Shadowdoom9 (Andi)'s Forum Replies

Here are some bands and releases that have the melodic death metal tag, but the melodic side is overshadowed by the deathly side:

Allegaeon (technical/melodic death metal but their 2010s material and earlier is less melodic)

Becoming the Archetype's 2010s material (much less melodic than their surrounding works)

Dethklok (melodic death metal yet focused less on melody in many songs, especially in Dethalbum IV)

Obscura (technical/melodic death metal but their 2010s material and earlier is less melodic)

Stortregn - Finitude (technical/melodic death metal in the same ratio as the 2010s material of Allegaeon and Obscura)

Vicious new single by these NSW-based masters of melodic metalcore/alt-metal:

Two kick-A metalhead YouTubers unite with former Crystal Lake vocalist Ryo Kinoshita to make a modern alt-metal anthem:

Highlights like this one don't need to have a lot to sound awesome:

An intense progressive instrumental that should be remembered:

An odd yet cool track that's one of my favorites in Kong's debut:

Radio Free Innsmouth... I haven't heard of that channel before but might check it out as well. Thanks for the rec!

I might check out the Terminus and Bunsen Burner podcasts someday. Thanks, Miles!

I've been watching a lot of metal YouTube channels lately, and I even like the funny ones like Bradley Hall. If you're looking for something cool and serious with only a slight tolerable bit of humor, here's a channel I would recommend if you haven't heard of them yet, Thralls of Metal: https://youtube.com/channel/UC8VqWeeSTw2nwksWKUArTvA

The best saved for last that shall leave listeners wanting more of its brutality and emotion:

Hyper nu metalcore rage not for the faint of heart:

Leaves' Eyes keyboardist/harsh vocalist Alex Krull's vocal contrast with Andy B. Franck is far too much of a stretch. And the guitar solo is barely memorable. All of that make an epic f***ing fail.

One of only two standouts in the new Brainstorm albums, thanks to the impressive singing of Leaves' Eyes clean vocalist Elina Siirala:

Another climatic story-ending melodeath epic:

The melodeath/metalcore sound is blended with the progressiveness of Extol and the symphonics of Xerath in this glorious highlight:

The climatic end of this conceptual journey, with all of the previous tracks' characters involved:

One of the best and most brutal songs in the band's one-off exploration into standard death metal/deathcore:

The one track I strongly dislike from this band and album, a disappoint mellow electronica interlude sounding like a sh*tty leftover from Celestial Progression:

Another paid-off attempt at making a long 3-part epic, with epic technicality and Jason's vocals of wrath:

Update to my list:

1. Dir En Grey - Uroboros (2008)

2. Coldrain - The Side Effects (2019)

3. Karnivool - Themata (2005)

4. Northlane - Obsidian (2022)

5. Mushroomhead - The Righteous & the Butterfly (2014)

6. Sleep Token - Take Me Back to Eden (2023)

7. Soilwork - Övergivenheten (2022)

8. Bad Omens - Finding God Before God Finds Me (2019)

9. Any Given Sin - War Within (2023)

10. Apocalyptica - Worlds Collide (2007)

An excellent melodeath cover of an old Christian hymn, sounding as if it's their own song:

The most progressive and stylistically diverse way out of Becoming the Archetype's debut:

Cool production and massive instrumentation is this melodeath/metalcore highlight:

A true 11-minute progressive melodeath/metalcore epic that can fit well in a battle between Heaven and Hell:

I've done my review, here's its summary:

Terminate Damnation is one of the most battle-ready gems in the Christian metal/NWOAHM side of things. Despite Extol and Living Sacrifice having their temporary spilt-ups shortly after, Solid State followers ended up having another band to headbang to! I really enjoy the heavy melodeath riffing and fast soloing here, along with frontman Jason Wisdom doing some killer death growls and Matt Heafy-like metalcore bellows. And we can't forget the metalcore breakdowns and progressive structures. And oh yeah, audible bass, which is a great bonus. And double oh yeah, the wicked art of death metal cover artist Dan Seagrave. Some parts of this album remind me a bit of one of the albums Mr. Seagrave has contributed artwork for, Edge of Sanity's The Spectral Sorrows. Anyone looking for talented Christian extreme metal, here it is. An offering for the ages!

5/5

Recommended tracks: "Into Oblivion", "Elegy", "Night's Sorrow", "Beyond Adaptation", "No Fall Too Far", "The Trivial Paroxysm"

For fans of: Edge of Sanity, Extol, Trivium

A sign of more progressiveness to come for this band that would become Becoming the Archetype:

Thanks, Saxy. I'll add in the Bleeding Through track for the June playlist but save the Shadow of Intent one for July.

The more symphonic side of this massive 10-minute epic:

The more progressive side of this massive 10-minute epic:

I've done my review, here's its summary:

In 2014, Xerath released their third album (and last before their 7-year split) titled, you guessed it, III. This immersive masterpiece has revolutionized modern progressive metal, just like their first two albums have, but with more intriguing ideas in their inventory. This is true blazing epic extreme metal right here! Xerath III has production magic from well-known Mercenary/Volbeat producer Jacob Hansen. His golden touch has helped with the perfection of this blend of orchestral drama and metal structures, creating something so unique and apocalyptic. Many tracks have the fascinating talent of vocalist Richard Thomson, with his black metal-ish shrieks and operatic cleans making this track come out like an epic progressive take on both Children of Bodom and Soilwork. The incredible shredding by guitarist Conor McGouran has such diverse technicality. The ability to combine film score-style orchestra with metal pays off, adding beautiful harmony to this apocalyptic chaos. I'm glad to find an exceptional masterpiece from this band, one that I can consider the best album of 2014!

