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General => Archive => General Music Archives => Topic started by: Tomislav95 on February 18, 2016, 06:01:19 AM
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So finally, I'm starting my own Top 50 thread. Firstly, for those who don't know me, I'm Tomislav(obviously) from Croatia, simple man, computing student, music, film and books lover. There were actually not many things that influenced my music taste, I found most of it on my own(with help of the Internet, of course). But my older sister used to like rock/metal so she somewhat exsposed me to bands like Iron Maiden, Iced Earth and Nevermore. Unfortunately, she is now listening to not so good music :lol My parents like rock but not many of those things I like (they mostly listen to Croatian music). I would say I influenced my family more than they did me in terms of music.
But enough about me. What You can expect to see on this list? This is my ultimate Top 50 but there are some albums I discovered last year or so. Reason why I'm making this thread is the fact I love lists and also I hope to show some of you bands you might like. Also, since I'm in college, this is the only place where I frequently use English so this is chance to use it some more (excuse me if my English is bad :) ).
Most of the albums on this list are classics but there are some you might not be familiar with. I was thinking about having a number of albums by artist limit but I didn't have a heart to exclude some of the albums :P
Here's pie chart with albums by decade for some spoilers :P (idea shamelessly stolen from Evermind)
(https://s8.postimg.org/pi44gvz9x/meta_chart.jpg)
What I learnt from making list is how hard it is. It was really hard not to include some of the albums but I had to because there were over 50 albums I liked more.
I'll probably start with honorable mentions today. There will be some albums I didn't want to include for some reason(EPs) and those I love so much but I disconnected from them lately. Hope you'll enjoy my list :)
#50: Katatonia - Dead End Kings/Last Fair Deal Gone Down
#49: Blackfield - Blackfield II
#48: The Alan Parsons Project - Eye in the Sky
#47: Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms
#46: Stoned Jesus - Seven Thunders Roar
#45: Steven Wilson - The Raven That Refused to Sing(and other stories)
#44: Camel - Mirage
#43: Tool - 10,000 Days
#42: Dire Straits - Making Movies
#41: Wishbone Ash - Argus
#40: Tool - Ænima
#39: Death - Symbolic
#38: Mastodon - Once More 'round the Sun
#37: Porcupine Tree - Stupid Dream
#36: Rush - A Farewell to Kings
#35: The Smiths - The Queen is Dead
#34: Rainbow - Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow/Rising
#33: Riverside - Out of Myself
#32: King Crimson - Red
#31: Redemption - Snowfall on Judgement Day
#30: Dream Theater - Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
#29: Opeth - Damnation
#28: Symphony X - The Divine Wings of Tragedy
#27: Anathema - Weather Systems
#26: Rush - Grace Under Pressure
#25: Porcupine Tree - Deadwing
#24: Anathema - We're Here Because We're Here
#23: Porcupine Tree - Lightbulb Sun
#22: The Who - Quadrophenia
#21: Opeth - Blackwater Park
#20: Metallica - ...And Justice for All
#19: Dream Theater - Awake
#18: Black Sabbath - Master of Reality
#17: Pain of Salvation - Remedy Lane
#16: Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
#15: Opeth - Ghost Reveries
#14: Fates Warning - Parallels
#13: Iron Maiden - Seventh Son of the Seventh Son
#12: Rush - 2112/Permanent Waves
#11: Iron Maiden - Somewhere in Time
#10: Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here
#9: Riverside - Second Life Syndrome
#8: Dream Theater - Images and Words
#7: Kansas - Leftoverture
#6: Brand New - The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me
#5: Porcupine Tree - Fear of a Blank Planet
#4: King Crimson - In the Court of the Crimson King
#3: Agalloch - Ashes Against the Grain
#2: Mastodon - Crack the Skye
#1: Dream Theater - Metropolis part 2: Scenes from a Memory
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Following.
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The 2000's obviously have more representation, but it's still a fairly good mix of the decades. I'll follow this aswell.
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Let's start with two honorable mentions:
Agalloch - Faustian Echoes(2012)
(https://www.metal-archives.com/images/3/4/4/7/344763.jpg?0223)
Black/folk metal
This is Agalloch's newest EP which contains only one song, over 21-minute long Faustian Echoes. It was hard for me not include this EP because this song is one of my favorite songs ever. Agalloch is one of those band who can incorporate shrieking vocals, tremolo picking, blast-beats, acoustic and atmospheric parts in one song and you can bet they make it sound great. I'm not the biggest fan of black metal but it works for me when there are good melodies. Also, it contains samples from movie Faust and lyrics are taken from Goethe's Faust.
What more can I say, if you like folky black metal with progressive elements, you'll like this.
Faustian Echoes (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIF0d4PLsjY)
Daughter - The Wild Youth(2011)
(https://musicpickings.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/artworks-000011750017-f7u6wt-crop.jpg)
Indie Pop
This is little different than Agalloch :lol
The Wild Youth is short but sweet record, only under 19 minutes long, has 4 perfect songs. If you ever heard of Daughter, you probably heard song Youth which is on this EP and on their first LP If You Leave, as well.
What I love about this record? Well, it's simple but atmospheric record and that's sometimes all I need. For me, highlight of this EP and this band is vocalist Elena Tonra. Her voice is hauntingly beautiful and it really matches the whole melancholic atmosphere of their music. If I had to describe it with just one word I would simply say: beautiful.
Recommended song: Medicine (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sf6mkYz4mx0)
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The Daughter song was pretty chill, I liked it.
Agalloch I heard one song from, really liked it, but I think 20 minutes of it will be a little too overwhelming for me. I'm still not completely used to those black metal growls and probably won't for quite a while.
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Don't know either of these albums, but I'll be following.
I've checked something from Agalloch and I remember thinking it would've been nice if they only had acoustic sections. :lol
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The Daughter song was pretty chill, I liked it.
I think you'd like whole EP then.
Don't know either of these albums, but I'll be following.
I've checked something from Agalloch and I remember thinking it would've been nice if they only had acoustic sections. :lol
Actually, they have The White EP (it's over 30 minutes) which is all acoustic. Check it out, it's awesome :tup (damn, now I can't send it in roulette :-X)
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Why? Agalloch isn't banned and I won't check out new music until roulette is over, so everything I don't know is fair game.
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I can't get into agalloch, honestly. But will follow this.
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Why? Agalloch isn't banned and I won't check out new music until roulette is over, so everything I don't know is fair game.
Just kidding. If I had intention od sending it I wouldn't mention it here :P and it would kinda suck if I sent a band you could only listen one EP of.
I can't get into agalloch, honestly. But will follow this.
I think there will be some bands you like :tup
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I'm only familiar with some Agalloch, but not this EP. Still following, though.
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Two more honorable mentions. Tomorrow I'm starting with the actual list!
Ensiferum - Ensiferum(2001)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqNRRtU2yTk/TO5htoqVsrI/AAAAAAAAAEM/rthPdQ-MMAo/s400/Ensiferum-Ensiferum.jpg)
Melodic/Folk Death Metal
If you're into melodic or power metal, there's big chance you heard Ensiferum. They are band from Finland and they play mix of folk and melodic death metal with "viking" image. Big majority(if not all the songs) have fantasy lyrics with influence in Norse mythology.
This particular album is my favorite of theirs. I'm not into this kind of music that much anymore but every time I want some melodic death metal I spin this album. And what I love about this album(and this band) is how through simplicity they achieve epicness. There are not many instrument nor is keyboard heavily used but it sounds really epic(there is no other word). It's full of great riffs, harmonies and both growls and clean vocals. Some of you might recognize Jari Mäenpää from Wintersun, he was guitarist, vocalist and main songwriter on this(and next Ensiferum's album).
Recommended songs: Token of Time (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLhAZLezJvQ), Old Man (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycoVSLfOCjM), Treacherous Gods (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmZwZ0eMHTM)
Mark Knopfler - Sailing to Philadelphia(2000)
(https://www.coverdude.com/covers/mark-knopfler-sailing-to-philadelphia-front-cover-37108.jpg)
Blues Rock
Ah, Mark Knopfler :) He is one of my favorite , if not the favorite, guitarist ever. There is something in his style that makes me want to listen to his music all the time(if I'm not in the mood for something heavier). I'm not familiar with all of his solo albums but I think this one is the most similar to Dire Straits. Still, Sailing to Philadelphia is more bluesy, even country-sounding than anything he's with Dire Straits but there are some pretty rocking tunes. What is the same is Mark's signature finger-picking style. And it's wonderful as always. I have to stay backing band is spot on and I have to give props to Van Morrison in The Last Laugh. That man can sing :) Reason why this isn't in the Top 50 is that I feel album is little too long and it can get boring at the end.
Recommended songs: What It Is? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPwFgPkcmeg), The Last Laugh (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqPhJb4O8RE), Speedway at Nazareth (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=praUaqWWLyk)
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I would pick either Iron or From Afar by Ensiferum, but this album is alright too.
And oh damn, I forgot it's you who likes Mark Knopfler a lot! I can't say this album is among my favourites (I prefer his later stuff starting from Kill to Get Crimson and onwards), but any of his albums appearance earns a big fat yes from me. :tup
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I would pick either Iron or From Afar by Ensiferum, but this album is alright too.
And oh damn, I forgot it's you who likes Mark Knopfler a lot! I can't say this album is among my favourites (I prefer his later stuff starting from Kill to Get Crimson and onwards), but any of his albums appearance earns a big fat yes from me. :tup
I'm also familiar with Golden Heart, Privateering, Tracker but Sailing to Philadelphia is still my favorite. There are many of his songs I love but albums are not that consistent IMO. On the other hand, there is Dire Straits... :P
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Ooooh Ensiferum! I personally love Iron most, but most of their albums range from good to great (except for Unsung Heroes, which was pretty disappointing except for like, two songs), and I'm always glad to see them mentioned. "Token of Time" is one of my favourite songs of theirs.
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Ooooh Ensiferum! I personally love Iron most, but most of their albums range from good to great (except for Unsung Heroes, which was pretty disappointing except for like, two songs), and I'm always glad to see them mentioned. "Token of Time" is one of my favourite songs of theirs.
To me, Unsung Heroes is good(but has some bad song). I saw them on supporting tour for Unsung Heroes and they played all songs I liked(except for Pohjola). I have a chance to see them in April but I didn't yet get into their newest, One Man Army. It's sounds generic when compared to older albums :/
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Faustian Echoes is pretty consistent as a song I'd say. Probably not my favorite thing Agalloch's ever put out, but pretty solid.
Will follow. :tup
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#50: Katatonia - Dead End Kings(2012)
(https://www.thrashhits.com/wpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/KatatoniaDeadEndKingsalbumcoverartworkpackshotThrashHits.jpg)
Doom/progressive rock
I remember listening to this for the first time and thinking it sounds like one song over and over. Nothing sticked out and I felt bored with it. But it grew on me. A lot. In one hand it is similar to older albums by Katatonia but on the other hand it's more technical and instruments oriented than anything they did. If you play it from beginning you'll immediately notice strings. I can't remember if Katatonia used them before and if they did, they never used it in this context. It really adds another layer to their core sound. Next cool thing is additional vocalist on The One You Are Looking for. She is Silje Wergeland, singer from The Gathering. Contrast between her and Jonas' vocals are something I'd like to hear in some other songs. I can't skip next two songs, heartaching Hypnone and The Racing Heart. Both of those sounds perfectly dreadful. If you like that kind of sad songs, this is for you. Another songs I have strong feelings for is Undo You. There is part where heavy breathing is recorded underneath lyrics: "Breathing lifeless, not afraid to die. Breathing lifeless, you're afraid not to live". Damn, Katatonia. It's unreal how easily they combine depressing and beautiful. There is also Lethean, little heavier than anything else. It has cool atmospheric riff, great drumming and catchy chorus(if you can imagine melancholy to be catchy :lol). Also, I don't know if it's because I discovered them after rest of the album but I consider bonus tracks, Second and The Act of Darkening(Porcupine Tree fans might like this one), to be among highlights of album.
With Dead End Kings, Katatonia stayed true to their roots but made it more progressive and modern sounding. I hope their next will be in vein of Dead End Kings. Special props to vocalist Jonas Renkse, he sounds better than ever. This might have been higher on my list but I feel I could do without some songs. And also, two bonus songs are better than a half of the album.
Recommended songs: The Racing Heart (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1WzJXp6p48), Hypnone (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdiCO1m8X_w), Lethean (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oz7E_BsKrVI)
#50: Katatonia - Last Fair Deal Gone Down(2001)
(https://www.nuclearblast.de/static/articles/116/116053.jpg/400x400.jpg)
Doom rock
I haven't even started with my list and I'm already cheating :lol (there will be two more ties so this is actually Top 53)
If Dead End Kings is very depressive kind of sad this one is more spooky melancholic type of sad(if you understand what I want to say :P ). This was always reminding me of game Silent Hill. It's melancholic and disturbing like SH and artwork is also on that side. Overall sound of album is reverb-y and it sounds like everything is far from listener. Usually I wouldn't like such production but here it works very well and matches the atmosphere of album. Dispossession is song which opens the albums with kickass melodic guitar solo. Awesome tune. Next song is Chrome which is actually one of the songs that got me into Katatonia. It got great melodies and I'm sucker for those. However, there are some "weird" songs which are not so good on its own but work better in context of the album. Other more awesome tunes are Teargas, I Transpire but one that recently became favorite of mine is The Future of Speech. It's pretty unique and different from other songs on the album, it's stick to me because of great vocal melodies.
So, if you like melancholic spooky atmosphere, melodic solos you should check this. From my writeup it could seem I don't like it as much as Dead End Kings but I actually couldn't decide which one I liked more. While Dead End Kings have better production and is more progressive, Last Fair Deal Gone Down have perfect doom atmosphere and cooler solos.
Recommended songs: Chrome (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxvjrowbN44), Teargas (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRQOoDPvqVo), The Future of Speech (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZwR9C7sZyY)
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both at #50?
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both at #50?
Yes, it's actually Top 53 list :P
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I don't have all the time in the world goddamnit Tomislav, another album on your list that interests me to the point where I want to check it out, The Racing Heart sounds very cool. And I guess since both albums are from the same artists I will end up having to check out both.
At this point I should just create one of those spreadsheets Sacul has, my list is becoming huge.
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The start of this list is quite intriguing since I've heard almost everything featured so far (caught Faustian Echoes live, in fact). I'm not that big on Katatonia though.
Following :)
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At this point I should just create one of those spreadsheets Sacul has, my list is becoming huge.
It just gets bigger and bigger, my friend ;)
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#49: Blackfield - Blackfield II(2007)
(https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0003/138/MI0003138103.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
Progressive rock/Pop-rock
Another gloomy album on this list. Get used to it :lol
Blackfield is collaboration project between Steven Wilson and Aviv Geffen. Those two really know how to make catchy and sad tunes. But unlike anything else that's catchy(like pop) this didn't bore me too soon. I probably listened to this album more times than some of the albums higher on the list but that's just because this album was perfect for me in last two years. It strange but is seems I like to feed my bad mood with songs like these :P First song, Once, is still among my favorites after x times I heard it. Great rocking song with interesting instrumentation. Those repetitive drum patterns really add something cool to the song and chorus is really catchy(as most on this album). I don't know about the others but song This Killer is for me one of the best songs Steven ever did. Isn't it something? Beautifuly sad. Another similar song, a maybe little cringey, is The Gift of Silence. But I love it as it is, despite lyrics(„...Don't hate yourself... “), and it is one of the representative Blackfield songs(if you didn't yet hear them). To sum up, all songs are at least good (some are better than other) but I can't listen to this album anytime, I have to be in the mood for it so that's the reason why it's not higher.
