Shadowdoom9 (Andi)'s Forum Replies

I've also written less reviews in 2021 than in 2020. The official and unofficial reviewing challenges that I've done in 2020 were quite a ride, but after doing them, I've decided to tone down the amount of time to write reviews so I can focus on other accomplishments here and in the outside world, especially now when I have to be thinking of feature release submissions and good songs for the Revolution playlists. My reviewing quality has stayed comfortably the same, in my usual 6-paragraph structure: two introductory paragraphs (mainly one describing the backstory of the album or the backstory of my experience with the album, and the other describing the album's aspects), 3 paragraphs about the tracks (not everyone likes the track-to-track thing, but I try to keep it interesting, even sometimes adding a story to go along with them), one concluding paragraph (a final summary of my thoughts and possible recommendation to others), and finally, a list of favorite tracks and highlights.

I've just made this Spotify playlist with the longest songs for each of the albums I've recommended (including Dimmu Borgir's 1997 album. Thanks for the heads-up, Daniel!) to celebrate this milestone of an anniversary for symphonic metal. Check it out: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0RUIcyC6ZXEkbknDjSxi8Z

Do Dio even qualify given that they're no longer active?

Given that Loudwire has included bands that have split up in the same year as Dio or earlier such as Death, Type O Negative, and Nasum, then yes, Daniel. Dio are acceptable.

Let's start with traditional heavy metal, shall we? I can see that Loudwire have gone with Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest & Ozzy Osbourne. I'd suggest that the first three are complete no-brainers as they're by far the most accomplished & dominant heavy metal bands in the history of metal music. The fourth position is open for discussion though. It's actually interesting when you think that Metallica have by far & away the highest selling heavy metal record of all time & Megadeth have also played a significant role in heavy metal since 1990 so there's a case for both. Should either of those be considered?  I tend to think that they've both played a more significant role in thrash metal & should be happy with their current positions in the Big Four of thrash. Other contenders in the popularity stakes might be Motorhead, Avenged Sevenfold, Dio, Queensryche, Mercyful Fate, Venom, Accept, King Diamond, etc. Personally, I'm happy with Ozzy. His US sales are a clear second to Metallica for metal overall with his debut solo record being primarily responsible for metal finally breaking through in the US in the early 80's (along with Judas Priest's "British Steel"). I would think that he'd have at least four records in the top 100 most well-known heavy metal records of all time too, not to mention his record for discovering killer guitarists. Thoughts?

Metallica and Megadeth are already well-known for their thrash albums and better off staying in the thrash metal Big 4, same with Queensryche in the progressive metal list and Avenged Sevenfold in the NWOAHM list. While I'm also OK with Ozzy being part of the traditional heavy metal Big 4, Motorhead might be a slightly stronger contender because they're an important part of heavy metal in late 70s, a precursor to the NWOBHM and the band that united two separate rock genres, punk and metal, into a mix that would inspire later genres such as speed metal and thrash metal. A lot more people would've recognized that band as heavy metal if it wasn't for Lemmy's modesty. They're much more than "rock and roll", seriously! Dio would also be a good contender for the fourth position if any of their other singles are as popular as "Holy Diver".

I'm guessing that's how Loudwire made those "Big 4" subgenre lists, by listing the more commercially successful bands, and while that works well for most bands, a few I think fit better in the subgenres they're more recognized as, and the bands that I add in their place are the ones that practically every true fan of the subgenres has enjoyed or at least heard of along with truly representing the subgenre at times. Here are some examples:

The original symphonic metal list has bands that are some of the most commercially successful bands of that subgenre, but people seem to overlook an important aspect of the subgenre to go along with the commercial success, that aspect being its diverse development. In 1997, 5 bands began to bring symphonic metal into prominent ground, and many of them have done so by adding symphonic elements to an existing metal subgenre including the debut albums of Nightwish, Rhapsody of Fire (symphonic power metal), and Within Temptation (symphonic gothic metal), the second album of Emperor (symphonic black metal), and the third album of Septicflesh (symphonic death metal). While many of those albums don't have the symphonic metal tag or The Guardians clan (or have but don't deserve them), the combination of metal and symphonics would inspire countless bands to do the same, whether they're mainly symphonic metal or not, including symphonic death metallers Fleshgod Apocalypse whose success has greatly surpassed that of Septicflesh and is thereby staying in the list. Of course, there are some bands with one symphonic metal release before and during 1997 including Angra, Arcturus, Haggard, Rage, Skylark, and Therion. I chose Immortal as Emperor's possible replacement in the black metal list because of how well-received it is in the black metal fanbase that I would never join, and they're the first band I could think of because of the conversation in the black metal thread just now.

Mathcore is a better subgenre to describe Converge (although they helped with metalcore's early development in their first few albums) and The Dillinger Escape Plan, two of the main pioneers of mathcore that I've added to that subgenre's Big 4, along with fellow mathcore starter Botch and a later band The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza, all 4 of which, despite splitting up or moving away from the subgenre, helped shape mathcore to how it's meant to be. For the two possible replacements in the metalcore list, All That Remains and August Burns Red have both done their part in taking metalcore's success to a higher level with their respective 3rd albums, and while All That Remains would later add some melodic hard rock/alt-metal elements to their metalcore mix for most of their 2010s albums, August Burns Red would stay consistent with their semi-melodic metalcore greatness the subgenre's fanbase would love. And yes, they are two of my favorite metalcore bands. Facts first, opinions after!

Rammstein definitely has the right to be put into the industrial metal list, but Neue Deutsche Härte is the subgenre they have been known to help create and even have the term coined by the music press following the release of their 1995 debut. They have been put into the NDH list alongside bands that are prominent and represent the style well but not as highly successful; Oomph!, Megaherz, and Eisbrecher. My replacement suggestion for Rammstein in the industrial metal list is Godflesh, who sit next to Ministry as the pioneers of industrial metal and show what industrial metal is really made of to please its fans.

In conclusion, I honestly think that while I agree about the position the commercial successful bands are in, the bands that deserve as much recognition are those that the majority of fans know and enjoy, and represent the important aspects of those genres, such as elements and development. There shall be some balance in the metal-verse!