5/5

Recommended tracks: "I Hold Dominion", "I Hunt for the Weak", "Death Defiant", "Sentinels", "Demigod Doctrine", "The Chaos Reign", "Veil" (both parts)

For fans of: Devin Townsend Project, Mechina, Textures

The "Reform" suite continues with this djenty symphonic metal highlight:

Ben, please add Chaoseum.

The more progressive side of this massive 8-minute epic:

The more symphonic side of this massive 8-minute epic:

Here are my sneak peek submissions for the June Sphere playlist:

Celldweller - "Blackstar" (4:10) from Wish Upon a Blackstar (2012)

Circle of Dust - "Dust to Dust" (5:49) from Dust to Dust (2017)

Illidiance - "Defying Gravity" (4:08) from The Iconoclast (2019)

Mechina - "Anagenesis" (8:19) from Progenitor (2016)

Psyclon Nine - "I Choose Violence" (2:50) from And Then Oblivion (2025)

Sybreed - "Doomsday Party" (4:19) from The Pulse of Awakening (2009)

Total length: 29:35

Here are my sneak peek submissions for the June Revolution playlist:

The Amity Affliction - "Stairway to Hell" (4:30) from Severed Ties (2008)

Architects - "Elegy" (3:35) from The Sky, the Earth & All Between (2025)

Carnifex - "Dead but Dreaming" (3:51) from Until I Feel Nothing (2011)

God Forbid - "Nothing" (2:51) from Determination (2001)

Imminence - "Death Shall Have No Dominion" (4:48) from The Return of the Black (2025)

Rolo Tomassi - "Party Wounds" (3:14) from Cosmology (2010)

Trivium - "Throes of Perdition" (5:54) from Shogun (2008)

Total length: 28:43

Here are my submissions for the June Infinite playlist:

Allegaeon - "Wake Circling Above" (6:51) from The Ossuary Lens (2025)

Calva Louise - "Aimless" (3:37) from Aimless (2025)

Fallujah - "Labyrinth of Stone" (5:46) from Labyrinth of Stone (2025)

In Vain - "Times of Yore" (7:19) from Ænigma (2013)

Nevermore - "The Psalm of Lydia" (4:16) from This Godless Endeavor (2005)

Total length: 27:49

Here are my submissions for the June Gateway playlist:

Alien Weaponry - "Myself to Blame" (4:17) from Te Ra (2025)

Disturbed - "Sacred Lie" (3:07) from Ten Thousand Fists (2005)

Gemini Syndrome - "2B1" (3:20) from 2B1 (2025)

Linkin Park - "Papercut" (3:04) from Hybrid Theory (2000)

Nonpoint - "That Day" (3:30) from Nonpoint (2012)

Spiderbait - "Shashavaglava" (2:24) from Shashavaglava (1993)

Treyarch Sound (Elena Siegman, Kevin Sherwood) - "Beauty of Annihilation" (4:28) from Call of Duty: Black Ops - Zombies (2011)

Underoath - "Outsider" (4:18) from The Place After This One (2025)

Total length: 28:28

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

A Dark Halo - "Burn It All" from Catalyst (2006)

5/5. One of my favorite tracks here is this one having lots of groove and energy from the intro onwards.

Illidiance - "I Want to Believe" from Damage Theory (2010)

4.5/5. Then we slow down for this ballad-ish track that's clearly an X-Files reference in that title.

Lard - "Can God Fill Teeth?" from The Last Temptation of Reid (1990)

4/5. The lyrics are pretty much entirely spoken word. After some conspiracy theory accusations, the guitar and drums speed up as fast as thrash, while painful yet humorous sounds of dental torture come in. Apparently, wires leading to the brain of the patient record all that's happening the appointment. So odd and mesmerizing, yet as creative as the first two tracks!

Rammstein - "Benzin" from Rosenrot (2005)

3.5/5. If I were to recommend Neue Deutsche Harte to someone, it would be those who like industrial/alt-metal with German lyrics. The "hey" sample also seems to be the same one used in The Prodigy's "Firestarter". I suppose a song like this should've ended up in one of the Carmageddon video games alongside those Fear Factory tracks.

Old - "Vein Water" from Lo Flux Tube (1991)

4/5. Although this is experimental/industrial metal, the vocals are bit like blackened deathgrind. Nonetheless, it never gets f***ing old.

Drown - "Pieces of a Man" from Hold on to the Hollow (1994)

4.5/5. The more industrial fans might know this Drown album from the fact that it was produced by Dave Ogilvie from Skinny Puppy. Drown and Fear Factory are two bands that have this bada** genre of industrial metal big in the 90s. Still I like the genre more when it has metallic rage. Prong also dived into a bit of industrial metal back then. Fear Factory would get more of the mainstream glory though. Totally kick-A!