Recommended songs: Once (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUKbsoyl91Q), This Killer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNllhFpRYWE), My Gift of Silence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTTgjrfTkrE)
#48: The Alan Parsons Project - Eye in the Sky(1982)
(https://www.musiconvinyl.com/fotos/500_foto1_product_groot.jpg)
Progressive rock
I have to say I'm not really really a fan of this band/project but I love this album. There is big chance you heard of Alan Parsons in context of audio engineering and producing on classic albums such as Pink Floyd's Dark Side od the Moon. And while some of his other albums are oriented towards art rock, this one is really mixed bag of everything. And I love it for it. Eye in the Sky(the song) is for me sound of '80s rock. I didn't live in '80s (obviously) but this song remind me of '80s music. Some may say it's little cheesy and I'll probably agree. However, it's really emotional and catchy song. Keyboards are also big part of this album. Usually I don't like them in this kind of rock but here they work really well. There are few vocalist on Eye in the Sky. Of course, there is great Eric Woolfson on title track and melancholic Silence and I. But my favorite vocalist on this album is Lenny Zakatek. He is singing on faster paced, funky songs You're Gonna Get Your Fingers Burned and Step by Step. Fans of funk might also like song Psychobabble. Last song of the album is Old and Wise, heavily orchestrated melancholic piece. It really makes me think of transience of life. But there're no bad song on this albums.
Eye in the Sky made appearance on my list practically at last moment. I heard it long ago and now wherever I want something easy to listen and catchy I spin this. So I thought to myself: why not to include it?
Recommended songs: Sirius/Eye in the Sky (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBQalkIeE7s), You're Gonna Get Your Fingers Burned (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIuwKXXNBwY), Old and Wise (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4HI1_LTWIk)
#47: Dire Straits: Brothers in Arms(1985)
(https://tralfaz-archives.com/coverart/D/dire_brothersf.jpg)
Classic rock
Here's for most well known album by British rock group Dire Straits. It's one of the most successful and best-selling rock albums ever. As you probably know, main songwriter of Dire Straits is Mark Knopfler whose album was among my honorable mentions so I won't waste words to say why I love Mark's playing.
I think with this album Mark Knopfler set the base for his solo work, it's more bluesy than some previous works and that's surely big plus in my book. Brothers in Arms is iconic albums in more ways. It contains one of the most recognizable riff in rock history, Money for Nothing. Also, there is catchy Walk of Life which is also among fan favorites. Next, saxophone melody in Your Latest Trick is well known, too. But as I said, bluesy side of this album is what I adore. I mean, title track is definitely one of my favorite songs of all time. From guitar tone, to lyrics, to solo – everything is perfect. Sometimes when I'm bored, I sit with my guitar and play intro to Brothers in Arms but it never sounds as good as when Mark plays it. It shows how great songwriter he is. Such a simple guitar part but hard to phrase perfectly. Song that grew on me the most is One World. Not really similar to any other song in their catalogue, with kinda funky-rock feel, it's unique. I've been listening to Dire Straits since I got in rock but this album as a whole clicked with me just recently.
Recommended songs: Brothers in Arms (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azMRIHIyt1Y), One World (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WI01DDseJEM)
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Brothers in Arms is fantastic, this album also made my Top 50. I think I ranked it #44 or something like that.
Blackfield is one of SW projects I don't care about.
And hey, Alan Parsons Project! The very one I've just eliminated Splent for. :lol
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Hey, look, something I do know for the first time here :lol I like Brothers In Arms, and I'm probably crazy for this, but I prefer self-titled and that's still my favorite Dire Straits album (almost made my top 50/HM's too).
The title track is undeniably great, though I don't seem to enjoy it as much as most. Telegraph Road I believe is Evermind's favorite and I can't argue with that, it's fucking amazing.
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The title track is undeniably great, though I don't seem to enjoy it as much as most. Telegraph Road I believe is Evermind's favorite and I can't argue with that, it's fucking amazing.
Yes, but Telegraph Road is from another album, Love Over Gold, which is my #3 album of all time. Well, it was #2 when I made my list, but now The Human Equation occupies that spot.
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Brothers in Arms is fantastic, this album also made my Top 50. I think I ranked it #44 or something like that.
Blackfield is one of SW projects I don't care about.
And hey, Alan Parsons Project! The very one I've just eliminated Splent for. :lol
Actually, I wanted to send you their song in one of the rounds. But I'm not too sure now :lol Splent's choice wouldn't be mine, I think you'd like mine better.
Hey, look, something I do know for the first time here :lol I like Brothers In Arms, and I'm probably crazy for this, but I prefer self-titled and that's still my favorite Dire Straits album (almost made my top 50/HM's too).
The title track is undeniably great, though I don't seem to enjoy it as much as most. Telegraph Road I believe is Evermind's favorite and I can't argue with that, it's fucking amazing.
Telegraph Road is also among my all time favorite songs but sadly it's the only song from Love Over Gold which I like :/
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I have that Alan Parsons album; I like it a lot, though I've never really checked out much of their other material.
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No love for It Never Rains or title track? Not even Private Investigations?
You're a weird Dire Straits fan. :P
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No love for It Never Rains or title track? Not even Private Investigations?
You're a weird Dire Straits fan. :P
Private Investigation is good. But I can't get into that album :/ I should check it again soon.
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Blackfield is one of SW projects I don't care about.
We can't be friends :'(
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That's one legendary Dire Straits album. :tup
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i really like the title track but when i listened to the album most of the other tracks didn't do much for me
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I still need to properly check out Dire Straits. I know I like them, just never gone as far as getting an album.
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i really like the title track but when i listened to the album most of the other tracks didn't do much for me
This. I'll have to revisit it some day.
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Brothers in Arms is one of 'those' songs that always causes me to stop whatever I'm doing at the time, listen intently and immerse myself in the profound music and message conveyed. In other words, I really like the song. :hefdaddy
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Guys, thank you for following this thread :)
Let's continue:
#46: Stoned Jesus - Seven Thunders Roar(2012)
(https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Igry2aIJL.jpg)
Stoner/Doom Metal
This is probably the least known band on my list (never saw anyone here talking about them). They are stoner/doom metal band from Ukraine but I always felt that's lousy name for subgenre. I heard others comparing them (and I agree) to Black Sabbath. And they really sounds like modern Master of Reality era Black Sabbath (and that's always good thing). However, they don't rip Black Sabbath off despite similar style. Singer remind me of Ozzy but he is IMO better in term of dynamics. Although he doesn't have huge vocal range he can sound really emotional and, in heavier parts, gritty. It can be heard right on the start of the album with great opener Bright like Morning. Instrumentals are also well executed and I can't tell that for some other bands in genre which tend to sound sloppy. But these guys are tight. For over 9 minutes of headbangable music check Electric Mistress. Such a cool track and it feels at least 2 times shorter. But for me, centerpiece of Seven Thunders Roar is 16 minutes epic I'm the Mountain. From acoustic intro to heavy riffs to solos everything is perfect. Last song on the album is the song that got me into these guys. It's heavily Black Sabbath influenced Stormy Monday(intro reminds me of riff from Hand of Doom). If you like classic Black Sabbath definitely check this album.
Recommended songs: I'm the Mountain (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCaInA1NeZE)(for adventurers :lol), Stormy Monday (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXfCc6fPD4E)
#45: Steven Wilson - The Raven That Refused to Sing(And Other Stories)(2013)
(https://sloucher.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/swilson.jpg)
Progressive Rock
This album is well known here on DTF. From the moment it was released it became among some people's favorites. I'm with them and I think this is Steven's best solo album to date. It sounds like something coming straight from '70s and, in my opinion, if it was released back then it would still be among best progressive albums of the decade. Sonically, this album is something. I'm not audiophile but even I can hear how great this sounds. Right from intro bass riff in Luminol I was hooked. Another awesome thing on this album are melodies. I love good melody and that's probably the thing you'll read hundred times in these write-ups. Steven have talent to blend melancholy and every thing he do and he never make it dull or boring. Drive Home is one of those songs as well as title track. Usually, I don't like chaotic instrumentals in prog(or in music in general) but there are few in Holy Drinker and Pin Drop which remind of jazz fusion. Also, if you don't know it, there are some awesome musicians on this album: Guthrie Govan, Marco Minnemann, Adam Holzman, Nick Beggs and others. I really don't know what else to say other than: go check it out.
Recommended songs: Drive Home (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycYewhiaVBk), Luminol (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_w8SY_9yO8k)
#44: Camel - Mirage(1974)
(https://www.covershut.com/covers/Camel-Mirage-1974-Front-Cover-70935.jpg)
Progressive rock
Camel is classic progressive rock band which started in early '70s and this is in my opinion their best album. It has everything that's needed for such record: organ, moog, long and melodic solos, fantasy lyrics, orchestration. What I like very is use of flute on this. It adds something special to the album, especially on my favorite, Nimrodel/The Procession/The White Rider, over 9 minutes long piece. That track contains one of the best instrumental sections I ever heard. Short guitar melody makes me want to pick up guitar and play this tune(if I actually had skill to play something like it :P ). Vocals through the albums are also good, definitely better than many I heard from '70s prog bands. Test for you: if start of Lady Fantasy doesn't make playing all air instruments you're not prog fan :lol After heavy intro nice guitar melody kicks and that's what this album is about: great melodies. If you consider yourself progressive rock fan (even if you don't like '70s prog) you should check this. I never really hear anyone talking how influential Camel are(other than Mikael Akerfeld, he said some Opeth tunes are Camel rip-offs :P) but they surely are. As I said, this album is what progressive rock is about.
Recommended songs: Nimrodel/The Procession/The White Rider (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBWGjT-XV6g), Lady Fantasy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhWDbdS-vjg)
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While Steven got a lot of excellent albums released over the years, I think he's yet to top Raven. Absolutely stunning album and in my opinion his best so far. Fantastic choice.
When Steven played the title track live as the final encore song a few days ago in Moscow, well, I did shed a few tears alright. I couldn't help it.
Not familiar with the other two.
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Lady Fantasy is a really neat song. I didn't care so much for the album overall though.
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The only one of these three I've heard songs off is the Stoned Jesus album, not a fan of the vocals sadly, but some of the instrumentals on Electric Mistress and I'm the Mountain are groovy as fuck, that's the stuff I really like about stoner metal.
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The only one of these three I've heard songs off is the Stoned Jesus album, not a fan of the vocals sadly, but some of the instrumentals on Electric Mistress and I'm the Mountain are groovy as fuck, that's the stuff I really like about stoner metal.
I hope you end up checking Welcome to Sky Valley, it has excellent grooves and :metal
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The only one of these three I've heard songs off is the Stoned Jesus album, not a fan of the vocals sadly, but some of the instrumentals on Electric Mistress and I'm the Mountain are groovy as fuck, that's the stuff I really like about stoner metal.
I hope you end up checking Welcome to Sky Valley, it has excellent grooves and :metal
Will probably do so pretty soon, starting to move up on the list, I've already listened to a lot of roulette albums but kinda stopped commenting after every single listen. I might do a recap when I've listened to everything I intended to. Hey, maybe I'll even like The Demon Cleaner this time around :lol
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It's a pretty good song, but I feel it sounds better in the context of the album. Just picture yourself in the desert while jamming the record and let the :metal flow through you.
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The only one of these three I've heard songs off is the Stoned Jesus album, not a fan of the vocals sadly, but some of the instrumentals on Electric Mistress and I'm the Mountain are groovy as fuck, that's the stuff I really like about stoner metal.
I hope you end up checking Welcome to Sky Valley, it has excellent grooves and :metal
I'm all in that kind of music now, I have to check Kyuss again. I listened to some song on YouTube few months ago but didn't like it very much.
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Yeah first time I listened to the band I wasn't into this kind of music, but somehow I got into it and that album is definitely :metal
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#43: Tool - 10,000 Days(2006)
(https://www.therealmusician.com/images/tool-10000-days-review-part-2-21499935.jpg)
Progressive/Alternative metal
I have to admit I'm not listening to Tool too often anymore by they will always have a special place in my heart because they were one of my favorite bands in first two years of high school and one of the bands that got me into metal. Me and my friend often listened to songs off this album during breaks between classes. Tool isn't very diverse but this album is definitely on average more diverse than others. There are songs with heavy riffs like Vicarious and Jambi as well as calmer pieces like Wings for Marie and Right in Two. Maynard James Keenan sounds awesome here. Soothing in one moment, angry and gritty in other. But what I like the most album this album is guitarwork. It's full of great riffs and more atmospheric feedback driven parts. I think Adam Jones is very underrated player. He is not so fast and there are only few guitar solos of his but he knows how to craft good sounding guitar parts. For me, center piece of album is self titled song and first part of it(Wings for Marie pt.1). It's atmospheric, progressive and it have the best Maynard's performances on this album. I heard he wrote it for his late mother but I'm not 100% sure. Another cool songs are The Pot(those bass and guitar riffs) and Rosetta Stoned.
Recommended songs: 10,000 Days (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_2T43dy_Ew), The Pot (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2F_hGwD26g), Jambi (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF0lVn3n12I)
#42: Dire Straits - Making Movies(1980)
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3nNkcQ1t7hM/SWOPyV70YDI/AAAAAAAAIU4/T_HTwxMw3Ao/s400/Dire+Straits+-+Making+Movies+-+Front.jpg)
Classic rock
Some may say it's odd choice but this is my favorite album by Dire Straits. This is the first where they incorporated keyboards in their sound but luckily they didn't use it too much. The Album starts with wonderful Tunnel of Love. After short keyboard intro guitar kicks in and I'm immediately sold. Mark Knopfler's tone is perfect once again and fills are interesting as always. There is also great instrumental section where whole band shows how good musicians they are. Second song is probably the most popular one on this album: Romeo and Juliet. Great ballad. It's interesting resonator guitar from Brothers in Arms artwork is actually used in this song and not on actual Brothers in Arms album (as far as I know). Expresso Love is another classic Dire Straits song with one of my favorite intro riffs. Others are probably atypical for Dire Straits and usually too happy sounding for me to like :lol But this is Dire Straits and I like even their “poppier” songs like Skateaway and Les Boys(this is very weird song for band like Dire Straits but it's cool to hear something different). Also, song Solid Rock is a solid rocker (huehue).
If you like catchy tunes, great guitar and some piano give Making movies a chance.
Recommended songs: Tunnel of Love (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrDK0UoAkfY), Skateaway (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcwl-Q7pAtY), Expresso Love (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdupU80HMss)
#41: Wishbone Ash - Argus(1972)
(https://www.covershut.com/covers/Wishbone-Ash---Argus-1972-Front-Cover-8936.jpg)
Progressive rock
This is the newest addition to my list. It's not that I didn't hear this album before but I forgot about it for about two years and recently rediscovered it. I don't know why these guys are not better known because this is top notch album. Every guitar player should look up to Andy Powell and Ted Turner. Their playing is what makes this album one of my favorites. But bass, drums and vocals shouldn't be overlooked either. Even though this is progressive album, I find it easy to listen, it's never tiring or boring. One of my favorite songs is Sometime World which starts as ballad and progress into guitar driven piece with long guitar solo. Leaf and Stream is, however, pretty simple ballad in which great vocal of Martin Turner is in foreground. It's not too similar but reminds me of King Crimson's. Album continues with hard rock song Warrior. Again, some great guitar melodies and solos/fills. Actually, all songs are great.
I don't know what else to add. It's mystery to me why this album is not more praised, it could easily be even higher on my list.
Recommended songs: Sometimes World (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvLVSPPLZZY), Blowin' Free (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUolWNHxRiM), Warrior (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5X_Dd_6Czk)
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Argus :tup :heart
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You can't go wrong with Mirage (also featured in my top 50) and The Raven. Another solid Dire Straits choice in there as well. :tup
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I never got into Tool, but haven't tried this album, so maybe one day I'll give them another chance :corn
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I never got into Tool, but haven't tried this album, so maybe one day I'll give them another chance :corn
It's their latest :neverusethis: actually, I think it's a good starting point
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I never got into Tool, but haven't tried this album, so maybe one day I'll give them another chance :corn
It's their latest :neverusethis:
lol.
As an album, it's ok. Don't have much else to say about it.
I still need to check out Wishbone Ash.
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Steven Wilson and Dire Straits are both solid selections in my book! :tup
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#40: Tool - Ænima(1996)
(https://sincemybabyleftme.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/tool-c3a6nima-1996.jpg)
Progressive/Alternative metal
Another album by Tool on this list. As overall, this album is more aggressive and (I would say) less polished and that's what I love Tool for. Pure emotions in form of heavy riffs and aggressive vocals. In write-up for 10,000 Days I wrote it was one of my favorites during high school. Well, I didn't like this one album so much but it grew on me few years later. Song H. became one of my favorites. Perfect blend of atmosphere and aggressiveness. Song 46 & 2 is one of the most popular on this album and it's favorite of many people for good reason. It showcases skills of all members: dynamic in drumming, some great bass and guitar riff and Maynard's vocal range. Song with the most interesting name is definitely Hooker with a penis :lol But don't let title discourage you. If you like alternative metal it's definitely for you. There are also two songs dedicated to the late Bill Hicks(comedian) who influenced guys from Tool. Those two songs are Aenema and Third Eye. I must say Third Eye is probably my favorite Tool song but it took some time to grow on me since it's almost 14 minutes long with some noises, samples and bunch of other weird stuff. I think this album is must have for all metal fans.
