Shadowdoom9 (Andi)'s Forum Threads

Although Therion is generally known as a symphonic metal band, their live album Live Gothic has a setlist containing some of their more progressive tracks in their discography up to that point, making it one of their most progressive releases since their mid-90s material. Those tracks have the expansive sounds and complex structures of progressive metal, alongside the epic symphonics and choirs. With that, I'd like to submit Therion's "Live Gothic" to the Hall to be added to The Infinite and progressive metal while staying in The Guardians and symphonic metal.

Stick to Your Guns was more of a hardcore band early on, rather than the metalcore of their recent releases from True View onwards. In their second album Comes from the Heart, there are the crushing riffs and unclean vocals often heard in metalcore, but they have far more of a hardcore vibe than metal. With that, I'd like to submit Stick to Your Guns' "Comes from the Heart" to the Hall to be removed from The Revolution and be deemed non-metal.

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

Sometimes the best albums are the ones that literally almost didn't happen. Peter Tägtgren was at a pub when his heart stopped and he collapsed. Just when it seemed like it was all over for him, two minutes later, his heart continued beating. That's a clear reminder that life is fragile and at any given moment, you would be gone from this world with one last dance. Dancing With the Dead! We're grateful Peter Tägtgren is still around to show his talents displayed in writing, instrumentation, and vocals. Dancing With the Dead is one of the best albums from his Pain project, maybe one of the best in any of his projects. All of the tracks here range from decently to highly enjoyable, with this usual blend of riffs, electronics, and even some background symphonics. However, there are a few songs towards the end that are kind of bothersome, but they don't affect the album's perfect rating. I've never had a 5-star album come so close to 4.5 stars, like a 95.1 percentage rating. Nothing has changed the status of Dancing With the Dead as another stellar part of Pain's discography. Enjoy this dance!

5/5

Recommended tracks: "Same Old Song", "Nothing", "Not Afraid to Die", "Dancing With the Dead", "Bye/Die", "The Third Wave", "Trapped"

For fans of: Lindemann, Samael, Celldweller

I have given Neverbloom around three spins over the past couple of days and it has grown on me, from my first impression at least.  When they settle down into rhythm and riffage, there are some genuinely entertaining moments for me. Tracks such as ‘Widower’ and ‘Maelstrom’ standout as being high points in this regard and I suspect there could be more of these moments if the arrangement was just a little better thought through.  I think the piano is perhaps the worst conceived part of the instrumentation, often it sounds like someone has started playing another track over the top of the current one and it does take a couple of seconds to reconcile that it is actually on the same track.  The synths stab perfectly well to create a sense of theatre and drama where they get deployed, but for a “symphonic deathcore” record, I find it surprising how little focus the symphonic elements actually get.

Vocally there is nothing here to surprise me as it seems to be pretty standard deathcore fare in all honesty, but it is the riffs that are my only real positive takeaway from this record.  They are by no means perfect, but they certainly do land a lot better than most of the rest of what is on offer.  I get the sense that Make Them Suffer had some good ideas going into this one, and I am of course giving them some rope as this was their debut.  However, the ideas never really shine as I suspect they could, appearing to be sacrificed by a confusing, if not outright disorientating arrangement problem that is something of a curse on the album I feel.

I listen to a lot of deathcore during my workouts nowadays and so I am perhaps a little more desensitised to The Revolution clan’s previous penchant to overwhelm this well-travelled metal head than I was some three or four years ago.  Although Neverbloom does not quite land all that well with me, I still enjoyed the discovery experience and could be tempted by a listen to a later album to see if they did improve at all.

2.5/5

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Mnemic - "Liquid" from Mechanical Spin Phenomena (2003)

5/5. The perfect start for this playlist and Mnemic's discography represents their melodic side in the chorus after a verse of guitar aggression.

Strapping Young Lad - "You Suck" from The New Black (2006)

4.5/5. "TELL ME HOW MUCH THEY F***ING SUCK!!! HELL YEAH, THEY F***ING SUCK!!!!" One of the most aggressive and swear-filled songs by the band, and it never sucks!

Vortech - "Alien DNA" from Void Emergent (2025)

4/5. This one doesn't suck either. Pretty great but not the best.

