Every Metal Top 10 For TheBigBlack

TheBigBlack


1970 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Black Sabbath Paranoid Heavy Metal \| Album \| 18 September 1970 'Paranoid' is the second studio album by Black Sabbath. The album is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential heavy metal albums of all time, often cited as a key influence for the development of the genre as well as one of its earliest albums. It was ranked number one on Rolling Stone's list of the "100 Greatest Metal Albums Of All Time" in 2017 and number 139 on its The 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time list in 2020. It was the band's only album to top the U.K. Albums Chart until the release of '13' in 2013.

		Black Sabbath Black Sabbath Heavy Metal \| Album \| 13 February 1970


1971 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Black Sabbath Master Of Reality Heavy Metal \| Album \| 21 July 1971


1972 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Black Sabbath Vol. 4 Heavy Metal \| Album \| 25 September 1972 'Vol. 4' is the fourth studio album by Black Sabbath. It was the first album by the band not produced by Rodger Bain; guitarist Tony Iommi assumed production duties.


1973 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Black Sabbath Sabbath Bloody Sabbath Heavy Metal \| Album \| 1 December 1973


1974 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Judas Priest Rocka Rolla Heavy Metal \| Album \| 6 September 1974


1975 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Black Sabbath Sabotage Heavy Metal \| Album \| 28 July 1975


1976 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Black Sabbath Technical Ecstasy Heavy Metal \| Album \| 26 September 1976

		Judas Priest Sad Wings Of Destiny Heavy Metal \| Album \| 23 March 1976


1977 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Judas Priest Sin After Sin Heavy Metal \| Album \| 23 April 1977 'Sin After Sin' is the third studio album by Judas Priest. Produced by Deep Purple bassist Roger Glover, it was the band's major label debut, their first album for the label, and their only album to feature drummer Simon Phillips, a studio musician who replaced original drummer Alan Moore for the recording sessions.


1978 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Black Sabbath Never Say Die! Heavy Metal \| Album \| 28 September 1978

		Judas Priest Stained Class Heavy Metal \| Album \| 10 February 1978 'Stained Class' is the fourth studio album by Judas Priest. It is the first of three Judas Priest albums recorded with drummer Les Binks, as well as the first to feature the band's now well-known logo in the artwork. Musically it is considered the album on which the band honed many of the elements of their hard-edged signature sound, dispensing with most of the progressive and blues rock overtones and softer ballads of previous efforts. The album features such notable tracks as 'Exciter', considered an early precursor to speed metal and thrash metal, and a cover version of 'Better By You, Better Than Me' by Spooky Tooth, which became the subject of an infamous civil suit in 1990 which alleged the song subliminally influenced two teenaged boys to make a suicide pact. Upon release it was a modest commercial success, reaching number 27 on the U.K. Albums Chart and becoming the band's first album to enter the U.S. Billboard 200; it was eventually certified gold in the latter country. Retrospectively, it is regarded by some as one of the most important and influential albums in the development of heavy metal and one of Judas Priest's best records.

		Judas Priest Killing Machine Heavy Metal \| Album \| 9 October 1978 'Killing Machine' is the fifth studio album by Judas Priest. The album pushed the band towards a more commercial style while still featuring the dark lyrical themes of their previous albums. At about the same time, the band members adopted their now-famous 'leather-and-studs' fashion image, inspired by Rob Halford's interest in leather culture. The album was retitled 'Hell Bent For Leather' for its U.S. in February 1979, due to controversy over the Cleveland Elementary School shooting. Both album titles are drawn from the titles of songs on the album with 'The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)', an early Fleetwood Mac cover, being added to the U.S. release.


1979 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Saxon Saxon Heavy Metal \| Album \| 21 May 1979 'Saxon' is the debut studio album by Saxon.

		Samson Survivors Heavy Metal \| Album \| ?? June 1979 'Survivors' is the debut studio album by Samson. Although vocalist future Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson appears as a band member on the cover sheet, the album was completed before he joined the band, with guitarist Paul Samson on vocal duty.


1979 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Iron Maiden The Soundhouse Tapes Heavy Metal \| E.P. \| 9 November 1979 'The Soundhouse Tapes' is the debut E.P. by Iron Maiden, and the first recordings by the band. It features three songs taken from the demo tape recorded at Spaceward Studios on 30/31 December 1978. Although major retail chains tried to order large quantities of the record, the band only distributed 5,000 copies, available by mail order alone, which sold out in just a few weeks. Because of this the E.P. is now a valuable collector's item, fetching high prices at online auctions.


1980 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Samson Head On Heavy Metal \| Album \| 27 June 1980 'Head On' is the second studio album by Samson. The cover art features the band's masked drummer, Thunderstick. This is the first album with future Iron Maiden-frontman Bruce Dickinson on vocal duties. The instrumental 'Thunderburst' is credited as co-written by Steve Harris. The track is in fact an alternate version of 'The Ides Of March', an early Iron Maiden song written during the brief time in 1977 in which Thunderstick was in Iron Maiden. Iron Maiden released their own version on the Iron Maiden album 'Killers' the next year, though Steve Harris credited the song solely to himself, annoying the members of Samson.

		Saxon Wheels Of Steel Heavy Metal \| Album \| 3 May 1980 'Wheels Of Steel is the second studio album by Saxon. It was their first album to enter the U.K. Albums Chart, peaking at number 5, and is their highest-charting album in the U.K. to date. The album eventually went on to achieve gold status in the UK.

		Accept I'm A Rebel Heavy Metal \| Album \| 2 June 1980 'I'm A Rebel' is the second studio album by Accept. It was the first of three consecutive Accept records to utilize Dirk Steffens as producer. The album finds Accept continuing to search for their musical direction, experimenting with a more commercial sound than on their debut. Bassist Peter Baltes once again sings lead vocals on two tracks, the slower-paced songs "No Time to Lose" and "The King".

		Judas Priest British Steel Heavy Metal \| Album \| 14 April 1980 'British Steel' is the seventh album by Judas Priest. It was the band's first album to feature Dave Holland on drums. The album saw them reprise the commercial sound they had established on 'Killing Machine', but this time they abandoned some of the dark lyrical themes which had been prominent on their previous releases. During an interview with Wall Of Sound's Educate Ebony podcast, Max Cavalera stated British Steel is the "essential thrash metal" album everyone needs to hear and says "I'm sure you can ask Metallica, if it wasn't for British Steel they wouldn't be here."

		Angel Witch Angel Witch Heavy Metal \| Album \| 12 March 1980 'Angel Witch' is the first album by the band Angel Witch. The cover features a painting formerly attributed to John Martin titled 'The Fallen Angels Entering Pandemonium'. The album made Angel Witch one of the key bands in the new wave of British heavy metal (NWOBHM) scene, and has proven influential on subsequent movements, particularly on then-upcoming thrash metal artists.

		Diamond Head Lightning To The Nations Heavy Metal \| Album \| 3 October 1980 'Lightning To The Nations' (also known as 'The White Album') is the debut album by Diamond Head. It was originally self-released in a plain white sleeve with no title or track listing, and was subsequently named after the first track on the album.

		Motorhead Ace Of Spades Hard Rock \| Album \| 8 November 1980 'Ace Of Spades' is the fourth studio album by Motorhead. It is the band's most commercially successful album, peaking at number four on the U.K. Albums Chart and reaching gold status in the U.K. by March 1981. It was preceded by the release of the title track as a single in October, which peaked in the U.K. Singles Chart at No. 15 in early November. It was the band's debut release in the United States. In 2020, the album was ranked at 408 on Rolling Stone's '500 Greatest Albums Of All Time' list.

		Ozzy Osbourne Blizzard Of Ozz Heavy Metal \| Album \| 20 September 1980 'Blizzard Of Ozz' is the debut studio album by Ozzy Osbourne, released on 12 September 1980 in the U.K. and on 27 March 1981 in the U.S. The album was Osbourne's first release following his firing from Black Sabbath in 1979. It is the first of two studio albums Osbourne recorded with guitarist Randy Rhoads prior to Rhoads' death in 1982. In 2017, it was ranked 9th on Rolling Stone's list of "100 Greatest Metal Albums Of All Time".

		Iron Maiden Iron Maiden Heavy Metal \| Album \| 14 April 1980 'Iron Maiden' is the debut studio album by Iron Maiden. It is the band's only album to feature guitarist Dennis Stratton. Although Iron Maiden have since criticised the quality of the album's production, the release was met with critical and commercial success, peaking at number four on the U.K. Albums Chart and helping the band achieve prominence in mainland Europe.

		Black Sabbath Heaven And Hell Heavy Metal \| Album \| 1 April 1980 'Heaven And Hell' is the ninth studio album by Black Sabbath. It was the first album to feature vocalist Ronnie James Dio, who replaced original vocalist Ozzy Osbourne in 1979. The album was a commercial success, particularly in the United States, where it reached number 28 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified platinum for one million sales. In the U.K. it sold well enough to be certified silver by the British Phonographic Industry in April 1982.
	To say the least, 'Heaven And Hell' is a masterpiece. Generally classic heavy metal albums use verbs like 'brutal' or 'fast' or 'angry' to describe them, but none of those words ring true here. The album is a thing of beauty, full of winding harmonies and stellar musicianship - a work of art that will stand for all time as a reflection of the pinnacle of heavy music of the period. With Ozzy Osbourne and his drink and drug fuelled unpredictability jettisoned for the final time, the band knew that survival would rely on them rebuilding from the ground up into something far more streamlined and modern. They had stretched their wings on the previous two albums (reasonably unsuccessfully), and now was the time to find the Black Sabbath for a new decade. A key part of this renewal would be finding the right vocalist, and Ronnie James Dio - having recently exited Richie Blackmore's Rainbow - was the perfect choice. For many fans, the voice of Osbourne was a defining piece of the band's identity, so by replacing that voice with someone infinitely more talented and professional required music that matched. The songs are sleek and full of melodies never heard before on a Sabbath album, and the production is smooth as silk - really allowing the songs to shine. Dio's vocals are sublime throughout, and he launches songs like 'Children Of The Sea' and 'Die Young' toward places Osbourne, with his limited range, would not have even dreamt of. The vocals on the title track are transcendent, not to mention the incredible solo by Tony Iommi - one of the greatest ever committed to tape. This was more than just a new album, it was an announcement of what the 1980s had in store for heavy music. The band would never make an album as good as this again, and some would say it even bettered anything they had released preceding it.

1980 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Def Leppard On Through The Night Hard Rock \| Album \| 14 March 1980 'On Through The Night' is the debut studio album by Def Leppard. It charted at No. 15 on the U.K. Albums Chart and No. 51 on the Billboard 200. The album was certified gold by the RIAA on 18 November 1983 and platinum on 9 May 1989.


1980 TheBigBlack's Metal Dishonourable Mentions
		Black Sabbath 'Live At Last' Heavy Metal \| Album \| 1 July 1980 'Live At Last' is the first live album by Black Sabbath. Despite its wide distribution and success (it peaked at No.?5 on the U.K. Albums Chart), the album was released without the permission or knowledge of the band. The album was, however, technically released legally by the band's former manager Patrick Meehan who owned the rights to the recording. It was re-released with the approval of the band in 2002 as part of the two-disc 'Past Lives' set.


1981 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Samson Shock Tactics Heavy Metal \| Album \| 15 May 1981 'Shock Tactics' is the third studio album by Samson. It was vocalist Bruce Dickinson's final album with the band before joining Iron Maiden (who were coincidentally recording 'Killers', their last album with Paul Di'Anno, in the same studio at the same time as Samson).

		Tygers Of Pan Tang Spellbound Heavy Metal \| Album \| 10 April 1981 'Spellbound' is the second album by Tygers Of Pan Tang. It is the first of two Tygers of Pan Tang albums to feature John Sykes as second guitarist, who later joined Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake. It is also the first album with vocalist Jon Deverill.

		Anvil Hard 'n' Heavy Heavy Metal \| Album \| 25 May 1981 'Hard 'n' Heavy' is the debut studio album by Anvil. It was originally released independently under the band name "Lips".

		Judas Priest Point Of Entry Heavy Metal \| Album \| 26 February 1981 'Point Of Entry' is the seventh studio album by Judas Priest. Following the commercial success of their previous album 'British Steel' (1980), the band pursued a more radio-friendly direction. The album's name reflects its intended purpose as an accessible introduction to the band's music and the heavy metal genre in general.

		Saxon Denim And Leather Heavy Metal \| Album \| 25 September 1981 'Denim And Leather' is the fourth studio album by Saxon. This was the last album with the classic line-up, as drummer Pete Gill would leave the band due to a hand injury, later joining Motorhead; this was also seen as the last of their trilogy of classic albums (the previous two being 'Wheels Of Steel' and 'Strong Arm Of The Law'). The album was certified Gold status in the U.K.

		Black Sabbath Mob Rules Heavy Metal \| Album \| 4 November 1981 'Mob Rules' is the eleventh album by Black Sabbath. It was the second album to feature lead singer Ronnie James Dio and the first with drummer Vinny Appice. Neither musician would appear on a Black Sabbath studio album again until the 1992 album 'Dehumanizer'.

		Venom Welcome To Hell Black Metal \| Album \| ?? December 1981 'Welcome To Hell' is the debut studio album by Venom. It was released at the culmination of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement. Due to its unpolished sound as a result of it being recorded in only three days, the relatively low-fidelity of the band inspired numerous Norwegian metal bands, who considered it the first black metal. In 2017, Rolling Stone ranked it as 74th on their list of 'The 100 Greatest Metal Albums Of All Time.'

		Ozzy Osbourne Diary Of A Madman Heavy Metal \| Album \| 7 November 1981 'Diary Of A Madman' is the second studio album by Ozzy Osbourne. This is the last Osbourne studio album to feature guitarist Randy Rhoads and drummer Lee Kerslake. On 19 March 1982, during the North American leg of the album's tour, Rhoads died in a plane crash in Leesburg, Florida. The album has sold over 3 million copies worldwide.

		Iron Maiden Killers Heavy Metal \| Album \| 20 February 1981 'Killers' is the second studio album by Iron Maiden. The album was their first with guitarist Adrian Smith, and their last with vocalist Paul Di'Anno, who was fired after problems with his stage performances arose due to his alcohol and cocaine use.
	'The Ides Of March' announces out the gate that Iron Maiden is no longer just a pub band, but a major contender in the race. As brilliant as the first album had been, the production was somewhat primitive (and founder Steve Harris to this day still complains about it). As luck would have it, the band landed Martin Birch to produce the second album - and with a history of band credits behind him such as Deep Purple, Wishbone Ash, Fleetwood Mac, and Black Sabbath, he had nothing to prove in credentials. It was a match made in Heaven, so much so Birch would work pretty much exclusively with Maiden from here on for the next decade. In fact, the production is what carries a lot of the album, as it is lacking in consistency in places. There are obvious stand-outs (many still fan favourites today) like 'Wrathchild' and the masterpiece that is the title track, but other tracks like 'Another Life' and 'Prodigal Son' feel like they are lacking in some of this punch that a great sophomore album requires. At least half the album was made up of older songs the band had played for many years on the pub circuit when they were still finding their identity, with only a few newer compositions. The instrumental 'Genghis Khan' feels like an attempt to match the grandeur of the debut album's 'Phantom Of The Opera', but it falls flat without a lyrical narrative to carry it. It isn't all bad though, as barnstormers like 'Purgatory' and somewhat grand 'Drifter' wrap the album nicely in a bow. All in all, it is a great addition to the Maiden catalogue (and their last with vocalist Paul Di'Anno), but over the years it would usually not be remembered as one of their best albums, especially considering the quality that many of their future 1980s albums would exhibit.

1982 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Anvil Metal On Metal Heavy Metal \| Album \| 15 April 1982 'Metal On Metal' is the second studio album by Anvil. In 2005, it was ranked number 441 in Rock Hard magazine's book of The 500 Greatest Rock & Metal Albums Of All Time.

		Accept Restless And Wild Heavy Metal \| Album \| 4 October 1982 'Restless And Wild' is the fourth studio album by Accept. It is the first Accept album in which Udo Dirkschneider sings every track, as well as the first in which manager Gaby Hauke ('Deaffy') gains credits for songwriting.

		Judas Priest Screaming For Vengeance Heavy Metal \| Album \| 17 July 1982 'Screaming For Vengeance' is the eighth studio album by Judas Priest. Considered the band's commercial breakthrough in North America, it has been certified double platinum in the United States and platinum in Canada.

		Venom Black Metal Black Metal \| Album \| 1 November 1982 'Black Metal' is the second studio album by Venom. It was released iduring the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), and is considered a major influence on the thrash metal, death metal and black metal scenes that emerged in the 1980s and early 1990s. Although the album lent its name to the latter subgenre of heavy metal, today it is still debated if the album's music is speed metal, thrash metal or black metal. Nevertheless, its lyrics and imagery were a major influence on the early Norwegian black metal scene.

		Discharge Hear Nothing See Nothing Say Nothing Hardcore Punk \| Album \| 21 May 1982
	Books like the excellent 'Choosing Death - The Improbable History Of Death Metal & Grindcore' by Albert Mudrian remind us what a hugely influential album this was to thrash and death metal. It is raw and abrasive, and demands your attention in ways only hardcore can - but it is (unintentionally) bordering on bursting from the hardcore label into early speed metal. It is dripping with the typical D.I.Y. low-fi sound, and the barked lyrics are simplistic. In many ways the fast-paced riffs are also - but they are so well crafted that they grab you and don't let go until the 28 minute ride is over. Oddly the band went from hardcore punk to a glam metal style for their next album, so apart from a handful of E.P.s this is all we have of the original band. I'll note that many many metal bands have covered songs from this album, including Anthrax, Napalm Death, Machine Head, Metallica, Arch Enemy, Brutal Truth, Soulfly, Prong, and Neurosis. That lists speaks for itself in terms of influence.
		Iron Maiden The Number Of The Beast Heavy Metal \| Album \| 29 March 1982 'The Number Of The Beast' is the third studio album by Iron Maiden. The album was their first to feature vocalist Bruce Dickinson and their last with drummer Clive Burr. The Number of the Beast was met with critical and commercial success, and became the band's first album to top the U.K. Albums Chart and reach the top 40 of the U.S. Billboard 200. The album was also controversial, particularly in the United States, due to the religious references in its artwork and the title track's lyrics.


1982 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Various Artists Metal Massacre [1st Pressing] -Various- \| Compilation Album \| 14 June 1982 'Metal Massacre' was the first release for Metal Blade Records and was a compilation of unsigned metal bands. It was the first appearance on record of Metallica, with an early demo of 'Hit The Lights'.


1983 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Saxon Power & The Glory Heavy Metal \| Album \| ?? March 1983 'Power & The Glory' is the fifth studio album by Saxon. This is the first Saxon studio album with new drummer Nigel Glockler and was recorded in Atlanta, Georgia in the fall of 1982.

		Quiet Riot Metal Health Hard Rock \| Album \| 11 March 1983

		Accept Balls To The Wall Heavy Metal \| Album \| 5 December 1983 'Balls To The Wall' is the fifth studio album by Accept. It is Accept's only record to attain Gold certification in the U.S. The album's title track became Accept's signature song and remains a metal anthem and trademark in the genre.

		Black Sabbath Born Again Heavy Metal \| Album \| 7 August 1983 'Born Again' is the thirteenth album by Black Sabbath. It is the only album the group recorded with lead vocalist Ian Gillan, best known for his work with Deep Purple. It was also the last Black Sabbath album for nine years to feature original bassist Geezer Butler and the last to feature original drummer Bill Ward. The album has received mixed reviews from critics, but was a commercial success upon its 1983 release, reaching No. 4 in the U.K. charts.

		Dio Holy Diver Heavy Metal \| Album \| 23 May 1983 'Holy Diver' is the debut studio album by Dio. The album was acclaimed by the music press and was the band's most successful effort.

		Ozzy Osbourne Bark At The Moon Heavy Metal \| Album \| 10 December 1983 'Bark At The Moon' is the third studio album by Ozzy Osbourne. This is Osbourne's first album to feature guitarist Jake E. Lee and only studio album to feature drummer Tommy Aldridge. It marks Ozzy's change to a synth infused pop-metal sound, with both its sonic production, and in Ozzy's imaging. A commercial success, the album peaked at number 19 on the Billboard album chart and within several weeks of release was certified gold for over 500,000 sales in the United States. To date, it has sold over 3,000,000 copies in the United States. In the U.K., it was the third of four Osbourne albums to attain silver certification (60,000 units sold) by the British Phonographic Industry, achieving this in January 1984.

		Mercyful Fate Melissa Heavy Metal \| Album \| 30 October 1983 'Melissa' is the debut studio album by Mercyful Fate. It has been identified as one of the earliest examples of extreme metal, and is often considered to be a major influence on the then-developing thrash metal, black metal and death metal genres.

		Slayer Show No Mercy Thrash Metal \| Album \| 3 December 1983 'Show No Mercy' is the debut studio album by Slayer. The band self-financed their full-length debut, combining the savings of vocalist Tom Araya, who was employed as a respiratory therapist, and money borrowed from guitarist Kerry King's father. Touring extensively promoting the album, the band brought close friends and family members along the trip, who helped backstage with lighting and sound. Although the album was criticized for its poor production quality, it became Metal Blade's highest-selling release.

		Iron Maiden Piece Of Mind Heavy Metal \| Album \| 16 May 1983 'Piece Of Mind' is the fourth studio album by Iron Maiden. It was the first album to feature drummer Nicko McBrain, who had recently left the band Trust. The album was mostly a critical and commercial success, reaching number three on the U.K. Albums Chart and achieving platinum certification in the U.K. and North America.

		Metallica Kill 'Em All Thrash Metal \| Album \| 25 July 1983 'Kill 'Em All' is the debut studio album by Metallica, released by the independent label Megaforce Records. It is regarded as a groundbreaking album for thrash metal, fusing New Wave of British Heavy Metal riffs with hardcore punk tempos. The album did not enter the Billboard 200 until 1986, when it peaked at number 155, following Metallica's commercial success with its third studio album 'Master Of Puppets'.


1984 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Dio The Last In Line Heavy Metal \| Album \| 13 July 1984 'The Last In Line' is the second studio album by Dio. It is the first Dio album to feature former Rough Cutt keyboardist Claude Schnell. It became the band's highest-charting album in both the U.K. and the U.S., reaching number 4 and number 23, respectively. It was certified gold (500,000 units sold) by the RIAA on September 12, 1984, and was the first Dio album to be certified platinum, achieving the feat on February 3, 1987. In the U.K., it attained Silver certification (60,000 units sold) by the British Phonographic Industry, achieving this in January 1986.

		Venom At War With Satan Black Metal \| Album \| 16 April 1984 'At War With Satan' is the third studio album by Venom. It is a concept album that tells the story of a war between Heaven and Hell which the latter side wins. It was touted as Venom's crossover into mainstream music, but failed to do so. Shortly after it went on sale, the HMV record chain withdrew the album from its shelves because of its anti-Christian content.

		W.A.S.P. W.A.S.P. Heavy Metal \| Album \| 17 August 1984 'W.A.S.P.' is the debut studio album by the band W.A.S.P. The album has been known under three different names - the spine of the original European vinyl release had Winged Assassins printed on it, while early cassette releases of the album had the name of the album's first track, "I Wanna Be Somebody", printed in bold letters on the cover. The album is officially entitled simply W.A.S.P., which it is typically referred to as. The album has been certified as gold by the RIAA.

		Judas Priest Defenders Of The Faith Heavy Metal \| Album \| 4 January 1984 'Defenders Of The Faith' is the ninth studio album by Judas Priest. The album was certified platinum by the RIAA.

		Bathory Bathory Black Metal \| Album \| 2 October 1984

		Anthrax Fistful Of Metal Thrash Metal \| Album \| ?? February 1984 'Fistful Of Metal' is the debut studio album by Anthrax. This is the band's only album to feature original frontman Neil Turbin and original bassist Dan Lilker, who were replaced by Matt Fallon (and eventually by third vocalist Joey Belladonna) and Frank Bello, respectively.

		Yngwie J. Malmsteen's Rising Force Rising Force Heavy Metal \| Album \| 5 March 1984 'Rising Force' is the first studio album by Yngwie Malmsteen. This was originally planned as an instrumental side-project of his then-current band Alcatrazz, but due to singer Jeff Scott Soto's appearance on the album, Malmsteen opted to release it as a solo album. It reached No. 14 on the Swedish albums chart and No. 60 on the U.S. Billboard 200, and received a nomination for Best Rock Instrumental Performance at the 1986 Grammy Awards. The album is regarded as a landmark release in the shred and neoclassical metal genres.

		Slayer Haunting The Chapel Thrash Metal \| E.P. \| 4 August 1984 'Haunting The Chapel' is an E.P. released by Slayer. During the recording sessions drummer Dave Lombardo first had a double bass drum added to his kit. Although originally featuring three songs, the E.P. evidenced a marked evolution from the style of their previous album, 'Show No Mercy', and is considered the first demonstration of the band's "classic" style displayed on later albums.

		Iron Maiden Powerslave Heavy Metal \| Album \| 3 September 1984 'Powerslave' is the fifth studio album by Iron Maiden. It is notable as the band's first album to feature the same personnel as their previous studio release. This lineup would remain intact for two further studio releases. It is also their last album to date to feature an instrumental piece, and the only one until 'Senjutsu' (2021) in which longtime member and guitarist Dave Murray does not have a songwriting credit.

		Metallica Ride The Lightning Thrash Metal \| Album \| 27 July 1984 'Ride The Lightning' is the second studio album by Metallica, released by the independent label Megaforce Records. Whilst still rooted in the thrash metal genre, the album showcased the band's developing musical maturity and lyrical sophistication, partially because bassist Cliff Burton he had more input in the songwriting. It was the last album to feature songwriting contributions from former lead guitarist Dave Mustaine.


1984 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Manowar Hail To England Heavy Metal \| Album \| ?? February 1984 'Hail To England' is the third studio album by Manowar.

		Celtic Frost Morbid Tales Black Metal \| E.P. \| 28 June 1984 'Morbid Tales' is the debut E.P. by Celtic Frost. The band retrospectively refers to the release as the band's debut studio album, even though it only has a short run time.


1985 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Bathory The Return. (Of The Darkness And Evil) Black Metal \| Album \| 27 May 1985

		W.A.S.P. The Last Command Heavy Metal \| Album \| 9 November 1985 'The Last Command' is the second studio album by W.A.S.P. The album was produced by Spencer Proffer, who was perhaps best known for producing the six-time Platinum selling album 'Metal Health' by Quiet Riot in 1983. It is the first W.A.S.P. album to feature the work of drummer Steve Riley and the last album to feature founding member Randy Piper on guitar. The album reached No. 49 on the Billboard 200 album chart in early 1986. It was certified gold by the RIAA on June 4, 1998.

		Possessed Seven Churches Thrash Metal \| Album \| 15 October 1985 'Seven Churches' is the debut studio album by Possessed. The album title refers to the Seven Churches of Asia mentioned in the Book of Revelation. "The Exorcist" begins with producer Randy Burns' version of Mike Oldfield's 'Tubular Bells', performed as it was in the 1973 horror film of the same name. 'Seven Churches' is widely regarded as the first death metal album to exist, and About.com named it one of the ten essential albums of the genre. Jeff Becerra and Larry Lalonde were only 16 when the album was recorded.

		Celtic Frost To Mega Therion Black Metal \| Album \| 28 October 1985

		Kreator Endless Pain Thrash Metal \| Album \| 1 October 1985 'Endless Pain' is the debut studio album by Kreator. The album combines elements of black metal and thrash metal, ultimately creating a black-metal influenced thrash sound inspired by bands like Venom, Mercyful Fate, and Bathory. Both guitarist Mille Petrozza and drummer Jurgen 'Ventor' Reil share vocal duties.