Recommended songs: 46 & 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tja6_h4lT6A), Aenema (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCEeAn6_QJo), H. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iXMhphebGI)
#39: Death - Symbolic(1995)
(https://www.metallibrary.ru/bands/discographies/images/death/pictures/95_symbolic.jpg)
Progressive death metal
This album is lot different than anything on my list so far. It's death metal but if you ignore growls it's actually really heavy progressive metal. But why would someone ignore those awesome growls? Vocalist, guitarist and main songwriter of Death was Chuck Schuldiner, and despite his demonic vocals, many say he was the sweetest person ever. Let's move on with actual album. This was another album me and my friend listened all the time in the high school. It took me some tome to get used to growls but after I did I loved every second of it. This album also got me into death metal and while I'm not big fan of it anymore I still love Death. Lyrics on this album are philosophical and intriguing, surely better than on big majority of death metal albums. Instrumentals are perfectly crafted and whole band is spot on, tight and production is great as well. It's not surprise with names like Gene Hoglan and Kelly Conlon. Big part of Symbolic are melodic guitar parts like ones in Empty Words, Secred Serenity, Crystal Mountain and others. One of the song that I just recently discovered after few years listening to it just in context of an album, is Without Judgement. It's perfect fusion of best drum and bass parts I ever heard with some progressive parts and melodic solo. But the song that got me into Death is Crystal mountain. Really, without growls it would sound just like thrashy progressive metal, something I liked back then I something I like now.
I think even people who are not fans of death metal should give this one a few spins.
Recommended songs: Crystal Mountain (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zguCFjHyVeM), Zero Tolerance (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gINrK9RJ6-o), Without Judgement (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7hmTiq2Qbs)
#38: Mastodon - Once More 'round the Sun(2014)
(https://metalsouth.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/mi00037588361.jpg)
Progressive metal
Mastodon is pretty popular here but I'm not sure if this album was on someone's list since it's release. It's in my opinion the best album of 2014 and one of the best of this decade so far. Opener to this album progressive metal piece Tread Lightly. And it's one of the best album openers I heard. Also, they started the show last year with this song and it worked very well. Intro riff really got everyone pumped and whole song is very energetic, just like an opener should me. Many people can't get into vocals in Mastodon and I can't blame them but I think they really improved in that field on Once More 'round the Sun. Especially bass player Troy Sanders who sound like powerhouse on this album (and he was great live). Song which made me hyped for this album even before release(there were snippets in making of videos guys from Mastodon put on Youtube few months before release of the album) was The Motherload. It's got catchy chorus, heavy riffs and great melodic solo. However, right now my favorite song off this album is Chimes at Midnight. Atmospheric intro is different than anything they've ever done and riffs as sludgy as ever. I think if you like melodic and progressive but sludgy metal, you'll also like Halloween and Ember City.
Recommended songs: Tread Lightly (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuMjmQMZu5A), The Motherload (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz56aruweJY), Halloween (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syLkrvUko7Q)
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For 2 outta 3 bands of this update, I'm not a huge fan of theirs but they each have one album I enjoy thoroughly, Mastodon - Crack the Skye is wonderful and Tool - Lateralus to a lesser extent, I enjoy it but not enough to consider it for a top 50.
Refusing to go into the death metal stuff at this point :laugh: maybe some day.
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Nice update again :)
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#39: Death - Symbolic(1995)
(https://www.metallibrary.ru/bands/discographies/images/death/pictures/95_symbolic.jpg)
Progressive death metal
I LOVE Death, this is up there as one of my favourites by them but The Sound of Perseverance is even better in my opinion. Definitely the benchmark for all technical/progressive death metal that followed it. Chuck was a taken well before his time. Would love to imagine what sort oof music he would be making were he still with us :hefdaddy
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#39: Death - Symbolic(1995)
(https://www.metallibrary.ru/bands/discographies/images/death/pictures/95_symbolic.jpg)
Progressive death metal
I LOVE Death, this is up there as one of my favourites by them but The Sound of Perseverance is even better in my opinion. Definitely the benchmark for all technical/progressive death metal that followed it. Chuck was a taken well before his time. Would love to imagine what sort oof music he would be making were he still with us :hefdaddy
TSOP is great as well but it unfortunately didn't make it to the list.
Yes, it's really sad Chuck had to go so young :( he influenced many metal bands.
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#37: Porcupine Tree - Stupid Dream(1999)
(https://www.sputnikmusic.com/images/albums/1992.jpg)
Progressive/Alternative rock
This is the album which I neglected for too long. I loved their newer albums but when I read this one is more like alternative rock than those albums I assumed I won't like it. And of course, I was wrong. It is certainly different than their other albums but I loved it then and I love it now. This is one of those albums where lyrics sound so sincere and emotional, I felt like Steven Wilson invited us to his mind and his memories(even though I don't know if lyrics have base in Steven's life). And I love those personal sounding lyrics, especially in this kind of music. I think this album has „indie“ or singer-songwriter feel to it and recently I started to dig that music so this album climbed few spots, too. I have to admit I don't listen to Stupid Dream that often but when I do I love everything on it. Highlights of the album for me are guitar solo in This is no Rehearsal, heavy „breakdown“ in Even Less, chorus in Baby Dream in Cellophane and whole song A Smart Kid which is one of my favorite songs ever. Also, Stop Swimming is one of those depressive-beautiful songs I love.
Recommended songs: A Smart Kid (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfPy8XtbvYA), Piano Lessons (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CpAlN5qAhs), This is no Rehearsal (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pqH-EfWUY0)
#36: Rush - A Farewell to Kings(1977)
(https://creamusic.net/uploads/posts/2013-03/1364287837_1326310379_a-farewell-to-kings.jpg)
Progressive rock
If you played me any song from this album I probably wouldn't be sure what's name of that particular song. Then why is this album in my Top 50? It's because every time I spin it I'm kicking myself for not listening to it every day (better not, I'd probably hate it after a while :P ). Really, every time a hear it I can't stop playing air-drums/bass/guitar. These guys are perfect as ever. It's full of great song but IMO it works best as a whole album. I can't remember anything from this album I don't like. It has catchy tunes like A Farewell to Kings and Closer to the Heart as well as two epics Xanadu and Cygnus X-1. There is also one overlooked ballad I like very much and can't ever get bored of it: Madrigal. I can't remember what exactly I was thinking on first listen when I was discovering Rush discography but I know I liked it. Again, I should spin it more often, it's epic piece of music.
Recommended songs: A Farewell to Kings (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpsyrfoX8zw), Xanadu (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tm4eoUpfRro), Closer to the Heart (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QY2iKzm62AM)
#35: The Smiths - The Queen is Dead(1986)
(https://assets.rollingstone.com/assets/images/album_review/e866c03a1d2a9637a597c30c696b48f1bfbccd2d.png)
New Wave
Queen is Dead is on of my, as I call it, big four discoveries of last year(other three will also be on this list). This is something you probably wouldn't expect to be here if you follow this list. But there is something in The Smiths and especially in this album. I can't really explain it but it give me chills from start to finish. Also, sound of this album is stellar. It sounds really busy but every instrument is loud and audible. I discovered The Smiths with two movies from this decade: The Perks of being Wallflower and (500)days of Summer. I'm not fan of romantic comedies but those two are more bittersweet than really comedies. And that's what those two movies have in common with The Smiths. This whole album mostly upbeat but if you listen to lyrics you'll hear quite unusual, dark, kind of fatal love verses. Check this:
And if a double-decker bus
Crashes into us
To die by your side
Is such a heavenly way to die
Isn't it beautiful :lol It's from chorus of There is a Light That Never Goes Out, the song I got sick of listening to too much. Once, when I came to my dorm room, I sat on my bed and listened to that song on a loop for about an hour. I don't know why I did that, don't repeat my mistake :P But check this even if you usually don't enjoy this kind of music.
Recommended songs: There is a Light That Never Goes Out (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-cD4oLk_D0), I Know it's Over (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAJ_74tDZzU), Bigmouth Strikes Again (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4EUQReXNdY)
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Symbolic :metal
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Stupid Dream :metal
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Mastodon, Porcupine Three and Rush - amazing choices. Not one of my favorite Rush albums, though.
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Mastodon, Porcupine Three and Rush - amazing choices. Not one of my favorite Rush albums, though.
Spoiler alert: there is more Rush to come :tup
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Oh hey, thumbs up for The Smiths. Don't really know those other bands.
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Symbolic is amazing. :tup Their whole discography is great, but Symbolic is definitely one of my favorite death metal records.
Farewell to Kings is one of my favorite Rush albums for sure. Cygnus X-1 never fails to blow me away.
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#34: Rainbow - Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow(1975)/Rising(1976)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/8f/Rainbow_-_Ritchie_Blackmore's_Rainbow_(1975)_front_cover.jpg)(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/68/RainbowRainbowRising.jpg)
Hard rock
I really can't believe these two albums were released just two year apart, made by the same band. Actually, just two key members are on both albums, Ritchie Blackmore and Ronnie James Dio. Debut is more classic rock sounding and Rising is progressive and hard with some longer songs. I'll go that far and say those two albums were the biggest influence on power metal. You have fantasy lyrics, singer with pretty high-pitched vocals, neoclassical style in soloing, heavy usage of keyboard(on Rising). Blackmore's playing is one of top reasons I love these two albums so much but of course there is also Ronnie James Dio. Everyone knows that man could sing and he is arguably one of the best vocalists in heavy metal. I remember, when I was getting into heavier music, I listened to some of songs off these albums all the time and while they are easy to listen, there is also something causal listener can't get(especially when listening long solos on Rising). Big classics, essentials for all those who like heavy, power, progressive or just plain plain classic rock.
Recommended songs: Stargazer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6CjO0H2j0s), Run with the Wolf (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qa7HaqFgWg), Catch the Rainbow (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rQxI3-xSeg), Temple of the King (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUpxniZBb5s)
#33: Riverside - Out of Myself(2004)
(https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0000/427/MI0000427806.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
Progressive rock
If you followed forum last few days you probably know Riverside's guitarist Piotr Grudziński passed away this week. He was big part of the band and his playing really made Riverside special. May he rest in peace. I know listening to this album from now on will be bittersweet experience, knowing we won't hear from him anymore. But he left such a legacy. Other guys are also perfect on this one, and thing I love about Riverside is how audible bass is. It adds a new layer to music and lyrics that often tend to sound quite melancholic. If you saw my other updates you know I like that type of music. I read somewhere this album is considered being similar to Dream Theater. And I can't disagree more. Riverside is progressive band but they are other dimension and I can't see many similarities. Riverside is not the most depressing band I know but some of those lyrics really get me, especially Loose Heart and Out of Myself. One of the things that get me every time is build at the end of Loose Heart and Mariusz's shouting: „Raise me up, don't let me fall“! Out of Myself is surely one of the most beautiful albums I ever heard. Dark and beautiful.
Recommended songs: Loose Heart (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQgbBjcqFqI), Out of Myself (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zehnZjjd9Pw), The Same River (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ2CtdEV57k)
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Hell to the yeah. Great albums, all three.
Rising is in my Top 5 albums of all time. Perfect album.
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Rising is brilliant. :metal
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Out of Myself is a pretty great album, one that I should revisit soon - may Piotr rest in peace.
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#32: King Crimson - Red(1974)
(https://hr.cedeterija.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/0/6/0633367050724-1.jpg)
Progressive rock
This is the band I don't fully get. I like some and can't even finish some other albums. Of course, Red is one of those I like and I think it is, for the most part, pretty easy to listen to. Riffs are cool and have something metal-ish in them to the point if guitar was more distorted it would sound very heavy. And it is heavy for it's time. I can't believe this was made in 1974 because it sounds modern. I usually hate to say this but guys from King Crimson were ahead of their time. As I already said, I don't like all of their albums nor I heard them all but this is my favorite line-up of King Crimson: great Bill Bruford on drums, Robert Fripp on guitar and John Wetton on bass and vocals. There are also many others on some more classical instruments(sax, violin, oboe). I have to say John Wetton is to me one of the most pleasurable singers to listen to and checked his band Asia after hearing this album just to hear more of him. There is one minor complaint on this album: Providence is too long. I guess it works in context of an album and it reminds of some great jazz improvisations but it could kill flow between One More Nightmare and Starless for some. However, I appreciate it for what it is. Also, I used to dislike instrumental part of Starless and thought it ruins Wetton's emotional performance in first part of the song. But, now I like it, especially when it gets to the theme reprise on sax and sax solo.
Recommended songs: Starless (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OS0o4nD3QFs), Fallen Angel(not on Youtube due to Fripp being asshole)
#31: Redemption - Snowfall on Judgement Day(2009)
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9VP4v9a4o8w/SzN3zwJxDoI/AAAAAAAAH8U/hfkJ87w5yEM/s400/Redemption+(USA)+-+Snowfall+on+Judgment+Day.jpg)
Progressive metal
When I was making draft for this list, Snowfall on Judgement Day wasn't even on the list, let alone so high. It was just I forgot how great it is and I'll say it's one of best recommendations Last.fm gave me. Before I heard Redemption, I was familiar with Ray Adler, who is also singing in Fates Warning. Maybe in early Fates he had bigger range but his expressive delivery on this album made me like his vocals. Redemption's music is pretty similar to DT's which was the only progressive band I listened to back then when I discovered Redemption. And when I say they sound similar to DT I don't mean they're copycats nor they are ripping DT off(I saw both variants on The Wastelands of Internet). There was never one riff, solo or melody on this album that made me think that but still they are similar in style. Melodies are big part of this album and You know I'm sucker for good melodies, not just vocal but also guitar melodies. Nick van Dyk is mastermind behind guitar and main songwriter of the band. I really like the way he crafts his solos. They are technical but melodic and not all over the place. Keyboard solos are pretty good, too, it's obvious from songs like Walls or Love Kills Us All / Life in One Day every one of them is master of their instrument. I think it's good sign when it's easy to listen to whole album in one sitting even though it's 70-minutes long (at least that's case with me ;) ).
Recommended songs: Black and White World (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqmez3nJxag), Walls (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUTxeBObySg), Leviathan Rising (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5jN9b5Y5bw)
#30: Dream Theater - Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence(2002)
(https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0003/512/MI0003512452.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
Progressive metal
I think everyone knows this one :lol I won't write too much, just to say what I like about it. Six Degrees had a difficult task since it was first album after album most of the fans loved. And if you ask me, it fullfiled that task. I like the fact DT didn't try to do something similar after Metropolis part 2 but they did really unique album. It ranges from thrashy, the heaviest song they ever did(The Glass Prison), over strange(Misunderstood) and mellow(Disappear) to over 40-minutes masterpiece suite. I have to admit I wasn't always too fond of CD2 but it grew on me, especially after hearing version with orchestra on Score DVD.
Favorites: Blind Faith, Misunderstood, Disappear
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SDoiT is brilliant of course, no doubt. I love it start to finish, though this is the one album where my favorite songs really can change about every other month.
That Redemption album I heard 2 songs off. The one you sent Evermind in the preliminary round which I found alright, and Walls, which I really like. So I'll probably check out the album sometime, noted.
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This Redemption album tops my check-out list now. It will be one of the first things I'll buy after I'm done with my roulette.
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SDoiT is brilliant of course, no doubt. I love it start to finish, though this is the one album where my favorite songs really can change about every other month.
That Redemption album I heard 2 songs off. The one you sent Evermind in the preliminary round which I found alright, and Walls, which I really like. So I'll probably check out the album sometime, noted.
This Redemption album tops my check-out list now. It will be one of the first things I'll buy after I'm done with my roulette.
I influenced two people to check Redemption - mission complete :D
I forgot to mention it, James Labrie is singing with Ray on song Another Day Dies.
