozzy Album :metal
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Agree with everything you said about The Ultimate Sin. Jake was awesome- shame he's wasted his talent since Badlands.
Saw Ozzy live with Jake on this tour and fell in love with the blue Charvel. Wanted one ever since but never got one.
Korn: again, not my thing.
Had a listen to Gamma Ray's Land oF the Free and so far suitably impressed.
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Tastes are tastes, so it's all cool, but people today who are like lolKorn forget how groundbreaking that album was in 1994. So dark, down-tuned, and evil -- and yet dripping with honesty, pain, and emotion. Yeah, nu-metal eventually got completely out of control, as all movements do, but a lot of those early Korn songs are still awesome to me. Good pick!
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Tastes are tastes, so it's all cool, but people today who are like lolKorn forget how groundbreaking that album was in 1994. So dark, down-tuned, and evil -- and yet dripping with honesty, pain, and emotion. Yeah, nu-metal eventually got completely out of control, as all movements do, but a lot of those early Korn songs are still awesome to me. Good pick!
what he said. Was never a fan of Korn, but certainly acknowledge many were, and they had an impact on the music industry.
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Wolf!!!! Great selections with "The Ultimate Sin" and "Korn"! :metal
I'm admittedly a big Ozzy fan but "The Ultimate Sin" is a great album. The guitar work is awesome and I can listen to the whole album and really enjoy pretty much every song. I wouldn't put it above the first three solo releases but that's just how highly I regard those albums.
Korn catches way too much shit. They are easily bagged on because they are disregarded by the majority of the community they would play to (metal fans) so the rest of the music community just piles on.
From what I've seen the main reason the metal community has had issue with the band is because they have had rap tinged musical songs off and on (which is looked down upon in the scene), a number of their songs are about being outcasts instead of some macho, fantasy world, devil worshiping bs that is so, so f'n boring to me.
What I like about Korn is they took their style and have progressed it from the beginning. To those who dismissed them from first impression miss a lot of what they can offer. They have albums with synths and atmospheric stuff and the latest release while I'm not heavy into the dubstep scene they took and blended and made a nice album IMO with that as well.
Getting back to "Korn" though, it was a revolution in the sound of heavy music going forward with the down-tuned and 7 string guitars and I really enjoy listening to it still today.
Good stuff Wolf! :biggrin:
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i WAS a korn fan in my younger days. then flipped a switch one day and became something of an lolKorn kind of guy.
but its one of the korn dudes on guitar for that thomas lang Stork album, right(?)...love that shit.
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I really appreciate the attention my list is getting so far. Thank you all for following, and I'll have a few more favs as we go along. I appreciate the overwhelming response to The Ultimate Sin, it's great to see so many digging it.
I also appreciate the open mindness of Korn being here. I didn't expect many to like it, but as a lot of you have pointed out, it was an important album, and it did leave a big impression on me.
Apologies I can't update more, but I'm only at home an hour every night. Plus, I can't be online here as much during work time as I have been moved and and am performing higher duties for the next 3 weeks. So I will keep updating daily, but not at a rate I would normally like. I will never let the list go for days on end, so you can always expect an update daily.
Cheers again and look forward to bringing out more underrated classics for you guys.
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Wolf I'm assuming we can expect Iron Maidens X Factor at some point? :P
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Wolf I'm assuming we can expect Iron Maidens X Factor at some point? :P
I predict The X Factor and Jugulator will be Top 10 albums :P
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You will just have to wait and see fellas, not giving anything away. :P
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46. Live - Secret Samadhi
(https://blogs.houstonpress.com/rocks/live--secret-samadhi--%20mar2.jpg)
Another odd choice from a well respected artist here. I was a huge fan of Live back in the mid ninties when they were popular, and you can see why they were simply a terrific band. Throwing Copper was of course classic, no one can deny that, but it was 1997’s Secret Samadhi that was my fav from Ed and co. A very dark album here which even has some slight metal undertones at times. Ed’s bizarre lyrics fits the moods and atmosphere perfectly and really, some of the lyrics really make you step back and say WTF? Take the line in Century “Puke stinks like beer” or the line in Graze, “Forget your mother and your father, they aren’t important son,” needless to say shocking words regardless of the context they were written. That’s one of the great things I loved about this album. Ed’s occasional use of profanities in Freaks and Unsheathed really compliment the songs too. I just love everything about this album and even the softer songs are dark as hell and drip with atmosphere. Lots of variety too and some superb concepts and melodies. A shame the band couldn’t continue in this fashion.
Best tracks: Lakini’s Juice, Graze, Unsheathed, Heropsychodreamer, Freaks
Lakini’s Juice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnFKaU8H4v8
Heropsychodreamer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SE91wkpqI8
45. Vanishing Point - Embrace the Silence (2005)
(https://img.ceolte.org/pic_c/3f5792ffd7f7f25ef1e6e7e70711e84d_1311097476475__.jpg)
The first melodic prog entry in my top 50 and it comes from Australian band Vanishing Point. An extremely underrated band that I am proud to support and spread the word of a fellow Aussie band. Mason is a big fan, and Chad is getting a good grasp on them too. Vanishing Point play a more atmospheric, melodic progressive style of music more focused on melodies than musical technique. Saying that, they are extremely accomplished musicians and do throw a lot of flashy solos and time signatures in from time to time, but melody is the key, and that’s what makes Embrace the Silence an entry in my top 50. A long album with 13 tracks nearly maxing out the cd time, every track drips with melody. There is not a huge range of variety between the songs, but I love the sheer consistency of the record. Silvio’s vocals are smooth, pleasant and easy to listen too with a great deal of melody in his voice. Great harmonies from vocals and guitar and a solid rhythm section too. Not much more too say, really, the atmosphere of the album is incredible and was one of those albums I loved listening to at night while driving, great mood. The band haven’t been active for a few years and I hope they can release some new material at some stage. All their other albums are worth checking out too.
Best tracks: My Virtue, If Only I, Seasons of Sundays, Once A Believer, Somebody Save Me
Once A Believer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2EMDB-uYNE
Somebody Save Me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdY5e4VxjQs
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That is a nice Live album. Their first three cd's were quite good. Overall they could be hit or miss with me but that's a good selection.
Have not heard of Vanishing Point. Although I not to long ago got into another Australian Prog/Metal band Voyager and I have a friend who plays for Alarum a more intense prog metal band from down under. I'll have to check into Vanishing Point.
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So far nothing I would put near my top 50 and some that I haven't listened to. I'll follow and see if I can get to know some new stuff
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I know neither band, but I am currently listening to Vanishing Point and it's sounding pretty badass. :2metal:
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Hey wolf, which album was the song you sent me in my roulette in? I'll deffs be checking these guys out :)
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Vanishing Point is sweet, for sure. Any melodic or prog-rock (it's not overly heavy, or traditional... kinda middle of the road) fan should have a gander.
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That Live album (we always used to jokingly call it Secret Samurai) is fantastic. In my book, not quite as good as Throwing Copper but still a mature followup that lived up to the pressure of the moment. Equal parts heavy and light but, as you say, a certain darkness throughout. The musical talent on display, too, might surprise people not familiar with the band; Live could always play really tightly as a band. Definitely not your lowest common denominator alt-rock. This was the last Live album that I really enjoyed as a complete album (although Ed's recent solo album recaptured some of that 90's magic). Great pick!!!
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That's a kickass album cover. I'll try it out sometime.
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Vanishing Point was already on my list of bands to check out - hope to get to them soon
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Count me a fan of VP. Good stuff, very melodic.
Never got into Live as I thought them a bit too Alt for me. Don't think I've heard a note though. I'll go to YT and report back.
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You already knew I as VP fan.
I was big into Live growing up, partly because there were a local band. I've seen them live more than any band not called Dream Theater, but the last time I saw them was in 1999. Not my thing really anymore, but I certainly wouldn't knock someone for liking them.
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Live sounds promising, on my first listen. I've only ever heard a couple songs from VP, but it definitely sounded right up my alley. I'll have to give it a more thorough listen later.
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Havent heard of Vanishing Point; they sound cool. I only know the radio songs from Live but I know they wouldnt be my cup of tea.
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Have not heard of Vanishing Point. Although I not to long ago got into another Australian Prog/Metal band Voyager and I have a friend who plays for Alarum a more intense prog metal band from down under. I'll have to check into Vanishing Point.
Voyager are amazing.
Hey wolf, which album was the song you sent me in my roulette in? I'll deffs be checking these guys out :)
Shit man, I can't even remember sending you a song from these guys. What was the name of the song? It would have been Embrace the Silence or Tangled in Dream.
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As I Reflect. I'll check out both albums anyway :)
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As I Reflect. I'll check out both albums anyway :)
That's right, that's from this album, Embrace the Silence. Check it out.
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Loving this thread to pieces. period.
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Vanishing Point is on my List Of Bands To Check Out since Dr DTVT listed them on his list. I haven't gotten very far though. :D
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44. James Labrie - Elements of Persuasion (2005)
(https://www.cmdistro.com/images/xlarge/32677.jpg)
Another one of the very best albums of 2005 along with Vanishing Point. After experimenting with Mullmuzzler, James went all out and shocked everyone with Elements of Persuasion. I honestly can’t exactly pinpoint why I love this album so much, I think it’s just the sheer balls out metal of the album. It was great hearing James in this more straightforward record. Hearing the intro to Crucified for the first time blew my mind and I knew I was going to love this album. I just remember playing this album over and over again, I got addicted to it. Every song IMO is killer and the consistency of the record is great too. One of the bonuses was the discovery of Marco Sfogli, one of the best lead guitarists in the world over the last few years. Check his solo album too. Another thing worth noting is that the three ballads are absolutely fantastic and some of the best James has done IMO. Great lineup and all together just an album I absolutely adore.
Best tracks: Crucify, Alone, Lost, Pretender, Smashed, Drained
Crucify: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7FXeNerHg8
Alone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRP_MgMCIao
43. Tony Macalpine - Edge of Insanity (1986)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7a/Tony_MacAlpine_-_1986_-_Edge_of_Insanity.jpg)
Here is one underrated guitarist. I discovered Macapine after already playing the guitar for years. I was well into Satch, Vai and Malmsteen, but wanted to break out and find something more. Macalpines no excuse brand and style of shred simply stunned me. Edge of Insanity was my first record from him, and it is still easily top 5 shred albums of all time. Tony’s note selections, phrasings, melodies are all simply top class, and I wish he had the success of other shredders. There are tracks which are prue noe-classical and songs which drip more with melody. For guitar players, it’s simply all here.
Best tracks: Wheel of Fortune, The Taker, Empire In the Sky, Agrionia, Edge of Insanity, No Place in Time
Edge of Insanity - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJAAEYrkMG8
Agrionia - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKnaFsggB8o
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Loving this thread to pieces. period.
Thanks heaps for stopping by Nem, appreciate your words.
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Loving this thread to pieces. period.
Thanks heaps for stopping by Nem, appreciate your words.
:heart
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Great to see some love for McAlpine, he's a really great artist! I haven't heard that album though, I need to check it out.
And Elements of Persuasion is really, really cool as well. Crucify = :metal
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Elements of Persuasion is pure awesome metal.
Mike Portnoy always gave the impression that he is the metal guy in Dream Theater and then along comes LaBrie with EoP and Static Impulse and shows everyone who is boss :metal
Tony MacAlpine is not only an immensely skilled guitar player, he also plays some decent keyboards. In fact the first time that I've heard of him was Mind's Eye by Vinnie Moore (another shred guy) where MacAlpine was listed as keyboard player and he had some cool keyboard shredding going on.
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I've never been more than lukewarm on EoP. It has a few catchy songs but that's it. As for Tony MacAlpine, I much prefer his next album, Maximum Security. Best shred album ever, and top 5 instrumental album.
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"Crucify" always reminds me of Metallica's "Battery" -- similar structure with the acoustic intro and then the intense shredding. I like a few other songs on the album, too, but "Crucified" is really the highlight IMO.
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Love the MacAlpine..have all his solo work and CAB as well
Was just listening to this album this past weekend
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Love EoP
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I love those first two Macalpine albums, but prefer Maximum Security as it's a bit more polished. Agree about the melody. I prefer Vinnie Moore personally, and shred guitar was my thing in the 80s- I kept Shrapnel going I think.
I've got the EoP too but never really played it much. going back to it.
By the way, I'm loving Gamma Ray. Thanks for the recommendation.
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By the way, I'm loving Gamma Ray. Thanks for the recommendation.
What did you listen to already?
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Land Of The Free and No World Order. Ordered both. This site is costing me a fortune.
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Well, I'm not out to bankrupt you or anything, but Power Plant and LotF II are very, very good as well. :biggrin:
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Well, I'm not out to bankrupt you or anything, but Power Plant and LotF II are very, very good as well. :biggrin:
They will probably have to wait ;D
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EoP is better than some DT's album as a whole and has many songs better than many DT songs. Crucify intro reminds me ACOS intro.
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Well, I'm not out to bankrupt you or anything, but Power Plant and LotF II are very, very good as well. :biggrin:
They will probably have to wait ;D
I actually prefer Somewhere Out In Space.
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Well, the highs are great, but there are some songs that I find very bland, whereas the other four albums mentioned (PP, NWO, LotF and LotF II) are very consistent.
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Majestic is my favorite though....(lololololodd opinion)
but anyway. Elements of Persuasion is a great addition to this list here, even though it may not get many spins from me these daysI still get a kick out of it every now and again.
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Ew, Elements Of Persuasion. Sorry, King.
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Ew, Elements Of Persuasion. Sorry, King.
CRUCIFYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!
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Love EoP
I'm with you there. Like your new avatar too!
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Land Of The Free and No World Order. Ordered both. This site is costing me a fortune.
Good stuff mate, glad you are liking them.
Thanks again for the comments, great to see some love for Macalpine. Maximum Security was one of the later albums I got from him, it's just as good, but EOI just beats it IMO.
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42. In Flames - Reroute to Remain (2002)
(https://www.metallibrary.ru/bands/discographies/images/in_flames/pictures/02_reroute_to_remain.jpg)
Here’s a pick that might annoy a few people. IMO, this is In Flames best work. They had the perfect balance of the new style of what they were going for with splashes of the older style. I really like Anders vocal style here, fits perfectly well. I love the overall atmosphere of the album and its one that I just remember blasting in the car stereo constantly. Lots of consistency here but nothing too samey IMO, every song has its melody and own point that it gets across. Love the more ballad style songs too. Here In Flames were just doing what they wanted, they weren’t trying too hard to be something they are not, like some of the latest albums, and it paid off. It was a natural progression which is why it remains my fav album from them.
Trigger - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esWqSqSTFa4
System - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WBwsiYvfyw
Best tracks: Reroute to Remain, System, Trigger, Cloud Connected, Transparent, Dawn of A New Day, Egomaniac, Minus
41. Savatage - Poets and Madmen (2001)
(https://www.mothermetal.com/tbs/bands/Savatage/Savatage%20Poets%20and%20Madmen%20Front.jpg)
Savatage’s final studio album. Even though it was never intended to be, the natural progression of TSO made this album the last hurrah. I still can’t believe this came out 11 years ago. A fitting end to Savatage as Jon Oliva handles all the vocals, the first time since Streets. This album even though being a Savatage fan was difficult to get into. It’s raw, harsh, eerie and sometimes a little awkward. This album grew on me so much I can’t imagine how many times I would have listened to it over these 11 years. Jon’s vocals are gritty as ever and puts the mood and atmosphere of the album into overdrive. The songs are killer with some strange melodies at times but always fitting. With a solid lineup of Johnny, Chris, Jeff and Al on some lead guitars this is a well performed record. There was a certain magic here that if the band ever did another album, I doubt they would match the beauty of this.
Best tracks: Stay With Me A While, There in the Silence, Commissar, Morphine Child, Surrender
There in the Silence - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OgT7es_iXU
Commissar - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfemABbfSpA
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Savatage rock, but I don't like In Flames that much.
Just listening to There in the Silence. :metal
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42. In Flames - Reroute to Remain (2002)
IMO, this is In Flames best work.
Well, I respectfully disagree on that, but nice pick :)
Also, Savatage is cool, maybe we'll Streets or Gutter Ballet later?
I always wondered what would have happened if Criss were still alive, he was a great guitarist, one of my own inspirations.
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Just be careful to not accidentally the whole thing.
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What?
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42. In Flames - Reroute to Remain (2002)
IMO, this is In Flames best work.
You're not alone on that
and Savatage :tup :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal
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Just a stupid meme. (https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/i-accidentally)
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Just a stupid meme. (https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/i-accidentally)
I know this, but what was the relevance of that in relation to my post? :P
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You forgot a verb as well.
Also, Savatage is cool, maybe we'll Streets or Gutter Ballet later?
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Oh, I completely the word 'see'.
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And two more bands I haven't listened to
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42. In Flames - Reroute to Remain (2002)
IMO, this is In Flames best work.
Well, I respectfully disagree on that, but nice pick :)
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Cool list so far, and great to see Reroute to Remain in there, definitely one of IF's best!
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RtR is a pretty good album definitely the album that made them go big in the states and made them huge!
But for me Colony is my favourite In Flames album! If you haven't seen IF live i can highly recommend it, they often sound amazing live and with alot of pyro to top if of! :metal
Edit: Nugget for those who didn't know: Peter Wildoer worked as drum tech for Daniel on Colony! :P
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Dont know much about In Flames but Savatage rock like you wouldn't believe. Nice to see them showing up on people's lists; hopefully more to come!
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RtR is a pretty good album definitely the album that made them go big in the states and made them huge!
But for me Colony is my favourite In Flames album! If you haven't seen IF live i can highly recommend it, they often sound amazing live and with alot of pyro to top if of! :metal
Schweet, Colony is my favourite too! o/
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Nice to see RtR getting some love, even though I don't think it's as good as their work before it (Jester Race thought Clayman, haven't listened to Lunar Strain really) it will always have a place in my heart as one of the first metal albums I listened to, and I still love the title-track, Metaphor and Trigger quite a lot.
Overall a good pick :metal
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I cannot do In Flames. Those vocals.. :yeahright
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I know it's a big call calling RTR their best work especially since the made mad Clayman, Colony and Whoarcle. I guess it's just my fav from them so, I'm a little biased towards it.
Cool list so far, and great to see Reroute to Remain in there, definitely one of IF's best!
42. In Flames - Reroute to Remain (2002)
IMO, this is In Flames best work.
You're not alone on that
and Savatage :tup :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal
Glad to see some of you agree!
I always wondered what would have happened if Criss were still alive, he was a great guitarist, one of my own inspirations.
Criss was one of my early inspirations as I guitarist too when I discovered Savatage. His style, phrasing and sense of melody was just amazing. I think the band would still be going strong if he were with us today. He was definitely taken too soon.
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I really should give Savatage more of an effort.
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Love Savatage, at least from Gutter ballet on. I find i tolerate Jon's vocals rather than love them though- sacriligious I know. I bought Gutter Ballet on release and worked forward in order. I found P&M to be a bit of a disappointment tbh, and it's years since I played it. Got the special edition box set of it. Will dig it out and have another go.
My tattoo has Silk & Steel as the motto in honour of Chris, though it's getting a bit unreadable now.
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I really should give Savatage more of an effort.
Yes you most definitely should.
My tattoo has Silk & Steel as the motto in honour of Chris, though it's getting a bit unreadable now.
That's incredible. I'd love to see a pic.
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40. Pain of Salvation - Scarsick (2007)
(https://image.lyricspond.com/image/p/artist-pain-of-salvation/album-scarsick/cd-cover.jpg)
ib4 'lol music fail.' I know people hate this album. For a large selection of the fan base, this is where POS became stale and somewhat insignificant. I applauded Nick for putting this in his list, and even know he copped it from everyone, I'm pleased to have it in my top 40 albums. This is my favourite POS album, but it may be of interest that it was my first POS album. I discovered this about 2 years ago when I was in a bit of a music rut. I kept discovering bands but nothing had really grabbed me for a while, this changed everything. After hearing so many good things about this band here on DTF, one day randomly when I was out looking at some cd's I picked this up and bought it without hearing a thing. The cover hypnotized and scared me at the same time. At first this was not what I expected, but the variety and experimentation grew on me and it was something that I got addicted to. I was having a rough time with work and my relationship and this record just helped me, it was a bit of a safety blanket for me at times. Every song has something to offer based on the variety and experimentation, and the musicianship even though not as technical as their earlier stuff is really tight and solid and everything is well produced and performed.
Best tracks: Scarsick, Spitfall, Cribcaged, Disco Queen, Flame to the Moth, Enter Rain
Spitfall - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WlorPypVj4
Cribcaged - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xjF_QyeTMY
39. Jason Becker - Perpetual Burn (1988)
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ub35wREK3lE/SIq3IVcd_qI/AAAAAAAAAeI/ffEc__K2gPU/s400/Jason_Becker_-_Perpetual_Burn_-_Front.jpg)
The sad thing about this album is hearing the incredible talent displayed and the simply unfair fate Jason Becker is living with. This album is at the top of shred albums, you will not hear better shred than this. Jason was simply in another league at this time. After two great records with Marty, he released this album which is just a stunning technical display of guitar playing. This is shred but shred filled with passion, melody and feeling. Jason simply understood the guitar better than anyone else at the time. After discovering Macalpine, I heard this and I have never looked at the guitar the same way. Anyone remotely interested in guitar solos in any shape or form, needs to hear this album. It's a shame Jason got ALS, he would still be at the top of the guitar mountain.
