2000mk's Metal Top 10 |
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Pantera
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Psi.Kore
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Soulfly
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Rage Against The Machine
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Papa Roach
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Vader
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Suicidal Tendencies
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2001mk's Metal Top 10 |
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Slayer
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My Dying Bride
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Katatonia
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Akercocke
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System Of A Down
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As most people will know - SoAD are primarily a protest band. For most they are a metal band that formed mid 90's, with their first release in 1998 introducing a sound that most would like to peg as nu-metal at the time. They got on some big tours as openers for bands like Slayer and eventually made an appearance on Southpark. It was their sophomore release in Toxicity that drove them to large success. This is not nu-metal (never was) and is a complex band with very unique sound - 2 to 3 minute songs that run the line of brutal vox by Serg, Darion and his softer vox every now and then, and encompassed with John punch his drum kit through to middle-earth. Shavo and his bass holding the fort when they take a short break from the brutal music attack. It might sound like I am describing a rinse and repeat approach. Far from it in my view. The opener 'Prison Song' sets the scene very quickly and became their first song in their live set during touring of the album. The chorus of 'Deer Dance' is a very confronting point being made about some American history. You can look up info on what the purpose behind some songs. 'Chop Suey!' is easily the highlight of the album and is the one that sees any pit, when played live, got to another level. There is a big quirkiness with likes of 'Bounce', which is Serj to a tee, particularly if you listen to any of his solo work. Other notables for me are 'ATWA', 'Toxicity' & 'Aerials'. Overall, a record I go back to regularly when you want to get energised. Just always wonder how many of us get deep into the protest being made and simply just love the music. |
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Emperor
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Dimmu Borgir
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Megadeth
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Green Carnation
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Opeth
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2003mk's Metal Top 10 |
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Alchemist
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Cradle Of Filth
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Edge Of Sanity
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The Haunted
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Fear Factory
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Dimmu Borgir
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Cryptopsy
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Opeth
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Firstly I have to stop myself from writing an essay on this release. It IS brilliant. Opeth released Deliverance and Damnation 5 months apart. It seemed a deliberate attempt to highlight to fans that future releases will not be full of heavy death metal vocals and that Mikael will truly embrace is love of Prog. Nothing wrong with that - we knew that would eventuate. This is an amazing piece of work from Mikael. For some reason, from first listen I loved it. His vocals perfectly match the music composition, which itself doesn't deviate to far from song to song. I do have to point my favourite song 'Closure' which has that middle eastern sound from the middle. Listening today still brings back the same memories from my first listen. Incredibly bold release, and it worked for the band, given the acclaim it has received. |
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Metallica
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Arch Enemy
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2004mk's Metal Top 10 |
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Danzig
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Some crunchy mid tempo guitars and I'm anyone's!! Yep I know this guy has done some great things in metal and I've ignored them all (including his Misfits work), but this release is impressive... Simple, but impressive. |
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Exodus
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OK - Another surprise. Scar Spangled Banner is brilliant. Souza's vox are infectious. Actually if you see what else has made my Top 10 this is a small trend at the moment (see Aura Noir and Cadaver vocals). This is just great old fashioned speed man!!! |
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Mayhem
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Each song has a great riff in it that keeps you listening for it to come around again. That's why it scraped in ahead of the others. |
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Cadaver
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Almost the spitting image of Aura Noir's latest. Grumpy vocals and straight up speed. Brilliant!!! |
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Aura Noir
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Nothing ground breaking here in terms of sound. Again just some really catchy tunes. |
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Into Eternity
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The surprise for me. This is just completely against all I stand for (in a wanky clean cut guitars sense at least) but something made me stand up and take notice - glimpses of grumpy guitars in between the clean and the vox change is different - I don't think I could stand a whole album of just one type. Impressive. |
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Pungent Stench
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Have loved these no thrills metallers for years. Glad to see they are back to their putrid, horrid, smelling best. And what a great theme for an album! |
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Cult Of Luna
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A new sound that has grown on me. This and ISIS were great releases this year. Definitely need to be in the mood for it, but the intricacies with the occasional growling vocals blending in is a catchy mix. |
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Megadeth
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Yes, it does grow on you. I think this record has got me over 'Bring back the 'Rust' days' phobia. Sure I've listened to and admired all releases since that epic - but it's always been a 'take-it-or-leave-it' relationship. This has me interested in revisiting those albums again. Keep the Megadeth juggernaut running Droogie Dave - just one more time at least. AND YOU'D BETTER COME TO ADELAIDE!!!! |
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Slipknot
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This marks the 3rd release from the Iowa band. Following on from the first 2 full-lengths, the band had the confidence to move on from the shock-metal (yeah I made that up) years that had them belting their instruments (all 8 of them) as hard as they can, questionable song titles and Corey growling like the devil. On this record, you need not look further than listening to the first minute of the opening track to be aware you were in for a treat. A new experience that had the band growing the balls to start off with an emotional, but angry ballad. Absolutely brilliant. But don't let that fool you - they drop right back into the aggressive pit, which gave us such gems as Duality and Vermillion. Add in the genius of dedication a song to their fans (the Maggots) with Pulse Of The Maggots and you have an incredibly attractive and mature release from the band. Still to this day their best release. |
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2004mk's Metal Honourable Mentions |
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Behemoth
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Hey - Some don't mind if you pour a bucket load of spit over your mic, but this ruins it for me. |
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Cannibal Corpse
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The perennials in filth and off-putting song titles. They keep spewing out the same old stuff. Good for a listen, but a bit boring now. |
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Cradle Of Filth
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Got a little boring in the end. I think this is the year of short albums for me. |
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Decapitated
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Some great short catchy songs in this lot. I just like the other shorter catchier songs better. |
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Deicide
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Hey - this is good. Maybe I should have put it in my Top 10. Could it be the last one under the Deicide name??? |
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Enslaved
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See Deicide. Maybe we could stretch this to a Top 15 Zan??? |
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Fear Factory
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Sad as it is to say - one of my fave bands has rolled out something very similar to previous releases but just doesn't grab me. There are some good songs in there - Cyberwaste (a great tribute to Dino), but I was maybe looking for something a little different without Dino there and given the success (or slight lack of) of recent efforts. |
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Isis
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Very similar to Cult Of Luna's release. I liked that one a little better as a complete album. |
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Khold
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Unlike most listed here I have never heard of these guys. Have a great sound. Mixing the theatrical (sort of - I did shudder when I wrote that) with a progressive sound is cool with me. |
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Ministry
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Love these guys and like this album, but I'm sick of the political stance in music - thank you Mr. Marley. Get back to singing about Jesus and those damn hot rods!!! Far more sensible topics. |
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Motorhead
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Let's put the record straight - never been much of a fan of the music, but am a fan of the man. |
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Damageplan
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The last we will hear of Dimebag. \m/ |
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2005mk's Metal Top 10 |
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Paths Of Possession
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Featuring none other than 'Corpsegrinder' Fisher on vox - the man that sung all those famous lyrics with Cannibal Corpse. If you're expecting the same, then you won't get it. Certainly not as brutal, but a worthy debut that got my attention. |
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Exodus
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You know what you're gonna get with these guys. Although I really loved Souza on Tempo Of The Damned. He has a great voice, so I must admit I was a little disappointed to hear him go, but Dukes in a lot of ways is similar. As a result, they haven't lost any of their touch. I must admit they have some awesome riffs loaded in this release. Brilliant! |
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Annihilator
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I'm the first to admit I never really liked early work from this band. And I'll be honest and tell you why - it's as superficial as their album covers. Sure Alice In Hell is a classic and they are held together by one of the all-time great guitarists in Jeff Waters, but seriously check Never Neverland and Set The World On Fire covers - what tha?!?!?! Anyway this one grabbed my interest more than Exodus as the thrash release of the year. I even had to go back and listen to the 2004 release of All For You to realised I'd missed the return to form of this great band. |
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Opeth
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OK, here we go. Most definitely the most anticipated release of 2005. It had all the billing. Blackwater Park onto the mix of Deliverance and Damnation, what was Mikael going to do next? Let me tell you what he did (as seen through my eyes): Signed to RoadRunner (a big family feud Bu-bowww!), Signed a Keyboardist (again Bu-boww), Released a 5min music video for the 8+min Grand Conjuration (Bu-bowww), Completely screwed the listening pleasure with that damn song Atonement smack in the middle of my ears being brutalised (Bu-..well you get the drift now). In all honestly I can forgive him all flaws (yes - even the keyboardist) EXCEPT for the last one there. It ruined it for me. So why is it at number 6? The rest is a masterpiece. Cannot wait to see them in a couple of weeks time - Beware Mikael - I will have some eggs at the ready just in case you decide to play that song live!! |
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Nevermore