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Six Degrees is one of DT's best. :tup
Red is amazing. :hefdaddy Starless is one of the best songs ever written. Chills every time.
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Red is excellent, and Six Degrees is like 25 spots lower :metal
I was sent a song from that Redemption record on my previous roulette, and I found it quite boring and generic :P
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Six Degrees is one of DT's best. :tup
Red is amazing. :hefdaddy Starless is one of the best songs ever written. Chills every time.
Yes, Starless is one of my favorite songs as well :tup
Red is excellent, and Six Degrees is like 25 spots lower :metal
I was sent a song from that Redemption record on my previous roulette, and I found it quite boring and generic :P
You don't know what you're missing out, man :loser:
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His tastes in music are quite awful, don't mind him. :biggrin:
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Says he who loves power metal :neverusethis:
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Power metal is just for real men:
(https://www.amalgama-lab.com/pict/bands/songs/m/manowar.jpg)
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See? He doesn't even like power metal.
And this picture has "hard rock" in the bottom left corner, so I fail to see how it's related to our debate. :lol
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See? He doesn't even like power metal.
And this picture has "hard rock" in the bottom left corner, so I fail to see how it's related to our debate. :lol
It's Manowar, they are The power metal :P
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They aren't even in my banned list, they suck.
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They aren't even in my banned list, they suck.
I wouldn't know :D
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Manowar kick ass. :metal
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They're trve metal, only kvlt people will get them :2metal:
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Red. :metal
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Sorry, I joined late. I arrived just in time for one of DT's best, and completing the best back-to-back combo since Images and Awake.
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#29: Opeth - Damnation(2003)
(https://cdn.discogs.com/neUsyI1WfR6g34N2O2k1SdRWvB0=/fit-in/400x400/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(96)/discogs-images/R-3956650-1350472542-1686.jpeg.jpg)
Progressive rock
Another dark and beautiful album on my list. I think I got Opeth as recommendation on Last.fm in summer of 2009 after I started listening to Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree and similar bands. Back then I didn't like growls. In fact, I used to avoid them and I remember saying I'll never get used to them, it is not music, it is just yelling :lol But I knew Opeth combined more mellow and heavier music so I started discovering music with clean vocals. And, of course, I started with Damnation. It was like nothing I heard before. There were acoustic guitars, electric guitars, prog, folk and rock elements and one of best clean vocals. I still think Mikael has one of the best voices in music. After these few years I just learned to appreciate Damnation more and fall in love with folky parts of it. I'm glad guys from Opeth decided to do something like this album after their most successful album, this album is something all I need sometimes.
Recommended songs: Windowpane (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEaf9LqIUZQ), To Rid to Disease (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rBoBBpFwB8), Hope Leaves (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Anuzo1_KSY8)
#28: Symphony X - The Divine Wings of Tragedy(1997)
(https://www.sputnikmusic.com/images/albums/1605.jpg)
Progressive metal
Symphony X is also one of the first progressive bands I was listening to. But Divine Wings wasn't my first album nor album I liked the best back then, it was Paradise Lost. Luckily I came back to listening to this band some time later and I couldn't believe I missed this album. I'm big fan of Russell Allen and I think his performance on this album is my favorite. Sometimes he goes to that gritty, almost harsh vocal style which he used often on their later albums, but it doesn't bother me that much here. His vocals in middle and high register are where he shines. And those vocal melodies are gorgeous(The Accolade, Pharaoh). Some may say this album is cheese fest but I think it's good kind of cheese. Other members have their moments, too. Guitar solo in Sea of Lies is part of this album which I repeated too many times and still I stop doing whatever I do every time I hear it just to hear it again. I know many people love epic title track but I'm not too fond of it. I mean, it's cool and everything but I don't find it that memorable. I still listen to it when listening whole album.
Recommended songs: The Accolade (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sr4gPS0gpdE), Candlelight Fantasia (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xw_YbguTUNQ), Sea of Lies (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T7WGasjju0)
#27: Anathema - Weather Systems(2012)
(https://www.thrashhits.com/wpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/AnathemaWeatherSystemsalbumcoverartworkpackshot400pxThrashHits.jpg)
Progressive rock
I don't know about the others but listening to this gives me bittersweet feeling even though objectively it is brighter than their earlier albums. I don't know if it really sounds like that or it brings me back to the time when I used to listen to Weather Systems quite often. I think it was spring in my last year of high scool (so almost three years ago). I was in „dark mood“ all the time then and after school I used to lay on my bed, eyes closed and listen to this album(not every day but quite often). I don't listen to it so much nowdays but I'm thrilled whenever I do. This is Anathema's second album with this, brighter sound but it is still very emotional. Great addition to last three albums is female vocalist Douglas Lee. She is one of the singers I could listen all the time. I especially like her performance on Untouchable part 2. Overall, Weather System is very simple album but there is something that makes me appreciate every moment of it. I would say it is one of the albums with the most chill moments due to it's atmosphere, vocalists' performances and harmonies and occasional orchestral-like moments. I love every song on this album but it works better when listening to the whole album. I recommend it to everyone.
Recommended songs: Untouchable (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrgrEkhudfo)(part 1 and part 2), The Beginning and the End (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVZBVhjWmbI)
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This is your best update yet, specifically for Weather Systems which is such an amazing album. I know Anathema won prog album of the year in Classic Rock Prog magazine for We're Here Because We're Here, but I think Weather Systems is a better album overall.
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Damnation is fantastic, and I'm saying that after having heard it just once, definitely a must-have in the near future.
Not familiar with the other two (yet), but they are both on my list.
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This is your best update yet, specifically for Weather Systems which is such an amazing album. I know Anathema won prog album of the year in Classic Rock Prog magazine for We're Here Because We're Here, but I think Weather Systems is a better album overall.
All of this, Weather Systems is... more than an album, but an experience :hefdaddy
And Damnation is awesome :tup
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Damnation is fantastic, and I'm saying that after having heard it just once, definitely a must-have in the near future.
Not familiar with the other two (yet), but they are both on my list.
I think you need to check Anathema :)
This is your best update yet, specifically for Weather Systems which is such an amazing album. I know Anathema won prog album of the year in Classic Rock Prog magazine for We're Here Because We're Here, but I think Weather Systems is a better album overall.
All of this, Weather Systems is... more than an album, but an experience :hefdaddy
And Damnation is awesome :tup
Of course I love all albums on my list but albums from last update to #1 are ones that are really special to me, I could listen to them every day.
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Three fantastic albums.
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Damnation is beautiful, Divine wings is essential progressive metal. :tup
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Damnation is beautiful, Divine wings is essential progressive metal. :tup
And what about Anathema? :P You don't like them or...?
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Damnation is great, Divine Wings is amazing.
Weather Systems, on the other hand, might just be the most overrated album of this decade. I can't for the life of me understand why people love it so much. I mean, it's not bad, but I just find it super bland.
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Damnation is beautiful, Divine wings is essential progressive metal. :tup
And what about Anathema? :P You don't like them or...?
I've never checked them out, honestly. Maybe sometime soon.
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Damnation is great, Divine Wings is amazing.
Weather Systems, on the other hand, might just be the most overrated album of this decade. I can't for the life of me understand why people love it so much. I mean, it's not bad, but I just find it super bland.
I agree, but mostly because the previous album We're Here Because We're Here was a much more prominent improvement over their previous sound and overall just a lot better. Weather Systems I found to be bland and boring as well, because it just repeated what WHBWH did a lot better. But well, I'm repeating myself every time WS ends up in a list :lol
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Not my favorite Opeth album, but Damnation is great. :tup
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Weather Systems, on the other hand, might just be the most overrated album of this decade. I can't for the life of me understand why people love it so much. I mean, it's not bad, but I just find it super bland.
I like you. You can fuck my sister.
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Weather Systems, on the other hand, might just be the most overrated album of this decade. I can't for the life of me understand why people love it so much. I mean, it's not bad, but I just find it super bland.
I'm not quite sure you have any clue what you're saying right now so I'll give you a pass. ;)
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weather systems is inferior to we're here but it's still a good album
i don't really get the boner dtf has for anathema though, i like them but i've never loved them
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weather systems is inferior to we're here but it's still a good album
i don't really get the boner dtf has for anathema though, i like them but i've never loved them
It's just a matter of taste. It's like me not getting the boner some people here have for monotonous AOR music, but everybody has their own thing that gets them off. What does it for me with Anathema is the passion and intensity behind the mood of their music and the poetic fervency in the lyrics.
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#26: Rush - Grace Under Pressure(1984)
(https://www.connollyco.com/discography/rush/grace_hi.jpg)
Progressive rock
I know this could be odd choice, even for some Rush fans but there is something about this album. I have to admit I neglected their „keyboard“ phase after I heard Signals. I liked some songs there but felt they lost Rush sound with it. However, this is different kind of monster. Different from both older albums and Signals and I like it as such. There are some songs I like less than others (Red Lenses) but nothing is really bad on the album. As I said, this is not typical Rush album: no long instrumental sections, the longest song is under 6 minutes, keyboards are used more than ever. Highs of this album are pretty high I would say, Red Sector A and Afterimage are among my all time favorite Rush songs. Alex Lifeson's work on this album is stunning. I'm not the biggest fan of Alex's solos (I'm in minority here, I know) but some of them on this album are great(Between the Wheels comes to mind). Even though due to keyboards and funky bass this albums can sound happy it is, in fact, very dark(nuclear war, holocaust, death). It took some time to grow on me but now I love this album to death.
Recommended songs: Red Sector A (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoXFVb1VVJA), Afterimage (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJuFlaHKLoc), Between the Wheels (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOgz8kM1VDg)
#25: Porcupine Tree - Deadwing(2005)
(https://creamusic.net/uploads/posts/2012-05/1336995074_1314521353_porcupine-tree-deadwing.jpg)
Progressive rock
Second album by Porcupine Tree on my list and fourth with Steven Wilson. You can see by now I love that man. Porcupine Three is another band recommended to me by Last.fm and Deadwing is the album that got me into Porcupine Tree. Lazarus is still one of my favorite ballads and Arriving Somewhere but not Here was something unlike everything I heard before. I like how this album has some heavier moments(Shallow) as well as mellow ones(Mellotron Scratch). As you know, I like atmospheric music and this album also has plenty of them: intro to Arriving Somewhere..., Glass Arm Shattering, parts of Start of Something Beautiful. For quite some time this wasn't this high on my list because I didn't like Glass Arm Shattering and Shallow but they grew on me and now I can see those are perfect in context of album. I think everyone here knows this one but if you don't check it out, it's good place to start with PT.
Recommended songs: Arriving Somewhere but Not Here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbWhpfXisZw), Lazarus (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTjc1sPktlY), Mellotron Scratch (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ag2zXiiuF5Q)
#24: Anathema - We're Here Because We're Here(2010)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7e/We're_Here_Because_We're_Here_(album_cover).jpg)
Progressive rock
Another album by Anathema on my list after Weather Systems. I usually have trouble rating those two because I don't know which one I like more but recently I felt something in this one that made me like it even more. Like Weather System, this album also sounds bittersweet to me, like finally experiencing happiness after long dark period or like calm after the storm (shit, I should've used this on Weather Systems :P ). Also, I feel individual songs on We're Here Because We're Here are bit stronger. If I ever did list of my favorite songs Thin Air and Dreaming Light would be up there. Also, this is Anathema's first album to feature additional singer Lee Douglas. And she adds something special to this album and Anathema's sound overall. I know some people have problem with Get Off, Get Out and I didn't like it but it grew on me I feel it's nice tune, different than any other song on album(reminds me of Porcupine Tree). I like it more than Weather Systems but obviously not so much as some others here.
Recommended songs: Thin Air (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzzIiO5FDK0), Dreaming Light (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mk0OF9DdVhw), A Simple Mistake (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jn-VabI6O68)
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YESSSSSS
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Another fantastic Anathema album :hefdaddy
And Deadwing is pretty gud, but I never got the hype for Arriving Somewhere... Like half the album is better IMO.
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This update is almost as awesome as the last one. This list is turning out to be fucking killer!
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This update is almost as awesome as the last one. This list is turning out to be fucking killer!
What do you mean, it was killer since the beginning :P
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Don't take offense to it. The beginning was good, but these recent listings are far better than the earlier ones.
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Don't take offense to it. The beginning was good, but these recent listings are far better than the earlier ones.
No no, I was joking :lol My friends usually don't get my sarcasm when I speak and this way it's even harder. I have to start using green font :D
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#1: Manowar - Kings of Metal (1988)
Best album in the world, closely followed by their albums "The Lord of Steel" and "The Triumph of Steel".
Recommended songs: All of them!
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Adrenaline Mob as #1 or gtfo :P
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I need something more believable than Manowar and Adrenaline Mob. And Manowar would be much more believable, I couldn't get through whole AMob album once :-\
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Don't take offense to it. The beginning was good, but these recent listings are far better than the earlier ones.
No no, I was joking :lol My friends usually don't get my sarcasm when I speak and this way it's even harder. I have to start using green font :D
It's all good. Lately people have been drastically misconstruing my words, so I'm just making sure you know that I'm a wiseass sometimes but you'll know when I'm trying to be a dick. It won't be sugar-coated. :lol
Your whole list has has been pretty damn good. I just get excited seeing other people give adulation to Anathema and Steven Wilson. They're both the Snob's illustrious Top 10. ;) It was also awesome to see Camel mentioned. You should check out Nektar. I suggest starting with Journey to the Center of the Eye or A Tab in the Ocean. Brilliant brilliant albums with some spacey Floyd influence, adding in the symphonic sound that makes Camel so awesome.
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It's all good. Lately people have been drastically misconstruing my words, so I'm just making sure you know that I'm a wiseass sometimes but you'll know when I'm trying to be a dick. It won't be sugar-coated. :lol
Your whole list has has been pretty damn good. I just get excited seeing other people give adulation to Anathema and Steven Wilson. They're both the Snob's illustrious Top 10. ;) It was also awesome to see Camel mentioned. You should check out Nektar. I suggest starting with Journey to the Center of the Eye or A Tab in the Ocean. Brilliant brilliant albums with some spacey Floyd influence, adding in the symphonic sound that makes Camel so awesome.
Thanks. I think I heard Nektar's one or two songs but never checked any album, I'll put it on my wishlist. Also, I'm bigger classic prog rock fan than anyone could assume looking just at this list. I just happen to like modern artist influenced by those classic prog bands more or I just find their albums more consistent.
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After I see the rest of your list I'll be able to give better recommendations.
Nektar has bounced through different sub-genres of prog, so it depends what you like more. The ones I mentioned have more of a psychedelic/space prog influence, but their others are more symphonic.
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Grace under pressure - fantastic.
Deadwing - even more fantastic. :metal I loved Glass arm shattering (one of his most underrated songs) from the start, but Shallow grew on me after a while. Such an amazing rocker.
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Three less incredible albums. I like Deadwing a lot, but I don't really care about WHBWH.
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weather systems is inferior to we're here but it's still a good album
ok and we're good
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weather systems is inferior to we're here but it's still a good album
ok and we're good
When you wrote you like it better I had to resist the urge to write: me, too. :P
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#23: Porcupine Tree - Lightbulb Sun(2000)
(https://www.nuclearblast.de/static/articles/150/150987.jpg/400x400.jpg)
Progressive rock
It's obvious by now I'm Steven Wilson fanboy :lol Really, I love everything he did. As it was case with Stupid Dream, I discovered this some time later after discovering Porcupine Tree. And Lightbulb Sun is perfect link between alternative, almost Radiohead-like Stupid Dream and their later progressive rock with heavy edge albums. This one has elements from both worlds as well as some tunes which sound unusual even for the band like Porcupine Tree. What I like very much on this album is rhythm guitar work, especially on Lightbulb Sun and Last Chance To Evacuate Planet Earth Before It Is Recycled. But lead solos are cool, too, with melodic moments which are prominent on some later albums. I don't know if others like song The Rest Will Flow but to me it is special little gem in PT's discography. It sounds sad and happy at the same time, awakening kind of nostalgic feel. Another song which recently became one of my favorites is Russian on Ice, it reminds me of their early albums and Pink Floyd. It also has great guitar work. Can't believe this album surpassed Deadwing on my list but it somehow did, such a grower album.