		S.O.D. (Stormtroopers Of Death) Speak English Or Die Thrash Metal (Crossover) \| Album \| ?? December 1985

		Exodus Bonded By Blood Thrash Metal \| Album \| 25 April 1985 'Bonded By Blood' is the debut studio album by Exodus. Although the album was completed in the summer of 1984, it was not released until 1985 due to issues their record label. It is considered one of the most influential thrash metal albums of all time. This is also the only full-length studio album of Exodus to feature Paul Baloff on vocals.

		Megadeth Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good! Thrash Metal \| Album \| 12 June 1985 'Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!' is the debut studio album by Megadeth, released on Combat Records. The band was given $8,000 by the label to record and produce the album, but after spending half of the album's budget on drugs, alcohol and food, the band was forced to fire their original producer and produce the album themselves. Despite the resulting poor production, the album was a well-received effort that obtained strong reviews in various music publications. The album played an essential role in establishing thrash metal as an authentic subgenre of heavy metal music.

		Anthrax Spreading The Disease Thrash Metal \| Album \| 30 October 1985 'Spreading The Disease' is the second studio album by Anthrax. It was the band's first album to feature vocalist Joey Belladonna and bassist Frank Bello (but both had featured on the 'Armed And Dangerous' E.P. earlier in the year).

		Slayer Hell Awaits Thrash Metal \| Album \| 16 September 1985 'Hell Awaits' is the second studio album by Slayer. Musically, the album features the band's most progressive and diverse work compared to their previous releases, and according to Kerry King, he and Jeff Hanneman were very into band Mercyful Fate at the time, which then led to the longer and more progressive songs.


1985 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Iron Maiden Live After Death Heavy Metal \| Album \| 14 October 1985 'Live After Death' is the first live album by Iron Maiden. It was recorded live at Long Beach Arena, California and Hammersmith Odeon, London during the band's World Slavery Tour.


1986 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		W.A.S.P. Inside The Electric Circus Heavy Metal \| Album \| 8 November 1986 'Inside The Electric Circus' is the third studio album by W.A.S.P. The album is the band's first to feature singer and bandleader Blackie Lawless playing guitar, having switched from bass to rhythm guitar. It reached No. 60 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, where it remained for 19 weeks. Lawless himself has been critical of the album, going as far as to name it his least favorite W.A.S.P. album, calling it a 'tired record done by a tired band'.

		Nuclear Assault Game Over Thrash Metal \| Album \| 7 October 1986

		Destruction Eternal Devastation Thrash Metal \| Album \| 12 July 1986 'Eternal Devastation' is the second album by Destruction. It showed that the band, while still rooted in the speed metal/proto-black metal-influenced style of material evident on earlier releases, had started moving in the direction of a more contemporary thrash metal style. This is the last studio album to feature drummer Thomas Sandmann, who left the band later in 1986 and was replaced by Oliver Kaiser.

		Kreator Pleasure To Kill Thrash Metal \| Album \| 1 November 1986 'Pleasure To Kill' is the second studio album by Kreator. It is widely considered a landmark thrash metal classic, along with many other thrash albums released in 1986. The production is raw, adding to the brutal nature of the music. Due to this it played a considerable role in the development of many extreme metal subgenres and death metal bands, such as Cannibal Corpse citing the album as an influence.

		Ozzy Osbourne The Ultimate Sin Heavy Metal \| Album \| 22 February 1986 'The Ultimate Sin' is the fourth studio album by Ozzy Osbourne. It is the second and last of Osbourne's albums to feature lead guitarist Jake E. Lee, the first to feature drummer Randy Castillo, and the only album to feature bassist Phil Soussan. The album was awarded Platinum status in May 1986 and was awarded Double Platinum status in October 1994 by the RIAA.

		Mortal Sin Mayhemic Destruction Thrash Metal \| Album \| ?? September 1986
	As great of a time as it was in 1986 to be a fan of thrash metal, it always felt slightly untouchable. The titans of the genre like Metallica and Slayer were well established and were playing music that seemed otherworldly - because they were just so far from me geographically. Mortal Sin brought that feeling of isolation to a sudden halt when 'Mayhemic Destruction' started filtering through the underground. Sure, the production was pretty flat (apparently the album was recorded as a demo, but got released to save money) - but this was thrash that was as dark as Slayer and as well-crafted as Metallica, and it was right out of the land down under. Songs like Liar and Lebanon thundered along, the dull lifelessness of the drums actually propelling the songs further into darkness, and Blood Death Hatred and Into The Fire were as good as any U.S. or German act were putting out. And do I smell a whiff of early Death Metal in the title track?
		Megadeth Peace Sells... But Who's Buying? Thrash Metal \| Album \| 20 November 1986 'Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?' is the second studio album by Megadeth. The project was originally handled by Combat Records, resulting in the original mix of the album being co-produced by Randy Burns. Capitol Records then bought the rights to the album and hired another producer named Paul Lani to mix it himself. The recording of the album was difficult for the band, because of the ongoing drug issues the members had at the time. Drummer Gar Samuelson and guitarist Chris Poland were fired shortly after the album's promotional tour for drug abuse. It is often regarded as a thrash metal classic and as an album that gave prominence to extreme metal. It has been featured in several publications' best album lists, including Robert Dimery's 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die and Martin Popoff's Top 500 Heavy Metal Albums Of All Time.

		Iron Maiden Somewhere In Time Heavy Metal \| Album \| 29 September 1986 'Somewhere In Time' is the sixth studio album by Iron Maiden. It was the band's first album to feature guitar synthesisers. Since its release, it has been certified platinum by the RIAA, having sold over one million copies in the U.S.

		Metallica Master Of Puppets Thrash Metal \| Album \| 3 March 1986 'Master Of Puppets' is the third studio album by Metallica, released on March 3. It was the band's final album to feature bassist Cliff Burton, who died in a bus accident in Sweden during the album's promotional tour. It peaked at number 29 on the Billboard 200 and received widespread acclaim from critics, who praised its music and political lyrics. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest and most influential metal albums of all time, and is credited with consolidating the American thrash metal scene. It was certified six times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 2003 for shipping six million copies in the United States, and was later certified six times platinum by Music Canada and platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). In 2015 it became the first metal recording to be selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."

		Slayer Reign In Blood Thrash Metal \| Album \| 7 October 1986 'Reign In Blood' is the third studio album by Slayer. The album was the band's first collaboration with producer Rick Rubin, whose input helped the band's sound evolve. The release date of the album was delayed because of concerns regarding the lyrical subject matter of the opening track 'Angel Of Death', which refers to Josef Mengele and describes acts such as human experimentation that he committed at the Auschwitz concentration camp. The band's members stated that they did not condone Nazism and were merely interested in the subject. It was well received by both critics and fans, and is often mentioned among the greatest heavy metal albums ever recorded.


1986 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Judas Priest Turbo Heavy Metal \| Album \| 14 April 1986 'Turbo' is the eleventh album by Judas Priest. The album is notable for the band's change to a commercial glam metal sound, that had them using synthesizers for the first time.


1987 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Dio Dream Evil Heavy Metal \| Album \| 21 July 1987 'Dream Evil' is the fourth studio album by Dio.

		Celtic Frost Into The Pandemonium Black Metal \| Album \| 2 November 1987 'Into The Pandemonium' is the third studio album by Celtic Frost. The album marks the return of bassist and backing vocalist Martin Eric Ain, who appeared on 1984's 'Morbid Tales'. The album is more varied than past releases, with an unlikely cover (Wall Of Voodoo's 'Mexican Radio'), emotionally charged love songs, industrial-influenced rhythmic songs of demons and destruction, and a classical piece with female vocals. Fans were divided by the diversity of the album upon release.

		Death Angel The Ultra-Violence Thrash Metal \| Album \| 27 September 1987 'The Ultra-Violence' is the debut album by Death Angel. The album was recorded while all members were under 20, with drummer Andy Galeon just 14 years old. It is considered a classic in the thrash metal genre, listed as number 370 in the 2010 reference book, 'The Top 500 Heavy Metal Albums Of All Time'.

		Kreator Terrible Certainty Thrash Metal \| Album \| 22 September 1987 'Terrible Certainty' is the third album by Kreator. Although not as revered as the band's previous album 'Pleasure To Kill', it is still highly regarded as a classic album of the thrash genre.

		Blood Feast Kill For Pleasure Thrash Metal \| Album \| 13 February 1987

		Napalm Death Scum Death Metal (Grindcore) \| Album \| 1 July 1987 'Scum' is the debut studio album by Napalm Death. The two sides of the record were recorded by two different lineups in sessions separated by about a year; the only musician in both incarnations was drummer Mick Harris. The two sides are very different, and the two taken together serve to bridge stylistic elements of heavy metal and punk rock. While the songs on the A-side are influenced heavily by hardcore punk and anarcho-punk, the vocals and lower-tuned electric guitars on the B-side anticipate subsequent developments in extreme metal. Loudwire put it in the list of the best 10 metal albums of 1987.

		Testament The Legacy Thrash Metal \| Album \| 21 April 1987 'The Legacy' is the debut album by Testament. Prior to the album's recording in January 1987, Testament was known as Legacy with their line-up including Steve 'Zetro' Souza on vocals. Singer Chuck Billy was asked to become their new singer after Souza left to join Exodus. About a month prior to the release of album the band changed their name to Testament after finding out that there was another band using the same name.

		Exodus Pleasures Of The Flesh Thrash Metal \| Album \| 7 October 1987 'Pleasures Of The Flesh' is the second album by Exodus. It is the group's first album to feature Steve Souza on vocals after Paul Baloff was fired from the band.

		Death Scream Bloody Gore Death Metal \| Album \| 25 May 1987 'Scream Bloody Gore' is the debut album by Death. It is considered by many to be the first true death metal record. Chuck Schuldiner, the band's founder and leader, performed guitar, bass and vocals, and composed all tracks on the album.

		Anthrax Among The Living Thrash Metal \| Album \| 27 March 1987 'Among The Living' is the third album by Anthrax. The album is dedicated to Cliff Burton of Metallica, who died in a bus accident six months before its release while Metallica were on tour with Anthrax as the opening act. Veteran engineer Eddie Kramer, at his first venture with a thrash metal act, co-produced the album. Recording proceeded smoothly, but different visions for the sound of the final release created disagreements between Anthrax and the producer during the audio mixing. The album was critically acclaimed, and promoted the band among the "Big Four" of thrash metal.


1987 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Metallica The $5.98 E.P. Garage Days Re-Revisited Thrash Metal \| E.P. \| 21 August 1987 'The $5.98 E.P., Garage Days Re-Revisited' (released on CD as 'The $9.98 CD, Garage Days Re-Revisited') is the first E.P. by Metallica. It consists of covers of late-'70s and early-'80s New Wave Of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) bands and punk rock music rehearsed in Lars Ulrich's soundproofed garage and then recorded in Los Angeles over the course of six days. It is the group's first release following the death of bassist Cliff Burton and the first to feature his successor, Jason Newsted.

		Mayhem Deathcrush Black Metal \| E.P. \| 16 August 1987


1988 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Hobbs' Angel Of Death Hobbs' Angel Of Death Thrash Metal \| Album \| ?? July 1988 'Hobbs' Angel Of Death' is the debut studio album by Hobbs' Angel Of Death.

		Vengeance Human Sacrifice Thrash Metal \| Album \| ?? ?? 1998 'Human Sacrifice' is the first studio album by Vengeance Rising (known as Vengeance at the time of release). It was the first full-length Christian thrash metal album released. Though controversial, 'Human Sacrifice' and the following album, 'Once Dead' (1990) were huge successes in the world of Christian music, making Vengeance Rising one of the few bands in the genre to cross over into the secular music scene. In 2010, HM ranked 'Human Sacrifice' the best Christian metal album of all time on its Top 100 list because it "tilted the Christian metal world on its ear".

		Testament The New Order Thrash Metal \| Album \| 5 May 1988 'The New Order' is the second album by Testament. It was the album that broke Testament into the thrash metal mainstream, and was the first Testament album to enter the Billboard 200, reaching number 136 on that chart. It was also the band's first album to include an instrumental track.

		Ozzy Osbourne No Rest For The Wicked Heavy Metal \| Album \| 22 October 1988 'No Rest For The Wicked' is the fifth studio album by Ozzy Osbourne. It was the first album to feature guitarist Zakk Wylde, keyboardist John Sinclair and the first to feature bassist Bob Daisley since 'Bark At The Moon'. The album was certified gold in December 1988 and has since gone double platinum. It peaked at number 13 on the Billboard 200.

		Death Leprosy Death Metal \| Album \| 16 November 1988 'Leprosy' is the second studio album by Death. The album is notable in its different tone and quality from the band's 1987 debut, as it is the first example of Scott Burns' work heard on many of the death metal and grindcore albums of that era. It is the first album to feature drummer Bill Andrews and the only one to feature guitarist Rick Rozz. In a poll by the German Rock Hard magazine, it was voted the number one of the 25 most important death metal albums of all time.

		Anthrax State Of Euphoria Thrash Metal \| Album \| 18 September 1988 'State Of Euphoria' is the fourth album by Anthrax. The majority of the album's music was composed by drummer Charlie Benante while lyrics were composed by rhythm guitarist Scott Ian. The album reached No. 30 on the Billboard 200 chart in late 1988 and was certified Gold by the RIAA on February 8, 1989.

		Danzig Danzig Metal \| Album \| 30 August 1988
	From the moment 'Twist Of Cain' starts to play my head starts to bob, and there is nothing on this album that stops it. Debut albums are an interesting beast. Bands aren't burdened with expectation of fans and record companies, and therefore they can just be whatever they want to be, and have fun along the way. Sure, Glenn Danzig already had the legacy of the Misfits and Samhain behind him (although they weren't really 'legendary' yet), but this was still like a whole new start for him - and it shows. The music isn't particularly up tempo, and it certainly isn't technical, but it moves along with a swagger that most bands would never ever get close to. Every word that drips from Glenn's mouth feels like it is sung with a mischievous smile, and on tracks like 'She Rides' and 'Am I Demon' he really opens up, and let's not forget to mention the greatest track in the Danzig repertoire - 'Mother'. I think the thing that constantly draws me back is that on the surface it all feels a bit. tongue in cheek, and yet you still feel some underlying menace. I bit like discovering your kind old next door neighbour is possibly a genocidal war criminal in hiding.
		Megadeth So Far, So Good... So What! Thrash Metal \| Album \| 18 January 1988

		Slayer South Of Heaven Thrash Metal \| Album \| 5 July 1988 'South Of Heaven' is the fourth studio album by Slayer. Given the innovative speed metal pace of their previous album 'Reign In Blood', Slayer deliberately slowed the tempo on 'South Of Heaven' and used undistorted guitars and toned-down vocals. It reached number 57 on the Billboard 200.

		Metallica ...And Justice For All Thrash Metal \| Album \| 7 September 1988 '...And Justice For All' is the fourth studio album by Metallica. It was the first Metallica album to feature bassist Jason Newsted, following the death of their previous bassist Cliff Burton in 1986. It was acclaimed by music critics for its depth and complexity, although its dry mix and nearly inaudible bass guitar were criticized. It was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1989, controversially losing out to Jethro Tull in the Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance Vocal or Instrumental category. It was successful in the United States, peaking at number six on the Billboard 200, and was certified 8? platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 2003 for shipping eight million copies in the U.S.


1988 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Iron Maiden Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son Heavy Metal \| Album \| 11 April 1988 'Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son' is the seventh studio album by Iron Maiden. A concept album inspired by the novel Seventh Son by Orson Scott Card, the record incorporates elements of progressive rock, seen in the length and complex structure of the title track. It was also the first Iron Maiden album to feature keyboards. The album debuted at number one on the U.K. Albums Chart. The lead single 'Can I Play with Madness' was also a commercial success, peaking at No. 3 in the U.K. Singles Chart.

		Manowar Kings Of Metal Heavy Metal \| Album \| 18 November 1988 'Kings Of Metal' is the sixth album by Manowar. The album was the last to feature guitarist and founding member Ross 'The Boss' Friedman, who later went on to rejoin punk band The Dictators. Drummer Scott Columbus left the band after this album as well, but rejoined for 1996's Louder Than Hell and remained with the band until 2008. In 2017, Loudwire ranked it as the 13th-best power metal album of all time.

		Bathory Blood Fire Death Black Metal \| Album \| 8 October 1988

		Coroner Punishment For Decadence Thrash Metal \| Album \| 1 August 1988


1989 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Deliverance Deliverance Thrash Metal \| Album \| ?? ?? 1989

		Carcass Symphonies Of Sickness Death Metal (Grindcore) \| Album \| 4 November 1989 'Symphonies Of Sickness' is the second studio album by Carcass. This album marked the last time the band had recorded as a three-piece until 2013. With the album the band kept the grindcore sound of their debut, but added more death metal.

		Obituary Slowly We Rot Death Metal \| Album \| 16 May 1989 'Slowly We Rot' is the debut studio album by Obituary. Despite being recorded in standard tuning and with Fender Stratocasters, it is considered to be one of the band's heavier efforts. The remainder of the band's output has been recorded in D tuning. The album remains a staple essential album of both death metal and the band's discography.

		Testament Practice What You Preach Thrash Metal \| Album \| 4 August 1989 'Practice What You Preach' is the third studio album by Testament. The album was a major breakthrough for the band, achieving near gold status and becoming the band's first album to enter the Top 100 on the Billboard 200 chart.
	By 1989 thrash metal had hit its commercial peak, and what once a small number of bands was now a torrent of second and third wave opportunists poorly imitating their heroes. Testament understood this all too well, and with album number three took their band into unknown territory to ensure they stayed ahead of the pack. Still undeniably thrash, Practice What You Preach was somehow different. It was compact and streamlined, showing a modern attitude and also a new maturity to the band's lyrics. From the moment the title track launches, this is apparent, as the song grooves rather than pummels. Gone are the lyrics of dark entities and demonic tales, and instead frontman Chuck Billy barks a rebuke at the self-righteous. If the listener wasn't hooked yet 'Perilous Nation' will certainly draw them in. A tale of the dangers of patriotism, it is one of the catchier tracks on the album, and although it also contains some of the fastest riffs it is infectiously listenable. Billy growls lyrics throughout, showing real conviction to his words, further strengthening the connection to the listener. Many of the songs are mid paced, and noticeably simpler than the previous albums, leaving the whole album feeling efficient. That doesn't mean the musicianship is sacrificed, and Alex Skolnick and Eric Peterson again proved themselves as two of the best axemen in thrash metal. 'Greenhouse Effect' follows the trend at the time of songs about environmental damage, and the band even goes out on a limb to include a full-blow ballad (imaginably named 'The Ballad') which is a cry for help after losing someone. Quirky instrumental 'Confusion Fusion' ends the album, and 45 minutes has just pasted by in no time at all. The performances are loose in a way that many of the groove metal bands of the next decade would mimic, forgoing absolute precision for a more live feel. Although this makes the album feel organic, it does mean some of the dynamics of overdubs are missing, and the whole thing sounds rather one dimensional. Generally seen by fans as a 'safe' album by the band, it is rarely called a favourite, but it is certainly far from a bad album in any way, perfectly filling a whole for many headbangers upon its release.
		Mortal Sin Face Of Despair Thrash Metal \| Album \| ?? March 1989

		Believer Extraction From Mortality Thrash Metal \| Album \| ?? ?? 1989

		Sepultura Beneath The Remains Thrash Metal \| Album \| 5 September 1989 'Beneath The Remains' is the third studio album by Sepultura. The album had improved production and songwriting compared to the band's previous albums. In time it would be acclaimed as a classic in the thrash metal genre.
	Although the term didn't really exist at the time, the first handful of Sepultura albums were deeply rooted in death metal, and were hugely influential to later bands in the genre. But 1989's 'Beneath The Remains' the band were largely ensconced in a genre that had been named - thrash. Much like the rest of the Brazilian metal scene at the time the band still made their metal with intensity, rather than melody, and straight out the gate (after a short acoustic interlude to introduce the album) the track 'Beneath The Remains' bulldozers its way through the listener's eardrums. 'Inner Self', with its great double time chorus, has slowly become a no-holds barred 80s metal classic, and it is followed by another strong track in 'Stronger Than Hate' straight after. Although thrash by nature the album is still extreme, and at times the pummelling riffwork and drums are unrelenting on tracks like 'Slave Of Pain'. The band's follow up album 'Arise' is arguably a better album, but 'Beneath The Remains' keeps just enough of the primitive early sound of the band in place against the backdrop of better production to make this a truly unique and satisfying album that will be known as a classic of the genre.
		Morbid Angel Altars Of Madness Death Metal \| Album \| 12 May 1989 'Altars Of Madness' is the debut studio album by Morbid Angel. The album was recorded in December 1988 at Morrisound Recording in Tampa, Florida. The album is one of the earliest examples of death metal and is considered to have helped pioneer the sound along with Possessed's 'Seven Churches' in 1985 and Death's 'Scream Bloody Gore' in 1987, and set a new precedent for heaviness and extremity, both musically and lyrically. It is one of the most celebrated albums in death metal, and one of the most influential heavy metal albums of all time.

		Kreator Extreme Aggression Thrash Metal \| Album \| 19 June 1989 'Extreme Aggression' is the fourth studio album by Kreator. While the band had already gained a sizeable following in the US due to their 1988 tour with the crossover thrash band D.R.I., this album introduced many American fans to Kreator, primarily through heavy rotation of the 'Betrayer' music video on MTV's Headbangers Ball, which was partly shot at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.

		Exodus Fabulous Disaster Thrash Metal \| Album \| 15 February 1989


1989 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Annihilator Alice In Hell Thrash Metal \| Album \| 5 September 1989 'Alice In Hell' is the debut studio album by Annihilator. This was the only Annihilator album for ten years to feature Randy Rampage on vocals, until he returned for their seventh studio album 'Criteria For A Black Widow' (1999).

		Atheist Piece Of Time Death Metal (Technical) \| Album \| 30 August 1989

		Carcass Symphonies Of Sickness Death Metal (Grindcore) \| Album \| 4 November 1989 'Symphonies Of Sickness' is the second studio album by Carcass. This album marked the last time the band had recorded as a three-piece until 2013. With the album the band kept the grindcore sound of their debut, but added more death metal.

		Coroner No More Color Thrash Metal \| Album \| 18 September 1989


1990 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Deliverance Weapons Of Our Warfare Thrash Metal \| Album \| ?? ?? 1990

		Danzig Danzig II, Lucifuge Metal \| Album \| 26 June 1990

		Believer Sanity Obscure Thrash Metal \| Album \| ?? ?? 1990

		Cannibal Corpse Eaten Back To Life Death Metal \| Album \| 17 August 1990 'Eaten Back To Life' is the debut studio album by Cannibal Corpse. The album was recorded at Morrisound Recording in Tampa, Florida, where many other influential early death metal releases were produced. Bassist Alex Webster specifically cited the band's appreciation of albums like 'Altars Of Madness' by Morbid Angel and 'Leprosy' by Death as having inspired the choice of studio. They were able to make friends and connections within the burgeoning Tampa death metal scene and would ultimately relocate there.

		Death Spiritual Healing Death Metal \| Album \| 16 February 1990 'Spiritual Healing' is the third studio album by Death. It is the band's only album to feature both guitarist James Murphy and bassist Terry Butler and the last to feature drummer Bill Andrews.

		Pantera Cowboys From Hell Groove Metal \| Album \| 13 July 1990
	In 1990 heavy music didn't have the multitude of genres known today. Mainstream metal fans really only knew of three styles - You either played traditional metal, anything heavier was thrash, and the newly emerging really brutal stuff fell into the death metal bucket. Pantera exploded onto the scene with Cowboys From Hell, and although it was initially marketed as a new thrash album, it didn't take more than one listen to know this was something very different - and very new. This was Ground Zero for what would later be known as groove metal, a style Pantera launched, but was quickly popularised by Machine Head, early 90's Sepultura, Grip Inc and many others. The album launches a thousand future mosh pits with the title track, showcasing not only the new style, but also the guitar wizardry of Dimebag Darrell (still known as Diamond Darryl at that point). 'Psycho Holiday' razorblades its way through the listener, and 'Domination' is great display of the exquisite and varied vocals of Phil Anselmo. The album still has its fair share of traditional head-bangers, with tracks like 'Cemetery Gates' showcasing a very 1980's metal ballad, and 'Primal Concrete Sledge' and 'Heresy' bordering on thrash. 'Shattered' and 'Clash With Reality' have some amazing guitar work, but almost come dangerously close to falling into cliche, but for the most part the songs are all rock solid. This was album number 5 for the band after all, although very few listeners knew that at the time.
		Entombed Left Hand Path Death Metal \| Album \| 4 June 1990
	In a world where every death metal band now sounds the same and plays the same it is hard to think back the glory days when the genre had an awkward birth, carefully shedding it's 'extreme thrash' skin to reveal something darker and more sinister beneath. The American's lead the charge in the mid 80's but by the decade's end the Europeans were giving them a run for their money, and when Entombed (out of Sweden) released such a watershed album so early on it almost single-handedly signalled in the next era of metal. This was ground zero for true death metal, and the albums 'buzz-saw' guitar tone is still revered today for its unique sound. Although this was the band's first album, Entombed had grown from the ashes of the proto-death metal band Nihilist, so had honed their chops for years before making it, and it showed in the intensity of the material. The title track pulverises from the moment it launches, but things get even more brutal on 'Drowned' and 'But Life Goes On'. Entombed over their next few albums would move away from straight up death metal into more of a 'death & roll' direction, and interestingly in hindsight tracks like 'When Life Have Ceased' and 'The Truth Beyond' already have a rock undertone showing through. Like most early albums of the genre, the production is ragged, but L.G. Petrov (R.I.P.) growls has way through every track, sounding destitute and anguished, and perfectly complements the tone of the production. In 1990, this was truly mind-blowing.
		Slayer Seasons In The Abyss Thrash Metal \| Album \| 9 October 1990

		Anthrax Persistence Of Time Thrash Metal \| Album \| 21 August 1990

		Megadeth Rust In Peace Thrash Metal \| Album \| 24 September 1990


1991 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Cannibal Corpse Butchered At Birth Death Metal \| Album \| 1 July 1991

		Carcass Necroticism, Descanting The Insalubrious Death Metal (Grindcore) \| Album \| 30 October 1991

		Darkthrone Soulside Journey Black Metal \| Album \| 13 January 1991

		Death Human Death Metal \| Album \| 22 October 1991

		Ozzy Osbourne No More Tears Heavy Metal \| Album \| 17 September 1991

		Sepultura Arise Thrash Metal \| Album \| 20 March 1991 'Arise' is the fourth studio album by Sepultura. Upon its release, the album received top reviews from heavy metal magazines such as Rock Hard, Kerrang! and Metal Forces, and is considered Sepultura's finest hour among longtime fans.

		Metallica Metallica Thrash Metal \| Album \| 12 August 1991


1992 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Immortal Diabolical Fullmoon Mysticism Black Metal \| Album \| 1 July 1992

		Danzig Danzig III, How The Gods Kill Metal \| Album \| 14 July 1992

		Pantera Vulgar Display Of Power Groove Metal \| Album \| 25 February 1992

		Megadeth Countdown To Extinction Thrash Metal \| Album \| 14 July 1992

		Darkthrone A Blaze In The Northern Sky Black Metal \| Album \| 26 February 1992

		Burzum Burzum [Darkness] Black Metal \| Album \| ?? March 1992
	Appreciation of art is a very personal thing, and by extension what is even considered art at all will vary between individuals. Music of course is a form of art, and a lot of art is extreme because it is often created not to purge emotion - but to incite it. The second wave of black metal introduced a new abrasive style of metal, that even today is a difficult listen for the uninitiated, and the first Burzum album led the charge of this new metal style. The music isn't an easy pill to swallow, and in 1992 even seasoned metalheads used to listening to Exodus and Slayer may have found the vocals and lo-fi production of this one-man-band to border on the side of too extreme. The riffs are deliberately cyclic and repetitive, taking an almost hypnotic form, and along with the grating treble-heavy production the album grinds on the nerves as each note is played. The tortured vocals are still to this day like no other human voice ever recorded, as they leap from the songs more as wrath-like banshee cries than vocals. All of this comes together to bring a coldness and agony to metal that had never been heard before, and decades later is still relatively unmatched.