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There has been a lot said about this release. Was one album that I listened to early in the piece to 'get it out of the way'. But like a piece of chewing gum on your shoe, it just stuck. It has stood the test of time as I've listened to countless others which truly shows the quality of this effort. Bittersweet Feast is just a killer track!! |
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Judas Priest
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I own none of their previously releases and have deliberately avoided them all these years. but hell, this release can't be avoided. I don't have much else to say about this release apart from OUT! DEMONS OUT! |
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YOB
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Another gloomy, slow paced grunt of a band with a guy who has some resemblance I think to a Mustaine vox. They have reportedly spit up now, but again - as is my passion this year, the tempo is perfect for digging pits in your backyard on a grey afternoon! |
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Candlemass
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Much like last year, my number one is completely unexpected. There is not much I can say about this release apart from WOW! Right from the opening riff of Black Dwarf I was hooked. The album then sprawls into a consistent chug of guitar - like a perfectly oiled engine - it holds my attention for the entire album. Again a surprise, but one that leaves me excited for 2006 - what new surprises await us?? |
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2005mk's Metal Honourable Mentions |
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Sargeist
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Pelican
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Gojira
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Deathspell Omega
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Obituary
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Love Tardy's voice!! |
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Akercocke
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Rumpelstiltskin Grinder
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The burglar metallers! |
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2005mk's Metal Dishonourable Mentions |
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Trivium
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Metalcore tries to take over the world, thanks to fools like Trivium. |
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Korn
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Seems like the prayers of Brian 'Head' Welch have done their trick. Get back on the drugs Jonathan - you make me sick. |
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System Of A Down
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The worst mistake in metal has to go to Daron who thinks he can sing better than Serj in SOAD. What a fool!! |
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2006mk's Metal Top 10 |
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Vreid
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When I heard that most of these guys used to be members of a Viking/Folk Metal outfit in a 'previous life' (Windir - don't I type that into my run command on my pc to get some directory??) I was a little sceptical. As you will know Vikings only exist in movies (like Eskimos) and Folk is all about fairies - again make believe. So the fact that these guys believed they were in a make-believe band had my head spinning (how about yours?). Well thank god they came into the real world. This, their second release, is catchy as hell. I can't pin-point any particular reason - they sound a little like the new rage going on in black metal at the moment - cut the distortion and slow it down a little - but regardless I like it!! |
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Unleashed
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As Zan rightly pointed out (damn I'm making him sound good at the moment) - you know what you're going to get from these guys. In some cases, that is a good enough reason to switch off the lights and find something new (note Vader, Eddie Jam, etc.). Sometimes though it just gels and stands out from the 'ho-hum'. Cannibal Corpse have done it in the past and Napalm Death with Smear Campaign did it well (very) this year. This one gets the big tick - nothing ground breaking but a very solid effort. |
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Terrorizer
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Look out everyone - The storm is coming, the clouds are forming. I was too scared not to leave this out. You've all been warned!! |
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Stone Sour
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As much as I loved Slipknot's previous release and the fact I didn't want it clouding my true judgment of this release by their side project - well for Corey and Jim, for me it's almost unavoidable with Corey vox style being particularly noticeable. Saying Stone Sour is a 'softer' man's Slipknot is probably not a fair representation of the quality of the song writing on this release. And the last person who called me soft ended up giving his mum the poor excuse that it was the fairy floss that rotted all his teeth away..Anyway, there's plenty of catchy tunes here and even though the ballad Sillyworld does it's best to ruin the atmosphere, it can't deny the quality of the rest. Interestingly Jim was quoted as recently saying playing in Stone Sour was much more fun than playing in Slipknot. I find that a little hard to believe - surely wearing stoopid masks surely equals a constant laugh-a-thon?? |
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Satyricon
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Much like MDB, Satyricon is another band that hasn't really grabbed my interest in the past. Although I can't deny their importance to the Norwegian black metal scene, their previous release Volcano wasn't a biggie on my list. In fact I've forgotten it altogether. It took Zan to remind me that Now Diabolical is a departure from the typical formula for these guys. In the same way I loved Cadaver's Necrosis release of 2004, I find the rawness of the Satyr's guitar hypnotic, along with his vocal effort. Not much else to say - simple, heavy, I love it!! |
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Venom
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These guys definitely topped Slayer for 'Thrash release of the year'. Why are they not above Slayer then might you ask?? Well I'm scared of Kerry King, so if he sees this, I don't want him coming after me...No seriously this is a great release that can't be ignored. I won't go into comparisons as this release stands out on its own as a *cliche warning* 'in your face, balls out effort from the Venom boys'. Cronos, Mykus and Antton have made the 6 year wait well worth it. Pity they couldn't come up with more angry 'handles'. |
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Trivium
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The rumours were circling. Hetfield's illegitimate child had emerged and fronted Trivium. Ascendency, the previous release came and went for me - I was none too interested although it makes damn good compost for my garden at home. Suffice to say, this reference to Hetfield in reviews had me interested, otherwise the compost was looking forward to a new influx. Thankfully it was saved and proudly sits in my Top10. Zan and I have discussed at length its legitimate right to Top10. Plain and simple it's catchy. Gone are the 'core references in my opinion - there's plenty of thrash elements, including solo's every now and then (note Mr. Hammett). |
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Slayer
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'Whacky' Lombardo is back!! Is it any coincidence then that Slayer have risen from the depths of mediocrity to deliver a crushing release? Thank fucking Christ is all I can say - I like many others I'm sure were shitted to tears by Kerry 'effing' King's self-promotion of his and the bands new albums greatness. Well the boys delivered. Tommy's voice no longer sounds tired to me - it's as if he is again believing in what he is singing. I can't help myself - I have to make reference to 'Reign' (I know that's 10 Our Fathers as penance for me) - although no comparison can truly be made (but I'll give it a crack), the promo for Christ Illusion hit me like a train pulling carriages of brutality along behind it and reminded me of my first listens to Reign. The one downside is we'll be hearing from King into the future - a double edged sword that comes from a killer album. We go see these guys in April fulfilling yet another void in my 'must see before I die bands'. Now if only Mustaine would pull his finger out and come to Adelaide damn fucker.. sorry, I digress... |
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My Dying Bride
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In what has to be my greatest back-pedal I eternally bow to the greatness of this release. You can't help but be sucked in by the crunchy guitar riff throughout the entire record. There are lashings of Opeth style song structures (L'Amour Detruit) and Candlemass high-pitched riffing (And I Walk With Them) that. well for anyone that knows me, is a winning formula. That's not to say that this release doesn't stand all on its own. In fact it's brilliant!! Now onto Stainthorpe's vox - something that has distracted me in the past - not so this time. He mixes the sorrowful wailing, deathly whispering and agonising growls to perfection. Track of the year is undoubtedly the opening track - To Remain Tombless. While metaphors such as this from Loves Intolerable Pain (what if loves intolerable pain never leaves us? Do we dash our bleeding hearts on the rocks of loneliness or do we cry unto the lords above who turn away in haste) pound the heart with sorrow and despair. And just when you're ready to tear your eyeballs out and curse this world, MDB pump life back into your body with a punishing finish to the album - possibly the best ending to an album I have seen. Refer to the last 35 seconds of The Blood, The Wine, The Roses. Brilliant!! I could go on for ages talking about this album, but I need to go kill the tool referred to above before this gets any further out of hand. |
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2006mk's Metal Honourable Mentions |
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Rebel Meets Rebel
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For Dime only - never a serious Top 10 contender. That outlaw did has tickets on himself and I won't offend any Vin lovers out there (the great skin-man he may be). |
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Into Eternity
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When I heard the singer was on the way out I was scared for these guys - such a find in 2004 for me. Further into my investigations I found that just about everyone but the roadie contributes vox in this band, so no big loss. The replacement - the touring singer - does a great job. My only complaint is the 'tinny' double-bass' at the front of the mix (a bigger mistake than Lars made IMO). Just distracts the listener in some very important places. |
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Napalm Death
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It was getting to the point where I had lost interest. This could be a grower over time. A great return to form. |
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2006mk's Metal Dishonourable Mentions |
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Body Count
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I'm almost at the point where I have nothing constructive to stay here (my head won't stop shaking). I'm afraid with the majority of the band being shot down in drive by's over the years hasn't stopped Ice-T from dragging out this horse (dead and well on the way to making it's way through the bowel of a vulture) again. It's a shame that one of the most influential rap artists of his time won't go back and do what he's good at. The original BC was a fluke - it was a 'point-in-time' album (Rodney King et al..) - nothing else. I remember guys who used to debate who was the better of the two back in the 80's - Ice-T or Ice Cube?? In all seriousness, the T man is running third in the race - behind the Vanilla one (Baby!) |
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Voivod
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Respect to the Snake man, but really these guys hyped up a piece of shit. Enough said..well no, not exactly..I could roll out turds splashing into the water that made a better sound than this album. Jasonic has fallen from grace big time (particularly adding to his Rock Star Supernova debacle). But I took a deep breath and breathed a sigh of relief that it would likely be their last only to be disappointed the other week when I hear they are planning to put another album together once Jasonic is 'cured' - sorry guys, but I hate to tell you, he'll never be cured - he'll always remain a self-centred fucker!! |
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Asesino
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Grow up fat boy (Cazares). OK, we're not all 10 year olds Dino so you don't need to proclaim yourself to have the heaviest band in the planet and then release that shit. How un-original! |
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2007mk's Metal Top 10 |
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The Cursed
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A departure from the rest of my list, as you'll see. Ellsworth of Overkill fame's side project with Dan Lorenzo. But don't think Overkill here - this is slowed down bluesy Southern metal. New Jersey style of course. Guitar work is catchy here and there's a sense of tongue in cheek in the lyric work. Check out - the best of the worst for an example. The last spot in my Top10 was a difficult one to choose, but in the end, it was the simplistic and memorable mix that won me over |