Best tracks - Pretty much all of them
Altitudes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wFoSbjXB68
Eleven Blue Egyptians - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XH9igerT86g
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Haven't heard the PoS- only got Remedy Lane and didn't like it much.
The Jason Becker is an awesome statement of intent. A genius, and on top of his personal suffering (which he faces far more bravely than I ever could) mankind has been robbed of some great music with his illness.
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39. Jason Becker - Perpetual Burn (1988)
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ub35wREK3lE/SIq3IVcd_qI/AAAAAAAAAeI/ffEc__K2gPU/s400/Jason_Becker_-_Perpetual_Burn_-_Front.jpg)
The sad thing about this album is hearing the incredible talent displayed and the simply unfair fate Jason Becker is living with. This album is at the top of shred albums, you will not hear better shred than this. Jason was simply in another league at this time. After two great records with Marty, he released this album which is just a stunning technical display of guitar playing. This is shred but shred filled with passion, melody and feeling. Jason simply understood the guitar better than anyone else at the time. After discovering Macalpine, I heard this and I have never looked at the guitar the same way. Anyone remotely interested in guitar solos in any shape or form, needs to hear this album. It's a shame Jason got ALS, he would still be at the top of the guitar mountain.
Best tracks - Pretty much all of them
Altitudes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wFoSbjXB68
Eleven Blue Egyptians - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XH9igerT86g
:hefdaddy he is am amazing composer still is even with the ALS his dad built him a computer program that allows him to compose music through the movement of his eyes
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Not familiar with either album
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Scarsick is the only album I listen from PoS. Well placed.
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I don't really like PoS, tbh, but Jason Becker is a genius. I love his solo work, though I actually prefer what he did with Friedman in Cacophony.
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PoS has never done anything for me... Jason Becker on the other hand, is incredible.
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My last update for about 36 hours;
38. Kotipelto - Coldness (2004)
(https://www.metal-archives.com/images/3/8/6/5/38653.jpg)
I don't expect many people to know this one. It's the second solo outing from Stratovarius singer Timo Kotipelto. Being a huge Stratovarius fan at the time I was delighted when Timo came out with Waiting For The Dawn, a terrific power metal album. With Coldness it is just straightforward, simple, melodic and well written music. Timo sounds great and having Michael Romeo and Janne Warmen makes this album extra special again. I love the simplistic nature of this record, and hearing Romeo in this zone, he plays incredibly, I wish he would do more stuff like this more often. This is another album I just got addicted to playing and would be my winter album where I would bring it out every winter and it would fit the season so well, as the atmosphere of the record portrays the album title and lyrics so very well, terrific album.
Best tracks: Seeds of Sorrow, Coldness, Around, Journey Back, Coldness of My Mind
Reasons - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6UITOwSOmo
Seeds of Sorrow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFfNvgtGIys
37. The Offspring - Ixnay on the Hombre (1997)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YTxGBfwsEMo/SBF7RTFk2DI/AAAAAAAABHc/j9OIQ35sFRA/s320/The_Offspring-Ixnay_On_The_Hombre-Frontal.jpg)
Here is my favourite Offspring album, and one of the main album of my high school years. Smash of course was mind blowing but Ixnay soon became my favourite. This record showed a great mix of the well written funny side of the band as well as embarking in some unmarked territory with more mature writing. The balance of songs worked so well and leveled the album out perfectly. It contains some of Offsprings best songs, biggest hits and some of the rawest, hard rocking moments that we will ever see from the band again. This is the perfect Offspring record. Nothing bad to say here, great songs, great variety, well written cd. Great punk.
Best tracks: The Meaning of Life, Mota, Cool to Hate, All I Want, Gone Away, Leave it Behind, Amazed
All I Want - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=us8OhI-OTHg
Amazed - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVTlH3NOdaM
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Played Coldness a couple of days ago in the car and it's a great album.
The highest compliment I can pay it is my other half didn't say "what's this cheesy shit? Put something nice on".
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Ixnay is fucking fantastic. I just listened to Coldness though, and it's pretty bland, imho. Standard, run-of-the-mill power metal. Not that it's bad, but it wouldn't make my list, or even close to my list.
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I know Coldness quite well actually, but I'm surprised to see it here as I never found it very interesting at all. If anything I preferred his first album. Overly cheesy, but it has some really fun and catchy stuff.
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Scarsick is a top5 '07 AOTY for me.
Scarsick is also a perfect example of how to essentially eliminate the guitar solo from one's style and still create awesome music (St.Anger, i'm looking at you).
Jason Becker is an artist i need to check out. i used to be pretty into the guitar hero thing and still regularly (to varying degrees) spin vai, macalpine, and friedman.
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hmm... punk rock.
BTW, I appreciate how you always give links to a couple songs! It has been very helpful, for bands I haven't heard.
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Scarsick is amazing!
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Kotipelto is a good singer but his solo stuff has never interested me much. I actually liked Waiting for the Dawn, Coldness is just ok but nothing special and Serenity only had a few good songs. It's no wonder most Stratovarius songs were composed by Tolkki and now by Matias, Jens and Lauri.
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Played Coldness a couple of days ago in the car and it's a great album.
The highest compliment I can pay it is my other half didn't say "what's this cheesy shit? Put something nice on".
:lol I agree. You know when you are on to something when your other half doesn't have some sarcastic comment. Good to see you know that one also.
Ixnay is fucking fantastic. I just listened to Coldness though, and it's pretty bland, imho. Standard, run-of-the-mill power metal. Not that it's bad, but it wouldn't make my list, or even close to my list.
One of the main reasons I like it is because of how simple the album is. To some people they may classify it as bland, I know the reviews have always been mixed on the album, just have always loved it myself.
I know Coldness quite well actually, but I'm surprised to see it here as I never found it very interesting at all. If anything I preferred his first album. Overly cheesy, but it has some really fun and catchy stuff.
WFTD is an excellent power metal album. I think Coldness has more consistency and less filler, but WFTD probably has more standout tracks.
Scarsick is a top5 '07 AOTY for me.
Scarsick is also a perfect example of how to essentially eliminate the guitar solo from one's style and still create awesome music (St.Anger, i'm looking at you).
Jason Becker is an artist i need to check out. i used to be pretty into the guitar hero thing and still regularly (to varying degrees) spin vai, macalpine, and friedman.
Defintitely check PB if you are into guitar heros. And yes Scarsick :metal
hmm... punk rock.
BTW, I appreciate how you always give links to a couple songs! It has been very helpful, for bands I haven't heard.
No worries, I thought it may help. I'm not a big punk rock fan normally but Ixnay is something special.
Scarsick is amazing!
:metal
Kotipelto is a good singer but his solo stuff has never interested me much. I actually liked Waiting for the Dawn, Coldness is just ok but nothing special and Serenity only had a few good songs. It's no wonder most Stratovarius songs were composed by Tolkki and now by Matias, Jens and Lauri.
Serenity was a let down IMO. It was okay, but the first three songs were the strongest and it just dropped off after that.
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When you said "Obscure pick" I had something else completely different in mind - namely that obscure picked the album for you.
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:lol
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36. Gamma Ray - Powerplant (1999)
(https://images.wikia.com/lyricwiki/images/8/8f/Gamma_Ray_-_Power_Plant.jpg)
Gamma Ray IMO, are the definitive band when it comes to power metal, and Powerplant could be the definitive power metal album. This is classic. It's melodic, very cheesy, fast paced, ripping solos, soaring vocals, boombastic, cheese fest lyrics and some complex yet well thought out song structures. Every song on this album really shines and a special mention to the amazing Pet Shop Boys cover of its a sin. Kai Hansen and the boys deliver a terrific album filled with some nice variety in the songs and just an overall kick ass power metal album. This album had incredible lasting power and got so many spins from me. Power metal heads should already own this.
Best tracks - Anywhere in the Galaxy, Razorblade Sigh, Send Me A Sign, Strangers in the Night, Gardens of the Sinner, Armageddon, It's A Sin
Anywhere in the Galaxy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cbnes-Q9ZE
Gardens of the Sinner - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wDig7BQM9c
35. Last Tribe - The Uncrowned (2003)
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8mnFgS8ZUVo/TUH7FFGdZQI/AAAAAAAAAFc/Fqrnke0Tmnk/s1600/Last+Tribe-+The+Uncrowned.jpg)
Here's a virtually unknown melodic power metal band. Magnus Karlsson is the mastermind behind this band. Some of you may know him from the Allen/Lande projects and currently in Primal Fear, plus many, many other projects and guest apperances. Magnus is pretty much the king of melodic rock, and has been for quite a few years. This was his first real musical output. His was in a band called Midnight Sun, but was just a guitarist, Last Tribe is his first real idea and creation of his amazing brand of melodic power metal. I have been hooked on this album since about 2005 and I still listen to it regulary. It is simply some of the best melodic power metal ever created. Every song has a chorus that is just gold, brilliant melodies, a stunning rhythm section, great vocals and flawless melodic guitar playing. It may interest some of you that the bass player is Dick Lovgren from Meshuggah. I have many great memories of good times meeting my current girlfriend around the same time as discovering this band, so there is a strong nostalgic connection also. But simply, this album is stunning and anyone remotely into power metal should check it out, it's simply incredible.
Best tracks - Healer, Sacrifice, The Otherworld, The Uncrowned, Sound of Rain, Call of the Tribe
Healer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUije2FW-i0
The Uncrowned - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kxQckq9-g
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Fuck yeah Gamma Ray! The Pet Shop Boys cover is phenomenal, like nearly every track on the album. :metal :metal
Haven't heard Last Tribe, but they sound pretty cool. I'll give them a spin.
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Thankfully, Last Tribe is on Grooveshark. Will be checking them out with the thousands of other things still pending.
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Powerplant - finally, an album I've heard. I'm not that crazy about it, though...
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Just checked out a couple of Last Tribes songs - good stuff!
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Powerplant is an awesome album!
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Big Magnus Karlsson fan here. I got the first Last tribe album when it came out and have enjoyed most of his stuff since, Starbreaker being my favourite I think- (maybe that will feature later in your list?).
Just started listening to GR and not heard this one yet. Will get to it though.
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I've heard a couple of Gamma Ray albums, but not Powerplant. I'll have to check it out tonight.
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Haven't heard of last tribe
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POWER PLANT :metal :metal
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To all you guys who haven't heard of last Tribe, do check them out, they're incredible.
Big Magnus Karlsson fan here. I got the first Last tribe album when it came out and have enjoyed most of his stuff since, Starbreaker being my favourite I think- (maybe that will feature later in your list?).
Just started listening to GR and not heard this one yet. Will get to it though.
Fuck yeah man, didn't know you were into Last Tribe, seriously how good is all their albums?
The first Starbreaker album is absolutely killer.
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34. Iron Maiden - Brave New World (2000)
(https://www.metal-archives.com/images/1/8/2/182.jpg)
After two albums with Blaze Bayley, Bruce and Adrian returned to the fold for the release of Brave New World. The anticipation for this album was very high from Maiden fans worldwide, and thankfully, on a whole, the band didn't disappoint. Some people do have mixed opinions about this album, but for me, it's pretty much perfect. During my final years in high school, I remember me and a couple of mates use to do so much drinking to this album, it's just great metal all the way through, and just so much fun to listen to, and had terrific replay value. You also have a nice variety in the songs and their sounds and themes, which makes the album a pleasure to listen to throughout, and it never becomes boring IMO. Classic record which put Maiden back on the map and from this point onwards, they have been unstoppable.
Best tracks: Brave New World, Ghost of the Navigator, Wicker Man, Mercenary, Nomad, Thin Line Between Love and hate
Brave New World - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Inyg70V-QI
The Nomad - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4t1W8IGU80
33. Death - The Sound of Perseverance (1998)
(https://www.musica10.it/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/5dbb5af3bbf4eaff027734fa082.jpg)
The final album from death metal legends Death. This was the swansong of this legendary death metal band featuring the legend Chuck Schuldiner, who was taken far too young. He did leave an incredible mark with this stunning album. This album is a perfect mix between death metal and progressive technical metal. Anyone looking to get into this band, this is the perfect place to start, it's slightly different to their older stuff, but so damn strong where it just slays all the way through. I love Chuck's vocals here too, they are far away from generic death metal vocals though, even slightly more black metal, but they are raspy, piercing and powerful. Also featuring Richard Christy on the drums, the rhythm section here is terrific and thundering. Chuck's solos are of course incredible also. Stunning album, RIP Chuck.
Best tracks: Scavenger of Human Sorrow, Spirit Crusher, Flesh and the Power It Holds, Voice of the Soul, A Moment of Clarity, Painkiller
Flesh and the Power It Holds - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8y8jZpQrEgQ
A Moment of Clarity - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uP0PtBurno
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Two great picks Wolf!
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Love Brave New World. Not my favorite from the Bruce 'reunion' albums, but it's a solid choice.
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Two great picks Wolf!
:metal
Love Brave New World. Not my favorite from the Bruce 'reunion' albums, but it's a solid choice.
Cheers bro, I know a lot of guys prefer the later reunion albums, but I always seem to come back to BNW!!
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A damn good Maiden album. :biggrin:
Also, I've heard Flesh and the Power It Holds from that Death album, and I thought it was pretty sick. :metal
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I actually have that Death album. The vocals still bother me but the music is kiler.
BNW is my least favorite of the reunion albums, but it's easy to see why people hold it in such high regard. Starting with BNW, Maiden has continued to surprise.
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Brave new world is so :metal. Clear proof that Dickinson should have never left the band.
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I will echo the sentiments of most of the others, and say that BNW is one of Maiden's worse albums since the reunion, but it is nevertheless a very good record. I'm slightly disappointed that my two favourite songs of this album (The Nomad, Out of the Silent Planet) aren't played live, 'cause I'd love to hear live versions of them.
Death is pretty cool to, though it's as far as I go with death metal, tbh. Still, a fucking killer record. :metal :metal
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The only problem [We're Blood Brothers] with Brave New World [We're Blood Brothers] is it suffers from what I call [We're Blood Brothers] "the formula" just a little [We're Blood Brothers] bit too much. Don't get me [We're Blood Brothers] wrong, I think it's a fine [We're Blood Brothers] album for the most part, but[We're Blood Brothers] it could have been just [We're Blood Brothers] a tiny bit less repetitive [We're Blood Brothers] with some of those choruses, if [We're Blood Brothers] you know what I mean.
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That can be said (no more liiiiies) about pretty much all their (no more liiiiies) post-reunion albums. I (no more liiiiies) definitely prefer the (no more liiiiies) "classic" stuff over the 2000's albums.
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It seems we have this debate every time Maiden is brought up, haha. Brave New World is my 3rd fave Maiden album, after The Final Frontier and A Matter of Life and Death. Dance of Death is the only 'bad' reunion album IMO, with about half of it being filler. The 'bad' Maiden albums to me are FOTD, DoD, NPFTD and Killers.
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Bought BNW when it came out but it ever really struck me as being that great. I couldn't even remember any of the tunes tbh. DoD was worse I remember (apart from Paschendale that I liked), but AMOLAD was excellent. And things fell off again with FF. Old school Maiden for me.
I like the Death album. Can't stand other death metal stuff at all but the music here rules enough for me to tolerate the vocals- and they are better than the growling. Chuck was obviously a talented guy. I never gave them a chance back in the day as it was all too extreme for me.
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That can be said (no more liiiiies) about pretty much all their (no more liiiiies) post-reunion albums. I (no more liiiiies) definitely prefer the (no more liiiiies) "classic" stuff over the 2000's albums.
It's not like [Fear of the Dark] they never [Fear of the Dark] did that [Fear of the Dark] before though [Fear of the Dark]. Whether it's a bad album [Fear of the Dark] or a good one, no one can ever [Fear of the Dark] accuse them of innovative lyrics [Fear of the Dark] in their choruses [Fear of the Dark].
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True, but I think I'd prefer
Tell me why I had to be a powerslave
I don't wanna die, I'm a god, why can't I live on?
When the life giver dies, all around is laid to waste.
And in my last hour,
I'm a slave to the power of death.
over
No more liiiieeeess! (repeat 8x)
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I wouldn't really call the death album an 'unknown'. Its a pretty well-known album on this forum :)
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I'm always stunned at people saying repetition is a part of the Maiden style in the last 10 years, they've been doing it since ever. Running free? The Evil that men do? Back in the village? Fear of the dark? Man on the edge? Give me a break.
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Oh, I know it's been a part of their style forever. Sometimes it works, sometimes it's painful.
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The Sound of Perseverance :metal :metal :metal
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I'm always stunned at people saying repetition is a part of the Maiden style in the last 10 years, they've been doing it since ever. Running free? The Evil that men do? Back in the village? Fear of the dark? Man on the edge? Give me a break.
I do it as a joke, and I know they've been doing it forever, which is why I call it "the formula" - they've been doing it since the first album and for some reason it seems to work for them.
I do think it's a bit less prominent in the classic albums, though.
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Brave New World is awesome.
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Both those albums are amazing. Nice picks. :tup
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I wouldn't really call the death album an 'unknown'. Its a pretty well-known album on this forum :)
That was actually for my last two picks. I forgot to change the description in the thread when I updated with these two.
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I'd say that it's unfair that BNW always gets slagged for it's repetivite choruses, when it has been a part of the band's sound since the beginning. It's only been more prominent in the last 12 years. But really;
Fear of the Dark
Children of the Damned
Caught Somewhere in Time
Deja Vu
Don't Look to the Eyes of A Stranger
Afraid to Shoot Strangers
The list could go on. I think it's unfair to single BNW out just because it has a larger percentage of songs with this formula.
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7th Son would also like to participate. :laugh:
I'm not slagging BNW for that formula. In fact, I don't think I was slagging BNW at all. I really like the album.
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32. Allen/Lande - The Revenge (2007)
(https://images.wikia.com/lyricwiki/images/f/fc/Allen-Lande_-_The_Revenge.jpg)
Here's another melodic rock entry in my top 50. A record produced and written by mastermind Magnus Karlsson with two simply powerhouse vocalists. Jorn Lande and Russell Allen as normal with all three of these outings, have songs performed on their own as well as some duets. It's interesting to see both these vocalists in this sort of AOR environment, very different to what they are both use to, especially Allen. Saying that the writing behind this album from Karlsson fits these guys like a glove, and what we get is 12 fantastic, melodic and catchy songs with great guitar solos and terrific vocals. That basically sums it up. I am pretty much a fan of anything Karlsson writes and the thing that drew me to this record was just that, perfect songs. This ranks so high in my list simply because this was a solid album that in 2007 I could count on and gave me so much listening pleasure, simple. Anyone interested in a more straightforward, melodic style setting should check it out.
Best tracks - The Revenge, Victory, Will You Follow, Her Spell, Gone Too Far
Her Spell - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EYaO64x3xE
Will You Follow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLPAcSr8AiY
31. Black Sabbath - Headless Cross (1989)
(https://www.metallibrary.ru/bands/discographies/images/black_sabbath/pictures/89_headless_cross.jpg)
Here's another entry that will probably shock people. I've always made it clear that the Martin era is my fav Sabbath era. I just think the more 80's style Tony did with Martin was absolutely spectacular and deserved much more appreciation and recognition. IMO, out of the five albums Tony Martin did with Sabbath this was the best. Evil lyrics, great melodies and choruses and spectacular guitar work from Tony. I just love this record and loved jamming along to these songs on the guitar. Very keyboard focused at times too which made the atmosphere of the whole album incredible. Tony sings his ass off here too and sounds really great. Not a dud song of the bunch and each song being as strong as the last. Terrific 80's heavy metal.
Best tracks - Headless Cross, Devil and Daugher, When Death Calls, Kill in the Spirit World
When Death Calls - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ithIad4MQso
Headless Cross - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90mZThOY_8k
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All of the Allen-Lande releases are terrific. Amazing to see Headless Cross on the list; this would make my list for sure as well. The Tony Martin era is criminally underated and I would put this one and Eternal Idol at the top. Great picks!
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The Allen/Lande trilogy is all out win. The Battle is my personal fav, but nice choice to add to the list.
Not familiar with Martin era Sabbath at all (other than the song that Jay sent in my roulette, which was very good despite scoring low). *sigh* ... more albums to check out.
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All of the Allen-Lande releases are terrific. Amazing to see Headless Cross on the list; this would make my list for sure as well. The Tony Martin era is criminally underated and I would put this one and Eternal Idol at the top. Great picks!
I knew you would appreciate that Sabbath pick. :tup
The Allen/Lande trilogy is all out win. The Battle is my personal fav, but nice choice to add to the list.
Not familiar with Martin era Sabbath at all (other than the song that Jay sent in my roulette, which was very good despite scoring low). *sigh* ... more albums to check out.
When you get through the 5000 albums you have on your list, do check into the Martin era more, very melodic, you would like it.
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I have not been able to get into Allen/Lande, but The Headless Cross is a great album. Yes, the Martin era is very underrated.
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Martin era is the shit! I probably rank all the eras pretty evenly. But Headless Cross is my fave Sabbath record too :metal
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Headless Cross is great. :hat
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Can't fault those two picks.
I'm a DIO man when it comes to Sabbath (and Rainbow) but the Martin albums were good.
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Allen/Lande sounds very promising, checking it out now!
