22. Nevermore - Enemies of Reality
Let's be clear. The original mix of this album absolutely blows. However, I was lucky enough to hear the remaster first. Therefore, I don't have a jaded opinion on what I feel is Nevermore's best album. Unfortunately, the original mix was bad enough to put people off the album completely. I weep at night for those people, because this album is a true work of genius. Every song here is pure gold, and ridiculously heavy. The genius lies in the pacing of the album. The first 2 tracks are fast and chaotic, while the next two kick down the tempo, but still keeping the heavy aspect in tact. The ballad, Tomorrow Turned Into Yesterday, manages to be catchy and soul-crushing at the same time. This pattern repeats again, 2 fast, 2 slow, and then the album is closed with the absolutely ferocious Seed Awakening. At just over 40 minutes long, the album hits the listener like a sledgehammer, but doesn't stick around long enough to be annoying. In fact, I wish it was longer.
Recommended tracks: Enemies of Reality, Ambivalent, I Voyager, Who Decides
21. Floater - Alter
I'm almost willing to bet that anybody who's heard about this band heard about them from me. As far as I know, I'm the only hardcore fan on the entire board. This is another crying shame, because these guys are phenomenal. Their music reminds me of a less psychotic Primus with a bit of a grunge feel. The singer's voice goes through many transformations, each fitting every moment perfectly. The drums have a tribal flair to them that adds a unique dynamic to the bass-driven alt rock. This album in particular is quite eclectic. There are soft, ballad songs with string textures, heavy Primus-like songs, and songs unlike anything I've heard before. Perhaps the strongest aspect of the band is the lyrics. There's loads of clever lines, particularly in the song Hollywood. Overall, this is a criminally overlooked band and album that must be explored further by all people.
Recommended tracks: Zero Hour, Safety, Luddite, 4 Down (A Toast)
20. Strapping Young Lad - Alien
This is an album that grabs you by the throat and skull-fucks you until you can't stand it anymore. These songs have an intensity that no other band could ever be capable of matching. From the start of the album to the 8th track, it's a non-stop assault of pure brutality, with some of the most crazed vocals ever. The image one can glean from this album is a twisted psychopath who was just pushed a bit too far. The topics covered range from the simple "Hey, fuck you, asshole" to the very meaning of life itself. There's at least one song on here for any mood. Pissed at the opposite sex? Hit up the hit single "Love?". Pissed at everyone? Shitstorm is there. Pissed at your life and its lack of direction? Play some Thalamus. This album got me through some dark times.
Recommended tracks: Shitstorm, Love?, We Ride, Thalamus, Zen
Topic: Top 50 Albums: The UMH Experience (Read 65400 times)