Jacob Lizotte - "Already Over" from Already Over / Too Far Gone (2025)

4.5/5. It's never over for this master of royalty-free modern metal! Jacob Lizotte's vocals and lyrics are so emotional, reminding me a bit of Linkin Park and Red. If this was made 25 years ago, it would've been an instant radio hit. Of course, there's enough industrial instrumentation for this beautiful song to end up in a Sphere playlist.

Rammstein - "Weisses Fleisch" from Herzeleid (1995)

4/5. Rammstein may not be the first Neue Deutsche Harte band (that would be OOMPH!), but they're responsible for popularizing the sound for the masses. As great as this is, well, as of commenting, I accidentally stumbled upon a cover of that song by death metal band Debauchery, and that cover is brutal as f***.

D'espairsRay - "Grudge" from Coll:Set (2005)

4.5/5. Similarly with Dead by April, my track submission with this song was made before I ended up distancing from a couple alt-metal bands including D'espairsRay. Still this song's quite excellent, especially the spooky bridge that starts the last minute.

Fear of Domination - "All as One" from Katharsis (2026)

5/5. In this perfect catchy track, the band can do the whole "disco-metal" thing as well as Battle Beast, probably better! The final chorus has the most of their energy.

Lord of the Lost - "What Have We Become" from Opvs Noir Vol. 2 (2025)

4.5/5. More of the dark fury is covered in this track which includes more experimentation including vocals by IAMX founder Chris Corner. The baritone/growls of Harms and the falsetto of Corner make another perfect duet in the sea of industrial darkness.

Waltari - "Main Stream" from Space Avenue (1997)

4/5. Another excellent track, this one from the band's alt-industrial metal era covering this album and Radium Round.

Cubanate - "Oxyacetylene" from Brutalism (2017)

3.5/5. Brutalism contains remastered versions of Cubanate's earlier songs like this one which was featured in the first Gran Turismo game.

Whalesong - "Rat King" from Roi Des Rats (2015)

3/5. Not really the best song, but I would recommend it to the more sludgy industrial listeners.

En Esch - "A Bullet Fires in One Direction" from Trash Chic (2016)

2.5/5. En Esch was a member of KMFDM in the 80s and 90s before moving on to solo material. I thought this sounded metal enough for this playlist, but listening to it more clearly now, I think my ears deceived me. Thumbs down.

Flesh Field - "The Collapse" from Strain (2004)

3/5. This one gets better, but not too much.

Choronzon - "Egregore Manifest Destiny" from Egregore Manifest Destiny (2019)

2.5/5. Definitely more blackened, yet comes out as a sh*tty mess. Moving on...

Ministry - "World" from Houses of the Mole (2004)

3/5. I like this one more, though it's not really wonderful.

Rob Zombie - "Wurdulak" from The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser (2016)

3.5/5. I enjoy the heavy groove here, but the intro and long-a** outro are a little too much. Still it works well for a vampire's long-lost love. One moment things can go heavy, and the next things can go sorrowful. Pretty beautiful, I would say.

Seecrees - "Neuron" from Genesis (2012)

4/5. Let's cut the bullsh*t, cyber metal is underrated and should be heard and appreciate more globally.

Dave Navarro - "Slow Motion Sickness" from Trust No One (2001)

4.5/5. Jane's Addiction member Dave Navarro made a solo album in the dreaded year 2001, balancing the band's alt-rock with some industrial metal. The album title is Trust No One, and that ended up being more foreshadowing than we thought, ever since his onstage fight with Perry Farrell that led to Jane's Addiction's disbandment.

The Interbeing - "Swallowing White Light" from Edge of the Obscure (2011)

5/5. This mind-blowing standout peaks high with more of those Fear Factory vocals.

Breach the Void - "EC-10" from The Monochromatic Era (2010)

4.5/5. D*mn, that intro adds to the futuristic atmosphere for this Sybreed side-project. While Breach the Void is no longer around, Sybreed still is, as of their recent return.

Daedalean Complex - "Sea of Lust" from Daedalean Complex (2008)

4/5. Gothic synths and acoustics give this track a dark industrial metal vibe.

Static-X - "Fix" from Wisconsin Death Trip (1999)

3.5/5. A repetitive yet fun song, considering how much the lyrics in the refrain can be misinterpreted like "Tuna and jello, drug test, banana fish".

Blue Stahli - "Command Line Kill" from Quartz (2020)

4/5. If this doesn't end up in the next Cyberpunk game soundtrack, I don't know what would. And this is is one of Blue Stahli's more metal albums Quartz. Nothing like some electronic cybergoth, eh? Probably would've been in one of the Antisleep albums though. Something this dark and beautiful needs an extended version 3 times as long.