1993 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Type O Negative Bloody Kisses Gothic Metal \| Album \| 17 August 1993

		Sepultura Chaos A.D. Thrash Metal \| Album \| 2 September 1993

		Edge Of Sanity The Spectral Sorrows Death Metal \| Album \| ?? November 1993

		Atheist Elements Death Metal (Technical) \| Album \| 30 August 1993

		Death Individual Thought Patterns Death Metal \| Album \| 15 June 1993

		Carcass Heartwork Death Metal (Grindcore) \| Album \| 18 October 1993

		Darkthrone Under A Funeral Moon Black Metal \| Album \| 24 June 1993

		Burzum Det Som Engang Var [What Once Was] Black Metal \| Album \| 20 August 1993

		Anthrax Sound Of White Noise Thrash Metal \| Album \| 25 May 1993


1993 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Emperor Emperor Black Metal \| E.P. \| 3 May 1993

		Katatonia Jhva Elohim Meth... The Revival Doom Metal \| E.P. \| 7 July 1993 'Jhva Elohim Meth... The Revival' is the debut E.P. by Katatonia. The E.P. was originally released as the band's first demo Jhva Elohim Meth in 1992. The recordings were remastered for this release.

		Metallica Live Shit, Binge & Purge Thrash Metal \| Compilation Boxed Set \| 23 November 1993 'Live Shit: Binge & Purge' is the first live album by Metallica. The initial first pressings contained three CDs or cassette tapes, with songs from concerts in Mexico City on the Nowhere Else To Roam tour, as well as three VHS tapes while a newer version contains two DVDs from concerts in San Diego on the Wherever We May Roam Tour and Seattle on the Damaged Justice Tour. It was originally released as a cardboard box depicting the style of a typical tour equipment transport box.
	After touring for almost 2 years straight (from Augst 1991 to July 1993) with very little reprieve, two things were inevitable at that point for Metallica. 1) the band would leave the public eye for some well-deserved downtime for a little while, and 2) that a live album of the lengthy jaunt would appear on shelves at some point. When the album did appear (carefully timed for Christmas) it was bigger and better than even the most dedicated fan could have hoped for. The hefty boxed set not only contained a triple CD concert recorded in Mexico City over five nights in February / March of 1993, but also contained three VHS cassettes featuring between them a full concert from San Diego in January 1992 and (somewhat oddly) a concert shot in Seattle in August 1989 on the band's previous tour. All this was packaged in a replica (cardboard) equipment road case that also had a glossy booklet, a replica backstage pass and a 'scary guy' t-shirt stencil. The sheer quantity of music made the box a mammoth listen (and watch), but none of it would have been worth anything in the performance quality wasn't there - so luckily it was. By the time of the Mexico show the band was arguably on autopilot, but this certainly doesn't sound so on the recordings. The band is tight, and James' voice is in excellent form. He has found his comfy place as 'rock star James' at this point, moving to stadium sized crowds and learning show after show how to keep the crowd begging for more. Sure, every word he says is repeated night after night and carefully placed for maximum impact, but he says them with such conviction that it doesn't sound that way. Jason is now at peace with his place in the band, and his bass rings throughout, filling the shoes of Cliff Burton with ability and pride. There are no true highlight tracks here, as there a no songs they are new, but every song is perfectly performed. The San Diego footage reveals more once we see the band. James owning the stage, pacing back and forth like an angry redneck, swilling beer and spiting both spittle and vitriol. Kirk reminds the crowd with every solo why he was Guitar Player magazine's guitarist of the year. Jason - ever in a Metallica t-shirt - jumps around smiling from ear to ear. Lars not so much plays his drum kit, but becomes one with it through out - tongue poking from the side of his mouth. This is arguable the band at its absolute peak, even playing the songs from the self-titled Metallica album with such force and intensity that they can't be told apart from the earlier heavier songs. This was when Metalica transcended from staging concerts to staging an 'experience'. No one leaves disappointed. The odd choice was the inclusion of the Seattle '89 show, not just because it was from a previous tour, but because it has a very good crack at becoming the crown jewels of the box. The band isn't as tight, and the stage isn't as big, and the bombast of the next tour isn't there yet - but none of that matters, as this concert is sensational from start to finish. This is the Metallica that still belonged the metal community. The Metallica that hadn't yet 'sold out' to the rest of the world, and were still the best kept secret in music. They always knew this was a stepping stone (as is evidenced in the incredible professionalism of the performance), but the fans were still in denial of the band's future at this point. The box still holds up today, and many online communities rank the Mexico recordings as possibly one of the greatest live albums in metal history, and something even the band themselves has never been able to come close to matching ever again. There could not have been a more perfect close to the first decade of the band.

1994 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Megadeth Youthanasia Thrash Metal \| Album \| 1 November 1994

		Machine Head Burn My Eyes Groove Metal \| Album \| 9 August 1994 'Burn My Eyes' is the debut studio album by Machine Head. The album's themes generally tie into the social disorder and corresponding inner tension that the band was exposed to in their native Oakland, California, reflected in Robb Flynn's lyrics, such as the Los Angeles Riots of 1992 and the Waco Siege of 1993.

		Emperor In The Nightside Eclipse Black Metal \| Album \| 21 February 1994

		Darkthrone Transilvanian Hunger Black Metal \| Album \| 17 February 1994

		Danzig Danzig 4p Metal \| Album \| 4 October 1994

		Cradle Of Filth The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh Black Metal \| Album \| 24 February 1994

		Burzum Hvis Lyset Tar Oss [If The Light Takes Us] Black Metal \| Album \| 15 May 1994

		Pantera Far Beyond Driven Groove Metal \| Album \| 22 March 1994 'Far Beyond Driven' is the seventh studio album by Pantera. It was their fastest-selling album, and peaked at number 1 on the Billboard 200 and was certified Platinum by the RIAA.

		Slayer Divine Intervention Thrash Metal \| Album \| 27 September 1994

		Mayhem De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas Black Metal \| Album \| 24 May 1994


1995 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Ozzy Osbourne Ozzmosis Heavy Metal \| Album \| 24 October 1995

		Dissection Storm Of The Light's Bane Black Metal \| Album \| 17 November 1995

		At The Gates Slaughter Of The Soul Death Metal (Melodic) \| Album \| 14 November 1995 'Slaughter Of The Soul' is the third studio album by At The Gates. It was their last album before their eleven-year breakup from 1996 to 2007. It is considered a landmark in melodic death metal and played a major role in popularizing the Gothenburg scene, alongside The Jester Race by In Flames and The Gallery by Dark Tranquillity. Andy LaRocque's neo-classical guest solo on 'Cold' was widely acclaimed as one of the greatest metal solos and guitarist Anders Bjorler admitted in 2007 that he still could not play it properly.

		Down NOLA Metal (Sludge) \| Album \| 19 September 1995

		Death Symbolic Death Metal \| Album \| 21 March 1995

		Anthrax Stomp 442 Thrash Metal \| Album \| 24 October 1995

		Fear Factory Demanufacture Metal (Industrial) \| Album \| 13 June 1995

		Opeth Orchid Death Metal (Progressive) \| Album \| 15 May 1995


1995 TheBigBlack's Metal Dishonourable Mentions
		Iron Maiden The X Factor Heavy Metal \| Album \| 2 October 1995 'The X Factor' is the tenth studio album by Iron Maiden. It is the first of two albums by the band to include Blaze Bayley, formerly of Wolfsbane, as vocalist, replacing Bruce Dickinson who left the band following their previous tour to pursue a solo career. It also saw the departure of the band's longtime producer Martin Birch, who retired shortly after the release of their previous album, 'Fear Of The Dark' (1992). The album takes a darker tone than the band's first nine releases, due to the lyrics being based on personal issues surrounding Steve Harris at the time, who was in the midst of a divorce.


1996 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Sepultura Roots Thrash Metal \| Album \| 12 March 1996

		Pantera Far Beyond Driven Groove Metal \| Album \| 22 March 1994 'Far Beyond Driven' is the seventh studio album by Pantera. It was their fastest-selling album, and peaked at number 1 on the Billboard 200 and was certified Platinum by the RIAA.

		Napalm Death Diatribes Death Metal (Grindcore) \| Album \| 30 January 1996

		My Dying Bride Like Gods Of The Sun Doom Metal \| Album \| 7 October 1996 'Like Gods Of The Sun' is the fourth album by My Dying Bride. It is the last album by the band to feature Rick Miah on drums and Martin Powell on keyboards and violins. Like its predecessor 'The Angel And The Dark River' this album has completely clean vocals. Singer Aaron Stainthorpe has stated many times that this is his favorite My Dying Bride album. In October 2011, it was awarded a gold certification from the Independent Music Companies Association which indicated sales of at least 75,000 copies throughout Europe.

		Katatonia Brave Murder Day Doom Metal \| Album \| 1 November 1996 'Brave Murder Day' is the second studio album by Katatonia. The lead vocals on the album are provided by Mikael Akerfeldt of Opeth, as Katatonia frontman Jonas Renkse was medically unable to perform screamed vocals anymore following health issues that arose from performing the band's debut. It was also the band's first album with second guitarist Fredrik Norrman.

		Edge Of Sanity Crimson Death Metal \| Album \| 2 April 1996

		Cradle Of Filth Dusk... And Her Embrace Black Metal \| Album \| 19 November 1996

		Burzum Filosofem [Philosopheme] Black Metal \| Album \| 31 January 1996

		Opeth Morningrise Death Metal (Progressive) \| Album \| 24 June 1996

		Metallica Load Thrash Metal \| Album \| 4 June 1996


1997 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Obituary Back From The Dead Death Metal \| Album \| 22 April 1997

		Machine Head The More Things Change... Groove Metal \| Album \| 25 March 1997 'The More Things Change...' is the second studio album by Machine Head. It is the band's last release to feature original guitarist Logan Mader, and the first to feature drummer Dave McClain. In 2020, it was named one of the 20 best metal albums of 1997 by Metal Hammer magazine.

		Judas Priest Jugulator Heavy Metal \| Album \| 28 October 1997

		Emperor Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk Black Metal \| Album \| 8 July 1997

		Megadeth Cryptic Writings Thrash Metal \| Album \| 17 June 1997

		Ocean Machine Biomech Progressive Metal \| Album \| 21 July 1997 'Biomech' is the only studio album by Ocean Machine, and the second by Devin Townsend overall. It was later relabelled as a Devin Townsend album.

		Alchemist Spiritech Death Metal (Progressive) \| Album \| 30 June 1997 'Spiritech' is the third studio album by Alchemist. The album has received very positive reviews, with Eduardo Rivadavia from Allmusic suggesting it is "possibly the greatest space metal album since Voivod's landmark Nothingface, adding that Alchemist "meshed [death metal] seamlessly with progressive rock, psychedelia, Middle Eastern nuances, and even native Australian aboriginal music". The album's lyrics tend to explore the relationship between human technology and its impact on nature, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

		Metallica ReLoad Thrash Metal \| Album \| 18 November 1997


1997 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Mayhem Wolf's Lair Abyss Black Metal \| E.P. \| 3 November 1997


1997 TheBigBlack's Metal Dishonourable Mentions
		Burzum Dau?i Baldrs [The Death Of Baldr] Black Metal \| Album \| 14 October 1997


1998 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		System Of A Down System Of A Down Nu Metal \| Album \| 30 June 1998

		Nile Amongst The Catacombs Of Nephren-Ka Death Metal (Technical) \| Album \| 28 April 1998

		Fear Factory Obsolete Metal (Industrial) \| Album \| 28 July 1998

		Cradle Of Filth Cruelty And The Beast Black Metal \| Album \| 5 May 1998

		Death The Sound Of Perseverance Death Metal \| Album \| 15 September 1998

		Opeth My Arms, Your Hearse Death Metal (Progressive) \| Album \| 18 August 1998

		Anthrax Volume 8, The Threat Is Real! Thrash Metal \| Album \| 21 July 1998

		Slayer Diabolus In Musica Thrash Metal \| Album \| 9 June 1998


1998 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Metallica Garage Inc. Thrash Metal \| Album \| 24 November 1998


1998 TheBigBlack's Metal Dishonourable Mentions
		Iron Maiden Virtual XI Heavy Metal \| Album \| 23 March 1998 'Virtual XI' is the eleventh studio album by Iron Maiden. It is the band's second and final album with Blaze Bayley on vocals. It also marks the first album to utilise a slightly modified logo, with the letters R, M, and N the same size as the other letters as opposed to them being extended.


1999 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Type O Negative World Coming Down Gothic Metal \| Album \| 21 September 1999

		Thorns / Emperor Thorns Vs. Emperor Black Metal \| Album \| ?? July 1999

		Satyricon Rebel Extravaganza Black Metal \| Album \| 6 September 1999

		S.O.D. (Stormtroopers Of Death) Bigger Than The Devil Thrash Metal (Crossover) \| Album \| 18 May 1999

		Megadeth Risk Thrash Metal \| Album \| 31 August 1999

		In The Woods. Strange In Stereo Progressive Metal \| Album \| 1 February 1999

		Dodheimsgard 666 International Black Metal \| Album \| 11 June 1999

		Opeth Still Life Death Metal (Progressive) \| Album \| 18 October 1999


1999 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Metallica with Michael Kamen conducting The San Francisco Symphony Orchestra S&M Thrash Metal \| Album \| 23 November 1999


2000 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Imagika And So It Burns Thrash Metal \| Album \| 2000

		Vader Litany Death Metal \| Album \| 9 May 2000

		Soulfly Primitive Groove Metal \| Album \| 26 September 2000 'Primitive' is the second studio album by Soulfly.

		Green Carnation Journey To The End Of The Night Gothic Metal \| Album \| 28 May 2000

		In The Woods. Three Times Seven On A Pilgrimage Progressive Metal \| Compilation Album \| 16 November 2000

		Iron Maiden Brave New World Heavy Metal \| Album \| 29 May 2000 'Brave New World' is the twelfth studio album by Iron Maiden. It was their first studio release since the return of longtime lead singer Bruce Dickinson (who left in 1993) and guitarist Adrian Smith (who left in 1990) in 1999, as well as the band's first studio recording as a six-piece, as Janick Gers, who replaced Smith in 1990, remained with the band. It peaked at No. 7 in the U.K. Albums Chart, and has since been certified Gold. In the United States, it debuted at No. 39 on the Billboard 200.

		Gorgoroth Incipit Satan Black Metal \| Album \| 7 February 2000

		Pantera Reinventing The Steel Groove Metal \| Album \| 14 March 2000

		Alchemist Organasm Death Metal (Progressive) \| Album \| 6 March 2000 'Organasm' is the fourth studio album by Alchemist. It was supported by a three-month Australian tour alongside the bands, Cryogenic and Psi.Kore. Organasm featured generally shorter songs than the previous Alchemist albums, but was still rated highly by critics.

		Mayhem Grand Declaration Of War Black Metal \| Album \| 6 March 2000


2001 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Tool Lateralus Alternative Rock \| Album \| 15 May 2001

		Sepultura Nation Thrash Metal \| Album \| 20 March 2001

		Pungent Stench Masters Of Moral, Servants Of Sin Death Metal \| Album \| 4 January 2001

		Slipknot Iowa Nu Metal \| Album \| 28 August 2001

		Slayer God Hates Us All Thrash Metal \| Album \| 11 September 2001

		Megadeth The World Needs A Hero Thrash Metal \| Album \| 15 May 2001

		Akercocke The Goat Of Mendes Death Metal (Blackened) \| Album \| 11 September 2001

		Fear Factory Digimortal Metal (Industrial) \| Album \| 24 April 2001

		System Of A Down Toxicity Nu Metal \| Album \| 4 September 2001

		Opeth Blackwater Park Death Metal (Progressive) \| Album \| 27 February 2001
	Apart from with rare exception, it is safe to say that by album number 5 most bands have crossed the line of their creative peak - and their best work is probably behind them. Opeth were one of those rare few, releasing what can only be described as their masterwork almost a decade into their career. Whilst previous album 'Still Life' started with a polite whisper, slowly awakening it's demons, Blackwater Park instead pummels the listener from it's opening notes, and the unique death growls of band mastermind Mikael Akerfeldt fill the speakers just moments from the opening of 'The Leper Affinity'. Shots have been fired, and like everything the band does, the song doesn't so much open an album, but open a period of time in the band's evolution. It starts the juggernaut that is the next 67 minutes of music rolling, and immediately tells those listening that this isn't the sort of music you play on random. It demands to be listened to as a whole. It is immersive. A 'movement' of music, rather than individual songs. Not before long Akerfeldt's voice changes, and an angelic vocal is heard, countering the demonic conjurings of early parts of the song. The guitar lines are achingly beautiful also, and the piano close is divine. Song after song the canvasses are filled with colours and textures, with 'Bleak' primarily in grey before 'Harvest' lifts the album like an acoustic distress call from beyond that floats and swirls in an out of reality. 'The Drapery Falls' is even better, a modern metal classic that will never be matched, both in the way the guitar harmonies draw pictures in the mind, and the swirling bass line wraps around the soul. Track after track the guitar melodies and sublime solos ebb and flow like waves coming and going from the shore, occasionally crashing in a crescendo that is fleetingly broken up with acoustic flourishes like the wonderful 'Patterns In The Ivy'. The album closes with the sublime wall of slow riffing that is the title track, and its deceptive simplicity (in comparison to other tracks) closes the album with a feeling of uneasy grandiosity, but nothing here was ever supposed to feel particularly inviting. The band followed with a number of brilliant albums after this one, but none will ever match the majesty on display here.

2002 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Superjoint Ritual Use Once And Destroy Groove Metal \| Album \| 21 May 2002

		Nile In Their Darkened Shrines Death Metal (Technical) \| Album \| 20 August 2002

		Dark Order The Violence Continuum Thrash Metal \| Album \| ?? ?? 2002

		Fear Factory Concrete Metal (Industrial) \| Album \| 30 July 2002

		Dream Theater Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence Progressive Metal \| Album \| 29 January 2002

		Manowar Warriors Of The World Heavy Metal \| Album \| 4 June 2002

		Bloodbath Resurrection Through Carnage Death Metal \| Album \| 5 November 2002

		Opeth Deliverance Death Metal (Progressive) \| Album \| 4 November 2002

		Down Down II, A Bustle In Your Hedgerow Metal (Sludge) \| Album \| 26 March 2002


2003 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Type O Negative Life Is Killing Me Gothic Metal \| Album \| 17 June 2003

		Arch Enemy Anthems Of Rebellion Death Metal (Melodic) \| Album \| 23 July 2003

		Virgin Black Elegant ...And Dying Gothic Metal \| Album \| 1 June 2003

		Akercocke Choronzon Death Metal (Blackened) \| Album \| 4 November 2003

		O.S.I. (Office Of Strategic Influence) Office Of Strategic Influence Progressive Metal \| Album \| 17 February 2003

		Katatonia Viva Emptiness Doom Metal \| Album \| 1 March 2003

		Dimmu Borgir Death Cult Armageddon Black Metal (Symphonic) \| Album \| 9 September 2003

		Green Carnation A Blessing In Disguise Gothic Metal \| Album \| 17 June 2003

		Opeth Damnation Death Metal (Progressive) \| Album \| 14 April 2003

		Metallica St. Anger Thrash Metal \| Album \| 5 June 2003


2004 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Borknagar Epic Black Metal (Progressive) \| Album \| 29 June 2004
	This Norwegian Black Metal supa-group re-invent and refine their sound with each release. This album is possibly my favourite so far, with enough melody and aggression to really grab me.
		Therion Lemuria Symphonic Metal \| Album \| 21 May 2004
	This also includes the 'Sirius B' album - The 'issue 2 albums at one time' option has never really been pulled off by anyone but G'n'R in the past, but Therion have done a damn fine job of it here. A mixture of all of Therion's previous styles (operatic / power / death etc) beautifully wound into a 2 hour journey that is almost exhausting in intensity.
		Aura Noir The Merciless Black Metal \| Album \| 1 October 2004
	Brilliant old school black metal supa-group playing black metal how it should be - nasty, evil, fast, evil, angry, evil, underproduced, a bit more of some evil, and in white face makeup. Long live Satan apparently.
		Amon Amarth Fate Of Norns Death Metal (Melodic) \| Album \| 6 September 2004
	I had never really noticed Amon Amarth before, but this album caught me by surprise. Pumping death metal in the style of Unleashed or Vader, with just enough originality to make it Top 10 worthy.
		Cradle Of Filth Nymphetamine Black Metal \| Album \| 28 September 2004
	I find that a lot of Cradle releases tend to blend into one long noise after a while due to Dani's vocals. For this reason they rarely make the 10. But this album is quite different - mellower (only in style - the lyrics still bite like rabid dogs), but still with a driving tempo, this is fantastic music for playing at parties... where murder is being plotted.
		Slipknot Vol. 3 (The Subliminal Verses) Nu Metal \| Album \| 25 May 2004
	This is without a doubt, the best thing the 'knot have ever released, maggots. I'm sure there are adverts for this in magazines saying 'BUY THIS OR DIE!' - and if there isn't - there should be, damn it! They have mastered the melody, but amped up the volume - and with the masterful producer Rick Ruben twiddling their knobs (oh lordy!), how could it not be a classic?
		My Dying Bride Songs Of Darkness, Words Of Light Doom Metal \| Album \| 23 February 2004
	MDB often make TheBigBlack Top 10, but this time they deserve it more than any other. By far the heaviest Bride album in years, with occasional death metal growls, once again this band have redefined what a gothic band should be in the new century.
		Megadeth The System Has Failed Thrash Metal \| Album \| 14 September 2004
	Mr. Mustaine has come through a treat for the 'deth's possible finale. With threads from previous albums, and shades of the entire back catalogue in the music, this is BRILLIANT. Go ahead - Kick The Chair.
		Exodus Tempo Of The Damned Thrash Metal \| Album \| 2 February 2004
	Exodus are the biggest band never to be big in metal. They never recovered from losing Hammett to Metallica. They also never recovered from their debut album being released 18 months after it was recorded due to label issues. They also never recovered from losing a lead singer when about to record the next album. The list goes on - demos released as real albums by crappy record companies, lead singers dying, more lead singers leaving etc. Drugs. Alcohol. Yet still they manage to make one of the most inspired thrash albums in recent memory. And a special thanks goes out to Mr Hammett for allowing the band to finally record his Exodus era unreleased track 'Impaler'.
		Mayhem Chimera Black Metal \| Album \| 29 March 2004
	Possibly the best (and apparently possibly the last) Mayhem album ever! Faster and angrier and eviler than ever imagined. Just when the black metal world had given up on Mayhem as being a dinosaur, they show Norway they still reign.

2004 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Anthrax The Greater Of Two Evils Thrash Metal \| Album \| 23 November 2004 'The Greater Of Two Evils' is the tenth album by Anthrax. It was the last Anthrax release prior to the band's reunion with Joey Belladonna and guitarist Dan Spitz. The album is made up of 14 songs from the band's early era that were first released between 1983 and 1990. These tracks have been re-recorded by Anthrax's 2004 lineup, with vocalist John Bush recording new versions of songs originally sung by Neil Turbin and Joey Belladonna. The final track listing was decided by a vote on the band's website. The track list was then recorded by the band "live" in the studio over two days. The album did not chart in the U.S., selling 3,400 copies in its first week.
	This would have made the 10, but for the fact that it is all re-recorded old songs from the Neil and Joey era, so it doesn't really qualify. Oh - and they are done better. Shut up mk - they are done BETTER!
		MD.45 The Craving [2004 Remix & Remaster] Thrash Metal \| Album \| 24 July 2004
	Thanks to Mr. Mustaine for re-releasing his '96 punk offering with his own vocals as it should have been in the first place.
		Deicide Scars Of The Crucifix Death Metal \| Album \| 23 February 2004
	Once again Deicide have shown the world what death metal sounds like. The only reason this didn't make the 10 is that I am pretty certain it is the same album they have released since 1989 - they just call it a different name each time.
		Damageplan New Found Power Metal \| Album \| 10 February 2004
	I didn't much care for the album - but it had Dime on it, so it deserves a mention. Enough said. R.I.P.
		Black Label Society Hangover Music Vol. VI Heavy Metal \| Album \| 20 April 2004 'Hangover Music Vol. VI' is the fifth studio album by Black Label Society. It is a much more mellow affair than previous albums by the band, and some fans have recognized it as a nod back to Zakk Wylde's earlier solo effort, Book Of Shadows (1996). The album contains a song entitled 'Layne', which is written in memory of Layne Staley of Alice In Chains.
	A pretty good album, yes - but not quite 10 material - it does get a mention though, for Zakk's boldness to release an all-acoustic album. And because he includes the worst version of 'A Whiter Shade Of Pale' ever recorded on it, thinking its listenable.
		Probot Probot Metal \| Album \| 10 February 2004
	Over his lengthy career Dave Grohl has time and again proven himself to be full of surprises, but none probably turned heads more than Probot. At a time when the Foo Fighters were heading into their most consumable and radio friendly music yet, Grohl decided to record a metal album. Originally for fun, but later growing into a full project, Probot as a concept was simple - Grohl would write the songs, and invite his favourite metal vocalists from the 80s to feature on them. What takes the album to the next level is Grohl's ability to perfectly mimic the styles of music the guest vocalist are known for. 'Shake Your Blood' featuring Lemmy on vocals is the song Motorhead should have recorded, whilst 'Red War' sounds so Max Cavalera in style that it is uncanny. 'Sweet Dreams' featuring King Diamond is an 80s metal masterpiece that never was. The album was hyped upon release, but quickly disappeared to no more than a foot note in Grohl's repertoire - but that is unsurprising considering his audience were probably scratching their heads at voices like Cronos of Venom and Snake of VoiVod. One song has seemed to endure though - a hidden track called 'I Am The Warlock' with Jack Black front-and-centre explaining how he is going to destroy the listener's life, in the way only Jack Black can.
		Cult Of Luna Salvation Post-Metal \| Album \| 4 October 2004
	Cult Of Luna amaze me, and not many bands do that anymore. This album is a brilliant collage of noise and distortion, which ebbs and flows like the ocean in a storm... crashing against the rocks of the shore.
		Fear Factory Archetype Metal (Industrial) \| Album \| 19 April 2004
	Fear Factory without Dino? Like toast without Vegemite they said - It can't be done - DAMMIT! IT SHOULDN'T BE DONE! But it has been, and it actually worked. Like taking the first bite from a slice of toast spread with Promite instead, this was still Vegemite, but with a slightly new (and very refreshing) flavour. And it was HEAVY!
		Dream Theater Live At Budokan Progressive Metal \| Album \| 4 October 2004
	I am not a huge Dream Theater fan, and will never claim to be. Yeah - These boys can play like motherfuckers, but it is all a little to guitar wanky and mellow in places for the wall of noise these damned ears deserve. So why is this here? I can't say - but I can say I gave all 3 CDs a hell of a listen, and this is magnificent from start to finish.

2004 TheBigBlack's Metal Dishonourable Mentions
		Megadeth So Far, So Good... So What? [2004 Remix & Remaster] Thrash Metal \| Album \| 24 July 2004
	Dishonourable Mention for being remixed by General Mustaine to now have the TRUMPETS in the scorching opener 'Into The Lungs Of Hell' EVEN LOUDER. What was he thinking? What was he THINKING? In 1988 when he put them there the first time WHAT WAS HE THINKING?

