Shadowdoom9 (Andi)'s Forum Replies

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Allegaeon – Driftwood (2025)

5/5. Allegaeon have never drifted away from their melodic/progressive death metal sound. They have enhanced it with new aspects, including vocalist Ezra Haynes adding in some excellent cleans to go with his brutal growls.

Apocalyptica – Aqua Genesis (2019)

5/5. Hard to believe that one of the most progressive tracks Apocalyptica has ever done is one composed for a Nat Geo-ish documentary soundtrack. The sound ranges from ethereal and ominous to brutal and complex, the latter especially in the blast beats and unorthodox time signatures.

Fallujah – Levitation (2024)

5/5. Although I actually submitted the original 2014 version, this 10th anniversary re-recording still marks the song as one of my favorites and just what I need in my life.

Grace Hayhurst – The World is Dying (2025)

4.5/5. Lots of energy here, especially in the synth solo that starts the second third. Beautiful singing and powerful music from this talented lady. I also enjoy the drumming by Robin Johnson. Many different sections to enjoy!

Into Eternity – Behind the Disguise (1999)

4/5. Pretty great, though it would've been slightly better if the vocals by Tim Roth weren't affected by a lot of the added effects.

Meshuggah – Swarm (2012)

4.5/5. This track has a swarm of fast thrash similar to previous albums.

TesseracT – Of Reality – Palingenesis (2013)

4/5. The polyrhythmic djent doesn't end there, we still have this great short track.

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Amen – Slave (1994)

4/5. A great start to this playlist, in memory of Amen vocalist Casey Chaos. RIP

Any Given Sin – Rest for the Wicked (2025)

3.5/5. Good song, great vocals, nice bass! Although the more I listen to this, the more I find some overpowering Daughtry vibes. Still there's no rest for this high-octane tunes.

Demon Hunter – Freedom is Dead (2022)

3/5. This one has more of the metalcore energy and growled vocals from Ryan Clark, though it seems more like an appetizer compared to the rest of this main course.

Falling in Reverse – Prequel (2024)

5/5. This highlight introduces you to the dark world of Popular Monster with an ominous tribal march, as Ronnie takes on some poetic diary-like rapping that can actually outshine Eminem. As all this is happening, an epic buildup slowly grows, and Ronnie warns the haters to, if they have anything bad to say, let him know directly. Right at the very height, he pulls off some impressive falsetto singing, and the heaviness crashes down on you like a world-destroying missile. His girlfriend Saraya (who guest appears in a song later in the album) would definitely use that her entrance theme for wrestling tournaments. I understand if anyone wants to skip that track for something more upbeat, but for me, it's a glorious start to this monstrous yet understandably overhated offering.

Five Finger Death Punch – A Little Bit Off (2020)

4.5/5. A softer but excellent relatable track.

In This Moment – Adrenalize (2012)

5/5. Another awesome track to please the crowd!

Jynx – G.O.A.T. (2018)

4.5/5. "G.O.A.T" in this case stands for "God of All Things". Some bada** nu/rap metal right here!

Lacuna Coil – I Wish You Were Dead (2025)

4/5. This single is what got me pumped up for the new Lacuna Coil album, and it's a true highlight. Again it connects the bridge between Comalies and Karmacode, maybe even a more dramatic take on a song from Shallow Life. It's a little short, being under 3 minutes. Maybe a guitar solo before the final chorus would make it better, but I still enjoy it as-is.

Spiritbox – Perfect Soul (2025)

4.5/5. Love this amazing new work by Spiritbox!

Swallow the Sun – What Have I Become (2024)

5/5. While some people think this switch from gothic death-doom into mainstream alt-metal should burn in Hell, I disagree. This is one of the best songs I've heard from the new Swallow the Sun. The growls and cleans both work so well.

Vision of Disorder – Heart of Darkness (2015)

4.5/5. Vision of Disorder also went into more of a mainstream alt-metal direction. Fortunately, they still have their roots from the heart of 90s metalcore.