Circle of Dust - "Bed of Nails" from Circle of Dust (1995)

3.5/5. Originally a hidden track in their re-recorded debut, this one has some of that earlier vibe from Nine Inch Nails along with experimentation similar to Grin-era Coroner.

Unheilig - "Lebe Wohl" from Astronaut (2006)

4/5. Great song for one from a Neue Deutsche Harte band.

Eisbrecher - "Einzelganger" from Kaltfront! (2025)

4.5/5. Stylistically, this one throws back to NDH's very beginnings in the earlier albums by OOMPH! and Rammstein. I might just be appreciating this subgenre more now! The lyrics have horrible thoughts that are presented greatly, bring them to a more relatable light. Also, I think a collab between Eisbrecher and Annisokay would rule, though I'm not sure you would all agree with me there. So let's sing along to this tragically relatable anthem!

Sybreed - "Ethernity" from Antares (2007)

5/5. An ethereal tranquil 9-minute epic. Nothing else to say, just enjoy this journey's end.

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!

Loved this release from last year, here's my review:

Thundering out of Berkshire, England to truly throw a spanner in my ‘EoY Fallen Album List’ come atmo-sludge quintet, Dimscûa. I would say that 2025 has been the year that I started to explore atmospheric-sludge metal for the first time, its calmer post-metal tendencies offset nicely by the harsher vocal attacks and smothering heaviness of the riffs that are my usual (and still preferred) listening fodder. Listening to Dust Eater sort of feels like I am in familiar territory nowadays which has most certainly helped me warm to it quickly. Hidden behind the straight delivery and more subtle sections, there is a sense of the epic going on also though which adds extra interest into proceedings.

This may just be clever use of guitar tone in all honesty, with some well-placed chiming effect adding some positive volume to the already doughty performance. Dust Eater is delivered with an attack that brings to my mind that each of the band members are grinning with each blow they make in their flannel shirts and jeans – another image I have in my head for some reason. Whilst I cannot describe the EP as uplifting, it does possess a pragmatic approach that gives the music a sense of being constructive without being restrictive. There’s no question that the band have gears they can get through, but they are always in full control, not just when ticking over in first or second gear.

The poignancy in the strings that open the final track, ‘On Being and Nothingness’, set against that haunting ambience that drifts through the background of the track, shows a band who can play with real emotion in their performances. Whilst the subject matter may explore darker tropes, the five-piece are unafraid to display the inherent beauty that can still be found in the themes of grief or loss. Of the content of this sub-genre that I have heard this year, Dimscûa chart pretty highly to my ears.

4/5

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

After the Burial - "Pi (The Mercury God of Infinity)" from Forging a Future Self (2006)

4.5/5. I thought this would be a nice start to this playlist, a beautiful neoclassical acoustic sonata decimated by DOOM-esque djent. The band has also made re-recorded versions of a few songs from this debut, and sadly this isn't one of them. Really would've been great to have the entire album re-recorded.

Architects - "Gravedigger" from Lost Forever // Lost Together (2014)

5/5. This highlight opens the original album with every great thing the band can encapsulate; impassioned vocal energy, energetic breakdowns, tight rhythms, and an army-calling chorus. An excellently wild representation of any of the band's achievements!

As I Lay Dying - "Echoes" from Echoes (2025)

4.5/5. As I Lay Dying has made a heavy comeback in the first single with the new lineup. It's quite amazing, though I just hope nothing gets f***ed up again.

Shai Hulud - "Misanthropy Pure" from Misanthropy Pure (2008)

5/5. Shai Hulud and Hatebreed are the two bands that have expanded on the metalcore/hardcore scene led by Integrity and Earth Crisis. Apparently, this song was featured in Saints Row: The Third, along with a Skyrim mod. It's so heavy and beautiful! The lyrics are quite kick-A, and I wonder if I could perform the vocals for this song without causing throat damage. Maybe I'll start with some Motionless in White and BMFW beforehand.

Lost in Hollywood - "I Should Have Known Better" from I Should Have Known Better (2026)

4.5/5. Modern metalcore can sound massive as well. It hits the hardest emotionally in the refrain and brutally in the breakdown that starts the last minute. This was also co-written with members of Annisokay and Our Mirage. An upcoming melodic heavy album awaits!