2005 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Soulfly Dark Ages Groove Metal \| Album \| 4 October 2005 'Dark Ages' is the fifth studio album by Soulfly. The album explores aggression and dark themes to mourn the deaths of Max Cavalera's 8-month-old grandson, Moses, and his close friend Dimebag Darrell (ex-Pantera). Dark Ages was recorded in five countries - Serbia, Turkey, Russia, France, and the United States.
	Max Cavalera is back. I'll say it again. Max Cavalera is back. A true godfather of thrash and death, Max has finally completely found his Soulfly groove. Throw out all the bullshit Sean Lennon and Fred Durst duets, strip the music back, and tip in a big bucket of pigslops and anger - and you get the album that should have appeared after Sepultura's 'Roots'. About time Max.
		The Project Hate MCMXCIX Armageddon March Eternal (Symphonies Of Slit Wrists) Death Metal \| Album \| 5 October 2005
	I only heard The Project Hate MCMXCIX about 18 months ago, but was hooked pretty fast. Death Metal mixed with other contemporary styles, and operatic female vocals probably sounds pretty cliche - but these guys seem to know how to do it well. This is the band's most varied composition yet.
		Candlemass Candlemass Doom Metal \| Album \| 22 May 2005
	Although one of my most anticipated of the year, this album shocked me. I was a huge fan of early CM, and the reuniting of this 'classic' line-up suggested a quality slab of killer doom metal. But this is something else. The riffs are thick and fast - there's not much doom here - more modern thrash, and the production is big. A brilliant return to my ears.
		Akercocke Words That Go Unspoken, Deeds That Go Undone Death Metal (Blackened) \| Album \| 10 October 2005
	I'm not really sure if Akercocke is a Black Metal or a Death Metal band anymore. The line seems to blur more with each album from these suit-wearing Englishmen. Either way, this is still as compelling and original as their first 3 albums, and even with the quality production they still manage to drip with evil. Bring on an Aussie tour soon me thinks.
		Sargeist Disciple Of The Heinous Path Death Metal \| Album \| 30 September 2005
	Quality Finnish black metal? No. It can't be. It is. Well, it is pretty much just a early Darkthrone clone - But their early stuff still stands as some of the best black metal anyway, so mimic away I guess. The production is raw, but not so grim the music can't be appreciated. Fantastic stuff.
		Old Man's Child Vermin Black Metal \| Album \| 14 October 2005
	I have never been a big fan of OMC as I find Galder's side project to always sound too much like second rate Dimmu Borgir album, but this one is different. This is quality atmospheric black metal, made the way symphonic BM should be. Not too orchestrated - just right.
		Nevermore This Godless Endeavour Thrash Metal \| Album \| 26 July 2005
	I didn't go into my first listen expecting much. I mean, they are a great band, and have always been great musicians, but they have pretty much written the same album 5 times over. I press play and the only word that comes to mind is 'wow' (think of Neo in 'The Matrix'). This album is a monster. Track one rips off your head and craps down your throat, but it taste like mature cheese rather than poop. This is the same Nevermore, but heavier and faster than ever before. I think this is how I had wished they had always sounded, but never did. About time they got with MY program.
		Judas Priest Angel Of Retribution Heavy Metal \| Album \| 23 February 2005
	We all thought it would be a good laugh, right? A new Judas Priest album. The return of Halford (in his cheek-less leather chaps) on vocals. What the fuck went wrong? JP moved from 1982 to 2005 and showed the world they are still the masters. This was one of my anticipated albums of the year - but I only thought it would be good for nostalgia's sake. Turns out that a long break from the band was all Rob Halford needed. And now he's back. Strap on the leather mofos.
		Exodus Shovel Headed Kill Machine Thrash Metal \| Album \| 4 October 2005
	I will admit - this almost knocked Opeth off first place. Everyone knows I am a monster Exodus fan, but I was gravely concerned about this album. Firstly, replacing all but the one founding member of a band is bad news - especially when your last album was cited by fans and critics as possibly your best. But it has been done, and done well! I always knew ex-Slayer drummer Paul Bostaph would pound some life into things - but the big surprise is new comer Rob Dukes on vox. He has the style and range of Zetro, but is still his own voice. Finally, the music - another riffspitting shredfest, Exodus have again proved they created thrash, and will be kings of it forever. Amen. Can I get a hallelujah brothers and sisters?
		Opeth Ghost Reveries Death Metal (Progressive) \| Album \| 30 August 2005
	Mikael Akerfedt is a genius. Simple as that. There is nobody that can write such a diverse set of tracks SO WELL in all streams of chosen music. Songs like 'The Grand Conjuration' and 'Ghost Of Perdition' are some of the heaviest tracks Opeth have recorded, coupled along with tracks like 'Isolation' and 'Atonement' - which are some of the lightest. Amazingly, it works beautifully. It's Brilliant. There is no other word. Buy or die wishing you did.

2005 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Roadrunner United The All-Star Sessions Metal \| Album + Video \| 10 October 2005
	In case you haven't heard, this is the Roadrunner Records 25th anniversary project. Four team captains (Dino of Fear Factory / Rob of Machine Head / Matt of Trivium / Joey of Slipknot) writing songs for other artists on the label. Although I am not a Trivium fan, Heafy is VERY impressive in capturing some of the genres nicely (including a great 'Cradle Of Filth' style black metal track with Dani Filth on vocals). This would probably have made the Top 10, but there were a couple of 'trendy' tracks included to make good singles (and have done so). You can't blame them - they are the label that signed every nu-metal band on the planet when it got trendy, and have started doing the same with the current screamo trend, but that's how you make money I guess. But there is no Nickelback here, and that's a relief (and surprise). Highlights? The solo track by Akerfeldt of Opeth (with Josh Silver of Type O Negative) is a winner (of course), as is the King Diamond track (again written by Heafy). And Glen Benton of Deicide doing 'Annihilation By The Hands Of God' is just magic. PS - The bonus 'making of' DVD is great too. Jeff Waters of Annihilator proves he wasn't lying when he claimed to be the fastest guitarist on the planet.
		Ulver Blood Inside Black Metal \| Album \| 6 June 2005
	This would be in the Top 10 easily - but where the hell do you categorise these boys now? Garm has again written a totally compelling soundtrack to your life, with far more 'cohesive' songs than the last few releases. Give it a listen in the dark - LOUD.

2005 TheBigBlack's Metal Dishonourable Mentions
		Black Label Society Mafia Heavy Metal \| Album \| 8 March 2005
	I think Zakk needs to stop churning out 25 albums a decade, and maybe focus his song writing on just one every couple of years. There is nothing here we haven't heard him do a dozen or so times before - and he did them better the first 12 times. Yawn.
		Fear Factory Transgression Metal (Industrial) \| Album \| 22 August 2005
	There's not much can really be said about this that hasn't been complained about already all year by any FORMER Fear Factory fans. I shall be quick by summarizing - 1. A cover of a U2 song that still sounds like U2. What's up with that? 2. The new 'I can scream like a metalcore biatch' vocal style. What's up with that? 3. The clean production and nice tunes. What's up with that? 4. Again - A cover of a U2 song that still sounds like U2. What's up with that? Fear Factory is dead. R.I.P.
		Ozzy Osbourne Under Cover Heavy Metal \| Album \| 1 November 2005
	Sometimes it is time to rock, and sometimes it's time to stop rocking. Even Michael Jackson finally worked out that when you have given all the music you have, you stop giving music - or you turn into a circus clown. OK - bad example. He was always a clown. My point is, Ozzy hasn't learnt lesson this yet. Or is it Sharon that hasn't learnt this lesson yet? Either way, please stop making this POO. An album of covers to songs he can't sing, that no one wants to hear anyway? To think - I once wanted Ozzy as a dad, now he is not even in the running. Lemmy, can I call you pa, old warty one?
		System Of A Down Hypnotize Nu Metal \| Album \| 22 November 2005
	My teenage daughter is a big fan of S.O.A.D. since the Hypnotise / Mezmerise albums were released. They sit on her shelf alongside her 'Black Eyed Peas', 'Eminem', 'My Chemical Romance' and 'Green Day' CDs. I shall say no more. No - Actually I will. WHERE DOES A BAND GET OFF RELEASING 2 THIRTY-FIVE MINUTE ALBUMS? These guys claim they are all for the fans. Fans would have preferred to have only wasted their money on one of these pieces of crap, rather than both I think. In the immortal words of Spinal Tap - SHIT SANDWICH.

2006 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Vreid Pitch Black Brigade Black Metal \| Album \| 27 March 2006
	I must admit, I had never even heard of these guys until this year, even though this is their second album - but I shant forget them in a hurry. Hailing from Norway (as 90% of my listening now seems to.) This band has risen from the ashes of the legendary Windir following the death of Valfar. Their style is quite similar to Windir, but a little more 'thrash inspired'. Make no mistake though, this is still some blistering black metal that will strip paint from your tongue if you are stupid enough to paint it, but with the added bonus of some great riffs to break up the music and viperous vocals.
		Venom Metal Black Black Metal \| Album \| 20 March 2006
	Anything Venom has released since 1985 has been poo in a sack. It's that simple. Remove the name Venom, and maybe it stood a chance of survival amongst the hordes of generic metal released by a million labels in the 80s, but with the name left on it, it ruined one of the greatest legacies in metal history. Fast forward a couple of decades, and I wasn't expecting to be very surprised by this apparent 'return to form'. And then the unthinkable happened. I bet you can't guess? That's right. I was surprised. This is old school Venom as it is supposed to be. The music is angry and evil. Brilliant. It is also predictable, cliche and badly produced. Also brilliant! Hell - Even the name is a trashy cash-in. It's Venom - Why would they ever have though we wanted anything else from them?
		Amon Amarth With Oden On Our Side Death Metal (Melodic) \| Album \| 22 September 2006
	There are 3 death metal bands that always provide a certain level of product satisfaction. Vader, Unleashed, and the mighty Amon Amarth. I will admit though, that this one took me a little longer to get into the previous couple. It is more a straight forward Swedish death metal album, with a lot less technical song-writing than the last time around. After a couple of listens, this didn't matter to anymore, and I plugged in my air guitar and cranked it. There are a few slower paced tracks this time around (but no ballads, you understand) varying the album nicely. Great death metal from a great band, and P.S. Valhall apparently awaits, so don't dilly-dally.
		Drudkh Blood In Our Wells [???? ? ????? ????????] Black Metal \| Album \| 23 March 2006
	Black metal from the Ukraine. Scared? I was. I though this might be funny, but it is actually a breath of fresh air in a scene that really needs some breeze right now. Don't get me wrong, there is still no mistaking the genre this falls into, but it is somewhat low-key. The band doesn't try to be the evilest or heaviest or fastest band around, they just let the darkness flow until it reaches perfection, then they whack it on a CD so we can all drink of its tasty goodness and Ukrainyness from a spooky looking chalice. Play it with the lights out.
		Sahg Sahg I Heavy Metal \| Album \| 1 March 2006
	Made up of some of the highest pedigree of Norwegian black metal musicians, I was expecting the obvious, but this is something far different. Picture this - It's 1998 and the original Black Sabbath reunite (true) and after a series of shows (true) decide to record their first new album in 19 years (the untrue bit - lazy fuckers). The album is called 'Sahg 1'. This is classic Sabbath. The grooves. The bass. The vocals. Everything about this bleeds classic Sabbath. How could it not be in my Top 10 really? If nightclubs played metal and we all boogied the night away to Exodus instead of The Chemical Brothers, the dance floor would be filled when the grooves of this mofo hit the speakers. Warning - Driving to this music may cause passers-by to laugh at you when you can't resist using the cigarette lighter as a microphone.
		Satyricon Now, Diabolical Black Metal \| Album \| 17 April 2006
	Ah Satyricon. Cornerstone of the modern Norwegian black metal movement. Home to the inhuman machines that are Satyr and Frost. Roll out that classic black metal at the sound of the beep, thanks. But wait! What is this? This is not traditional black metal - In fact, apart from the vocals, there isn't much blackyness here at all. THAT'S NO HOW YA MAKE PORIDGE! I think my first listen caused many a cuss and rant at its style change. The riffs are dirty thrash inspired masterstrokes, that get in your head and lock in there. This album is addictive to say the least, and I have been drawn back to it time and time again. The production is brilliant, the songs are top notch, and Satyricon have proven (unlike Cradle Of Filth) that a band can break free of the black metal genre if done the right way. Burn your pentagrams. Now.
		Celtic Frost Monotheist Black Metal \| Album \| 29 May 2006
	Me and the Frost go way back. The unholy trinity of 'Morbid Tales', 'Emperor's Return' and 'To Mega Therion'? Yep. The transitional 'Into The Pandemonium'? Ah ha. The glam inspired 'Cold Lake' and 'Vanity / Nemesis'. OK - Reluctantly I'll admit it. So, 16 years later when Celtic Frost claim they have reformed to reinvent their metal again, I became sceptical. Tom G. Warrior has always had a tendency to actually digress right at the point of a breakthrough. So - was I disappointed, or was this a reversion to the glory days of the early 80's (rather than the mostly forgotten late 80's) output? To be honest, to begin with I was bitterly disappointed, but this mofo is a grower. Forget about anything after 'To Mega Therion', but also don't expect to place this in the same musical bucket. The Frost has again been reinvented into something far darker than I have heard in a very long time. This feels like a coiled sleeping serpent that you know is going to strike, but are unsure of when. I can't even finds words to explain the darkness around this - but just when you feel you are doomed to hell forever, a female voice will break the darkness and lift you back to reality. It's not doom. It's not black. It's not really any style, but it is still distinctively Celtic Frost. Kudos to the greatest comeback album in recent metal history, if not ever.
		Ihsahn The Adversary Black Metal (Progressive) \| Album \| 18 April 2006
	How could the mastermind behind Emperor not produce a masterpiece for a solo album? That is a rhetorical question - you don't have to answer it. Ishahn claimed this would be made of all his influences, and he doesn't lie. There is Emperor style blasting black metal. There is Mercyfate Fate style King Diamond screams. There are Iron Maiden twin guitars. There are anthemic choruses. The history of metal is here, and it actually works - while still producing a distinctively Ishahn product. P.S. - I will subtract some brilliantyness points for production - it could have been a little bit fuller there buddy, but I guess after playing all the instruments you were probably too tired to care by then..
		My Dying Bride A Line Of Deathless Kings Doom Metal \| Album \| 9 October 2006
	My Dying Bride is band that is hard to describe, but the term 'brutally beautiful' comes to mind. The band's music is both elegant and harmonious at the same time as being extreme and discordant. Generally their albums contain large sections of pure gothic misanthropy, but 'A Line Of Deathless Kings' took the band in the opposite direction. This album is still firmly planted in the destitute graveyard of doom metal, but gone are the long passages of sorrowful yawl - instead replaced with death metal intensity that is unusual for the band post their early demos. From the onset of the opener 'A Line Of Deathless Kings' it is clear this is a heavier album than usual, and even tracks like the tale of forlorn love 'L'amour Decruit' still have a massive doom sound rather than the soft passages the band is known for. In fact there is very little on the album that doesn't hammer its way into the listeners ears, and ending on the massive double hit of 'Deeper Down' and 'The Blood, The Wine, The Roses' is one of the best album closers of the era, or any era really.
		Slayer Christ Illusion Thrash Metal \| Album \| 8 August 2006
	I'm not sure what I am supposed to write here. It's Slayer. It's number 1. It's very simple. If you think that's not a good enough reason, build a bridge and get over that river, biatch. See you at the concert.

2006 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Iron Maiden A Matter Of Life And Death Heavy Metal \| Album \| 28 August 2006
	This unfortunately wasn't worthy of my 10. In fact, it wasn't even close, but it is worth a mention. Why? It is Iron Maiden. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them. I would have wasted my money on Duran Duran and Human League albums for the rest of the 80's. I may even have been lucky enough to be a Matchbox 20 fan in the 90's. This is why we rejoice for Iron Maiden - they saved me. The new album then? No wheels have been reinvented. No new ground has been broken. Sliced bread is still a better invention, but you gotta love them for plodding on. Apart from Metallica, I can't think of any other band I would miss as much if they suddenly called it quits.
		Jeff Walker Und Die Fluffers Welcome To Carcass Cuntry Death Metal (Grindcore) \| Album \| 9 May 2006
	When I think about it, this album is utter shit really. And therein lies it's charm. In case you aren't in on the joke (I HOPE IT'S A JOKE), the magnificent Jeff Walker of Carcass took it upon his tortured soul to impart upon us his own versions of his favourite country and folk tracks. They are all here - Johnny Cash, John Denver. Kris Kristopherson. Even Neil Young gets a look in. ''Country songs done Carcass style?'', I hear you say. Nope - Country songs done country style actually, but with Walker's evil growl on vocals. It's so horrendous, it makes you listen to more. Try to look away from a car wreck - I bet you can't. This is the same. The saddest part was that I found myself singing along. Long live Carcass - even if it is to the tune of 'Theme From Rawhide' I guess.
		Rebel Meets Rebel Rebel Meets Rebel Metal \| Album \| 2 May 2006
	This is it people. The last recorded output of the departed Dimebag Darrell. This is project with his brother Vinnie Paul (Big Vin - the now king of the pratts - time to shut your mouth Vin or you will be right up there with Fred Durst before you know it..), Rex Brown on bass and outlaw country vocalist and songwriter David Allen Coe on vox. Throw this all in a big mix-master on high speed and you get a country album played in the style of Pantera with a vocal that will make the lowest low-down slap his knee at the nearest hoe-down. Country metal - This could be bigger than folk metal, although I fucking hope not. R.I.P. Big Double D.
		Stone Sour Come What(ever) May Metal \| Album \| 1 May 2006
	I didn't really think much of the Stone Sour debut. It sounded a little too 'nu-metal' for my liking, but this album is a surprise. This is pretty much straight up modern metal with the occasional catchy ballad. There wasn't quite enough here to place it in the 10, but this is certainly worth a good listen.
		Napalm Death Smear Campaign Death Metal (Grindcore) \| Album \| 15 September 2006
	The best ND album since Diatribes. This is punishingly brutal grindcore from the masters of the style. Viva La Napalm Death. I'll Whoo-hoo it, even if Barney Greenway does need a hairpiece these days.
		I Between Two Worlds Black Metal \| Album \| 3 November 2006
	Imagine Orgasmatron era Motorhead cranking it to 10 and playing a bit faster, angrier, and outright eviler, and you will get I. Coming from Abbath, a guy that plays in a Motorhead cover band as a side project, I'm not surprised. And with most of the last line up of Immortal thrown in also, how could it not be good? It tastes like chicken (they all do), but with 11 secret herbs and spices.

2006 TheBigBlack's Metal Dishonourable Mentions
		Trivium The Crusade Metal \| Album \| 10 October 2006
	I honestly don't know what the fuss is about. Get a couple of tattoos, pierce your lips, and recycle riffs from early Metallica, and the world thinks you are the future of metal. These guys are the saviours of nothing. They couldn't even save their pennies to pay for the Laundromat based on their appearance. I can appreciate that they can play their instruments well - that can't be denied, but they can't write decent music or lyrics. Metal is supposed to be angry and evil, and these ponces are telling us not to share needles and be nice to gay people. What the fuck? Did you get Michael Jackson to lend you an early draft of 'Heal The World' or something? I think the thing that pisses me off the most is they are trend jumpers - their last album was totally emo, and as the trend dies, they jump ship to save themselves. Cliche . Crap. I'll think I'll even give them a YAWN for originality. (PS - The author would like it noted that he in no way condones the actions of Michael Jackson, but does find it funny that he seems to look so much like Bubbles The Monkey these days.)
		Body Count Murder 4 Hire Thrash Metal (Crossover) \| Album \| 1 August 2006
	Body Count created a metal/rap crossover classic with their self-titled debut in 1992, and it seemed that they had potential be something really special. Unfortunately every release by them since was way way way (and one more 'way') below that original benchmark. 97's Violent Demise: Last Days was average, and when the band called it quits after its release, I thought it best. Fast-forward to 2006 and Body Count reunite (minus a couple of key members due to the mandatory drive-by shootings), and they release 'Murder 4 Hire', the weakest album of their career, if not the weakest album of the year by anyone anywhere, including that ponce that won Australian Idol. Ice-T - If I see you on da streets, I'm gonna pop a cap in yo ass.
		O.S.I. (Office Of Strategic Influence) Free Progressive Metal \| Album \| 21 April 2006
	I can't believe how dull this is. The first O.S.I. album was a masterpiece, and with muso's ranging from members of Dream Theater, Fates Warning and Porcupine Tree involved, I never expected less. This is a like a different band. It's like a bad mid-80's KISS album or something. Gone is the progressive rock undertones and unusual timings. Gone are the catchy vocals and hooky riffs. They have all been replaced by the blandest collection of songs this year. I'm expecting a cover of Guy Sebastian's 'Elevator Love' on the next album.

2007 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Machine Head The Blackening Groove Metal \| Album \| 26 March 2007
	Machine Head were once the saviours of metal. When grunge ruled the world, and headbanging become uncool, they single-handedly raised metal like a pheonix from the ashes - to then go and destroy their own reputation by heading down the rap insipired directions of some of their lesser talented followers. Flynn discovered the errors of his ways in recent years, and tried to fix the holes in his dripping bucket - but it all sounded a bit contrived. Until now. This is angry, fist pumping modern thrash that we always knew Machine Head were capable of, but always failed to do. Keep up the good work.
		Down Down III, Over The Under Metal (Sludge) \| Album \| 24 September 2007
	I love Down, but unlike every other fan on the planet, I think I actually preferred Down II, so was keen to get my hot littles onto this one. I wasn't disappointed, as it is still a great album, but I thought it lacked a bit of the catchiness in the riffs of the first two albums. That aside though, it is still a great album, and the first to contain the magnificent pipes of Phil Anselmo since the death of Dimebag.
		Alchemist Tripsis Death Metal (Progressive) \| Album \| 3 September 2007 'Tripsis' is the sixth and final studio album by Alchemist. Frontman Adam Agius stated that the songwriting focused on a consistently heavy approach.
	After a long wait, Alchemist is finally back. I am a bit of a fan-boi, and after the poor effort that was Austral Alien, I was concerned it wouldn't be worth the effort. No concern needed - this is classic Alchemist. The dynamics and harmonic interludes are here, mixed with the usual death metal breakouts - and Adam's vocals are still perfect for the style. Support Aussie metal now. Get this album now, and see how Pink Floyd would have sounded with distortion.
		Volbeat Rock The Rebel, Meet The Devil Metal \| Album \| 26 February 2007
	Volbeat is of course MK's discovery of 2005, and the debut album was certainly a grower with it's heavily distorted guitar tone and Elvis style vocals. At first I thought this album wasn't as strong, but once it was under my skin it's diversity caught me, and I possibly now like it better. The heavy moments are still here ('Mr. & Mrs. Ness' is one of my songs of the year), but there is a lighter moment or two (such as the Johnny Cash inspired 'Sad Man's Tongue').
		Dream Theater Systematic Chaos Progressive Metal \| Album \| 4 June 2007
	I always struggle with DT for one simple reason - the vocals. Those high pitched, whiny vocals. Once I hear the singing, I then doubt the band in other places, as I am irritable - Are they heavy enough for me?. This album is like they have responded to my personal pleas. It is heavier than ever before, and although Labrie is still on vox, he never tries to reach notes out of his range. There is some amazing solo work as always, but more importantly, some of the best 'songs' (rather than solos) the band have ever written.
		Novembers Doom The Novella Reservoir Gothic Metal \| Album \| 20 February 2007
	OK - I like to have a 10 that isn't too predictable, but this year seems to have more known bands than previous years! So this, my friends is my big discovery for the year - a band that have been recording for over a decade but I had never noticed. The style (for lack of a better comparison) is akin to a band like Opeth - death metal, with passages of melody and clean vocals - but these guys aren't an Opeth clone by any means. This is good modern death metal deeply rooted in the American style rather than Euro. Check this out - you may be surprised.
		Exodus The Atrocity Exhibition, Exhibit A Thrash Metal \| Album \| 23 October 2007
	Fuck me - Exodus just keep getting better! Each release has vast improvements over the last - the riffs are faster and heavier, the vocals are improved (with some clean passages!), and the overall production is superb. If Exodus had written an album like this 20 years ago, someone other than me would have noticed them! Step aside Metallica - the original Bay Area band is back. I can't wait for Exhibit B!
		Akercocke Antichrist Death Metal (Blackened) \| Album \| 28 May 2007
	This band gets better with each release. They are like a death metal version of The Beatles - the progression and maturity between each album is astonishing. This is a hotch-potch of extreme metal styles with shades of electronic and ambient mixed in too. Don't be fooled though - improvement hasn't meant they have toned down or slowed down - this is still not for the faint hearted. It's brutal and evil.
		Megadeth United Abominations Thrash Metal \| Album \| 15 May 2007
	And again he has proven it. After 25 years in the game, Dave Mustaine has proven that he is still God on guitar. Where 2004's The System Has Failed promised a lot, but only delivered occasionally, this is a pure return to form for Megadeth - a brilliant and catchy modern thrash album with some of the best solos and most incessant choruses of the year. Long live Vic Rattlehead!
		Mayhem Ordo Ad Chao Black Metal \| Album \| 16 April 2007
	Mayhem are the undisputed Kings of any metal black. It's that simple really. Every time the genre twists in a new direction and threatens to leave the dinosaurs of the genre behind, Mayhem stick up their collective middle finger, and blister the landscape with their own thoughts on how it should be. I was expecting another Chimera, but what I got was something far different, and far more sinister. The album is dark - it exudes atmosphere. The sounds have various tempo changes, from insanely fast, to sludgy slow, and with the most necro production of recent years by any band no longer in their garage, it works beautifully as a work of not just music, but art. This one will bring tears to your eyes.

2007 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Al Atkins Demon Deceiver (The Sin Sessions) Heavy Metal \| Album \| 22 January 2007
	I thought that ol' Al had run his course recycling old Judas Priest tracks he co-wrote with them 30-odd years ago, but I think he has finally done the tracks justice. If this was released in 1985 I would have got a hard-on.
		Destruction Thrash Anthems Thrash Metal \| Album \| 2007
	I loved early Destruction (as cheesy as some of it was), and with the sole exception of Anthrax's The Greater Of Two Evils, re-recording albums can be just as cheesy themselves, but this is really good! If only the originals were recorded with this musicianship and production they wouldn't have needed to re-record the songs in the first place!
		Dethklok The Dethalbum Death Metal \| Album \| 25 September 2007
	Yes, this is the soundtrack from the cartoon series - but it is actually really good old school American style death metal! I know, I was surprised too. Duncan Hills Coffee!
		Megadeth Warchest Thrash Metal \| Compilation Boxed Set \| 9 October 2007
	Megadeth release a 4 CD, 1 DVD box set and you didn't think it would be in my best-ofs for the year? You are no friend of mine. This is a great compilation with a multitude of rarities and unreleased tracks. Also, the complete 1990 concert on disc 4 is possibly the best MD live concert I have ever heard.
		Opeth The Roundhouse Tapes Death Metal (Progressive) \| Album \| 5 November 2007
	This should be number 1 in my 10, but I can't include it due to it being a live album. Whose stupid rules are these? The vocals are insane.
		Ozzy Osbourne Black Rain Heavy Metal \| Album \| 22 May 2007
	Ozzy is back, and he has done his great legacy justice. This isn't the heaviest thing he has ever done (but I'll be damned if you think you can get this in your rock Top 10 MK!), but it is still everything you have ever loved about the Oz-man.
		Shining V, Halmstad Black Metal \| Album \| 16 April 2007
	This isn't as dark as Shining's previous albums (although it does have it's moments), but musically it is likely the most complex they have assembled. It was in my 10, but I tired of it a little quicker than I had hoped I would.
		W.A.S.P. Dominator Heavy Metal \| Album \| 16 April 2007
	After a decade of embarrassing albums that tried to experiment or rehash the past Blackie has finally done what he did best in the 80s - he has written a fast, heavy album with great choruses to sing along to.