April 2025

1. Klank - "Time" from Still Suffering (1995)

2. Illidiance - "Deformity" from Deformity (2013)

3. Circle of Dust - "Onenemy (Fury Weekend Remix)" from Circle of Dust (Remixed) (2022) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

4. Celldweller - "I Believe You" from Celldweller (2003) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

5. Cypecore - "Spirals" from Version 4.5: The Dark Chapter (2023)

6. The Amenta - "Slave" from n0n (2008) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

7. Death SS - "Heck of a Day" from The 7th Seal (2006)

8. Nailbomb - "Guerrillas" from Point Blank (1994)

9. OOMPH! - "Feiert das Kreuz" from Sperm (1994)

10. Malhavoc - "Empirical Minds" from The Release (1990)

11. Fear Factory - "Descent" from Obsolete (1998) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

12. Halo - "Perpetual Rust" from Guattari (From the West Flows Grey Ash and Pestilence) (2001)

13. Skrew - "Sputnik" from Angel Seed XXIII (1997)

14. Godflesh - "Live to Lose" from Us and Them (1999) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

15. Rammstein - "Laichzeit" from Herzeleid (1995)

16. Turmion Katilot - "Kuoleman Juuret" from Global Warning (2020)

17. Sybreed - "I Am Ultraviolence" from The Pulse of Awakening (2009) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

18. We Are PIGS, The Anix - "Brazen" from Brazen (2021)

19. Uniform - "Alone in the Dark" from The Long Walk (2018)

20. Pitchshifter - "Stop Talking So Loud" from PSI (2002)

21. Device - "Haze (feat. M. Shadows)" from Device (2013)

22. Black Comedy - "Lord of Locust" from Instigator (2008)

23. Combichrist - "Planet Doom" from CMBCRST (2024)

24. Neurotech - "Decipher" from The Decipher Volumes (2013)

25. Megaherz - "Augenblick" from 5 (2004)

April 2025

1. Dal Av - "Petrichor" from Petrichor (2022)

2. Like Moths to Flames - "The Worst in Me" from When We Don't Exist (2011)

3. Shadow of Intent - "The Prelude to Bereavement" from Primordial (2016)

4. Killswitch Engage - "Forever Aligned" from This Consequence (2025) [submitted by Saxy S]

5. August Burns Red - "Your Little Suburbia in Ruins" from Thrill Seeker: 20th Anniversary Edition (2025) [submitted by Saxy S]

6. All That Remains - "The Piper" from Antifragile (2025) [submitted by Saxy S]

7. HEAVENSGATE - "RATKING" from RATKING (2024)

8. Carnifex - "How the Knife Gets Twisted" from Necromanteum (2023) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

9. Demon Hunter - "Worlds Apart" from Worlds Apart (2024) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

10. Amaranthe - "Supersonic" from Maximalism (2016) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

11. BOI WHAT - "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" from Boulevard of Broken Dreams (2025)

12. In Hearts Wake - "Traveller (The Fool)" from Divination (2012)

13. Plague Thy Child - "Autumn" from Plague Thy Child (2001)

14. A Day to Remember - "I'm Made of Wax, Larry, What Are You Made Of?" from Homesick (2009)

15. Architects - "Curse" from The Sky, the Earth & All Between (2025)

16. Lauren Babic - "Sanctuary" from Too Much and Never Enough (2025)

17. Annisokay - "STFU" from Aurora (2021)

18. Lamb of God - "Ruin" from As the Palaces Burn (2003)

19. Imminence - "Continuum (feat. Niklas Karlsson)" from Continuum (2024) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

20. Shokran - "Imhotep: The Falcon of Gold" from Duat (2024)

21. Void of Vision - "Purge" from Broken // Bones (2016)

22. ERRA - "Render the Void" from Impulse (2011)

23. Every Time I Die - "Punch-Drunk Punk Rock Romance" from Last Night in Town (2001) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