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Darkthrone
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Such a joke, it's brilliant!! Becoming more obscure with each release, these guys do well at not taking themselves seriously. Exhibit A - Canadian Metal and the title track F.O.A.D. Buy the album is you want to know what that stands for. A new album expected in 2008 - what will they parody next |
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Paths Of Possession
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I'll admit up front that in my mind Corpsegrinder Fisher can do no wrong. I was absolutely wrapped that he resurfaced with this gem of a band. No-one can deny his contribution to cannibal Corpse and his legacy will continue. He has one of the greatest death metal voices and I think Paths of Possession gives him more freedom to twist and turn that guttural growl of his in as many directions as he likes. Yes, I know I've only talked about him to this point, but in honesty it is him that makes this band. This is not to say that musically this isn't a great post thrash death metal infusion - it's brilliant!! But with a lot of death metal, the vocals are to 'stock' (thanks SKOM). The variety in the vox here is perfect, with a few pretty cool licks added in for good measure. It's only their second album and they are yet to get the cudos from a wider audience. Let's hope things continue to improve for them. |
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Shining
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2007 was during a period of a few years looking for new things to listen to. When music fans choose something to listen to, sometimes this is based on your mood. For some reason, when I listened to Halmstad for the first time, I knew I'd be drawn back to many listens. It's not pleasant in its music. I have comparisons I could make but that isn't worthwhile. The lyrics are Swedish so I don't know what is being sung. I can tell you that the translation of the title of the first track is 'Yet Another Step Towards Complete Fucking Isolation', so you will start to get the point on the theme of this album. Musically, sharp walls of guitar sounds, leading into incredibly moody parts where you have a slow drum beat and an almost silenced guitar. I'll call it an incredibly depressing release, but if you can manage it, equally as beautiful in its execution. |
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Red Harvest
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The opening track will have your eyes bleeding from the inside! The second track will have you weeping with sorrow, such is the diversity of this release. The buzzing guitars through this album are brilliant, the timing changes perfect, the drumming simplistic but concrete. An industrial sound, yes, so the polish has been applied, but a sound that grabbed my attention this year. Love it! |
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Candlemass
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I'm the first to admit I have deliberately avoided this release for most of the year. As I said in 2005, it was Messiah's vox that sealed the deal for me on their previous self-titled release. It was a shame that he left, but if Leif is to be believed, he was a right prick. So in comes the actor Rob Lowe - who'd have thought huh? From Solitude Aeturnus fame. I realise now what a fool I have been to be so anti towards him all year. Yep, he sounds different to Messiah, but he fits in perfectly. How lucky are Leif and Co to find a perfect replacement? The guitar work is buzzing like opening a tin can with a blunt knife, while the theme of the album is suitable depressing. Sure they've moved on from their Epicus doom period and are a little more (dare I say it) 'positive' in their music, but the theme of the album does prove they still have those doom overtones. |
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Winds
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I think I described it as 'Thinking man's metal' to Zan earlier in the year. Gee this is tight - a very tight piece of work. With Hellhammer lending his expertise to another worthy collaboration, I was always going to be interested. The music certainly isn't played at a jaw-breaking pace - more a bread basket punch knocking the wind out of you. Lars somewhat high pitch desperation in his vox has you on the edge of your seat feeling like you're in the middle of an epic journey. Operatic elements are not overbearing and fit as small interludes in the progressive wall of sound, while Tidemann's guitar work is as crisp and as tight can be. All blends together for an enjoyable listen. |
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Akercocke
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Picked this gem up from the bruts in suits a month or two back. Punishing is all I can say. Well, actually add 'Melodic' in there also. These guys caught my attention with 'Goat' a few years back now and Antichrist just continues to raise the bar. I don't really subscribe to the Christianity/Satanism debate attached to this band (why these guys above others?? stoopid Pom priests!), but I'm sure this release will warm the cockles of Beelzebub's heart. |
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Static-X
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OK, I'm gonna cop a lot of shit for this (already have actually), so a big Fuck You to the haters. I know what you're all thinking - Why is a sophisticated guy like me listening to Static X?...What??? You don't think that at all?? OK, refer to my salutation above then. Yes, I like the intricacies of some metal arrangements (refer to Winds release for this year), but when you want to get a 'dose of metal is all you need / bang your head until you bleed' (kudos Mr Mustaine), then this is it for me. Yeah, it's simple. Yeah it's repetitive, but damn it's heavy!! Love it!! |
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Korn
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After my less than enthusiastic reaction to 'See you on the Other Side' I was a little anxious about what was to come next. It was only seeing it in the bargain bin after being out for 3 months that had me jump at the opportunity. What was this implying? Whatever it was to be at least it wasn't going to cost me much. Well, in the end it was my best investment for 2007. On initial listen I was far from impressed - Untouchables it wasn't!! Thankfully persistence rewarded me and after folding back the negative vibes, I was rewarded with a fleshy piece of song writing. They have moved away from their Nu Metal roots but are still able to intertwine some magnificent heavy breakdowns in the mix (see 'Ever Be'). Davis has worked on his vocal range further, adding further complexity to the music and it is this harmonic side to the album that I really enjoy. Song themes such as schizophrenia ('Bitch we got a problem') are an odd choice, but the obvious digs at Welch can't be missed ('Ever Be' and 'Love and Luxury'). Clearly Korn is a different band from the 90's version. A contrast from the rest of my metal list it certainly is, but I can't ignore the fact it's my best choice for 2007 |
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2007mk's Metal Honourable Mentions |
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Beatallica
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This review is aimed to be fun. A parody review of a Beatles vs Metallica mash-up band that take lyrics and music from both bands. It is incredibly impressive. These guys - Jaymez Lenninfield, Ringo Lars, Kliff McBurtney and Greg Hammeston are great musicians in their own right. From the very open of track 1, the title song, I gotta say they have pulled it off with Hetfield's sound. Brilliant. Of course you need to be familiar with both bands to appreciate this. Highlights for me are 'Blackened In The U.S.S.R.' - which starts with the 'Blackened' intro from Metallica and then shifts into the Beatles sound for their classic song. 'Sandman' where there again is a typical intro except for the bass, you know that is going to turn into something else 'Cashman'. There is a playoff with lyrics between to the two songs which is very smart. Also lyrics not related to each band such as 'For Horseman' where Larz needs to get more beers. They even include a mash of Cliff Burtons classic Anesthesia, with then turns into 'Birthday'. The highlight has to be 'Hey Dude' which talks about starting to be a shredder and to avoid posers, with callouts to 'Kip Winger' and 'Diamond Header'. Brilliant! Add a few more Lenninfield 'Yeehaahh's' and this is a release you will have you grinning from ear to ear. |
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Korn
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Whoa!! This is brilliant..yes even with Amy Lee on it. Highlight is clearly Davis a the Cure's Smith performing a duet of Make me bad and In Between days |
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2007mk's Metal Dishonourable Mentions |
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Hellyeah
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Grow up fat boy ('Big Vin'). Alright, I know there's plenty of you thinking it but not saying it...the wrong brother died in December 2004. |
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Job For A Cowboy
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Get another job. Preferably on another planet. |
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Elend
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Already on another planet for people nobody likes. |
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2008mk's Metal Top 10 |
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Slipknot
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This release if anything does make me appreciate Subliminal Versus more, but that's not to say that this is a bad release. It's just not a shadow on their release of 2006. In short I do enjoy the music, but there's something rotten in Demark here with this release. Just what is Corey, Jim and Co trying to achieve? Slipknot fans from the Iowa and past days will have noticed the transition happening here - to me they're becoming less and less Slipknot and more and more in the Stone Sour mould. At their brutal best the vox, percussion, techno beats, etc are well grained in the Slipknot sound (the first track Execute is a good example). But as you weave your way through this release, you hear trimmings, that probably belong on the next Stone Sour release - very structured with little risk - perfect example is the chorus of track 2 (Gematria) - Corey brings out a sound not familiar to the Slipknot sound. What does this all mean? I like it - I really do, but as a release for which band I'm not entirely certain. |
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Head [Brian Welch]
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I have to admit that I was ready to place this in the dishonourable list for 2008. There's been a lot of hype about this release - well the music and the book both - so I was hoping for the worst. In actual fact this release borrows a lot from the late 1990's Korn sound - a period of Korn that he was quite influential with, but when he announced he was no longer interested in that lifestyle I very much expected the music to be as much a departure from Korn as his personal departure from his previous life, to Christianity. The lyrics don't hold much interest for me - of course the topics focus on the bad of his previous life and the good of his new life, but musically it did raise an interest for me in 2008. It's not the stuff you're going to see in your Gospel hall any time soon, but if he does tour the album then maybe, just maybe, he'll be back to cursing in his next album. |
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Darkthrone
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OK - I know opinion is divided over Darkthrone's direction over the past couple of years. Ok, well maybe the scales are tipping mostly in favour of the 'Why bother?' If that be the case, then I guess I'm in the minority. This is one band where I do take a lot of notice to their lyrics - albeit as stupid and cheesy as they are. Listen to their last release F.O.A.D and you'll get an idea of where they are at. The fact is, I love the humour and their 2008 release is pretty much the same - it all starts with the first track '...the Dungeon Shaker', which has been a track of much discussion and disgust at the BigBlack. It's still rooted deeply in the Black Metal style with a production hitting a scale of more a 180 grit sandpaper as opposed to the expected 60 grit. Perhaps it's an indication of the remaining quality of my Top10, but in all seriousness, I just enjoy listening to their work. Another band not doing a Metallica and releasing new material almost each year for the past few years. I look forward to the next instalment. |
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Ihsahn
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This guy has a fantastic history in Metal and his first solo release a couple of years ago raised much interest at the BigBlack, almost making my Top10. This release I think offers more to the listener. His voice is hard to peg into a hole really, which when matched with the music is probably a good thing. The sound is progressive, but with some soulful interludes such as that on Scarab. Oh and of course I should have mentioned in my first sentence that Mikael from Opeth makes a guest appearance on track 3. Listening closely to this track you could place this on an Opeth album - well maybe not Watershed (see my Dishonourable list). In summary, an attractive offering that I think has the potential to ensure Ihsahn stays in our circle of interest for many years to come. |
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Khold