2007 TheBigBlack's Metal Dishonourable Mentions
		Darkthrone F.O.A.D. (Fuck Off And Die) Black Metal \| Album \| 24 September 2007 'F.O.A.D. (Fuck Off And Die) is the twelfth studio album by Darkthrone.
	I hate to admit it, but I think Darkthrone have finally jumped the shark on this one. The songs are corny, and the music is dull. A once great innovator is dead I think, and now it is defiling its own corpse.
		Manowar Gods Of War Heavy Metal \| Album \| 23 February 2007
	Hey, don't get me wrong, I love Manowar, but seriously how much orchestral wanking can be done in the name of Oden without getting cum on the clean sheets? This is like an opera with a guitar solo. They should be named 'Queenowar' from here on.
		Therion Gothic Kabbalah Symphonic Metal \| Album \| 12 January 2007
	The last Therion album (the brilliant Sirius B / Lemuria) was so good it made my Top 10. It had so many styles and textures. This one seemed dull and lifeless - and 2 CDs was really excessive.
		Trouble Simple Mind Condition Doom Metal \| Album \| 12 May 2007
	After so many long years, Trouble are back! But only a little bit. Is this them warming up on couple of b-side worthy rock songs? Where's the metal?
		Type O Negative Dead Again Gothic Metal \| Album \| 13 March 2007
	Well, Type O have finally sold me a dud. I have listened to this dozens of times, but it just bores me. I am going to stop wearing my 'Pete Steele Rocks My World' underwear.

2008 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Khold Hundre Ar Gammal Black Metal \| Album \| 9 June 2008

		Satyricon The Age Of Nero Black Metal \| Album \| 3 November 2008
	Not as good as 'Now, Diabolical' but only due to it being a little less accessible. It took a few listens to get into, whereas Diabolical got under the skin from listen one. Musically, it is possibly more complex, and the production is better, but still icy. Satyricon can really do not wrong releasing this sort of an album. Now, if Satyr would stop slicking back his hair like a disco wanna be from Saturday Night Fever, and take off those 1985 Aviator sunglasses, then band would almost be cool again. PS - The limited edition version is also packaged with the complete 'My Skin Is Cold' E.P. - grab it while you can!
		Zimmers Hole When You Were Shouting At The Devil... We Were In League With Satan Thrash Metal \| Album \| 11 March 2008
	This one was a surprise - I had heard of Zimmers before, but only really came across them by accident. I'll be dammed if that isn't Devin Townsend on vocals, regardless of what the band says! This is classic Devin style metal, with some of the crassest lyrics of 2008. The appearance of Dethklok's Nathan Explosion added to the mayhem. One of my most played albums of the year, because it is great to drive to. I wish this album had been out in 1985, so I could have played it to all the poseurs myself.
		Ihsahn angL Black Metal (Progressive) \| Album \| 26 May 2008
	From the point of view of production, this album eats the first - which is good, as I think 'The Adversary' suffered a lot because of its thin sound. The music isn't as diverse here, and possibly not as good as the first, but the duet with Akerfeldt had me running to get the tissues. Because I was crying. I wasn't wanking, you pervert. Classic Ihsahn, with more of an Emperor feel this time round.
		Amon Amarth Twilight Of The Thunder God Death Metal (Melodic) \| Album \| 17 September 2008
	I love Amon Amarth. They can always be relied on to NOT grow musically, and give you the same Odin inspired lyrics for all eternity. Some may see this as a weakness, but I don't mind a bit of stability in some bands - and this is one of them. This is the usual pummelling-drumbeat death metal, so if you like anything else they have done, you'll love this! I bought the version with the bonus DVD - complete with Viking longship reconstructed on stage. Odin rocks. Don't you forget it. But if you do, Amon Amarth will remind you on their next album.
		Nachtmystium Assassins, Black Meddle Part I Black Metal \| Album \| 10 June 2008
	This one was a complete surprise for me - progressive black metal, by an American band. Firstly, black metal comes from Norway, and if it happens to come from somewhere else, it can only be France - anywhere else is not counted - but this is actually really good! Secondly, 'black metal' and 'progressive' are two words that don't go together - but again, this is actually really good! The title (and first track 'One Of These Nights') is a word play on the Pink Floyd classic 'Meddle' and there are a few small similarities musically, but this is basically a band that is trying to break free of a label, but not shed the genre. Highly recommended!
		Virgin Black Requiem, Fortissimo Gothic Metal \| Album \| 19 February 2008
	Part 1 of the trilogy (Mezzo Forte) left me a bit bored, and needing heaviness. This album made sure that wasn't an issue. This is the darkest, angriest, and by far heaviest slab VB have yet released. Rowan's vocals are an evil growl rather than his usual haunting moan, and the music is down-tuned evil. The great thing is, musical themes run through the trilogy, and I now have a new appreciation of Part 1. Rowan told me a few weeks back that Part 3 (Pianissimo) will be hopefully out mid-year, but will be all orchestration, rather than heavy guitar. After the first two parts gelling so nicely back-to-back, I can't wait!
		Opeth Watershed Death Metal (Progressive) \| Album \| 3 June 2008
	Usually the topmost of my 10 without question, this time around they didn't quite make it. I liked this album a lot (Akerfeldt could sell me a small stool sample that has gone white and flaky, and I would put it in my Top 10), but it didn't quite seem as cohesive as previous albums - and there was a distinct lack of heavy. The new guitarist is great, but he doesn't have the feel Peter did - his solos are little too 'shred' for my liking, and for the flowing Opeth style. Otherwise - great album, but not heavy enough. The quality of musicianship and song-writing improves in every album, and the acoustic opener with Martin Axenrot's girlfriend in duet is a brilliant surprise. This may be a good place for an Opeth beginner to start. PS - The cover of Alice In Chains 'Would?' on the 'Burden' single is great.
		Cavalera Conspiracy Inflikted Thrash Metal \| Album \| 24 March 2008
	When I heard the Cavalera brothers were making music again, I was sceptical. It was all made worse when they announced the band would be called 'Inflikted'. Smells like nu-metal trend to me. As it turns out, this is the album Sepultura should have made after Roots. This is back to basics Cavalera style thrash neither brother has been able to pull-off since their split. They apparently didn't speak for 11 years (that Brazilian blood is angry blood), but the chemistry is still there. Great stuff. Fast, Angry, Cavalera. Thrash or die, with an accent.
		Metallica Death Magnetic Thrash Metal \| Album \| 12 September 2008
	OK - First up. Yes it's a predictable number 1, but let's face the facts here. If the dude that invented bread and the dude that invented toast were being ranked - the bread guy is obviously gonna be the better of the two - because there ain't no toast without him. When Metallica release a METAL album, this is a similar situation - They made everything you see and hear (besides a handful of The Ancients Ones like Maiden and Priest), and therefore deserve the throne. Having said that though - regardless, this really is the best slab of metal this year. And to make it even better, unlike 'St. Anger' (which you will all remember I was actually a MAJOR fan of), this is a true return to early Metallica form. The kids these days still don't get it - errrr. the songs are too long. why can't it be more like Puppets or Justice?.. errr. WAKE UP CALL FUCKWITS. The song lengths and track sequencing are exactly like Puppets or Justice, that's why this is so damn retro - it makes me grin like Jack Nicholson when proclaiming 'heeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeee's Johnny!' through that axe hole in his bedroom door. Go back to your Trivium and Avenged Sevenfold albums and leave the real metal to us that know what it should sound like.

2008 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Bloodbath The Fathomless Mastery Death Metal \| Album \| 29 September 2008
	Oh yeah! 3 Bloodbath releases in a year! So why Honourable Mentions, and not in the 10? The Wacken Carnage is a live album, therefore can't be entered, but it is brilliant. With Akerfeldt on vocals as special guest during his absence (with replacement Peter Tagtgren nowhere to be seen), during one of the band's only ever live appearances (at Wacken Festival 95), this was sure to go off - and it does. The DVD even has the band covered in blood when hitting the stage. Very metal. As for the 2 new releases, with Akerfeldt now back as a full time member, I will admit I wasn't that impressed. Maybe it's the absence of Dan Swano, but these releases seem to have lost the classic 'old school' feel that Bloodbath was created to play. Now they sound very similar to the thousands of other non-descript death metal bands out there. A shame really, as they were amongst my most anticipated releases of the year.
		Bloodbath The Wacken Carnage Death Metal \| Album + Video \| 2 June 2008
	Oh yeah! 3 Bloodbath releases in a year! So why Honourable Mentions, and not in the 10? The Wacken Carnage is a live album, therefore can't be entered, but it is brilliant. With Akerfeldt on vocals as special guest during his absence (with replacement Peter Tagtgren nowhere to be seen), during one of the band's only ever live appearances (at Wacken Festival 95), this was sure to go off - and it does. The DVD even has the band covered in blood when hitting the stage. Very metal. As for the 2 new releases, with Akerfeldt now back as a full time member, I will admit I wasn't that impressed. Maybe it's the absence of Dan Swano, but these releases seem to have lost the classic 'old school' feel that Bloodbath was created to play. Now they sound very similar to the thousands of other non-descript death metal bands out there. A shame really, as they were amongst my most anticipated releases of the year.
		Bloodbath Unblessing The Purity Death Metal \| E.P. \| 10 March 2008
	Oh yeah! 3 Bloodbath releases in a year! So why Honourable Mentions, and not in the 10? The Wacken Carnage is a live album, therefore can't be entered, but it is brilliant. With Akerfeldt on vocals as special guest during his absence (with replacement Peter Tagtgren nowhere to be seen), during one of the band's only ever live appearances (at Wacken Festival 95), this was sure to go off - and it does. The DVD even has the band covered in blood when hitting the stage. Very metal. As for the 2 new releases, with Akerfeldt now back as a full time member, I will admit I wasn't that impressed. Maybe it's the absence of Dan Swano, but these releases seem to have lost the classic 'old school' feel that Bloodbath was created to play. Now they sound very similar to the thousands of other non-descript death metal bands out there. A shame really, as they were amongst my most anticipated releases of the year.
		Burst Lazarus Bird Metal \| Album \| 16 September 2008
	This was actually in my 10, and got bumped at the very last minute by Vreid. This is more complex than previous albums, and the vocals are less 'screamed' than previously, toning down the only bad thing about the band's previous efforts. If you like technical progressive metal, without the Dream Theater wankery, try this out.
		Darkthrone Frostland Tapes Black Metal \| Compilation Boxed Set \| 9 June 2008
	What can I say? This is brilliant. Quality (which isn't as bad as I expected) aside, these is classic early death metal, prior to Darkthrone discovering Euronymous' new black metal style - and prior to to becoming a fucking bad joke. Not much in the way of vocals, as these were demo run-throughs in hopes of finding a singer - and the live tracks (from a very rare live show in 1990) are magnificent. Ignore current Darkthrone - spend your money on this instead.
		Exodus Let There Be Blood Thrash Metal \| Album \| 28 October 2008
	Re-recording a band's first album with their current line-up is always risky, and there is no exception here, because the original vocalist (Paul Baloff) couldn't complain - he's dead. Some of the diehard's saw it as sacrilege, I actually gave it a chance, and it ain't too bad at all - but like most classic albums, you can update the sound, but you can never recreate the soul - and this was just a little too sterile.
		Hellhammer Demon Entrails Black Metal \| Albums Boxed Set \| 18 February 2008 'Demon Entrails' is a compilation album that comprises three demos by Hellhammer.
	Much like the Darkthrone boxset, these demos don't qualify for 2008, but this boxset of long long overdue recordings is mint. If you are a Celtic Frost fan, and want to hear where it all begin, get this now. The sleeve notes and packaging are worth it alone. I have waited far too long for this.
		Kreator At The Pulse Of Kapitulation, Live In East Berlin 1990 Thrash Metal \| Album + Video \| 29 March 2008
	Finally on CD (and a remastered) DVD for the first time, this classic 1990 Kreator outing is fantastic stuff. A warts-n-all performance of a band at the top of their game.
		My Dying Bride An Ode To Woe Doom Metal \| Album + Video \| 28 April 2008 'An Ode To Woe' is the second live album by My Dying Bride. The set contains a live show recorded in Amsterdam during the band's mini-tour for the album 'A Line Of Deathless Kings' (2006). It is the first My Dying Bride release to feature Lena Abe on bass and Dan Mullins on drums.
	As you all know, I am sucker for MDB, and this live CD / DVD package was in my hands day one. Not the best live performance I have ever witnessed, but pretty tight just the same - and worth mentioning, as MDB always are.
		Testament The Formation Of Damnation Thrash Metal \| Album \| 29 April 2008
	Finally a new Testament album after 400 years, with a great line-up of musos. I didn't think this was brilliant, but it was pretty damn good as a return, and a taste of what is (hopefully) still to come. They claim the heaviest songs they wrote are being held off for the next album. Can't wait for that.

2008 TheBigBlack's Metal Dishonourable Mentions
		Arson Anthem Arson Anthem Hardcore Punk \| E.P. \| 18 December 2008
	Hail the return of Phil Anselmo via Down, but don't bothering coming here for a Phil fix. On guitar only, with some other retread barking hardcore vocals like New Orleans is about to be flooded again, this is a barely noticeable hardcore 'album' (at 10 minutes long). What musicians do when they want to see how the other half live.
		Cynic Traced In Air Death Metal \| Album \| 17 November 2008
	I was keen for a new Cynic - after so many years with only one classic release in the bag, but this? What is this? The die-hards all love it - am I missing something? Is metal in 2008 supposed to sound so fucking gay? This is like Bronski Beat with a guitar line. If I'd known this was it, I wouldn't have told them I could wait longer.
		Darkthrone Dark Thrones And Black Flags Black Metal \| Album \| 20 October 2008
	Here's a tip. If you plan to put out music that is this much of a parody of yourself, and expect people to like it, don't release a box set of early demos in the same year, because if it wasn't obvious already how bad you have become, it will be once people start comparing. It is very sad when an under-produced set of demos from 20 years ago is better than your current album. A parody is only good so long as it remains funny. I stopped laughing long ago. This band is like a guy that used to moon his friends because at 13 years old they laughed at him, but now that he is 45 and still living with his mum, his friends just don't find the SMS's of photos of his arse that funny anymore. Darkthrone were once the keepers of the throne for a great metal institution. Now they are just plain shit. The music is repetitive and cliche and the vocals are just terrible. Their last album was titled Fuck Off & Die. Perhaps they should hold it up to a mirror and read it to themselves. This is just embarrassing. The shark has been jumped. Torbin Ulrich wouldn't just suggest you delete it, he will push the button himself, then empty the Recycle Bin.
		Judas Priest Nostradamus Heavy Metal \| Album \| 13 June 2008
	This is fucking laughable. In 2004 Priest released their best album EVER, and now - we get this. The whole term 'concept album about Nostradamus' pretty much conjures what this album sounds like. Halford wants to wear costumes when performing it live. Fucking SPINAL TAP. Pathetic.

2009 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Slayer World Painted Blood Thrash Metal \| Album \| 3 November 2009
	'World Painted Blood' had something of a messy birth, and it reflects throughout the album. The band admitted they weren't prepared to record (and even wrote in the studio), and they parted ways with long term producer Rick Rubin soon after. The proceedings start off with a slow burn in the same way 'South Of Heaven' did 20+ years earlier, and builds into some massive riffs. 'Hate Worldwide' and 'Psychopathy Red' are classic vintage Slayer, whilst other tracks such as 'Human Strain' and 'Americon' sound more like the band we heard in the late 90s. If any complaints can be made about the album it is mostly in the production. The guitar tones are thin, and rubber band like in places instead of the thick rich wall of guitar Slayer is known for, leaving the album feeling somewhat underdeveloped at times. The drum sound luckily carries the album, and this was the last album to feature the recently returned Dave Lombardo. Also worth noting, it was the last album to feature guitarist Jeff Hanneman before his death in 2013. 'World Painted Blood' is far from being a Slayer masterpiece, but it does have personality and charm to boot, and this tends to carry it through the patches of mediocrity it occasionally touches on. All in all it is a great listen, but just not a 'Reign In Blood' for the new millennium that reunion album 'Christ Illusion' from 3 years earlier hinted it was capable of possibly aiming for.
		Believer Gabriel Thrash Metal \| Album \| 17 March 2009
	Believer and I go way back - 'Extraction From Mortality' was probably my thrash album of the year (neck and neck with Exodus' 'Fabulous Disaster') in 1989, so I was keeeeeeeeeeeen as to hear this. This is still Believer, but with a modern edge, and they seem to have (thankfully) lost the gothic tinges they displayed on 'Dimensions', to go back to a straight up thrash sound. A BIG THUMBS UP HERE (but I am a nostalgic biased fool). The vocals are perfectly Believer, and I had wondered if the years would have mellowed his pipes somewhat. The music is also like their last album was yesterday, that bizarre thrash / experimental cross-over. One bad point on this album though, I will mention the production. I had hoped the downloaded promo I had was just a bad leak, but even after I purchased it, I found the production not much better.
		Mastodon Crack The Skye Progressive Metal \| Album \| 24 March 2009
	I was never much of a fan of Mastodon until we saw them live on the Slayer tour, and they have grown on me ever since. Although I really liked 'Blood Mountain', the only thing that really held me back from LOVING it, was the screamed vocals. All is well here - This is like 'The Wall' was to 'Wish You Were Here'. The same band, but refined to perfection. Highly recommend this one if you are a fan of progressive.
		Heaven & Hell The Devil You Know Heavy Metal \| Album \| 29 April 2009
	A quick history lesson boys and girls. 1979 - Ozzy Osbourne leaves Black Sabbath for the second time, and this time vows not to return. Sabbath has just released the worse album of their career, following up the previous worst album of their career, now only second worse. Things look bleak. But while Ozzy was off crying in his pile of coke, drinking like there is no tomorrow (exactly like he would drink tomorrow, and the day after, and the day after.) the rest of the drug crippled Sabbath boys cleaned themselves up and reinvented themselves. Enter American Ronnie James Dio fresh from Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow. They release 'Heaven & Hell' - one of the best albums of Sabbath's lifespan, and a new sleeker (dare I say 'intelligent') Sabbath is born. Fast forward to 2008, and almost 30 years later, they are back - The lineup is different - We still get Iommi and Butler, but instead of Ward on drums, we see Vinnie Appice, Ward's original 1981 replacement (who played on follow-up album 'Mob Rules'). This album is smooth and sleek, like a panther - these guys are veterans, and they sound like they are on autopilot, but their vehicle is designed for a smooth ride, so this is good. On the first couple of listens, I didn't think much of it. Most of the first half is slower than expected, more doom than Sabbath has been since the 70s, but as the album progresses, the tempo increases, and all the faster songs are toward the end. To be honest, it didn't set my world afire (and I had hoped it would!), but Dio sounds the best he has in years and Iommi still solos like a demon, so all is well. Not the album I had hoped for, but good in other ways I didn't expect, and that's what makes it worth listening to.
		My Dying Bride For Lies I Sire Doom Metal \| Album \| 23 March 2009
	Brilliant. It's My Dying Bride, so of course it is. This has a lot of classic MDB elements such as the return of the violin, but also has some of their heaviest moments. Not one of their most memorable albums - and it did have to take a lot more effort that previous recent albums, but rewarding none the less. As always, it kept me coming back for repeat listens. Long live English Doom metal, and long live My Dying Bride at its forefront.
		Immortal All Shall Fall Black Metal \| Album \| 25 September 2009
	A new album from Immortal, especially considering they officially called it a day a few years back, is always a wonderful thing to us fanbois of Norwegian Black. This is an album though, that may appeal to more than just the diehard legions that usually flock to it. It is easily the most accessible album yet by Immortal, showing a huge maturity to both the song writing and the production. There are riffs aplenty, the vocals are a lot less coarse than previous releases, and it is all together an easier listen. Let's not forget that Abbath, Demonaz, and Armagedda have formed and released the 'I' album since the last Immortal offering, and although it had Black Metal leanings, it was essentially a Motorhead album. This seems to have shaped this new Immortal style a little - but not a huge amount. How does this make it fare up then? Much like most of the Norwegian behemoths, they could play the jug, and I'd love it. From a Black Metal perspective, I have certainly heard better, but as an album that stands on its own merit - this is pretty sensational stuff, and definitely one of my favourites this year.
		Gnaw Their Tongues All The Dread Magnificence Of Perversity Black Metal \| Album \| 20 October 2009
	Well - Paint me green and call me Gumby if this isn't the most original thing you have ever heard in the genre. Amazing stuff. The staff at TheBigBlack HQ have certainly been divided over this one. More a 'journey of sound' than music as such, this is amazingly detailed and with layers of texture that give me chills. This isn't for the faint hearted, and at 80 minutes is quite a feat of endurance, but once you start to know the tracks on repeat listens, it is amazingly rewarding - especially through a good set of headphones. I highly recommend this one, but completely understand if you hate it. PS - Kudos for the track names. 'The Stench Of Dead Horse On My Breath And The Vile Of Existence In My Hands' sounds like the greatest song name ever, and then you get to 'The Gnostic Ritual Consumption Of Semen As Embodiment Of Wounds Teared In The Soul'. Poetry.
		Den Saakaldte All Hail Pessimism Black Metal \| Album \| 31 January 2009
	I have done a lot of Black metal over the years, so it isn't very often that I hear anything new. But with this album I have. The newer Swedish scene seems to be always moving forward with their BM, unlike the Norwegian newbies that prefer to stay grounded in the early 90's 'classic' style - and this is a blend of both regions. This has a range of tempos and dare I say styles - similar to the latest Shining album - but is still suitably gritty as a Black Metal release. I highly recommend this one if you like your music black as the asshole of Hell. PS - Yes that is JAZZ TRUMPET on a couple of tracks.
		Peste Noire Ballade Cuntre Lo Anemi Francor Black Metal \| Album \| 2 March 2009
	This sucker almost made number 1 on the list, except it isn't as good to drive to. Possibly no other release has ever left the staff at TheBigBlack Top 10 branch as divided as this one (except for maybe item 3 and/or 4 on this list). I won't tell you why other reviewers disliked it, but instead why I did. Simply put - It is like nothing I have ever heard before. It is a blend of French black metal sped fed a heavy dose of classic European folk. It's an ugly thing of beauty, raising the bar on what black metal can do. Harmonica anyone? I still hear the cries of fellow staff member mk shouting Where the fuck is your head at this year! at the mere suggestion this was Top 10 worthy - and now here it is at number 2, the same cry will possibly be heard again.
		Megadeth Endgame Thrash Metal \| Album \| 9 September 2009
	When Megadeth released 'The World Needs A Hero' in 2001 I cried Megadeth are back!. I will admit, it was more wishful thinking than actual faith, as the album had its moments but was generally still lacking in any real Mustaine magic. When they released 'The System Has Failed' in 2004 again I cried Megadeth are back!. I meant it that time, as the album had found that Megadeth charm - but it looked likely at that point that it would be their finale. Fast-forward to 2007 and 'United Abominations', and you guessed it - I cried it again! Here we are in 2009, and I'm happy to say, I will scream it once more, but I won't bother on the next album, as I think they are back to stay now. Musically the album sits pretty much in the same spot as 'United Abominations', although the solos are pretty rife here, and are certainly longer and faster than the previous album. The mid- section of the album slows down the pace, and on the first listen or two seems to drag, but the tempo lifts again toward the end to an explosion. 'This Day We Fight!' is very 'Rust In Peace' era sounding, and 'The Hardest Part Of Letting Go. Sealed With A Kiss' has an acoustic intro, and even some strings. All in all, on the first few listens I'm still not sure if it is as good as 'United Abominations', but it is certainly more technical. Longer term, it has lasted the test of time with me, although my least favourite track is the title track - usually one of the standouts.

2009 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Altar Of Plagues White Tomb Black Metal \| Album \| 14 April 2009
	This is a bit of a mixed bag really, but I think what I disliked (didn't like as much?) about it most is that just as I started to get into the black jelly beans, they ran out and all I was left with was the milk bottles and bad liquorice all-sorts. Track 1 is a great piece of modern black metal in the rhythmic drone style, and left me barred, up ready for more. From there the album tangented, and went on some kind of progressive metal shoegaze journey. A shame really, as I was loving it until then. It didn't end all bad, in fact it was quite an amazing journey, but after track 1 had locked in what I thought would be the standard for the rest of the album, I kinda got bored with the rest. Repeat listens were a lot more forgiving, and long term I can see this one is really gonna grow on me.
		Dream Theater Black Clouds & Silver Linings Progressive Metal \| Album \| 23 June 2009
	Although I probably still found Systematic Chaos a more listenable-able (and overall more enjoyable) album, this one is possibly better. Not many bands this late in their career can claim to still be creating their best works, but these guys are. The playing is amazing (as always), but there is a bit of a return of the keyboard here (which always SUCKS). The reprise of 'The Glass Prison' at the end of 'The Shattered Fortress' is very nice - This is the final part of Portnoy's 'Alcoholics Anonymous 12 Step Program' opus. All in all, possibly my second favourite Dream Theater album. Let's just hope they keep writing edgy metal, and don't fall back in that girly hole they were in around the time of 'Falling Into Infinity'.
		Nachtmystium Doomsday Derelicts Black Metal \| E.P. \| 15 May 2009
	Considering these guys gave me one of my albums of the year in 2008, I was expecting much. This is actually a bit of a disappointment to me. Fairly straight up modern American style black metal, with nothing varied or original. This could just be some left overs, used as a stop gap before a new album next year - of maybe the 'Assassins' was just a fluke. I hope not. Don't get me wrong - this is still well executed, but I just hoped for more.
		Gorgoroth Quantos Possunt Ad Satanitatem Trahunt Black Metal \| Album \| 21 October 2009
	I will admit - I was amongst the non-believers that didn't have much hope for this one. I won't go into the details here, as you can Google them if you want - but in a nutshell, since their last album, guitarist Infernus was jailed for rape, and vocalist Ghaal and bass player King Ov Hell bailed on him, sacked him, and tried to take the Gorgoroth name with them. Since neither of them were original members, they lost the court battle - and now he carries on. The result is actually not what I expected. Early pre-Ghaal Gorgoroth albums were rather 2 dimensional, so it seemed he was the key ingredient in bringing the sound life. With new vocalist Pest (actually the band's original vocalist from the first couple of albums), the life has still been retained, and Infernus has crafted some great timeless Black Metal. In fact, this is possibly some of his best writing yet. The production is also the best of any Gorgoroth album. All in all, a fantastic return from a band I thought would be as good as dead, even if there is only one member remaining since the last album.
		Archgoat The Light-Devouring Darkness Black Metal \| Album \| 29 February 2009
	Apart from the gurgled (rather than growled) vocals, this is pretty much an old school, late 80's style death metal album. When I was 14 I would have creamed myself for this. Having said that I would have creamed myself for pretty much anything - I was 14, so couldn't keep my hand off it for long. Based on the name I expected the modern black/death cross-over style that most bands are playing these days, so this was a welcome surprise. All in all - I loved it. It almost made the 10, but it doesn't have a lot of substance really - just fist pumpability.
		Kreator Hordes Of Chaos Thrash Metal \| Album \| 13 January 2009
	This was one of my most anticipated albums of the year, and it didn't disappoint. This is classic thrash, Kreator style, with great modern production. The riffs are brilliant, and the lyrics intelligent. Kreator have made a brave new world for themselves in the last few releases, with a bit of old and a bit of new.