24. God Forbid - "Gone Forever" from Gone Forever (2004) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

25. If Not for Me - "Tragedy" from Everything You Wanted (2024)

26. Converge - "Color Me Blood Red" from Petitioning the Empty Sky (1996)

27. From Autumn to Ashes - "Pioneers" from Holding a Wolf by the Ears (2007) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

28. Rolo Tomassi - "Fantasia" from Hysterics (2008)

April 2025

1. Mechina - "Godspeed, Vanguards" from As Embers Turn to Dust (2017)

2. Avenged Sevenfold - "Nightmare" from Nightmare (2010)

3. Lethal - "Fire in Your Skin" from Programmed (1990)

4. Judas Priest - "Invincible Shield" from Invincible Shield (2024)

5. Ozzy Osbourne - "Over the Mountain" from Diary of a Madman (1981)

6. Dio - "The Last in Line" from The Last in Line (1984)

7. Metallica - "Lux Æterna" from 72 Seasons (2023)

8. Iron Maiden - "Hallowed Be Thy Name" from The Number of the Beast (1982)

9. White Zombie - "Children of the Grave" from Nativity in Black: A Tribute to Black Sabbath (1994)

10. Omen - "Teeth of the Hydra" from The Curse (1986)

11. DragonForce - "A Draco Tale" from A Draco Tale (2024)

12. Kamelot - "The Haunting (Somewhere in Time)" from The Black Halo (2005)

13. Blind Guardian - "The Quest for Tanelorn" from Somewhere Far Beyond (Revisited) (2024)

14. Alestorm - "Keelhauled" from Black Sails at Midnight (2009)

15. Rhapsody of Fire - "Diamond Claws" from Challenge the Wind (2024)

16. Estate - "Matter of Time" from Mirrorland (2018)

17. Firewind - "Fallen Angel" from Stand United (2024)

18. Stratosphere - "The Battle Within" from Fire Flight (2010)

19. Warmen - "Salieri Strikes Back" from Beyond Abilities (2001)

20. Epica - "Canvas of Life" from The Quantum Enigma (2014)

21. Starkill - "Detonate" from Gravity (2019) [Suggested by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

22. Queensryche - "Roads to Madness" from The Warning (1984)

Here's my sneak peek submission for the May Guardians playlist:

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

Here's my review summary:

Waltari is known for their huge blend of genres, with Space Avenue focusing on alt-/industrial metal. The album features a lineup with notable members including former Stone guitarist Roope Latvala, taking temporary place of Sami Yli-Sirniö who would also join Kreator, and drummer Janne Parviainen. Latvala and Parviainen would later join Sinergy, and the former would perform with Children of Bodom and the latter with Ensiferum. Absolutely solid! As for the album, a fantastic lineup doesn't necessary show evolution to the band, but Space Avenue is still in the line of perfection. Manning the production is Front Line Assembly's Rhys Fulber, another reason for the album's slick audio appearance. The tracks all range from catchy and poppy to heavy and thrashy. Adding to the experimental vibe in a couple tracks is the beautiful cello courtesy of Apocalyptica (back when that group was still known as a Metallica cover band). The band had fun making their material, and so did I with listening to what they've made there!

5/5

Recommended tracks: "External", "Far Away", "Blind Zone", "Prime Time", "Main Stream", "Walking in the Neon"

For fans of: Apocalyptica (if you wanna hear more of their origins), Front Line Assembly's Millennium, 90s Voivod

Here's my review summary:

Coldrain have travelled far out of their homeland of Japan to pick up more alt-metalcore influences for their initial post-hardcore sound. Masato and Y.K.C. are the two key members of the band, doing all songwriting and performing the best vocals and lead guitar respectively, though rhythm guitarist Sugi, bassist RxYxO, and drummer Katsuma are great as well. I don't know how Michael Baskette, the producer of Slash, Alter Bridge, and Trivium made this album lightyears better than his previous produced album Fateless, but it's a blessing after a curse! If there's any fan who had the same opinion as I had about Fateless when they had to wait for the next album, whether or not they've been patient, a great reward has been earned. The Side Effects the perfect post-hardcore/alt-metalcore addition to the band's discography. Coldrain sure know how to spice up the pop hype when adding pop elements to their sound. And with 4 awesome singles released in advance, they show what a sight and listening the album is to behold. One of those anthemic singles is what got me interested in the band when a friend from the outside world showed me that song and mentioned that it was used as the theme song for Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs 2. As always, there are strong screams and clean vocals that marks Coldrain's signature vocal department from Masato. I'm glad the band managed to tour for this album before the virus came half a year later. You've done well, Coldrain!

5/5

Recommended tracks: "Mayday", "Coexist", "The Side Effects", "January 1st", "Answer/Sickness", "Revolution"

For fans of: Alter Bridge, Linkin Park, Set It Off

Update for May (I also swapped Sonny and Vinny's places in The Pit for May and June to make June a little more fair, if that's OK):

THE FALLEN: SONNY, Vinny

THE GATEWAY: SAXY, Andi

THE GUARDIANS: KARL

THE HORDE: VINNY, Sonny, Karl

THE INFINITE: ANDI, Saxy

THE NORTH: KARL, Sonny

THE PIT: SONNY, Vinny

THE REVOLUTION: ANDI

THE SPHERE: ANDI

The tracks in this 3 or 4-track EP bring Bad Wolves and the heavier side of Breaking Benjamin to mind with its mainstream/metallic blend alt-metal is known for. The only track I would consider non-metal is the ballad "If I Walk Away". With two tracks I consider metal (3 if counting the bonus clean version of "Don't Fall in Love"), I'm positive The Wreckage's sole release would qualify for this site.

Cool Voivod shirt, Daniel! Sad that it has to go.

Ben, please add The Wreckage.

Ben, please add the new A Dark Halo album Omnibus One.

Ben, please add the new Mechina album Bellum Interruptum.

A slip into an acoustic sound that sounds too f***ing dull for me:

Sludgy industrial metal great for a motorcycle ride in the night:

I wish you and your wife all the best on each of your separate paths, Vinny.

The perfect starting track to treat you with what to expect in this industrial metal album:

Ben, please add the KMFDM album Angst. Although the industrial metal tag is not within the 2:1 RYM ratio (FOR - 36, AGAINST - 25), I strongly believe there's enough of that genre, that they would have more of in their next album Nihil, for Angst to qualify in the site.

A nice rough heavier remix than the original White Zombie track:

Underrated otherworldly djenty cyber metal for those who want similar music to Mnemic and other modern bands:

One of many highlights from The Interbeing's cyber metal/melodeath masterpiece debut:

This cyber metal highlight is obviously not a Wicked cover (thank goodness!), though it's quite diverse with all you can hear from the more progressive and melodic bands:

A highlight from this EP, exemplifying the band's true sound:

An annihilating highlight of extreme symphonic industrial/cyber metal:

As a Malaysian, I have heard of Cromok, but haven't gotten around to really listening to that band. I actually didn't know until now that they formed in Australia. Sadly, two of the founding members passed away over the years. RIP Din and Miji

A Spotify playlist I've made based on my Neurotech favorite tracks list: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1fe4e87QJUw8Ej9JxkUUEu

After my Neurotech album reviewing marathon, I thought I would share my top 20 favorite tracks from that band:

1. (Ultra) Us - Infra Versus Ultra (2014)