When I was looking up what other bands besides prog-thrashers Vektor have used raised tunings like F, I found out that Immortal album used F tuning, along with Burzum in the albums Varg Vikernes made before he was sent to prison. This makes me wonder if some of the earlier second-wave black metal bands actually tuned their guitars a half-step higher than standard tuning or if they just recorded in a slower tempo in standard E tuning or lower and then changed the speed and pitch to be faster and higher.

I just found the most abusive Christmas song ever (would you even call it a Christmas song?!):

Here's my estimated new album search progress in this year and the last:

2020 - 38 new albums

2021 - 46 new albums (about 44% of that amount from September to December)

I hope to level up my metal palate further, so here's to, say, 54 new albums in 2022 for me to enjoy if the number keeps going up at that rate!

Russian technical thrash metal for fans of Vektor, Coroner & Obliveon.

I gave this album a listen and a review to level up my Vektor/Coroner-like tech-thrash zone. The brilliant title instrumental is where the entire band can shine without vocals. That's what I call the Russian tech-thrash Crusade!

The big issues in life, whether personal or for the world, can be quite a struggle, but as much as we have to accept those hard times, we're not gonna let them get in the way of an amazing holiday like Christmas. So when the day comes two days from now, get ready to say....

Unfortunately my 86-year old dad is very ill and has been hospitalised (not covid-related) and it looks unlikely that he'll be going back home as he can no longer take care of himself. To be honest, it's been inevitable for a while, but the NHS has just implemented new covid measures and we're not even allowed to go and see him, so that's a real bummer. 

Sorry to hear this.

My 96 year old gran fell earlier this year and spent weeks in hospital.  COVID measures were quite stringent at the time and we could not go to see her which was especially difficult after she developed post-operative delirium but she was soon able to come out of hospital before we knew it and although unable to live at home is now well settled in a care home.

Hopefully your father can get to the same positive place - minus the post operative delirium of course.

Life is a bit tough in my home right now. My wife was three months pregnant with my third daughter when we found out that the baby had died due to a chromosome issue last Wednesday. She had to have surgery to remove the foetus the following day & has been an emotional wreck ever since.

It's tough having to deal with the near-tragedies and tragedies in life, such as hospitalized relatives and miscarriages. So sorry to hear, guys.

Oh yeah, the playlists and monthly features! Thanks for reminding me, Xephyr!

Scarecrow, you might just find a lot of metal suitable for your interest via the monthly features and Spotify clan playlists. If you ever feel like submitting feature releases for your clans, please ask Daniel so he can add you to the roster. As for the playlists, I run The Revolution playlist, so feel free to check out the submissions thread and request a good song for me to the playlist. One track per non-members, maximum 30 minutes total for Revolution members. However, please submit your suggestion by the 15th or 16th of each month if you wish to get your submission into next month's playlist on time. I'm standing by that old rule because I often get so excited about how a playlist turns out that I'd sent to Daniel when I'm ready around that time of month. If you'd like to assemble the playlist for one of your clans, please ask Daniel so he can give you that privilege. The Fallen and Guardians playlists are already reserved. Saxy S is in charge of both The Gateway and The Infinite playlists, and while assembling two clan playlists is a rare treat, it could be quite some tiring work. So if you're up to taking over The Infinite playlist, please check with both Saxy and Daniel. And finally, make sure to send your monthly feature submissions and playlists to Daniel via private message to add a bit of anticipation. Enjoy!

Also lately we've been discussing some ups and downs about our lives, so feel free to join in the conversation as well (unless you prefer to keep your outside life private). Our discussion is right here: https://metal.academy/forum/23/thread/1047

Yikes... The world has been having crazy-a** weather lately. We've all heard about the tornado that hit several states in the US. Last weekend in my country Malaysia, it rained non-stop for 3 days (Friday to Sunday) like some Noah's Ark sh*t, so there were some floods all over the state I live in. Fortunately, our apartment wasn't affected by the floods. As you might remember from the days of when both my Instagram account and the Metal Academy Instagram account were more active, I write and draw my own published book series, and the latest installment in the series will finally be out tomorrow. My family and I plan to donate 5% of the money we earn from the book sales to a charity that would help the victims of the floods. 'Tis the season of giving for my family indeed!

This one is cheesy as all fuck. Simply awful stuff!

This one is indeed kind of a cheesy ballad...

Sorry guys but this is basically the anti-Daniel. How can I unhear this? I'll pay top dollar!

...But this has Majestica's trademark speedy soloing and melodic riffing. You Guardians Grinch!! I understand our Guardians tastes are practically polar opposites, so I forgive you, Daniel. I've had barely any problem with most of this album, but other than the 5-minute outro, this cheesy ballad has made me cringe a bit:

Guardians:

-While Heaven Wept - Vast Oceans Lachrymose (also my favorite album of all time)

-Nightwish - Wishmaster

- X Japan - Art of life

-Kamelot - The Black Halo

-Dio - Holy Diver

Infinite:

-Protest the Hero - Palimpsest

-Mutuymu - I l y a

-Seventh Wonder - Mercy Falls

-Pain of Salvation - In The Passing Light of Day

-Scardust - Strangers

The Nightwish, X Japan, Kamelot, Protest the Hero, Seventh Wonder, and Pain of Salvation albums are some of my favorite releases from their respective clans as well, so we might just get on really well and be able to share each other's favorite metal bands, possibly discovering different bands that one of us has listened to but not yet the other. While Heaven Wept, Mutuymu, Scardust, I haven't heard of before, but I might give them a try at some point. Of course, most people already know Dio's album and song. ("Holy Diver! You've been down too long in the midnight sea...")

I see you also like some of Devin Townsend's works including albums from his former band Strapping Young Lad, along with Bring Me the Horizon's latest alt-metal EP. Good stuff too! If you're looking for some more melodic bands for your metalcore interest, may I suggest Trivium? They're one of my favorite bands of all time and a great metal starter!

Anyway, that's all I gotta say for now. Enjoy your time here, Scarecrow!