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Khold have moved toward the Black and Roll style over the past couple of releases and it's just really captured my interest. I don't have much more than that to say in all honesty. It's certainly not as in your face as a traditional black metal release, but flows along making it an easy and enjoyable listen. Now, if only they could come up with an album name I can easily recall and spell anytime in the near future, that'd be great. |
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Satyricon
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I was a massive fan of their last release - Now Diabolical!, and although The Age of Nero doesn't quite reach those heights, it still pokes the devils fork in all the right places for me. The guitar sound along with the constant double bass of the drum in the background is central to the sound. Satyr's clinical and rasping vocal matches the sound well. These guys recently toured Australia and decided to miss Adelaide for the first time. I hope they don't make my 'wish I had seen when they toured' list in the future. |
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Cavalera Conspiracy
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The crew at BigBlack were wetting themselves in anticipation for this release. Let's just call it a Sepultura reunion. Who cares about Andres really - I've been less than impressed with his last couple of Sepultura efforts. Instead the guitarist from Italian metal masters Gojira fills Andres void, and after I initially convinced myself that I didn't like it, I can't avoid the urge to play it quite regularly. The only squirm in the bottom of my stomach is the littering of cheesy liyrics - Inflikted, show no mercy, motherfucking wicked. That's rhyming for rhyming's sake really, that I could do without. Truth be told though, I really hope these guys, as a group, are around to stay. |
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Unleashed
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It's Unleashed, of course they will make my Top10. In actual fact I must admit I have only been a fan since their previous release in 2007 - Midvinterbolt. A release that made my Top10 that year. I've since then gone back through their discography and realised what I have been missing out on. It's easy to say that if you've heard Unleashed then you will hear much of the same on this release. BRILLIANT - just what I want. Some fast pace DM at its best!! Reading the liner notes from this release, you soon realise these guys aren't just thugs playing heavy metal - topics mostly question Christian beliefs and they make some intelligent points. Another positive is they have toned down on the references to Odin J. Two releases in two years. Two Top10 listings. Bring on the next release, pronto!! |
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Virgin Black
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I think within 3 or 4 listens of this one, I went out and bought it. The second release and the heavier of the Requiem trilogy from Virgin Black is as moody as hell. The opening track starts off with some fast paced crunching guitars, only to open the trap door to some funeral paced metal and howling vocals. As I have alluded to, the mood doesn't deviate a great deal from there - if there was a need to draw a parallel with another band, My Dying Bride would be a close suit. But don't be mistaken - this is a unique piece of art in itself. The music itself isn't all that complicated - possibly the arrangement is the key, with a few orchestral elements sewn into the fabric. Rowan's vocal display is a talent to enjoy - he has an amazing range. I'll certainly never tire of listening to this release. The cherry on top of the cake would come later in the year when the BigBlack crew managed to see them open for Opeth at Thebarton Theatre. |
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Metallica
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The crew at TheBigBlack HQ made a co-ordinated attack on JB HiFi the day of release - after attempting to convince a number of stores that the day before was the correct release date for the album, we waited until the day after the US release date (ok, given time difference, it was about 10 hours later). Unlike St Anger, I had heard nothing on radio about the new album. The only judgement being the numerous interviews with Lars, James and co that I read on the net. The one word that stuck with me through reading all these articles, was Lars constant referral to the music being 'Nutty'. I hated this reference from the first time I read it - what the hell does that mean? It doesn't give me a reference point to work with at all. Mind you, previous reports had Rubin asking them to put themselves in their Puppets era vibe - what a wank!! The band has been through so much, you can't expect them to produce a similar release, and in some ways I feared it was dooming them to failure - were we expecting everyone to judge them on a 'is this Puppets quality or not?' platform. I really hoped that wouldn't happen. On the day of release - for the following hours that I drove around listening to it, and indeed, the following week where I would have listen to it a dozen or so times, I reflected on Lars's comment and couldn't think of a more appropriate description. It is indeed 'Nutty'!! Forget St Anger...forget the Black album even - this is possibly their best performance since Puppets!! Yes, I'd be more than willing to present a reasonable argument with anyone that thinks Justice would shite al over Magnetic. And trust me, I love Justice to pieces. I draw back to the Nutty reference - listening to each song, it's almost like you can predict a finish to a song, but no, they up it a notch, not just with some filler music to make it an 8 minute track, but some absolute quality music to pull you off the floor and keep your head banging the hardest it possibly can. Just writing this, I want to listen to the album again.and again. That's how good I think it is. Can't wait for the tour to Oz and more importantly, I can't wait to see what these so called washed up has been's produce on their next effort!! 'TALLICA YEAH!! \m/ |
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2008mk's Metal Honourable Mentions |
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Hellhammer
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Covers their three early demos on 2 discs. I hadn't heard the demos previous to now, originally crafted in 1983. For a young band, the sound is quite mature (production isn't too bad either). An interesting insight into what would eventually lead to the creation of Celtic Frost. |
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Hollenthon
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A surprise find this year - the third studio album (first in 7 years) from a band lead by Martin Schirenc - lead singer of now disbanded Pungent Stench. The story behind the creation of the band in 1994 was due to the lack of Black Metal in Austria, where these guys hail from. They formed the Austrian Black Metal Syndicate and have released some quality recordings. Worth a listen. |
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Mudvayne
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Yeah I know what you might be saying, but bear with me...I was pleasantly surprised by the new sound - moving further away from the Nu-Metal sound, almost to rock, with some great guitar licks. Two of the band members have been paying and touring with the gawd awful Hellyeah, so I was expecting the worst. They've recorded enough music for a second album due out in 2009, so will be interested to hear this one also. |
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2008mk's Metal Dishonourable Mentions |
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Judas Priest
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They've fucked up big time. After a corker of a release with Angel of Retribution (although in hindsight, I should have known Loch Ness was a sign of things to come), which welcomed Halford back to the vocal duties, they roll out this hunk of shit. A concept album seems to be the trend these days, and I'm yet to hear a good one yet. Stop trying to be intelligent fucks and go back to writing about Demons. OUT!! DEMONS OUT!!!!!", 1993,76,,2020,Obviously the crap left on the cutting-room floor from Catch Thirtythree was picked up to put this noise together. It's exactly that - noise. Put the drum beat on auto pilot for 40 minutes, place two guitarists next to each other to pump out the same numbing sound for the same period of time, oh and of course there is Kidman who has had a vocal transplant preferring to shout undecipherable shit into the microphone. For fuck sake, drop dead! |
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Opeth
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Someone has to set you straight Mikael, so it may as well be me. For the next Opeth album, please bear the following in mind: Tell the fans that you're planning on releasing shit. Don't get us all hooked by telling us all before the release that it's going to be heavier, more complex, diverse etc.. Noone gives a shit about running through fields of sorrow - certainly not at track one. ..Ahh, I'm just going to get depressed if I continue the list. Despite losing Peter, you still have a bunch of talent behind you Mikael to produce something far more than Watershed. Use them!! |
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2009mk's Metal Top 10 |
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Austere
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I'm in two minds right off the bat for this one. After a small intro, 'To Fade With the Dusk' swings the doors of your coffin open and begs you to enter. Depressingly brilliant! The harrowing vocals work really well here. This continues for the next few tracks before we are treated to a 20-minute last track which is essentially an instrumental involving the same chords as heard in previous tracks, played on and on and on to a completely boring an annoying ending. I would have almost preferred a 30-minute, 5-track album. |
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My Dying Bride
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I was really hoping for a suitable follow-up to the masterpiece 'A Line Of Deathless Kings' from 2006 (which made my number 1 in Metal). News of a return of violin made me nervous, but I needn't worry. It's insignificant and is far outweighed by the gut-wrenching guitar sound, pulling you limb by limb into their misery-ness. Stainthorp's vocals are brilliantly vacant and moody. |
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Ruins
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Have given this a stack of listens now and love it. Took me a while though - while I instantly loved the first couple of tracks, I did find myself losing interest a little further on. In contrast to when I saw them live and was instantly hooked on the set they played. Anyway buy it!! |
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Warbringer
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It can be a hard task separating the shit from the new wave of Thrash Metal shovel these days. But these guys are screaming to be rescued and I'm more than happy to give them a hand. This is really well executed in my mind. They've avoided the high end speed and ferocity of the likes of Municipal Waste and kept things pretty simple. Mid paced with well executed solos thrown in. The vocals remind me of the now ex lead singer of Rumplestiltskin Grinder. A pleasant surprise. |
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Mortification
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Right from the title track for Track 1 I'm hooked. The production is slightly neutered, the playing as tight as can be and the grhowling (cross be growl and howl) vocals spot on. Was a fan of their return in 2004 (Brain Cleaner). Sorry that I missed Erasing the Goblin, but glad they are continuing on their new direction and still releasing quality, dirt under the fingernails, Thrash!! |
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Heaven & Hell
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Ahh not getting my list together until much later in 2010 is in some way going to impact on my list. Before we go too far here. I love this album - listened to it once and went straight out and bought it. There is some absolutely classic Dio/Sabbath cuts in here - from the unnerving build up in Bible Black to the up-tempo Double the Pain - this album have just about got everything. And how about Ronnie's voice? You listen to the likes of Ozzy and Dickenson lurching into the microphone still in their 50's/60's and you can notably hear the deterioration. Not so Dio - sounds as crisp and as clear as 'Mob Rules' effort t for example all those years ago. So to the point at hand - Mortifications effort was/is a breath of fresh air in my much loved, slightly stale thrash cupboard, but Dio's passing makes Heaven and Hell an extra special release now. It takes the number 1 spot. |
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2009mk's Metal Honourable Mentions |
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Saxon
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Ahh, the soothing comfort of a Saxon release. Like smelling your favourite meal out of the kitchen window on your walk home from school, the promise of a new Saxon album delivers that warm glow of expectation. Trying to convince yourself they are still producing the same killer licks as their early to mid period 80's is futile, yet the legacy has not been disrespected. Biff, Paul and Co. continues to release some satisfying serves of power on their heavy metal menu. |
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2010mk's Metal Top 10 |
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An Autumn For Crippled Children
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Wow, what a debut!!! This is indeed a atmospheric, sonic journey through the depths of deep, deep sea of doom-tinged black-metal. On repeated listens I just keep finding new layers, all handled by three guys. |