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Great to see some love for Headless Cross. :metal
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30. Joe Satriani - Crystal Planet (1998)
(https://www.satriani.com/discography/Crystal_Planet/Crystal_Planet.jpg)
Satch was the first guitar hero I got into as I just started learning the guitar. His style, sense of melody, song writing and basic ability to make a song sing with just the use of the guitar was inspiring. Crystal Planet was one of the first albums I got from him, and even though Surfing and Blue Dream did take up a lot of my time, Crystal Planet floored me and IMO is Satch's best work to date. Furious guitar playing with lots of songs with plenty of balls, heaviness and exceptional melodies. When studying the guitar, I purchased the tab book and learnt most of the album. I loved these songs so much when I was doing guitar exams in my teens years, on three seperate occasions I picked songs from this album to play as the free choice. Brilliant melodies and guitar playing and simply one of the best instrumental guitar albums of all time IMO.
Best tracks - Up in the Sky, Crystal Planet, Ceremony, Lights of Heaven, Time, Secret Prayer, A Train of Angels
Up in the Sky - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5H99CaTY3uo
Crystal Planet - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZFWLEFLXqQ
29. Iron Maiden - Somewhere in Time (1986)
(https://www.metalmusicarchives.com/images/covers/iron-maiden-somewhere-in-time.jpg)
Not much to say that hasn't been said about this album from most of you Maiden fans on here. The shift in style here worked so damn well for Maiden it was scary. A perfect bland of metal and synths made these songs incredible. Every track has great atmosphere, amazing sound and tones and just perfectly performed. Great to see Adrian take more of a lead role here and adding his style of melodic/AOR sort of rock on the hit singles. Being my fav band of all time and discovering this at the age of 13 rocked my world, and I still love it as much to this day.
Best tracks - Caught Somewhere in Time, Sea of Madness, The Lonliness of the Long Distance Runner, Stranger in a Strange Land
Caught Somewhere in Time - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3fVDCtc0OY
Sea of Madness - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47gxm1m2jus
28. Ark - Burn the Sun (2001)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oziL8971PtI/SYOePHjfWWI/AAAAAAAAAgY/Um5HowKo5pk/s400/1912.jpg)
This is simply one of the best, most underrated prog metal albums of all time. The all star band only lasted two albums with this being the sophomore release. The lineup of this album consisted of; Jorn Lande, Randy Cover, Tore Ostby, John Macaluso and Mats Olausson. This band shoud have been bigger but unfortunely it just didn't work out. This album is dark, progressive, sometimes twisted, sometimes beautiful, heavy, melodic, simply wonderful. Lots of variety in the songs and every track has something different to offer. The mood shifts from prog, prog metal, AOR, acoustic, industrial with a class ballad too. Of course having Jorn Lande at the mic certainly doesn't hurt the quality either. Killer songs and amazing performances throughout, everyone should check this album out pronto. Also, check the song Noose for the inspiration for DT's This Dying Soul.
Best tracks - Heal the Waters, Torn, Burn the Sun, Noose, Feed the Fire, Missing You
Heal the Waters - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9zFICL-Lng (studio)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPyOUBZKu98 (live)
Torn - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNu4CsolUyM
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Woo, great to see some love for Sea Of Madness. Such an underrated song :metal
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Woo, great to see some love for Sea Of Madness. Such an underrated song :metal
One of my all time Maiden favs actually.
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Somewhere in time :tup
And :omg: at that Noose riff.
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Somewhere in time is a good album, though not one of my faves from Maiden.
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Haven't listened to Ark, but the other 2 albums are great, specially the Maiden one.
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Talked about my disappointment with Somewhere In Time in Kirk's top 50. First IM album that wasn't great for me. Some good songs (Wasted Years, Alexander, Deja Vu. Title track was ok but didn't like tLOTLDR, SIASL etc.
I'm a huge Satch fan- have been since I bought Not Of This Earth on vinyl on release. Taught Steve Vai to play? That'll do for me. I did go through a bit of a fall out with those mid career albums, the S/T, crystal Planet, Creation etc. Not listened to this in years, will ahve to give it another go. probably suffered from not being SWTA and FIABD at the time.
The Ark is pretty good. Jorn's finest full album? Probably.
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The Ark album is very good.
Great to see the love for Iron Maiden in these lists, Somewhere In Time in particular. Like I said before, for me, it hasn't aged that well, but when it came out, it was my favorite album by them. I loved that it was so different, especially after Powerslave, which I thought was stale at the time.
Title track is my #3 Maiden song!
It was also probably my favorite tour by them as well.
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Furious guitar playing with lots of songs with plenty of balls, heaviness and exceptional melodies.
So much THIS. Crystal Planet is an incredibly awesome album and definitely among his best, constantly battling with Surfing With The Alien or The Extremist as my #1 Satch album.
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Somewhere in Time :metal
I like that Ark album too, but it didn't make my top 50
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A perfect bland of metal and synths
heh
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Somewhere in Time :metal
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And :omg: at that Noose riff.
It came before TDS as well.
Burn the Sun is a really great album, nice to see it here! Although disappointing that my favourite song from it, Just a Little, wasn't in your recommended tracks.
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Great choices with Somewhere In Time and Crystal Planet :tup
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Love Somewhere in Time. Stranger in a Strange Land is such a killer song :metal
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Somewhere in time :tup
And :omg: at that Noose riff.
Yep, so similar.
Talked about my disappointment with Somewhere In Time in Kirk's top 50. First IM album that wasn't great for me. Some good songs (Wasted Years, Alexander, Deja Vu. Title track was ok but didn't like tLOTLDR, SIASL etc.
I'm a huge Satch fan- have been since I bought Not Of This Earth on vinyl on release. Taught Steve Vai to play? That'll do for me. I did go through a bit of a fall out with those mid career albums, the S/T, crystal Planet, Creation etc. Not listened to this in years, will ahve to give it another go. probably suffered from not being SWTA and FIABD at the time.
The Ark is pretty good. Jorn's finest full album? Probably.
I can totally understand people not really ranking SIT that high. Definitely check Crystal Planet, you will like it.
And Burn the Sun is definitely top 3 when it comes to Jorn.
Somewhere in Time :metal
I like that Ark album too, but it didn't make my top 50
That's cool, good to see some appreciation for it though.
A perfect bland of metal and synths
heh
You know what I meant. :P
And :omg: at that Noose riff.
It came before TDS as well.
Burn the Sun is a really great album, nice to see it here! Although disappointing that my favourite song from it, Just a Little, wasn't in your recommended tracks.
Yeah, that's a really good one, to be honest, any of the songs could be in the best tracks list.
Great choices with Somewhere In Time and Crystal Planet :tup
Love Somewhere in Time. Stranger in a Strange Land is such a killer song :metal
:metal
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27. Savatage - Gutter Ballet (1989)
(https://www.metal-archives.com/images/1/3/7/9/1379.jpg)
This is the album that really got Savatage noticed, and this album is a wonderful metal record. It's really difficult to describe this album correctly in words, it really has a unique sound of its own. This cd still has a certain rawness of the bands early days but you can see the symphonic style shifting in, and really the mix works so damn well. The duo of Jon's evil, raspy vocals and Criss' slicing leads just cuts you down to your knees every song, and Doc and Johnny lay a thunderous rhythm through the whole record. Lots of variety, lots of metal and a couple of outstanding ballads. This metal record has it all, and trying to describe it in words just doesn't do it justice. Another one of my favs of my late high school years. I got so excited when I discovered this band and especially this album, it's really something special and very underrated.
Best tracks - Of Rage and War, Gutter Ballet, When the Crowds Are Gone, Hounds, The Unholy, Summer's Rain
Gutter Ballet - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ubmft9_LeE8
The Unholy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBby8N3WQ00
26. Helloween - Rabbit Don't Come Easy (2003)
(https://www.riotact.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Helloween-Rabbit_Don_t_Come_Easy-Frontal.jpg)
Yet another obscure choice from a classic metal band. This is my favourite record from Helloween, and I never understood the lukewarm reception towards it. IMO, this has everything Helloween is about. It has the heavier tracks and it has the more lighthearted fun tracks, while it also has tracks in between which are just something a little different. After the excellent Dark Ride, and a lineup change, this is the debut album with Sascha, who really IMO, has kept this band going strong and breathed some new life into them over the last ten years. Also, most of the drums here are handled by King Diamond/Motorhead drummer Mikey Dee, so you know the musicianship on this is tight as hell. Perfect lineup here. Again, variety is a big key here, but it also has the speed and melody which keeps me hooked. This is just perfect Helloween IMO, where all the classic elements can be found and all in fine form. Lots of lovely guitar solos, melodic hooks and Andi sounds great also.
Best tracks - Open Your Life, The Tune, Never Be A Star, Liar, Sun 4 the World, Back Against the Wall, Listen to the Flies, Hell Was Made in Heaven
Open Your Life - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkzS-MmG3bw
Sun 4 The World - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OErC1bhpXk
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Love that Helloween is getting some love on these threads but I much prefer the Keeper 1 & 2 albums
Savatage also deserves much love although I never was able to connect with the singers after Jon decided to step away from the vocal department. His vocals and style was as much a part of the "savatage sound" as the music itself too me (Hall of the Mountain King is my favorite , but Gutter is defineatly a top 3 'Tage' album for me )
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Wow, a very controversial choice for a favorite Helloween album, some of the songs on there like Never be a star or Liar aren't exactly my cup of tea. But it's still really good.
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Gutter Ballet! :heart
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I haven't listened to Gutter Ballet in years. I need to pull that one out for a spin :hat
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Gutter Ballet is such a great album :tup and it was my introduction to Savatage. The ballads When The Crowds Are Gone and Summer's Rain bring me almost to tears every time and the rest of the songs ain't shabby either.
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Was listening to Gutter Ballet yesterday. Still a great metal album and it was my first Savatage album. Love the instrumental Temptation Revelation too as well as the songs you listed. Great pick.
The Helloween I don't know. Only really heard the first 2 Keepers and Pink Bubbles (which I like).
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I don't know if I would put Gutter Ballet in my 'tage top 3 albums, but I didn't exactly do 'tage in chronological order. I'm still a Streets/DWD/EoT guy. But some 'tage is always better than no 'tage, and GB isn't bad, I just perfer others.
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Boom, that's a one two punch of metal. Good choices!!
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Boom, that's a one two punch of metal. Good choices!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Wow, a very controversial choice for a favorite Helloween album, some of the songs on there like Never be a star or Liar aren't exactly my cup of tea. But it's still really good.
Yep, I knew it would raise a few eyebrows.
I haven't listened to Gutter Ballet in years. I need to pull that one out for a spin :hat
Yeah, it's amazing.
Gutter Ballet is such a great album :tup and it was my introduction to Savatage. The ballads When The Crowds Are Gone and Summer's Rain bring me almost to tears every time and the rest of the songs ain't shabby either.
Yeah, most Savatage ballads are so emotional and are real tear jerkers. Great songwriting.
Was listening to Gutter Ballet yesterday. Still a great metal album and it was my first Savatage album. Love the instrumental Temptation Revelation too as well as the songs you listed. Great pick.
The Helloween I don't know. Only really heard the first 2 Keepers and Pink Bubbles (which I like).
Yeah, Criss' solo on Temptation is amazing. Check out this Helloween, I think you might like it.
Boom, that's a one two punch of metal. Good choices!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:metal
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Sorry for the lack of updates guys, work is absolutely kicking my ass lately.
25. Gamma Ray - No World Order (2001)
(https://www.metallibrary.ru/bands/discographies/images/gamma_ray/pictures/01_no_world_order.jpg)
This album is simply heavy metal heaven. This is by far my favourite Gamma Ray album and simply one of the most consistent, catchy, powerful and well performed heavy metal cd's I've ever heard. This is perfect Gamma Ray as they successfully mesh their power metal early days roots and a newer more direct Judas Preist like heavy metal, producing powerful, hard hitting, melodic songs. A loose concept album on the illuminati, the lyrics are cheesy as ever making this an even better power metal release. Great rhythm section, Kai is in top form, and both Kai and Henjo shred their asses off with well fitting and never over indulgent solos. Killer songs from start to finish and perfect prodution to boot it off. While some of these songs wear their influences on their sleeves, Gamma Ray make no exception and produce a simply amazing heavy metal album.
Best tracks - Dethrone Tyranny, Heart of the Unicorn, Heaven or Hell, No World Order, Fire Below, Eagle
Heart of the Unicorn - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kO7PDWtmXfg
Heaven or Hell - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqzsK22tOwU
24. Bruce Dickinson - Accident of Bith (1997)
(https://www.chartstats.com/images/artwork/33734.jpg)
Bruce Dickinson's solo career was taking some twists and turns. He had his poppy debut, than the darker more straightforward Balls to Picasso with Roy Z, then he tried to disguise himself in a more grunge like Skunkworks. This album brings former Maiden slinger Adrian Smith and the return of Roy Z. With Dave Ingraham on drums and Eddie Casillas on bass this was sure to be a monster, and that it was. At this point, this was by far the heaviest thing Bruce had ever done, and also some of Adrian's best guitar work to date. This is a terrific heavy metal album that must have had Steve Harris running for cover. Great songs, thunderous heavy metal, killer solos and classic Maiden like harmonies and of course Bruce sounding the best he has sounded since the golden years. Lots of variety too but IMO no filler to be seen. This also contains some of Bruce's best ballads to date. This cd is absolute perfection and just leaves you wanting more and more. Any Maiden fan that hasn't heard this, you are doing yourself an injustice. Pick up the remastered 2cd which has some cool demos and the amazing Ghost of Cain.
Best tracks - Freak, Darkside of Aquarius, Road to Hell, Man of Sorrows, Accident of Birth, Omega, Ghost of Cain (bonus track)
Darkside of Aquarius - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtiR35EOm7A
Accident of Birth - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gynGahcm6d0
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Oh yeah, two awesome albums!
I get the feeling that many consider The Chemical Wedding to be Bruce's best album, but I actually prefer Accident Of Birth :metal
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Oh yeah, two awesome albums!
I get the feeling that many consider The Chemical Wedding to be Bruce's best album, but I actually prefer Accident Of Birth :metal
Same here..
Accident At Birth is great. Love No World Order as well.
As far as the previous update, Rabbit is OK, but I cannot get into Savatage. I always felt like the vision and aspirations, which were commendable, were always let down by their performance and execution.
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Nice Gamma Ray album. I love Heart of the unicorn :heart
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Nice Gamma Ray album. I love Heart of the unicorn :heart
That's my favourite song on the album.
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This album is simply heavy metal heaven. This is by far my favourite Gamma Ray album and simply one of the most consistent, catchy, powerful and well performed heavy metal cd's I've ever heard. This is perfect Gamma Ray as they successfully mesh their power metal early days roots and a newer more direct Judas Preist like heavy metal, producing powerful, hard hitting, melodic songs.
Couldn't have said it better myself. :tup
Oh, and Accident of birth is pretty awesome as well. :metal
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Nice Gamma Ray album. I love Heart of the unicorn :heart
That's my favourite song on the album.
o/
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*\o
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Bruces solo career is great! Only got Land of the Free from gamma ray, tbh I didn't find it that captivating, but I'll check out that album.
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Accident of Birth :metal
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I enjoy Accident of Birth over CW too; but both kick major ass.
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Have only sampled the Gamma Ray on YT so far but it's good, up there wit the LOTFs. My only concern is everything is a bit upbeat and hymn-like. I remember when Power Metal was darker, like a tuneful thrash. Where did these major keys come from?
The only Bruce solo I liked was BTP. Listened to this and CW and didn't find anything I liked at the time (anyone remember the record library to sample music before buying? lol). Didn't give it a huge chance I suppose. May try again.
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Give them another chance Lowdz!
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Give them another chance Lowdz!
YES, Check this one out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHF995g0Bm8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHF995g0Bm8)
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Give them another chance Lowdz!
YES, Check this one out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHF995g0Bm8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHF995g0Bm8)
That track is pretty spectacular, have to say. Checking the others out now.
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Nice Gamma Ray album. I love Heart of the unicorn :heart
That's my favourite song on the album.
BEST GAMMA RAY SONG!!! :metal
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Nice Gamma Ray album. I love Heart of the unicorn :heart
That's my favourite song on the album.
BEST GAMMA RAY SONG!!! :metal
Perhaps. Definitely a Top 5 though for me. Condemned To Hell and Majesty are up there too.
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23. Dream Theater - Images and Words (1992)
(https://metallifer.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/dream_theater_-_images_and_words.jpg)
Not much to say here, we all know it and love it and it's simply one of the best prog albums ever. A friend in school back when I was in 7th grade brought a tape which had A Change of Seasons on it. It blew my mind, and we all sat listening to it, even the teacher listened in awe and liked what he heard. About a day later I went to the cd shop to look for a Dream Theater cd, and Images and Words was all they had. I picked it up and had never heard music quite like it before. Lots of great memories discovering this band with this cd, and still one of the freshest prog albums to date. I don't think I need to post best songs or links for this one.
22. Yngwie Malmsteen - Alchemy (1999)
(https://cfs9.tistory.com/image/27/tistory/2008/08/12/15/29/48a12dcb6fadd)
Yet another pick that many wouldn't expect from this artist. Discovering Yngwie Malmsteen was somewhat of a revelation to me, I loved his style and he is still one of my top 3 guitarists of all time, probably even number 1. Malmsteen had good success with his albums in the 80's and still kept going strong in the 90's. But in 1999 came an album that was totally different than anything he has ever done, and IMO it paid off. This album sees the return of the incredible Mark Boals and boy, this is probably his best performance ever. The thing that makes Alchemy so different is every song is a ball buster. Not much acoustic stuff (besides a stint in the final trilogy) and no ballads whatsoever, just shred all the way through. It's dark, heavy, fast and seriously just melts my face off everytime I hear it. This is Malmsteen at his peak IMO, an album that is one of a kind and he will never replicate again. A perfect mix of metal and shred, with seriously some of the greatest vocal performances ever put on tape. Check Leonardo.
Best tracks - Leonardo, Playing with Fire, Stand, Wield my Sword, Blue, Voodoo Nights
Leonardo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1KIEkDxx9s
Wield My Sword - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BK1snO5mW28
21. Fates Warning - Parallels (1991)
(https://pigtailsinpaint.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/fates-warning-parallels-1.jpg?w=500&h=500)
Another prog masterpiece. This was my first album from Fates Warning and it still remains my fav to this day, it's a very special album. This album saw the complexity of their earlier music step aside for a more direct, somewhat commercial approach which was based more on songwriting. This album has such an incredible sound and atmosphere that drew me in straight away and kept me hooked for literally years. Great lyrics, great solos from the underrated Frank Aresti, Bones and Mark have a tight rhythm section that just breathes so damn much, and of course Ray sounds great. This also saw the movement of style cater well for Ray and his voice which has obviously changed over the years. One of the things I love most is the production from Terry Brown and the use of more clean piezo style guitar sounds, it gives the record a warm and dreamy sound mixed with a really nice distortion over the top. perfect record, perfect songs, prog fans should know this one inside out. (no pun intended)
Best tracks - Leave the Past Behind, Life in Still Water, Don't Follow Me, The Eleventh Hour, Eye to Eye
Leave the Past Behind - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwSft8zNaS0
Life in Still Water - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgPWvjt-0oA
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hhhmmmm... Didn't know Brown produced Parallels. I never could appreciate FW (I know, I know... give it another try), as Ray's voice is something that doesn't jive well with me. Even with Redemption, I find his vocals are just 'good enough'. Give me Jorn, Wilson, Allen or Cooper any day of the week.
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I&W made my top ten. :tup
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It's in my Top 5 :tup
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It's my #1. Ha!
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I & W is top five for me. Parallels would be probably top 25. Big Yngwie fan, but not familiar with that disc. I have the first four, a best of, and the Ripper discs.
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Yeah, Images and words. Not a lot of top 50s on this board missed that album. :smiley:
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I was a big Yngwie fan but this album was the beginning of the end for me. Poor songs- just Yngwie being a caricature of Yngwie. to each their own though. Nowhere near as bad as The War To End All Wars though.
The FW I have on my list to check out. The samples I've heard sound good.
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I&W is my #1, Paralells would probably be top 25 as well, definately top 50.
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hhhmmmm... Didn't know Brown produced Parallels. I never could appreciate FW (I know, I know... give it another try), as Ray's voice is something that doesn't jive well with me. Even with Redemption, I find his vocals are just 'good enough'. Give me Jorn, Wilson, Allen or Cooper any day of the week.
Give this one a spin again, it's a terrific album. FW are definitely an aquired taste though, and they need time to grow.
I & W is top five for me. Parallels would be probably top 25. Big Yngwie fan, but not familiar with that disc. I have the first four, a best of, and the Ripper discs.
Try Alchemy, you'd enjoy it.
I was a big Yngwie fan but this album was the beginning of the end for me. Poor songs- just Yngwie being a caricature of Yngwie. to each their own though. Nowhere near as bad as The War To End All Wars though.
The FW I have on my list to check out. The samples I've heard sound good.
I don't understand the dislike for the album, I guess as a young guitar player this one just struck a chord with me that a lot of other fans didn't really get.
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I&W made my top ten. :tup
It's in my Top 5 :tup
It's my #1. Ha!
I tried to put it higher but really, when I come up with my list, it's where it placed, I feel a little bad for it and I probably should have had it in my top 20, but bah, it is what it is.
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To each their own. No judgement here, I was just trying to top Nek and Zy!
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I&W made my top ten. :tup
It's in my Top 5 :tup
It's my #1. Ha!
All Of The Above!!!!!!
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It will be on my list, but where?!?!?!?! Stay tuned.....
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Yeah, Images and words. Not a lot of top 50s on this board missed that album. :smiley:
it has been included in 58.1% of the lists thus far (including those that are ongoing at the moment)
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Wow, that's interesting. And those 41.9 % call themselves Dream Theater fans? ;) ;D
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Yeah, Images and words. Not a lot of top 50s on this board missed that album. :smiley:
it has been included in 58.1% of the lists thus far (including those that are ongoing at the moment)
Interesting, but I thought it would have been higher myself.