2. Part II - Revelation - Blue Screen Planet (2011)

3. Escapism - Exo Escapism (2025)

4. To Theta State - Stigma (2015)

5. Atlas - Infra Versus Ultra (2014)

6. Memory Eternal - Memory Eternal (2024)

7. The Halcyon Symphony - Symphonies (2016)

8. The Serpent Bites - Ave Neptune (2023)

9. The Messianic Symphony - Symphonies II (2022)

10. We Are the Last - Antagonist (2011)

11. At a Standstill - The Catalyst (2017)

12. Light Betides - Solace (2021)

13. Decipher - The Decipher Volumes (2013)

14. Through Hardships - Stigma (2015)

15. Ectogenesis - Unreleased Demos (2011 - 2016) (2020)

16. The Lost Hope - In Remission (2016)

17. Transhuman - Transhuman (2008)

18. The Cyber Waltz - The Decipher Volumes (2013)

19. Alleviate - In Remission (2016)

20. Uplift - Evasive (2015)

And now for one of the most diverse one-man projects in industrial/cyber metal, coming from Slovenia:

Neurotech (including EPs that aren't compiled in albums)

1. Stigma

2. Infra Versus Ultra

3. Exo Escapism

4. Ave Neptune

5. Symphonies

6. Memory Eternal

7. Solace

8. The Decipher Volumes

9. The Catalyst

10. Symphonies II

11. Unreleased Demos (2011 - 2016)

12. Blue Screen Planet

13. In Remission

14. Antagonist

15. Transhuman

16. Evasive

Pretty much everything Neurotech fans love is in in this 8-minute progressive cyber metal monumental epic:

A powerful anthem and one of the best in this new and improved Neurotech:

A potential instant classic from the Stigma era:

A perfect 4-minute summary of the project's journey in the last album of the first part of Neurotech's career:

Many different acts woven together for one of the best epics done by Neurotech or any other artist:

An outstanding symphonic/cyber metal composition take your soul through a galactic adventure:

This epic highlight practically follows the footsteps of that Evasive track above:

The only track from Neurotech's electronic album Evasive to have enough of an industrial metal vibe for this thread:

An 11-minute ambient electronic instrumental that marks a perfect mini-journey of darkness and hope:

One of the only true highlights in this decent but bland very beginning of Neurotech's career:

THE GATEWAY: Lacuna Coil - Karmacode (2006) 3/5

THE GUARDIANS: Trail of Tears - Winds of Disdain (2024) 5/5

THE INFINITE: Persefone - Aathma (2017) 4.5/5

THE NORTH: Stormlord - At the Gates of Utopia (2001) 4.5/5

THE REVOLUTION: Shadow of Intent - Melancholy (2019) 5/5

THE SPHERE: Neurotech - Ave Neptune (2023) 4.5/5

This month has been a wild ride through all of the feature releases for my clans, plus two feature releases outside my clans that had to be nominated by me due to Xephyr's departure from major activity in the site. They're all quite awesome except for The Gateway feature release that didn't hit me as well as it once did when I first heard it 10 years ago. Still I would recommend them all to fans of their respective genres. Keep up the good work on the feature releases, all!

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Accept - "Metal Heart" from Metal Heart (1985)

4.5/5. 40 years ago, this is what metalheads call a banger, and I agree with them. I love how they added in some classical themes from Tchaikovsky and Beethoven.

Capilla Ardiente - "The Hands of Fate Around My Neck" from Where Gods Live and Men Die (2024)

4/5. A doomy heavy metal epic. Enough said!

Throne of Iron - "Past the Doors of Death" from Adventure One (2020)

3.5/5. Same with this one, though here it has a more galloping pace.

Savatage - "Strange Reality" from Streets - A Rock Opera (1991)

4/5. Another melodic heavy metal highlight to sing along to.

Sabaton - "Unbreakable" from The Art of War (2008)

4.5/5. This progressive highlight is one of the best songs I've heard by Sabaton, and I still think that today. It's the band's own Black Sabbath "Heaven and Hell"!

Heavenly - "Sign of the Winner" from Sign of the Winner (2001)

5/5. Absolute power metal greatness with superb guitarwork by Frédéric Leclercq who would later become the bassist for DragonForce.

Blind Guardian - "Nightfall" from Nightfall in Middle-Earth (1998)

4.5/5. I still know this track as a power metal classic, better than that d*mn "Bard's Song". This is how I knew the character Morgoth before the German death metal band.