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Iron Maiden
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Am not entirely sure if it's the fact this particular album has had promotion to the point you could but not pick it up for a few listens, or the actual fact that I might just like this album. I'll be the first to admit, I'm not a huge Iron Maiden fan - I missed all the classic 80's recordings at the time and thus the early 90's period is the recordings I am most familiar with, but beside that, the past 4 or 5 albums haven't interested me the slightest. The Final Frontier however is a different story. Probably more a case that the particular guitar riffs loaded up for this record have attracted my attention more than anything else. All else is generally stock, including Bruce's vox of course. But messers Murray, Gers and Smith put some tasty treats on the table for this release. |
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Ozzy Osbourne
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After the debacle that was the genre definition for Black Rain, I'm more than comfortable not putting Scream in the 'Non-Metal' category. Whether it's Gus G himself or Ozzy, there is a more aggressive edge to this release than the last. Another brilliant collection of songs which still has me with an annoying itch behind my ear questioning just how much writing is going into these songs from Ozzy, but eh, I'll ignore it as much as possible and just get down to continued enjoyment of this release. |
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Soulfly
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This is 11 tracks of pure fucking relentlessness!! Rizzo and Max work their axes like I have never heard before on a Soulfly release. With Igor providing the cornerstone, let's just close our eyes for a moment and pretend Rizzo is wearing a Kisser mask (and who cares about Pablo - he was turned down anyway according to Max). Truly Max has a confusing main course on the dinner table for us at the moment to consume - Cavalera Conspiracy touching on the rawness of early Sep, Soulfly doing a darn good impersonation underneath the carrots and then there is of course desert to come into the future - a Nailbomb 'like' collaboration....I canna take any more captn'!! But I sure as hell can't give up the addiction anytime soon. |
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Black Label Society
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Ease up on the ivory Zacky and bring back that trademark 'TWANG'!!! Something a little different going on here when compared to previous releases. The album certainly has that Zac sound to it, but just not raising the hair on the back of the neck as much as The Blessed Hellride for example. To be fair, there are three killer tracks to open the album before we peeter off into a 'album-closer-type' track. Two more killer tracks then keys. Another two tracks, then keys again. He can write a damn good ballad it must be said. I guess I just prefer less of this. Still I'm a Zac groupie and he can't really do any wrong, so he's in the Top10 |
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Burzum
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This has indeed been the most anticipated release for the past decade, now that Guns and Roses rubbish is out the way. The Counts' two efforts while in jail can only be described as working with what you have - a keyboard and a computer. Nothing more to be said. Out of jail and with all the tools of the trade at hand, this was expected to be a monuments return. And indeed it has been!! The first track after the intro is a killer and quickly affirms him adding his stamp on the traditional black metal footprints. ..Nedstigning has a surprisingly upbeat chorus, but the guitar undertone holding the track together is just mean. The mostly instrumental Morgenroede is very repetitive but mesmerising at the same time. Only disappointment is after this we have another 9 minute instrumental, repetitive also. Would have preferred some vox. But regardless this is a brilliant return!! Oh and I can't but not mention as is always the case - track titles being in Norwegian - makes it tough to remember them let alone pronounce them! |
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Cardiac Arrest
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Holy fuck this is fast and brutal!! I typically have something like this pulling the skin off my face each year and this year it's Cardiac Arrest!!!! Short! Ultra Fast! and Brutal!! The intro to Rage On...Fuck Off is truly unique (One, Two. One Two Fuck You) |
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Armored Saint
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Holy crap, I think I just saw a pig fly past. I clearly recall summing up my impression of Mr Bush's intrusion into the Anthrax camp all those years ago as 'pigs will fly before I'll say he can sing as good as Joey!!' Well water goes under bridges (and over in some places these days) and wounds collected while stubbing your toe heal. All is good in the world - John is out, Joey is back, which empowers me with the ability to judge this latest release from Armored Saint without bias. The guy can sing and he and Joey, the Vera kind, make a damn good song-writing partnership. The catchy chorus' and simple but effective guitar licks ooze from the sides of this release like a toasted sandwich overloaded with cheese. Has been a hell of a long time between drinks for these guys - 10 years. Let's hope the gap is smaller for the next one. |
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Flotsam And Jetsam
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Whoa yeah, Eric AK is one angry dude on this one. Head straight to the title track for a prime example. This is by far the best performance from him in a while. Musically they have mixed up the tempo a little more than on their most recent release (2005's Dreams of Death) and the two go together very well. After being a huge fan of their early stuff I thought they had lost their way mid 90's onwards. Dreams was a stepping stone in their return to greatness and The Cold has just upped that a further notch. Here's hoping lineup changes are over with and these guys continue to write good songs. |
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2010mk's Metal Honourable Mentions |
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Triptykon
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The Celtic Frost rulebook hasn't been thrown out the window just yet. The epic opener Goetia would sit more than comfortably among the Monotheist pack. I have to say though, after this initial excitement, the rest has taken a while to sink in. The first track is 15% of the album though (20% if we ignore the 20 min closer). Is that enough to warrant Top10 selection? As much as I want it to, I'm afraid the need to pose the above question is answer alone. ?? Alas I really had this at the top of my list at the sart of the year, so I guess I owe an explanation: First two tracks are brilliant. Track 3 takes a good 4 mins to get going before I hear what I expect/want. No idea of the purpose of the 1:44 track 4 sound. Intermission perhaps. Track 5 sees the pace build up and I guess this is where I'm a little a-taken back. I love that drone he had through Monotheist that this is out of kilter. He also has a guest vocalist I suspect, but can't find any proof - perhaps it' him laying vox over himself?? Anyway, the vox is slightly annoying. Track 6 - yes, expectations are restored somewhat. Track 7 - in addition to the first track a stand-out for sure. Track 8 - hmmmmm. Track 9 - very moody and a worthy track to include. Possibly a good closer. So all up possibly not the best argument - like a lot of releases there will be ups and downs. It may be a case of expectations here. I was expecting the most brilliant release from Tom and ended up with this, which is by no means a failure. |
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1349
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Strangely enough I seemed to have listened to this album the most out of all my Top10 entries. This is simply because 1349 are a band I've been trying to 'get' for a little while now. With there being strong links between 1349 and Tommy G, there must be something to like about their music. I was a fan of Hellfire from 2005, but their 2009 effort (Revelations of the Black Flame) put me offside. Demonoir seems to be a return to the Hellfire like sound. Fast-beats and crusty production. Some very cool instrumental bits through the songs. The 'Tunnel of Set' musical interludes I guess designed to allow the listener to catch their breath are my only real gripe here. Dare I say however, this rates higher than Triptykon for me? I probably need to give Triptykon the same attention I have given 1349. Time will tell. Oh the Morbid Angel and Exodus covers rock!! |
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Lair Of The Minotaur
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Evil Power does a good job of fitting an hour of slab of abrasive metal into approx 30 mins!! If you can remember back to the days when the school-yard bully chocked your mouth full of sand and made you chew, then you'll get a sense of the taste this release leaves in your mouth after a listen. It proves that 2008's release was merely a hiccup after the killer release that was The Ultimate Destroyer in 2006. These guys are at the top of their mark on Evil Power. |
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Nachtmystium
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This is a very brave release in my opinion. There is some sounds on here that you wouldn't normally associate with a Black Metal sound. Very modernised musically and quite varying through each track. It didn't make my top 10 as it wasn't what I was looking for after Part 1, but is worthy of a mention and certainly a band to keep an eye out for in the future. |
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Pensees Nocturnes
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With all the hailing going on, there's certainly something grotesque going on in the studio when Pensees Nocturnus knocked this one out. There are a few bands with the name Pensees included in their title and I've been quite disinterested in the Avant Gard-like soundscape rubbish. The first track had me heading towards the same feeling before opening up a coffin a bitterness, hopelessness and desperation that continues on for most of the remainder of the album. Quite a surprise really for me, it rates a special mention. |
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Immolation
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Looking back, a straight-up, in-your-face death metal release always nudges close or into my Top10. This year it appears Immolation get the tick. What sets this apart from other DM releases I've listened to this year? 'Simple' riff/timing changes into the mix. |
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Deathspell Omega
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I'm sure I've said this before, but these guys are always around the mark for me with each release. It's a guitar sound that weaves it's way through each track is quite unique. Not to the point of repetitiveness, just well placed and a constant reminder of who you are listening to really. They've once again put 10 individual tracks together, however in a single listen give you the impression you are listening to a single track. There are a couple of times on this release that you notice the move from one track to the next, but it mostly flows really well. Hope we continue to hear more from these guys. |
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2010mk's Metal Dishonourable Mentions |
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Darkthrone
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This is a big decision for me to make. The guys so real it's unreal have tipped the cheesiness over the edge I'm afraid. Things were travelling along OK until the title track. From this point onwards the decent is rapid, almost to the point of repetition. Perhaps it's time to take 'some' time off from writing and recording - the one album per year has run it's course sadly. |
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Korn
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Insipid!!! Just completely uninspiring and dull. The cover says 'Korn return to their blistering roots'. Now it could be said that this is an element of a mix of sounds - certainly not as structured as recent releases, but let's make one thing clear - this ain't no Blind or Twist, that's for sure. Extremely far from it. I'm really bummed by this and Darkthrone - two releases I was sure to have in my Top10 before the start of the year. |
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2011mk's Metal Top 10 |
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Havok
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OK time to confess here. It's 2014 and I'm writing reviews for my faves of 2011. Hopefully you can see where I am coming from when rating this effort by Havok. Listening to it today, 3 years down the track, modern thrash has been flooded with a number of solid efforts. Some very paint by numbers and some genuine standouts. I'd put this Havok effort in today's field midway between the two. It clearly had the pedigree you'd expect from a modern thrash effort but you can't say they have put their own spin on the 1980's genre. Think Exodus with slightly less talent in the guitar 'wizardry' and of course the vox cannot stand up to the heights of Dukes/Zetro kind, yet there is still an attraction to it, so it scrapes into my Top 10. |
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Pestilence
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At first I was captured by the vox. Almost Jeff Tardy like, but no one is as good as the master at the guttural death growl. Musically, this is a solid effort. I must admit it will take a few listens. Initially it might sound quite similar song to song, but give it time and it grows on you. |