Wow, that's interesting. And those 41.9 % call themselves Dream Theater fans? ;) ;D
I think anyone without I&W on their list should be banned immediately. :P
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To each their own. No judgement here, I was just trying to top Nek and Zy!
You certainly did that bro! :tup
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Paralells would probably be top 25 as well, definately top 50.
:tup
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20. Savatage - Streets (1991)
(https://www.metalmusicarchives.com/images/covers/savatage-streets-a-rock-opera.jpg)
Here is the definition of a perfect rock opera. Streets follows the rise and fall of a fallen rock star DT Jesus, what he has learnt in his life, and how he climbs back from the gutter on more than one occasion. After the amazing Gutter Ballet, Savtage steered away even more from their metal roots to produce a very pompous, melodic, and even broadway style concept at times, and the gamble paid off again. This is a perfectly put together album, lots of variety, which follows and reflects the story really well. Less heavier numbers this time but some of the most amazing ballads you will ever hear in your life. Criss' amazing guitar solos are still here and Jon is a raspy as ever. The mood of this album portrays the rise and falls of the main character perfectly, with songs really uplifting and then drowning in sorrow the next. The emotion also put into this album from everyone involved also makes it special. A perfect rock opera and concept, and all round amazing, deep, mature and memorable music. Criminally underrated.
Best tracks - Streets, Jesus Saves, Tonight He Grins Again, Sammy and Tex, Can You Hear Me Now, Ghost in the Ruins, If I Go Away, Believe
Streets - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGrlekZzogU
Believe - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGn8_g_fG1g
19. Last Tribe - Witch Dance (2002)
(https://batzbatz.com/uploads/posts/2009-03/1236947281_02_witch_dance.jpg)
The second album from Magnus Karlsson's first real project here in my top 50. Like The Uncrowned, I have great memories with this album for nostalgia reasons. It just was discovered around the same time I met my current girlfriend, so everytime I listen to it, I have great memories, probably helping its ranking. Like the Uncrowned though, this is melodic power metal at its finest. Perfect songwriting, strong vocals, amazing, long guitar solos and excellent production. Every song here is a winner and just has so much crunch and power. It also drips in atmosphere as the whole sound of the record is incredible. It has small splashes of prog influence in the songs also which gives it an extra flair also. One of the most underrated bands in the genre, anyone interested in power metal should check this band out, this album is incredible and it still has never gotten old.
Best tracks - Messenger, Bring Out the Brave, Wash Your Sins Away, Wake Up the World, Dreamer
Wash Your Sins Away - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-ykegiBnO8
Wake Up the World - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TplNfOrbzmU
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Savatage ... still haven't found a groove with them yet. Will be giving both Streets and GB another shot though.
Witch Dance... thanks to you already I had a few go spins with this already. :hefdaddy Great disc. Loving it long time.
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Savatage :metal
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I'm giving the Savatage album a first spin now.
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As I stated before, Streets is in my 'Tage holy trinity. jingle - go fix that problem. You not into Savatage just doesn't seem right. Should be right up your alley.
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Savatage... I don't dislike it at all, but it definitely hasn't clicked yet for me.
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Give the Savatage album "Hall of the Mountain King" a try. Some people like that side of the band more.
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Give the Savatage album "Hall of the Mountain King" a try. Some people like that side of the band more.
:tup
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Streets is a great album. Shame it wasn't released as the double album it was meant to be. Hard to choose between this and GB as their best.
Not played Witch Dance in years. Need to dig it out of the attic where my cds live.
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Streets is a great album. Hard to choose between this and GB as their best.
This exactly! And I cut the stuff about the double album, because I didn't it was meant to be one.
Nice pick with Streets for sure, though I haven't heard of Last Tribe.
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Yeah, Images and words. Not a lot of top 50s on this board missed that album. :smiley:
it has been included in 58.1% of the lists thus far (including those that are ongoing at the moment)
Interesting, but I thought it would have been higher myself.
that is the highest appearance percentage among all albums. The next highest is Blackwater Park at 45%.
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I'm giving the Savatage album a first spin now.
After the first listen I can say that I found it very enjoyable. A few songs stood out, like "Streets", "A Little Too Far", "You're Alive", and "Ghost In The Ruins". I'll be sure to check out Gutter Ballet as well.
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As I stated before, Streets is in my 'Tage holy trinity. jingle - go fix that problem. You not into Savatage just doesn't seem right. Should be right up your alley.
You'd think so, right? I've tried a few albums and only been mildly impressed. I love TSO, so I'm like "wtf?" with myself. :lol
Ok, gonna go spin Hall right now. Not sure I have time to listen to Streets completely right now, so I'll do that one later.
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As I stated before, Streets is in my 'Tage holy trinity. jingle - go fix that problem. You not into Savatage just doesn't seem right. Should be right up your alley.
You'd think so, right? I've tried a few albums and only been mildly impressed. I love TSO, so I'm like "wtf?" with myself. :lol
Ok, gonna go spin Hall right now. Not sure I have time to listen to Streets completely right now, so I'll do that one later.
It's different from the more orchestrated stuff they did later. It's a darker album.
Best tracks:
24 Hours Ago
Beyond The Doors of the Dark
Prelude to Madness/Hall of the Mountain King
Legions
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There's just something incomplete about Hall Of The Mountain King. The music just feels empty.
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It's a very stark album. Some of the guitar work on it is stellar. I guess I have a soft spot for it because it was the first Savatage album I ever bought.
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There's just something incomplete about Hall Of The Mountain King. The music just feels empty.
See I grew up on the old 'Tage sound...when they were more power metal
Power of the Night was the first cassette I owned by them Loved the earlier albums up too Hall
The more orchestrated albums is when the started to lose me and once Jon gave up the vocals they just never clicked with me
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Hall of the Mountain King is a killer disc, but I think the change in style was what they needed. Power of the Night is still good and Sirens and Dungeon are pretty good metal too. Fight for the Rock is IMO, the only real Savatage album that would be conisered below par.
I do enjoy Mountain King though, Criss has some amazing guitar work on that. Strange Wings is nice too with the late Ray Gillen on backing vocals. I think the only real problem with the album is that is dips in quality towards the end. That's what I always thought anyway.
As I stated before, Streets is in my 'Tage holy trinity. jingle - go fix that problem. You not into Savatage just doesn't seem right. Should be right up your alley.
You'd think so, right? I've tried a few albums and only been mildly impressed. I love TSO, so I'm like "wtf?" with myself. :lol
Ok, gonna go spin Hall right now. Not sure I have time to listen to Streets completely right now, so I'll do that one later.
I can understand why it wouldn't click with you. Savatage are an aquired taste IMO, they need time to grow. If you like TSO, I'd actually say try and back track a bit. If you like Zak Stevens, check Wake of Magellan and Dead Winter Dead. Dead Winter Dead was the birth of the idea that is TSO. Handful of Rain and Edge of Thorns are essential too. Hell, everything from this band is essential IMO. :lol
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Streets is a great album. Shame it wasn't released as the double album it was meant to be. Hard to choose between this and GB as their best.
Not played Witch Dance in years. Need to dig it out of the attic where my cds live.
I have always been intrigued with what the 2cd version would have sounded like. It probably would have told the story a bit better IMO and give you more insight to the concept.
I'm excited you know Last Tribe, so underrated. Get it out, great power metal.
I'm giving the Savatage album a first spin now.
After the first listen I can say that I found it very enjoyable. A few songs stood out, like "Streets", "A Little Too Far", "You're Alive", and "Ghost In The Ruins". I'll be sure to check out Gutter Ballet as well.
Keep listening mate, I think you'll like it even more. Good to see I'm bringing some new music to some of you guys. :tup
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Listened to Hall and Streets yesterday. Nothing wrong with them, and I liked it plenty... just wasn't wow'd the way I am by some music. I'll keep at it though. Took a long time before Redemption clicked with me, so I know not everything is love at first listen.
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Listened to Hall and Streets yesterday. Nothing wrong with them, and I liked it plenty... just wasn't wow'd the way I am by some music. I'll keep at it though. Took a long time before Redemption clicked with me, so I know not everything is love at first listen.
Yeah, not an easily accesible band. Keep at it, and try the later albums like I said.
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Apologies everyone, I got held up at work late tonight, so I'll update tomorrow.
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Apologies everyone, I got held up at work late tonight, so I'll update tomorrow.
No problem. You've given us plenty to chew on while we wait!
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Hall of the Mountain King is a killer disc, but I think the change in style was what they needed. Power of the Night is still good and Sirens and Dungeon are pretty good metal too. Fight for the Rock is IMO, the only real Savatage album that would be conisered below par.
I do enjoy Mountain King though, Criss has some amazing guitar work on that. Strange Wings is nice too with the late Ray Gillen on backing vocals. I think the only real problem with the album is that is dips in quality towards the end. That's what I always thought anyway.
I totally agree
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Listened to Hall and Streets yesterday. Nothing wrong with them, and I liked it plenty... just wasn't wow'd the way I am by some music. I'll keep at it though. Took a long time before Redemption clicked with me, so I know not everything is love at first listen.
If you like stuff that's more orchestrated, with big huge production, give "The Wake of Magellan" a try.
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Wow! I've really missed a lot in my absence.
I won't talk about all albums, but they are really good choices that you made. :tup
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Streets is a great album. Shame it wasn't released as the double album it was meant to be. Hard to choose between this and GB as their best.
Not played Witch Dance in years. Need to dig it out of the attic where my cds live.
I have always been intrigued with what the 2cd version would have sounded like. It probably would have told the story a bit better IMO and give you more insight to the concept.
I'm excited you know Last Tribe, so underrated. Get it out, great power metal.
I'm giving the Savatage album a first spin now.
After the first listen I can say that I found it very enjoyable. A few songs stood out, like "Streets", "A Little Too Far", "You're Alive", and "Ghost In The Ruins". I'll be sure to check out Gutter Ballet as well.
Keep listening mate, I think you'll like it even more. Good to see I'm bringing some new music to some of you guys. :tup
Dug out Witch Dance and The Uncrowned and ripped them to the iphone. Both good albums. I've got so much stuff in the attic that never gets played. Need a lottery win and a new house.
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18. King Diamond - Abigail (1987)
(https://www.metalmusicarchives.com/images/covers/king-diamond-abigail.jpg)
Kind Diamond are a very special band for me. About 7 years ago, I was looking for something new and unique in my music. I was into guitar solos and wanted lots of them. I then discovered this album. This album and band in particular opened themselves up to me and helped me through a really hard time in my life, this was an escape and King's visions, philosophies and beliefs helped me through at the time. This is simply one of the greatest and most underrated metal albums of all time. With a lineup featuring Kim, Andy, Michael Denner, Timi Hansen and Mikkey Dee, the musicianship on this album and in the bands whole early days is incredible. Killer vocals from King, great melodies, some complex prog type stuff, great rhythms and simply some of the greatest guitar solos ever recorded, and all round great songs and a chilling story. This album has everything you would look for in heavy metal, and the band til this day are underrated as hell. All hail the King!
Best songs - Arrival, Mansion in Darkness, Family Ghost, The 7th Day of July 1777, Omens, Abigail, Black Horsemen
Arrival - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzNyr2qPNjU
Omens - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BR4-ah5f14Q
17. Judas Priest - Painkiller (1990)
(https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/619mz8qwOGL.jpg)
Simply one of the most important albums in heavy metal history. My guitar teacher first gave me Painkiller that he taped for me to listen too when I was about 12. I had never heard such music before, it was incredible. I knew nothing about the band except what I was hearing and I was convinced there were two vocalists in the band. Rob's vocals here are so diverse in character and range and it's simply some of the greatest and most powerful vocals ever recorded. Scott Travis entered the band and took the band to new heights and allowed the band to do things they have never been able to do before. Killer production, loud, powerful, thunderous, and seriously perfect guitar solos and some of the hardest if not the most intricate and difficult solos Glenn and Ken have ever produced. This album is one of a kind, and is an essential part of everyone's heavy metal cd collection.
Best tracks - Painkiller, All Guns Blazing, Night Crawler, Between the Hammer and the Anvil, Touch of Evil, One Shot at Glory
Painkiller - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nM__lPTWThU
Touch of Evil - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gQH1IEMf4Q
Also, check out my cover of All Guns Blazing - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUTGzqeFrrY
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Painkiller is the definition of heavy metal in the dictionary. When KK left the band they should've hired you, Kade!
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Amazing update! Great cover too!
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Painkiller is amazing
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Painkiller! :tup
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Painkiller! :metal
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Fuck yes Abigail and Painkiller! Both are on my list. :metal :metal
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Abigail was my first KD album- I wouldn't say I'm a huge fan - the vocals are an acquired taste and I have to be int he mood, but the music is great.
Painkiller is a 50/50 album for me. I found it too heavy at the time and half the songs didn't do it for me. The ones that do are great though. And Tipton playing arpeggios? That was new. He wasn't going to be outdone by the young guns. And the addition of the awesome Scott Travis was a masterstroke. He does look bored playing the old stuff one hand tied behind his back though.
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Painkiller is a killer. ;D
Abigal is the only full album by King Diamond I've heard, and I haven't heard it in quite a while...
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Painkiller is great. Was listening to it last night, in fact. Saw them 3 times on that tour!
Abigailis certainly respectabe, though I prefer latter day KD because of the more focused vocals.
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Sue me, but I never got into Priest. Two more to add to my list.
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Sue me, but I never got into Priest. Two more to add to my list.
Basically the same here.
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It was so much easier when I was getting into music. There just weren't that many bands, and certainly not that many great bands.
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Tell me about it. And I didn't have all these Top 50 lists to point me in even more directions! All people knew really was whatever the local radio station and DJ's were pimping on air. Never knew about any other great bands out of Europe (other than some from the UK) or South America or anything like that.
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Painkiller is the definition of heavy metal in the dictionary. When KK left the band they should've hired you, Kade!
:lol Thanks Jason, very kind words.
Fuck yes Abigail and Painkiller! Both are on my list. :metal :metal
Painkiller! :metal
Painkiller! :tup
Painkiller is amazing
Amazing update! Great cover too!
:metal :metal :metal
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Abigail was my first KD album- I wouldn't say I'm a huge fan - the vocals are an acquired taste and I have to be int he mood, but the music is great.
Painkiller is a 50/50 album for me. I found it too heavy at the time and half the songs didn't do it for me. The ones that do are great though. And Tipton playing arpeggios? That was new. He wasn't going to be outdone by the young guns. And the addition of the awesome Scott Travis was a masterstroke. He does look bored playing the old stuff one hand tied behind his back though.
Yeah, even if people dislike King's vocals, there is no denying the music is absolutely amazing. Glenn stepped things up on that album, definitely one of greatest guitarists in the world IMO.
Painkiller is great. Was listening to it last night, in fact. Saw them 3 times on that tour!
Abigailis certainly respectabe, though I prefer latter day KD because of the more focused vocals.
I understand what you mean regarding the vocals, really when it comes to King, I'm a fan of everything he does.
Sue me, but I never got into Priest. Two more to add to my list.
You have a lot of work to do.
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Since I won't be updating until tomorrow, here is the story so far;
50. Bush – Sixteen Stone
49. Soilwork – Chainheart Machine
48. Ozzy Osbourne – Ultimate Sin
47. Korn – Korn
46. Live – Secret Samhadi
45. Vanishing Point – Embrace the Silence
44. James Labrie – Elements of Persuasion
43. Tony Macalpine – Edge of Insanity
42. In Flames – Reroute to Remain
41. Savatage – Poets and Madmen
40. Pain of Salvation – Scarsick
39. Jason Becker – Perpetual Burn
38. Kotipelto – Coldness
37. The Offspring – Ixnay on the Hombre
36. Gamma Ray – Powerplant
35. Last Tribe – Uncrowned
34. Iron Maiden – Brave New World
33. Death – Sound of Perserverance
32. Allen/Lande – Revenge
31. Black Sabbath – Headless Cross
30. Joe Satriani – Crystal Planet
29. Iron Maiden – Somewhere in Time
28. Ark – Burn the Sun
27. Savatage – Gutter Ballet
26. Helloween – Rabbit Don’t Come Easy
25. Gamma Ray – No World Order
24. Bruce Dickinson – Accident of Birth
23. Dream Theater – Images and Words
22. Yngwie Malmsteen – Alchemy
21. Fates Warning – Parallels
20. Savatage – Streets
19. Last Tribe – Witch Dance
18. King Diamond – Abigail
17. Judas Priest – Painkiller
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Sue me, but I never got into Priest. Two more to add to my list.
Chad, you should spend one weekend locked in a room away from the kids and wife; then listen to nothing but Judas Priest, Fates Warning and Savatage.
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Well, I got a few of Savatage out of the way.
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I was convinced there were two vocalists in the band.
:lol Glad I wasn't the only one!
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Sue me, but I never got into Priest. Two more to add to my list.
Chad, you should spend one weekend locked in a room away from the kids and wife; then listen to nothing but Judas Priest, Fates Warning and Savatage.
This is a spectacular idea.
Well, I got a few of Savatage out of the way.
Listen to them again. :tup
I was convinced there were two vocalists in the band.
:lol Glad I wasn't the only one!
Ditto, I felt stupid once I found out the lineup. I kept saying, well who was the guest vocalist then? :lol
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16. WASP - The Crimson Idol (1992)
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ub35wREK3lE/SIHlMyq3vmI/AAAAAAAAAYA/Qg0lDLLCRGo/s400/WASP-The-Crimson-Idol.jpg)
WASP are a very misunderstood band that have always been unfairly written off. To most, they are cheesy hair/glam shock rock, but many are completely unaware of what Blackie has done post late 80's. Like Painkiller, my guitar teacher taped me a copy of this album when I was just starting to play and get into metal. I didn't take to it straight away, and was confused why he would give me this record. As time went by, I listened to this to a point where I absolutely fell in love with it, and I still love it to this day. This is simply one of the greatest concept albums of all time, and very overlooked. This story looks at Jonothan, a boy who was never valued by his father leaving home, and making it as the biggest rock star in the world, taken over by drugs. The story goes through Jonothan's emotions and turmoil and attempted reconciliation with his parents and ends up to the point where suicide was his only way out. The moral and execution of this story is incredible. Blackie's revisited themes and lyrics makes this record feel like a whole and a true rock opera. Great vocals, excellent guitar solos from Bob Kulick and insane drumming. The ballads here are amazing and the harder songs are heavy yet catchy and powerful as hell. A perfect concept album. Check it out, you won't regret it.
Best tracks - The Invisible Boy, Arena of Pleasure. Chainsaw Charlie, The Idol, The Great Misconceptions of Me
Chainsaw Chalie - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZ1-tSsq9xk
The Idol - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh-OJdAkKVI
15. Edge of Sanity - Crimson (1996)
(https://images.cryhavok.org/d/11282-1/Edge+of+Sanity+-+Crimson.jpg)
Coming in at number 15 is the genius of Dan Swano and Edge of Sanity. I only discovered this album/song about 3 years ago, but I'm glad I did. This is my favourite piece of death metal ever, IMO, it's perfect. For those of you unaware with this, Crimson is simply one song clocking in at 40 minutes. The concept is baffling and very few artists have done such a thing successfully, Dan Swano however nailed it, and did it again with Crimson II some years later. The original is still by far the best which twists and turns through a science fiction type storyline of epic proportions in a world where people cannot reproduce bar the king and queen of the land. The child grows up but endless wars over her happen through the years, where people believe she is the key to reproduce. She eventually inhibits evil powers and takes over the earth and slays the people. A clan of rebels eventually take her out and keep her in a tank filled with crimson fluid forever. Epic! The music is incredible with many recurring themes, great melodies, amazing atmosphere and lots of variety in the music as the story twists and turns. It just captivates me and takes me away everytime I listen to it, it still gives me chills. Mikael Arkefeldt lends his vocals in a few places and also some lead guitars. This whole songs requires your attention for 40 minutes, but when the ending draws near, you realise this is simply a piece of art. Something unique, amazing and incredible. Death metal fans should own this, perfect.
Best tracks - Crimson
Crimson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St6lJaiHYIc
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Sue me, but I never got into Priest. Two more to add to my list.
Chad, you should spend one weekend locked in a room away from the kids and wife; then listen to nothing but Judas Priest, Fates Warning and Savatage.
This is a spectacular idea.
Sure it is. If my goal is misery!
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Sue me, but I never got into Priest. Two more to add to my list.
Chad, you should spend one weekend locked in a room away from the kids and wife; then listen to nothing but Judas Priest, Fates Warning and Savatage.
This is a spectacular idea.
Sure it is. If my goal is misery!
Nothing miserable about these 3 bands at all. :tup
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Hmmm... Wasp is cool, but I was never a fan of Swanö's work.
I was expecting King Crimson tbh, though.
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Or the album by Demons And Wizards, 'Touched By The Crimson King' :metal
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just bought Crimson a few weeks ago. It is truly a great album.
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Crimson Idol is a great album. Features in my top 50 too, did the write up a few nights ago. I was a fan from the Animal single (which I had on pic disc but swapped it at school for the Ratt Dancing Undercover album).
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Sue me, but I never got into Priest. Two more to add to my list.
Chad, you should spend one weekend locked in a room away from the kids and wife; then listen to nothing but Judas Priest, Fates Warning and Savatage.
This is a spectacular idea.
Sure it is. If my goal is misery!