Recommended songs: Lightbulb Sun (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RoA-CMCy00), Shesmovedon (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuUV_R93Gv4), Russian on Ice (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nKN9_H1Dks)
#22: The Who - Quadrophenia(1973)
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qZL4rTt-oA0/TsBibiy7bDI/AAAAAAAAARI/EHy09fL42X8/s1600/Quadrophenia_album.jpg)
Hard rock
This is second of my best discoveries of last year. I'm not sure but I think I decided to check this album after I heard Love, Reign O'er me on Freaks and Geeks, teen tv shows from late '90s (it's better than it sounds). Show had really cool soundtrack in every episode but in that one particular they were going to The Who's concert so they played only The Who in that episode. Everything I heard from The Who before was cool but not this cool. I don't even know how to describe this album. It's double concept album with young mod Jimmy who do drugs and loves to fight. Not so epic as some other concepts albums :lol Albums follows Jimmy, after girlfriend left him, as he travel alone and contemplates. I have to say I never thought Keith Moon was great drummer before I heard this album. I can hear his drumming influenced some metal drummers (Mike Portnoy for example). Those drum fills are great. I always loved Roger Daltrey's voice and he's magnificent here. It ranges from soft and low to high and gritty. There are also some quite symphonic moments on the album and that makes it really unique. I feel this album should be more popular than it is, check it out.
Recommended songs: Love Reign O'er Me (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDbAtWpoA6k), The Dirty Jobs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP4yP3-I8Tk), Doctor Jimmy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYjgWTctQR0) (but really, the whole album)
#21: Opeth - Blackwater Park(2001)
(https://www.rankopedia.com/CandidatePix/84985.gif)
Progressive death metal
I know I said this about half albums on this list but this, for me, was one of the biggest growers. And actually, for quite some time I didn't get why people like this album so much. I used to love half songs on the album but other half didn't do it for me. After some time songs like Dirge of November, The Funeral Portrait and The Leper Affinity finally clicked with me and two of those became my favorites(Dirge and Leper). Harvest and Bleak, on the other hand, were songs I liked from first time I heard them (Bleak actually was first Opeth's songs with growls I liked). Blackwater Park is just perfect in many ways: there are brutal growly moments, peaceful moments, more peaceful moments, riffs that really remind me of jazz(The Funeral Portrait) and perfect production. Drummer Martin Lopez shines on this one, that man should get more credit for his work, his drumming is very unique. This is one of the best albums, I feel it could be even higher on the list, it only gets better.
Recommended songs: Harvest (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bm5jm2joxuY), Dirge for November (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oI-22oSeYKg), Bleak (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oWhkjQWE24)
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Another awesome update! I'm especially glad to see The Who, the third best classic rock band ever, behind Pink Floyd and The Beatles.
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Another awesome update! I'm especially glad to see The Who, the third best classic rock band ever, behind Pink Floyd and The Beatles.
:tup
I don't really know any other The Who's album other then Quadrophenia and their most popular songs. I guess I'd like Tommy but there's too much other music to check :P
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Quadrophenia is their best anyway. Tommy is worth checking out though.
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Another glorious Porcupine Tree album, it's gotta be my 2nd favorite album of theirs. Blackwater park is also pretty damn good. :metal
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After listening to the first two Porcupine Tree CDs last night, I've realized that their older stuff is so much more appealing. That's not to say I don't like albums like Fear of a Blank Planet and Deadwing, but their older material is so much more refreshing.
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After listening to the first two Porcupine Tree CDs last night, I've realized that their older stuff is so much more appealing. That's not to say I don't like albums like Fear of a Blank Planet and Deadwing, but their older material is so much more refreshing.
On the Sunday of Life and Up the Downstairs or Up the Downstairs and The Sky Moves Sideways? I don't remember ever listening to first one and I never really got into next two but those two are cool, Pink Floyd sounding.
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On The Sunday of Life and Up the Downstair
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A fantastic PT record, a Who album I have yet to listen to, and an OK Opeth album :P
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That's got to be my favourite PT album. Either this one or In Absentia.
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Yes, Lightbulb Sun is my favorite PT album. Quadrophenia is an excellent selection.
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Whoa, that's a weird selection of favourite songs from Blackwater Park.
A fantastic PT record, a Who album I have yet to listen to, and an OK Opeth album :P
^ a lame PT record, a Who album I probably heard in my youth, but one that hasn't impacted me in any way and a brilliant Opeth album.
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I wonder how you're doing so well in my roulette with such bad tastes :P
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Bad tastes + bad tastes = love
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Well that doesn't seem to work for like half of the players :lol
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Whoa, that's a weird selection of favourite songs from Blackwater Park.
Really? Harvest and Bleak were one of the first Opeth's songs I heard and Dirge is my new favorite.
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Most would put either the title-track or The Drapery Falls amoung their favourites, next to Bleak
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Dirge for November is a great track, has one of the most memorable melodic riffs of the album.
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I'll slow down, from now on two albums by update.
#20: Metallica - ...And Justice for All(1988)
(https://www.sputnikmusic.com/images/albums/281.jpg)
Thrash metal
The only thrash metal album on my list. I have to admit I used to be that thrash 'til death, Metallica started to suck after Cliff died, sellouts etc. boy. And unfortunately I ignored everything they did after Master of Puppets. I don't know when was the first time I decided to check this album but I know I was pleasantly surprised. It was heavy (almost) as Master of Puppets but it had another dimension I never heard in earlier Metallica's albums. This album could be labeled as progressive thrash metal and Metallica with And Justice for All did start trend of more technical thrash albums(but any similar album isn't so good to me). Only thing I'd like different on this album is production. Bass can't be heard(guys from Metallica say it's because Jason just doubled rhythm guitar but I don't know what to say), guitar tone isn't really my favorite either and I think album sound as whole lacks depth. But right now no one can imagine And Justice for All to sound different. It is one of the perfectly headbangable albums from start to finish, even ballad One turns in the heavy thrash song. Also, while I'm not usually fan of their solos, solo in One gives me chills. It's nothing special but contrast between slow acoustic intro and heavy part with solo is epic. Blackened is one of my favorite openers, but really I love every song on the album.
Recommended songs: Blackened (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU_ggFovJNo), One (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8M9bwFrOfo), Harvester Of Sorrow (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX1P3F_EyYQ)
#19: Dream Theater - Awake(1994)
(https://www.nuclearblast.de/static/articles/107/107533.jpg/400x400.jpg)
Progressive metal
I bet no one saw this coming :neverusethis: Awake used to be my favorite album but I guess I grew tired of it enough to drop it on #19. If I remember correctly 6:00 was first song from Awake I ever heard. And it was different than any of the songs I heard before. And whole album was just wow for me. Progressive, dark, on moments very heavy, on moments mellow. And James' performance on Awake is for me still one of the best vocal performances ever(and production helps it unlikely one some other DT's albums). I'm very glad they played half of it on last tour when they (finally) visited my country. I know they promoted new album but second act and encore were highlights of the evening. I have nothing more to say, you all know this album very well.
Favorites: Lifting Shadows Off a Dream, Voices, Scarred
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Yes, glad to see AJFA! Made my top 5 (I think at #4) and it's my favorite Metallica album, followed closely by Ride the Lightning.
I hear ya about guitar tone sounding kinda off, I agree, but I'm so used to the album now that I probably wouldn't have it in any other way at this point. Great to see Harvester of Sorrow get a mention, great song that doesn't nearly get as much attention as it deserves.
Not a big fan of Awake but I do like The Mirror/Lie, Voices, Scarred and SDV a lot.
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Yes, glad to see AJFA! Made my top 5 (I think at #4) and it's my favorite Metallica album, followed closely by Ride the Lightning.
I hear ya about guitar tone sounding kinda off, I agree, but I'm so used to the album now that I probably wouldn't have it in any other way at this point. Great to see Harvester of Sorrow get a mention, great song that doesn't nearly get as much attention as it deserves.
Not a big fan of Awake but I do like The Mirror/Lie, Voices, Scarred and SDV a lot.
There is band in my country that started as Metallica tribute band(now they're on label making their own music and they sound more like Machine Head), they throw free Metallica show every year and I'll go that far and say their versions of song from AJFA are better than Metallica's(I'm not big fan of live Metallica). Harvester of Sorrow bacame one of my favorites after seeing them. I can send you one of their songs if you want.
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That's cool! I don't mind checking out some of their songs what's the band's name? I'm a huge Machine Head fan so I don't mind them sounding like MH either :laugh:
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That's cool! I don't mind checking out some of their songs what's the band's name? I'm a huge Machine Head fan so I don't mind them sounding like MH either :laugh:
I know you are, that's why I said that :D Their name is Inciter.
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Awake second best DT album :2metal:
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Awake is weird. I don't really like anything in the first half except for The Silent Man, but the second half starting with The Mirror is all kinds of awesome. I had a blast witnessing it live at AFTR tour.
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Hey, those two would be in my top 50 as well. Good job. :tup
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Not a big fan of Awake
I don't know how to process that. Awake is arguably their most complete release. While Images and Words is better musically, Awake is almost as brilliant musically while being better lyrically.
That being said, AJFA is arguably Metallica's best release. After that it was all downhill.
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I'm not really one to dig deep into the lyrics until I can actually enjoy the songs musically, Awake is probably the biggest offender on that count for me, apart from WDADU. 6:00, CiaW, Erotomania, The Silent Man, Innocence faded and Lifting Shadows are all skippable songs in my book /thread
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Not a big fan of Awake
I don't know how to process that. Awake is arguably their most complete release. While Images and Words is better musically, Awake is almost as brilliant musically while being better lyrically.
I'm not a fan of either Awake or Images and Words. :lol I just don't care for lyrics much and the music is very hit-or-miss on those albums.
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Awake is too low tbh
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Justice is great, of course, was my favourite by Metallica for a long time. BWP was my first Opeth album. I don't think I've actually listened to it in years. Don't care for Awake these days. The last time I put it on, which was my first listen in years and divorced from my DT fanboy days, it had a strong awkward follow-up vibe for me.
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#18: Black Sabbath - Master of Reality(1971)
(https://cdn.albumoftheyear.org/album/5585-master-of-reality.jpg)
Heavy/Doom metal
Here is, in my opinion, the most influential metal album. Yes, it is Black Sabbath's third record and their first two(especially Paranoid) were pretty metal, too but with Master of Reality they took it to another level. There are bands like Electric Wizard which sounds just like tribute to Master of Reality. And they were first to downtune guitar to make it sound heavier. And if that's not metal I don't know what is :P I think every member of Black Sabbath was in top of their game. Ozzy actually sounds great. I don't know if it is relativity due to lower tuned guitars or his vocal range really was bigger than I thought. Geezer Butler's bass lines are terrific. I think it is still the best bass playing in metal I ever heard, groovy, memorable and heavy. Iommi is great as always but, as I said, due to downtuned guitars his riffs are heavier than before. Also, he is one of those guitarist who is able to make the most simple riffs sound so great. Not just on this record but on every Black Sabbath's album. And there is drummer Bill Ward. He combined blues and jazz drumming and created something every metal fan is thankful for. Such a great drummer.
Master of Reality is one of the essential albums for every metal fan. It's heavy, with great playing and also pretty catchy.
Recommended songs: Children of the Grave (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXcermq2WLs), Sweet Leaf (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au5tcEDZOaY), Solitude (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1JQ1NseBl8)
#17: Pain of Salvation - Remedy Lane(2002)
(https://www.freecovers.net/preview/0/749ab5db277b0621eb9f13e1e4c00934/big.jpg)
Progressive metal
Another album that's well known here on DTF. I'm not big fan of Pain of Salvation, only other album I like is The Perfect Element, Part I. Remedy Lane is one of the albums that get me into full albums listening. Before, I used to just make playlist of hundreds of songs and shuffle them. But then I discovered Remedy Lane(and progressive music in general) and it is best when listening from start to finish. I admit it is cheesy on moments but I love even those moments. Musically, this album has everything: heavy and mellow moments, great singing and some rapping(if we can call that rapping), acoustic guitars, electric guitar riffs and solos, piano etc. As whole, it is really unique album, I can't say I ever heard something that incorporates so many styles and still sounds perfect in every segment. I especially like emotional parts of this album: Undertow, This Heart of Mine, Second Love. Vocal melodies are also great and I often find myself singing or humming them even after not listening to the album for months. Singer Daniel Gildenlöw is absolutely terrific on this album. Make sure to check this album out if you don't know it yet.
Recommended songs: Undertow (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8ro066KDIM), Rope Ends (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmJ2P8RckIY), Trace of Blood (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpIX0BNt1dQ)
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Huge yes for Remedy Lane. My favourite Pain of Salvation album, but I've got to say TPE is fantastic too.
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Both great albums. I prefer Paranoid slightly but those first four Sabbath records are all fantastic.
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I need to check out more Black Sabbath :P
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I need to check out more Black Sabbath :P
Me, too tbh :D I know all albums with Ozzy except Never say die but just one non-Ozzy album(Heaven and Hell).
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That Sabbath album is my beast, also one of my absolute favorites. Pretty much perfect.
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Remedy Lane gets a huge :tup from me, even though you got the best tracks completely wrong.
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Remedy Lane gets a huge :tup from me, even though you got the best tracks completely wrong.
Usually, those are songs I recommend to people who haven't heard that album yet but here those are my favorites. What is your favorite from Remedy Lane?
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Uhhh... I didn't look well enough and thought you didn't have Rope Ends in there.
Apart from that one, my favourites would be Thorn Clown (bonus track) and Chain Sling, but seriously, there are no wrong answers here. Remedy Lane is a top 15 album for me.
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The title track would arguably be a wrong answer.
Great album though.
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Yeah, no. I looked at Remedy Lane and you both have your favourite tracks kinda wrong! :lol
Looking back at my write-up (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=43039.msg1914380#msg1914380), I had five tracks there. If I had to pick only three, I would go with A Trace of Blood, Second Love and Beyond the Pale.
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Yeah, no. I looked at Remedy Lane and you both have your favourite tracks kinda wrong! :lol
Looking back at my write-up (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=43039.msg1914380#msg1914380), I had five tracks there. If I had to pick only three, I would go with A Trace of Blood, Second Love and Beyond the Pale.
I have A Trace of Blood, too.
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Everblind :P
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The title track would arguably be a wrong answer.
As would Of Two Beginnings
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that top 3 is basically perfect tbh, maybe switch rope ends and trace but also.maybe not
Oh yeah and album is good of course I had it in my top 10 and I'd stick by that
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Yeah, no. I looked at Remedy Lane and you both have your favourite tracks kinda wrong! :lol
Looking back at my write-up (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=43039.msg1914380#msg1914380), I had five tracks there. If I had to pick only three, I would go with A Trace of Blood, Second Love and Beyond the Pale.
I have A Trace of Blood, too.
That's one out of three. I didn't say you had them totally wrong.
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Master of Reality is most likely my least favourite of the first six Sabbath albums, but it's still very good.
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#16: Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane Over the Sea(1998)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/83/In_the_aeroplane_over_the_sea_album_cover_copy.jpg)
Indie folk
I can already see some of you calling me crazy for putting this so high :lol but that's the charm of this album, some love it, others hate it. I think I heard one song off this album (King of Carrot Flowers pt1?) in summer 2014 when friend sent it to me. And I was like: wtf is this? And I wasn't into indie music at all at the time. Almost a year later I asked a friend what band that was because I wanted to expand my music horizons. When I listened to whole album I was fascinated. It was like nothing I heard before (I'm not saying it is special or unique but I never heard anything similar so I don't know). Intentionally bad sound(lo-fi) may be off-putting at first but if you can get over it, this album is fantastic. I love good melodies and there are plenty of those here. It may be weird but when I got used to these vocals I started to love them. And objectively, vocals are bad(probably intentionally). It's really hard for me to describe or explain this album because I really can't. It sound like something I'd throw in garbage few years ago and now I love it. Maybe this albums arouse emotions I never knew I had(this is something my sister would say to me, she thinks I'm cold-blooded and unemotional :lol). But really, try to listen to this album with open mind, it's worth it.