Omg! Yeah no it sounds like our tastes really align. I will sing the praises of While Heaven Wept forever, and Vast Oceans is 100% worth checking out if you have even a passing interest in heavy, doom, power, or progressive metal (yeah, it kinda does all of that). Also, if you like Nightwish you'll definitely love Scardust. They do vaudevillian symphonic prog metal that's just an absolute blast. 

I'm listening to Shogun by Trivium now on your suggestion. I've been on a black metal binge for the past 3 days so this is a pretty refreshing changeup. So far so good! I actually recognize a few of these songs. I think Down From the Sky and Into the Mouth of Hell We March were both in one of my brother's football video games. Thanks for the rec 

I'll put Scardust in my must-try list. Thanks for the rec! Shogun is very great, but my favorite album from Trivium (and one of my favorite metal albums ever) is In Waves, definitely worth checking out for anyone with even a slight interest in metalcore.

I agree that Scarsick has an alt-metal sound, but the band's signature progressive metal is still around in "Flame to the Moth" and a couple of their longer more complex tracks, and blending in various non-metal influences adds in a bit of an experimental vibe. I would suggest sending this album to the Hall to be added to The Gateway first, and if it gets enough YES votes and gains The Gateway clan, then we can propose the album to be removed from The Infinite as a second Hall entry.

Guardians:

-While Heaven Wept - Vast Oceans Lachrymose (also my favorite album of all time)

-Nightwish - Wishmaster

- X Japan - Art of life

-Kamelot - The Black Halo

-Dio - Holy Diver

Infinite:

-Protest the Hero - Palimpsest

-Mutuymu - I l y a

-Seventh Wonder - Mercy Falls

-Pain of Salvation - In The Passing Light of Day

-Scardust - Strangers

The Nightwish, X Japan, Kamelot, Protest the Hero, Seventh Wonder, and Pain of Salvation albums are some of my favorite releases from their respective clans as well, so we might just get on really well and be able to share each other's favorite metal bands, possibly discovering different bands that one of us has listened to but not yet the other. While Heaven Wept, Mutuymu, Scardust, I haven't heard of before, but I might give them a try at some point. Of course, most people already know Dio's album and song. ("Holy Diver! You've been down too long in the midnight sea...")

I see you also like some of Devin Townsend's works including albums from his former band Strapping Young Lad, along with Bring Me the Horizon's latest alt-metal EP. Good stuff too! If you're looking for some more melodic bands for your metalcore interest, may I suggest Trivium? They're one of my favorite bands of all time and a great metal starter!

Anyway, that's all I gotta say for now. Enjoy your time here, Scarecrow!

Kind of hard to place Darksynth now that I think about it, Sphere or Revolution? 

Both as a dual clan entry.

Welcome to Metal Academy, Scarecrow!

Good question. It's quite tough judging which non-metal genres would hypothetically fit well in the Metal Academy clans, so here's what I could think of (* = obvious):

The Fallen: Sadcore, slowcore, emo (soft ballads such as Simple Plan's "How Could This Happen to Me?"), drone*, gothic rock*, stoner rock*

The Gateway: Pop, new-wave, grunge, alternative rock*, funk*, hip-hop*

The Guardians: Classical, orchestral, epic trailer music (such as Two Steps From Hell and Audiomachine)

The Horde: Deathrock, horror punk, horrorcore (hardcore hip-hop with horror themes)

The Infinite: Experimental, jazz, ambient, progressive rock*, post-rock*, avant-garde*

The North: Dungeon synth, dark folk, folk*, viking rock*

The Pit: Thrashcore, powerviolence

The Revolution: Protest songs, crust punk, electronic (since trance metal is already in that clan), hardcore punk*, melodic hardcore*, trance*

The Sphere: Industrial*, noise

A Christmas Carol is a very good album to get into the Christmas spirit in my opinion, and probably would've been perfect if it wasn't for the cringe-inducing ballad "The Joy of Christmas" midway through and the repetitive orchestral outro. I may not like Dear Monsters as much as my previous feature release submissions, but I'm quite pleased with Daniel's thoughts on the album, even finding a nice guilty pleasure in "Springfield Summer", an alt-country-ish ballad that I thought wouldn't work for the album. Even though our interests work differently from each other, sometimes we might each find a good win.

Here are my overall ratings for the playlists I've reviewed this month (December):

1. Gateway playlist - 4.5/5 (number of songs commented: 7)

2. Guardians playlist - 4.5/5 (number of songs commented: 11)

3. Infinite playlist - 4.5/5 (number of songs commented: 11)

4. Revolution playlist - 4.5/5 (number of songs commented: ALL 28)

So far, I've only commented on 7 tracks in the Gateway playlist and 11 tracks each in the Guardians and Infinite playlists, but I still enjoy the tracks that I had time for, and I'm grateful to Saxy and Xephyr for their playlist works all the same, and of course to Daniel for accepting those playlists. I really dig the Revolution playlist that I've made! That opinion might seem bad form, but let me even out by saying that I would recommend any metalcore fan and anyone who isn't into metalcore but wants to get into a great start in enjoying the genre. Thanks, Daniel, for accepting my playlist! I'll privately send you the one for next month and its track listing as soon as I can, along with my January feature release submissions for that clan and The Guardians. Also it might be a while before I'm ready to post my feature release outcomes, because so far I've only reviewed two of the December feature releases, one of them being my own submission, but maybe I would be up to checking out more of them this month. Good work on these playlists, all!

My thought on one more track:

Majestica – “Ghost of Christmas Present” (from “A Christmas Carol”, 2020)

4.5/5. This heavily orchestrated track has a lot worth headbanging to. Beginning and ending this playlist with a Christmas song is a brilliant idea for December. Once again, great work with this playlist, Xephyr!

I did my review, here's its summary:

Tommy Johansson has quite a power metal career. After making 6 albums with his main band ReinXeed, he took a break from the band and later joined Sabaton as their new guitarist. Recently, he restarted ReinXeed with a new name, Majestica. The second album from this reincarnation is a Christmas concept album, A Christmas Carol, based on the Charles Dickens classic! Despite its short length of over 40 minutes, and an instrumental intro and outro, the album really does that classic justice. Grinches beware! The album maintains the melodic power metal of Johansson's earlier works, but this time to really kick up the holiday spirit with tinkling bells and genuine orchestration. Expect a lot of festive cheer in this album with catchy metal and orchestral fun, plus a couple minor wine-stinkers such as a ballad right in the middle and the outro. One other problem besides those two tracks is how the other members besides Tommy would sing a line at odd times, but it doesn't matter since he's the vocal star of the show. A Christmas Carol is quite a brave move that might or might not be a proper follow-up to the first Majestica album, Above the Sky. It's a great album to look out for if you're up for Christmas metal. If this band keeps up these Christmas ideas, they might be the next TSO. God bless us with metal, everyone!