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Mortal Sin
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I have never been a big fan of theirs. In the 80's there seem to be others in Thrash that were capable of better. However they are flying the Aussie thrash flag on the international stage big time with this release. It really is a sample of a band that was there at the time of Thrash being born, modernising themselves into what they are now. 18 year olds trying to re-create what these guys experienced, while admiral is just not the same. The definition of Thrash I think has changed over the decades. I very much associate with the old definition and these guys bring it in loads. |
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Amon Amarth
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This is a big call for me. I have never really associated with their previous work. It always sounded the same for me. I must admit they are the better exponents in the DM genre, however it takes something slightly different in the gene pool to interest me. To that extent Sutur Rising completely does that. What's the difference for me? Look no further than 'Slaves of Fear'. It is brutal but melodic at the same time. Very catchy. There are a number of other examples which, during a listen, make you wake up and realise you are not listening to the same song. For me that's plus in my book and for that, the top10 beckons them. |
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Cavalera Conspiracy
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In my experience anything that represents what Max Cavalera is to be associated with, it's the word 'Brutal'. Early Sep in some ways helped to define this. His vox commands your ears bleed with his presence. Fast Forward to Soulfly and we have what I think for the most part is a calmer Max and that South American influence. CC was supposed to be a kick back to the early Sep days. While their first effort 'Inflicted' a few years back gave the Max fans a kick back to early Sep, this current release doesn't follow in that vein. While the majority of the album is a solid effort, there are not really any standouts in my mind. The collaboration with Pinnato or whatever the fuck his name is, is lame. Bottom line is I'll always be interested in what Max contributes to the Metal community. This CC effort, when the fans were given so much with their debut ,is a follow up that doesn't quite meets the heights of the debut but still kicks a little ass. |
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Sarke
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ROIGHT - I am completely sick of any references to Norse history. I don't know what Oldarhain is reference to but I have chosen to link it to Oldin. Oldin can GAGF as far as I am concerned. However the bands that continue to use him as a goddamn inspiration for the type of music they choose to play have been rocking my world for years. Unleashed a classic example. Sarke can be added to the list. You won't hear the frenetic pace of Unleashed in the sound. In some ways you could say it is a modern day Darkthrone-lite. Lol - does that make it a confusing as possible? Good. Then don't take my word for it - have a listen and be immersed in the mid tempo'd pace backed by some gritty vox. |
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The Haunted
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Well fuck me - I am blown away by this. For the complete dick that Dolving may portray himself to be, this is an amazing out-of-the-box release from The Haunted. Sadly to be their final bow, however he has left the scene with quite a memorable release. Don't expect this to be your typical The Haunted release, this has as many twists and turns as a motor racing circuit. Clearly the most mature effort by the group that has hit a chord with me. In the past I've listened on with interest but never really embraced the sound. Thankfully I kept in touch with what they are up to and even more so that this release hit my ears. If you are a pure The Haunted fan I can imagine there might be some air of unsure around this one and I can understand. For those with open minds, at least take one listen. You might be surprised. |
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Anthrax
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I honestly didn't know how to start this review. There is so much excitement and superlatives in my head re this one. They are back from the dead in my mind. In fact if it takes 8 or so years to produce such a masterpiece then I am willing to wait till 2019. That's just how good this is. Tracking back a little for me - and the big black administrator is well of this - I was a huge fan until the Bush era. Not blaming him as it's always the Scott and Charlie show, however they really were delivering paint by numbers efforts. Perhaps it was just that era as Metallica were in the same holding pattern at that time until DM in 2008. I must also confess I am a huge Joey fan. I'll be clear that all he can do is sing. Don't listen to him speak or explain anything. He just sings and this is the best he has sounded ever. Period. Now musically and production wise, I can only take my hat off to Rob for producing such a kick ass sound. You can just imagine that Scott, Charlie and Frank to some extent have had so much bent up anger over the past decade and Rob has helped them capture this perfectly. So mature, so emotional, and more importantly so memorable. This is clearly the resurrection of the band, even more so that Tallica's DM in 2008. I can't wait for what lies next. |
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2012mk's Metal Top 10 |
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Bonded By Blood
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I'll finally start to give these guys a little credit with their efforts in the new wave of thrash. Musically it is tight and certainly in that classic vein, however the vox is the one thing that I still can't relate to - he's no Joey, Tommy, Dave or James. |
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Gojira
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I read that this is their best effort to date and with that I can't argue. It was their 2005 effort (2 records ago) that bought me into their world of guitar laden, angry technical death metal is probably the best way I can describe it. That's the uniqueness right there - this sound is quite unique and kudos to them. It has its dull moments in terms of repetitiveness particularly toward the end of the album but that squealing guitar complimented by a heavy bass line is attractive. |
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Cannibal Corpse
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Hard to find good help these days - well a good DM release. Seriously there is no comparison when it comes to CC. I like the tempo mix they do very well these days and Corpsegrinder continues to nail it on vox. There is not much more to say really. You know these guys, you know what they are capable of and you know they NEVER disappoint!! |
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Aura Noir
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Scrapes into the list partly on favouritism it must be said, the production is terrible. It sounds very distant and the more I think of it, this is more of a listen on your stereo rather than the headphones. Still, it's not as raw edged and fast paces as the last few efforts, but much like bands such as Khold - they have their style which is very noticeable and they do it very well. |
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My Dying Bride
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Seriously, that brooding, dredging guitar sound shortly followed by Stainthorpes infamous hollows in the first 20 seconds of track one sets the scene for yet another chapter of despair and hopelessness you'd expect from these guys. From here however there is a noticeable difference between more recent releases and this one. It seems to be more 'mellow' and less 'anger' in the lyrics and musical approach. For this reason alone, it's not a winner in my book as much as recent efforts but still deserves some credit.` |
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Candlemass
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This is a band I will always put every effort into liking. The general theme of the music is not far removed from that dark, sluggish, drag-yourself-into-a-hole space, with a little more of the keyboard, but I can forgive them that. We are now 3 albums in with Rob Lowe fronting the vox and this is where I still have a little bit of contention - he doesn't have the range of Messiah!! Interesting he left the band only a few weeks after this release. In any case, I just love the music, so can forgive that. Let's hope for a better music/vox match in the future. |
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Ufomammut
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It has been a few years since I've listened to a credible lyric-devoid, down-tuned and crunching release. Thinking ISIS, Neurosis type style with an extra tonne of cement entering your ears to fill up all those cavities. They released two records this year and I've chosen the one that finally had me sinking to the bottom of the harbour with the sound. |
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Enslaved
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This is possibly the best prog release I have heard for a few years. I've been concerned previously with listening to a full record given the keyboards etc they like to include. While they are still there, they don't seem to be as noticeable. The vox is a perfect complement to the music in the right places if that makes sense. Definitely worthy of a top10 place. |
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King Parrot
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Blast beats, buzzing guitars and frenetic desperation in the vocals, what more could you want? Definitely a mood required to listen to this one. As everyone will know I do like some variation in smashing my face against a brick wall. This one does the smashing with a level of respect (thankyou fellas) but also offers the opportunity to take a breath, wipe the blood off your face with a used yiros wrapper and then continue said beating. If you don't like it, you've got shit on your liver folks!! \m/ |
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Funeral Whore
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Brilliant slab of gritty death metal. Memories of old Carcass, Slayer and even Pungent Stench come flowing back to me with this one. Fast paced, but melodic also. A welcome surprise. |
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2012mk's Metal Honourable Mentions |
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Cattle Decapitation
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Ouch, that hurts. A wall of brutal sound that will stop you in your tracks and ask the question 'are you prepared to have your ears bleed?'. Would love to see these guys live as heck knows how they would do it. There are a bunch of newish death metal bands looking to deliver the listener something new. While I am still set in my ways (such as the new CC release for example) there is no question over these guys' chops and what they can add to the DM legacy. |
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Cryptopsy
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A tricky one as they are pretty much at the top of their league in the death/grind scene, but unless you are a huge fan, it's likely you'll see this is a quality release but nothing new. That's where I sit. Interesting comparison would be to Cannibal Corpse circa 2002. Cryptopsy have a similar wall of sound but much more modern and relentless, not stopping for that slower melody, which for me is equally brutal if you can hold that with a Corpsegrinder vox happening. |
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Napalm Death
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Well what can you say about these guys? No need to listen generally between records, however I'd suggest that you do listen to this one as it has some noticeable differences in style. Sure for the most part Embury and the crew are giving you a lesson (in case you needed it) on how to write a straight-up brutal DM release. However there are some points in the record where my ears pricked up in relation to some different sounds. I'd have to say I'm on the fence with this one, thus not an entry in the Top10 as you might expect. |
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Nachtmystium
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No doubting the talent in this band and their interpretation of the BM sound. I really liked their Black Meddle efforts - it was the first time I had listened to their sound. This one now suffers the unfortunate circumstance of me comparing it to those records. For me it doesn't quite match it. Less aggressive and actually more complex in the sound if you give it a few listens. Is that what I'd like from these guys? Still undecided. |
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2012mk's Metal Dishonourable Mentions |
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Ihsahn
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So when you sing with a gravel voice as the legend has always done, I have no complaints. When you match it with music that Delta Goodrem could sing to, then I have a little bit of a problem with where the dude is heading. Seriously, its progressive with that growling verse/melodic chorus approach, but really are we hearing anything ground breaking here? Absolutely not. If anything the band provides the landscape of colour and our main-man simply provides the out-of-colour lipstick to what could be a far better effort given his pedigree. |
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2013mk's Metal Top 10 |
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Zombie Inc.