Recommended songs: King of Carrot Flowers pt1 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LULmbLlPvVk), In the Aeroplane Over the Sea (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hD6_QXwKesU), Two-Headed Boy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TudLjZ_4VhU)
#15: Opeth - Ghost Reveries(2005)
(https://www.fourteeng.net/Logos/misc/opeth_cover.jpg)
Progressive death metal
Another is one not so controversial pick, Opeth's fan favorite album and IMO peak of their career. Ghost Reveries wasn't always my favorite Opeth's album but looking my other favorites on this list it isn't surprise I love it. It is full of progressive moments and have ballads that are among best I heard. Ghost of Perdition is song I give my (non-metal) friends to listen and they like first few seconds :lol but then, demonic growls. And this song is one of the best examples what Mikael can do with his voice: growls, nice clean singing, some falsetto. But of course, instrumental is my favorite part of this song and one of best instrumentals in Opeth's catalog. I have same opinion about Reveries/Harlequin Forest – one of the best songs I ever heard. It's work of genius and transitions between brutal and calm parts are so smooth I can't believe it :metal. Ballads Hours of Wealth and Isolation Years are among my favorites. I'm not sure but I think many don't like those songs(I read that somewhere) but those people may be metal-only fans or whatever. Chorus in Isolation Years is really something. If I heard that song live I would probably melt on: „And as I read: "I'll die alone", I know she was aching“. As whole this album is one of the most perfect things I heard, not one bad moment in whole album :hefdaddy (and now I'm thinking about putting it higher but I promised myself I won't change list after I start with it)
Recommended songs: Ghost of Perdition (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDBykpSXsSE), Reverie/Harlequin Forest (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIo3lpXrc5A), Isolation Years (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-RMRtQ4BVE)
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IIIII LOOOOOVEEE YOUUUUU JESUS CHRIIIIIIIIIISTTT
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IIIII LOOOOOVEEE YOUUUUU JESUS CHRIIIIIIIIIISTTT
IIII LOOOOVEEE YOUUUU, YEEES III DOO :lol
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ghost reveries: also too low
the only opeth album I really like but it's amazing is why
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A great pick with a little boy in Spain playing pianos filled with flames on empty rings around the sun. One of my all time favorites as well, feel free to check my thread from a few years ago because we have quite a lot of albums in common. :tup
Ghost reveries is fine, I guess, but not even close to being one of my favorite Opeth albums.
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A great pick with a little boy in Spain playing pianos filled with flames on empty rings around the sun. One of my all time favorites as well, feel free to check my thread from a few years ago because we have quite a lot of albums in common. :tup
Ghost reveries is fine, I guess, but not even close to being one of my favorite Opeth albums.
I think I read your thread when I was preparing for doing my top 50 but I didn't check any albums I don't know. I will surely check it more attention soon :tup
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Is Ghost Reveries really Opeth's fan favourite?
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Is Ghost Reveries really Opeth's fan favourite?
I think Blackwater Park is their most popular but also I don't think I've ever seen someone not liking Ghost Reveries.
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Probably me, but that's because I never payed much attention :corn
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#14: Fates Warning - Parallels(1991)
(https://www.metallibrary.ru/bands/discographies/images/fates_warning/pictures/91_parallels.jpg)
Progressive metal
After I started listening to Dream Theater I was looking all over the Internet for similar bands. And as you assume, one of those bands was Fates Warning. Their most popular is Parallels so I decided to check it... and unfortunately, it didn't do it for me. There were some songs I likes(Eye to Eye, Point of View). After some time I decided to revisit it and I liked it more and more. I don't know when but this album clicked with me. It is proggy but not wanky or complicated, relatively easy listen in progressive genre. Singer Ray Adler's voice is probably the thing that grew on me the most. I didn't like it before for some reason and now I love it. He is now one of my favorite singers. Other thing I really love on this album are drums. Mark Zonder's playing is to me really tasty, I love hearing some songs just for drums(check Life in Still Water). I was fortunate enough to see Fates Warning one and a half year ago in small club in my country. Atmosphere was great, members of band were in the audience before their show. I saw Bobby Jarzombek, their new drummer and I was so unprepared for that I couldn't even say hi but just nodded and he smiled back. I'm off topic, what I wanted to say is they played 5 songs off Parallels. I'm glad I went(decided to go just day before, had to go alone but it was cool). This album could have been their breakthrough, I think it's in style similar to DT's Images and Words, but they unfortunately never became too big. Nevertheless, I think it is essential album for every progressive metal fan. P.S.: The Eleventh Hour is one of the best songs ever.
Recommended songs: The Eleventh Hour (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P68TdXGw3UI), Point of View (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPWVk0UkHQo), Life in Still Water (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6gTvwwtOo4)
#13: Iron Maiden - Seventh Son of the Seventh Son(1988)
(https://store.hmv.com/HMVStore/media/product/215252/01-215252.jpg)
Heavy metal
Firstly, to write something about Iron Maiden. They were the first metal band I ever listened to, even before I started to actively listen to music. I think first two songs from this album I heard were Can I Play With Madness and The Evil That Man Do. From those early metal days Seventh Son of the Seventh Son was album I liked the best, great from start to finish(with few moments I can do without but nothing too bad). It is in fact concept album but I never bothered to check what it is about. I would say this album is more progressive than other albums pre-reunion and that's maybe the reason I like it so much. Bruce Dickinson is the singer who don't need further introduction. One of the best metal frontmen, singers and lyricists. You can hear Bruce is on fire and it is going to be epic album from first song, Moonchild. Those screams are awesome. Song I discovered later than some others is Infinite Dreams. Special song in Iron Maiden's discography, unique piece. I don't think I heard they did anything similar to guitar in intro of that song. Another song which epicness I realized too late is The Clairvoyant. Heard it live and it is even better. One of my favorites off the album is also The Evil That Men Do, I love those guitar harmonies in intro and prechorus. Title song is universally loved among fans but I'm not the biggest fan of atmospheric break in middle but the rest is great and in my opinion one of the best Bruce's performances. Nothing more to add, classic metal album.
Recommended songs: The Evil That Men Do (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OXk4h2CBhE), Infinite Dreams (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCjQqKCLkis), The Clairvoyant (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCTGNijn5ns)
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Seventh Son :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
I keep telling myself the title track is overrated and such, but I can't lie to myself, it is just amazing and I don't think I'll ever like any of the other songs on the album as much as that one. The chanting is so epic.
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Parallels is good, but Seventh son is outstanding.
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Seventh Son is incredible. :tup Infinite Dreams and the title track are two of my favorite Maiden songs ever.
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Thank you all for following :tup next is another tie...
#12: Rush - 2112(1976)/Permanent Waves(1980)
(https://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/rush/images/9/90/2112.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20110707130034)(https://cbswzlx2.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/rush-permanent_waves-frontal.jpg)
Progressive rock
These two albums are for me like two sides of same coin. 2112 was their to be or not to be album (after not so popular Caress of Steel). And it was great success for them. Also, it was one of their first albums I heard. Centerpiece of the album is title song, 20-minutes SF epic. Most people love it and I can see why, it's all we love about progressive music and something that influenced numbers of more modern bands. Other, shorter songs of the album are also great. In fact, those short track are big reason why I'm Rush fan(I wasn't always ready for the epics). A Passage for Bangkok is probably my favorite of those. Geddy threw some impressive high notes in there and it has one of my favorite Alex's guitar solos. Tears may seem out of the place for some, but I like it for what it is, good ballad between two faster songs. But seriously, this album is so good I can't tell I don't like even a small part of some song, all love them all.
On the other, there is Permanent Waves. After all those prog albums with very long songs, concepts Rush made great decision to make album that is catchier but still progressive. Spirit of the Radio is well known song among fans and big number of non-fans. It was probably the first song to give Rush well deserved popularity. It is still great song but due to overplaying it I like some other songs on this album more. Jacob's Ladder is my late discovery and at the moment my favorite Rush song. It's darker than any song on the album, have awesome lyrics penned by Neil Peart and many really progressive moments. Also, I love Geddy's vocal performance on this song. Another song that's often overlooked is nice ballad Different Strings (look at my signature). It is, in my opinion, one of the best mellow 4 minutes in band's discography. But whole album is just great. It is different but Alex still sounds like Alex (don't know where this man find all these ideas), Geddy's performance is one of the better I heard(both vocals and bass) and Neil sounds inspired in his lyrics and signature drum fills. I can see it only growing on me even more, such a great album.
Recommended songs: 2112 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZm1_jtY1SQ), A Passage to Bangkok (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnXRwmcKnes), Jacob's Ladder (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvsw_Jq4UcE), Different Strings (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpOlIRc3POk)
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These are like the only two Rush albums I actually enjoy, so :tup.
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These are like the only two Rush albums I actually enjoy, so :tup.
I was gonna say 'same' but I realised that that was Permanent Waves and not Moving Pictures :lol
Great to see SSOASS up high. I have been reminded over the last few days how fucking awesome that album makes me feel. So nostalgic, reminds me of being a kid and playing outside and hearing it blasting from my brother's room. Especially The Clairvoyant, that feels otherworldly to me now.
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Permanent waves is a masterpiece, 2112 is also pretty great. :metal
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I'd take PW over 2112 every day of the week.
Glad to see the Parallels love.
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And I thought having PW so high would be controversial pick :P
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#11: Iron Maiden - Somewhere in Time(1986)
(https://www.sputnikmusic.com/images/albums/220.jpg)
Heavy metal
Seventh Son used to be my favorite Iron Maiden album but I prefer Somewhere in Time little more. I wasn't always too fond of this album but few years ago, when I was rediscovering Iron Maiden, I heard this album in full and I knew I was wrong for neglecting it's greatness. While I love older albums, this one is really special for me, better than anything they did before IMO. It just feels different, sounding more like power metal than NWOBHM. I heard this is Bruce's least favorite album they did (probably because his ideas were rejected by rest of the band) but fortunately it can't be heard on the album, his singing was great as always and very expressive. My favorites things on the album are guitar harmonies and solos. Yes, they were always great at those things but I fell they've outdone themselves on this one. For example, there is intro to Caught Somewhere in Time, solo in Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner and solo in Stranger in a Strange Land. My only complaints would be those choruses where Bruce just repeats few lines, especially in Heaven Can Wait where there are no variations in chorus vocal melody. But it's nearly perfect album.
Recommended songs: Wasted Years (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmszv0jpvSY), Sea of Madness (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9CAObxn3ww), Deja Vu (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDZJY8Amuvs)
#10: Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here(1975)
(https://s30.postimg.org/7abu6hyz5/pink_floyd_wish_you_were_here_cd_1994_28e6b2709c.jpg)
Progressive rock
Ah, Pink Floyd... Of course I knew them even before I started listening to this kind of music and I used to listen to title song very often even before I actively started listening to Pink Floyd. And it is one of those songs that never got old. I heard this album after I started listening to Dream Theater so I'm always expecting Jordan's Continuum solo in intro of Shine On You Crazy Diamond :lol In case you don't know, it is tribute to Syd Barrett, former member of Pink Floyd. Song contains nine parts and it is split in 2 separate tracks, one is opener and second is closer of the album. I was never really analizying it but I know I love whole songs, it is IMO one of the best songs ever. Atmosphere is great and Gilmour's solos are top notch. Second song is Welcome to the Machine. To me, it feels really heavy even though there no heavy electric guitars on anything. It's heavy in term of atmosphere, like it could crush something under the weight of it's atmosphere (it may sound crazy :P ). I like to listen to it loudly. Next song is Have a Cigar, sang by Roy Harper. It's cool little song, different because of guest singer who had much wider range than Waters or Gilmour. Highlight of that song is probably guitar it's classic riff. There's of course song Wish You Were Here, classic rock ballad, also one of my all time favorites. One more reason why I love this album so much is production. Everything sounds just perfect, I'd like today's bands could make their albums to sound like Wish You Were Here.
Recommended songs: Shine On You Crazy Diamond (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UXircX3VdM), Wish You Were Here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXdNnw99-Ic)
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Best Pink Floyd by a mile. Stupendously good.
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Somewhere in Time is great.
Wish You Were Here is a masterpiece.
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Yeah, excellent Pink Floyd record.
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Best Pink Floyd by a mile. Stupendously good.
This. My #1 album of all time.
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Basically, music hardly gets any better than these two albums.
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according to Tomislav its gets better nine times :P
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HOW NEAR OR HOW FAR
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according to Tomislav its gets better nine times :P
I don't like my #1 9 times more than #10 :P actually, all albums I like 9 times better are not nearly my favorites :lol
#9: Riverside - Second Life Syndrome(2005)
(https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0000/501/MI0000501501.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
Progressive rock
Another album by Riverside. I love their debut but this is simply their more mature effort. It is one of those albums that keeps me focused to it in every second. And also, it's nature stretches across few different styles. There is kind of oriental vibe in opener After. Right away when Mariusz starts with his speaking part you can hear it is going to be dark album („I can't take anymore. I can't breathe. I'm sick of this goddamn darkness, sick of sadness and tears I throw it all up every single day...“). Second song was big grower for me. For some time I didn't care for it but it became one of my favorites. It is in style something like songs you could find on Out of Myself. It's really dark, progressive and pretty heavy. Next song is Conceiving You, one of those that got me into Riverside. Those lyrics are among the most heartbreaking things I heard, and reason is that they deal with very real problem of being too passive, watching people from distance and fear of rejection (at least it is how I interpret it). Title track reminds me of Pink Floyd with it's atmosphere and guitar work. It's one of those songs I can play whenever I have 15 minutes to spare. And I can never believe it is actually over 15 minutes long, it feels more like it's under 10 minutes. It's hard for me to describe this song but I love it to death, it is IMO their masterpiece among longer songs. Also, the part “And I know I don't need you now“ gives me chills every time. Next is Artificial Smile, black sheep of this album. I don't think it is bad, I love it, but it is different than other songs (except for solo section). It it great to have song with small change of pace on album. I already said it for few songs songs on the album but I Turned You Down is one of my favorites, equally beautiful as my other best tracks. Key instrument for me in this song is guitar. Piotr showed us how big impact few guitar notes can have, when used properly. Reality III is their last part of instrumental suite. Very good progressive song but I prefer two instrumentals on debut album. Dance With the Shadows is probably the heaviest one on the album. And very progressive, too. It has nice keyboard solo and Mariusz's gritty vocals, great stuff. Closer Before starts as nice little song and you would think it serves just as closer. But actually, it is great standalone song and after mellow start it transforms into full prog rock. Awesome track and great closer.
I can't recommend this album enough, one of the best progressive albums of this century IMO.
Recommended songs: Conceiving You (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMXG7kM8YZk), Second Life Syndrome (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLhLKLLJOnA), I Turned You Down (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYVjB1ZawNo)
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The title-track is one of their best songs, but as a whole I prefer Anno Domini and their latest release. I think this would be my third or fourth favourite by them though. It's a great album anyway.
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The title-track is one of their best songs, but as a whole I prefer Anno Domini and their latest release. I think this would be my third or fourth favourite by them though. It's a great album anyway.
It's been a while since I listened to ADHD. I like it but first two are more emotional and I connected with them easier.
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Great record, but Anno Domini is better imo :metal
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I've only recently checked out Riverside and have been loving Love, Fear and the Time Machine. Can't wait to check out the other albums as well, which would you recommend to go with after the latest?
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I've only recently checked out Riverside and have been loving Love, Fear and the Time Machine. Can't wait to check out the other albums as well, which would you recommend to go with after the latest?
I'd recommend you to start from the beginning (Out of Myself). Riverside have no bad album although many don't like Shrine of New Generation Slaves (but I like it almost as their latest).
