I did some rearranging, and that particular album got moved up a few spots.
20. Theocracy - Mirror of Souls (2008)Genre: Power MetalThis is an odd one for me. Theocracy is a Christian Power Metal band with strong Christian lyrics, and I'm an atheist, but yet this album is bloody awesome. Although, if it wasn't for the infectious melodies, and excellent music, I probably wouldn't like this album at all. The lyrics to me are on the goofy side, especially Laying The Demon To Rest, which, until I get confirmation from Matt Smith, is about masturbation. And in the biggest Shamalamalan twist ever, I love singing along to Bethlehem, which is about the birth of Jesus. The title track is a monster 22 minute song, with again, kinda goofy lyrics. I just don't get the whole, God/Jesus take the wheel mumbo jumbo. Still the title track is awesome. Unfortunately the next album was a rehash, so Mirror of Souls is the only thing by Theocracy I care for, but it is one hell of an album. I just have to pretend the lyrics are being told as fantasy. And I apologize if my opinion offends you, wait, no I don't HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA*cough*
Favorite song: Mirror of Souls
19. Kamelot - Karma (2001)Genre: Power MetalSo one day in early 2006 I'm browsing Myspace... It's a social media website, kinda like Facebook, when I stumbled upon some random person's profile, and their song of choice was this really fast melodic metal song with a fairly unique vocalist. The first thing I noticed though was the guitar and vocal melody reminded me of that song at the end of The Land Before Time. No joke. I grew up with that movie. I still like that song. Anyway, well, the song on the Myspace profile was called Forever, and it instantly clicked, and I had to find out more about this band with the cheesy name. But enough about how I discovered Dream Theater, let's talk about Karma. This album didn't make my last list because of a few songs that hadn't really clicked in the 6 years I've been a fan. One of those songs was The Light I shine On You. Something about the chorus didn't quite sit right with me, but after listening to the whole album on a random night of driving, the song finally clicked. The whole album clicked. I liked most of the album anyway, but now I liked every song. Kamelot is such a great band and although they have their fair share of cheesyness that goes with the genre, they set themselves apart by being more mature, and having, as I said, a unique vocalist like Roy "Moby" Khan. Forever is still my favorite Kamelot song, and I can't end this write up without givng a shout out to the awesome Elizabeth Trilogy. The fastest 12 minutes ever. Simply amazing.
Favorite song: Forever
18. Iced Earth - Burnt Offerings (1994/2002)Genre: Thrash/Power Metal/hint of Death MetalI put two dates because the remix is like a whole new album. It must have been a bitch to fix the drums, cause on the original version, the drums sound like ass. Noticeable mistakes, and sloppy as fuck. Jon was a very angry man in the early 90s. After Night of the Stormrider, Century Media decided to be dicks or something and Jon being a dick himself wanted all the spotlight of being a dick, so he and the label didn't get along. Thus Burnt Offerings was created. Not quite the thrashy power metally stuff like NOTR, but more thrashy death metally stuff. Very dark and brutal, but only like two growly moments, so new comer Matt Barlow isn't trolling it up. I don't want to mislead. Matt's anger, or Jon Schaffer's anger sounds genuine as heard through Matt. And Schaffer does sing some trade offs in the title track which is an angry rant to the label. The theme of Burnt Offerings is very anti-religious, but to quote the song Brainwashed, "Christ it's nothing personal". Jon hates organized religion, but he doesn't going around bashing god or Hey Zeus. Now let's talk about one of the coolest songs to ever exist. Dante's Inferno. I said Blind Guardian's And Then There Was Silence was the greatest power metal song ever, well Dante's Inferno is the greatest Thrash Metal song ever. A 16 minute trip through Hell. I've been listening to this 16 minute song for 10 years, and it never bores. It's just remarkable. Jingleboy is a ninny. If you're only familiar with that remake with Stu Block on vocals, go listen to the original immediately, and forget that remake exists. Some like the rawness of the original 1994 version, but I recommend the remix. It's cleaner, crisper, and tighter. The drums really are that bad.
Favorite song: Dante's Inferno
17. Redemption - This Mortal Coil (2011)Genre: Progressive MetalThis album and I have a bit of a history. My favorite bands have been disappointing me, and when This Mortal Coil came out, I was quick to point out everything wrong with it. I was just expecting it to suck. Well, guitarist and founder Nick Van Dyk just so happens to post here occasionally, and responded to my claims, and long story short, I made a huge ass of myself. The album did finally click eventually, so all is well. The first 6 songs are incredible. My favorites being a tie between Dreams From The Pit and Let It Rain. Ray Alder may not have the strongest voice anymore, but he sings with so much emotion it hurts. No other singer can portray what Nick writes in his lyrics like Ray can. The album is based on Nick's struggles with cancer, and his victory in beating it. Congrats again! Nick is such an amazing songwriter and his band is one of the best in Prog Metal right now. Unfortunately, they aren't very popular even to prog fans, but they have 4 spectacular albums (not counting the debut), and if you like prog metal, Redemption is not a band to pass up.
Favorite songs: Dreams From the Pit, Let It Rain