4/5

Looking for a grand cinematic mix of Helloween, Manowar, and the dueling solos of Dream Theater? Rhapsody of Fire has it all in their latest album, especially this over 10-minute epic:

Here's my Sphere suggestion for January:

Motionless in White - "Wasp" (from Reincarnate, 2014)

You can hear the atoms sing in the Cynic multiverse... Their new album Ascension Codes shows the band ascending back to the top after the disappointing previous album and subsequent departure of two members from the band and the world. This progressive metal space-trip is suitable for fans of Plini, Leprous, and early-90s Voivod:

Let me know if the Bloodmoon track isn't Infinite enough, I'd have no clue where else it would fit. It doesn't feel like a Fallen track to me.

I agree here, Xephyr, this track doesn't feel like part of the Fallen despite being one of the more pummeling tracks.

Let us know what you think, Saxy.

Xephyr, I can't believe you have not yet listened to Wuthering Heights' Far From the Madding Crowd, it's the ultimate blend of power metal, progressive metal, and folk elements to satisfy your main clans. I would be more pleased than surprised if some of these songs were the influences for the first half of Trivium's recent epic "The Shadow of the Abattoir". So please prioritize listening to this Wuthering Heights album ASAP!

Looking for another collaborative album besides the ones made by post-sludge bands such as Neurosis and Cult of Luna? Converge has joined in that game with goth singer Chelsea Wolfe, with tracks like this showing the band's comfort zone expanding:

Going back to this old thread, I just thought of a New Year's resolution for 2022 and that is to level up my metalcore zone farther than before. First of all, assembling the Revolution playlists has caused incredible results for me; you all get to hear more of my metalcore palette with songs from bands I already listen to, along with songs from bands I've barely or never listened to before thereby conjuring new discoveries. I'm determined to find and listen to more of the bands whose songs I've randomly chosen strike me with perfection, and it's a quest that might take a few months (would be faster but there are tight limits such as outside-world plans) but it shall be done. Of course, I would also be catching up with upcoming releases from longtime habitants of my metalcore arsenal. Can bands like All That Remains and We Came as Romans really do their next albums justice despite each having a fallen founding member? Will the next albums by Bleeding Through and Motionless in White maintain their dark metalcore name? And will ex-metalcore bands Bring Me the Horizon and Underoath pleasantly surprise us by going back to their earlier heavier sound in their next releases (the only new single from the upcoming Underoath album Voyeurist I've heard so far is "Cycle" with Ghostemane, and that one sounds heavy and promising)? I have no idea, but I pray for the best of luck for those bands to maintain their triumph. And don't worry, my passion for my other clans will still be around, so no changes too drastic for my taste. So yeah, my tasks for the new year: More monthly playlists, more featured releases, more bands, and more new albums, all for The Revolution. 2022 shall be my year for metalcore!!

Ben, please add the new In Mourning album The Bleeding Veil.

A friend of mine from the outside world showed me a Rob Zombie song, "Dragula", in which a remix version was used in the first Matrix movie. That song is industrial metal, but the kind of industrial metal I prefer is not the "alt-" kind heard in that song, but rather the more experimental industrial metal bands like Godflesh, Strapping Young Lad, Samael, and Motionless in White, the latter having done a cover of that song with a gothic-ish metalcore twist in style. If you're looking for a mix of Rob Zombie, Ice Nine Kills, and Lacuna Coil without the female vocals, you know which band to call:

A couple recommendations from November's Infinite playlist, plus a standalone recommendation, have opened a few gates to different bands of further horizons for me, from the folk-ish progressive power metal of Wuthering Heights...

...to the djenty progressive metal of Textures...

...and the jazzy instrumental progressive rock/metal of Australian guitarist Plini:

I'm doing my sneak peek submissions for the Revolution playlist again, but now only 5 of them, since Theo-Wyoming is submitting Revolution playlist suggestions again. He has just deleted the ones that he submitted for the December playlist that I saved for January, but I'm still gonna use them so the January playlist can have more variety and I believe to have already memorized what they were. Theo, please let me know whether or not you'd like me to credit you for the tracks you've submitted and removed. Anyway, here are my 5 sneak peek submissions for the January Revolution playlist:

Attila - "Payback" (3:34) from Outlawed (2011)

Bullet for My Valentine - "Parasite" (5:40) from Bullet for My Valentine (2021)

Every Time I Die - "Prom Song" (3:51) from The Burial Plot Bidding War (2000)

Parkway Drive - "Boneyards" (3:14) from Horizons (2007)

Unearth - "Letting Go" (4:43) from The March (2008)

Total length: 21:02

Here are my submissions for the January Infinite playlist:

Opeth - "Harvest" (5:58) from Blackwater Park (2001)

Rosetta - "Soot" (9:27) from Flies to Flame (2014)

Symphony X - "The Relic" (5:03) from Twilight in Olympus (1998)

Vektor - "Charging the Void" (9:11) from Terminal Redux (2016)

Total length: 29:39

Here are my submissions for the January Guardians playlist:

After Forever - "Emphasis" (4:18) from Decipher (2001)

Angra - "Wuthering Heights" (4:38) from Angels Cry (1993)

Dragonland - "Supernova" (5:09) from Astronomy (2006)

Kamelot - "Rhydin" (5:03) from Siege Perilous (1998)

Nightwish - "Nemo" (4:36) from Once (2004)

Rhapsody of Fire - "Glory for Salvation" (5:04) from Glory for Salvation (2021)

Total length: 28:48

Here are my submissions for the January Gateway playlist (still slowly expanding my number of Gateway suggestions, now at 7 of them (I'd probably have to shorten the track length average when I reach 8 suggestions)):