Nothing miserable about these 3 bands at all. :tup
I meant for the backlash from my wife!
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Crimson Idol is a great album. Features in my top 50 too, did the write up a few nights ago. I was a fan from the Animal single (which I had on pic disc but swapped it at school for the Ratt Dancing Undercover album).
I still have the Animal picture disc! Saw blade shaped.
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Crimson is a fantastic composition. One of Swano's peak moments.
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Crimson Idol is a great album. Features in my top 50 too, did the write up a few nights ago. I was a fan from the Animal single (which I had on pic disc but swapped it at school for the Ratt Dancing Undercover album).
I still have the Animal picture disc! Saw blade shaped.
That's the one. Years later I got a rerelease pic disc with a doberman "enjoying" a young lady's leg on it. :blush
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Hmmm... Wasp is cool, but I was never a fan of Swanö's work.
I was expecting King Crimson tbh, though.
I knew it would throw a few people off. :tup
Or the album by Demons And Wizards, 'Touched By The Crimson King' :metal
Really good album.
Crimson Idol is a great album. Features in my top 50 too, did the write up a few nights ago. I was a fan from the Animal single (which I had on pic disc but swapped it at school for the Ratt Dancing Undercover album).
:tup You have been a fan since the year I was born. :lol
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Sue me, but I never got into Priest. Two more to add to my list.
Chad, you should spend one weekend locked in a room away from the kids and wife; then listen to nothing but Judas Priest, Fates Warning and Savatage.
This is a spectacular idea.
Sure it is. If my goal is misery!
Nothing miserable about these 3 bands at all. :tup
I meant for the backlash from my wife!
Oh, of course. :facepalm:
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Crimson Idol is a great album. Features in my top 50 too, did the write up a few nights ago. I was a fan from the Animal single (which I had on pic disc but swapped it at school for the Ratt Dancing Undercover album).
I still have the Animal picture disc! Saw blade shaped.
Incredible.
just bought Crimson a few weeks ago. It is truly a great album.
:metal
Crimson is a fantastic composition. One of Swano's peak moments.
Definitely.
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Crimson Idol is pure epic. I would still say that I enjoy the debut more- that album is one of the best metal albums ever.
And Chad, I'm sure if you sit down with your wife and have a discussion about how this weekend will only improve your love of metal/rock, I'm sure she will understand
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And Chad, I'm sure if you sit down with your wife and have a discussion about how this weekend will only improve your love of metal/rock, I'm sure she will understand
JJ, you're obviously not married! :lol
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Crimson Idol is pure epic. I would still say that I enjoy the debut more- that album is one of the best metal albums ever.
And Chad, I'm sure if you sit down with your wife and have a discussion about how this weekend will only improve your love of metal/rock, I'm sure she will understand
After being away on business from Sunday to Friday, and our kids' birthday being on Sunday, here's how that conversation would end up.
"And that, Doctor, is how his testicles ended up adjacent to his spleen."
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Yeah I'm not married so please don't listen to me lol.
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Crimson Idol is pure epic. I would still say that I enjoy the debut more- that album is one of the best metal albums ever.
And Chad, I'm sure if you sit down with your wife and have a discussion about how this weekend will only improve your love of metal/rock, I'm sure she will understand
The debut is indeed one of their best albums. Every song is killer, great album. I must say though, I never really cared for The Last Command.
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Sorry guys, had a shitty day at work, and I'm stuffed now so I won't be updating tonight, will definitely resume tomorrow.
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I've heard many positive comments about Edge of Sanity, maybe I should give Crimson a try some day.
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Hmmm... Wasp is cool, but I was never a fan of Swanö's work.
I was expecting King Crimson tbh, though.
I knew it would throw a few people off. :tup
Or the album by Demons And Wizards, 'Touched By The Crimson King' :metal
Really good album.
Crimson Idol is a great album. Features in my top 50 too, did the write up a few nights ago. I was a fan from the Animal single (which I had on pic disc but swapped it at school for the Ratt Dancing Undercover album).
:tup You have been a fan since the year I was born. :lol
Thanks for that young 'un. Feel old enough as it is ;D
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I've heard many positive comments about Edge of Sanity, maybe I should give Crimson a try some day.
If you are into death metal, it's essential.
Hmmm... Wasp is cool, but I was never a fan of Swanö's work.
I was expecting King Crimson tbh, though.
I knew it would throw a few people off. :tup
Or the album by Demons And Wizards, 'Touched By The Crimson King' :metal
Really good album.
Crimson Idol is a great album. Features in my top 50 too, did the write up a few nights ago. I was a fan from the Animal single (which I had on pic disc but swapped it at school for the Ratt Dancing Undercover album).
:tup You have been a fan since the year I was born. :lol
Thanks for that young 'un. Feel old enough as it is ;D
No worries brother! Didn't mean to do that, just a piece of trivia I found interesting. :lol
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14. Mastodon - Leviathan (2004)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mgAhPaisXtI/T-IIoxkIU6I/AAAAAAAATjk/KLPc3B0tSGM/s1600/Mastodon+-+2004+-+Leviathan.jpg)
I only really brought this album because I simply wanted something new at the time. I was in a bit of a music rut and was bored with everything I was familiar with at the time. I picked this up based on the hype of the album. The slugginess and gruffness of the album took me by surprised as the sound was really quite original to me. The vocals were rough, deep and the music itself was frantic, complex, and a bit messy. It interested me enough to keep listening and I found myself absolutely hooked on this one. I ended up keeping this cd on repeat and it stayed in my car for a very long time. It was something fresh and new and opened up more options in my music tastes. The song structures are amazing and I actually love how most songs don't contain solos. The band rely on the structures and songwriting and the songs are written so well, they do not need anything else, every song is written and performed beautifully. I love the overall heaviness of the record too and the production was suited perfectly to the music. This is by far the best thing the band have done, and even know their new direction is mature which sees the band evolving, this style is still my favourite and IMO what the band did best. Perfect modern heavy metal album.
Best tracks - Blood and Thunder, I Am Ahab, Seabeast, Iron Tusk, Megalodon, Naked Burn, Hearts Alive
Blood and Thunder - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=labytsb3gfI
Iron Tusk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3HVLyI-t3E
13. Green Carnation - Light of Day, Day of Darkness (2001)
(https://community2.metalreview.com/cfs-filesystemfile.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.ImageFileViewer/CommunityServer.Discussions.Components.Files.7/5415.Green-Carnation-_2D00_-Light-of-Day_5F00_-Day-of-Darkness.jpg_2D00_550x0.jpg)
I only discovered this a few years ago. I had found Edge of Sanity's Crimson and was totally sold on the idea of the overly long song making the bulk of an album, the novelty sat with me well. After searching and hearing the name Green Carnation mentioned around, I picked this album up without hesitation. What I discovered was one of the most amazing, beautiful pieces of music art that I had ever heard. This song runs for exactly 60 minutes and not one single minute of that is drawn out or over played. Tchort and the band simply nailed this concept, and delivered one hell of an atmosphere. You can tell by the track length that making the song last for exactly 60 minutes and 6 seconds was pretty much intentional, yet the band didn't force anything and nothing suffered because of that. Amazing moody intro, great vocal sections in the first 15 minutes, and great room for more instrumental type sections in the next 15 minutes. After that comes the woman basically having an orgasm with a flute. Now, many debate about this section, but I love the wicked yet calm, yet very disturbing nature of it. It makes you feel uneasy and for some reason, I like it and wouldnt remove it at all. I'm not sure of the inspiration behind it, yet it's so twisted and out there I can't help but to love it. Around the 40 minute mark comes an amazing solo played by Bjorn Harstad. It's rough, slightly pitchy at times and definitely not technically proficient, but fits the song and is played with so much feeling and emotion, it's incredible. From 45 minutes on we get some themes which we heard earlier, and the last 5 minutes is a great breakdown and ends the song in an epic and fitting nature. I just love this whole thing, and really has been one of the greatest musical pieces I have listened to in the last few years, by far. I will also add that the length is not a problem, it is so easy to sit through this whiole thing hooked without looking at the time remaining on the cd. Check it out.
Best tracks - Light of Day, Day of Darkness
Light of Day, Day of Darkness - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWpwC1p-Ilw
Check my cover of the solo too - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyPsLYQ63QQ
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Words cannot express how much I love you for the inclusion of Green Carnation. I'm fairly indifferent towards Mastodon, though.
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Great pick with Green Eggs and Ham. Your description was certainly more informative than mine. That reminds me, I think there's something I'm supposed to be doing...
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I'm definitely going to have to check out Green Carnation once I get through my pile of unheard CD's
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Green Carnation sounds cool!
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14. Mastodon - Leviathan (2004)
Yes!
I think that someone is trying to kill me!
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Leviathan is good. Not as epic and brilliant as Crack the skye or catchy as The Hunter, though. But of course the fans of really heavy stuff will love it, I don't necessarily love it but I'm still aware of its qualities.
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Words cannot express how much I love you for the inclusion of Green Carnation. I'm fairly indifferent towards Mastodon, though.
Thanks.
Great pick with Green Eggs and Ham. Your description was certainly more informative than mine. That reminds me, I think there's something I'm supposed to be doing...
:lol Yeah, man been looking forward to the rest of yours. I was happy when I saw it in your list too.
Green Carnation sounds cool!
They are amazing.
I'm definitely going to have to check out Green Carnation once I get through my pile of unheard CD's
DO IT.
14. Mastodon - Leviathan (2004)
Yes!
I think that someone is trying to kill me!
:metal
Leviathan is good. Not as epic and brilliant as Crack the skye or catchy as The Hunter, though. But of course the fans of really heavy stuff will love it, I don't necessarily love it but I'm still aware of its qualities.
Yeah, as I said, I know people prefer the last two, but for me, this is Mastodon at their best.
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I tried Leviathan when it came out. I think I had a problem with the vocals, if I recall. That's a pretty high pick for you, Wolf.
I've seen Green Carnation pop up here a few times.I will have to check out.
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12. Trivium - Ascendancy (2005)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b3itRdZwU_I/TvhTYqPoQvI/AAAAAAAAF-s/9RSSvIuxrQw/s400/trivium-ascendancy.jpg)
Trivium have been one of my favourite more modern metal bands ever since this mighty album came out. Their breed of powerful, classic heavy metal with a mix of fabulous metalcore and clean vocals really make them a powerful unit and still 'til this day, this is IMO, their best work. Ascendancy is their second album and is filled of amazing, powerful songwriting. The production of course by Jason Suecof is of course wonderful and the power of the musicianship shines through. Mat simply has one of the best harsh vocal styles I have ever heard, and his cleans are very strong also. The main strength behind this album is that even though it's heavy as hell, the songwriting is so melodic and sweet it's very, very easy to listen to, no matter how heavy it gets. Every song is absolutely killer, and the whole album has an amazing consistency throughout with really no dips in quality. Trivium have become a force to be reckoned with lots of experimentation and their latest release being excellent, and really looking forward to more albums from then in the future. This album though is absolute magic.
Best tracks - Rain, Pull Harder of the Strings of Your Martyr, Drowned and Torn Asunder, Like Light to Flies, The Deceived
Pull Harder on the Strings of Your Martyr - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9Nu3jrVhUs
Like Light to Flies - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CTBV3TGgW8
11. King Diamond - House of God (2000)
(https://cdn.hmvdigital.ca/static/img/sleeveart/00/005/599/0000559946_500.jpg)
Here's one of the most blasphemous and disturbing albums you'll ever hear IMO. The story tells of a traveller in France, led to a church by a wolf who turns into a beautiful women. He falls in love with the women but finds that he must choose to sign a pact to set her free. He does that and spirals into depression all alone in the church,. He is eventually led into the catacombs of the church and this is where he discovers that God and Satan are merely puppets of a higher power. In the catacombs he find Jesus Christ mummified and eyeless. He discovers the higher powers portayed Jesus' death on the cross as pure fiction. Seeing this, the protagonist decides this is too much and cannot live knowing the truth and living under an unknown God and power. He seals his fate and hangs himself at the top of the church.
I first discovered King Diamond by accident. i saw Megadeth live right when Glen Drover joined the band and was impressed by his style and performance, I looked him up and saw he played on this, not knowing much about King Diamond. I picked it up and liked it but the vocals didn't click with me right away. i put it away and it wasn't until Abigail that I realised the absolute magic of this band. After getting into Abigail I went back to this album, and the whole thing just opened up to me. This is IMO, King's best album. Featuring killer songs, an amazing story, great guitar work and simply one of the most disturbing and powerful climaxes to any concept album ever. This is how a concept album is done. The way the songs are arranged with the performances and story is just absolute magic. While it might not be the most polished realease from King, the rawness, honesty and simple approach just make this album absolutely mindblowing in every way. Perfect concept album.
Best tracks - The Trees Have Eyes, House of God, The Pact, Just A Shadow, Catacomb, This Place is Terrible, Peace of Mind
The Trees Have Eyes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnnU3-qUOnY
Catacomb - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaWnJbb1CxE
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Trivium... always like the music, but you know me and the growls. Only tried them because they were opening for DT, and dropped them right after that.
KD, never heard.
Looking forward to the top 10.
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You could try The Crusade, hardly any growls whatsoever, yet it's their weakest album.
Do stay tuned for my top 10 Chad, there will at least be a couple of picks you will approve of.
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Ascendancy is good. Shogun is better.
As for KD, I have only heard Abigail thus far, but I think I'll check out House of God.
EDIT: Just found it on Spotify, listening right now.
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It's a different beast from Abigail, and it's a grower.
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I'm on The Pact right now, and so far I'm liking Abigail a fair lot more. Sure, it's not bad, but it's pretty standard KD fare.
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Wow, interesting Kind Diamond album to put at number #11. Never listened to it, I've only heard a couple of his albums, but I've never seen this much appreciation for House of God. Really good to see an original choice like this, of course.
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I'm on The Pact right now, and so far I'm liking Abigail a fair lot more. Sure, it's not bad, but it's pretty standard KD fare.
As I said, it's a grower and doesn't have the flair of Abigail. make sure you listen to the album the whole way through.
Wow, interesting Kind Diamond album to put at number #11. Never listened to it, I've only heard a couple of his albums, but I've never seen this much appreciation for House of God. Really good to see an original choice like this, of course.
It deserves so much more appreciation, but really has been lost in the bulk of his material.
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Will be entering the top 10 tomorrow!!
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That Trivium album cover is really frightening.
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I like House Of God. Vocally it is not as crazy as his earlier stuff but I still prefer The Puppet Master and GMYS..P.
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Wouldn't even be interested in giving Trivium a chance. Always thought Kings voice was cool, prefer Mercyful Fate over his solo work.
Wolf, I bought the majority of those guitar albums you recommended me; love them all, thanks!!
Top 10 should be good. Jugulator and X-Factor very soon!
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Wouldn't even be interested in giving Trivium a chance.
Out of curiosity, why not?
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You could try The Crusade, hardly any growls whatsoever, yet it's their weakest album.
Tried 'em all. meh was all I could think. Just not my cup of tea.
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The Crusade is good but not as good as the last two Testament albums.
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I like House Of God. Vocally it is not as crazy as his earlier stuff but I still prefer The Puppet Master and GMYS..P.
Love both those albums. :metal
Wouldn't even be interested in giving Trivium a chance. Always thought Kings voice was cool, prefer Mercyful Fate over his solo work.
Wolf, I bought the majority of those guitar albums you recommended me; love them all, thanks!!
Top 10 should be good. Jugulator and X-Factor very soon!
No worries mate, glad I could help you out.
You could try The Crusade, hardly any growls whatsoever, yet it's their weakest album.
Tried 'em all. meh was all I could think. Just not my cup of tea.
No worries, Crusade is quite weak anyway.
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10. Allen/Lande - The Battle (2005)
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vjWrYm3wUA/TPTfAKYepXI/AAAAAAAACrs/OC6P6VBuzq0/s400/581d4494cf3a7b639d62866b66fbf3c8_full.jpg)
The debut of the melodic rock project featuring Jorn Lande, Russell Allen and Magnus Karlsson. This is AOR/melodic rock at its absolute finest, and after discovering the album back in 2005 on its release, the beauty and majesty of this record still floors me. This sees Jorn and Rus out of the ordinary but Karlsson pins twelve absolute glorious tracks for the boys and really it suits them like a glove. This is Karlssons finest hour and while everything else he has done has been stellar, this is simply something special. Amazing production, stellar vocals, catchy as hell choruses, and spectacular guitar solos are what this record are made of. The songwriting from Karlsson here shows why he is one of the best guitarists and songwriters in the melodic rock game that the world has seen for some time. Every track just flows and is filled with pure beauty. I am absolutely in love with this record still and it really deserves a place in my top 10. Anyone not interested in this genre should still give this a chance, as this is perfect music.
Best tracks - Hunter's Night, Wish For A Miracle, Truth About Our Time, My Own Way Home, Ask You Anyway, Silent Rage, Universe of Light
Hunter's Night - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yi5oI1F5WfA
My Own Way Home - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFeLtB4u8Rg
Only one album update tonight, but will continue again tomorrow.
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I need to listen to this.
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I listened to this album a while back. Both Allen and Lande are great but the music was a little meh for me.
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Awesome great disc
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Great way to start the top 10!!! Thia is my favorite of the trilogy by far. I'd classify it as Melodic Metal though. Those riffs are :2metal:
I need to listen to this.
Yes. Do it nao!!
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I have not been able to get into Allen/ Lande. They are both great vocalists but I have trouble connecting with them. It is one of the reasons I also have trouble getting into Sym X.
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Very good album. Good to hear Sir Russell singing bigger melodies. Karlsson brings out the best in these two, better than their day jobs do.
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I need to listen to this.
Yes you do.
Awesome great disc
:tup
Great way to start the top 10!!! Thia is my favorite of the trilogy by far. I'd classify it as Melodic Metal though. Those riffs are :2metal:
I need to listen to this.
Yes. Do it nao!!
Yep, you're right, fixed.
Very good album. Good to hear Sir Russell singing bigger melodies. Karlsson brings out the best in these two, better than their day jobs do.
I agree with this.
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I listened to this album a while back. Both Allen and Lande are great but the music was a little meh for me.
Yeah, the first track is great and very anthemic, but then it just goes into pretty sub-par power metal in my opinion. Great, great singers though.
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9. Dream Theater - Metropolis Part 2: Scenes From A Memory (1999)
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JzLoim_dLVU/TCRXUPaXFYI/AAAAAAAAAbs/xBcwoKMuM78/s1600/dream-theater-metropolis2-scenes-from-a-memory.jpg)
After Images and Words, this was my second DT album and I got into it in about 2000. This album basically sealed the deal for DT and made me realise I had found a top 5 band of all time. This has everything a concept album should have and more. I actually got the Live Scenes From New York VHS around the same time which made me fall in love with the album even more, and is still one of my fav concert DVD's ever. I love everything about this album, the variety is incredible and the song placings are awesome and work well as a story. This probably has my favourite softer songs of any DT album also, and the ballads and heavier songs work so well together. I also love the seuges between the songs giving it a truly epic feel. Not much else to say really, you all know what time it is when it comes to this album, so, I think you can all appreciate this ranking and I can move on..........
8. Dream Theater - Awake (1994)
(https://cdn.tradebit.org/usr/mp3-album/pub/9002/358/358824/35882407.jpg)
But wait, another DT album?!! This is one DT album I feel is underappreciated as a whole. This was my third DT album but was actually one that took a lot longer to grow on me. I liked it a lot, but it wasn't until I gave it time that it grew into the absolute monster it is. I simply love this album and believe as a whole this album is perfect. The thing I love the most about this record is the atmosphere. Kevin's keyboards, the darker songwriting, John's guitar heavier tone, and James' raspier, grittier vocals made this a match in heaven for me. It has the softer songs, but even those are different, and not as bright as most other DT ballads. Again, variety is a winner here with some of DT's heaviest songs yet some of their most stripped back songs. The production also is absolutely amazing. Again, you guys know what time it is.
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AWAKE!!
Thank you! My second favourite DT album and an overall top 10 album for me as well. Great pick! :)
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AWAKE!!
Thank you! My second favourite DT album and an overall top 10 album for me as well. Great pick! :)
Thank you. Great to see more love for Awake.
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SFAM is too low :P. Both fantastic albums
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A Dream Theater double shot!!!!
Nice!
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A Dream Theater double shot!!!!
Nice!
this
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Cool! Maybe Images and Words will be in 7th and we will have a triple whammy!
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A Dream Theater double shot!!!!
Nice!
This.
Cool! Maybe Images and Words will be in 7th and we will have a triple whammy!
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=33118.msg1359391#msg1359391
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Ah that's right made the list already. I love Awake as well, second or third place behind I & W as my favorite DT disc.
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I struggled for a long time with Awake. Of course I was listening to it "in real time" as the follow up to I&W, and album that floored me totally. I really love it now though.
SFAM- nuff said.
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Controversial choices... :omg:
;D
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I struggled for a long time with Awake. Of course I was listening to it "in real time" as the follow up to I&W, and album that floored me totally. I really love it now though.
SFAM- nuff said.
Me too. For me, it's like the good, the bad, and the ugly. 1/3 of the album rawks, 1/3 is pretty good, and 1/3 honks.