Crystal Lake - "Neversleep" from The Weight of Sound (2026)

5/5. What is it with metalcore bands and their sleeping issues? All they're screaming about is the possible fact that they can NEVERSLEEP!!!!! But if this band is spending their sleepless days and nights writing and performing music, at least they're bringing their new sound forward. Another f***ing rifftastic banger! And I'm glad we have some more modern metalcore around rather than just the deathcore brutality of Ov Sulfur and Paleface Swiss. I was hoping for some clean singing from guest vocalist Myke Terry (Volumes), but it's still strong without it.

Fit for a King - "Extinction" from Lonely God (2025)

4.5/5. Holy f***, this is one of the heaviest bangers Fit for a King has ever done, right from the intro onwards. Just pure chaos and brutality, reminds some of Currents' heavier songs. I just wish this was longer though, like twice as long.

Shadow of Intent - "The Catacombs" from Reclaimer (2017)

5/5. Another highlight with guest vocalists; Jason Evans (Ingested) and Dickie Allen (Infant Annihilator, Nekrogoblikon). Evan's vocals make things as brutal as Pathology in the heavy guitar grooves, while the symphonics still drift by.

Ice Nine Kills - "The Laugh Track" from The Laugh Track (2025)

4.5/5. Another song for me to love. This has got to appear in an upcoming Joker movie!

Downswing - "Carbon Copy" from Good Intentions (2020)

4/5. You wanna hear post-hardcore gone deathly? Here you go! It's like Wage War on Steroids, and that breakdown with Vincent Bennett from The Acacia Strain is crushing.

Norma Jean - "The Longest Lasting Statement" from Redeemer (2006)

4/5. The lyrics are a bit off, but the music here is filled with solid chaos.

Unprocessed, Paleface Swiss - "Solara" from Angel (2025)

4.5/5. Metalcore listeners looking for a song to share with each other, look no further than this track! I enjoy the first half, but the second half kinda dips a little when Zelli from Paleface Swiss performs some rap-ish screaming. Still this is quite underrated, and this next track would make me up for Paleface Swiss even more...

Paleface Swiss, Stick to Your Guns - "Instrument of War" from The Wilted EP (2026)

5/5. Well, not just Paleface Swiss, but also Stick to Your Guns. I love this! Go, Zelli!

Spiritbox - "Angel Eyes" from The Fear of Fear (2023)

4.5/5. This one brings in more of the monstrous destruction. The textured bass by Josh Gilbert (ex-As I Lay Dying) are adjacent to djenty guitar intensity along with the harsh vocal fury of vocalist Courtney LaPlante.

Volumes - "Limitless" from Via (2011)

5/5. The talent this band has is limitless. More people need to hear this!

AVOID - "Midnight Six" from Cult Mentality (2022)

4.5/5. D*mn, these modern metalcore vibes! They make another kick-A banger. The chorus is quite catchy too.

Converge - "Under Duress" from The Dusk in Us (2017)

5/5. The distorted guitar riffing fits well with Bannon's furious screams, encouraging you to raise your fist against the venomous world.

Sinai Beach - "To the Church" from Immersed (2005)

4.5/5. The majority of the fanbase for this band and many others in the Christian metalcore scene is millennials who have listened to them in high school, middle school, or even elementary school. It's hard to believe that a Garageband sample originated from this song's synth intro, but here we are!

Dead by April - "Infinity x Infinity" from Let the World Know (2014)

4/5. This song affected me greatly the first time I heard it. However, between the time I submitted this as one of my sneak peek track submissions and the time I released this playlist, I lost interest in this band and a couple dozen other Gateway bands. I guess my time with this band's music isn't infinity after all.

Lionheart, Kublai Khan - "Chewing Through the Leash" from Valley of Death II (2026)

4.5/5. AW F***ING YEAH, let's get some dogs barking like Knocked Loose! ARF ARF

Jacob Lizotte - "Too Far Gone" from Already Over / Too Far Gone (2025)

4/5. Jacob Lizotte has made his first vocal album in a long time, and it certainly got the heavier modern metalheads hyped up. The breakdown through the last 30 seconds is f***ing brutal to go with the dark atmosphere. Nice one, Jacob!

Stain My Canvas - "Ameoba" from God Made Hell (2020)

3.5/5. A pretty good track with the energetic power of Fit for a King. Not as great as that band though.