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Great record, but Anno Domini is better imo :metal
way better, I think this one is good but not that great, haven't listened to it in ages :lol
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#8: Dream Theater - Images and Words(1992)
(https://tornadodealmas.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/images-and-words.jpg?w=450)
Progressive metal
Dream Theater once again. Like many people here, Pull Me Under was first DT song I heard. Difference is, while some long time fans heard it in 1992, I heard it in 2009. I don't actually remember where I found it but I know I knew right away this is unlike anything I heard before (and among others I was listening to Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, some Metallica etc.). Intro is still enjoyable to this day, James' vocals something I thought was out of this world and instrumental more complicated than other things I listened to. Abrupt ending bothered me though, I couldn't find full song :lol Other song I adored from first listen was, surprisingly, Metropolis part 1. I think it was the longest song I ever heard. And I couldn't stop listening to it. I got goosebumps every time whole band kicked in and full song is just full of energy, I couldn't help it but sing every part of this song every time (instrumental part, too :P ). Those two songs I probably two songs I listened more than any other song (and I mean by any artist). Thing that was fascinating to me since I got into this band, and this is well represented on Images and Words, is James' vocals. In song like Surrounded or Learning to live his voice is soothing and deep in one part, high and powerful in other. God knows how many times I repeated that F#5 in Learning to Live. With this album James set bar pretty high and he is still one of my favorite, if not favorite, singer. Unfortunately, many people I tried to introduce to DT doesn't share my opinion. Also, I remember my mother saying me she likes music but can't stand vocalist (and I was blasting Dream Theater all the time when I discovered them). What makes this album even more special to me are keyboards. I'm usually not big fan of those but Kevin Moore did great job here. Keyboards can be hit or miss for me, and there are lot misses for me in Jordan's solos, but I think this album shines in that department. I won't write anything else, you all are familiar with this one.
My favorites: Learning to Live, Metropolis part 1, Surrounded
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I knew what it was from the title. And guess what, you got the best tracks right this time! :D
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I knew what it was from the title. And guess what, you got the best tracks right this time! :D
I can't believe Surrounded is in anyone else's top 3. I was expecting: "Where is Take the Time"? :P
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Ugh. One of my least favourite DT albums this one.
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Ugh. One of my least favourite DT albums this one.
Mine, too. There are 7 better DT albums. :neverusethis:
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Ugh. One of my least favourite DT albums this one.
:loser: :loser: :loser: :loser: :loser:
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Top 5 album... for DT :neverusethis:
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Ugh. One of my least favourite DT albums this one.
:sadpanda:
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it's pretty good
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I knew what it was from the title. And guess what, you got the best tracks right this time! :D
I can't believe Surrounded is in anyone else's top 3. I was expecting: "Where is Take the Time"? :P
Surrounded is even in my top 3 DT songs.
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I knew what it was from the title. And guess what, you got the best tracks right this time! :D
I can't believe Surrounded is in anyone else's top 3. I was expecting: "Where is Take the Time"? :P
Surrounded is even in my top 3 DT songs.
Nice. It wouldn't be in my top 3 but surely in top 15.
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Ugh. One of my least favourite DT albums this one.
I don't know how to process that.
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Ugh. One of my least favourite DT albums this one.
I don't know how to process that.
Exactly. Basically Images&Words=DT
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#7: Kansas - Leftoverture(1976)
(https://www.musiconvinyl.com/fotos/1589_foto1_product_groot.jpg)
Progressive rock
This is one of the albums I often overlook, that album I love but forgot about it and not listen to it for months. When I was making draft for this list I think Leftovertue wasn't so high. But fortunately, I listened to it before making final list and I remembered how great it is. And I still can't believe this was made in 1976. It really sounds like some modern progressive rock records. While I like '70s progressive rock, some artist and albums doesn't appeal to me that much because they sounds too happy for me. Most of this album is in major key (I assume, I don't really know music theory) but it is still very high on my list. I guess that's characteristic I like in prog rock with that hard rock edge (also in Wishbone Ash) more than in traditional prog albums. And there are some pretty rocking songs like Carry On Wayward Son and What's on My Mind. If I remember correctly I heard this album in summer of 2011 for the first time (be aware I started to listen to music "for real" in 2009) after hearing their most popular song, Carry On Wayward Son. I didn't love it on first but it surely grew on me. It's pretty obvious Kansas influenced my favorite band, Dream Theater (even though I can't recall if they ever talked about Kansas as their influence). There is note for note same melody in the song The Wall and Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence. When I heard it for the first time I was like wtf, this can't be coincidence. But we'll have to forgive DT, The Wall is certainly on e of the best songs ever IMO. And few other songs are contenders on my list. There is Miracles Out of Nowhere. song with constant mood changes, great keyboard, guitar, bass and violin melodies. Also, Steve Walsh's vocal performance on this album has to be (with Wetton on Red) my favorite vocals of 1970s. Opus Insert stand out with it's vocal harmonies, I love those. Another song I consider to be one of my favorites songs ever is Opus Magnum. It really is their magnum opus. Every instrument shines in this one and it reminds me of space rock in some parts even though there is pretty heavy instrumental section. Genius work. I love every bit of it, all members are on top of their games, instrumentals are sick and vocals are beautiful. Essential rock album. :hefdaddy
Recommended songs: Carry On Wayward Son (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2X_2IdybTV0), The Wall (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBMsulQMqm8), Miracles Out of Nowhere (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jseTa7HUIDU), Magnum Opus (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dumOc5V_PcE)
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I need to actually listen to this someday, I have the vinyl hanging on my wall :P
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I will check this out after my roulette is over.
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I need to actually listen to this someday, I have the vinyl hanging on my wall :P
You should, it's flawless :tup
I will check this out after my roulette is over.
I was planning to send you something off Leftoverture but someone else sent Song for America IIRC. I think you'd like this album better but maybe that's just me.
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It's Carry On Wayward Son!!!! without the "My", everyone gets the name wrong :'( I like this album quite a bit, doesn't happen to me too often with old prog rock records so that's saying something.
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It's Carry On Wayward Son!!!! without the "My", everyone gets the name wrong :'( I like this album quite a bit, doesn't happen to me too often with old prog rock records so that's saying something.
CD say so, YouTube video say so, and mp3 on my phone say so and I still wrote it wrong. Now I know someone is actually reading what I write :lol
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I've still never tried a Kansas album. Someday.
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It's Carry On Wayward Son!!!! without the "My", everyone gets the name wrong :'( I like this album quite a bit, doesn't happen to me too often with old prog rock records so that's saying something.
CD say so, YouTube video say so, and mp3 on my phone say so and I still wrote it wrong. Now I know someone is actually reading what I write :lol
Yeah, for the top 50's I follow, I'll be reading updates for albums I already like in case I'm interested what OP has to say about it, or albums I think I might like, to get a little more insight on the artist and recommended songs. I'm guilty of basically not reading any of the SFAM, I&W and SDOIT updates though :lol
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It's Carry On Wayward Son!!!! without the "My", everyone gets the name wrong :'( I like this album quite a bit, doesn't happen to me too often with old prog rock records so that's saying something.
CD say so, YouTube video say so, and mp3 on my phone say so and I still wrote it wrong. Now I know someone is actually reading what I write :lol
Yeah, for the top 50's I follow, I'll be reading updates for albums I already like in case I'm interested what OP has to say about it, or albums I think I might like, to get a little more insight on the artist and recommended songs. I'm guilty of basically not reading any of the SFAM, I&W and SDOIT updates though :lol
It was Awake, not SFAM.
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I know, I'm talking about top 50 lists in general. I do read Awake writeups from time to time because I'm still trying to figure out what's so amazing about it :biggrin:
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I know, I'm talking about top 50 lists in general. I do read Awake writeups from time to time because I'm still trying to figure out what's so amazing about it :biggrin:
Sorry, I misread that.
And about Awake, I love it as whole more than song by song. It used to be my all time favorite album few years ago.
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i had this on LP, pretty cool, tho i didnt give it much time. surprised to see it up so high!
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I know, I'm talking about top 50 lists in general. I do read Awake writeups from time to time because I'm still trying to figure out what's so amazing about it :biggrin:
Here's the write-up I did for Awake, almost 4 years ago: https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=31767.msg1273144#msg1273144
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Awake is pretty :metal
That's all you need to know.
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That's a great list, and your mom has pretty nice drawers :metal
Specially love seeing Gojira on these lists, From Mars to Sirius is one of my faves aswell. Flying Whales :2metal:
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^ That list is 4 years old though, I don't think there would be much left of it if I were to do it over.
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#6: Brand New - The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me(2006)
(https://ak1.ostkcdn.com/images/products//bmmg/ent/L602517132542.JPG)
Alternative rock
My best discovery of last year (In Aeroplane Over the Sea was other, I forgot to write it in writeup). If you gave me this album few months earlier or even later I don't know would I like it. I don't even know how I discovered it but I was in right mood for it (and by in right mood I mean shitty mood :P ). There are some elements I dislike in music, generally that 2000s alternative rock sound that reminds me of all those bands I don't like :D . Fortunately, that sound is not really upfront. So, why I love it so much to put it on #6, ahead of some other flawless album? Answer is: emotion. I don't know any other album that awake so much different emotions in me (other than my #5, it's a secret). It's really sad but also heavy in some moments. Melancholic is probably the best word for it. And lyrics are dreadful, kinda emo, but I don't care :'( . Album starts with Sowing Seasons which is slow and mellow song... until whole band kicks in for one of my favorite riffs for headbanging and tearing my throat (yeeeeeaaaaah...). Other cool song is Millstone. I love it's lyrics and contrast between intro and chorus. Next song is Jesus Christ, their most popular (I think) but it's not close to being my favorite. I mean, it's great but there are some better songs. Degausser is also great song, I love chorus with catchy guitar melody and shouting vocals. Guys from Brand New really know how to make good and catchy vocal melodies. There are few in every song on this album. And as I wrote many times, I'm sucker for catchy vocal melodies. Also, I usually find alternative bands similar sounding, but melodies on this album are for me something special and different. You Won't Know is angry song, song that would make me smash something if I actually had balls to do so. But I'm just calmly sitting in front of my laptop with poker face on. I just realised there are too many good songs(every one of 13) to write something about all of them. So just few more words. Not the Sun: another angry song with great chorus and somewhat different feeling than any other song on the album. Luca: holy shit, those few notes on acoustic guitar are something. Tip: don't raise the volume too high on this one. The Archers Bows Have Broken: probably my favorite faster on second part of the album. Again, cool melodies, real catchy. Handcuffs: just :'( and :chill (there is cello on this one).
F*ck you Brand New, I probably won't sleep tonight.
Recommended songs: Sowing Seasons (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSX13jgRxI4), Millstone (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEM4Gb_gE48), Handcuffs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8Mjmbmjy_Q)
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Knew this from the title :metal I thought I had written this earlier but I was almost 100% sure either this or Deja Entendu would make your list.
Also discovered this last year (albeit through Parama's roulette :laugh:) Limousine was one hell of an introduction for a band and is still my favorite song on the album, was pretty surprised not to see it mentioned after seeing that thread title. Though your 3 honourable mentions are my #2, 3 and 4 respectively.
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Fantastic record :hefdaddy
But you forgot to mention Welcome to Bangkok, one hell of an instrumental :P
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Knew this from the title :metal I thought I had written this earlier but I was almost 100% sure either this or Deja Entendu would make your list.
Also discovered this last year (albeit through Parama's roulette :laugh:) Limousine was one hell of an introduction for a band and is still my favorite song on the album, was pretty surprised not to see it mentioned after seeing that thread title. Though your 3 honourable mentions are my #2, 3 and 4 respectively.
It took me some time to get into Deja Entendu(I got into it few just months ago), The Devil and God was love on first listen.
About Limousine: yeah, it's great but I like others more.
Fantastic record :hefdaddy
But you forgot to mention Welcome to Bangkok, one hell of an instrumental :P
I could mention every song because I love them all :D
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limousine is the best tho
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Limousine, You Won't Know and Handcuffs are my favourites, but the whole album is incredible.
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Never heard this.
No, that's a lie. I tried this years ago when my tastes weren't as evolved as they are now. I didn't enjoy it back then. Maybe I can try this again someday.
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go listen to limousiiiiiine
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Any guesses for top 5? :D
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aerosmith - just push play
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aerosmith - just push play
This would easily make mine.
In Absentia is my guess, no idea for the other four though, maybe Rush or Pink Floyd or some other classic.
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Shit Horse - They Shit Horses, Don't They?
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Fuck, you already know 3 out of my top 5 :P
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Hey, it's that album that everyone under the sun loves and I thought sounded really good when I sampled and will probably be in the next vague handful of albums I buy.
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this was def one of the best purchases I made last year and i made a looot of them so i doubt you'll be disappointed
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I'll most likely sample it again before I buy it anyway, but yeah, I'm not expecting disappointment.
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I love The Devil and God, definitely my favorite Brand New album. Touching music indeed.
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What an experience of a record. :hefdaddy
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#5: Porcupine Tree - Fear of a Blank Planet(2007)
(https://www.dejkamusic.com/images/album/large/porcupine_tree/fear_of_a_blank_planet.jpg)
Progressive rock
I think this was third Porcupine Tree album I heard (after In Absentia and Deadwing). And it was their first I always had to listen from start to finish. Those two dark albums but, for me, this is the darkest. It's dealing with psychical disorders, "modern" problems such as alienation, addiction etc. Most of this album feels really melancholic and nostalgic in a way (especially song in My Ashes). It was influenced by a novel Lunar Park written by Bret Easton Ellis (I haven't read it yet but I plan to). First song is title song, great rocking song, single for this album. It's a song about 21st century teen problems. It may sound lame but it works really well, with somewhat harsh lyrics from teen perspective ("My mother is a bitch. My father gave up ever trying to talk to me"). I love contrast between different parts of the song. This one is probably one of their most metal songs. And then, My Ashes. What a song (one of my all time favorites). It's actually pretty straightforward ballad but I love piano, melodies, lyrics and, most of all, atmosphere. It really feels like trip to childhood (except my childhood was good). Chorus is beautiful (especially in live version where John Weasley sings it). Next song is Anesthetize, 17-minutes epic masterpiece :hefdaddy. First section is pretty mellow with some weird effects in instrumental part (very cool) and Alex Lifeson's (Rush) guitar solo. It is probably my favorite section of this song due to groove and atmosphere. Second part is heavier, some great riffs are in there. And chorus is catchy. BTW, I think Steven's vocals are stronger on live DVD version. Last part is also cool (but my least favorite of three). Next song is Sentimental. There is not one thing wrong about this song either. It's atmospheric, lyrics are again melancholic and there is cool melody in chorus. If you haven't, you should check song Normal(it's on Nil Recurring EP). It have same chorus but rest is really different, not just with lyrics but with overall atmosphere. I wouldn't blame anyone who likes it better than Sentimental. Fifth song is Way Out of Here. Another atmospheric song. I love change of mood in second verse("I'll try to forget you and I know that I will. In a thousand years or maybe a week") and layered vocals. Guitar solo is also one of my favorites part of the album, really Porcupine Tree sounding. Last part of the song may come out as a surprise, it's pretty chaotic and "metallic". Closer Sleep Together is IMO the weakest song on album (I'm not a fan of chorus). However, instrumental part is really progressive, little weird and unusual. Still a good song.
Porcupine Tree is known for great sounding record and this one is no exception, I love production on Fear of a Blank Planet.
Recommended songs: Fear of a Blank Planet (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y77CN0Xrubo), Anesthetize (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSEQZ8reJA4), My Ashes (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vi_j5E1JFd8)
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I'll check out that Brand New album after my roulette - I really liked Handcuffs and yet I didn't care about Sowing Season at all. Still, I think this might be a good one.
FoaBP, well, it's a great album, but I think all albums from the previous PT run from Stupid Dream to Deadwing are better.
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of the 5 PT albums i own this is probably my second-least favorite, it's still good but i def don't enjoy it as much as any of Lightbulb Sun thru Deadwing. Anesthetize should've just been three songs tbh, it's ok tho. kinda wish i liked this album more than i do
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Solid PT album for me. I think I used to love it a lot more when I first discovered them and now there's a few PT albums I like better. That run from My Ashes to Way Out of Here is great, but Sleep Together is a rather weak closer.
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I can't believe Fear of a Blank Planet got worse response than The Devil and God :lol
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Great album, but I prefer like half of PT's discography :metal
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This my favorite Porcupine Tree album. Good choice. :metal
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This my favorite Porcupine Tree album. Good choice. :metal
First sane person here :P
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I'm now listening to FoaBP, thanks to this thread. :2metal:
Solid PT album for me. I think I used to love it a lot more when I first discovered them and now there's a few PT albums I like better. That run from My Ashes to Way Out of Here is great, but Sleep Together is a rather weak closer.
I tend to prefer studio music over live, but the live version of Sleep Together is magnificent, and is definitely superior to the studio version. And I like the studio version pretty well.
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It's good but not my favorite.