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7. Queensryche - Operation: Mindcrime (1988)
(https://www.progarchives.com/progressive_rock_discography_covers/674/cover_1246231182008.jpg)
I'm sure most of you are familiar with this brilliant piece of work. This album basically put Queensryche at legendary status. This was my very first encounter with the Ryche and still to this day, it's their magnum opus. When I heard this the first time, it really took me back. It was metal, but very different and unique in sound and Geoff's vocals were something special and made this album an absolute pleasure to listen to. This is again a perfect rock opera, probably the best of the metal/prog genre IMO. Everything from the very first instant screams epic and you know you are in for a treat. The buildup of the entire overture if you will leaves you speechless and Revolution Calling confirms that this is going to be one hell of a ride. Killer story, very well thought out by Tate and portrayed perfectly as far as song structure, placing and of course performance goes. Epic ending too, and the last section of the album makes you smile and makes you realise that that was simply one of the greatest stories put to music ever created. This was one album that I knew would make my life better and that statement is still very true. The replay value of this album is absolutely mindblowing and one can rarely get tired of listening to it. Perfect concept album and a true work of art from Queensryche.
Best tracks - Revolution Calling, Spreading the Disease, The Mission, The Needle Lies, Breaking the Silence, I Don't Believe In Love, Eyes of a Stranger
Revolution Calling - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNdOsL4Xe7Q
Eyes of A Stranger - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4duZjxusGM
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This is my number 1
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This is my number 1
Nice. :tup
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I will never forget buying O:M whenit came out. I was not a fan of RFO and thought they took a hge step back with it. O:M came out and blew me away. The alobum is six songs deep before it lets you take a breath.
I find that I Don't Believe In Love and Breaking The Silence really lets down Side 2 after such a great build up, but Eyes Of A Stranger comes to the rescue.
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I never really understood the lukewarm reception towards BTS and IDBIL. Both IMO are catchy, rocking songs that really add to the record, but that's just me.
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I agree with the first half of what TAC said. The great thing about this album is that the first song is great. And then the second one is better. And the third one kicks it up yet another notch. Then the fourth... you get the point.
Breaking the Silence has great dueling guitar solos. It is often underrated on this album. Yes, the chorus is a bit conventional, but it is still a killer song. Title track also has one of the greatest guitar solos ever, anywhere. Not the most technically complex or impressive, but it's so raw and gritty, it cuts to the bone; the layering of the two guitars is perfect.
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Yeah, really great solos on that one.
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Great album, although it's interesting you excluded Suite sister Mary from your favorites.
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Great album, it's my favourite QR album.
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Great album, although it's interesting you excluded Suite sister Mary from your favorites.
I knew someone would notice that. To be honest, I always liked the song, it's absolutely vital to the story, but, I prefer most of the other songs to it, plain and simple.
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Nice pick Wolf! And agree about SSM.
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Nice pick Wolf! And agree about SSM.
Awesome, glad I'm not alone on that one. :tup
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It's in my top 10, and ahead of SFAM as well. Virtually flawless.
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I never really understood the lukewarm reception towards BTS and IDBIL. Both IMO are catchy, rocking songs that really add to the record, but that's just me.
I think the songs are fine. But they have the effect of letting the air out of a balloon. They are far more suited for an inclusion on Empire.
Also, this is one of the best vocal performances I have ever heard.
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I never really understood the lukewarm reception towards BTS and IDBIL. Both IMO are catchy, rocking songs that really add to the record, but that's just me.
And me too. Spoiler alert. This album will feature in my top 50.
You're bringing the big guns out now Wolfie!
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Great album. It's really the only Queensryche I've been able to enjoy.
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I never really understood the lukewarm reception towards BTS and IDBIL. Both IMO are catchy, rocking songs that really add to the record, but that's just me.
And me too. Spoiler alert. This album will feature in my top 50.
You're bringing the big guns out now Wolfie!
There's still a few surprises to come though. :tup
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Loading up on some heavy hitters now... great selections! :metal
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Cheers. :metal
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28. Ark - Burn the Sun (2001)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oziL8971PtI/SYOePHjfWWI/AAAAAAAAAgY/Um5HowKo5pk/s400/1912.jpg)
This is simply one of the best, most underrated prog metal albums of all time. The all star band only lasted two albums with this being the sophomore release. The lineup of this album consisted of; Jorn Lande, Randy Cover, Tore Ostby, John Macaluso and Mats Olausson. This band shoud have been bigger but unfortunely it just didn't work out. This album is dark, progressive, sometimes twisted, sometimes beautiful, heavy, melodic, simply wonderful. Lots of variety in the songs and every track has something different to offer. The mood shifts from prog, prog metal, AOR, acoustic, industrial with a class ballad too. Of course having Jorn Lande at the mic certainly doesn't hurt the quality either. Killer songs and amazing performances throughout, everyone should check this album out pronto. Also, check the song Noose for the inspiration for DT's This Dying Soul.
Best tracks - Heal the Waters, Torn, Burn the Sun, Noose, Feed the Fire, Missing You
:tup
Ark is an amazing band. I also really like their debut and can't decide which one I like the better..Burn The Sun is really kick ass and to me it seems like it is better lyrics/theme wise. But it drags a bit towards the end with three slow songs in a row. The first album is a bit more experimental and they are still searching for their footing a bit..but that makes for some really really interesting songs. But the musicianship on both albums is out of this world.
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I got the Ark album several years ago but it just doesn't do anything for me and I'm not sure why. I should like it, I just don't. Maybe it needs more attention and time.
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The first is definitely more experimental and is good, but Burn the Sun is simply incredible.
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I got the Ark album several years ago but it just doesn't do anything for me and I'm not sure why. I should like it, I just don't. Maybe it needs more attention and time.
Hmm...it was actually pretty instant with me, so who knows, just obviously doesn't click with you.
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6. Dream Theater - Train of Thought (2003)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0kz2OVFjvbU/TT9-YjTPp4I/AAAAAAAAANU/0ayoG9XDGwA/s1600/Front.jpg)
Being a fan since SFAM, when 2003 came around, it was safe to say I was a DT fanatic and knew all albums up to that point. Being a metal head, the concept of this album got me very excited. Back in 2003, I never ordered online and the cd stores were always late in getting cd's in store. Since the release date, I searched every single day in between work and school looking for this, getting madder and madder every day that it wasn't released and the douches behind the counter not knowing what the hell I'm talking about. About a month later, there it was, and I instantly bought it and took it home. Since that day, it has become my favourite DT album. The mix of complex prog and a more straight ahead metal approach really scratched me right where I itched. I love the more simplicity of the record at times, James' amazing diverse metal approach to his vocals, alternate tunings mainly hitting C standard and extra long instrumental sections that still IMO seemed to serve purpose, despite what many people people say. I also love the lack of ballads. Vacant is the perfect filler to this album and is all it needed in the way of lighter songs, keeping the rest heavy as hell. I basically love everything about this record and it really has never gotten old with me and I can always chuck it on and enjoy it all the way though.
Best tracks - This Dying Soul, Endless Sacrifice, Honor Thy Father, Vacant, In The Name of God
5. Judas Priest - Jugulator (1997)
(https://images.cryhavok.org/d/5306-1/Judas+Priest+-+Jugulator.png)
Cracking the top 5 is an album that will send most Judas Priest fans wanting to crucify me, but here goes. This is my favourite Judas Priest record!! I cannot remember how many Priest albums I knew before getting this one, but I know it was only my second or third, but it was enough to know Priest, and the sound they were known for. One afternoon after school in 1998 I visited a little second hand cd store where I saw this sitting there for a good price. Since I was still discovering everything from the band, I instantly picked it up. Since I wasn't familiar with this release I was shocked at the booklet and the singer who was on this record. I obviously hadn't researched their history until that point, and was disappointed that the voice of Painkiller wasn't present. Anyway, I was due back at school for a heavy study session that same afternoon until 8pm so had to wait to hear it. Sitting through my study session all I could think about was the amazing cover art, and the brutal song titles and lyrics that I had skimmed through from the booklet. I went home and put the cd on with headphones at around 9pm while everyone else was off to bed. The intro of the title track scared the shit out of me and cemented my faith in heavy metal. The whole cd was brutal, simple, loud with just outstanding vocals. I couldn't believe what Tim was doing here, his screams on the title track floored me and instantly made me a fan of his. Glenn and Ken still had the solos but they took a bit more of a back seat for the songs and the riffs which was IMO mature to see due to the type of songs here. For Priest to bounce back with something like this after losing Rob Halford is absolutely incredible. I actually also simply love the immaturity at times of the lyrics, they are just so simple and at times childish simply to add to the overall metal tones of the recod. I can't say enough good things about this record and I know most will think I'm crazy, but IMO, this is one of the greatest heavy metal albums of all time.
Best songs - Jugulator, Blood Stained, Decapitate, Burn in Hell, Abductors, Bullet Train, Cathedral Spires
Jugulator - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ag8DGC-fKwQ
Burn in Hell - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8E-tCigMeD0
Cathedral Spires - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6g4yhSjyc3M
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I love Train of Thought, my favourite as well. :tup Took me a good while to warm up to it.
Great to see Crystal Planet on here, too. Best I've heard from Satriani. :)
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I love Train of Thought, my favourite as well. :tup Took me a good while to warm up to it.
Great to see Crystal Planet on here, too. Best I've heard from Satriani. :)
Yeah man, great to see more TOT love, and yes, Crystal Planet is by far Satch's best work IMO.
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Train of Thought is awesome. Ripper impressed me with Jugulator but blew me away with 98 Live Meltdown; one of the best vocal performances I've ever heard. Not many people know or discuss the ripper era so nice to see it get some recognition.
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Train of Thought is awesome. Ripper impressed me with Jugulator but blew me away with 98 Live Meltdown; one of the best vocal performances I've ever heard. Not many people know or discuss the ripper era so nice to see it get some recognition.
Really great live album there. My first concert ever was seeing Priest on the Demolition tour and it was absolutely amazing. Ripper pretty much left everyone walking out with ringing ears for about 3 days. Still the best vocals I've ever seen live.
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I'm surprised at ToT. Great album nonetheless!
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Wow, two albums I can definitely give a :tup
I agree with your sentiments about Train of Thought. I found this album much the same way as you....Was the first Dream Theater album I picked up on my own and got into on my own. So heavy, so good. Top three for sure!
I love Jugulator as well for much of the same reason I love Train of Thought. it just screams metal. Very HEAVY!
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ToT above IaW and Awake? Very interesting! Nice to see some appreciation for it, and it has some of my favourite DT songs on it.
I've never heard Jugulator, but it speaks for itself that it's a controversial pick.
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ToT was a Top 50 pick of mine as well. I really don't understand the lack of love for it.
Balls 'n Chunk FTW :birch:
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Some heavy and bold choices there, Wolfie. Nice job!
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Train of thought certainly wouldn't be so high on my list, even though I quite enjoy it. It's a bit funny how you called Vacant the ''lighter'' song, while it's the darkest one on the album in my opinion. As for Jugulator, I honestly can't remember if I listened to it or not. It speaks for how much I liked it if I had heard it.
Wolfking, your choices are very controversial throughout the list, but especially the last couple of ones. I can sense a Maiden album coming our way that's going to piss most people off. ;D
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I struggled for a long time with Awake. Of course I was listening to it "in real time" as the follow up to I&W, and album that floored me totally. I really love it now though.
SFAM- nuff said.
This happened to me as well. In fact, when "Awake" first came out, I was hugely disappointed. I wanted another album like "Images and Words" but eventually it grew on me.
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I struggled for a long time with Awake. Of course I was listening to it "in real time" as the follow up to I&W, and album that floored me totally. I really love it now though.
SFAM- nuff said.
This happened to me as well. In fact, when "Awake" first came out, I was hugely disappointed. I wanted another album like "Images and Words" but eventually it grew on me.
Oh yeah, by the end of Innocence Faded, I was like " whatever happened to my Dream Theater?"
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ToT is a great album.
I've never heard Jugulator but I'm not a fan of Ripper's voice. May have to give it a go.
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O:M >>> ToT.
Maybe O:M >>>> ToT.
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Wolfking, your choices are very controversial throughout the list, but especially the last couple of ones. I can sense a Maiden album coming our way that's going to piss most people off. ;D
I'm not finished yet. ;)
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ToT is a great album.
I've never heard Jugulator but I'm not a fan of Ripper's voice. May have to give it a go.
Listen to a live priest album with ripper singing
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The version of Diamonds and Rust on that live album is simply one of the greatest vocal performances I've ever heard, and especially since its live WOW!!!!!
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The version of Diamonds and Rust on that live album is simply one of the greatest vocal performances I've ever heard, and especially since its live WOW!!!!!
Agree 100%. I remember reading Chris Jericho saying that Ripper was the best vocalist he's ever seen live as well.
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The version of Diamonds and Rust on that live album is simply one of the greatest vocal performances I've ever heard, and especially since its live WOW!!!!!
Agree 100%. I remember reading Chris Jericho saying that Ripper was the best vocalist he's ever seen live as well.
I know he was my first in concert, so I could possibly be biased, but I truly think no one else has come close to the performance he put on that night.
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6. Dream Theater - Train of Thought (2003)
:metal Awesome and well deserved :tup
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4. Iron Maiden - Powerslave (1984)
(https://www.thewire.co.uk/images/artists/iron_maiden/ironmaiden_powerslave.jpg)
Here is the oldest album in my top 50. A lot of you guys will laugh at me calling this old, but this album was released the year I was born, so there. :biggrin: This was my second Maiden album after Number of the Beast. Aces High was actually the first Maiden song I had ever heard, and that song changed my life forever. I saw it on late night music tv and it was like nothing I'd heard before, that was my introduction into the real world of classic heavy metal. I still remember seeing it for the first time thinking that it was simply the best thing I had ever heard and seen ever in my 12 years of existence. My brother had TNOTB on vinyl which he taped for me and I eventually picked up the cd with my month savings of pocket money. After saving for another month or so I was determined to find the album with Aces High. The day came when I purchased another Maiden album and I was hoping the album with that song was in stock. I was in luck when I discovered Powerslave and took it home and have not looked back.
People say that almost half this album is filler, but I disagree. IMO, every song is perfect and vital to the album. I simply loved the whole chug the band had going here. The guitar tones were absolutely perfect and made songs like Rime and The Duellists just so powerful and chunky as they churned along. Fast songs all the way through with some of the most intricate and impressive layering of guitar harmonies which made some of these songs impossible to replicate live. This was also the first album I learnt to play on the guitar all the way through. I would just sit there and put the cd on and play it all the way through, such good memories. Perfect heavy metal album from start to finish. Nothing more to say.
Best tracks - Aces High, 2 Minutes to Midnight, The Duellists, Powerslave, Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Aces High - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Sam5omG0v0&bpctr=1345462849
Powerslave - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqUa5SbLU_c
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Great pick! Aces High was my first Maiden track, changed my life too.
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Aces High is my favourite Maiden song. Powerslave was the first album in my Maiden collection :tup
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My second favourite Maiden album that's had countless spins. Nice choice!
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TELL ME WHY I HAVE TO BE A POWERSLAVE, I DON'T WANNA DIE, I'M A GOD, WHY CAN'T I LIVE ON? :2metal: :2metal::2metal::2metal::2metal::2metal::2metal:
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Powerslave :metal
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Its Deniable.
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It's great, although I'm really not sure if it is my favorite IM album
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As you say, an undeniable classic. Their last great album for me. BITV is the weakest track, but it's no way a stinker.
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I'd say Big Orra is the weakest on it, but then I've never been too fond of their instrumentals.
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That's one great album. My favorite song on there is Back in the village, so obviously I don't consider any song on the album to be a filler.
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Powerslave starts the rut of Maiden just redoing Piece of Mind over four of their next five albums. Seventh at least had something else going on in overall terms of the album.
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TELL ME WHY I HAVE TO BE A POWERSLAVE, I DON'T WANNA DIE, I'M A GOD, WHY CAN'T I LIVE ON? :2metal: :2metal: :2metal: :2metal: :2metal: :2metal: :2metal:
OMG YES :2metal: :2metal: :2metal:
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Great album and great tour Wolfie on Powerslave.
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Love seeing all this appreciation of this tremendous metal album. :metal :metal :metal
Any guesses for top 3?
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OK I'll be that guy. I think Powerslave is just OK. Only a few good songs.
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awesome pick......X Factor coming soon!
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Any guesses for top 3?
Repost the 47 so far, and I'll guess on what's missing.
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The story so far;
50. Bush – Sixteen Stone
49. Soilwork – Chainheart Machine
48. Ozzy Osbourne – Ultimate Sin
47. Korn – Korn
46. Live – Secret Samhadi
45. Vanishing Point – Embrace the Silence
44. James Labrie – Elements of Persuasion
43. Tony Macalpine – Edge of Insanity
42. In Flames – Reroute to Remain
41. Savatage – Poets and Madmen
40. Pain of Salvation – Scarsick
39. Jason Becker – Perpetual Burn
38. Kotipelto – Coldness
37. The Offspring – Ixnay on the Hombre
36. Gamma Ray – Powerplant
35. Last Tribe – Uncrowned
34. Iron Maiden – Brave New World
33. Death – Sound of Perserverance
32. Allen/Lande – Revenge
31. Black Sabbath – Headless Cross
30. Joe Satriani – Crystal Planet
29. Iron Maiden – Somewhere in Time
28. Ark – Burn the Sun
27. Savatage – Gutter Ballet
26. Helloween – Rabbit Don’t Come Easy
25. Gamma Ray – No World Order
24. Bruce Dickinson – Accident of Birth
23. Dream Theater – Images and Words
22. Yngwie Malmsteen – Alchemy
21. Fates Warning – Parallels
20. Savatage – Streets
19. Last Tribe – Witch Dance
18. King Diamond – Abigail
17. Judas Priest – Painkiller
16. Wasp - The Crimson Idol
15. Edge of Sanity - Crimson
14. Mastodon - Leviathan
13. Green Carnation - Light of Day, Day of Darkness
12. Trivium - Ascendancy
11. King Diamond - House of God
10. Allen/Lande - The Battle
9. Dream Theater - Metropolis Pt2: Scenes From A Memory
8. Dream Theater - Awake
7. Queensryche - Operation Mindcrime
6. Dream Theater - Train of Thought
5. Judas Priest - Jugulator
4. Iron Maiden - Powerslave
One of the top 3 I will be very surprised if anyone knows what it could be.
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I have no clue what will be in the top 3. I've been reading back your writeups for some clues, but you've already put some of the more obvious ones on your list. It will be very interesting to see what you will come up with :)
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Another Savatage?
Where is Avantasia?
6 Degrees? Could ToT actually be your favorite DT album? DT dominating your Top 10 already
No Scar Symmetry?
Lord?
I don't know what it would be if it came from the death/growlie genre.
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He said Crimson by Edge of Sanity was his favourite death metal album, so I don't think it will be a growl album.
Maybe another shred guitar album?
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Definitely The X Factor, not sure on the other two. Maybe some Sabbath? Paranoid?
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Jugulator is a hell of an interesting choice.
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Sorry I haven't been able to keep up with this as I've been really busy, but this list is really fantastic. Lots of awesome stuff, and lots of stuff I need to check out.
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Dio, Crimson Glory, Rush??
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X Factor's bound to be there somewhere. Not sure about the rest. There's a lot of stuff that I would have thought that wolfie would have in his Top 50 (Avantasia, Stratovarius, Accept,...) but I doubt that any of it is that high.
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I remember being dissapointed with Powerslave when it came out. It has aged well though.
Can't argue its inclusion on anyone's list.
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Off to work soon, so I'll start the top 3 tonight. Prepare for some interesting choices yet again.
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I remember being dissapointed with Powerslave when it came out. It has aged well though.
Can't argue its inclusion on anyone's list.
For some reason Powerslave has slipped further down my rankings list of Maiden albums to about 4/5. It hasn't aged well for me but I recognize it as a classic album.
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3. Iron Maiden - The X-Factor (1995)
(https://www.metalmusicarchives.com/images/covers/iron-maiden-the-x-factor.jpg)
I discovered this quite like I discovered Jugulator, on a whim at a second hand store. This was my fourth or fifth Maiden album. Again, I wasn't up to date with what the band were doing at the time and were not aware of their history. I got it home and discovered Blaze Bayley at the vocal helm. Interested by the artwork and concepts and put this cd on and really, on my first listen I still remember being very confused at what was on offer here. This did not sound like the Maiden I had discovered. I repeated the cd a few times to try and figure out what was going on. The extreme length of the album, the long songs, the depressing, dark mood and the very raw vocals from Blaze was different. The more I listened to it, the more it intrigued me. Going from, "Man what is this, this isn't Maiden," eventually turned into "Wow, this album is incredible." I still remember listening to 'Harry's Blood on the World's Hands intro wondering what the hell was going on.
To this day, it is by far my favourite Maiden album, and I still listen to it often. This album was written in a dark time of 'Harry's life and it showed. As a confused teen in high school, this album was like a coping tool at times. The power, subtleness and brilliance displayed in this album is something unique. Blaze showed he is different to Bruce but really, Bruce couldn't have pulled this off like Blaze did. This album and Blaze were a match made in heaven, you gotta give Steve that. This also contains my favourite Maiden song being Sign of the Cross. It's epic, powerful, depressing and possibly the most complex and closest thing to prog Maiden have even gone. Yes, the production is a little flat. Yes, Blaze is also a little flat in places, and yes it has some of the most out there and misunderstood Maiden moments ever, but this album and all 71 minutes of it, to me is perfect. Also, check out the three original b-sides which never made it to the album; Judgement Day, Justice of the Peace and I Live My Way.
Best tracks - Sign of the Cross, Fortunes of War, The Aftermath, Blood on the Worlds Hands, Judgement of Heaven, The Edge of Darkness
Sign of the Cross - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fb1JXEK_Q5M
The Edge of Darkness - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUniS5alTiA
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:tup :metal
It's always amazing to see appreciation for such an underrated Maiden record. Especially to see it this high on a list, I hope it would crack its way into my top 25...