2009 TheBigBlack's Metal Dishonourable Mentions
		Queensryche American Soldier Heavy Metal \| Album \| 31 March 2009
	2 things - First up, this wasn't as bad as I expected. Secondly, it is utter shit. Imagine how bad I thought it was gonna be. When Queensryche first made it big in the late 80's with the apparent masterpiece 'Operation: Mindcrime' I was already listening to the likes of Possessed and Death, so the whole 'prog metal' thing annoyed me to defecation. Over the years I have gone back to the album numerous times - and I still hate it. Anyway - My opinion of that ancient and pointless relict aside, I honestly think the band is riding the success of that album still. This latest offering has maybe 3 or 4 actual 'songs' - the rest of the album is made up of nothing more that moody instrumentals with audio samples of soldiers telling their horrifying (read: laughable) war stories of walking down suburban streets in Iraq and having small pebbles throw at them by old women and children under the age of 5. Wait! Let me check Wikipedia - perhaps Queensryche have done a Scatterbrain on us and decided to be a joke metal band from here on? Hang-on they always were a joke.
		Static-X Cult Of Static Nu Metal \| Album \| 17 March 2009
	Yawn. If you have ever heard Static-X before, you will know the style - and there are no surprises here - at all. There is finally a guitar solo or two (so someone in the band must have finally learnt to play more than the 2 dropped-d chords it takes to play an entire Static album), but otherwise this is just the usual 1 chord per track repetitive lyrics crap that I expected. And what's with the Wigger spelling on some of the track names? Lame. I took a shit earlier today, and it was more entertaining looking at it than listening to this. Wayne Static, do me a favour, die. Horribly. And record it, as it will be better hearing you gurgling than sing. Thanks. How the fuck does shit like this deserve an audience, when real bands that can write and play struggle to get a record deal? This gets my Stinker Of The Year award, and we are only in March 2009 as I type this. Pure fucking shit. File under 'Artists That Should Die', and if that file is full because you have the whole of Silverchair and Powderfinger already filed there, place it under 'Albums That Should Be Burnt By American Christian Activists That Are Still Upset At John Lennon For Those Comments About Jesus'.
		Katatonia Night Is The New Day Doom Metal \| Album \| 2 November 2009
	I have long been a supporter of Katatonia. Sure, their style changed from a blend of proto doom/black metal to their self-proclaimed 'dark rock' a few albums back - and I still stood by - as it was still heavy enough and varied enough to hold my interest. Year by year, album by album, the friendship has been stretched, as each release moves further into the realms of generic radio friendly rock. This album is the final straw really. Every release gets more 'easy listening' - and the sickly sheen of the double tracked vocals and distinct lack of distortion on this album has finally brought me to the realisation that I'm holding onto a memory now. The real Katatonia is dead, and in its place is a band not even as heavy as Linkin Park. Stick your 'dark rock' up your 'dark hole' next time and don't bother me with it.
		Rumpelstiltskin Grinder Living For Death, Destroying The Rest Thrash Metal \| Album \| 20 January 2009
	OK - I was disappointed, but not a lot, as I didn't hold my hopes very high in the first place (although this was one of my most anticipated albums of the year). The first RG album (Buried In The Front Yard) is a modern thrash masterpiece - but without vocalist Eli Shaika I feared the Grinder just wouldn't have much charm, and unfortunately that is how it turned out. Also, the style seems to have moved from fast-paced riff-heavy thrash, to more of a full-throttle hardcore approach. PS - The cover rocks, but not enough to salvage this disappointment.
		O.S.I. (Office Of Strategic Influence) Blood Progressive Metal \| Album \| 27 April 2009
	I loved the first O.S.I. album, but their second outing 'Free' left me really bored. There were a couple of line-up changes (for one Mike Portnoy had moved on, and besides being a great drummer - he is also one of the few drummers that can write a tune), and that is possibly why. All in all it is just a dull album, and the heavy has been turned right down to make them sound like not much more than a Rush clone.
		Spinal Tap Back From The Dead Heavy Metal \| Album \| 16 June 2009
	I was a fan of the original Spinal Tap movie all those years ago, and I actually bought the soundtrack CD at the time, but if you are going to release an album so many years after your last (1992's dismal 'Break Like The Wind'), you had better make it worth listening to. In essence, this is nothing more than a padded out re-recording of the movie soundtrack, with most songs barely different from the original except better produced. Why bother? This is the sort of album that actually tarnishes your legacy rather than adds to it. I'll give it one thing though, the fold-out of the band members on the front cover is marketing brilliance.

2010 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Danzig Deth Red Sabaoth Metal \| Album \| 22 June 2010
	I'm tipping if Danzig ever releases a 'best of', it will be called 'The Many Faces Of'. The band has certainly evolved over the years - although its evolution isn't always forwards. They have moved from spooky gothic rock, to metal, to industrial - but this release feels like the first time they have every really been predictable. I don't mean that in a bad way, but that they have finally found the exact black cape they like to wear when weaving their dark magic, and you can ensure Glenn Danzig will be wearing that particular one every time he hits the stage, ranting his deranged Elvis vibe. It's dark and broody, but a little angrier that the classic trilogy (that it most closely resembles), but still in a similar musical style - with all the lyrical cheese any fan could hope for. We've waited a long long time for this, and I for one got exactly what I had hoped for. Kids today possibly won't understand a 5 foot tall brick-shit house-buff-Elvis singing goth tunes with his fans swaying slowly in black, but those same fools are still making him rich by buying Misfits t-shirts, so I don't think Glenn cares either way.
		Alcest Ecailles de Lune Post-Metal \| Album \| 29 March 2010
	Alcest are fascinating band. A French (former) black metal band, that are often referred to as shoe-gaze (generally because their black metal ain't so black these days), with occasional vocals by a woman, that are actually by a man that sounds like a woman. They have strong early links to Peste Noire, one of my favourite French BM bands, but the sound is quite removed from their progressive-carnival aggression. Main-man Neige was also part of Amesoeurs (R.I.P.), and this is closer to their sound than any others on the scene at the moment. There is a lot of shit going on here - melodies, harmonies, distortion. There is gracefulness along with power. All this sits in a big cauldron and when you stir it at the right volume, and in the right frame of mind, it's pretty magic stuff for the soul.
		Ozzy Osbourne Scream Heavy Metal \| Album \| 14 June 2010
	Early 2010 Ozzy made the following statement - Errr. I.. Fuck Err. Sharon!. Er. Zakk.. Er. I don't. fucking hell. A fucking bat. us fans were blown away! Holy crap? Are you serious Ozzy? An Ozzy Osbourne album without Zakk Wylde? Jot that date in your diary, you madman! The anticipation was like that feeling when you need to poo so bad, but you try really hard not to let any farts escape - It felt like relief was coming, but would it be just a pile of shit when it finally did arrive? As it turned out (much like my 'fore mentioned poo), this pile smelt like fresh roses. This is hands down the best Ozzy album since No More Tears (and you can hear the Zakk fans removing their leather motorcycle gloves to henceforth smack my mouth with them, and challenge me to a gentlemanly pistol duel). The last few albums sounded tired, and were full of yawn worthy ballads with multi-tracked vocals (the Under Cover album full of Ozzy's favourite songs was just plain embarrassing really). This is energised, and full of metal - and the best thing - not so Zakk Wylde sounding as to blend in with every other Ozzy album. It stands alone with its own personality. Let me hear you scream like you want it. Let me hear you yell like you mean it!. Dear Sony / Sharon. Any similarity between the two preceding lines of text and any lyrics of an actual Ozzy Osbourne song are purely coincidental. Please don't sue me and/or rape me until dollar coins fall from my nose, you money hungry knobjockeys. Thank you.
		Nachtmystium Addicts, Black Meddle Part II Black Metal \| Album \| 8 June 2010
	I was initially not enveloped as quickly by this one as I was by the Part 1. Assassins kinda grabbed me by the shirt collar and smacked me around the chops a couple of times. I think the ties to Pink Floyd had a little to do with that, and also the fact that it was experimental, but still within the black metal boundaries. Part 2 has moved a bit out of those boundaries, and as such was a hard medicine to swallow until I got used to the taste. Like Benadryl. There is far more experimentation here, but the two still blend nicely as a pigeon-pair, even though there was a distinctly different E.P. released in between them. I wouldn't say this is for everyone, and it still has a black metal slant, but it is certainly introducing a broader sound and song writing scope. Considering these two albums are intentionally stretching perceptions, I wonder if they will continue in this style - or if the experiment ends here? I'm happy either way to be honest.
		Exodus The Atrocity Exhibition, Exhibit B (The Human Condition) Thrash Metal \| Album \| 7 May 2010
	This doesn't quite have the catch of Part A, but it doubles the punch. If there was ever a band that could be the best example of carrying the flag for 80s thrash - it would be. well, it would be Slayer probably - but Exodus should be damn-well second! It is angry and in your face. There is no pretentiousness here. No ballads. This is intended to take you prisoner, and make you watch as it murders your family. Exodus has made it no secret that the pure thrash crown is now theirs, and with a couple more albums like this, no one will be able to argue otherwise.
		Iron Maiden The Final Frontier Heavy Metal \| Album \| 16 August 2010
	Considering the number of years they had behind them Iron Maiden continued to prove they had more to offer when in 2010 they released 'The Final Frontier'. The three previous albums ('Brave New World', 'Dance Of Death, and 'A Matter Of Life And Death') set the benchmark incredibly high, and the band managed to keep the quality and consistency - but still add a whole bunch of new techniques to their arsenal. The lengthy 'Satellite 15.' opener builds tension with a moody sci-fi soundscape before the arena-chorused 'The Final Frontier' bursts out in typical IM opener style. Obvious singles 'El Dorado' and 'Coming Home' drive the album, and open up some space to allow a bit more room to stretch out and experiment on tracks like 'Isle Of Avalon' and 'The Man Who Would Be King'. Little did we know at the time that these longer tracks, where the band really spread their wings, would actually become the norm on future albums.
		Enslaved Axioma Ethica Odini Black Metal (Progressive) \| Album \| 27 September 2010
	Enslaved are a band that deserve so much more praise, but only a handful of lost souls will ever be able to decipher their vision. They still are quite obviously a black metal band (and presumably intend to stay that way), but they are one of the few that 20 years after the genres inception still find new and interesting ways to work within its confines. For all the reasons I love them, most of the Norwegian purists hate them - their ability to repeatedly break the musical mould they have built themselves, without losing the distinctive Enslaved sound. From the early days, while the Count and Euronymous were out burning churches in corpsepaint, these guys were hunkered down in the cellar practicing their art, finding what would make them unique - and all these years later the fruits of these labours can be heard in the music, not in the legends surrounding it.
		An Autumn For Crippled Children Lost Post-Metal \| Album \| 3 March 2010
	It isn't very often that a new band sweeps me off my feet. Sure, I've had a few albums take me out on a couple of dates and with enough wine in my belly convince me to give them a quick handjob - but this band had me in the sack on our first date. It is everything a true goth/doom band should be, without overkilling anything by saturating it in too much orchestration etc. It is dark, and leaves a blight on your mood and your soul that doesn't shift very easily. It is like the sound of cancer growing, but also has a melancholy beauty. Not for the beginning metal fan, but recommended to any experienced rattlehead looking for something wonderful.
		Triptykon Eparistera Daimones Black Metal \| Album \| 19 March 2010 'Eparistera Daimones' is the debut album by Triptykon. The album features artwork by H. R. Giger and Vincent Castiglia.
	Fuck me. What an album. After Celtic Frost's amazing recent comeback, and then implosion it seemed Tommy G was spent, but then he slapped us with this filthy animal. This is essentially Celtic Frost 2 performs Monotheist 2, so for fans like myself there was no disappointment. This is angrier than its predecessor, and possibly a little more darkness creeps out, but still nicely sits alongside, clearly with songs written during the same period. It's brilliant to see old timers like these showing the kids that heaviness isn't speed or volume - its pure evil. Still.
		Burzum Belus Black Metal \| Album \| 8 March 2010
	After waiting 17 years for a new album, I was prepared for possible disappointment here. I mean Varg has never really been a man who's word can be relied on (contradicting the details of his beliefs and incarceration on numerous occasions), but as a musician I was prepared to give his art a chance . As it turns out he was true to his word for about the first time ever, and provided the closest thing to a 1993 black metal album since. Well, 1993 really. I loved it back then, so of course I love it now. The main difference here is the production - while still being gritty like good Burzum should, it is quite modern and very listenable. Hopefully it won't be 17 years before the next one.

2010 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		The Big 4 Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth & Anthrax - The Big 4, Live From Sofia, Bulgaria Thrash Metal \| Album \| 29 October 2010 'Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth & Anthrax - The Big 4, Live From Sofia, Bulgaria' is a live album with performances by Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax, 'The Big Four' of American thrash metal. The concert took place on June 22, 2010, at the Sonisphere Festival at Vasil Levski National Stadium, Sofia, Bulgaria. The performance was shown at 450 movie theaters in the United States and over 350 movie theaters across Europe, Canada, and Latin America on June 22, 2010.
	How could The Big 4 NOT get mentioned? All 4 thrash titans - the absolute backbone of everything I am musically and have ever been - in one show together. Anthrax opens, and any fan knows that Joey (even in his prime) has never had the strongest lungs for pumping it out live. Well, actually his lungs do the job - it's his vocal chords that struggle - and the performances here are certainly not spectacular. Good to see the John Bush era 'Only' played (a song once described by James Hetfield as the greatest metal song ever written.), and 'Medusa' was a massive surprise - I didn't think we would ever see that one in a set-list again. Megadeth play a varied set, with a little bit of unpredictability in there. Tracks like 'Hook In Mouth' and 'Wake Up Dead' are welcome surprises. Their set is just the right length, as most can attest that at about the 1 hour mark Mustaine starts to lose his vocal stamina, and the rest of the concert can sometimes end up sounding quite terrible. Musically they are tight as always, and considering the rain was quite heavy during this point of the show, they still play with 100% devotion. The tracks from World Painted Blood translate well for Slayer live, and stand up nicely next to legendary (and probably superior) tracks like 'Chemical Warfare'. Of the four bands, these guys give the 'paint-by-numbers' feel a bit more than the others, but Slayer have never been known as band that have had huge personality on stage - there is no room for it alongside the 3 guitarist egos, and Kerry King's massive fucking head. Still, a perfect performance as always, and the crowd of goes insane. Mosh it up Slaytanic Army. And then there was Metallica. As I am sure I have said in previous years, Metallica is more a machine than a band live. They are four people so perfectly rehearsed that the energy their performances transfers to the crowd almost feels corporate, rather than artistic. That being said though - it is watching the machine perform rather than the individuals that becomes the focus - and whereas some of the magic of the horrendously overplayed music is sometimes missing, it is the artistry of the perfectly choreographed performance that become the focus. The only point during any of the 2 hour set we see any real personality (rather than what has been rehearsed and performed for 30 years), was when they were joined by the other bands for the historic (but ultimately pretty dreadful) 15 man all-band performance of 'Am I Evil?'. If nothing else, it was all worthwhile for any thrash fan of my vintage to finally see Mustaine and Hetfield side-by-side playing together on the world stage. I never thought I would.
		Opeth In Live Concert At The Royal Albert Hall Death Metal (Progressive) \| Album + Video \| 20 September 2010
	3xCD / 2xDVD of a special concert for the band's 20th anniversary. A religious experience. In fact I think I saw Jesus on the DVD in the mosh, but then again he probably wouldn't be wearing a Morbid Angel t-shirt - so it is unlikely. I see Jesus every morning when I look in the mirror anyway, so what would I know? So raw in live performance, and his voice like a demon, this truly is the greatest death metal band on the planet. Don't ever change.
		Soulfly Omen Groove Metal \| Album \| 25 May 2010 'Omen' is the seventh studio album by Soulfly. It is the last album to feature bassist Bobby Burns and drummer Joe Nunez, who were replaced by Asesino frontman Tony Campos and former Borknagar drummer David Kinkade in mid-2011. At just over forty and a half minutes, it is the band's second shortest album; the shortest is Archangel (2015) at thirty-six and a half minutes.
	TheBigBlack's usual Soulfly response - Yay! New Max Cavalera! is cried, and then a week later I usually go Key-rist this all sounds the same again!. We all know Soulfly are pretty much a one trick pony. They wrote one song back in 1996, and just play it at different tempos 12 times on each album. But then - along came Omen. This is the first Soulfly album I have bought brand new for full price. Why you ask? Has Max written a new song, so he now has 2 on each album? Well, no - but I think the band has finally found that sweet-spot plateau, where they are in the skins they have made for themselves. The one song now sounds like at least 5, maybe 6. It isn't the greatest thing Max has ever done, but in light of recent there will never be a Sepultura reunion conversations, it will have to do - until there is a reunion of course.
		Fear Factory Mechanize Metal (Industrial) \| Album \| 5 February 2010
	A fairly stable offering, although no new ground was broken here. Special mention to the track 'Final Exit'. Possibly one of the finest songs Fear Factory have ever written, and a brilliant ending to any album.
		Overkill Ironbound Thrash Metal \| Album \| 29 January 2010
	Overkill lost their identity in the 90s. They went from being one of the premier second tier thrash bands, to being Machine Head groove-metal wannabes. Finally, after a couple of decades in the post 'Metallica black album' fallout (those were dark days my friends, dark days., they have come home to the farm. Fuck me in every hole twice if this isn't the best, and most unexpected, comeback of the year. Welcome back. Be sure to make yourself at home, and stay as long as you like.
		Metallica Live At Grimey's Thrash Metal \| E.P. \| 26 November 2010
	After so many years of Metallica, and so many live albums, E.P.s, and b-sides over the years, even the most diehard fan (such as myself) begins to tire of the same tracks live again and again and again. When Metallica finally hang up their britches and say farewell, we aren't really left with a massive musical legacy (compared to say, Motorhead.), and considering they only seem to play about a third of it live, it means we get 'Enter Sandman' one time (or 100 times) too many for my liking. So why is this release any different? It's the proof that after a quarter century you can still enjoy what you do. This was recorded in a basement with only a couple of hundred fans, and it feels ALIVE. Hetfield jokes (someone's at the door when Hammett plays the Sanitarium doorbell harmonics) and chats with the crowd. The guitars sound raw and real. Hammett makes mistakes on solos he has played a billion times. All in all it reminds you of why Metallica is the biggest band in the world, but also makes you wish they weren't, so you would one day get the opportunity to see them at a gig (not a stadium tour) like this yourself.
		Accept Blood Of The Nations Heavy Metal \| Album \| 20 August 2010
	Any Accept album without Udo has to be rubbish, right? I mean he is the heart and soul (and voice, obviously) of the original band. But wait, who is this new comer that has revitalised this spent force as something that may be almost cool again?. That's right - the most Accept sounding Accept album since Metal Heart in '85 'delivers the goods' in a major way (I was actually saving that pun for the next good Judas Priest album - but like that is ever going to happen! - so instead I'll use it for some other 80s metal band that no doubt also has members that like to hide sausages in the gravy pot while pretending they like chicks during recreation time on their pink tour buses). Note - This coolness is conceptual only. A 32 year old German stud n' leather metal band will never actually be cool again. Ever. Sorry guys. Take off the gimp masks and try denim.
		At The Gates Purgatory Unleashed (Live At Wacken) Death Metal (Melodic) \| Album \| 5 April 2010 'Purgatory Unleashed (Live At Wacken)' is a live album by At The Gates. The title Purgatory Unleashed is a line from the song 'Blinded By Fear'.
	Holy crap Batman! At The Gates broke up 15 years ago! Seems like just yesterday, especially when you hear how tight the band is at this reunion show. Even if the rules of the Top 10 were revised that a live album could be in there, I don't think this would be - it really only gets a mention due to its nostalgia appeal more than anything else. Nostalgia is probably a strange word to use for a band that broke up in 1996, but for those uneducated out there At The Gates were the key to the door that unlocked the Swedish melodic death metal scene, and although they have been mimicked by every Gothenburg band since on every damn album they release (JUST STOP IT), not one of them have every really captured what made At The Gates a band that countless thousands chose to mimic in the first place. It wasn't just about the style - when At The Gates played fast there was a sense of violent urgency (like when you have to poo so bad it feels like a needle is sticking into you bum), and when they played slow a dread calm washed over the music. Good metal is more about the feel than the style (hear that fanbois, genre isn't important), and ATG always captured a feel few have even come close to since.
		Megadeth Rust In Peace, Live Thrash Metal \| Album + Video \| 7 September 2010
	The fact that Megadeth brought this show to Oz, and I witnessed it, makes it worth a mention. It isn't the best live album I have ever heard, but it is great snapshot of a band that at this point would probably be capable of blowing their younger selves off stage easily.

2010 TheBigBlack's Metal Dishonourable Mentions
		Christopher Lee Charlemagne, By The Sword And The Cross Power Metal \| Album \| 15 March 2010
	I was actually excited about this album - I saw it as a novelty, sure - but Christopher Lee (the ultimate horror / fantasy actor) backed by members of Manowar (amongst others) doing a symphonic metal album - Fuck yeah! Even Gandalf was ready to bang his white-haired head. Unfortunately, where it all comes a cropper, is when I have to skip to about 45 minutes in before the guitar even starts (damn symphonic metal and it's orchestrations), and even then it cranks to about the level of a Jesus Christ Superstar stage show, rather than a metal concert. I'd call this a 'dark opera' maybe, but a metal album - no sir. Go fuck your Golem, Christopher.
		Darkthrone Circle The Wagons Black Metal \| Album \| 8 March 2010
	Didn't these guys have an album called Fuck Off And Die? Maybe they should go listen to it. In fact, don't bother even listening to it - just read the title, and follow any instructions you may see - then all is good in my world again.
		Sigh Scenes From Hell Black Metal \| Album \| 19 January 2010
	If this is what Hell apparently sounds like, frankly I'm surprised. Sigh have a rich black metal history, and I'm all for some experimentation - but the fiesta trumpets throughout this make it sound more like Johnny Cash's 'Ring Of Fire' than Venom's 'Welcome To Hell'. Lift your game lads. But wait - by track 6 I have now gone on some sort of English Hammer Horror Film extravaganza akin to Cradle Of Filth's best spoken word. Strike 1, 2 more and you are OUT, batter.
		Nevermore The Obsidian Conspiracy Thrash Metal \| Album \| 28 May 2010
	Maybe Dishonourable was a bit harsh, but I am surprised that a band that only 1 album earlier released the best of their career has now released this on us. I fell asleep. Twice. It was like a double sleep. A sleep inside a sleep. It's happening again just thinking about it.
		Metallica Six Feet Down Under E.P. [A.U./N.Z., Part I] Thrash Metal \| E.P. \| 20 September 2010
	Volume I. The concept was great - release tracks from all previous Australian tours to make a souvenir for the current one. Filling it with bootleg quality tracks as soundboards weren't available? Fail. What is the point when it is 90% unlistenable? Volume 2. Release this after the tour with tracks recorded on it to complete the Oz collection. Good idea, and luckily dragged Volume 1 up a notch. Still, it should have just been a single disc with all current tracks instead of this 2 disc low quality debacle. But at least there is no 'Enter Sandman'.
		Metallica Six Feet Down Under E.P. [A.U./N.Z., Part II] Thrash Metal \| E.P. \| 12 November 2010
	Volume I. The concept was great - release tracks from all previous Australian tours to make a souvenir for the current one. Filling it with bootleg quality tracks as soundboards weren't available? Fail. What is the point when it is 90% unlistenable? Volume 2. Release this after the tour with tracks recorded on it to complete the Oz collection. Good idea, and luckily dragged Volume 1 up a notch. Still, it should have just been a single disc with all current tracks instead of this 2 disc low quality debacle. But at least there is no 'Enter Sandman'.

2011 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Peste Noire L'Ordure A L'etat Pur Black Metal \| Album \| 20 May 2011
	No other band on the planet can do this style of weird f@#ked-up carnival black metal as well as Peste Noir can. It isn't about the sound effects or the strangeness, it's the way that they can make it compelling - and dare I say even exciting - throughout. It is like a rollercoaster ride into a fractured mind. It is dark, depressing, and even slightly evil in places.
		Gnaw Their Tongues Per Flagellum Sanguemque, Tenebras Veneramus Black Metal \| Album \| ?? September 2011
	Same old, same old from the number one purveyors of dark soundscapes - but more would you expect? These guys have a sound (best likened to cutting a cat in half with a bandsaw whilst traversing Dante's 9 circles of hell in a motorboat) and you know exactly what you will get - dark and moody murder music (is this music?), that leaves the listener unsettled and more than just a tad homicidal.
		Cavalera Conspiracy Blunt Force Trauma Thrash Metal \| Album \| 29 March 2011
	Not as good as the first album (it feels a bit more Soulfly, and a bit less Sepultura), but still a great smack in the chops for modern metal. These old farts from Brazil continue to reinvent themselves with every project, but never stray too far from the path mapped out decades ago. The interplay between the brothers is as fluid as it has ever been, and just makes it all the more intense - and enjoyable.
		Demonaz March Of The Norse Black Metal \| Album \| 1 April 2011
	It is so similar to Immortal in places, it is like listening to 'Immortal Lite'. That isn't a bad thing, considering how little product we have seen from them in recent years. This is a strange thing considering the vocals are so similar to Immortal - which are of course sung by Abbath - and also features no current member of Immortal. I guess the Demonaz identity is so closely linked that there is bound to be similarities. I guess the link here is that this is almost the same line-up as the 'I' project from 2006 that was also very similar. Regardless of all these ponderances, this is great black / Viking metal album, and it's great to see Demonaz back on vinyl in some capacity.
		Novembers Doom Aphotic Gothic Metal \| Album \| 10 May 2011
	These guys are very good at giving the listener the feeling that they have heard it all before, until you let it under your skin and discover this is that each album is so much more than the last. That doesn't necessarily mean that each album is better, but it is new and different within the boundaries they have set themselves. Some of their heaviest work is on this release (there are blast beats here), and the clean singing is at a minimum on most tracks - but not to the detriment of the music. It is probably the most listenable (in a death metal sort of way) - but still has enough underground grit to taste sandy like a cookie sold at a health food store.
		Mortal Sin Psychology Of Death Thrash Metal \| Album \| 18 September 2011
	This is a classic slab of modern-sounding vintage thrash by what will forever be Australian's number 1 thrash export. Ever since reactivating the band, these guys have been reminding us why they were so good the first time round - and why they are probably better now. Production is top notch, Matt's vocals are bang-on, and this is an all-round great album. Good to see Ozzie's playing in the big leagues again.
		Amon Amarth Surtur Rising Death Metal (Melodic) \| Album \| 29 March 2011
	I have heard it said that Amon Amarth are the AC/DC of death metal. They just play the same songs for each album with different lyrics. I agree - Lucky those 10 songs were so good when they wrote them. There are no surprises - It the Amon Amarth we have heard 20x before, but they are so fucking good at their style of Viking death metal, that I don't care. Raise your arms to Oden, for Loke's treachery has been discovered!
		Opeth Heritage Death Metal (Progressive) \| Album \| 16 September 2011
	Opeth have shook free of their death metal 'heritage' here (and unlike every other review on the planet, I'm not going to focus on that), and taken us on a folk-metal journey. It isn't brilliant, but the song writing is amazing and the performances stellar as always. This feels like the album that should have been called Watershed (rather than the previous), because it feels like the metamorphosis after the shedding of skin or a cocoon - without an exact picture of what will fly free on the other side. Sometimes it feels like Mikael has tried a bit too hard to change, whereas other places feel wonderfully natural. If the next album is similar, but with a bit more focus and less experimenting, they will be on an absolute winner.
		Anthrax Worship Music Thrash Metal \| Album \| 13 September 2011
	Even though we talked it up a lot, I was apprehensive of a new Anthrax album for 2 reasons. 1) Their last album was a rock album, with barely a metal riff to be heard, and 2) the return of Joey. Now, don't get me wrong - I loved Joey as much as the next guy (provided that guy was an Anthrax fan), but having witness the Van Halen style train-wreck the reunion tour turned out to be, I just wondered if it would be worth the effort. So here we are in September 2011, 7 years after the last album, a return of Joey, a departure, a return of John Bush, a departure, the new guy Dan Nelson and his dirty departure, and now back to Joey. Was it all worth it? FUCK YEAH. It fast, it's thrash, and it's the way Anthrax should sound - With Belladonna at the helm. It doesn't sound like Among The Living or anything, it still sounds like a modern version of the band, with all the albums in between leading here, but it does sound natural. The singles Fight 'Em Till You Can't and The Devil You Know are horribly infectious. Hopefully they will remain as a band long enough to make it to Australia again.
		Burzum Fallen Black Metal \| Album \| 1 March 2011
	Varg once said he was a wizard of the dark arts - and maybe it is true, because to my ears if he plays an electric guitar he can't fail to cast a spell on me. This album is a lot less black metal than the previous (the best description I think is that it is a bit more 'Viking'), but it the interesting thing is that the change is subtle enough that it is unnoticeable on the first few listens. It isn't until you are right inside as if it were a $20 hooker that you hear the difference. It is still coarse, and unsettling, and overall a nasty nasty listen that is sure to keep fans like me happy for many more listens. Let's hope he doesn't stop sneaking over the border to Norway anytime soon, because his post-prison albums so far are certainly making up for lost time.