Sybreed - "Neurodrive" from Antares (2007)

5/5. This highlight rolls through excellent guitar rhythms and some of the best vocals by Benjamin. That might have leave a huge influential mark on Neurotech, and is one of my favorite tracks here.

Fear Factory - "Scumgrief" from Soul of a New Machine (1992)

4.5/5. This one marks the return to the full form of the industrial death metal balance between clean hooks and deathly heaviness.

Misery Loves Co. - "It's All Yours" from Not Like Them (1997)

4/5. Misery Loves Co. can be considered a metallized blend of The Cure and Depeche Mode. Quite cool as h*ll, especially since this was on MTV to brush aside the pop sh*t.

Argyle Park - "Violent" from Misguided (1994)

4.5/5. People may have discovered music like this in their teens, but I only starting getting into Klayton's music a few years before this comment. The lyrics may not be highly suitable for Christians despite being in the Christian market, but I still like them, "I've taken what you've told me, I'm ready to apply. Liars can't be trusted, but who doesn't lie?" Those lyrics can are also referenced in Celldweller's "One Good Reason". While Argyle Park is long-gone now, at least we still have Celldweller and Circle of Dust.

Ministry - "Aryan Embarrassment" from HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES (2024)

4/5. Oooh, another Al Jourgensen/Jello Biafra track! Not as bizarre as that Lard track, but still quite interesting.

Noidz - "2012" 2.0.1.3. (2013)

3.5/5. Anyone still listening to this in 2025?

Fange - "Sang-Vinaigre" from Privation (2023)

3/5. Decent sludgy industrial metal, but a little too drone-ish.

CueStack - "Alive" from Alive (2021)

3.5/5. Industrial rock/metal might just take over the planet! The riffing is good, but I prefer to get my industrial metal from Fear Factory and a bit of Ministry.

Deadly Apples, Filter, Danny Lohner - "Volatile" from Volatile (2025)

4/5. Some more top-notch industrial rock/metal, this track featuring members of Filter and Nine Inch Nails.

Watts - "Kundalini" from Pigmartyr (2004)

4.5/5. And another similarly-styled track, this one by Raymond Watts of PIG.

Celldweller - "Electric Eye" from Satellites (2022)

5/5. OK, why does the intro beat sound like the Powerpuff Girls theme? Still this is a perfect track with many different moments to highlight, such as the verse in the two and a half minute mark, then the bridge over a minute later, and another minute later the outro.

Dodheimsgard - "Sonar Bliss" from 666 International (1999)

4.5/5. Some amazing industrial black metal here, and I especially love the riffing at over the 4 and a half minute mark. But it's nothing compared to the last minute of the track, an out of this world outro! This is for anyone who's into experimental/industrial black metal like Aborym, Diabolos Rising, and Ved Buens Ende, not just the symphonic black metal of Dimmu Borgir and early Satyricon. I once thought of 666 International as the missing link between Covenant and The Kovenant eras. The only other DHG album to be part of The Sphere is Supervillain Outcast.

Neurotech - "The Lost Hope" from In Remission (2016)

5/5. This trance-y centerpiece sounds like Evasive but more epic and in the same metallic vibe as "Uplift". The bass and synths drive through and never lose any momentum.

Mick Gordon - "Shatterhail" from Killer Instinct: Season One Soundtrack (2014)

4.5/5. Mick Gordon is pretty much a master of metalstep. Eat your heart out, The Path of Totality!

Mechina - "On the Wings of Vecterra" from Bellum Interruptum (2025)

5/5. This incredible standout can practically surpass the previous few tracks, and the female vocals here are mostly from "Treasur'" Necole Wright who previously guest appeared in Venator's "Totemic", plus some wild shredding soloing by Dean Paul Arnold.

Die Krupps - "F.U." from Vision 2020 Vision (2019)

4.5/5. Sounds like an attack on a certain US President. I'm not really a political person, so I have nowhere to stand here.

Proton Burst - "N.W.G." from Silence (1998)

4/5. The song title stands for "Negative Wave Generator", for those who don't know.

Underoath - "Vultures" from The Place After This One (2025)

3.5/5. This one is a killer track that can really punch its way to Hell and back. The ethereal leads grab my attention as much as the heavy chorus, "How’s it feel now that you circle with the Vultures?!" The chorus isn't the only massive hooker here. We also have the dark heavy bridge featuring Troy Sanders of Mastodon and his gritty singing. Truly a "take no sh*t" kind of track.

Circle of Dust - "Daraq" from Metamorphosis (1993)

4/5. Finally, we have one more track to complete the Klayton triptych. It's so strange and unique, and has some industrial from Skinny Puppy. Daraq is the name of a few different provinces in Iran.

Pretty good playlist I've made, huh? I recommend this to any industrial metal fan and anyone who isn't into industrial metal but is up to getting into a great start for the genre. Thanks to anyone who have contributed with their own submissions, and I hope the rest of you enjoy it like I've had!