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Of course, you'd expect me to make mention of this at some point. Another project from Martin S (Pungent Stench fame). He has a great DM vox and knows how to put together a great DM song. I can't say that this would ever fit as a Ps record as it is a little more fast-paced and trad in the DM approach, rather than what he has achieved with PS. Still though this is again a great template for all those fucks out there that think they know how to write a DM song. Take a look over your shoulder for the old dudes who can still tear you a new one. |
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Carcass
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One thing in Carcass favour has always been the raspy vocals of Jeff. Much like Tardy from Obituary, the vocals just add to the brutal/angry sound put across. I do have one point to make however with the modern Carcass sound - the sound is much more a brutal in your face neck-breaking speed, rather than the melodic DM we listened to in the 90's. Necroticism from 91 is still my favourite of theirs. Listen to that and you'll see what I mean. Regardless, and perhaps sadly for the genre, a bunch of blokes in their late 40's can still put together a pummelling effort better than many of the wannabe's that cite these guys as influences. Hopefully we continue to hear more from them. |
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Korn
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Cutting to the chase here - this is their best effort for a number of years. Do you credit Head's return on this? I'm not sure - Davis is a strong person I thought, so one person's influence on the sound can't be that much that they turn from rap infused rubbish on their last record to the sound we hear on this record. It starts off with some powerful songs kind of in the Untouchables mode. You won't get the dick lyrics and sound of the early stuff. The maturity is there again but this is also back to heavy modern sound that the majority of long-time fans would have come to accept and love. |
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Pestilence
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I get tired of saying it and Zan agrees. why can't the newbies in the DM scene match it with the old blokes? Trying too hard to be different, when really you just need to be you. That's what a number of the old bands having a renaissance period so-to-speak these days are just killing it (that's in a good way)!!!!! |
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Parasitic Ejaculation
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In some ways liking this shows how shallow I can be when it comes to liking some certain music. The Vox sounding like you are churning up some vile vomit from your stomach into the toilet is brilliant!! Match that with a sludgy, in parts up-beat, production sound and you get a tasty recipe of 'Fuck knows what you are singing about but I love it to pieces (human pieces - arms, toes, ears...)' The odd outtake of stabbing some poor person for example is really the tasty coagulated blood you need on the top of your raw meat pizza. Bring it!!!! |
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Darkthrone
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Darn it, they've gone all serious on me. No 'Canadian Metal', or 'Dungeon Shaker' anywhere here. However don't mind in the slightest. I call it blackened thrash in today's terms - others will disagree. In any case, who cares - I could listen to this all day long. |
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Hatebreed
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Mock me as much as you will, but I was very close to putting this number one. They were one of the first bands in the mid-90's providing that slightly up-beat sound to what Pantera were doing at the time. Call it metalcore I don't really care. For me Jasta vox is the standout from all others releasing records with this similar sound. As soon as he sings, you better fucking stand to attention. Ignoring what he has to say brings consequences. Fists up and head high mother fuckers!!!! |
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Nocturnal Graves
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Who would have thought we'd have a bunch of Aussies contributing to the book of masterful Blackened Thrash. This is as good as any efforts from European bands I have heard. Raspy vocals, relentless guitar and drum work with that edgy production that makes you think they ran this over a sharp razor blade before committing to digital sound. |
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Black Sabbath
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I must firstly point out what a privilege it is to finally hear a new Black Sabbath record on day one of its release. And DEAR GOD, they don't disappoint. The blueprint for the intro to the first track is a little cliche for them, but who cares. This was going to always be a sink or swim exercise - they have proved without a doubt that even without the drugs (except for the ones they take for arthritis pain these days), they are one of the greatest institutions for which this record brings no shame to. I'm happy. |
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2013mk's Metal Honourable Mentions |
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Cliteater
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Worthy mention for keeping the 'splatter-metal' genre alive. Inappropriate song titles, full-force, in your face grind and a sprinkling of movie out-takes which have you questioning what these guys do with their spare time, is absolutely spot on for me and puts a smile on my face. Just keep this one hidden from your mum. |
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Blood Red Throne
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Good work guys. The paramedic said I was only unconscious for a few minutes rather than the full resuscitation activity required from listening to previous efforts. This is a good thing as not only is my life saved, but the record is much more palatable than previous pummelling efforts. |
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Devourment
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I'm aware I am developing a pattern here in my Honourable Mention list - a bunch of Death Metal releases that were almost there. This one certainly fits that mould. Kudos to the guys for changing the tempo here enabling me to catch my breath. To save my poor, weary fingers, similar can be said of Embalmed - Regiment of Death. |
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Hatriot
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It would be very easy to place this in the Top10 as I am an Exodus fan and even more so I am a Zetro fan. However it is that first bit that puts this record in the worth mentions space. It really is a little too close to that Exodus sound for me to say 'Good job guys'. I'd have likes Zetro and his band of kids to come up with something along the same lines, but easily distinguishable as their own sound. There is nothing here that is their own sound. Not that is a bad thing, as mentioned. It just doesn't make the 10. |
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New Keepers Of The Water Towers
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I'm really not sure where to place this one to be honest. It actually requires you to listen closely but that means an investment in a few 10-min plus efforts. Partly for that reason it doesn't make my final top10. Very close, but you need to prepare yourself for an uninterrupted listen to get the full value. |
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Six Feet Under
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I'll put my hand up as a Barney fan, so have followed SFU with great interest. I'm torn however on this effort. This is very different from the 'let's make it as brutal approach that Barney has always focussed on. Sure his vox is as you'd expect, but there are a number of songs that are very 'light' in the DM mould. |
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Autopsy
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What a diverse piece of music this is? Thrash/Death/Roll in plenty of places. I don't know much about these guys apart from they have got back together in the past 5 or so years and are putting some music together as a bunch of 40-odd year olds that is new and fresh. Look no further than a song like 'When Hammer Meets Bone'. It's got a lot to offer and then some. |
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Satyricon
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I'll put it as honourable but this is very close to a dishonourable. The first track they released 'Our World, it Rumbles tonight' is great. Then we have to put up with some clean vocals from some fill-in a couple of tracks later. The tempo is pretty much dull (call it moody) with the occasional track showing that grit of anger they are known for, thus it scrapes in as a record I'll likely listen to again (and try to forget its failings). |
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2014mk's Metal Top 10 |
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In Flames
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I feel like I'll need to justify such an entry. I have not taken a great deal of interest in these guys until their previous 'playground' effort where they seemed to make a deliberate attempt to change their sound to a more 'acceptable' (no that doesn't mean radio friendly by any means) level. In any case, this follows on from that catchy effort which for some reason appeals to me. Think a Deftones like sound. |
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Eyehategod
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Do you enjoy some nasty steel filings in your weetbix and milk each morning? If not, go sit with your poser friends in a corner while they eat some 'smashed' avocado (seriously??). Listen up to this NOLA fans and tell me you don't like what the EHG guys are slaughtering your ears with? The first track is my only criticism in terms of sound. After that they return to what I'd expect. A brilliant record. |
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Goatwhore
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My innards always look forward to a good blackened death/thrash release. It has been a while between drinks on this front and thankfully Goatwhore have put their hand up to abuse my ears with their straight-up, no-messing-around release. I have to acknowledge the relief provided midway through where we encounter a slow-dirge, which while allowing you to take a breath for a brief moment, quickly pushes your head against a brick wall again to consume the remainder of the record (and a little bit of grit and cement between your teeth). |
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Body Count
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I can't tell you how happy I am to have these guys nudging the right bones in my body to stand up and listen to their work. Granted, we will never return to their debut effort, and I now accept that. This record sounds like a new band that has finally gelled after that terrible sophomore effort many moons ago. Ice-T is the same old with his vocals, and the music is tight, however this time, they haven't tipped over to the cheesy with their lyrics for the most part. I can appreciate that's a hard thing to understand when we go from songs like 'Evil Dick' on their debut to '99 problems and the bitch ain't one'. In any case, it's a thin tightrope to walk along. Thankfully they haven't tripped over. Bodycount's (still) in Da Howse!! |
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Khold
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I'm a big Khold fan so not surprising that you will see this in my top10. It has that typical vocal sound, however I must acknowledge that it has a more fast-paced, upbeat sound to this record than what you may expect. Look no further than the title track. While previous efforts have had a lot of that black-metal tarnished slow dirge to it, this one has an up-tempo for the most part which does take a bit of getting used to. Hey, it's been 6 years between drinks for them so I'm just glad that they are continuing on. |
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Triptykon
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Yet again, the master that is Tom. G. Warrior, in all his leather jacket and beanie wearing glory continuing to show that there is life in this old dawg still. I was sad the day Celtic Frost ended, however the clouds parted with the announcement that the man wasn't finished. Tryptikon is the outgoing fountain of moody, delicate yet brutal brilliance we have come to know him for. I have to note that I think the debut was a better effort, yet don't let this distract your attention away from this release. It still carries that level of simplicity to a great extent with the sound, yet the delivery and production are crushingly brilliant all the same. |