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This is probably my second favorite PT album after Deadwing. Maybe my favorite. I don't know. But Sleep Together is awesome and if you think otherwise you can fite me irl
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Listening to a bootleg of Ninet singing it blew me away :hefdaddy
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About half of PT's albums are better, but this is still an amazing record.
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#4: King Crimson - In the Court of the Crimson King(1969)
(https://stevenwilsonhq.com/sw/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/in_the_courtLG41.jpg)
Progressive rock
One of essential albums on this forum, it was probably in every prog fan's top list. King Crimson is band that made progressive rock "popular" and this is their first album. To me, In the Court of the Crimson King still sounds like something that could've been made in last 20 years but it's actually 47 years old. I can't even imagine what did this sound like to people when it came out. It surely was ahead of it's time. Of course, there were jazz fusion bands at the time but I don't think anyone sounded like King Crimson (maybe Zappa on moments). And I don't think this album is hard to listen either except for maybe parts of 21st Century Schizoid Man. This song gets pretty wild with it's saxophone part in the middle and really crazy time signature changes. Surely the most jazz influenced song on the album. It gets calmer with second song, I Talk to the Wind, but there is still something eerie in mellotron(?) and flute melodies. On the other hand those melodies are soothing. What I like the most are vocal harmonies in verses, they really add something special to this song. Next two are my favorites on the album. Epitaph is example how much ahead of their time were King Crimson. Firstly, music still sounds fresh, like something that could have been made not too long ago. Secondly, listen to the lyrics. If I'm not mistaken they are about cold war but could be interpreted from today's man point of view, as alienation from society or about false prophets in our society. Also, I think Greg Lake's vocal performance on this song is among the most beautiful and emotional things I've ever heard. Next song is Moonchild, strange psychedelic piece. Again, some beautiful melodies, both vocal and instrumental. Really great arrangement. The first part of the song is only about 2 and a half minutes long and the rest (10 more minutes) are just some psychedelic sounds. I don't consume drugs but I think that is how it feels like :lol Last song is the title song and Lake again delivers in it showing his voice also can get strong in contrast to singing in Moonchild. One of the highlights of this one, to me, is drumming. Such a expressive playing on cymbals and also pretty heavy drum fills.
In the Court of the Crimson King is one of those album I could listen to at any time. It's always interesting, all instruments are perfect and it's really not to hard to listen either(as some of their other albums). You all probably heard it but if you didn't: what are you waiting for?
Recommended song: Epitaph (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLHScgTJ9eQ), Moonchild (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mp12cyOfraE), 21st Century Schizoid Man
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CONFUSIOOOON WILL BE MY EPITAAAAPH :'(
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Awesome album! :metal It's probably a Top 10 for me also.
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Top 10 album for me as well. It might be cliched to say but it's quite the magical musical experience. :tup
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Yeesssssssss
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I love response for King Crimson :tup Not expecting so much positive comments for next album tho :-X :lol
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I've never actually listened to this one which is my fault but I probably should sometime
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KC have a whole bunch of albums that are equally great, to me.
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Yes, I prefer Red, but ITCOTCK is fantastic nonetheless.
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An essential prog album. :tup
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Top 10 album for me as well. It might be cliched to say but it's quite the magical musical experience. :tup
An essential prog album. :tup
Hi guys. :tup
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#3: Agalloch - Ashes Against the Grain(2006)
(https://www.sputnikmusic.com/images/albums/10905.jpg)
Progressive/Folk/Black metal
This one, unlike my last update, might get mixed comments. I know style of this album is not something some of you like in your music so that's understandable. Ashes Against the Grain is definitely my favorite album by Agalloch. I love others, too and all of them are contained of many different styles but this album is all I ask for. Progressive elements? Check. Great atmosphere? Check. Folky parts? Check. Chill is high on this one. There are many band out there that are trying to sound like Agalloch and many of those are great but I never heard another album in this genre I love this much. First song, Limbs, starts with some high pitched tones to turn into magnificent intro. That part always gives me chills. I like how simplistic this album is in one moment and then really technical and heavy in other moment. But it's all about the atmosphere. Not just on this this song but on whole album. Falling Snow is similar song, progressive with folk and black metal elements. Intrumental on this song is one of the things why I fell in love with this album. It's interesting to hear harsh vocal over such melodies. Transitions from acoustic to electric are very smooth. One thing I don't like that much are clean vocals. Fortunately, they are not very prominent. Some post-metal elements can be heard in this one, too. Fire Above, Ice Below is surely interesting track. It reminds me of folk metal band such as Ensiferum with progressive touch. And of course it is more atmospheric. I love slow build from more mellow intro with acoustic guitar and clean vocals to heavier piece. But it's interesting how they can be heavy on rhythm guitar and drums and still ballady melodic with lead guitar. Middle acoustic is also great. Not Unlike the Waves is little weird, mostly in terms of vocals. There are weird cleans and shouted vocal in chorus. However, acoustic break in intro and part that follows are among highlights of this album and this song as a whole is beautiful. Last tree songs are parts of Our Fortress is Burning suite. First part is instrumental piece, very folky, in moments reminds me of The Mantle, their previous album. Again, such a chill track. Second part, named Bloodbirds, is for me highlight of the album and one of my favorite songs ever. I can't really explain it bur I feel every moment of it :chill. Intro sound nice and dreamy, some tremolo picking (not heavy, more mandolin like) is thrown in. Shit gets really with melodic lead guitar part. Drums are also perfect, great fills and feel. On 2:30 I'm in heaven :hefdaddy Such a beautiful song, songwriting is top notch. Last part of the suite, The Grain, serves as an atmospheric closure. Nothing special but good way to end the album.
Recommended songs: Bloodbirds (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwIljPvrNjI), Falling Snow (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAaq0mpk9TE), Limbs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBoUQyIuiNQ)
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yeah, I'm working on getting this one at some point this year
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Awesome album! I personally prefer The Mantle, but AATG is damn good
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Great, great album. :tup
I still prefer The Mantle by a decent margin but you can't go wrong with this one. It still definitely nails that wintry atmosphere that Agalloch are so known for. That climax in Bloodbirds gets me every time. :hefdaddy
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Been following your list, and was actually a bit surprised to find an Agalloch album so high. It's also my favourite by them.
They're hard to pinpoint in terms of genre, but I can't really say they have post-metal elements just here and there. Our Fortress Is Burning (the whole suite), as well as most of The Mantle, is post-metal. The perception has changed since the Neurosis and Isis breakthrough days.
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Used to listen to The Mantle a bit, but I never really got hooked.
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Used to listen to The Mantle a bit, but I never really got hooked.
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Thank you all for cmments :)
Been following your list, and was actually a bit surprised to find an Agalloch album so high. It's also my favourite by them.
They're hard to pinpoint in terms of genre, but I can't really say they have post-metal elements just here and there. Our Fortress Is Burning (the whole suite), as well as most of The Mantle, is post-metal. The perception has changed since the Neurosis and Isis breakthrough days.
I don't really know many post-metal bands and those I know (Isis for example) is nothing like Agalloch. Can you recommend me some post-metal similar to The Mantle?
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The Mantle is way closer to ABM than post-metal, really
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I've never really thought of Agalloch as post metal, but I guess I can see how it fits. It's a kinda nebulous genre, anyway.
Also, Ashes Against the Grain is a fantastic album, and actually the only Agalloch album I really care for. Which is kind of funny, since apparently it's the band's least favorite.
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#2: Mastodon - Crack the Skye(2009)
(https://cdn.albumoftheyear.org/album/crack-the-skye.jpg)
Progressive metal
I've already had Mastodon on my list but I didn't tell you how I discovered. Well, Last.fm recommended it to me and I listened to Oblivion because it was the most popular song there. I thought intro was cool but Brann's vocals were very offputting. It sounded too poppy for me and monotonous (I believe it's on purpose in Oblivion) so I wasn't discovering them more. But some time later they were touring with Gojira and Slayer so me and my friend decided to go (it was first real concert I attended). I loved Gojira and Slayer but couldn't get into Mastodon. Then I tried this album and while it wasn't love on first listen I liked some parts. Unfortunately, they weren't too good on that show (they seemed tired and had no much energy unlike on their show I saw last year) but I kept listening to Crack the Skye and eventually started loving it. And it is here, on #2. Oblivion didn't get me into Mastodon at first but now I think it's good song to introduce someone to their music. It's progressive and catchy, solo is almost Pink Floyd sounding and overall it is powerful song. Second song is Divination, quite different kind of monster. Intro is signature Mastodon arpeggio riff, something you can hear very often on two albums before Crack the Sky. Those drum fills are ridiculous! There are people who don't like Brann's drumming because it's very fill-oriented, he fills every possible gap with it. I think his drumming is great, reminds me of jazz (and he is big jazz fan). Brent's vocals on this song (and whole album) are better than he could ever perform them live but it's ok, I like his studio voice. Guitar solo is great, different than all of their other solos. Next song is Quintessence. Again different than first two, kinda space rock sounding. Chorus of this song is probably first time on this album Troy sounds like Troy :lol He used that style of singing in later albums more than completely clean voiced. Love that „Let it go, let it go...“ part. Next song, The Czar, deserves big introduction: it's progressive metal piece with all kinds of influences thrown in there such as space rock and stoner metal riffs (not like those on Leviathan but pretty heavy). I'm so grateful I had chance to hear this song in live setting. Vocally, they are not best live band (especially Brent who sings most of this song) but it sounded perfect. That riff on 3:44 is one of my all time favorite riffs, perfectly headbangable and pretty simple. Part after that riff is very progressive and drums just destroy everything. I couldn't believe how strong Brann's drumming is when I heard it live. There is one more riff worth mentioning on 5:03. Just :hefdaddy. One of my favorite songs ever. Next is Ghost of Karelia which is my least favorites song of the album. And I still love it which says how great this album is :D Of course, there are great riff throughout the song and drumming is awesome but my favorite thing about this song are Troy's vocals. His voice sounds very powerful and vocal melodies are pretty cool. Title song features guest vocalist – Scott Kelly of Neurosis, great performance from him, as always. I heard this song live first time I saw Mastodon but unfortunately I didn't care too much for it. After the time it became on of my favorites, intro is absolutely magnificent, Scott's harsh vocals are great and chorus is really catchy. Also, what a guitar solo, something similar to solo from Oblivion but with some fast parts. Last song on the album is also the longest song they ever made (13 minutes). It is similar to The Czar, starting with mellow with some cool guitar and vocal melodies. Progressively it gets more and more heavy (although it's not really heavy). It's well written piece, there is no a moment in The Last Baron that feels forced. It's very progressive and technical, I'd like to hear their other song in this style.
Give this album a few chances. I didn't like it at first but right now it's one of my favorites.
Recommended songs: The Czar (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jx2fp-kKOIw), Crack the Skye (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHZvQoUfoeQ), Oblivion (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzQ5o7b7qf0)
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I gave this album a fair number of chances and still find it "good but not great d(''d)
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YES! Love this album. The Last Baron and The Czar are great. The entire album has a cool mystical vibe to it.
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Love this album! It's very late but for some reason I just had the urge to comment on this album because it's just that good. One of those rare cases where an album grows on me more with every consecutive listen.
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Wow, that's a surprising choice!
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Ooh, Crack the Skye! Very solid album too, but wouldn't make my all-time top 10.
They're hard to pinpoint in terms of genre, but I can't really say they have post-metal elements just here and there. Our Fortress Is Burning (the whole suite), as well as most of The Mantle, is post-metal. The perception has changed since the Neurosis and Isis breakthrough days.
I don't really know many post-metal bands and those I know (Isis for example) is nothing like Agalloch. Can you recommend me some post-metal similar to The Mantle?
Yeah, that's what I mean with change of perception. Isis and stuff like that was just the first scene to be tagged post-metal - post rock + heavy metal (any subgenre) - and has a relatively long tradition. The Mantle has plenty of post-rock, but also black metal. I pretty quickly started viewing In the Shadow of Our Pale Companion as post-metal because of the texturous and crescendous nature of it, and it also shares a theme with the opening track.
I don't know about the recommendation thing because The Mantle is a pretty unique album... but I could always give you Ecailles de Lune by Alcest to show you where the whole post-metal/metalgaze thing has been evolving.
The Mantle is way closer to ABM than post-metal, really
Definitely more straightforward black metal in there as well (You Were But a Ghost in My Arms), but not the whole truth really.
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Tremendous album right there. It's true that Mastodon aren't the best live band vocally, but the vocals always sound good on the album. Brent's voice is awesome.
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Tremendous album right there. It's true that Mastodon aren't the best live band vocally, but the vocals always sound good on the album. Brent's voice is awesome.
I saw them last year and Troy and Brann were awesome. Brent not so much but I'm used to his dying cat vocals :P
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This is an album I plan on getting into at some point. I always liked Mastodon songs, just not enough to actually listen to their albums.
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Easily my favourite Mastodon album, I think if I ever get around to doing a top 50 albums list it might squeeze it's way in there.
:metal
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(Finally) we're at the end of my list :) I want to thank you for following this thread, commenting and occasionally recommending me new music. I had fun making this list but it was lot harder than I thought, I had to resist changing spots in last moments and so on :D So let's finish this with my #1.
#1: Dream Theater - Metropolis part 2: Scenes from a Memory(1999)
(https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0003/561/MI0003561005.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
Progressive metal
This probably was obvious for some of you (or not :P ), I ranked this album highly since I heard it for the first time. Let's start with some history. Pull me under was the first DT song I heard but immediately after that I started looking for other music because I knew DT will become my favorite band. I googled to find out what their best album was and many pages recommended this one album. I was music noob at the time and I wasn't really listening to albums but to songs (I had playlist with my favorites) but I heard Scenes were concept album meant to be listened from start to finish. So this album changed my way of listening to music. It was different than any music I listened to but still I couldn't stop listening to this album. I have no idea how many times a day I listened to it but I know it was more than a few :lol If I remember correctly my early favorite songs were Home and Finally Free and I'm surprised at that since only long song I could listen before DT probably was Child in Time by Deep Purple. But, it was early sign I'll become fan of progressive music :D I have to say I never cared for story and it never bothered me even though it is cheesy at times (you know concept, right). Right now, Overture 1928 + Strange Deja Vu combo is one of my favorite songs and I'm so glad DT played both when I saw them. The biggest highlight of the evening for me and one of the best 9 minutes of my life (you must think my life is pretty bad then :P ). Melodies in both of those songs (and there are many more on this album) are something, I think, they never topped. Also, if I had to choose my favorite Portnoy's albums it would be SFAM. His playing on this one is not over the top but there are still many air drums moments, subtle at in one moment but very present in other. There are not many albums on which I don't consider drums to be just part of the rhythm. Strange thing on this album, for me, are backing vocals. They are sometimes too high but I grew to like them.
I think this is enough writing, we all know this album really well and I said all I wanted :lol
Favorite songs: Overture 1928, Strange Deja Vu, Finally Free
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SFAM is great, made my Top 20 or something.
Mastodon, well, I've got Oblivion in my first roulette, and I remember I didn't like it too much. Recommend me one other track and I'll check it out.
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never heard of it
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I've been liking SFAM less and less with time honestly. I used to love the entire thing, but nowadays I only listen to Home, Through Her Eyes and Finally Free. Might have to give the entire album a spin soon.
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SFAM is great, made my Top 20 or something.
Mastodon, well, I've got Oblivion in my first roulette, and I remember I didn't like it too much. Recommend me one other track and I'll check it out.
I almost sent you The Czar in last round of roulette but I think my actual submission is safer :P I didn't like Oblivion at first but it's one of my favorites now. Check The Czar though.
never heard of it
Don't check it, it's not so good.
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SFAM is great, made my Top 20 or something.
Mastodon, well, I've got Oblivion in my first roulette, and I remember I didn't like it too much. Recommend me one other track and I'll check it out.
The Czar and The Last Baron are both pretty similarly structured and both amazing songs, I bet the vocals are the main repelling factor for you though, if not, they're pretty safe bets.
SFAM of course is amazing. I tend to agree with jake partially though, it's slowly moving out of my top 3 now. SFAM at nom 1 is totally fair though, great list man, enjoyed following.
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That one is good.
It was great following the list, man, excellent job all around. :tup
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Excellent choice for number one. It's the album that brought Dream Theater back to life.
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Thank You :tup
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This album's ok I guess