The Number Twelve Looks Like You - "The Proud Parent's Convention Held in the ER" from Nuclear. Sad. Nuclear (2005)

4/5. #12 are still going strong even after their temporary breakup. The guitar that starts the last third practically stirs up some black/death metal vibes, then after a bit of punkiness, we hit the final mathcore jackpot!

Burnt by the Sun - "Battleship" from The Perfect is the Enemy of the Good (2003)

4.5/5. Burnt by the Sun is one of the most rifftastic bands in mathcore/metalcore, as proven by this track.

The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza - "Carroll 14 Wiseman 7" from Danza II the Electric Boogaloo (2007)

4/5. Seriously, it's songs like this that need more attention. That g****mn riff at the 40-second mark hits harder than a moving truck.

Vision of Disorder - "Colorblind" from Imprint (1998)

4.5/5. This 6-minute epic has their standard sound filled with different colors.

Protest the Hero - "The Divine Suicide of K." from Kezia (2005)

5/5. The absolute best track of Protest the Hero's debut! This song is at the brink of making me cry and wet my pants. It continues the whole "best for last" technique for each act, and this is no exception! The song is so emotional and mind-blowing. Many different parts and placed around in amazing order. The male vocals are teary and the female singing is at its strongest. In the middle of the song, the guitars really float in clouds of emotion. The climatic perfection returns! The overlapping singing/screaming combo is more glorious than you can ever believe. And the female vocals really end the song slow and steady.

Assemble the Chariots - "Equinox" from Unyielding Night (2024)

5/5. The original album's grand ending epic where the ultimate climax occurs. The final bit of energy is used wisely, all the way up to the glorious end. That's the kind of closing epic that I enjoy!

The Breathing Process - "We, the Drowned" from Labyrinthian (2021)

5/5. Yet another epic deathcore album ending with the best climax. The melancholic finale where all the symphonics and heavy chords and melodies rise up once more before collapsing into just sorrowful piano is just beautiful.

Darkest Hour - "Veritas, Aequitas" from Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation (2003)

4.5/5. OK, I've teased ending this playlist with those previous two symphonic deathcore tracks, and now we're going to end it for real with a 13-minute melodeath/metalcore instrumental. When I was first listening to metalcore in my late teens, Darkest Hour was one of the bands. Although I haven't listened to this band much in a few years, this is still one of their best tracks. I especially enjoy the acoustic break over the 4-minute mark before leading to more of the electric guitar melody. The piano is so beautiful too.

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 are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Visions of Atlantis, Warkings - "Pirates & Kings" from Pirates & Kings (2025)

5/5. Visions of Atlantis and Warkings will embark on the Pirates & Kings tour, and to celebrate the occasion, they've made their own song together! The best part of this one for me is from the two-minute mark onwards, with the harsh vocal bridge by Morgana le Fay, the guitar soloing, and the final chorus reaches its climax. And this might also make the most powerful opening for one of my Guardians playlists since the Aquaria song from a couple months back. Not as long as that one though. Perhaps the greatest metal band crossover of this decade since Amon Amarth's "Saxons and Vikings"!

Trann - "Isugaku Never Say Goodbye" from Isugaku Never Say Goodbye (2025)

4.5/5. Stevie T's power metal AI experiment has become an accidental hit sensation. So much so that many people have tried to make their own full cover of that track. Really getting some X Japan/Galneryus/Stratovarius vibes from this one. Also, literally right before I started writing my track thoughts, I watched a video Stevie T has just uploaded in which he talks about the unexpected viral success of his AI song and then makes his own cover of it. In the end, he mentions a vocalist who wants to collaborate with him on the cover. Obviously I won't spoil who it is, but I'll give you a little hint; without the band this vocalist was in at the time, my interest in power metal and metal in general would have been impossible or entirely different. So grab your swords, popcorn, and headphones, this is gonna be truly EPIC!

Nanowar of Steel, Ross the Boss - "Armpits of Immortals" from Armpits of Immortals (2023)

4/5. As silly as this band can get with songs like this one, it's actually quite intriguing. But don't click off yet, there are more serious songs to come...