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Cannibal Corpse
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FIRE UP THE CHAINSAW FUCKERS!! Corpsegrinder in the best form he has ever been in on the vox side. An intelligent, yet forever brutal musical assault and these guys are seriously close to their best form ever right now. THE standout Death Metal release by a long way (and there are plenty of them posing as a DM band these days). |
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Amputated
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Listen to this splatter-fans and do your best to tell me you don't like it. Be warned if you don't like it, there will be the need to spill your entrails over a sewer pipe and allow a bevy of insects to feast upon them. Brilliant!! |
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Autopsy
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Dear God - how are these guys managing to pummel my face into a meat grinder after all these years!?!?! A meaty slab of death metal you might assume, however this has much more to it than that. Sure it's heavy, brutal and delivered at a frenetic pace that would see you crushing the likes of Usain Bolt over the finish line. But take a listen to the likes of 'After the Cutting'. Your body hurts - you're calling out to your mum and they oblige with an interlude of melody to give you time to catch your breath, and then it's on again. |
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Mayhem
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Sometimes when a record ends up being your favourite record of the year, there can be very little to say about it. This is one case where I'm speechless to a great extent. I don't need to tell you it's is Mayhem at its best. I don't need to tell you that Attila has produced his best recording ever. I don't need to tell you that the Mayhem sound is everything you'd expect and more. I don't need to tell you that a horse head will arrive at your door if you don't agree. Finally, I don't need to tell you to buy this record as anyone with an ounce of sense would have it in their collection already. Enough said (actually, that turned out to be more than I expected for having very little to say about the record). |
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2014mk's Metal Honourable Mentions |
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Austrian Death Machine
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Let's be honest at this point about this 'concept'. While it is humorous to have the Arnie impersonations and commentary, for me there has always been a challenge to agree on the comedy and music mix. It's easy to side with the former and call it a great record. In the end however this is a metalcore band mixing their music with a comic idea. Too deep for you that analysis? Yes, well you can drop dead. If ever I was to like this music, it needs some comedy and this brings it. Pity this will be the last effort for quite some time (that's what happens when you get put in jail for murdering your wife). Mind you it isn't as good as other records (the comedy, so gets an honourable mention only. |
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Crowbar
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I have to put these guys in my list somewhere. Unfortunately they don't make my 10 this time around. Not to say it is a disappointing release. If you are a Crowbar fan you will be more than satisfied. It just doesn't have anything standout on the record. Unlike NOLA brothers Eyehategod. |
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Slipknot
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I did buy this unlistened as I thought it deserved it. Overall it doesn't have that cutting edge across the board so doesn't quite make my 10. I still can't help but feel that the band has been a little 'dumbed-down' with each band members side-projects. It seems forced in places to be aggressive and that mostly comes down to Corey's vox with some heavy hitting from Joey. Apart from that the samples stuff is mostly non-existent and the guitar work sounds like a aggressive Stonesour. I think in some ways their side projects have killed this band. |
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Black Label Society
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I'll start by saying I am disappointed this didn't make my non-metal top10 list when each year I struggle to get 10 records together. In all honesty I think this is a step backwards on previous releases. So why is it in my Honourable Mentions? Because I can't let go M'Kay!!! |
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2014mk's Metal Dishonourable Mentions |
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Cavalera Conspiracy
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Am I now listening to Napalm Death rip off? Seems a lot like it. After such a brilliant debut record, turning back the clock in some ways to the old Sep days, this record has the band chugging along at break-neck speed and Max doing his best Barney impersonation. Not happy Jan!!! |
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Opeth
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Hey Frederik - when you signed up to this band did you think that you would progress to pumping out licks on your guitar that your 10 year old could handle? Nah, thought not. So why the hell would you hang around? Martin and his bass are the same as they always have been - we just get to hear more of him. Ax has nothing else on since Witchery aren't paying his bills. Don't get me started on the self-important nut on the ivory - at least the other one had a cool moustache. Now, I think there is someone else in this band, umm I think he is from Sweden. Maybe it's Bjorn or could be Benny. In any case I place this person solely responsible for two things. Firstly he is responsible for getting me interested with a passion again in heavy metal music through Blackwater Park in early 2000's. For that I am forever grateful. He is now unfortunately responsible for turning the band I would die for previously into a pompous pile of wank. I'm all for following your dreams and I can't deny him that want, however it's just a major disappointment for me unfortunately. I need to go listen to some new Blink 182 or something - only that shit would make me cry more that I currently am. |
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Last Data Update:
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 2005-02-23 Judas Priest - Angel Of Retribution.jpg)
 2005-05-22 Candlemass - Candlemass.jpg)
 2005-09-30 Sargeist - Disiciple Of The Heinous Path.jpg)
 2005-06-12 Obituary - Frozen In Time.jpg)
 2005-10-10 Akercocke - Words That Go Unspoken, Deeds That Go Undone.jpg)
 2005-09-11 Rumpelstiltskin Grinder - Buried In The Front Yard.jpg)
 2005-03-15 Trivium - Ascendancy.jpg)
 2005-12-06 Korn - See You On The Other Side.jpg)
 2005-11-22 System Of A Down - Hypnotize.jpg)
 2006-03-27 Vreid - Pitch Black Brigade.jpg)
 2006-10-06 Unleashed - Midvinterblot.jpg)
 2006-08-22 Terrorizer - Darker Days Ahead.jpg)
 2006-05-01 Stone Sour - Come What(ever) May.jpg)
 2006-04-17 Satyricon - Now, Diabolical.jpg)
 2006-03-20 Venom - Metal Black.jpg)
 2006-10-10 Trivium - The Crusade.jpg)
 2006-08-08 Slayer - Christ Illusion.jpg)
 2006-10-09 My Dying Bride - A Line Of Deathless Kings.jpg)
 2006-05-02 Rebel Meets Rebel - Rebel Meets Rebel.jpg)
 2006-09-15 Napalm Death - Smear Campaign.jpg)
 2006-08-01 Body Count - Murder 4 Hire.jpg)
 2006-07-25 Voivod - Katorz.jpg)
 2007-05-22 The Cursed - Room Full Of Sinners.jpg)
 2007-09-24 Darkthrone - F.O.A.D. (Fuck Off And Die).jpg)
 2007-04-16 Shining - V, Halmstad.jpg)
 2007-06-22 Candlemass - King Of The Grey Islands.jpg)
 2007-09-04 Winds - Prominence And Demise.jpg)
 2007-05-28 Akercocke - Antichrist.jpg)
 2007-07-31 Korn - Untitled.jpg)
 2007-07-10 Beatallica - Sgt. Hetfield's Motorbreath Pub Band.jpg)
 2007-03-05 Korn - MTV Unplugged.jpg)
 2007-04-07 Hellyeah - Hellyeah.jpg)
 2007-05-15 Job For A Cowboy - Genesis.jpg)
 2007-04-23 Elend - A World In Their Screams.jpg)
 2008-08-20 Slipknot - All Hope Is Gone.jpg)
 2008-10-20 Darkthrone - Darkthrones And Black Flags.jpg)
 2008-05-26 Ihsahn - angL.jpg)
 2008-06-09 Khold - Hundre Ar Gammal.jpg)
 2008-11-03 Satyricon - The Age Of Nero.jpg)
 2008-03-24 Cavalera Conspiracy - Inflikted.jpg)
 2008-06-06 Unleashed - Hammer Battalion.jpg)
 2008-02-19 Virgin Black - Requiem, Fortissimo.jpg)
 2008-09-12 Metallica - Death Magnetic.jpg)
 2008-02-18 Hellhammer - Demon Entrails [Boxed Set].jpg)
 2008-05-30 Hollenthon - Opus Magnum.jpg)
 2008-06-13 Judas Priest - Nostradamus.jpg)
 2008-06-03 Opeth - Watershed.jpg)
 2009-02-27 Austere - To Lay Like Old Ashes.jpg)
 2009-03-23 My Dying Bride - For Lies I Sire.jpg)
 2009-10-xx Ruins - Front The Final Foes.jpg)
 2009-05-19 Warbringer - Waking Into Nightmare.jpg)
 2009-05-09 Mortification - The Evil Addiction Destroying Machine.jpg)
 2009-04-29 Heaven and Hell - The Devil You Know.jpg)
 2009-01-09 Saxon - Into The Labyrinth.jpg)
 2010-03-03 An Autumn For Crippled Children - Lost.jpg)
 2010-08-16 Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier.jpg)
 2010-06-14 Ozzy Osbourne - Scream.jpg)
 2010-05-25 Soulfly - Omen.jpg)
 2010-08-10 Black Label Society - Order Of The Black.jpg)
 2010-03-08 Burzum - Belus.jpg)
 2010-06-08 Cardiac Arrest - Haven For The Insane.jpg)
 2010-03-16 Armored Saint - La Raza.jpg)
 2010-09-14 Flotsam And Jetsam - The Cold.jpg)
 2010-03-19 Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones.jpg)
 2010-04-26 1349 - Demonoir.jpg)
 2010-06-08 Nachtmystium - Addicts, Black Meddle Part II.jpg)
 2010-03-27 Pensees Nocturnes - Grotesque.jpg)
 2010-03-09 Immolation - Majesty And Decay.jpg)
 2010-11-08 Deathspell Omega - Paracletus.jpg)
 2010-03-08 Darkthrone - Circle The Wagons.jpg)
 2010-07-13 Korn - III, Remember Who You Are.jpg)
 2011-03-29 Havok - Time Is Up.jpg)
 2011-04-24 Pestilence - Doctrine.jpg)
 2011-09-18 Mortal Sin - Psychology Of Death.jpg)
 2011-03-29 Amon Amarth - Surtur Rising.jpg)
 2011-03-29 Cavalera Conspiracy - Blunt Force Trauma.jpg)
 2011-04-15 Sarke - Oldarhian.jpg)
 2011-03-16 The Haunted - Unseen.jpg)
 2011-09-13 Anthrax - Worship Music.jpg)
 2012-07-02 Bonded By Blood - The Aftermath.jpg)
 2012-06-26 Gojira - L'enfant Sauvage.jpg)
 2012-03-13 Cannibal Corpse - Torture.jpg)
 2012-03-23 Aura Noir - Out To Die.jpg)
 2012-10-15 My Dying Bride - A Map Of All Our Failures.jpg)
 2012-06-08 Candlemass - Psalms For The Dead.jpg)
 2012-09-17 Ufomammut - ORO, Opus Alter.jpg)
 2012-09-28 Enslaved - RIITIIR.jpg)
 2012-10-01 King Parrot - Bite Your Head Off.jpg)
 2012-02-27 Funeral Whore - Step Into Damnation.jpg)
 2012-05-08 Cattle Decapitation - Monolith Of Inhumanity.jpg)
 2012-09-14 Cryptopsy - Cryptopsy.jpg)
 2012-02-27 Napalm Death - Utilitarian.jpg)
 2012-07-30 Nachtmystium - Silencing Machine.jpg)
 2012-06-18 Ihsahn - Eremita.jpg)
 2013-04-26 Zombie Inc - Homo Gusticus.jpg)
 2013-09-13 Carcass - Surgical Steel.jpg)
 2013-10-04 Korn - The Paradigm Shift.jpg)
 2013-10-21 Pestilence - Obsideo.jpg)
 2013-07-22 Parasitic Ejaculation - Rationing The Sacred Human Remains.jpg)
 2013-02-25 Darkthrone - The Underground Resistance.jpg)
 2013-01-29 Hatebreed - The Divinity Of Purpose.jpg)
 2013-11-12 Nocturnal Graves - From The Bloodline Of Cain.jpg)
 2013-06-10 Black Sabbath - 13.jpg)
 2013-03-08 Cliteater - Cliteaten Back To Life.jpg)
 2013-05-25 Blood Red Throne - Blood Red Throne.jpg)
 2013-02-19 Devourment - Conceived In Sewage.jpg)
 2013-01-25 Hatriot - Heroes Of Origin.jpg)
 2013-03-11 New Keepers Of The Water Towers - Cosmic Child.jpg)
 2013-03-18 Six Feet Under - Unborn.jpg)
 2013-06-24 Autopsy - The Headless Ritual.jpg)
 2013-09-09 Satyricon - Satyricon.jpg)
 2014-09-09 In Flames - Siren Charms.jpg)
 2014-05-07 Eyehategod - Eyehategod.jpg)
 2014-07-08 Goatwhore - Constricting Rage Of The Merciless.jpg)
 2014-06-10 Body Count - Manslaughter.jpg)
 2014-09-29 Khold - Til Endes.jpg)
 2014-04-14 Triptykon - Melana Chasmata.jpg)
 2014-09-16 Cannibal Corpse - A Skeletal Domain.jpg)
 2014-01-15 Amputated - Dissect, Molest, Ingest.jpg)
 2014-04-19 Autopsy - Tourniquets, Hacksaws And Graves.jpg)
 2014-06-06 Mayhem - Esoteric Warfare.jpg)
 2014-04-01 Austrian Death Machine - Triple Brutal.jpg)
 2014-05-26 Crowbar - Symmetry In Black.jpg)
 2014-10-21 Slipknot - 5, The Gray Chapter.jpg)
 2014-04-07 Black Label Society - Catacombs Of The Black Vatican.jpg)
 2014-10-31 Cavalera Conspiracy - Pandemonium.jpg)
 2014-08-26 Opeth - Pale Communion.jpg)