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Ice Nine Kills - "The American Nightmare" from The Silver Scream (2018)

4.5/5. Based on A Nightmare on Elm Street, this track opens the playlist with advice about sleep in a radio broadcast. The insistent drum beat with smooth vocals by Spencer Charnas is followed the loud fast guitar riff and screaming vocals. The high-speed beat, hooks, and vocals alternating between Charnas and Justin DeBlieck create an otherworldly vibe. Another strong solid start!

Morning Again - "Turning Over" from The Cleanest War (1996) (based on Hand of the Martyr compilation (2002))

5/5. Then this song rockets towards you with a metalcore blast, and not much else I can say about this awesome song can do tit justice.

Dawn of Orion - "As the Blood Red Moon Rises" from For the Lust of Prophecies Undone (1999)

4.5/5. This one greatly exemplifies that riffing, filled with true early melodic deathcore. This is the kind of darkness not even In Flames and Soilwork have dived into, having starting to go their own mainstream route in the early 2000s.

Avenged Sevenfold - "Chapter Four" from Waking the Fallen (2003)

4/5. The early 2000s was also when the modern metalcore scene was first starting to really build up. Nice guitarwork there!

Lamb of God - "Laid to Rest" from Ashes of the Wake (2004)

4.5/5. Again I know Lamb of God is more of a groove metal band, but some of their earlier tracks, including this hit that I still enjoy, still have some metalcore vibes. The bass and drums are all really nice. And everything is quite killer. Sick song!

Enter Shikari - "Juggernauts" from Common Dreads (2009)

4.5/5. "The idea of community will be something displayed at a museum." Hopefully this amazing song will be displayed too.

The Wise Man's Fear - "Carry On" from What Slept Beneath Tarvos (2024)

4/5. The guest vocals by Cody Jamison (ex-Until I Wake) add a killer touch to this track. The guitar riffing that starts the last minute is d*mn ethereal. If anyone thinks fantasy lyrics only belong in power metal, they thought wrong. This is absolutely insane! And I enjoy Tyler Eads' vocals and bass as well. It's like my skeleton is on fire while being put out from the inside. Such a phenomenal banger! Starset metalcore, anyone?

Defamed - "Silhouette" from Silhouette (2025)

4.5/5. The blend of fast and dramatic that has covered modern epic deathcore continues on in this banger.

Whitechapel - "Hymns in Dissonance" from Hymns in Dissonance (2025)

5/5. The new Whitechapel album's title track that really stands out amongst the rest. The chorus name-drops several of their earlier songs, and the breakdowns sound almost as djenty as Meshuggah while staying brutal. Their roots really are back!

The Last Ten Seconds of Life - "The Violent Sound" from The Violent Sound (2016)

4.5/5. I love the riffing in the midway verse. I can definitely hear this song in a horror movie soundtrack. They really blend deathcore with the alt-/nu metal of Alice in Chains, Korn, and Static-X in this album. The breakdown is catchy and heavy, but the cleans are a little odd.

In Hearts Wake - "Healer" from Earthwalker (2014)

5/5. D*mn, this is an incredible soul-toucher! This one also has some slight Static-X vibes here.

Silent Planet - "Anunnaki" from Superbloom (2023)

4.5/5. More of this diverse chaos from these guys, especially in the breakdown!

Bleed From Within - "A Hope in Hell" from Zenith (2025)

5/5. One of my favorite tracks from the new Bleed from Within album. This blend of classic and modern, along with Steven Jones' cleans, deserves more attention.

Memory of a Melody - "Ultraviolence" from Things That Make You Scream (2011)

4.5/5. One of the best songs to combine alt-metal and metalcore! Strangely not getting popular after 14 years since its original album's release.

Undying - "For Liberation" from This Day All Gods Die (1999)

4/5. This track is a mighty battle between the 90s metal/hardcore of Vision of Disorder and Burst and the European melodeath that would later reach bands like Neaera and Omnium Gatherum.

ERRA - "Crawl Backwards Out of Heaven" from CURE (2024)

4.5/5. OH!! Feel those vocals and riffing that will make you want more!

Killswitch Engage - "This Fire" from As Daylight Dies (2006)

5/5. Another popular track. It's short while still great, striking with melodic riffing. So heavy while still catchy. Love it!

Livealie - "Casting Shadows" from Living in the Static (2024)

4.5/5. Simple yet hard-hitting in the riffing. And the verse at the one and a half minute is so f***ing intense while so d*mn beautiful.

LEVELS - "REALIGN" from PULSE (2024)

4/5. It's clear that Bad Omens has paved the way for bands like Levels to make similar f***ing phenomenal bangers. How about some heavy sauce to go with that melodic modern metal meal? Bring it on!

Termina - "Spiraling" from Spiraling (2025)

3.5/5. This song and its music video should really go viral, although the quality is a bit spiraling.

Cane Hill - "Scumbag" from Too Far Gone (2018)

4/5. Nu metalcore at its wildest! I especially like that pleasantly brutal ending breakdown. The guitarwork is f***ing killer. This probably would've been perfect if the vocals weren't too much like Slipknot. The lyrics are basically a well-deserved "f*** you" to Nazis.

Candiria - "Remove Yourself" from What Doesn't Kill You... (2004)

4.5/5. The vehicular crash that occurred a couple years before this album was intense, but luckily the band members survived. This alt-metalcore track is just out of this world and really should've made history.