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I've always ranked this album at the near bottom of the Maiden albums (just above Virtual XI). It's too depressing and "un-Maiden-like" for my taste. I recently got a new appreciation for it though, as I quite enjoyed some songs (Sign of The Cross, Judgement Of Heaven, Blood On The World's Hands, Man On The Edge). But still it's not enough for me to rank it any higher.
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It's a good album, but it's pretty cool, with some of Maiden's best songs (Sign of the Cross, Man on the Edge).
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It's around the middle of my Maiden rankings, and definitely a great album. Nice pick Wolf! Love the mood aswell, probably my fave feeling of any maiden album but just a couple weak songs drag it down IMO.
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Nice!!! Always enjoyed the vocals of Blaze and the two discs he made with Maiden.
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Meh. Can't stand the two Blaze albums. Unfortunately, I WAS aware of the Maiden history, and these two albums just extended the decline I already felt the band was on after 7th Son.
Wish I could listen to it with open ears to see if I hear what you hear. Alas, I don't think I'll ever be able to. Even Sign of the Cross makes me cringe, and I've tried many times to appreciate it.
To each their own.
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Each to his own I guess, and I shouldn't comment as I haven't heard this album all the way through. Blaze is just not a good singer. Great bloke, poor vocalist.
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:tup :tup :tup :tup :tup.
The X Factor is amazing.
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This is strangely uncanny :lol but your last 4 picks have all been landmark albums for me in my musical journey discovering metal in the 90s :D We're only two years apart but it seems like we have walked alongside the same metal path for a while there...(Did you also have a Pantera phase? :blush)
X-Factor, first studio Maiden album I got when it was actually released. I had been a fan since 1993. When X-Factor came out I didn't even know Bruce had left. I loved it back then and I still do. it is a very powerful yet also quite meditative album. If you've liked the longer slower approach that Maiden has taken on some of their later albums with Bruce like on AMOLAD or DOD, you'll find the blueprint for many of these type of songs on the X-Factor, and if you can live with the vocals not being Bruce you'll find that a lot of the X-Factor songs are a lot stronger.
Having said that I don't think I would have the album so high on my list or maybe not even ON the list.. But very good nonetheless!
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Just had a listen over at YT and there's certainly some good material here but it's ruined by the "open mike night at the biker bar" vocals.
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Just had a listen over at YT and there's certainly some good material here but it's ruined by the "open mike night at the biker bar" vocals.
Check some of Blaze's solos albums, like Sillicon Messiah, Tenth Dimension and Blood and Belief, his vocals on those are much much better, and more your style of music too.
This is strangely uncanny :lol but your last 4 picks have all been landmark albums for me in my musical journey discovering metal in the 90s :D We're only two years apart but it seems like we have walked alongside the same metal path for a while there...(Did you also have a Pantera phase? :blush)
X-Factor, first studio Maiden album I got when it was actually released. I had been a fan since 1993. When X-Factor came out I didn't even know Bruce had left. I loved it back then and I still do. it is a very powerful yet also quite meditative album. If you've liked the longer slower approach that Maiden has taken on some of their later albums with Bruce like on AMOLAD or DOD, you'll find the blueprint for many of these type of songs on the X-Factor, and if you can live with the vocals not being Bruce you'll find that a lot of the X-Factor songs are a lot stronger.
Agree with most of what you said here. And yes, I totally had a Pantera phase and still really enjoy them actually.
:tup :tup :tup :tup :tup.
The X Factor is amazing.
:metal
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I agree, Blaze's solo material is awesome. I like it way better then his discs with Maiden. Also check out Wolfsbane, especially Live Fast, Die Fast
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Heard a few Wolsbane tracks and liked what i heard, although I still need to check out their albums.
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3. Iron Maiden - The X-Factor (1995)
(https://www.metalmusicarchives.com/images/covers/iron-maiden-the-x-factor.jpg)
I discovered this quite like I discovered Jugulator, on a whim at a second hand store. This was my fourth or fifth Maiden album. Again, I wasn't up to date with what the band were doing at the time and were not aware of their history. I got it home and discovered Blaze Bayley at the vocal helm. Interested by the artwork and concepts and put this cd on and really, on my first listen I still remember being very confused at what was on offer here. This did not sound like the Maiden I had discovered. I repeated the cd a few times to try and figure out what was going on. The extreme length of the album, the long songs, the depressing, dark mood and the very raw vocals from Blaze was different. The more I listened to it, the more it intrigued me. Going from, "Man what is this, this isn't Maiden," eventually turned into "Wow, this album is incredible." I still remember listening to 'Harry's Blood on the World's Hands intro wondering what the hell was going on.
To this day, it is by far my favourite Maiden album, and I still listen to it often. This album was written in a dark time of 'Harry's life and it showed. As a confused teen in high school, this album was like a coping tool at times. The power, subtleness and brilliance displayed in this album is something unique. Blaze showed he is different to Bruce but really, Bruce couldn't have pulled this off like Blaze did. This album and Blaze were a match made in heaven, you gotta give Steve that. This also contains my favourite Maiden song being Sign of the Cross. It's epic, powerful, depressing and possibly the most complex and closest thing to prog Maiden have even gone. Yes, the production is a little flat. Yes, Blaze is also a little flat in places, and yes it has some of the most out there and misunderstood Maiden moments ever, but this album and all 71 minutes of it, to me is perfect. Also, check out the three original b-sides which never made it to the album; Judgement Day, Justice of the Peace and I Live My Way.
Best tracks - Sign of the Cross, Fortunes of War, The Aftermath, Blood on the Worlds Hands, Judgement of Heaven, The Edge of Darkness
Sign of the Cross - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fb1JXEK_Q5M
The Edge of Darkness - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUniS5alTiA
Thank you. You just convinced me to go and pick up the Blaze era albums, which I up until now always avoided like the plague. Reading your write-up just convinced me what I always suspected, that there had to be some musical merrit to these cd's. Thanks again!
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Thank you. You just convinced me to go and pick up the Blaze era albums, which I up until now always avoided like the plague. Reading your write-up just convinced me what I always suspected, that there had to be some musical merrit to these cd's. Thanks again!
I would get The X-Factor but would give the second Blaze album, Virtual 11 a miss. Unless you've got money to burn. Virtual sees the band at the absolute low point creatively in their career. A few tracks are good though!
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Thanks for the warning! (I'll probably buy 'em from the bargain-bin anyway) :hat
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Thank you. You just convinced me to go and pick up the Blaze era albums, which I up until now always avoided like the plague. Reading your write-up just convinced me what I always suspected, that there had to be some musical merrit to these cd's. Thanks again!
I would get The X-Factor but would give the second Blaze album, Virtual 11 a miss. Unless you've got money to burn. Virtual sees the band at the absolute low point creatively in their career. A few tracks are good though!
I really enjoy that album too myself.
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Thanks for the warning! (I'll probably buy 'em from the bargain-bin anyway) :hat
Yeah I think many of those albums are on a discount now. By all means..And if you are a Maiden fan you need it in the collection right?
I really enjoy that album too myself.
Heh, I did say to myself that I have to be careful what I say regarding Virtual - you might have it at #2 or ...#1 (Yikes!) I do seriously doubt that though :lol
Well you know, it is not a bad album or a bad effort by any means, doing a follow up to The X-Factor would be difficult. I just feel that they clicked into something interesting with The X-Factor which they then totally left and disregarded on Virtual. As such Virtual maybe has more of that good ol' Maiden pick me up atmosphere to it, just without the energy. So for me it is a bit of an "off" album for many reasons. Also I think you can tell that Nicko was really in a slump during the recordings!
Also I feel that The X-Factor had that aggressive, almost spite "We'll show the world" vibe to it. Maiden had to go out convince the fans and the critics that they could kick ass without Bruce Dickinson at the helm. And even more impressively with a new singer and a new style that sounded nothing like what the fans had heard on the previous albums. Virtual just lacks the aggression...But on some of the songs the songwriting is definitely interesting.
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I agree, Blaze's solo material is awesome. I like it way better then his discs with Maiden. Also check out Wolfsbane, especially Live Fast, Die Fast
Bought this on cassette back in the day but gave it away. They had a couple of decent songs, just couldn't get past the voice.
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I would get The X-Factor but would give the second Blaze album, Virtual 11 a miss. Unless you've got money to burn. Virtual sees the band at the absolute low point creatively in their career. A few tracks are good though!
If you listened to Wolfsbane's Life fast, die fast, I see what you did there. ;D
And I better join the Pro-Blaze camp. He's a great singer, and I love his solo stuff as well as his work with Maiden. I'm surprised his two more recent solo albums like The Man who would not die and especially Promise and terror aren't getting more love.
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X-Factor is Maiden's best album. :tup Virtual XI is not bad at all, shorten Angel and that crazy long repeated section later on the album and it would actually be really strong. ...then again, those are the same problems shown all over Maiden albums with Dickinson, too. Sorry, 6sAllTheWay, but Maiden's creative low point was throughout the late 80's and early 90's while they tried to make the same blasted album over and over again. People may think it's their golden age, but it was very dry creatively, only Seventh Son actually tried to do something more.
Wolfsbane just isn't my thing, but Blaze solo has been very solid. At the least two were great albums (Silicon Messiah, The Man Who Would Not Die), and all except perhaps the latest were very good. I am a huge fan of Blaze and think he showed up all his critics with how he resurrected his career post-Maiden.
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I only have X-Factor for collections sake. It's just meh.
Sign of the Cross is amazing on Rock in Rio though.
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Sign of the Cross is amazing on Rock in Rio though.
yes! kinda wish they'd re-record it with Brave New World-esque production and Duce Brickinson.
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X-Factor is Maiden's best album. :tup Virtual XI is not bad at all, shorten Angel and that crazy long repeated section later on the album and it would actually be really strong. ...then again, those are the same problems shown all over Maiden albums with Dickinson, too. Sorry, 6sAllTheWay, but Maiden's creative low point was throughout the late 80's and early 90's while they tried to make the same blasted album over and over again. People may think it's their golden age, but it was very dry creatively, only Seventh Son actually tried to do something more.
Hmm, we're gonna have to agree to disagree on the late 80s part. Maiden really pushed the envelope with what they could do with those albums in the late 80s, introducing guitar synthesizers and keyboards, generally writing more intricate and complex pieces while not loosing a single step playing just as fast and tight as ever. The early 90s albums being the creative low point, yes that is for sure debatable. No Prayer and Fear of The Dark, not as consistent as the albums before them, but they do both contain some absolute classic Maiden material. On the other hand I find it really hard to find any real high points on the Virtual album.
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You're quite probably right about the technical aspects of those albums, I just don't know. My perspective is that from Piece of Mind through Fear of the Dark I only ever listen to Piece of Mind and Seventh Son, both top 4 Maiden albums for me. I do love a few songs off those other albums, but they all sound so similar to me that I just find I'd rather listen to ones I find best. It's sort of led to me splitting that whole stretch up in my personal opinions, 2 up at the top of my rankings and the other 4 falling all the way to the bottom.
Yet, I still listen to Virtual XI occasionally, probably because it is bolstered by being a more unique sound. It has some great songs and some faults in the writing, but I find it enjoyable overall.
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You're quite probably right about the technical aspects of those albums, I just don't know. My perspective is that from Piece of Mind through Fear of the Dark I only ever listen to Piece of Mind and Seventh Son, both top 4 Maiden albums for me. I do love a few songs off those other albums, but they all sound so similar to me that I just find I'd rather listen to ones I find best. It's sort of led to me splitting that whole stretch up in my personal opinions, 2 up at the top of my rankings and the other 4 falling all the way to the bottom.
Yet, I still listen to Virtual XI occasionally, probably because it is bolstered by being a more unique sound. It has some great songs and some faults in the writing, but I find it enjoyable overall.
Hmm, I don't really see the similarities at all. Perhaps the two most similar albums in their catalog is the debut and Killers. Up through the 80s they kept evolving album to album and culminating with Seventh Son as their most progressive. Sonically some albums sound more alike, Piece of Mind and Powerslave both have that warm sound...Somewhere In Time and Seventh Son sound a like in some areas etc. But trying to write the same album over and over again? I don't see that at all.
Actually I agree with you, Virtual does contain some good songs, also many just "OK" songs. The problem is that most of the songs are just not that memorable and most of them are forgotten today. "Como Estais Amigos", "Lightning Strikes Twice", "The Educated Fool", "When Two Worlds Collide" - Not exactly songs you bring up in conversation when you talk about Maiden. Not exactly songs that the average fan remembers. And those 4 songs are half of the album! Sadly, the Virtual album seems mostly to be known for containing that awful song "The Angel And The Gambler" that everybody hates. And "The Clansman" is known and loved for being on Rock in Rio, not Virtual..As such I find it one of their weaker efforts.
I applaud you that it is one of your favorites. It is always refreshing to find fans who dig something else than the "classics"! :)
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2. Tool - Aenima (1996)
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jEg1gvGFuu4/Tl5R2AFloLI/AAAAAAAABog/oz1XfkXFRTQ/s1600/cover.jpg)
This is an album that is obviously something different to the rest of my list and I honestly tried to move it around and down the list a bit. But in the end, it keep coming back to the runner up spot. This album is simply a piece of art that is one of a kind. Every second of this album is brilliant, and as a 13 year old when I discovered it, it absolutely blew me away. The atmosphere of the album itself is something to admire, as it twists, turns, crawls, and moves through 15 tracks of absolute musical art. Lateralus is usually the Tool album most people go to, and that album would make at least my top 75, but IMO, it has nothing on Aenima.
I really don't know how to properly justify this album in spot number 2, it was just an album that I have played over and over again over through my teenage years, and it's an album I will still come back to usually yearly, and spin it for like a month straight. It just seems to open itself up and offer something new each time I listen. The interlude tracks are interesting and worthwhile and at times simply disturbing and evil. The songs themselves are absolute masterpieces. Being a shred guitar head, it would seem to most that an album like this would not appeal to me, but the atmosphere, the simplicity, and musicianship, Maynard's vocals and the lyrics make this record a whole. There is nothing missing, the guitars do everything they need to do and nothing more, and the riffs are just simple, yet perfect. The questions and mystery behind the tracks and their origins and meanings, also are incredible. Again, I can't fully explain this album correctly and how much I love it, but people that love it, know what I mean. Perfect metal record.
Best tracks - Everything is essential
Eulogy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s57FtD2HKLw
Jimmy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uc9r1uf5ms
Aenima - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCEeAn6_QJo
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Great pick!
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Sorry man... can't stand Tool.
:puke:
(not at your selection, but my taste for the band/album ... and I've tried).
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An interesting pick for sure, definitely when viewed in context of the rest of your list. To me, Lateralus is better, like you said, but it's a very nice #2 album, also in the sense that it's an unexpected one.
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Great pick!
:metal
Sorry man... can't stand Tool.
:puke:
(not at your selection, but my taste for the band/album ... and I've tried).
That's cool mate. As long as you've tried, that's all one can ask. mate, I knew my list wouldn't really excite you either, so apologies if you are a bit underwhelmed. :tup
An interesting pick for sure, definitely when viewed in context of the rest of your list. To me, Lateralus is better, like you said, but it's a very nice #2 album, also in the sense that it's an unexpected one.
Yeah thanks. I appreciate why more like Lateralus, I guess nostalgia rules a lot of my list in general.
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That's cool mate. As long as you've tried, that's all one can ask. mate, I knew my list wouldn't really excite you either, so apologies if you are a bit underwhelmed. :tup
Not at all. It's been a fun read, and there are a handful that I'm gonna be checking out.
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Killer album!!!
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Really is a great album and although it didn't rank quite as highly on mine, it made my list as well. It's also my top album from the band. The reason I prefer it is that it seems to be a nice middle ground between their really aggressive early sound and their more (I guess you'd call it) intellectual, proggy approach they've had with their later releases. Nice choice! :tup
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Great pick, and not quite what I was expecting! :tup
Although... I do have to disagree with you on the whole Aenima>Lateralus thing. They are both brilliant, but Lateralus has something else, it's hard to describe.
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I bought Aenima as my first Tool album a few weeks ago and I like it a lot already - now I need to get the rest of their discography. Good pick! :tup
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Like Chad, I did try years ago with Tool. Not my thing at all.
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This album has some orgasmically good moments. Like when you can point that fuckin' finger up your ass. And when mom's comin' round to put it back the way it oughtta be. That's just off the top of my head. Your'e right, the songs are constructed excellently, and capture a rage in a different way from most hard music.
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Tool is a great band though I put Lateralus and 10000 Days above this album
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This album... :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
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Cool band. I would choose Lateralus over Aenima though for sure.
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Yeah, not my thing.
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Aside from Reflection, Tool hasn't made any impressions on me.
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Tool has such a unique sound, and it seems to be something you either love or hate, with little in between. When I first listened to Tool a couple years ago I really disliked it. Since then my music taste has evolved quite a bit, and now I cannot get enough of it.
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I can't get into Tool.
As far as The X Factor. I just think it was a missed opportunity. There is the genesis for a GREAT album in there. But there is a pre production demo feel to it, not in just the production, but in the songs themselves. Odd transistions, unfulfilled ideas. The could've had a Back In Black type moment there.
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As some of you guys have stated, Tool just have such a unique sound, that many have tried to replicate over the years, but have never come close to the originality and magic that the band posseses.
This album has some orgasmically good moments. Like when you can point that fuckin' finger up your ass. And when mom's comin' round to put it back the way it oughtta be. That's just off the top of my head. Your'e right, the songs are constructed excellently, and capture a rage in a different way from most hard music.
Yeah, exactly, there is just moments that are out of this world. Others include the end of Jimmy, The 'come down, get of your fucking cross' section of Eulogy, well pretty much the whole second half of Eulogy. Message to Harry Manback, the end of Pushit, the list goes on.
Also, it's one of those albums that the profanity actually has a purpose and IMO adds to the depth of the songs and lyrics.
The reason I prefer it is that it seems to be a nice middle ground between their really aggressive early sound and their more (I guess you'd call it) intellectual, proggy approach they've had with their later releases. Nice choice! :tup
Totally agree.
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I think I already suspect what #1 is.
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I think I already suspect what #1 is.
Care to share, you may win a prize! ;D
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Sorry, wolfie, but I don't really like Tool. They never really clicked for me.
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That's the one that got me into Tool. And I still think it's their best overall.
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My guess for #1:
(https://cdn02.cdn.justjared.com/wp-content/uploads/headlines/2012/06/justin-bieber-as-long-as-you-love-me.jpg)
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I think I already suspect what #1 is.
Care to share, you may win a prize! ;D
You spoke quite highly of the Wintersun debut in the dedicated thread butI noticed it didn't even make your honorable mentions. Then again, you did say you own 2000+ albums, so that leaves the options pretty open still :P
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No1 will be revealed tonight, but sorry Mike, it's not Wintersun.
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I'm thinking Helloween.
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Sorry for the hold up, will be revealed within 12 hours. Not Helloween either Lowdz.
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He said no to Wintersun and Helloween but not to JB. Guess we know what the outcome will be
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1. Bruce Dickinson - The Chemical Wedding (1998)
(https://www.metal-archives.com/images/1/1/3/6/1136.jpg)
Here is my number one that probably no one really expected. Coming up with this list was very difficult, but I believe this album is my favourite album of all time. After being a Maiden fan boy for quite a few years, I wasn't really familar with Bruce's solo outings except really Tattooed Millionare. Not being overly impressed, I didn't really find out what else he had done. I went to a import cd store in the city one day (which is no longer there btw) and was just browsing where I found this album sitting there. Not knowing anything about the album itself I picked it up to see what Bruce had instore for me. I got it home and was quite imprssed when I saw Adrian was involved. I placed the cd in my cd player and hit play and the next hour of so was an hour I will never forget. This absolutely blew me away, I remember just staring at my cd player with my jaw dropped. This is by far the best thing and the heaviest thing Bruce and Adrian have ever been involved with, period.
This cd is by far the cd I have played the most in my entire life, it simply has never ever gotten old, stale or boring. Every song is wonderful, epic, melodic, well written and performed, and the band displays amazing musicianship. This also has Adrian's best guitar playing of his career IMO (or at least on par with SIT), and the final album where his guitar playing has been world class. He expresses himself amazingly here and IMO, since rejoining Maiden, his solos have been good, but a little repetative and stock standard. This (and Accident of Birth) he had so much to work with and his solos were just orgasmic. Roy plays well of course also. Great pounding rhythm section and Eddie has quite a few memorable and interesting bass lines. The production isn't the clearest I've ever heard, but fits the mood and atmosphere and rawness of the entire album, so I wouldn't want it to sound any other way. Bruce, of course sounds wonderful, and his pipes on tracks like Book of Thel and Jerusalem are just incredible. Great concepts, great lyrics, great artwork, it's the complete package. The epic spoken word passages of William Blakes poems give this an extra epic touch also. This also has my fav Bruce song, and quite possibly my fav metal song of all time Trumpets of Jericho. Such a grinding song, I would seriously have loved to hear the band move into this direction more.
Most of you probably saw this and went 'meh' and that's cool, but for me, this album is perfect. I still love it to this day and remember the ultimate joy it gave me as a teenager admiring this piece of work.
Best tracks - All
Book of Thel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgTT90gFndM
Jerusalem - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkT6El-XnWE
Trumpets of Jericho - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqaoA8LjnzE
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That's it, but stay tuned for one more day, because since there was a lack of newer releases in my list, I want to list around 10 more recent albums that have potential to make my top 50 over the coming year or so. So stay tuned for one more day, then we're done.