Quartz - "Mainline Riders" from Quartz (1977)

4.5/5. The 70s was filled with classic hard rock/metal from bands like Quartz, Scorpions, and Judas Priest, though the latter two are far more popular than this band. I think this might've been the spark for Black Sabbath in their song "Heaven and Hell", in both the bassline and overall structure, from mid-tempo to fast. Plus a little touch of their Seventh Star album. RIP Geoff Nicholls and Mike Taylor...

Scorpions - "Virgin Killer" from Virgin Killer (1976)

4/5. The title track of this controversial yet solid Scorpions album kicks up the metallic speed greatly. I can consider this song part of the proto-thrash trio, together with Queen's "Stone Cold Crazy" and Black Sabbath's "Symptoms of the Universe". If you don't believe Scorpions has ever gone full-on metal, at least give that song a go.

Judas Priest - "Tyrant" from Sad Wings of Destiny (1976)

4.5/5. I remember listening to this Judas Priest album over a couple years ago, before all this talk about using this song as the soundtrack for the 2024 US presidential election, and this is my favorite song of the album, an amazing underrated classic track! I love the verses here, especially the last one, "And as you perish each of you shall scream as you are sought". Some of the greatest lyrics to come from the 70s! Every man shall...FAAALLL!!!!!!

Venom - "In League with Satan" from Welcome to Hell (1981)

4/5. Venom already made an album before the one that would plant the seed for an entire metal genre, Black Metal. Welcome to Hell proved that the band was brave enough to prove their Satan-worshipping ways in the midst of the Satanic Panic. That marching drumbeat helps with the vibes this song has that would give it potential for a horror movie soundtrack. Probably not the Marvel Venom soundtrack, lol. There was also a demo recording of this track without the intro. And keep these lyrics in mind before actual black metal became a lot darker and more serious, "When the full moons high and bright, in every way, I’m there, every shadow in the night..."

Witchfinder General - "Witchfinder General" from Death Penalty (1982)

4.5/5. Some more hidden gems can be found from these earlier bands that blend heavy metal with the genres they would help pioneer. While Venom combined heavy metal with speed metal and planted the seed for black metal, Witchfinder General combined heavy metal with doom metal. Too bad they weren't as successful as, say, Nirvana. The name of this band and song came from the film Witchfinder General, which is considered one of the most brutal films from the 60s and came out 5 years before the more brutal The Exorcist that inspired a song by death metal pioneers Possessed. The most killer part here is the fast guitarwork at the two and a half minute mark before slowing down for the bridge. And you may know Witchfinder General actor Vincent Price from other films like The Masque of the Red Death (with dialogue from that movie heard in songs like "And When He Falleth" by Theatre of Tragedy) and his guest appearance in Michael Jackson's "Thriller". Also, C tuning wasn't common back in those days.

Helloween - "Future World" from Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part I (1987)

5/5. I'm glad to finally get the appeal for power metal creators Helloween after somehow blowing them off for over a decade of me listening to metal. This may just be my new favorite power metal band! I even like the 10 seconds of random sound effects before the guitar soloing. So crank up the speed and explore Future World!

Armored Saint - "Can U Deliver" from March of the Saint (1984)

4.5/5. The album cover artwork hits as mighty hard as the riffing. This was around the time when Armored Saint were starting out and opening for bands like Metallica. The composition is so simplistic yet well-made, especially in the rising drums intro.

Avenged Sevenfold - "This Means War" from Hail to the King (2013)

4/5. The song title might've been Metallica's thought when their song "Sad But True" was supposedly copied by this one. Still it was popular to be featured in WWE 2K15.

Riot V - "Higher" from Mean Streets (2024)

4.5/5. Riot's talents are getting higher while not forgetting their late founder Mark Reale. RIP

Black Sabbath - "Dirty Women" from Technical Ecstasy (1976)

4/5. Perhaps one of the more mind-blowing songs by these heavy metal founding fathers! Particularly when they switch gears in the one and a half minute mark and the riffing/shredding greatness goes on for two minutes. Quite a f***ing banger! Ozzy Osbourne would take some of those composition techniques to his solo material. RIP

Iron Maiden - "Fear of the Dark" from Fear of the Dark (1992)

4.5/5. Can we have a song called "Fear of the Thunder"? Y'know, because of my own fear? For real though, I think more people know this song today because of Iron Maiden's collaboration with Dead by Daylight.

Warmen - "Trip to..." from Beyond Abilities (2001)

5/5. Trip to where? Trip to the godly keyboard playing of Janne Wirman, that's where! Especially throughout the second quarter of this track. Lots of magical talent from this man and his side-project-turned-band. Even those who find this kind of style too cheesy would be hunting for more. No matter how digital the production is, you might just be up to some medieval dragon slaying.