Avatar - "New Land" (4:31) from Feathers & Flesh (2016)

Bad Wolves - "On the Case" (3:27) from Dear Monsters (2021)

Bullet for My Valentine - "Rainbow Veins" (4:58) from Bullet for My Valentine (2021) (I've already sent the new BFMV album to the Hall to be removed from The Gateway, but this song is one of only very few in the album to have an alt-metal sound, so I'll still submit it)

Dir En Grey - "艶かしき安息、躊躇いに微笑み (NAMAMEKASHIKI ANSOKU, TAMERAI NI HOHOEMI)" (4:38) from The Marrow of a Bone (2007)

Linkin Park - "Faint" (2:42) from Meteora (2003)

Machinae Supremacy - "Sid Icarus" (3:58) from Overworld (2008)

Type O Negative - "I Don't Wanna Be Me" (5:09) from Life is Killing Me (2003)

Total length: 29:23

There are some times when I'm trying to make a website a better place (NOT this site, a different one), but the people in that site keep turning me down. This killer heavy song is fitting for that kind of ordeal:

Similarly to last month's playlist, this one plays out like an epic hero story that could fit well in a movie or a video game, except for one final boss to defeat during the 11-minute epic, followed by a final uplifting trancecore track for an epilogue level in a treasure trove similar to that of Spiral Knights. This I think could make the playlist more interesting, along with more appealing based on the order, for anyone up to listening to a long 2-hour playlist, but that's just what I think. Enjoy! I'm gonna share with you my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Darkest Hour - "Doomsayer (the Beginning of the End)" (from Deliver Us, 2007)

4.5/5. Time to begin with a great song from an underrated band! However, this is one of those bands I've abandoned with my death metal departure because of their other albums being in The Horde. Will I ever return to this band someday? You'll see in time!

Trivium - "Like a Sword Over Damocles" (from In the Court of the Dragon, 2021)

5/5. Another song from Trivium's new masterpiece album, showcasing the band's Nevermore influences in a prog-thrasher where Matt Heafy adds aggression to his singing then rises to the usual growling. The d*mn epic clean chorus should definitely get fists pumping in future live festivals. The title fits well with the perilously powerful pandemic and how our leaders are trying to prevent it from spreading further. Some more epic guitar fire in the dueling solo trade!

Unearth - "Lifetime in Ruins" (from Watchers of Rule, 2014)

4/5. Here the military-like breakdown really crucifies the song into headbanging territory without sounding too needless repetitive. Not the best Unearth song, but a good starter track for new fans.

Parkway Drive - "Crushed" (from Ire, 2015)

4.5/5. This is one of my brother's favorite Parkway Drive songs, and its album Ire's second single, starting with a monk-chanting intro before turning a groove track with heavy guitars and drums. The lyrics are political but used in a powerful way, especially in the first verse.

Mentally Blind - "One for No One" (from Stage Zero, 2021)

4.5/5. Another amazing song that I would recommend to anyone who likes their metalcore more brutal than mine. The awesome vocals flow through fantastic music worth gym works. Almost a sick entry into song of the year!

Convictions - "Thomas (feat. Matty Mullins)" (from I Am Nothing, 2012)

4/5. Good song with amazing lyrics. For anyone wanting to hear Matty Mullins from Memphis May Fire, his vocals start at the one and a half minute mark, you're welcome.

Currents - "Kill the Ache" (from The Way It Ends, 2020)

3.5/5. Another nicely song, with a cool contrast of clean and unclean vocals.

Annisokay - "Under Your Tattoos" (from Aurora, 2021)

4/5. Another great song to recommend to the more die-hard metalcore fans.

Aviana - "Retaliation" (from Retaliation, 2021)

4.5/5. Holy f***ing h*ll, some f***ing good fire burning from those intense vocals and lyrics! An amazing track to preserve and keep for the slightly more brutal metalcore fans than me. Enjoy the fury!

Silent Planet - "Trilogy" (from Iridescent, 2021)

5/5. I'm so happy to find this band recently. THIS is one of my favorite metalcore songs of the year, from a solid album this band has nailed. "It's always red, the static in my head", yep, not the Taylor Swift album that has been re-recorded. The new Silent Planet album Iridescent is what I prefer to hear instead. Amazing Tesseract and Oh Sleeper vibes to embrace with the very low guitar tone. Slightly rigid transitions here, but I digress.

Every Time I Die - "Dark Distance" (from Radical, 2021)

5/5. A blast right back into their discography that will stun you into stone. The band has delivered a furious frenzy in higher heights of heaviness. They took quite a tribute to their previous albums in this one, with that track putting a Daughters-like spin into the sound of their previous couple albums and first couple albums.

Between the Buried and Me - "Ad a dglgmut" (from The Silent Circus, 2003)

4.5/5. For one of the must brutal progressive metalcore songs, this band has sure made one of the most beautiful guitar solos in existence. I didn't get interested in this band until around 14 or 15 years after this album's release date. It's sad that I've ended up missing out on more of this beauty and power after giving up on this band earlier this year, but I'm glad to return. There are some awesome parts that give me chills every time. The softer mid-section, starting at the 3-minute mark, is a warm calm between two storms of chaotic rage. Incredible genius to enjoy! The last minute of this track is f***ing brutal, having already gone past that long soft section capable of beauty. They're just not as metalcore now as they were back then. Next stop, Alaska! (the album, not the US state, though I still wish to go there)

Neon Graves - "All That We've Become" (from All That Brings Us Down, 2020)

4.5/5. Holy f***, those vocals and instrumentation are just on f***ing fire here! The vocals especially give me chills.

Alpha Wolf - "#104" (from Mono, 2017)

5/5. If you know Pokemon, you know that "#104 in the Pokemon deck is Cubone. “Cubone lost its mother and wears the skull of its dead mother on its head. It is often said to cry loudly when it becomes lonesome, and weeps for it’s dead mother.” Hence the reference to the song lyrics about losing a loved one." Awesome and killer as f***!