Parkway Drive - "Leviathan I" from Deep Blue (2010)

5/5. A supreme anthem!! Why is this song never in live shows?! The music is absolutely superb, storming through a winning chorus with better vocals and percussion than anything else in this album.

The Number Twelve Looks Like You - "Cradle in the Crater" from Mongrel (2007)

4.5/5. "Next time you fall asleep look down at us on Earth and realize it may be better to forever count sheep. You're the captain of your ship and star. For today you will shine and be impervious to pain, we have all admired your bravery." Sheer poetry, just like their band name! The lyrics and screamed vocals are all f***ing beautiful. And I'm glad they're still around after their 6-year split. And whether or not you like it, everyone has a different taste in music.

Daughters - "And Then the C.H.U.D.S Came" from Canada Songs (2003)

4/5. A kick-A short grind-ish mathcore track. And there's another song like that to come...

Car Bomb - "Cielo Drive" from Centralia (2007)

4/5. Structured very strongly while staying close to the madness.

Frontierer - "Heartless 101" from Unloved (2018)

4.5/5. While mathcore is already heading into the mainstream, songs like this are still enjoyable. The guitar rising from ambient to djenty is similar to some Meshuggah songs. Then it's the usual electronic noisecore until another melodic dramatic section midway through.

The Autumn Offering - "Homecoming" from Revelations of the Unsung (2004)

5/5. I wish this band was still around and brought back their original lineup. And holy sh*t, the guest vocals by All That Remains' Phil Labonte rules!

Living Sacrifice - "Reject" from Reborn (1997)

4.5/5. Modern metal doesn't have much of the rawness metalcore had in the 90s. The breakdown at over the one-minute mark is so mind-blowing and worth repeated listens.

Norma Jean - "Disconnecktie: The Faithful Vampire" from O God, the Aftermath (2005)

5/5. You don't get to hear many 10+ minute epics in metalcore, let alone one that's perfect. 20 years since its original album's release, and still can be considered a classic!

Trivium - "Leaving This World Behind" from In Waves (2011)

4.5/5. Then the previous song fades into this dark ambient outro that has the same melody as the post-solo bridge in "Dusk Dismantled". Heafy shouts a politician/preacher-like speech and repeatedly says "I’m leaving this world behind, making up for all our crimes" with his voice rising up to screaming, then the outro intensely builds up before coming to a sudden stop. That abrupt ending left me bothered and confused but doesn't affect the rest of its original album.

Pretty good playlist I've made, huh? I recommend this to any metalcore fan and anyone who isn't into metalcore but is up to getting into a great start for the genre. Thanks to anyone who have contributed with their own submissions, and I hope the rest of you enjoy it like I've had!

Here's my submission for the June Horde playlist:

Arch Enemy - "Dream Stealer" (from Blood Dynasty, 2025)

Submission accepted! Thanks, Sonny.

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Blind Guardian - "The Ninth Wave" from Beyond the Red Mirror (2015)

4.5/5. Blind Guardian was one of my favorite bands when I was still listening to symphonic/power metal. And this is one of their amazing powerful songs that I still enjoy.

Iron Maiden - "2 Minutes to Midnight" from Powerslave (1984)

4/5. I wasn't alive yet in the 80s, but if I was, I would probably enjoy bands like Iron Maiden a lot more. The riffing has a similar vibe to Venom. And speak of the devil...

Venom - "Black Metal" from Black Metal (1982)

4.5/5. It's kinda odd how the band that pioneered the phrase "black metal" isn't the genre you might know today. Venom and Hellhammer are closer to speed metal and would pave the way for Bathory to invent the actual black metal genre and for Slayer to add in dark antichristian lyrics. Quite some underrated talent, I would say! Again I would appreciate this more if I lived 30 years longer than my 26-year age. This was before Finland became known as metal's motherland. Deep Purple can never top that heaviness.

Metallica - "Enter Sandman" from Metallica (1991)

4/5. Whether or not you enjoy metal, and whether you're young or old, this is a classic work of art than anyone can enjoy or at least hear of.

Avenged Sevenfold - "Shepherd of Fire" from Hail to the King (2013)

4.5/5. And how about this track that sounds like a modern copy of "Enter Sandman"? I like this one slightly better, probably because my brother likes it as well, hearing this song from Call of Duty Origins. I can probably be able to sing this song with my karaoke vocals.

Volbeat - "Still Counting" from Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood (2008)

4/5. One of the best tracks from this Southern-fried Danish heavy metal band!

Ozzy Osbourne - "Mr. Crowley" from Blizzard of Ozz (1980)

4.5/5. Another bada** classic! While the synth/organ intro is quite notable, you gotta admire the talented guitarwork of Randy Rhoads. RIP

Black Sabbath - "N.I.B." from Black Sabbath (1970)

4/5. This one continues the lyrical narrative idea they first had in the title opener, this one being more of a fictional devilish love story. Now listen, just because the band mentions the Devil, Satan, or Hell, etc., doesn't mean they worship any of that. They're against that, portraying them like they are bad things. Lucifer is depicted as the dark seductive antagonist he's meant to be. The riffing has that bluesy hard rock vibe of Cream, which is a little mundane, especially when Ozzy sings over it, but is made up for by the rest of the song being heavy metal/proto-stoner metal, especially in the slower sections. A brilliant hint at the genre they would establish!