Galneryus - "Hunting for Your Dream" from Angel of Salvation (2012)

4.5/5. One of Galneryus' most popular songs, generally because it's one of the ending themes for the anime Hunter × Hunter.

Masterplan - "Masterplan" from MK II (2007)

5/5. This heavy track that I would consider the band's theme song is one of the most awesome songs by the band, pounding through the guitars, bass, drums, and vocals, including everyone chanting the band's name. Epic!

Beat Saber, Nekrogoblikon, DragonForce - "Dragon Smash Goblin" from Beat Saber (Original Game Soundtrack) (2025)

4.5/5. It's dragons vs. goblins in DragonForce's brand-new kick-A collab with Nekrogoblikon and Beat Saber. I just wish Dickie Allen's vocals were a little clearer though, particularly in the second verse.

Turisas - "Rasputin" from Rasputin (2007)

5/5. Turisas are the masters of battle metal, and can turn 70s disco-pop hits into battle hymns.

Metal Church - "Badlands" from Blessing in Disguise (1989)

4.5/5. RIP Mike Howe. Metal Church is another band that once opened for Metallica early on, but that doesn't mean they're as big as Metallica unfortunately. I'm glad we can listen to the full version of this song instead of the MTV video/radio edit that trimmed it down to a 5-minute song. Still we have to be grateful for MTV helping boost their popularity, including underrated songs like this one. Anyone can listen to this while driving through a desolated desert, whether or not you understand the lyrics. The riffing and soloing in the bridge might remind some of Slayer. Mike Howe was truly talented. Again, RIP...

Iron Savior - "Until We Meet Again" from Kill or Get Killed (2019)

5/5. Perhaps the best song of this Iron Savior album! It's like a collision between the classic hard rock/metal of Scorpions and modern power metal.

Edenbridge - "The Grand Design" from The Grand Design (2006)

4.5/5. Then we get to the amazing title epic of this Edenbridge album, soaring through the majestic cosmos for over 10 minutes, and summarizing all that album has. Also, expect some acoustic strumming by Martin Mayr and violin by Astrid Stockhammer, Lanvall's young sister.

Battlelore - "Ride With the Dragons" from Where the Shadows Lie (2002)

4/5. Now this is an interesting way to end this playlist. Here we have the deathly symphonic metal of Battlelore with their male vocalist at the time Patrik Mennander (also known as the vocalist for Ruoska). Then the hidden track, "Feast for the Wanderer", is an uplifting folk song as the warriors celebrate their victory at a tavern.

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!

I've passed this one rather than waiting for an outcome that will never arrive Andi. I've got a very strong & long-term relationship with this release & you're clearly right.

Unexpectedly coming out on top of the current crop of feature releases is this three track EP from Trivium. For no reason other than rampant elitism, I have avoided Trivium for most of their career. Based on this EP, that could have been an even dumber decision than it first appears. Notwithstanding that this is a very short format to base any long term opinions from, there is still plenty here to have kept me entertained over the six or seven listens I found myself giving Struck Dead in just one day!

It is clear that my view that Trivium are just another annoying metalcore band are incorrect. Yes, there are elements of that style here, I cannot dispute that. However, there are some serious grooves going on during the riffing on ‘Bury Me With My Screams’. The cold, blunt and almost industrial chops of the title track are a bruising experience also. Add into the mix the fiery leads and anthemic vocals and there is a lot to be pleased with. Whilst I expected high energy levels to be on show, the EP goes much further, possessing an almost hardcore ferocity at times.

It is not an annoying overactive energy that I feared might haunt the release, there is a lot of maturity in these three tracks. ‘Six Walls’ might be the weaker of the tracks on offer but it is by no means terrible. After the intensity of the two first tracks I guess some balance was needed, even if those acoustic strings on the final track do mislead the listener into believing we will be needing on a power ballad. Suffering a little in the arrangement stakes, ‘Six Walls’ feels like a b-side at best but still keeps those energy levels well primed for the whole EP duration.

4/5

Symphonic metal doesn't have to be heavy or power based.  Vovin proves that.  Nevertheless I'll give it a spin today.