Broken Youth - "Dis/connected" (from Suffering : Silence, Vol. 1, 2021)

4.5/5. H*ll yeah, some more good sh*t. The intro riff starts with Architects vibes, though sounding a bit lo-fi, and the rest of the song is worth playing Fortnite to (not that I ever have). An amazing song for our broken future, and maybe that future would bring back some touring. This song is an absolute f***ing banger, even at the clean parts. The song might remind some of ERRA...

LANDMVRKS - "Lost in a Wave" (from Lost in the Waves, 2021)

4/5. Some good pure melodic-ish brutal metalcore right here, though the music is too heavily focused on compared to the lyrics. Still there are killer surprises like that brief brutal breakdown before the final chorus.

Heliocentric - "Whispers" (from Ishmael, 2021)

3.5/5. This is a good one with some The Ocean-like ambience while still staying metalcore, evident in the great heavy screams. This dude (in a one-man band) has quite some passion. Garrett Russell from Silent Planet must've really inspired this guy in both the vocals and the lyrics, plus a bit of Crystal Lake-esque energy. However, I might not be completely ready for that next level...

Kingdom of Giants - "Runaway" (from All the Hell You've Got to Spare, 2017)

4/5. "I used to think that I could change the world, but now I'm afraid that I can't even change myself." Yeah, we're all there. This is quite a good headbanger, but it wasn't until the djenty bridge near the two and a half minute mark when things get easier for me, along with that ending groove riff. Quite some amazing progress here! 2017 was a great year for metalcore, with amazing album treats from While She Sleeps, August Burns Red, and Trivium. There were also sad times in other music areas, like Linkin Park's pop album and the subsequent suicide of Chester Bennington. Somewhere between these ups and downs is that Kingdom of Giants song.

Bring Me the Horizon - "A Lot Like Vegas" (from Count Your Blessings, 2006)

4.5/5. Here's where the darker, more brutal, deathcore part of the playlist begins. This is the kind of deathcore we need, with both guitar solos and breakdowns to allow the genre to rise away from the deep shame. Probably the best song of this album! Can you believe this band has recently been a pop group?! Still I wish albums like Count Your Blessings would have more success...

Ice Nine Kills - "Merry Axe-mas" (from The Silver Scream, 2018)

5/5. OK, this song is from a melodic metalcore album, but it's still brutal enough for this section of the playlist. This one is based on Silent Night, Deadly Night, and filled with jingling bells, hard fast music, growling vocals, and heavy guitar riffs, in contrast the upbeat melodic chorus, and a metal way of celebrating Christmas!

Bound in Fear - "Beyond the Mire" (from Penance, 2021)

4.5/5. G****mn it, these are merciless growls of a beast. Let the deathcore heat burn this f***ing sh*t down!

Slaughter to Prevail - "Misery Sermon" (from Misery Sermon, 2017)

4/5. Without a doubt a kick-A death metal/core headbanger, though I've struggled with the lyrics that are mostly Russian.

Darko US - "Splinter Cell" (from Darko, 2021)

4.5/5. The deathcore territory continues going nuts, as chaotic as Brand of Sacrifice. The heavier songs from the new alt-metalcore album from Spiritbox is still what I prefer, though this next song in the playlist would say otherwise...

Chelsea Grin - "Desolation of Eden" (from Desolation of Eden, 2020)

5/5. Now this is the deathcore I love that's so underrated! After a brutal one-minute intro buildup, the usual groove pace rolls in with vocals ranging from tortured-duck screams to yelling-frog growls.

The Dillinger Escape Plan - "Panasonic Youth" (from Miss Machine, 2004)

4.5/5. This one really blasts listeners in the face with punishing fury. There are many twists and turns with Greg Puciato's thunderous screaming, relentless guitars, quick passages, and tapping rhythms. The band slows down a bit for some grating bass and more pummeling drumming. The song picks up the sonic aggression again toward the end. Impressive for 2 and a half minute song!

Botch - "Saint Matthew Returns to the Womb" (from We Are the Romans, 1999)

4.5/5. This one will grab you by the throat and twist it with exotic changes and unrestrained riffs until you can't breathe. Not quite the best Botch song, but it certainly doesn't botch up its album or this playlist at all.

Converge - "Jane Doe" (Jane Doe, 2001)

5/5. Saving the absolute best for second-to-last, this 11 and a half minute title epic is probably the longest track by Converge. This is Converge's "Shogun"! It is the final piece of this metalcore puzzle that high-school hardcore fans would be blasting through their speakers. This is a brilliant incredible work of emotion! Bannon softly sings "I want out" in the chorus (much softer than Helloween's "I Want Out") to escape this nightmarish chaos. There's even a soloing section! At the 9-minute mark, Bannon screams the final lyrics, "RUN ON, GIRL, RUN ON!!!", as a riff makes an epic layering buildup going on until the fade-out. A terrific ending to a true metalcore closing epic!

Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas - "Journey to Aim High" (from Feeling of Unity, 2015)

4.5/5. Feeling tired out as sh*t after another two-hour Revolution marathon? Take it easy and enjoy this final uplifting song while resting in a sunny flowery field. Relax! Smell the flowers. Enjoy your day in the sun. You earned it!

Wow, I really dig this playlist! That opinion might seem bad form, but let me even it out by saying that I would recommend it to any metalcore fan and anyone who isn't into metalcore but wants to get into a great start in enjoying the genre. Thanks Daniel for accepting this, and I hope the rest of you enjoy it like I've had!

Amazing playlist, Saxy! Though I don't have a lot of time to comment on all the tracks for this one, this is still a wild progressive ride, so here are my thoughts:

Evergrey – Forever Outsider (2021)

5/5. Right at the start, we begins the amazing race through the playlist with a song from an album with dark aggression and heavy energy. In Escape of the Phoenix, they've picked up the aggression from The Atlantic, including the down-tuned guitar. There might be slower songs to come in better pace than the half-boring half-incredible The Storm Within, but not as super-great as The Atlantic.

Sleep Paralysis – Altesia (2021)

4.5/5. Altesia is back with a new album Embryo. Brilliant piece, but I've already heard enough from this band.

Persefone – Underworld: The Fallen & The Butterfly – Act I: Clash of the Titans (2006)

5/5. The heaviness of this album Core continues in the beginning of "Underworld". It's too awesome for words, just listen for yourself!