Saxon - "Crusader" from Crusader (1984)

4/5. Anyone into NWOBHM, join the Saxon crusade!

Medieval Steel - "Medieval Steel" from Medieval Steel (1984, reissued on The Dungeon Tapes (2005))

4.5/5. I hope this doesn't sound sinful, but this track sounds like Twisted Sister gone Riot/Omen. That said, it really rocks out as a metal hymn. It's practically the band's own theme song! Not all heroes wear capes; some wield swords or play metal. Classic heavy metal can be quite interesting.

Lethal - "Arrival" from Programmed (1990) 

4/5. Classic tracks like this still exist. Keep it real!

Taramis - "Doesn't Seem" from Queen of Thieves (1988)

4.5/5. Cool 80s progressive power metal right there!

Conception - "Silent Crying" from Parallel Minds (1993)

5/5. A fantastic out-of-this world ballad, and I don't usually say that about ballads. I haven't heard Conception until, but I'm glad there's the beauty of Roy Khan's singing before he joined Kamelot. Such a wonderful piece! From what I heard, Conception is kinda like a more progressive take on Khan's early years with Kamelot. They've recently returned with a new EP and album. The ballad reminds me of the ones by early Nevermore and Crimson Glory. There's nothing cheesy in this plate!

Rampage - "Benevolent Approach" from Acid Storm demo (1986, reissued on Veil of Mourn (1988))

4.5/5. After that slow ballad, we go fast again with this pretty amazing heavy/speed metal demo track.

Brocas Helm - "Fly High" from Black Death (1988)

4/5. Another great hymn with slight hints of Iron Maiden.

Attacker - "Battle at Helm Deep" from Downfall (1985)

3.5/5. 80s US power metal, closer to classic heavy metal, before Stratovarius and Hammerfall stormed in from Europe.

Destiny's End - "Breathe Deep the Dark" from Breathe Deep the Dark (1998)

4/5. In the 90s, Iced Earth and Destiny's End were still cranking up their classic heavy/US power metal sound. You might also know James Rivera as the vocalist of Helstar.

Concerto Moon - "The Gold Digger" from Back Beyond Time (2023)

3.5/5. Pretty good, but a little goofy for a band keeping up the Japanese power/neoclassical metal scene started by Galneryus.

Vitalij Kuprij - "Piano Overture" from Forward & Beyond (2004)

4/5. RIP Vitalij Kuprij. Enjoy this cool cover of Moonlight Sonata with Symphony X guitarist Michael Romeo.

Within Temptation - "Caged" from Mother Earth (2000)

4.5/5. Then we have the slow folk-ish highlight "Caged". Both the vocals by Sharon den Adel and the instrumentation are quite diverse. The peaceful calmness are at the right dose here, before it all ends up crashing down later in the original album.

Nightwish - "Ghost Love Score" from Once (2004)

4.5/5. The true epic of this playlist and its original album, and very much everything the album has already offered is blended together greatly. First we have a couple verses with more of the Eastern sitar, then it slows down to a ballad-like section, and after that, we have a lovely orchestral break that is well-executed. Immediately when the metal comes back on, you're hit by one of the most epic moments in symphonic metal, right before Tarja continues singing. And the rest is memorable too.

Mechina - "When Honor Meets Steel" from Venator (2022)

5/5. An aggressive way to head out than can pulverize those earlier melodic tracks, complete with blasts and more growls, most of them coming from guest vocalist Anna Hel. So brutally awesome!

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!