Judas Priest - "Screaming for Vengeance" from Screaming for Vengeance (1982)

4.5/5. Practically one of the true definitions of classic 80s heavy metal! The lyrics are so maniacal and vengeful. People think this should be for or against Trump, but I don't know which side to stand, since I'm not really political.

Quiet Riot - "Metal Health" from Metal Health (1983)

4/5. I guess you can say I'm in good Metal Health! Haha

Queensryche - "Nocturnal Light" from Digital Noise Alliance (2023)

3.5/5. Pretty good track, but their early material from the 80s are where they stand in quality.

Saxon - "Hell, Fire, and Damnation" from Hell, Fire, and Damnation (2024)

4/5. Saxon is still going divine in their nearly 50 years of existence. Wonderful lyrics here!

Battle Beast - "Russian Roulette" from Circus of Doom (2022)

4.5/5. If there's ever a video game that combines anime with James Bond-like secret agent stuff, this heavy/power metal track would fit right in the soundtrack.

DragonForce - "Heroes of Our Time" from Ultra Beatdown (2008)

5/5. This magnificent single keeps up the verse-chorus structure I find boring in most other bands, but for soloing, there are so many random changes and lead harmonies that you can't tell what's next. Brilliant! The end of the song is f***ing impossible not to sing along.

Warkings - "Armageddon" from Armageddon (2025)

4.5/5. For honor and power, we ride into armageddon!

Alestorm - "Shipwrecked" from Back Through Time (2011)

4/5. Avast, ye matey! Alestorm is still going strong with their pirate metal.

Warmen - "Invisible Power" from Accept the Fact (2005)

3.5/5. Nice vocals by Timo Kotipelto of Stratovarius. Cool soloing too! But the rest of the instrumentation could've been better.

Cacophony - "Concerto" from Speed Metal Symphony (1987)

4/5. A sweet balance of neoclassical melodies and heavy riffing. Some of the most beautiful soloing to cover most of the last minute song is performed by Jason Becker, and despite his crippling ALS, he still has his ability to compose music. It's especially good to hear with headphones on.

Andre Matos - "Endeavour" from Time to Be Free (2007)

4.5/5. RIP Andre Matos. His vocals shine in magical songs like this one. I've already been familiar with his vocals since first listening to Angra 10 years ago. His legacy shall be remembered! This is honestly one of the most beautiful songs I've heard from him since the time I've had with the music of Angra. It's so great hearing such epic elegance especially in the second half that can fit well for a final voyage into the unknown. But there's still one track left in this playlist...

Neurotech - "The Ophidian Symphony" from Symphonies (2016)

5/5. The longest Neurotech symphony of all, at nearly 19 minutes, with many different acts woven together for one of the best epics done by Neurotech or any other artist.

Pretty good playlist I've made, huh? I recommend this to any heavy/power/symphonic/neoclassical metal fan and anyone who isn't into those genres but is up to getting into a great start for the genre. Thanks to anyone who have contributed with their own submissions, and I hope the rest of you enjoy it like I've had!

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Becoming the Archetype – Construct and Collapse (2007)

4.5/5. As I prepare for when I review Becoming the Archetype's debut Terminate Damnation that is this month's Revolution feature release, here's an amazing track with more prominent keyboard usage, particularly in the intro.

Fallujah – Artifacts (2022)

5/5. The riffing in this fantastic highlight can go from as brutal as Whitechapel to just straight-up melodic progressiveness. The opening riffing is so beautiful. Then two minutes later, we have some lovely searing soloing. And less than two more minutes later, at around the midway point, the soloing becomes even more face-melting. The ambient outro is like the cherry on top.

Gojira – The Link (2003)

4.5/5. The beginning riffing sounds so brutal in the riffing and vocals before the rest of the song becomes beautiful, hinting at their more progressive less deathly later material. The heavier dynamics kick in at over the 3 and a half minute mark. Quite an interesting banger! I also hear a bit of the band Obscura in the vibes, probably might also remind some of Nile.

Illusion Suite – The Iron Cemetery (2013)

4.5/5. Another brilliant track! Probably would've been perfect without that intro audio sample.

In Vain – Where the Winds Meet (2024)

5/5. This epic standout is where the two sides greatly battle it all out. The wall between the two sides is penetrated by the aggression from one side and the melody from the other, before the wall breaks down in a towering chorus.

Into Eternity – Selling God (2002)

4.5/5. God, those vocals and drums are amazing. Tim Roth can scream his lungs out while pulling off impressive guitarwork.

Rivers of Nihil – Water & Time (2025)

4.5/5. The Rivers of Nihil are filled with Water and Time. The band does an excellent emphasizing the prog in prog death, never having to go all-out brutal.

Voivod – Into My Hypercube (1989)

5/5. There's a more memorable approach in the catchy chorus ("Transient illusion, clairvoyant suspension, translucid condition, principal connection").

Voyager – Seen Better Days (2025)

4.5/5. An excellent way to end this playlist, but I've heard better ones.

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Any Given Sin – Insidious (2023)

5/5. Let's start with a high-octane track to love.

