September 2021 "The Gateway" Playlist - Metal Academy Radio

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7aY7WjCGySb3Lb4x79Dk5T?si=95f431108e66449c

Tracklisting

01. While She Sleeps – “Systematic” (from “Sleeps Society”, 2021)

02. Mushroomhead – “Solitaire/Unraveling” (from “XX”, 2001)

03. downset. – “Empower” (from “Do We Speak A Dead Language?”, 1996)

04. Staind – “Something To Remind You” (from “Staind”, 2011) [Submitted by Vinny]

05. Dub War – “Enemy Maker” (from “Wrong Side Of Beautiful”, 1996)

06. P.O.D. – “Youth Of The Nation” (from “Satellite”, 2001)

07. Skindred – “Cut Dem” (from “Union Black”, 2011)

08. The Almighty – “All Sussed Out” (from “Just Add Life”, 1996)

09. Dir en Grey – “The Final” (from “Withering To Death.”, 2005) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

10. Sevendust – “Nothing Left To See Here Anymore” (from “Blood & Stone”, 2020)

11. (hed)pe – “Serpent Boy” (from “(hed)pe”, 1997)

12. Adema – “Giving In” (from “Adema”, 2001)

13. Djerv – “Headstone” (from “Djerv”, 2011)

14. Chevelle – “Peach” (from “Niratias”, 2021)

15. Serj Tankian – “Your Mom” (from “Elasticity” E.P., 2021)

16. Earshot – “Asleep, I Lie” (from “Letting Go”, 2002)

17. Polkadot Cadaver – “Bloodsucker” (from “Sex Offender”, 2011)

18. Deftones – “Be Quiet & Drive (Far Away)” (from “Around The Fur”, 1997) [Submitted by Daniel]

19. Geezer – “Man In A Suitcase” (from “Black Science”, 1997)

20. Pulse Ultra – “Build Your Cages” (from “Head Space”, 2002)

21. American Head Charge – “Just So You Know” (from “The War Of Art”, 2001)

22. Infectious Grooves – “Cousin Randy” (from Groove Family Cyco”, 1994)

23. Lantlos – “Lake Fantasy” (from “Wildhunt”, 2021)

24. Ill Nino – “Unreal” (from “Revolution/Revolucion”, 2001)

25. Drowning Pool – “Bodies” (from “Sinner”, 2001)

26. Stuck Mojo – “Pigwalk” (from “Pigwalk”, 1996)

27. Atreyu – “Underrated” (from “Baptize”, 2021)

28. Architects – “Impermanence” (from “For Those That Wish To Exist”, 2021)

29. Machine Head – “Bulldozer” (from “Supercharger”, 2001)

30. The Bread Scientists – “Helios” (from “Troposphere”, 2021)

31. Beartooth – “Dominate” (from “Below”, 2021)

My thoughts on some tracks (8 of the first 9 to test my strength in the Gateway):

Mushroomhead – “Solitaire/Unraveling” (from “XX”, 2001)

4.5/5. This is a remix of a song originally from the album M3. It's very great, but not perfect enough. A bit of a slower mix of Mindless Self Indulgence and Powerman 5000 (for that latter band, hope you're enjoying the Stingray variation, Patrick!)

downset. – “Empower” (from “Do We Speak A Dead Language?”, 1996)

4/5. Also great, nicely done! Filled with hostile rapping anger. Though probably too early to go that deep in the Gateway...

Staind – “Something To Remind You” (from “Staind”, 2011)

4.5/5. Just like this month's Fallen playlist, we have the 10th and last song from the 7th and last album from a band before splitting up as the playlist's 4th track to follow an old "track 4 ballad" tradition. So emotional and beautiful... If one day I ever get more interested in this band when digging deeper through the Gateway, this can be my funeral song, or just a "departure from an era" song. I would say rest in peace, Staind, but they've reformed recently, so I guess you can look out for more of this band to come.

Dub War – “Enemy Maker” (from “Wrong Side Of Beautiful”, 1996)

4/5. Ooh, check this out, another nu metal song from 1996! This one having some reggae vibes similar to early The Police. Good, but not for me right now, thanks...

P.O.D. – “Youth Of The Nation” (from “Satellite”, 2001)

4.5/5. I love this one more. Why hasn't people commented on this song so much?! This can stir up some Linkin Park memories even though they're obviously not Linkin Park! Great potential yet still far away...

Skindred – “Cut Dem” (from “Union Black”, 2011)

4/5. I like this a great amount, but still not into this reggae-influenced nu metal sound. Next!

The Almighty – “All Sussed Out” (from “Just Add Life”, 1996)

3.5/5. Avant-garde alt-metal/hard rock, a bit like my failed attempt to review that Dog Fashion Disco release. Not too bad, but it still doesn't get me so much in the mood. I'm all burned out from that...

Dir en Grey – “The Final” (from “Withering To Death.”, 2005)

5/5. An excellent final song to end my 9-track Gateway playlist journey on! Though it's my own submission... Still loving it!

As with The Sphere playlist, this month's Gateway list threw up some niceties.  The Deftones track is a clear winner in my book and hearing American Head Charge who I have seen live before now was a great nostalgia moment.  Atreyu was the only real discovery for me but I always continue to get something out of this clan's list each month.