Leprous – Contaminate Me (2013)

5/5. This is a heavy, intense, dark ending to the song's original album with aggressive atmosphere. There's a bit of djent in the guitars inspired by Meshuggah. Ihsahn guest appears, throwing in excellent harsh vocals that really add in the insane fury. This is more chaotic than any of Leprous' material, and makes up for a lot of the heaviness the earlier songs in that album missed out.

Dream Theater – Awaken the Master (2021)

4.5/5. Here's another highlight, the band's first song with djenty 8-string guitar, something Petrucci first experimented with in his project with Ernie Ball Music Man. Dream Theater should some more djenty experiments in their next album...

The Ocean – Calymmian (2008)

4/5. This is a small disappointment compared to the previous tracks of Precambrian, but it's still great and doesn't affect the album's perfect score.

Cynic – In a Multiverse Where Atoms Sing (2021)

4.5/5. Cynic was one of the bands I've abandoned during my death metal departure due to their earlier material. But it was also because I thought they were moving away from metal with their previous album Kindly Bent to Free Us and because of the loss of the two Seans. But guess what? This song is legit progressive metal and Matt Lynch's drumming is absolutely tremendous! Sean Reinert would be proud, and I would be up to check out Cynic's new album Ascension Codes. RIP both Seans...

Animals As Leaders – The Problem of Other Minds (2021)

5/5. And now, Animals as Leaders is coming back with a new single as well! This song is so d*mn amazing with rainbow-colorful guitars and no lyrics. I gotta look out for their new album Parrhesia, coming out in a few months.

maudlin of the Well – Birth Pains Of Astral Projection (2001)

5/5. Bummer about Maudlin of the Well not releasing any recent metal singles, still currently in hiatus, but this one is the over 10-minute epic of its album Bath, and this playlist (still kinda wishing for longer songs). It gets pretty weird throughout this song, especially in the riffs. After starting soft over 3 minutes, it switches to bad-a** death-ridden progressive metal to for any metalhead to enjoy. That's the last bit of death metal you would hear for that album.

Gojira – New Found (2021)

4.5/5. This is the kind of song that would make you wanna ride an elephant marching through a jungle and smashing trees with its trunk. And within this beautiful emotional work is a direct message about space travel happening later on in this decade.

Pain of Salvation – To the End (1997)

4.5/5. Good lyrics from another good choice for me. Thanks again for accepting my submissions, Saxy!

Excellent playlist, Xephyr! Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Savatage – “Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24)” (from “Dead Winter Dead”, 1995)

5/5. Thanks so much Xephyr for accepting this submission (among the other ones I've submitted), and at the perfect position, the beginning of the playlist. An absolutely epic Christmas tune used in both this Savatage album and the first Trans-Siberian Orchestra album, something to use for an epic Christmas battle, like that of the Regular Show Christmas Special (yeah, it was used there). One of the most brilliant Christmas songs to this day! Happy December!!

The Lord Weird Slough Feg – “Warriors Dawn” (from “Down Among the Deadmen”, 2000)

4.5/5. After that epic intro, we head on to the actual heavy/power metal action with this song. The vocals don't come until after another two-minute intro, and I'm really digging this one! It's even used in the metal video game Brutal Legend.

Sorcerer – “The Hammer of Witches” (from “Lamenting of the Innocent”, 2020)

4/5. Nearly incredible, but this "Children of the Grave"-like pace is a little too much. Next!

Ravenous E.H. – “...Of Beasts & Faust” (from “Hubris”, 2021)

4/5. This one's also great, but a little too stretched out for a 10-minute track.

Avantasia – “Seduction of Decay” (from “Ghostlights”, 2016)

4.5/5. Excellent collaboration in an album of guest collaborations (rock metal opera)! Geoff Tate (ex-Queensryche) should've stayed around with Avantasia longer. Tobias Sammet has done a f***ing excellent job with his vocalist choices in the album Ghostlights.

Rhapsody Of Fire – “Unholy Warcry” (from “Symphony of Enchanted Lands II (The Dark Secret)”, 2004)

4.5/5. Now go back in time another few centuries and add dragons and warriors and whatever fantasy-like thing you can think of from another world. Listen to those lyrics through the powerful voice of Fabio Lione and the narration from a name the world would never forget, famous actor Christopher Lee. RIP

Blind Guardian – “Journey Through the Dark” (from “Somewhere Far Beyond”, 1992)

5/5. This one is a kick-A journey through dark speedy power metal. The lead melodies and shredding solos are excellent!

Accept – “Princess of the Dawn” (from “Restless and Wild”, 1992)

4.5/5. A superb song to end Accept's 1982 breakthrough album, and probably would've been perfect if it wasn't for the abrupt ending that the band thought was a good idea but turned out not to be. Either way, Accept for life!!

Dragonforce – “The Last Journey Home” (from “Ultra Beatdown”, 2020)

5/5. This one has different changes compared to their earlier material, including being more mid-paced and progressive. While this is one of the best from Ultra Beatdown, it still can't beat the band's greater hits (the ones that I award 5.5 or 6 stars).

Good playlist, Saxy! It's 15 minutes short of the usual 2-hour length, but still a good amount of songs. Also, just a suggestion, for future playlists please number the songs in the tracklisting (for example: 1. So Cold – Breaking Benjamin (2004)– Requested by Andi, 2. Circle With Me- Spiritbox (2021)) so it would be easier to keep track of the number of tracks here. Anyway, here are my thoughts on some tracks (sorry about most of the selected tracks being my own submissions):

So Cold – Breaking Benjamin (2004)

4.5/5. Without further ado, let's begin with one of Breaking Benjamin's greatest hits, a softer way to start while still rocking out with the intro and chorus that showcases the band's talent. There's wonderful guitar dueling and rhythmic drumming, the latter with toms and splashes in the verse, more than a water splash caused by a car in the rain, all in momentum being built up. Finally, the bass tightens the rhythm with its groove through the guitars. Wonderful!

Circle With Me- Spiritbox (2021)

5/5. This ravaging highlight maintains the uncanny vocal strength of Courtney LaPlante, beginning with when she yells "CUT DOWN THE ALTAR!!" Great for the live crowd from this unique band worth listening to.