With Xephyr having stepped down from major activity in the site and none of the other Guardians members seeming to be up to taking over The Guardians playlist (based on no response), I decided to step in with Daniel's approval and allowing me to be a collaborator, at least for now until we can find a Guardians member who can manage the playlist full-time. I also included all the unused submissions from January and February in the half-a-month-late March playlist, so consider it a special suggestions-filled playlist. For future playlists though, I'd like to note a few things. I'll still do the usual monthly schedule, so I can release new playlists on April, May, June etc., because I enjoy making the playlists and have a lot of time in my hands, and I want to keep those playlists active in the uncommon chance of attracting new listeners of these genres. Though I might skip a month or a few if I end up busy in the outside world with a job or a college course like when I had that break a couple years ago. Contributions are always welcome, but the one track per non-clan member rule still stands for the sake of the playlist's legitimacy, though if you send me two or 3 submissions that are all by bands I'm familiar with and enjoy, I can accept them all. While the recommended deadline is the 15th of each month, I'm flexible enough to allow one submission after that date. The maximum deadline is the second-to-last day of the month (clarified in the deadline list below), so I can have time in the last day of the month to finalize the playlist and get it ready for when a new month dawns. If anyone has comments about this, please let me know here or PM me. Let's hope the playlists can stay alive!

Deadlines for next few months' playlists after the April one:

May playlist: recommended - April 15, maximum - April 29

June playlist: recommended - May 15, maximum - May 30

July playlist: recommended - June 15, maximum - June 29

And so on, until a new Guardians member wants to take control of the playlist.

March 2025

1. Accept - "Metal Heart" from Metal Heart (1985) [Suggested by Karl]

2. Capilla Ardiente - "The Hands of Fate Around My Neck" from Where Gods Live and Men Die (2024) [Suggested by Karl]

3. Throne of Iron - "Past the Doors of Death" from Adventure One (2020) [Suggested by Karl]

4. Savatage - "Strange Reality" from Streets - A Rock Opera (1991) [Suggested by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

5. Sabaton - "Unbreakable" from The Art of War (2008) [Suggested by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

6. Heavenly - "Sign of the Winner" from Sign of the Winner (2001)

7. Blind Guardian - "Nightfall" from Nightfall in Middle-Earth (1998)

8. Saxon - "Crusader" from Crusader (1984) [Suggested by Karl]

9. Medieval Steel - "Medieval Steel" from Medieval Steel (1984, reissued on The Dungeon Tapes (2005)) [Suggested by Karl]

10. Lethal - "Arrival" from Programmed (1990) [Suggested by Karl]

11. Taramis - "Doesn't Seem" from Queen of Thieves (1988)

12. Conception - "Silent Crying" from Parallel Minds (1993) [Suggested by Daniel]

13. Rampage - "Benevolent Approach" from Acid Storm demo (1986, reissued on Veil of Mourn (1988)) [Suggested by Daniel]

14. Brocas Helm - "Fly High" from Black Death (1988) [Suggested by Karl]

15. Attacker - "Battle at Helm Deep" from Downfall (1985) [Suggested by Karl]

16. Destiny's End - "Breathe Deep the Dark" from Breathe Deep the Dark (1998) [Suggested by Karl]

17. Concerto Moon - "The Gold Digger" from Back Beyond Time (2023)

18. Vitalij Kuprij - "Piano Overture" from Forward & Beyond (2004)

19. Within Temptation - "Caged" from Mother Earth (2000)

20. Nightwish - "Ghost Love Score" from Once (2004) [Suggested by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

21. Mechina - "When Honor Meets Steel" from Venator (2022)

Whitechapel's brutal roots are back, especially in the album's title highlight:

Oh dear... Hope things won't go that serious. All the best, Zach.

Featuring harmonic soloing by Doc Coyle from God Forbid and Bad Wolves, this is the new Bleeding Through album's ultimate highlight of melody and intensity:

My renewed interest in melodic/symphonic/progressive death metal really shows as I discover more bands of that sound such as this German tech-death band:

And this Chicago-based melodeath/symphonic power metal band:

Melodic metalcore supergroup formed by the talented Howard Jones, formerly of Killswitch Engage, with some melodic yet heavy moments similar to his time with KSE:

Wicked new single by this alt-metal/rock band from Maryland:

Ben, please add A Day to Remember's Big Ole Album Vol. 1, along with their 2021 album You're Welcome to bridge the gap.