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Very good final pick! Great list overall; some surprises and some classics.
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I know you've recommended this one to me. The tracks I heard were pretty good. I need to get it and invest some time in it as it didn't seem to be an instant album at all. I've not been a big fan of Bruce solo (or Bruce period since his hay day) but I did like a lot of Balls To Picasso. Looking forward to the more modern recommendations too. Looking at my top 50, which is written up and ready to go, it's a bit of a history lesson and I was thinking of doing the same thing. Couldn't leave out any of the top 50 to make way for them though.
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An amazing album indeed, I would include it in my list as well, but at number 39. ;D
Cool list overall, I actually knew quite a few albums. Great job, wolfking! :metal
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Crap, I'll have to listen to Bruce's solo work now.
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Great album, although I would rank Accident Of Birth just above it.
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Crap, I'll have to listen to Bruce's solo work now.
YOU HAVEN'T!?!
Everyone who likes Maiden, should listen to Bruce's solo work.
I'd take Skunkworks and Accident over CW, but it's nevertheless great.
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I'd take his solo stuff over what Maiden did with Blaze, any day.
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I prefer Tyranny Of Souls, but The Tower and Book Of Thel are amazing.
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Crap, I'll have to listen to Bruce's solo work now.
YOU HAVEN'T!?!
Everyone who likes Maiden, should listen to Bruce's solo work.
Okay *emote that rushes off and disappears, in my case to get the albums*
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Woah. I didn't expect that, but great pick, and a great list overall.
I'll leave, to get re-acquainted with CW... :ontome:
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Thanks guys, definitely check out Chemical Wedding if you are not familiar with it.
Lowdz, really looking forward to your list.
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That was a surprising number 1, I'll definitely have to check it out. Thanks for the list! I enjoyed following :tup
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I'd take his solo stuff over what Maiden did with Blaze, any day.
Unfortunately, that doesn't say much.
But I will be adding this to my check-it-out listl
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I would say that Chemical Wedding is probably better than Accident At Birth, but AOB is just a litle more fun to listen to.
A very interesting #1, Wolfie!
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Thanks guys, definitely check out Chemical Wedding if you are not familiar with it.
Lowdz, really looking forward to your list.
Yes, Lowdz' list will be very cool. I just know it!
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Chemical Wedding probably just edges Accident of Birth for my favorite Bruce solo album. Tyranny of Souls is third, then Balls to Picasso, Skunkworks, and Tattooed Millionaire. I'd go as far as saying that the CW, Accident, and Tyranny are all better than at least half of the IM albums.
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The final list;
50. Bush – Sixteen Stone
49. Soilwork – Chainheart Machine
48. Ozzy Osbourne – Ultimate Sin
47. Korn – Korn
46. Live – Secret Samhadi
45. Vanishing Point – Embrace the Silence
44. James Labrie – Elements of Persuasion
43. Tony Macalpine – Edge of Insanity
42. In Flames – Reroute to Remain
41. Savatage – Poets and Madmen
40. Pain of Salvation – Scarsick
39. Jason Becker – Perpetual Burn
38. Kotipelto – Coldness
37. The Offspring – Ixnay on the Hombre
36. Gamma Ray – Powerplant
35. Last Tribe – Uncrowned
34. Iron Maiden – Brave New World
33. Death – Sound of Perserverance
32. Allen/Lande – Revenge
31. Black Sabbath – Headless Cross
30. Joe Satriani – Crystal Planet
29. Iron Maiden – Somewhere in Time
28. Ark – Burn the Sun
27. Savatage – Gutter Ballet
26. Helloween – Rabbit Don’t Come Easy
25. Gamma Ray – No World Order
24. Bruce Dickinson – Accident of Birth
23. Dream Theater – Images and Words
22. Yngwie Malmsteen – Alchemy
21. Fates Warning – Parallels
20. Savatage – Streets
19. Last Tribe – Witch Dance
18. King Diamond – Abigail
17. Judas Priest – Painkiller
16. Wasp - The Crimson Idol
15. Edge of Sanity - Crimson
14. Mastodon - Leviathan
13. Green Carnation - Light of Day, Day of Darkness
12. Trivium - Ascendancy
11. King Diamond - House of God
10. Allen/Lande - The Battle
9. Dream Theater - Metropolis Pt2: Scenes From A Memory
8. Dream Theater - Awake
7. Queensryche - Operation Mindcrime
6. Dream Theater - Train of Thought
5. Judas Priest - Jugulator
4. Iron Maiden - Powerslave
3. Iron Maiden - The X Factor
2. Tool - Aenima
1. Bruce Dickinson - The Chemical Wedding
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That's a lot of metal.
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Alright, now, here's a few albums from the last 4-5 years that really have won me over and have potential to make it into a new top 50 of mine at some stage in the near future. I wanted to do this because of the lack of newer albums in my list. I will post a handful now, and post the rest tomorrow. These albums would probably sit between numbers 61 - 80, roughly at the moment, but I wouldn't be surprised if in a year time, a lot of them make the list.
Circus Maximus - Nine (2012)
(https://jimcueva.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/nine.jpg)
The more I listen to this, the more I love it. This is a perfect melodic prog album that leaves me wanting more and more each time I listen, it's incredible. A couple of great longer songs bookends a bunch of incredible melodic songs in the middle. Great production, great songs, great performances. Definitely top 3 of the year.
Work of Art - In Progress (2011)
(https://www.israbox.com/uploads/posts/2011-08/1314375242_500.jpg)
Perfect melodic rock. Anyone remotely interested in the genre should listen to this. Every song is a winner and the whole sound and atmosphere of the record is incredible. Great guitars and amazing vocals. Simple, catchy, well performed rock. Again, top 3 of 2011.
Helloween - 7 Sinners (2010)
(https://www.metal-archives.com/images/2/8/4/6/284698.jpg)
This album didn't really hit me at first, it was a real grower. It didn't seem as good as other Helloween, but I have listened to this so much, it's now top 3 Helloween, period. The newer incarnation of the band gives the middle finger to the early years with this well performed, heavy, catchy and mature heavy metal album. Love it. looking forward to the bands new album early next year.
Stone Sour - Audio Secrecy (2010)
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cr2x-evpEow/TIACEDMsa8I/AAAAAAAAAFg/FplaKqi4RNE/s1600/STONE%2BSOUR%2B-%2BAudio%2BSecrecy%2BCOVER.jpg)
I liked the bands first two albums but they didn't bowl me over. This got slammed by the fans but I love it. It's more melodic, even melodic rock at times. Still heavy, but really catchy songs which are well written and Corey sounds great on this style of music. Lots of songs here too, and the special edition extra tracks are better than most of the regular songs. Amazing rock album. I think the reason why I liked it so much too was that I had no real expectations going into this album, and was pleasently surprised.
Jeff Scott Soto - Damage Control (2012)
(https://jimcueva.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/damage-control.jpg)
Keep coming back to this one. Tons of variety and lots of killer melodic rock/aor tracks. The songs are just simply killer and haven't gotten old yet. Again, the bonus tracks are essential to the album, and some of the best work JSS has ever done. Lots of great guitar work too.
Stay tuned, about half a dozen more tomorrow, then I'm out of here.
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That's a lot of metal.
FUCK YEAH!! :metal
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GREAT!!!! <insert mild sarcasm? Even more I have to check out! Hadn't heard Stone Sour before, but now it's on the list.
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Wow, I'm surprised to see Audio secrecy. It didn't really do anything for me aside from a couple of tracks. I thought there were too many mellow songs that weren't memorable enough. But I'm really looking forward to their new album coming out in a month or two - it's going to have less songs and the single that is already available truly rocks. :metal
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Great Helloween disc, just like pretty much everything they have ever released. Don't know much about Stone Sour, nor Slipknot. Always enjoyed the vocals of JSS, should check out this one, sounds awesome.
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The Chemical Wedding is a worthy #1 pick. Great album.
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I'm listening to The Tower now, a Top 3 Bruce song for me. God I love that whole solo section, and the bass groove is awesome.
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I'm listening to The Tower now, a Top 3 Bruce song for me. God I love that whole solo section, and the bass groove is awesome.
There is strong songs on all his albums but Accident of Birth was where it all really came together for the first time. All the previous albums were a bit hit and miss for me.
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I'm struggling a bit with the JSS. I usually love everything he does but this one is a bit predictable I think. Mind you I've not invested enough time in it. Prefer the WET album tbh. I preferred the band when Howie Simon and Gary Schutt were in it. Saw them play a tiny club in Wigan a few years ago on halloween- they came out in full KISS makeup and sweated it right off within a couple of songs. Gary Schutt had all Gene Simmons moves down ;D it was a great gig, even though JSS pinched my drink!
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Good stuff, Wolf!!
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GREAT!!!! <insert mild sarcasm? Even more I have to check out! Hadn't heard Stone Sour before, but now it's on the list.
Don't know if it would be your thing, but it's a great album.
Wow, I'm surprised to see Audio secrecy. It didn't really do anything for me aside from a couple of tracks. I thought there were too many mellow songs that weren't memorable enough. But I'm really looking forward to their new album coming out in a month or two - it's going to have less songs and the single that is already available truly rocks. :metal
Yeah, I guess I like that type of music more than what the band were doing previously, just did for me I guess. i am looking forward to the new one though.
Great Helloween disc, just like pretty much everything they have ever released. Don't know much about Stone Sour, nor Slipknot. Always enjoyed the vocals of JSS, should check out this one, sounds awesome.
It's a cool rock record.
The Chemical Wedding is a worthy #1 pick. Great album.
:metal
I'm listening to The Tower now, a Top 3 Bruce song for me. God I love that whole solo section, and the bass groove is awesome.
:metal
Good stuff, Wolf!!
Cheers
I'm struggling a bit with the JSS. I usually love everything he does but this one is a bit predictable I think. Mind you I've not invested enough time in it. Prefer the WET album tbh. I preferred the band when Howie Simon and Gary Schutt were in it. Saw them play a tiny club in Wigan a few years ago on halloween- they came out in full KISS makeup and sweated it right off within a couple of songs. Gary Schutt had all Gene Simmons moves down ;D it was a great gig, even though JSS pinched my drink!
I think it's definitely one of the safest things he's done, but, I believe he purposely went for this kind of record to try and please his fans after Beautiful Mess. Listen again, I love it.
Stay tuned for a few more tonight.
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Awesome pick Wolf!
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A couple more newer special mentions before bed;
Between the Buried and Me - Colors (2007)
(https://pad.indiemerch.com/i/3/7/37f1ed0e42.jpg)
Most of you know this. Amazing technical death metal, one of the best of the genre, if not the best. Amazing variety, musicianship, vocals, guitar, everything. Perfect tech death metal record.
Scar Symmetry - Holographic Universe (2008)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/44/Holographic_Universe.jpg)
Amazing melodic death metal record. Brilliant songs and amazing vocals from Christian. Killer melodies and some really outstanding choruses. Great solos and lots of variety within the songs. Again, one of the best of this genre.
Pendragon - Pure (2008)
(https://babequ.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/59d57436.jpg)
Only discovered this about a year ago but it's amazing. One of the best neo prog albums I've ever heard. Killer atmosphere, improved vocals for Nick, heavier sound, great guitars, and great songs, great package.
A couple more tomorrow then I'm definitely done. ;D
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BTBAM- the vocals. :facepalm:
Pendragon- Only have the Masquerade Overture which I liked. NOt dug it out in years though. Will have to put that right.
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BTBAM- the vocals. :facepalm:
Pendragon- Only have the Masquerade Overture which I liked. NOt dug it out in years though. Will have to put that right.
Pendragon is great. Definitely give Pure a spin.
I'm with ya on BTBAM. Musically ok. Vocally I want to stick a ice-pick in my ears.
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BTBAM- the vocals. :facepalm:
Lowdz making a post expressing negativity toward growls...a truly unprecedented moment in DTF history.
*screencaps this post, prints it out, and places it in my rarities vault between Jimmy Hoffa's corpse and the Elephant Man's bones*
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BTBAM- the vocals. :facepalm:
Lowdz making a post expressing negativity toward growls...a truly unprecedented moment in DTF history.
*screencaps this post, prints it out, and places it in my rarities vault between Jimmy Hoffa's corpse and the Elephant Man's bones*
Sorry. Didn't realise an opinion had to be totally original to be valid here.
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Colors is nothing short of amazing, great pick, even though it's not in the actual top 50.
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BTBAM- the vocals. :facepalm:
Lowdz making a post expressing negativity toward growls...a truly unprecedented moment in DTF history.
*screencaps this post, prints it out, and places it in my rarities vault between Jimmy Hoffa's corpse and the Elephant Man's bones*
Sorry. Didn't realise an opinion had to be totally original to be valid here.
Not so much that but the facepalm seemed pompously dismissive of it and the dude actually sings traditional style quite a bit as well if you'd care to check it out.
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BTBAM- the vocals. :facepalm:
Lowdz making a post expressing negativity toward growls...a truly unprecedented moment in DTF history.
*screencaps this post, prints it out, and places it in my rarities vault between Jimmy Hoffa's corpse and the Elephant Man's bones*
Sorry. Didn't realise an opinion had to be totally original to be valid here.
Not so much that but the facepalm seemed pompously dismissive of it and the dude actually sings traditional style quite a bit as well if you'd care to check it out.
Oh I have. I wasn't being pompous or dismissive- it was an expression of my disappointment because I would probably enjoy this band if the vocals were more within my taste zone. Should probably have just written that.
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Colors is the one of the best albums I've ever heard. I love the vocals.
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Colors is the one of the best albums I've ever heard. I love the vocals.
Yeah, same. It's kind of funny, since it's the only BTBAM album I can listen to in full and it's a top 20 album for me. Their other albums I can't manage to get through for some reason.
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I guess I knew that Lowdz and Jingle wouldn't like Colors, but I admit, when I first listened to it, I found it quite monotonous and overwhelming, even for me who loves growls. I needed to put it down and keep coming back to it in small doses. From there it grew into an absolute monster and a true masterpiece. You need time to realise how amazing this cd actually is.
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It's the growls. I just can't get past it.
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Don't like growls either
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I'm more of a roars and shrieks kinda gal myself.
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I'm even more particular with death metal vocalists than I am with regular vocalists, and Scar Symmetry are one of the few bands of the genre I really like. Great album. :tup
This might be blasphemy, but I think I still slightly prefer The Unseen Empire though. The old vocalist is miles better, but I slightly prefer the growls of the new guy.
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I guess I knew that Lowdz and Jingle wouldn't like Colors, but I admit, when I first listened to it, I found it quite monotonous and overwhelming, even for me who loves growls. I needed to put it down and keep coming back to it in small doses. From there it grew into an absolute monster and a true masterpiece. You need time to realise how amazing this cd actually is.
The music is excellent. I just can't sit through the growly bit, or see it as another instrument. It's a shame too. I would really like them with the vocals toned down.
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cool list. bush in at 50 sure wasnt a big sign of things to come as...
That's a lot of metal.
FUCK YEAH!! :metal
also: :heart colors :metal
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Just listened to Somewhere in Time for the first time ever last night. It definitely has the potential to overtake Seventh Son in my heart
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I'm even more particular with death metal vocalists than I am with regular vocalists, and Scar Symmetry are one of the few bands of the genre I really like. Great album. :tup
This might be blasphemy, but I think I still slightly prefer The Unseen Empire though. The old vocalist is miles better, but I slightly prefer the growls of the new guy.
Unseen Empire was a good return from the band indeed, I liked it a hell of a lot.
Just listened to Somewhere in Time for the first time ever last night. It definitely has the potential to overtake Seventh Son in my heart
Wipes the floor with it IMO.
Sorry for the lateness, but a few more special mentions tonight.
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Awesome number one! It's definitely a serious candidate for my #1 album too. :metal
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Awesome number one! It's definitely a serious candidate for my #1 album too. :metal
Wow bro, cool to see someone appreciate it as much as I do. :tup
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Wrapping this up. More albums that could possibly enter my top 50 in the near future;
Masterplan - Aeronautics (2005)
(https://images.uulyrics.com/cover/m/masterplan/album-aeronautics.jpg)
Incredible sophomore album from Jorn, Roland and co. Amazing, melodic power metal all the way through, great atmosphere and just simply a stunning album filled with terrific songs.
W.E.T. - W.E.T. (2009)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YqZ6d6PiLxc/TPvxLXNaNCI/AAAAAAAADso/S8HM9GlEWrs/s1600/WET.jpg)
Stunning melodic rock from Jeff Scott Soto, Erik Martensson and Robert Sall. Every song is a winner and a classic vibe with terrific songwriting. Look forward to the follow up next year.
Star One - Victims of the Modern Age (2010)
(https://www.metalmusicarchives.com/images/covers/star-one-victim-of-the-modern-age.jpg)
This one was a grower. I actually came back to this a few months ago and its really opened up to be an absolute masterpiece. Great vocals obviously, and a heavier side of Arjen that we all would love to see more often. Great prog metal.
Toby Hitchcock - Mercury's Down (2011)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ap7uWpCzFTI/TkLCHsQO4tI/AAAAAAAAAvk/LqZq6wbu0xk/s1600/PromoImage.jpg)
Pride of Lions singers first album created fully by Erik Martensson. Every song here is perfect and this is simply one of the greatest melodic rock albums I've ever heard. Great production, solos, vocals, hooks, it has everything.
Blessed By A Broken Heart - Feel the Power (2012)
(https://i31.fastpic.ru/big/2012/0123/d2/7e4039fd26370eb6d51c0a980a3bedd2.jpg)
Great mix of styles here. 80's glam, some growls, power metal, melodic rock, this was the biggest surprise of the year, and definitely will make top 3 of the year for me. Again, the catchiness of this record is incredible and the hooks are some of the best I've ever heard. Great mix of styles, unique sound, monster album.
Solution .45 - For Aeons Past (2010)
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Luez1KCL9h8/S6x-kcpIj3I/AAAAAAAACbY/kLi1gSy1hvQ/s1600/SOLUTION%2B.45%2B-%2B%255B2010%255D%2BFor%2BAeons%2BPast.jpg)
Top 5 melo death record of all time right here. Former Scar Symmetry vocalist stunned everyone with this debut from his new outfit. Amazing mix of vocal styles, killer production, great guitars and incredible hooks. Killer
And the newest album that could possibly make my top 50 in the near future;
Eclipse - Bleed and Scream (2012)
(https://plotn08.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Bleed-Scream.Box1_.jpg)
Probably jumping the gun here, but wanted to mention this album. I've only had this for about 5 days, but this is one of the greatest rock records I've ever heard. Every song has an amazing sing along chorus and the production and musicianship here in incredible. Erik Martensson has not run out of ideas after a busy couple of years and simply comes out with one of the greatest albums the melodic rock world has ever seen.
Thanks again for all you guys following this list of mine, and look forward to tackling another one down the track.
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Haven't heard the new Eclipse yet - oh lord... there it is on Spotify. *clicks play*
I think Solution .45 has growlie's? i liked the one song that YBS used in Nem's roulette - Lethean Tears.
The rest... dynamite VOTMA made my top 50, and continues to get spun. Awesome album
For the others... it won't be the last we hear from them on Top 50 lists. ;)
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Prepare to be amazing by Eclipse!!
Yeah, Solution .45 has growls, Tears is the only track on the album without growls.
I knew you'd like seeing Victims there. :tup
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Yeah... 7 tracks in on Eclipse, and it's awesome!
Dude... your inbox is full.
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Great job again with the list wolf!! I gotta check out eclipse if you're speaking so highly of it after only five days.
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Great additions there (except the growly one! ;D).
The Eclipse is truly great as is the Blessed By A Broken Heart- even the shouty stuff doesn't take anything away from it. Both albums have great choruses and guitar playing.
Also had a listen to the Pendragon. Man they changed from the one album I have (TMO)! They certainly heavied it up and it sounds really good.
Great list Wolfie- enjoyed the write ups, even for the albums that aren't to my taste. A bit more variety on your list than mine.
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Wolking you backwards Aussie Dingo-eater clean out your PM box ;D
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Inbox is cleared guys, sorry.
Great additions there (except the growly one! ;D).
The Eclipse is truly great as is the Blessed By A Broken Heart- even the shouty stuff doesn't take anything away from it. Both albums have great choruses and guitar playing.
Also had a listen to the Pendragon. Man they changed from the one album I have (TMO)! They certainly heavied it up and it sounds really good.
Great list Wolfie- enjoyed the write ups, even for the albums that aren't to my taste. A bit more variety on your list than mine.
Thanks mate. The last two Pendragon albums have been a lot heavier and darker than the rest of their albums. A change for the band but in a good good way.
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Omygodyes, Soulution .45!! :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
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Omygodyes, Soulution .45!! :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
:metal
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Omygodyes, Soulution .45!! :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
:metal
Make that 3 :metal
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44. James Labrie – Elements of Persuasion
I checked this out, much because I saw it on your list, and I liked it a lot. Alone, Freaks, Smashed, Pretender, Slightly Out of Reach and In Too Deep were friggin' awesome! :metal :metal
For some reason I didn't liked Crucify much at all.
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44. James Labrie – Elements of Persuasion
I checked this out, much because I saw it on your list, and I liked it a lot. Alone, Freaks, Smashed, Pretender, Slightly Out of Reach and In Too Deep were friggin' awesome! :metal :metal
For some reason I didn't liked Crucify much at all.
Glad you liked it, it is a killer album. :metal