2011 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Archgoat Heavenly Vulva (Christ's Last Rites) Black Metal \| E.P. \| 14 October 2011
	Fucking dark, dirty, and evil death metal, the way that only Archgoat can do it. It sounds like 1991 again, even with dreadful production - but they keep it authentic just the same. How about a full album sometime soon please?
		Enslaved The Sleeping Gods Black Metal (Progressive) \| E.P. \| 1 May 2011
	It sure is a shame this little nugget is only an E.P. Enslaved seem to have found their grove now doing that odd blend of black / thrash / death / prog that has served them for a quite a few years, and such a small taste as this leaves you wanting more!
		Black Label Society The Song Remains Not The Same Heavy Metal \| Album \| 3 May 2011
	I have grown tired of the same old riffs recycled into new songs that BLS seem to rely on. Too many albums in too short of a time span I think is the issue. This album though, was a breath of fresh air. A few old songs and few covers, all played acoustically or on piano. Not only does it breathe new and different life into these songs. The cover of Black Sabbath's 'Junior's Eyes' is absolutely brilliant, played mostly solo on piano, and nice to see a cover from the lesser known Ozzy era. 'Helpless' is my absolute hands down favourite ever Neil Young song, so it is also nice to see that represented, again on piano. AND a Blind Faith cover! The long forgotten supergroup of the 70s that should have been the biggest band it the world - but instead imploded. Nice. Dare I say that the cover is possibly better than the original (although no one compares to the voice of Steve Winwood). Only black mark. a Christmas carol tacked on the end? What the?
		Metallica Beyond Magnetic Thrash Metal \| E.P. \| 12 December 2011
	Amazing! Left over tracks form the Death Magnetic sessions, polished up for release - timed nicely for the Metallica 30th Anniversary. These songs are fantastic, and I would go so far as to say all 4 of these would have made DM a stronger album. Songs like 'End Of The Line' wouldn't be missed if material this good replaced it.

2011 TheBigBlack's Metal Dishonourable Mentions
		Lou Reed & Metallica Lulu Rock \| Album \| 1 November 2011
	First up, just let me say I actually don't mind this. It has some great moments. Junior Dad is amazing, and Mistress Dread is possibly the fastest track Metallica has ever played. So why Dishonourable? Because this isn't a Metallica album and shouldn't have been marketed as one. The lyrics are all Reed, a good chunk of the music is Reed, the concept is Reed, and even the idea to collaborate is Reed. This is a Lou Reed album through and through, that just happens to have the world's biggest metal band playing along with him. When Pearl Jam played on Neil Young's Mirror Ball album, it was kept secret (yes, a very badly kept secret.) so that the album stood on its own merits before it got over analysed. The same should have been done here.
		Morbid Angel Illud Divinum Insanus Death Metal \| Album \| 7 June 2011
	As the intro track begins (with a bit of chanting and keyboard symphonics) I clearly heard that this was different album, but wondered what all the negativity and fuss was about. It was still a Morbid Angel album, and it was the first with David Vincent in nearly 2 decades - and therefore it was still going to seriously kick some tail. And then 'Too Extreme!' kicked in and I knew what the problem was. The album is shit. There are a handful of redeemable tracks here, so it isn't all bad - in fact there are 1 or 2 that are amongst their best - but the other industrial (or whatever the hell that is?) stuff kills it.

2012 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Overkill The Electric Age Thrash Metal \| Album \| 27 March 2012 'The Electric Age' is the sixteenth studio album by Overkill.
	Although I don't want my 10 to be too predictable, it does bring a smile to my face to see a few classics making the cut. This is the second quality album from Overkill in a row, which is first for them post-80s. The riffs are classic thrash, and the vocals are typical Blitz, with his course style wrapping around the music like seaweed around rice like a perfect sushi. These gentlemen have been doing this for close to 35 years now, so pulling an album with this much venom from their collective sphincter this late in the game is quite an achievement.
		Municipal Waste The Fatal Feast (Waste In Space) Thrash Metal (Crossover) \| Album \| 10 April 2012
	There is still a fair bit of tongue-in-cheek cheese here (that is part of the retro-thrash thang after all), but as always the actual tunes are well written, and playing is top notch. This is similar in places to vintage S.O.D. or Kreator, and that is great in books. Old school horns up salute.
		Gnaw Their Tongues Eschatological Scatology Black Metal \| Album \| 6 June 2012
	With a name (and cover art) like that, you need to go in prepared. This certainly the most musical thing the band has done in recent years (is 'musical' a term usually used with Gnaw?). It still has the usual soundscape styles, but also has actual songs (well, there are instruments) buried underneath.
		Rumpelstiltskin Grinder Ghostmaker Thrash Metal \| Album \| 19 June 2012
	Yes - They have finally ascended from the depths to appear in my 10 again, but this is a very different band and sound to their Buried In The Backyard masterwork. This is still thrash, but on the death metal end, with even some blackened screams. Whereas the 2005 debut was about technicality, this is about speed and aggression. The vocals are infinitely better than 2009's Living For Death, and any of the hard-core tones found on that album are now thankfully gone. This is back to being pure modern thrash.
		The Faceless Autotheism Death Metal \| Album \| 14 August 2012
	The Faceless is the most perfect name this band could have. They have so many styles and personalities on this album, that although they are a death metal band, they are clearly fans of a range of styles. Take some folk, some prog rock, some blackened thrash - and chuck it all in the cauldron. This is like the bastard child of Devin Townsend and Mikael Akerfedlt.
		Testament Dark Roots Of Earth Thrash Metal \| Album \| 27 July 2012
	This is the masterpiece that Testament promised us - it was just announced a one album too early. The previous album (the long awaited 'come back') felt a little bit lost, and tried hard to find its identity. This one knows what it is, and tears out your jugular from the moment you press play. Songs like Rise Up and native Blood will become instant classics, and shall be played to many a raised fist at every concert from here on.
		Kreator Phantom Antichrist Thrash Metal \| Album \| 1 June 2012
	Since their 2001 comeback the 'new' Kreator get better and better with each album. This is a thrash riffing frenzy that is unrelenting from start to finish. Vocally Mille is tighter than some of previous work. Every track here is a thrash leviathan. 'From Flood Into Fire' is a modern metal classic.
		King Parrot Bite Your Head Off Death Metal (Grindcore) \| Album \| 1 October 2012
	This is fucking intense, but amazingly unique and brilliant - and sporting all the Ozzie charm of a kangaroo in thongs drinking a can of Fosters (with a straw of course, to get drunk faster). I'd like to say it is modern thrash, but it goes far beyond that to almost being a grind band with high pitched vocals, so I really can't say what it is? Whatever it is classified as, it is fantastic - and even though it is only half hour long you'll need a nice warm cup of Bonox and a bed-e-buys when it is done, because you'll be exhausted.
		Enslaved RIITIIR Black Metal (Progressive) \| Album \| 28 September 2012
	An absolutely amazing blend of their black metal roots and a modern Viking metal style. There is even some old school death metal vocals amongst the fray. This really is a mixing pot of everything they have done before. The music has been taken far beyond anything done before, into newer progressive territories. The melodies are infectious, and the vocals are amazing. Everything about this screams masterpiece.
		Burzum Umskiptar [Metamorphoses] Black Metal \| Album \| 21 May 2012
	Yes. I know. Burzum at number 1 is now about as predictable as knowing that guy next to you on the bus picking his nose is going to eventually wipe it on the seat - but it isn't my fault that everything (black metal related) that Mr Vikernes creates scrapes at the very being of my soul like nails to a black board. It has the most incredible blend of darkness and anger, even though his use of black metal vocals are fewer with each release. After a 20 year break, let us hope old Varg doesn't burn the demonic candle at both ends with this endless string of albums, and keeps producing quality black for a long time to come.

2012 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Down Down IV, Part I Metal (Sludge) \| E.P. \| 18 September 2012
	If they can put out 4 E.P.s of this quality over the next few months (as is the plan), then who needs an album? This is top quality Down, and a perfect example of what they do best.
		Gorlapse Gorlapse Death Metal \| E.P. \| 20 September 2012
	Yeah, the band is family, but that isn't why this is here. This is just great zombie metal. It can't really be plugged into a genre - its part death / part thrash - and the production is just dirty and garage enough that is it perfect. Bring on the full length album!

2012 TheBigBlack's Metal Dishonourable Mentions
		Ulver Childhood's End Black Metal \| Album \| 28 May 2012
	Ulver has made a career out of being unpredictable, but this one takes the cake. An album full of covers of obscure 60s pop and prog bands done in the recent Ulver 'ethereal' style. I don't have much to say about this, beside I won't be listing to it again any time soon.

2013 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Death Angel The Dream Calls For Blood Thrash Metal \| Album \| 11 October 2013
	Kudos to these guys for doing something no many bands are able to do - make a comeback album, but then continue to improve every album after it. This album is easily the best since they reformed, and possibly the best of their career, Sure, there will always be those that love the original 3 albums of the 80s, but listening to them subjectively - this album oozes great song writing and musical technicality.
		Sodom Epitome Of Torture Thrash Metal \| Album \| 26 April 2013 'Epitome Of Torture' is the fourteenth studio album by Sodom. The album debuted on the Billboard Heatseakers Chart at 25, their highest Billboard Debut ever.
	I usually find recent Sodom albums over-produced and tedious, but this one was something a bit different. The production is rawer, and the songs were quite catchy instead of unrelenting. Apart from the differences in modern recording, this is the closes they have done to their classic album in a long time.
		Amon Amarth Deceiver Of The Gods Death Metal (Melodic) \| Album \| 25 June 2013
	On the first couple of listen this left me a tad cold, but after a break I came back to it - and wondered what the problem was? It is big and brash, and a worthy addition to the Amon Amarth legacy. It does have a slightly different feel though, with many riffs coming off almost thrash in places.
		Newsted Heavy Metal Music Thrash Metal \| Album \| 6 August 2013
	So good to hear from Jasonic again after all these years, and with a great album to boot. He's never been big in the vocal department, but his vocals here are pretty good (albeit very produced). The songs aren't quite Metallica heavy, but they are a great batch of borderline hard rock / heavy metal tracks.
		Zombie Inc. Homo Gusticus Death Metal \| Album \| 26 April 2013
	With so many grotesque topics to make jokes of to quality death metal, it is no wonder this is so catchy - both musically, but especially lyrically. The production is great, the music has a nice groove to it that makes it enjoyable from the fist listen, and this is as close as we will ever get to a new Pungent Stench album I suspect - so I love it.
		Darkthrone The Underground Resistance Black Metal \| Album \| 25 February 2013
	Who'da thunk it? Darkthrone are back in TheBigBlack's Top 10, but this old grey mare ain't what she used to be. This is the new 'crust-punk / black'n'roll' band that has disappointed all us long term fans for so many years now. They haven't returned to Soulside Journey, and there is little sign of any Transilvanian Hunger - they have merely perfected what they have been hinting that they are capable of since this new Darkthrone first emerged. It is still lo-fi. It is still punky in attitude. It is still Venom in style. But it finally sounds serious, instead of cheesy. Well, most of it doesn't sound cheesy.
		Hatriot Heroes Of Origin Thrash Metal \| Album \| 25 January 2013
	I LOVE this. It was far better than I expected. Having said that though, I think why I loved it so much is because it has reminded me of the sad state thrash is in right now. Firstly, this is like a clone of Exodus when Zetro was on vocals. He has left the band in a hail of gunfire, and then started a new band that is exactly the same (right down to the sound of the guitars). Secondly, I think I miss Zetro being in Exodus so much (sorry Rob, you just aren't as good!) I will latch onto anything remotely close to it. Regardless - This is a balls out, old school sounding thrash album that will make your toes curl with delight.
		Black Sabbath 13 Heavy Metal \| Album \| 10 June 2013
	I had hoped for an album of the year, but realistically I didn't get one. This is still a fantastic album - but not absolutely mind-blowing. What is does do though is capture the magic of the interplay between the original line-up. Even ring-in drummer Brad Wilk (who I hated the idea of, based on his age) did an amazing job of emulating the Bill Ward style. It does suffer a little from the modern production - and my only complaint would be that - but it does need to compete with so many young bands mixing everything on 10 these days that I understand the need to do it that way,
		Satyricon Satyricon Black Metal \| Album \| 9 September 2013
	This is an odd album. It is clearly a different album for Satyricon, but is still obviously them, and is still firmly in the special genre they have created for themselves. A lot slower in places, and with a larger sense of melody throughout, it still has all the trademarks (the unique vocals, the guitar tone, the Frost precision drumming) but it feels like this is a similar painting, but using a different colour palette to the usual. Satyr has mentioned they were burnt out and needed to try something new. I must admit I expected something a bit more radical than this, but it is still noticeably different to any of their recent output. Regardless, the mix of old and new has made it indispensable to my ears.
		Carcass Surgical Steel Death Metal (Grindcore) \| Album \| 12 September 2013
	They are a lot of young bands out there that play death metal. Or so they think. Carass play death metal, and every young IWrestledABearOnce Job For A Cowboy Whitechapel fucknut upstart should take notice and pay attention. After a 20 year break Carcass have returned with an album that no only shows the young'uns how the big boys do it, but actually redefines what death metal should be in today's overcrowded scene. There is nothing boring here, or recycled, or cliche - and yet they have not strayed far at all from their signature sound of the late 80s early 90s that made them so great. As said in Thrasher's Abattoir - Hipsters and posers they abhor. This is real DM for fans of metal, not fashion and trend.

2013 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Anthrax Anthems Thrash Metal \| E.P. \| 19 March 2013
	Stepping outside the expected norm of staying with their new-found thrash revival Anthrax have released a covers E.P. of their favourite 70s rock heroes. This isn't exactly essential, but not throw away either. Joey's vocals are amazing - especially on track 1 - proving he is still a force to be reckoned with. The song choices are odd, but I think it is brave of Anthrax to wear their influences for the world to see.

2013 TheBigBlack's Metal Dishonourable Mentions
		Burzum Sol Austan, Mani Vestan [East Of The Sun, West Of The Moon] Black Metal \| Album \| 27 May 2013
	Yep - The wheels fell off. I'll say no more.
		Megadeth Super Collider Thrash Metal \| Album \| 1 June 2013
	What a year! Another of my usual favourites in the sin-bin. Repeat listens are like going "Oh anchovies. They look pretty good. I might give them a crack, because surely they aren't as bad as I remember? YEP. THEY ARE ACTUALLY TERRIBLE."

2014 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Cannibal Corpse A Skeletal Domain Death Metal \| Album \| 16 September 2014
	This is the first Cannibal Corpse album in my 10 for a while from memory. Not much has changed - they are of course a band that rarely strays from their formula - but the songs are somewhat more accessible, and tempo varied. The riffs are distinct, and the vocals are up front and clean. I didn't pay much attention to the lyrics, but I am sure they are about raping, killing, and eating what you have raped and/or killed.
		Goatwhore Constricting Rage Of The Merciless Death Metal (Blackened) \| Album \| 8 July 2014
	Goatwhore have outdone themselves on this one. Taking their template of blackened southern thrash/death or whatever the hell it is, they have perfected their style to create irresistible songs, without losing any of their trademark intensity. The performances are great. The production is perfect for the style. An all-round brilliant extreme metal album.
		Bloodbath Grand Morbid Funeral Death Metal \| Album \| 17 November 2014
	Deep in the back of our minds, in a place that we put things we would like to forget, we find a dark memory of the last time Bloodbath released an album without Mikael Akerfeldt. It wasn't a pretty thing. To be honest, it sounded generic and tired, and mostly pointless. Peter Tagtgren is a death metal legend, but he just didn't have what it takes to propel the music. Here we are again taking another crack - this time with Nick Holmes of Paradise Lost. Not only has Holmes not loosened his pipes up for death metal for quite some years now, but he British dammit, not Swedish! But never fear - All is not lost - as this is one of the most amazingly listenable slabs of DM this year. The Entombed inspired buzz saw guitars are still present, and the vocals are absolutely exquisite.
		Alkira Juggernaut Thrash Metal \| Album \| 18 October 2014
	The local boys have come through. This is a rip-snorting late 80s technical thrash album from start to finish. With more than just a little Slayer worship in places (listen to #479 for example...) and a bunch of others 80s influences throw in, the album pummels from start to finish and shows a maturity not usually seen amongst low cost independent releases.
		Soen Tellurian Progressive Metal \| Album \| 4 November 2014
	I'm not sure what category you would even put this under - but I guess it is some kind of progressive metal? The musicianship is amazing, and the vocals are absolutely stellar - although a tad un-metal at times. Interesting that this features ex-Opeth alumni, as it sounds very old school Opeth at times - both musically and in voice (see Koniskas in particular). Don't let that fool you though, as this is an entirely different animal altogether.
		Novembers Doom Bled White Gothic Metal \| Album \| 15 July 2014
	The last couple of Novembers Doom albums have been a bit 'heard it all before', but this one sets them right back on track. It is still distantly their sound (death/doom with occasional clean vocals), but this is just a lot catchier than the previous couple. Much like many other doom album, you do have to be in the mood though. As always the musicianship is amazing.
		Triptykon Melana Chasmata Black Metal \| Album \| 14 April 2014 'Melana Chasmata' is the second studio album by Triptykon. The album's artwork was provided by famous Surrealist painter H. R. Giger. It was his last album cover before his death, just one month after the album's release.
	Tom once again reinvents himself and his music, but still manages to stay within the boundaries he has imposed on himself with the Celtic Frost / Triptykon legacy. As always, the darkness drips from these recordings in a way that many metal artists strive for (and fail to achieve) their whole careers. And you get the impression he writes this stuff in his sleep, he's so damn good at it. Be warned though - It is all at one plodding pace, so you have to be in the mood for this one.
		Opeth Pale Communion Death Metal (Progressive) \| Album \| 26 August 2014
	I love the direction Mikael is taking the band. Heritage was boasted as a throw-back 70s style prog-rock album - and although I heard lots of 70s I did hear much prog. Pale Communion fills that gap nicely. From the opening moments this sounds more like a King Crimson or ELP album than a former death metal band. The River is an amazing piece of Crosby / Stills / Nash, while Mike Oldfield shows up in other places. If this is the new normal, I can't wait to hear what comes next.
		Exodus Blood In Blood Out Thrash Metal \| Album \| 14 October 2014
	Exodus starring Rob Dukes always felt like a next-best-thing to Exodus for me. His voice suited, but I didn't particularly like it, and he seemed to waste opportunities where he could have used some melody - instead just grunting like a Neanderthal who has invented fire (but isn't quite sure how to use it). The return of Souza made sense for many reasons - he is part of the 'classic' line-up, so it's his voice the fans want to hear. And I'm sure the bean counters at Nuclear Blast Records will verify that. This is certainly the first time I have been really excited about an Exodus album since 2004's Tempo Of The Damned.
		Mayhem Esoteric Warfare Black Metal \| Album \| 6 June 2014
	Mayhem really is a band of many faces. Each albums takes the band to new places, and 25 years after this very band started the genre they are known for - they are turning it upside down and setting new standards with every release. After the deliberately lo-fi production on the previous album this one is completely different and fresh sounding. Also gone are some of the more progressive and experimental song and vocal elements, making this more of standard black metal album, but performed with the technicalities and nuances only Mayhem can deliver. Mayhem delivers masterpiece after masterpiece.

2014 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Down Down IV, Part II Metal (Sludge) \| E.P. \| 13 May 2014
	I didn't like this quite as much as part I, and that could be due to the fact that Part I was so anticipated - but it is still a great (but over too fast) slab of sludgy swamp metal. These boys play the style better than anyone else, and let's hope they keep doing what they do for some years to come yet.
		Flotsam And Jetsam No Place For Disgrace 2014 Thrash Metal \| Album \| 17 February 2014
	Rerecording classic albums (for whatever reason) can be hit and miss, but this one is probably worthwhile. The original, although not terrible, had very dated early 1980s production, and this sort of upgrade reminded me how great these songs really were. Sadly, it also reminded me how far below these songs the band seems to set its current level of acceptable - making this a somewhat bitter-sweet meal.
		Carcass Surgical Remission / Surplus Steel Death Metal (Grindcore) \| E.P. \| 11 November 2014
	Just left overs and b-sides from 2013's Surgical Steel. Having said that though, the quality is better than most albums out this year. There aren't many bands these days (especially ones that have been around for 30 years.) that can boast that sort of song writing quality.

2014 TheBigBlack's Metal Dishonourable Mentions
		Burzum The Ways Of Yore Black Metal \| Album \| 4 June 2014
	OK Varg - I understand you want to challenge your listeners musically, and this is really quite an intricate and detailed soundscape - but the name Burzum is legendary in extreme metal. All you have to do is a put a different name (such as a solo album) on this work, and I possibly would have enjoyed it more. You are becoming the Axl Rose of Black Metal. You are destroying your own legacy!

2015 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Slayer Repentless Thrash Metal \| Album \| 11 September 2015

		Iron Maiden The Book Of Souls Heavy Metal \| Album \| 4 September 2015


2016 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Opeth Sorceress Death Metal (Progressive) \| Album \| 30 September 2016

		Testament Brotherhood Of The Snake Thrash Metal \| Album \| 28 October 2016

		Abbath Abbath Black Metal \| Album \| 22 January 2016

		Megadeth Dystopia Thrash Metal \| Album \| 22 January 2016

		Anthrax For All Kings Thrash Metal \| Album \| 26 February 2016

		Metallica Hardwired. To Self-Destruct Thrash Metal \| Album \| 18 November 2016


2016 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Metallica Kill 'Em All [Deluxe Reissue] Thrash Metal \| Album + Video \| 15 April 2016

		Metallica Ride The Lightning [Deluxe Reissue] Thrash Metal \| Album + Video \| 15 April 2016


2017 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Akercocke Renaissance In Extremis Death Metal (Blackened) \| Album \| 25 August 2017

		Obituary Obituary Death Metal \| Album \| 17 March 2017

		Kreator Gods Of Violence Thrash Metal \| Album \| 27 January 2017

		Danzig Black Laden Crown Metal \| Album \| 26 May 2017

		Satyricon Deep Calleth Upon Deep Black Metal \| Album \| 22 September 2017


2017 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Metallica Master Of Puppets [Deluxe Reissue] Thrash Metal \| Album \| 11 November 2017


2018 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		At The Gates To Drink From The Night Itself Death Metal (Melodic) \| Album \| 18 May 2018

		Bloodbath The Arrow Of Satan Is Drawn Death Metal \| Album \| 26 October 2018

		Behemoth I Loved You At Your Darkest Death Metal (Blackened) \| Album \| 5 October 2018

		Judas Priest Firepower Heavy Metal \| Album \| 9 March 2018

		Pungent Stench Smut Kingdom Death Metal \| Album \| 13 April 2018

		Immortal Northern Chaos Gods Black Metal \| Album \| 6 July 2018


2018 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Metallica ...And Justice For All [Deluxe Reissue] Thrash Metal \| Album \| 2 November 2018

		Mayhem Grand Declaration Of War [Remix & Remaster] Black Metal \| Album \| 7 December 2018

		Megadeth Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good! (The Final Kill) Thrash Metal \| Album \| 8 June 2018
	Dave Mustaine was on a mission with Megadeth's 1985 debut album - to crush Metallica. They were already two albums in at this point, and were already forging the way ahead for the burgeoning thrash metal scene, so he know he'd have to aim high. The original version of Killing Is My Business is arguably one of the better debuts from any of the thrash greats, and could have been up there with Metallica's album - but what it lacked was punch. We all know the stories of what the production money was spent on (so no need to recap that here) but clearly Megadave has never really felt at peace with the album, as The Final Kill is the second remix of it. 2002's attempt was not bad, and did bring out some highs that were otherwise buried, but The Final Kill really is the definitive version of the album. This isn't a new mix to reinvent anything, so there is nothing here that detracts from the original album - it is more like lifting the carboard box that was sitting over the speakers off. It is crisp and sharp, and the separation on every instrument is clean. The guitars have a bucket-load more punch, and instead of snapping like a piranha, they now bite like a shark. 35 years on, and this is the album we all knew was always in there somewhere. We are unfortunately stuck with a 're-recorded vocals' version of 'These Boots' due to legal reasons, and a bunch of average sounding live tracks from each song on the album give a bit more context to the songs - but are particularly necessary. Lastly, we get yet another remaster of the original 'Last Rites' demo from 1984, which serves a perfect ending to the album, and a perfect ending to this chapter of the band.
		Virgin Black Requiem, Pianissimo Gothic Metal \| Album \| 30 November 2018


2019 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Diamond Head The Coffin Train Heavy Metal \| Album \| 24 May 2019

		Candlemass The Door To Doom Doom Metal \| Album \| 22 February 2019

		Death Angel Humanicide Thrash Metal \| Album \| 31 May 2019

		Opeth In Cauda Venenum Death Metal (Progressive) \| Album \| 27 September 2019

		Devin Townsend Empath Progressive Metal \| Album \| 29 March 2019

		Abbath Outstrider Black Metal \| Album \| 5 July 2019

		Mgla Age Of Excuse Black Metal \| Album \| 2 September 2019

		Possessed Revelations Of Oblivion Thrash Metal \| Album \| 10 May 2019
	30+ years is a long time between drinks, but from the instant the razor blade guitar of 'No More Room In Hell' kicks in there could be no other band but Possessed that could make these sounds. Picking up where a band left off in 1987 would not be an easy thing to do for any musicians, and sole remaining member Jeff Becerra toured this new line up for a number of years before writing and recording to ensure the DNA of the early songs were imprinted on the new ones. It certainly paid off, with the spirit of those original albums shining through on every note. Arguably the world's first death metal band, those 80s albums were (and still are) hugely important to future generations of metal artists, and unlike many other reunions the new music has expanded and enhanced their legacy rather than diminish it. The riffs on 'Abandoned' and 'Omen' and straight from 1985, whilst other songs like 'The Word' seamlessly integrate more modern feeling influences. Possessed has shown than age doesn't necessarily mean you need to slow down, so let's hope the next new music takes less than 33 years to reach our ears.
		Darkthrone Old Star Black Metal \| Album \| 31 May 2019

		Mayhem Daemon Black Metal \| Album \| 25 October 2019


2020 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Testament Titans Of Creation Thrash Metal \| Album \| 3 April 2020

		Napalm Death Throes Of Joy In The Jaws Of Defeatism Death Metal (Grindcore) \| Album \| 20 September 2020

		My Dying Bride The Ghost Of Orion Doom Metal \| Album \| 6 March 2020

		Ozzy Osbourne Ordinary Man Heavy Metal \| Album \| 21 February 2020

		Butcher 666 Goats Carry My Chariot Speed Metal \| Album \| 31 January 2020


2020 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Metallica and San Francisco Symphony S&M2 Thrash Metal \| Album \| 28 August 2020


2020 TheBigBlack's Metal Dishonourable Mentions
		Burzum Thulean Mysteries Black Metal \| Album \| 13 March 2020


2021 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Cannibal Corpse Violence Unimagined Death Metal \| Album \| 16 April 2021