Cave In – The World Is In Your Way (2005)

4.5/5. Another amazing song! This is basically like early Queen gone f***ing heavy. Caleb Scofield performs some cool Coalesce-esque growls here. RIP

Clown – Love (2021)

4/5. Clown has a bit of influence from Korn and Deftones. I love it, though it's not entirely perfect.

DAGames – United We Stand (2016)

4.5/5. Absolutely hard-hitting! Drama aside, DAGames' songs are still amazing underrated work.

A Day to Remember – Make It Make Sense (2025)

5/5. Another memorable track to remember. Unleash the pain!

Future Palace – Roses (2022)

4.5/5. This one can sound so melancholic and malicious, sometimes at the same time. This dynamic track is one of, if not THE, best of its original album. However, other songs may fight for that position in this playlist.

Lacuna Coil – Zombies (2014)

4/5. There are still some great songs from this band, some of which don't have a music video but should have. I love the vocal balance between the two vocalists Andrea Ferro and Cristina Scabbia. I just wish the lyrics could've had a little more purpose.

My Ruin – Ready for Blood (2008)

3.5/5. How the f*** can Tairrie B pull off such impressive screams throughout this song?! So impressive! The music itself could've been better though.

Nothing More – Jenny (2013)

4/5. Sometimes there's no reason to fear letting out your dark struggles for the world to hear. You can't just hold them in for so long. And when you do let them out, don't let any haters bring you down. Vocalist Jonny Hawkins has dedicated this song to his sister Jenna and his aunt Jenny, both of whom having suffered from mental illness. This band has joined the league of alt-rock/metal bands my brother has been listening to, alongside Breaking Benjamin, Skillet, and Three Days Grace.

Saint Asonia – Devastate (2022)

3.5/5. This track is filled with powerful modern alt-metal, with a chorus of melodic wonder.

The Wreckage – Breaking Through (2011)

4/5. And just like Skillet and Breaking Benjamin, we have another hard rock/alt-metal anthem to encourage you to speak your mind. Quite great for a band that has only made a 3-song EP. This can help you run some laps, maybe even a marathon!

Here's my review summary:

Catalyst was released in 2006, 17 years before their next album. Their brand of industrial/cyber metal is basically what Fear Factory had at the time but made better and more futuristic. Still the music here is quite unique and can get listeners hooked with the synths and guitars. The first two tracks, also the two of the best, would appear in WWE Day of Reckoning 2. And there are other highlights where heavy guitars and beautiful synths duel each other for some catchy futuristic metal that should really catch on along with everything else here. It's not everyday you can find a practically unknown album that can make your day with its music and lyrics of coldness and loss. Catalyst is a special album to listen to. A dash of melancholy for your industrial/cyber metal heart!

5/5

Recommended tracks: "Burn It All", "Beyond Recall", "Silence", "Unbreakable"

For fans of: Fear Factory, Illidiance, Mechina

Not a band I would explore more of due to their earlier goregrind material, but I can understand this album being a melodeath classic. Here's my review summary:

Heartwork is probably the album where Carcass was the most dedicated. They began demoing this album as early as during their tour for the less melodic Necroticism, even playing their new songs on tour. Much of the recording time was wasted finding the right guitar tone and the right ideas from their producer Colin Richardson. Things were going down to Hell for the people working on the album. With all that trouble going on, Carcass was still determined to get things right in order to reach higher lengths. In the end, they've made an offering that the world would recognize as a game-changing classic to this day! I would never disagree with this album's melodic death metal legend status, but to be honest, it's not the most melodic melodeath album I've heard. The Maiden-like melodic harmonies are what really make the genre, but that's a small step Carcass was missing here. The melodic harmonies in this album is mostly in just passages and solos, the latter not sounding as perfect as in Gothenburg bands. Mike Amott played them a tad better in Arch Enemy that would've crystallized Bill Steer's standard riffing and groove. Still it's quite an impressive achievement of a lifetime for this band. Where there any other bands before Carcass and the Gothenburg crew that started adding melody to an extreme genre with extreme lyrics? I think not! However, At the Gates would make an album two years later that would inspire melodic metalcore bands to rise. In the meantime, enjoy the original melodeath work!

4.5/5

A special playlist I've made to celebrate the 3-year anniversary of when I started making the monthly Sphere Spotify playlists: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6kfOhg63znj354RHQX86GQ

May 2025

1. A Dark Halo - "Burn It All" from Catalyst (2006)

2. Illidiance - "I Want to Believe" from Damage Theory (2010) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

3. Lard - "Can God Fill Teeth?" from The Last Temptation of Reid (1990)

4. Rammstein - "Benzin" from Rosenrot (2005)

5. Old - "Vein Water" from Lo Flux Tube (1991)

6. Drown - "Pieces of a Man" from Hold on to the Hollow (1994)

7. Sybreed - "Neurodrive" from Antares (2007) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

8. Fear Factory - "Scumgrief" from Soul of a New Machine (1992)

9. Misery Loves Co. - "It's All Yours" from Not Like Them (1997)

10. Argyle Park - "Violent" from Misguided (1994) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

11. Ministry - "Aryan Embarrassment" from HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES (2024)

12. Noidz - "2012" 2.0.1.3. (2013)

13. Fange - "Sang-Vinaigre" from Privation (2023)

14. CueStack - "Alive" from Alive (2021)

15. Deadly Apples, Filter, Danny Lohner - "Volatile" from Volatile (2025)

16. Watts - "Kundalini" from Pigmartyr (2004)

17. Celldweller - "Electric Eye" from Satellites (2022)

18. Dodheimsgard - "Sonar Bliss" from 666 International (1999)

19. Neurotech - "The Lost Hope" from In Remission (2016) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

20. Mick Gordon - "Shatterhail" from Killer Instinct: Season One Soundtrack (2014)

21. Mechina - "On the Wings of Vecterra" from Bellum Interruptum (2025) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