Die tomorrow – Coldrain (2010)

4.5/5. This powerful tune mixes catchiness with violence. Already we find the classic metalcore punches with Masato's screamed vocals and the heaviness of the rhythm and riffs, before switch to their alt-metal side with the cleanly-sung chorus.

Dozing Green – Dir En Grey (2008)

5/5. A further demonstration of this band's sonic talent! Enough said...

Deliberation – Katatonia (2006)

4/5. The Great Cold Distance marks the continuation of Katatonia's alt-metal sound they've had for a couple decades as of this comment. Even though I've moved away from listening to Katatonia because of their earlier doom metal albums, following my departure from The Fallen, some of their alt-metal songs have their appeal growing for me, and this is a cool one to work as self-therapy. Some might think of this as similar to Tool with some Depeche Mode vibes (without synths). And it might have a Christian vibe in the lyrics, though that's probably not what they're going for.

Delirium – Lacuna Coil (2016)

3.5/5. Same with Katatonia, Lacuna Coil's first 3 albums were in The Fallen before moving into the alt-metal Gateway in subsequent albums, but this song is quite beautiful especially in the bridge at the two-minute mark. Distrust the truth!

Who Will Pray? – We Came As Romans (2015)

4/5. I'm glad this track is in Spotify, one more song to tribute to a passed band member. RIP Kyle Pavone...

Thanks Daniel for accepting my feature release submission! Here's my review summary:

Bad Wolves is a band I consider part of the category of alt-metal bands my brother enjoys and I used to, and though they obviously didn't exist during my peak in the category nearly a decade ago, I enjoyed a few songs from this band when my brother listened to them a few years ago despite sounding like part of said category. I decided to revisit that band with their new album Dear Monsters, and despite Tommy Vext having already left the band, replaced by ex-The Acacia Strain guitarist Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz on vocals, upon first listen I thought this album has amazed me, probably the second-best alt-metal album of the year behind that Spiritbox album! However, when I listened again to write my review, I realized that while half of the songs still remain great, the others not so much. Still, the career of these Bad Wolves is beyond interesting. Even with TV out and DL in, this band still has their strength, especially considering the vocal abilities of the latter that's as good as the former. More cool melodies and heavy riffs are written to peak high, and they're enough to make this album an OK one to recommend and sing along. To be more specific on these ups and downs, Dear Monsters has soft and half-acoustic tracks more suited for radio fans than myself, and epic and heavy tracks to fit inside the metal library that recognizes Bad Wolves as a solid band. Anyone tired of waiting for new material from Disturbed, Bad Wolves is the right band for you. Dear Monsters is a good start before building your way backwards into the Tommy Vext era. So turn it up and sing out loud! And get those soft radio single potentials out of here....

3/5

Recommended songs: "Sacred Kiss", "Never Be the Same", "Comatose", "On the Case", "Classical", "In the Middle"

For fans of: Disturbed, Spiritbox, Five Finger Death Punch

I'll keep that in mind for next time, Daniel.

December 2021

01. Darkest Hour - "Doomsayer (the Beginning of the End)" (from Deliver Us, 2007) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

02. Trivium - "Like a Sword Over Damocles" (from In the Court of the Dragon, 2021)

03. Unearth - "Lifetime in Ruins" (from Watchers of Rule, 2014) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

04. Parkway Drive - "Crushed" (from Ire, 2015) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

05. Mentally Blind - "One for No One" (from Stage Zero, 2021)

06. Convictions - "Thomas (feat. Matty Mullins)" (from I Am Nothing, 2012)

07. Currents - "Kill the Ache" (from The Way It Ends, 2020)

08. Annisokay - "Under Your Tattoos" (from Aurora, 2021)

09. Aviana - "Retaliation" (from Retaliation, 2021)

10. Silent Planet - "Trilogy" (from Iridescent, 2021)

11. Every Time I Die - "Dark Distance" (from Radical, 2021) [Submitted by Daniel]

12. Between the Buried and Me - "Ad a dglgmut" (from The Silent Circus, 2003) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

13. Neon Graves - "All That We've Become" (from All That Brings Us Down, 2020)

14. Alpha Wolf - "#104" (from Mono, 2017)

15. Broken Youth - "Dis/connected" (from Suffering : Silence, Vol. 1, 2021)

16. LANDMVRKS - "Lost in a Wave" (from Lost in the Waves, 2021)

17. Heliocentric - "Whispers" (from Ishmael, 2021)

18. Kingdom of Giants - "Runaway" (from All the Hell You've Got to Spare, 2017)

19. Bring Me the Horizon - "A Lot Like Vegas" (from Count Your Blessings, 2006)

20. Ice Nine Kills - "Merry Axe-mas" (from The Silver Scream, 2018) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

21. Bound in Fear - "Beyond the Mire" (from Penance, 2021)

22. Slaughter to Prevail - "Misery Sermon" (from Misery Sermon, 2017)

23. Darko US - "Splinter Cell" (from Darko, 2021)

24. Chelsea Grin - "Desolation of Eden" (from Desolation of Eden, 2020)

25. The Dillinger Escape Plan - "Panasonic Youth" (from Miss Machine, 2004) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

26. Botch - "Saint Matthew Returns to the Womb" (from We Are the Romans, 1999) [Submitted by shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

27. Converge - "Jane Doe" (Jane Doe, 2001)

28. Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas - "Journey to Aim High" (from Feeling of Unity, 2015)

After that Big Nate comic parody above, I decided to make a role reversal of what gets parodied; a metal song parody based on a Big Nate character some readers hate:

Danish power metal with folk/symphonic influences. For fans of Falconer, Manticora & Lost Horizon.

An incredible highlight that fits well for guitarist Erik Ravn, not just because of his guitar talents but also because of his name. You'll also witness flawless bass work that's often hard to find elsewhere.

You're right about me loving The Shadow Cabinet, Daniel. A bombastic progressive power metal album with folk influences standing its unique ground. Cheers for the rec! 5/5

Well, time to throw what I thought was a good idea into the fires of Mount Doom. Any of you guys have better award ideas?