		Darkthrone Eternal Hails..... Black Metal \| Album \| 25 June 2021

		Iron Maiden Senjutsu Heavy Metal \| Album \| 3 September 2021 'Senjutsu' (Japanese for 'tactics') is the seventeenth studio album by Iron Maiden. Their first album in six years, it was a critical and commercial success, praised for its ambitious epic scope.
	Iron Maiden have never been a band known for shock value. They stand solid like a British institution, unwavering and unchanging. Sure, they have had a couple of vocalist changes and sometimes we see an unexpected twist or two in their music, but for the most part - you always know what you are going to get. And therein lies both the strength and weakness of most late period Maiden albums. The predictability level is always quite high (there will be multiple epics, with the slow bass introduction, building to the soaring chorus), and on first listen I tend to feel disappointment that this all sounds a bit too familiar - yet something still draws me back for more. Once it all sinks in you see there are still some brilliant songs on display here. On disc 1 the title track opener broods and builds to a massive war epic, and 'Stratego' and 'Days Of Future Past' harken back to the 80s. 'The Writing On The Wall' has a western flavour, and 'The Time Machine' sounds like something from the 90s era. Disc 2 heads into more of the epic territory with only 4 songs, but there are some surprising moments hidden in there. Even at close to 50 the band still has the magic, but there is certainly some bloat that could be removed. Not every song needs to be an epic after all - but which ones would I possibly trim.?
		Exodus Persona Non Grata Thrash Metal \| Album \| 19 November 2021

		Carcass Torn Arteries Death Metal (Grindcore) \| Album \| 17 September 2021


2021 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Metallica Metallica [Deluxe Reissue] Thrash Metal \| Album \| 10 September 2021


2021 TheBigBlack's Metal Dishonourable Mentions
		Various Artists The Metallica Blacklist Thrash Metal \| Album \| 10 September 2021


2022 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Hath All That Was Promised Death Metal (Progressive) \| Album \| 4 March 2022

		Kirk Hammett Portals Thrash Metal \| E.P. \| 23 April 2022

		An Abstract Illusion Woe Death Metal (Progressive) \| Album \| 9 September 2022
	With 30+ years of history behind it death metal rarely offers anything new these days, but somehow An Abstract Illusion has given it a facelift. The album is full of brutal unrelenting machine-like drumming and guitar artistry alongside beautiful passages of orchestration, piano, and voice. 'The Behemoth That Lies Asleep' opens the album sleepily, before exploding into a cacophony of violent sound with 'Slaves'. The progressive elements are the key to holding the listeners attention, and tracks like 'Prosperity' move seamlessly through various tempos. There are some quieter moments, and the haunting 'Blomsterkrans' would be out of place on any other death metal album, but on this one - it works. The last two tracks close the album in epic style with 'In The Heavens Above, You Will Become A Monster' clocking in at almost 15 minutes in length, and 'This Torment Has No End, Only New Beginnings' at almost 10. The musicianship on offer is unmatched. For some this may be stretching the definition of death metal too far in some places, but the genre needs bands like this to push the style in new directions - it just won't be for everyone.
		Kreator Hate Uber Alles Thrash Metal \| Album \| 10 June 2022

		Absent In Body Plague God Post-Metal \| Album \| 25 March 2022

		Darkthrone Astral Fortress Black Metal \| Album \| 28 October 2022

		Abbath Dread Reaver Black Metal \| Album \| 25 March 2022

		Blackbraid Blackbraid I Black Metal \| Album \| 26 August 2022
	There isn't a broad range of things you can do within the context of traditional black metal, yet some musicians are still able to do something quite amazing with a style that has seemingly close guardrails. Blackbraid (actually just one man named Sgah'gahsowah) is a native American influenced black metal project that has taken the template to places fresh and new. Not only does it feature lush acoustic passages played with traditional native American instruments spread throughout the otherwise raw black metal chaos, but the lyrical themes follow historical events relative to the history of the native American people. Many modern black metal albums whisk by, not really enveloping the listener from start to finish, but instead grabbing attention with circular riffs amongst the over-produced wall of sound. This album on the other hand is one of the rare breed that captivates from start to finish.
		Ozzy Osbourne Patient Number 9 Heavy Metal \| Album \| 9 September 2022

		Megadeth The Sick, The Dying. And The Dead! Thrash Metal \| Album \| 2 September 2022
	Continuing on their winning streak from Dystopia (2016), Megadeth proved once again they still have what it takes on The Sick, The Dying. And The Dead. Loaded with plenty of old-school style thrashing (keeping the Droogies happy), the album bristles with energy, aided by the perfect production. The album starts slow on the title track, but quickly finds its feet with the lightning fast 'Life In Hell'. Frontman Dave Mustaine's voice is in fine form (although the snarl of old seems to be all but a memory these days), and the solos from him and guitar lead Kiko Loureiro are amazing with standouts like 'Dogs Of Chernobyl' exploding with trade-off shredding. It isn't all smiles, as there are more than a couple of cringy-worthy lyrics ('Mission To Mars' is a great example), but for the most part the album is packed with excellent songs, with tracks like 'Soldier On!' and 'Night Stalkers' smashing out vintage-sounding Megadeth riffs. Album closer 'We'll Be Back' is one of the best Megadeth songs of the last 20 years, and Dave's way of making it clear that he isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

2023 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		DHG [Dodheimsgard] Black Medium Current Black Metal \| Album \| 14 April 2023

		Cannibal Corpse Chaos Horrific Death Metal \| Album \| 22 September 2023

		Immortal War Against All Black Metal \| Album \| 26 May 2023

		Blackbraid Blackbraid II Black Metal \| Album \| 7 July 2023
	Generally the word 'sophistication' isn't used when reviewing black metal music. It denotes a degree of finesse and even restraint the genre is not known for. Blackbraid's second album is an exception, with timing and even grandiosity that would normally fit orchestral works - but make no mistake, this is by no means an orchestral work like those of Emperor or Dimmu Borgir. The album is still straight up guitar and drums black metal (again all played by one man, the ingenious Sgah'gahsowah), but takes the listener on an immersive journey by keeping the musical themes of the album tight and repetitive. The debut album (released less than a year ago) was quite an amazing work, but II possibly tops it. It follows a similar template, using traditional indigenous American motifs buried beneath the lush wall of brutality, but does stretch its wings a little to show a greater depth. There is possibly more speed and aggression on display, with tracks like 'The Wolf That Guides The Hunters Hand' sounding closer to death metal in places, but the nemesis to this are the acoustic interludes such as 'Spells Of Moon And Earth' tearing the anger back down. Many of the tracks are long (some clocking in over 10 minutes), but they are multilayered and don't linger in one place too long. The production is top-notch, and every instrument cuts through perfectly. The album ends with an excellent cover of the Bathory's Viking metal masterpiece 'A Fine Day To Die'.
		Hellripper Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags Speed Metal \| Album \| 17 February 2023
	Speed metal with just a touch of black has been getting quite a following across Europe in the last few years. Hellripper is a one man unit out of Scotland that leans a little more on the black side than most, rasping away though these blazing songs like a demon on a motorcycle. The guitar tones are tasty, with a 80s feel (but a modern sounding production), and the whole album makes you want to throw your horns up in the air and shout the dark lord's name. There is plenty of vintage Slayer and Megadeth here, but it also drips with a dark swagger that only bands like Darkthrone can usually pull off. It isn't just old-school worship though as so many other more recent bands like Warbringer also come to mind. The solos shred and are reminiscent of the leads on faster Maiden, and if this doesn't get your metalhead ass out of the chair leaping around the room - nothing else will.
		Obituary Dying Of Everything Death Metal \| Album \| 13 January 2023
	Obituary is band unlike any other in the death metal genre. They grind out their simplistic riffs with sludgy swamp-like determination, and vocalist John Tardy growls and gurgles his way through his unintelligible lyrics like no one else. This is band's first album in 6 years, and the wait has been worth it - as this is easily some of their best songs of the last two decades. 'Barely Alive' beats the listener into submission from the moment it starts, and 'The Wrong Time' slows everything down to the most sludgy groove you will ever hear. The title track is vintage Obituary, sounding like it is straight out 1989, and closer 'Be Warned' slows things down to a Melvins-like crawl to end it all. The production is top notch and the songs are infectious as hell. Occasionally a young metal fan will proclaim older bands should retire - this album proves some of the older bands can still outplay the ones half their age.
		Metallica 72 Seasons Thrash Metal \| Album \| 14 April 2023
	With band members all around 60 years old a band could be forgiven if they decided to start taking it easy. Metallica have many roads available to them when they create music these days, and it felt like they had settled into a nice comfy pattern of 'not too heavy, not too light' with Hardwired To Self-Destruct. Turns out they still have a surprise or two in them yet, as 72 Seasons is the heaviest and most unrelenting album they have ever created. This is a dark album, and as each song rolls by you appreciate the many layers of texture this band have become the masters of laying down. For the most part it is pedal-to-the-floor fast, with little room for air between the songs and riffs, leaving a feeling of suffocation or even claustrophobia that Metallica don't normal conjure. There isn't a ballad or even a clear guitar, but did we need one? Slayer or Exodus never looked back and wished they had written 'Nothing Else Matters', because sometimes you just want intensity when the subject matter calls for it. Standouts for me are '72 Seasons', 'Crown Of Barbed Wire', and 'Room Of Mirrors'. There are riffs everywhere, and the only low points here are a couple of repetitions too many on the slower songs. This will probably not be the album some people wanted or expected, including me - but now that it is in my ears I couldn't imagine anything else I'd want more from Metallica circa 2023.

2023 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Cavalera Bestial Devastation Thrash Metal \| E.P. \| 23 July 2023

		Cavalera Morbid Visions Thrash Metal \| Album \| 23 July 2023


2024 TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10
		Piah Mater Under The Shadow Of A Foreign Sun Death Metal (Progressive) \| Album \| 5 July 2024 'Under The Shadow Of A Foreign Sun' is the third studio album by Piah Mater.
	Although it is often unfair to constantly compare bands similar in style, sometimes the hero worship is so blatant it is hard not to. In the case of Brazilians Piah Mater, the band they are so easily compared to is the metal titan Opeth, and it feels like Piah Mater see it as their duty to pick up the progressive death metal crown that was dropped. Opener 'As Islands Sink' wastes no time diving into the distorted chaos, and launches the album nicely in the direction fans disgruntled with 'new' Opeth have longed for. As a two man band, they manage to weave incredibly intricate harmonic moments into the framework of the bursts of tight death/doom metal, and the hooks are the tempo and stylistic changes coming at unexpected moments. What becomes apparent on repeat listens (regardless of the similarities in style to classic Opeth) is that the band is often willing to take the progressive elements further than their heroes. As examples, the 10+ minute 'Fallow Garden' has a saxophone solo, and the epic closer 'Canicula' has a lengthy passage sung in Portuguese by a female voice before a violin weaves and winds around the guitar line. 'Macaw's Lament' is a short soulful solo guitar arrangement, whilst 'In Fringes' goes in the direction of layered clean vocal harmonies. Overall, the album twists and turns through a death metal / folk interlude template that does seem somewhat familiar (and possibly a little predicable for doing so), but with immense honesty and integrity Piah Mater proves to the metal community that once one band drops out of the race another with a sound so close can easily fill the void if the public are still wanting. It does beg the question though, where is the line between similarity and mimicry?
		Morgul Blade Heavy Metal Wraiths Heavy Metal \| Album \| 26 April 2024 'Heavy Metal Wraiths' is the second studio album by Morgul Blade.
	Describing Heavy Metal Wraiths beyond 'it is heavy metal' is difficult. The album runs through a blend of styles ranging from traditional to blackened thrash, but not in a smooth transition. The album opens with the Saxon-like 'Eagle Strike', before 'Beneath The Black Sails' continues the 1980s style metal, but it isn't until track 3 'Heavy Metal Wraiths' that the band really winds itself up to show us what it is capable of. 'Frostwyrm Cavalry' launches into a frenzy of drums and guitars which feels like the album is finally finding its stride. The vocals are a gravely black metal snarl, but aren't over the top, blending nicely with the music, and the crisp production give the music a razor sharp edge. Mid-way the band heads into an Enya style vocal chorus named 'Widow's Lament', but it only really serves as a short intro to the next track. 'A Welcoming Hearth' serves a similar purpose, but is an odd orchestrated piece. The album even closes with one of these interludes called 'The Last In A Line Of Kings'. All in all it is a bit of a disjointed listen, that feels like it could have been improved a lot with some tweaks to the track order to pace things better. The songs are all good, but they don't flow to each other particularly well, and the second half of the album feels stronger than the first, with a track like 'Razor Sharp' feeling like it should have been right up front. Regardless though, it has enough intrigue to keep the listener coming back for repeat listens, even if it is slightly underwhelming each time.
		Hand Of Kalliach Corryvreckan Death Metal (Melodic) \| Album \| 23 October 2024 'Corryvreckan' is the second album by husband / wife duo Hand Of Kalliach.
	The melodic death metal style has grown over the years, and morphed into a multi-headed hydra that may strike in many ways. As an analogy, a multi-headed hydra also works for the band Hand Of Kalliach. It is hard to nail them to one particular death metal style, but of the many heads this beast has, beauty is surprisingly one of them. Corryvreckan starts out quiet and builds slowly, and by mid first track 'Three Seas' is a symphonic cacophony. The band is a Scottish husband and wife duo, with haunting female vocals ethereally drifting across the music regardless of its force. This is on full display on 'Fell Reigns', with the growled gravel vocals offset by the beauty of the disembodied female voice. The guitar backing is crushingly heavy, but Scottish folk motives are played throughout giving this a timeless feeling. By 'Dioghaltas' the listener thinks they have this album nailed, but a brutally heavy straight up death metal track blasts that idea away, and yet somewhere buried in the mix those Scottish folk tunes are still playing away. It is an album that is hard to decipher at first, and constantly surprises (or maybe disappoints) as it twists and weaves through unpredictable timing changes and a mixture of styles. By track 6, it sounds like the album has found its heavy groove, but then 'The Hubris Of Prince Bhreacan' veers the ship toward the rocky waters of an almost gothic rock style, its serenity interrupted abruptly by the demonic growls. Although the album is heavily symphonic in places, it certainly isn't light in the slightest - with most of it brutally heavy and foreboding. It is a punishing listen in one sitting, and will require multiple listens to really sink in with even the final track 'Of Twilight And The Pyre' starting out pleasant but ending the album in a wall of brutal noise. This album won't be for everyone, and even hardened death metal veterans may struggle with the female backing and passages of serenity, but for those who do connect with it, it is a totally rewarding listen.
		Saxon Hell, Fire And Damnation Heavy Metal \| Album \| 19 January 2024 'Hell, Fire And Damnation' is the twenty-fourth studio album by Saxon. It charted internationally across Europe, reaching the top 20 of the U.K. Albums Chart.
	Saxon have well and truly proven themselves as in important influence on so many metal bands that there really is no reason they couldn't sit back and take it easy in their final years. Whilst Hell, Fire And Damnation doesn't really bring anything new to their arsenal, it certainly isn't an album that sees them taking it easy. The album starts gently enough with the atmospheric spoken intro 'The Prophecy' (featuring the voice of Brian Blessed, everyone's favourite king). 'Hell, Fire And Damnation' kicks the album into proper gear, with a dirty guitar tone, and a muscular riff reminiscent of Judas Priest. 'Madame Guillotine' slows the speed down, but is a welcome second track with the well-worn and aged vocals of Biff Byford finding the style that suits them best. There are big choruses everywhere here, pulling the listener back to ye metal of olde, but still played with a modern feel. 'Fire And Steel' pummels its way through three and half minutes with lyrics straight from the Anvil playbook. You will find your head bobbing throughout, even on some of the less solid tracks like the cheesy 'There's Something In Roswell' or 'Witches Of Salem', but for the most part punchy tracks like 'Kubla Khan And The Merchant Of Venice' give the album enough edge to set it a cut above most of the recent albums by the band. Although the great production and guitar tones have a lot to do with this, the songs are the true star here, and the addition of Diamond Head's Brian Tatler to the band has certainly given them a lift. This late in the game a band like this is unlikely to pick up many news fans with each release, but if the quality continues on par with this album they certainly won't lose any old ones.
		Judas Priest Invincible Shield Heavy Metal \| Album \| 10 March 2024 'Invincible Shield' is the nineteenth studio album by Judas Priest. It was produced by the band's touring guitarist Andy Sneap, who also produced 2018's 'Firepower'.
	When a band hits its 50th anniversary, you generally don't expect them to have much of a fire burning in their collective belly anymore. Judas Priest have proven that isn't always the case, with each recent album topping the one before - and Invincible Shield doesn't disappoint either. This is an album that sounds like it was made by an angry young band with something to prove, not a bunch 70+ year old men that have earned the right to slow down. It is almost unfathomable how Rob Halford can still sing the way he does at the age he is, as the entire album smashes everything in its way and leaves devastation in its wake. Opener 'Panic Attack' starts the album at a walking pace, but within a minute or so builds to a gallop, and moments later the album has already hit its top speed - and it likes to run fast. No one has reinvented anything here, and after 50 years. something about if it ain't broke? What Judas Priest does do though is use every trick in their arsenal to keep the listener nailed to their chair. 'The Serpent And The King' is a riff-fest with Halford moving through multiple vocal styles, and the title track provides many a fist-in-the-air stadium moments. The album ends on one of its (few) slower moments, with 'Giants In The Sky' plodding to a finish in a similar style to the band's 80's heyday. All in all, there is not much for a metal fan not to like here, and even if you aren't a fan of the band, it would be hard to fault the album much at all.
		Counting Hours The Wishing Tomb Doom Metal \| Album \| 23 February 2024 'The Wishing Tomb' is the second album by Counting Hours.
	Hailing from Finland, Counting Hours have crafted an amazing album for their sophomore effort. Fitting nicely into the more accessible side of the doom metal genre, the band have crafted something that contains both the old atmospheric black-tinged work and the newer dark gothic rock work of Katatonia in one place, so much so that they sometimes sound like a clone of the band. This isn't always the case though, as the band does break free of the obvious influence at times, and these are the moments when the album really shines. The drums sometimes pummel in blasts, and vocally the band occasionally goes into some deep death-doom territory. Most of all though, it is about the atmosphere, with a tight and crisp production leaving the dual guitar lines almost weeping in sorrow. For better or worse (depending on your tastes), no tracks really stand out against others, instead this being an album that begs to be listened to as a whole - but one that will leave you in a melancholy mood at its conclusion.
		Kerry King From Hell I Rise Thrash Metal \| Album \| 17 May 2024 'From Hell I Rise' is the debut solo album by Kerry King. It is King's first album since disbanding Slayer in 2019, and its contributors include Mark Osegueda of Death Angel on vocals, former Vio-lence and Machine Head guitarist Phil Demmel, Hellyeah bassist Kyle Sanders, and Slayer and former Testament, Forbidden and Exodus drummer Paul Bostaph.
	When Kerry King announced his new solo band he made it clear what the world was going to get - Slayerless Slayer, as that is what he likes to play. When the album was finally released, that is precisely what was heard, but it was clear that he had really taken his time to put a very personal stamp on it. Phil Demmel on guitar is a great touch, as his soloing style is very different to King's, but compliments it perfectly. The album is punchy as hell, and the production is faultless, really allowing each musician to shine - and King really has assembled a world class thrash act with the addition of Slayer alumni Paul Bostaph on drums and Mark Osegueda of Death Angel on vocals. From the moment 'Diablo' (the instrumental intro) starts this all sounds oddly familiar, but in a good way. A way that wakes you warm inside and feels like you are going home. Yeah, there are some moments straight from every Slayer song King has written (hear 'Idle Hands' and ' Trophies Of The Tyrant' for examples), but for the most part the album stands up as its own angry animal, with songs like 'Toxic' showcasing some of the heaviest music King has ever produced, and 'Two Fists' has nods to the punk that inspired young King to pick up a guitar. A couple more tempo changes in the form of mid-paced songs are perfectly placed, with 'Residue' and 'Tension' allowing a break from the pummelling, but this was clearly an album where King was out to prove something - and he has - that even post Slayer his music is still a force of nature that will continue unbaited.
		My Dying Bride A Mortal Binding Doom Metal \| Album \| 19 April 2024 'A Mortal Binding' is the fifteenth studio album by My Dying Bride.
	As a progenitor of the death / doom metal style My Dying Bride has always worked within the guardrails they set themselves over 3 decades ago. The great thing is that they do have some space to work within - moving between death riffs and growls, and the slower plodding darkness tinged Sabbath style epics with gothic flourishes. A Mortal Binding as a whole doesn't really fit in either camp, instead alternating freely between the two, and even blending the styles on some tracks. For this reason newcomers to the band may find the album a jarring experience. It opens with 'Her Dominion', using a bold death metal style, complete with heavy riffs and growled vocals, making it quite inaccessible. Following right after is the moody 'Thornwyck Hymn' that fits right into the gothic dirge category. This continues throughout the hour long journey, which adds to the interest, as it twists and turns in ways the band haven't explored for the last few albums. The violin takes a step backward, and isn't an pronounced as some of their works. Midway is the standout 'The Apocalyptist' which combines growls with doom to great effect, and leaves an unsettled feel across the track. As always, the guitar work of Andrew Craighan is exquisite, but the versatility of vocalist Aaron Stainthorpe again steals the show. In a time when many of the original doom metal bands are heading lighter and lighter as they grow in age, it is great to see My Dying Bride staying true to their original vision of so long ago.
		Bruce Dickinson The Mandrake Project Heavy Metal \| Album \| 1 March 2024 'The Mandrake Project' is the seventh studio album by Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson. Nearly five years in production, this is Dickinson's first solo album in nineteen years since 2005's 'Tyranny of Souls', marking the longest gap between two studio albums in his solo career.
	After a 19 year wait Bruce Dickinson finally unveiled his latest solo album, a concept album loosely based (is any concept album ever not loose in its storyline?) on wacky characters like Dr. Necropolis and Professor Lazarus. The story isn't clear from the album itself (you need to read the comic book series to understand it), but the album is better for it anyway, as each song stands alone nicely on its own merit. The album is big and bold - as you'd expect from the front man of Iron Maiden - but also takes some mellower unexpected twists along the way. From the hooky riff and fist punching chorus of 'Afterglow Of Ragnarok' the album signals its intent as something brash, and second single 'Rain On The Graves' has some sweet Deep Purple undertones driving it. 'Resurrection Men' sounds like the theme tune to a modern spaghetti western with its twanging guitar, and the newer (older?) version of 'Eternity Has Failed' has more punch than its Iron Maiden counterpart, probably due to its looseness. The album's big ballad, "Face In The Mirror', feels somewhat undercooked, and doesn't really hit the mark of feeling like the anthem it should be. The second ballad 'Shadow Of The Gods' suffers a similar fate, but has a lot more punch when it builds to its heavier ending. Epic closer 'Sonata (Immortal Beloved)' sends off the album wonderfully with its grandeur. It would be a shame if the world had to wait 19 more years before it hears anything solo from Bruce again, as this is the sort of music the heavy music world needs more of.
		Opeth The Last Will And Testament Death Metal (Progressive) \| Album \| 22 November 2024 'The Last Will And Testament' is the fourteenth studio album by Opeth. The album is a concept album set in the post-World War I era, unfolding the story of a wealthy, conservative patriarch (who is infertile) whose last will and testament reveals shocking family secrets. It was originally set to be released on October 11, 2024, but was later pushed back to November 22, 2024 due to manufacturing delays. It is the band's first release with drummer Waltteri Vayrynen, who in 2022 officially replaced Martin Axenrot after his departure the year before. It also marks the return of death metal elements such as death growls since Watershed (2008), as well as being their first fully conceptual album since Still Life (1999).


2024 TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions
		Cavalera Schizophrenia Thrash Metal \| Album \| 21 June 2024 'Schizophrenia' is the sixth studio album by Cavalera Conspiracy. It is the third re-recording of older Sepultura material, following the 'Bestial Devastation' E.P. and 'Morbid Visions' album from the year before.
	The Cavalera brothers have completed their re-recordings of the original Sepultura trio of albums with easily the best of the three, both in terms of the song writing and performance. Whereas 2023's new versions of 'Bestial Devastation' and 'Morbid Visions' sounded a little unsure of themselves in places, almost as if the brothers were being cautious not to overdo things, the new version of 'Schizophrenia' hits with full force as if nothing has been held back. 'From The Past Comes The Storms' explodes into life with lo-fi retro-style force, showcasing the simple yet powerful riffs of early Sepultura in a way the original recording barely even hinted at. Every song on the album is given a second chance at life, and in every case far exceeds the original. It isn't just the better production that makes tracks like 'Escape To The Void' and 'Screams Behind The Shadows' classics that never were, but it is also the 30 years of experience in between that make so much difference. Whereas in the original Max's guitar would sometimes sound thin and out of tune, or Igor's frantic drumming was not quite as skilled yet as he had hoped, here the performers are seasoned veterans that are perfectly in sync. Max's voice has a (deliberate) old-school feel and charm about it, and although the production is light years beyond the original, it has still been given a 1980s feel to add to the authenticity. 'Inquisition Symphony' finally gets its chance to shine as the masterwork it is, and the lone new track 'Nightmares Of Delirium', a relic of the time, closes the album nicely (but not as well as the original closer 'R.I.P. (Rest In Pain)'). Whilst the first two re-recordings of their earlier material in 2023 gave a better insight into the early band and a refreshing take on the songs, 'Schizophrenia' goes one step further revealing an album that given better production at the time would possibly still be talked about today as an early thrash classic.
		Exodus British Disaster, The Battle Of '89 (Live At The Astoria) Thrash Metal \| Album \| 24 May 2024 'British Disaster, The Battle Of '89 (Live At The Astoria)' is a live album by Exodus. It was recorded at The London Astoria on March 8, 1989 during the band's Fabulous Disaster tour.
	Exodus suffered a number of unlucky setbacks in the 80s, and many believe this is the reason their early 1990s output suffered in the quality department. Whilst substance abuse probably had more to do with their downfall that lady-luck, it does pose many 'what if?' scenarios, one of which being 'what if this was released back in 1989 when it was recorded?'. Performed at London's Astoria with locals Acid Reign on support, this is a document of a band undisputably at its peak, and the performance is intense and brutal, reminding us that Exodus really deserved a place alongside the likes of Slayer and Metallica. This is the line-up most see as the band's peak - the twin lead of Gary Holt and Rick Hunolt held steady by Rob McKillop on bass and Tom Hunting on drums, and of course the razor-blade vocals of Steve Souza at front of stage. From the moment the first note of 'The Last Act Of Defiance' is played you can see the sweat-filled pit break in your mind's eye, and that familiar head crushing guitar tone only Exodus can dial into rips into your brain. The next hour and a quarter is filled with a selection of fan favourites from all three of the band's albums at the time, and although it is quite heavy with tracks from Fabulous Disaster (the album being toured), it doesn't skimp on earlier material. The songs are frenzied, but still tight, with the Holt and Hunolt (the 'H Team' as they were known at the time) perfectly in-tune with each other, delivering the riffs and solos on the earlier material with perfect precision regardless of the lighting speed. Hunting's drumming is insanely fast, with double kicks on songs like 'Fabulous Disaster' seemingly otherworldly. The energy bubbles throughout, and even on longer tracks like "An Then There Were None' and 'Like Father, Like Son' that slow the tempo, the band doesn't slow the intensity. With a mouth full of gravel and broken glass, Souza's vocals hold up well, and at no point in the high-energy show do the band feel fatigued. About the only thing that doesn't hold up is the between songs banter, which like most U.S. thrash bands of the time is full of cringe-worthy rants about violence and politicians. Closing with crowd favourite 'Strike Of The Beast' the whole thing ends in the same style it started, brutality, and then it is gone, and the time capsule is again closed. Archival releases like this are often just a way to clear the vaults, and act like a passing curiosity - but this album is more than that. It's rough-hewn edges and sheer sonic force reminds us of a time when metal wasn't about anything more than banging your head and making some loud and wonderful noise. Thankfully 35 years on Exodus are still doing just that.
		Black Sabbath Anno Domini (1989-1995) Heavy Metal \| Albums Boxed Set \| 31 May 2024 'Anno Domini (1989-1995)' is a boxed set by British heavy metal band Black Sabbath. It includes four of the five albums released in the 1987-1997 Tony Martin-era of the band, with 'Headless Cross' (1989), 'Tyr' (1990) and 'Cross Purposes' (1994) all remastered, and 'Forbidden' (1995) remixed by guitarist Tony Iommi, making this the first time those albums have been reissued.