22. Die Krupps - "F.U." from Vision 2020 Vision (2019)

23. Proton Burst - "N.W.G." from Silence (1998)

24. Underoath - "Vultures" from The Place After This One (2025)

25. Circle of Dust - "Daraq" from Metamorphosis (1993) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

May 2025

1. Ice Nine Kills - "The American Nightmare" from The Silver Scream (2018)

2. Morning Again - "Turning Over" from The Cleanest War (1996) (based on Hand of the Martyr compilation (2002)) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

3. Dawn of Orion - "As the Blood Red Moon Rises" from For the Lust of Prophecies Undone (1999) (based on A Celestial Ballad compilation (2023))

4. Avenged Sevenfold - "Chapter Four" from Waking the Fallen (2003)

5. Lamb of God - "Laid to Rest" from Ashes of the Wake (2004)

6. Enter Shikari - "Juggernauts" from Common Dreads (2009) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

7. The Wise Man's Fear - "Carry On" from What Slept Beneath Tarvos (2024)

8. Defamed - "Silhouette" from Silhouette (2025)

9. Whitechapel - "Hymns in Dissonance" from Hymns in Dissonance (2025)

10. The Last Ten Seconds of Life - "The Violent Sound" from The Violent Sound (2016)

11. In Hearts Wake - "Healer" from Earthwalker (2014) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

12. Silent Planet - "Anunnaki" from Superbloom (2023) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

13. Bleed From Within - "A Hope in Hell" from Zenith (2025)

14. Memory of a Melody - "Ultraviolence" from Things That Make You Scream (2011)

15. Undying - "For Liberation" from This Day All Gods Die (1999)

16. ERRA - "Crawl Backwards Out of Heaven" from CURE (2024)

17. Killswitch Engage - "This Fire" from As Daylight Dies (2006)

18. Livealie - "Casting Shadows" from Living in the Static (2024)

19. LEVELS - "REALIGN" from PULSE (2024)

20. Termina - "Spiraling" from Spiraling (2025)

21. Cane Hill - "Scumbag" from Too Far Gone (2018)

22. Candiria - "Remove Yourself" from What Doesn't Kill You... (2004) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

23. Parkway Drive - "Leviathan I" from Deep Blue (2010) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

24. The Number Twelve Looks Like You - "Cradle in the Crater" from Mongrel (2007)

25. Daughters - "And Then the C.H.U.D.S Came" from Canada Songs (2003)

26. Car Bomb - "Cielo Drive" from Centralia (2007)

27. Frontierer - "Heartless 101" from Unloved (2018)

28. The Autumn Offering - "Homecoming" from Revelations of the Unsung (2004) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

29. Living Sacrifice - "Reject" from Reborn (1997)

30. Norma Jean - "Disconnecktie: The Faithful Vampire" from O God, the Aftermath (2005)

31. Trivium - "Leaving This World Behind" from In Waves (2011)

May 2025

1. Blind Guardian - "The Ninth Wave" from Beyond the Red Mirror (2015)

2. Iron Maiden - "2 Minutes to Midnight" from Powerslave (1984)

3. Venom - "Black Metal" from Black Metal (1982)

4. Metallica - "Enter Sandman" from Metallica (1991)

5. Avenged Sevenfold - "Shepherd of Fire" from Hail to the King (2013)

6. Volbeat - "Still Counting" from Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood (2008)

7. Ozzy Osbourne - "Mr. Crowley" from Blizzard of Ozz (1980)

8. Black Sabbath - "N.I.B." from Black Sabbath (1970)

9. Judas Priest - "Screaming for Vengeance" from Screaming for Vengeance (1982)

10. Quiet Riot - "Metal Health" from Metal Health (1983)

11. Queensryche - "Nocturnal Light" from Digital Noise Alliance (2023)

12. Saxon - "Hell, Fire, and Damnation" from Hell, Fire, and Damnation (2024)

13. Battle Beast - "Russian Roulette" from Circus of Doom (2022)

14. DragonForce - "Heroes of Our Time" from Ultra Beatdown (2008)

15. Warkings - "Armageddon" from Armageddon (2025)

16. Alestorm - "Shipwrecked" from Back Through Time (2011)

17. Warmen - "Invisible Power" from Accept the Fact (2005)

18. Cacophony - "Concerto" from Speed Metal Symphony (1987)

19. Andre Matos - "Endeavour" from Time to Be Free (2007)

20. Neurotech - "The Ophidian Symphony" from Symphonies (2016) [Suggested by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]