This was not my bag.  Walking that tightrope of trying the feature releases for each clan this month does make me feel like a bit of a grumpy old man at times, but this one was just too much for me.  Far too synthy for me and was a very nu metal sounding record which I didn’t expect.

I've just passed this nomination as the release now qualifies Andi.

Well this is interesting. I gave this Blind Guardian album some listening before selecting it this month's feature release to start off 2026, and I thought it was good but not their best album, giving it a 3.5 rating. Then as I listened to it again for this reviewing section, the power metal spark I had within me ignited brighter, as it already has been in the past few months. I ended up boosting my rating up a whole star! I think my Guardians light is finally shining the brightest in so many years. Here's my review summary:

Their first album in 7 and a half years (not including their 2019 orchestral album Legacy of the Dark Lands), The God Machine is a true comeback for the Bards. 30 years after Somewhere Far Beyond, they've resurrected their heavier roots from that album that would be re-recorded two years later in this one. And I mean adding the speed they had in their first 5 albums to their bombastic era of the new millennium. Some songs still have the slower epicness of the latter era. Either way, you can never ignore Hansi Kursch's vocal grace or the top-notch guitar skills of Andre Olbrich and Markus Siepen. This blend of speed and bombast is quite rewarding and gets better in every listen, whether gradually or suddenly. Not many bands can still have their greatness 3 or 4 decades into their career, but the Bards can. So come enter The God Machine!

4.5/5

Recommended tracks: "Deliver Us From Evil", "Secrets of the American Gods", "Life Beyond the Spheres", "Architects of Doom", "Blood of the Elves"

For fans of: Helloween, Persuader, DragonForce

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

So this usually hardcore/metalcore band made it big with their first two albums released via Roadrunner Records. They ended up leaving the label and made a mostly demo-re-recorded album with a different label. And if Vision of Disorder fans were expecting another hardcore/metalcore album after that, that's not what they got. Instead, the band jumped on the alt-/nu metal wagon that was really rollin' at the time. As a young metalhead listening to metal long after all that happened, I enjoy From Bliss to Devastation more than those earlier Vision of Disorder fans ever had, and more than the more elite metalheads ever would. I think I still have some Gateway enjoyment left in me with all this sharp alt-metal pleasing my ears. My favorite songs are not just the title epic but also the ones that throw back to their earlier rage and unleash metal fury. However, a couple tracks towards the end are quite repetitive and messy. Nonetheless, From Bliss to Devastation is for people who can appreciate rock-on alt-metal with none of the hip-hop elements of nu metal in sight. Sadly, the lack of success and support would result in the band disbanding temporarily. Still their greatness has stayed strong even in the roughest of times....

4/5

Recommended tracks: "Living to Die", "Southbound", "From Bliss to Devastation", "Downtime Misery", "Pretty Hate", "Done In"

For fans of: Soundgarden, Bloodsimple, Faith No More

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Fear Factory - "Recode" from Aggression Continuum (2021)

5/5. This maniacal opener begins with a cinematic intro consisting of a Terminator-like speech over dreamy keyboards. Then the massive rapid-fire thrash commences with heavy djenty assault from the guitars and bass, as the keyboards go on in symphonic grandeur to add hope to the desolation. The otherwise mundane verse-chorus structure shows how well-composed the song is when the verses go aggressive and the chorus goes anthemic. A simple structure for this widely-ranged opener of this album!

Dome Runner - "Biased Heart Replica" from World Panopticon (2025)

4.5/5. Dome Runner has just came back with their new second album World Panopticon. This track is one of a few 7-minute epics that have there, and it rules!

Kidneythieves - "Before I'm Dead" from Zerospace (2002)

4.5/5. Many people know this song from the soundtrack of Queen of the Damned, a film starring the late Aaliyah (RIP). I like the instrumentation along with the lyrics ("To see you..."). Nice melodic color to go with the industrial heaviness.

1914, Ship Her Son, Barney Hines Band - "Invaders Must Die" from Invaders Must Die (2025)

5/5. Incredible cover of that hit song by The Prodigy, with added lyrics. 1914 seems like the kind of band I should listen to more of despite their blackened death metal sound.

The Amenta - "Flesh is Heir" from Flesh is Heir (2013)

4.5/5. Bleak doom-ish tremolo melody opens this album's title track that then blasts off into deathly chaos.

Bad Omens - "Left for Good" from Left for Good (2025)

5/5. "Why do I stay in the middle? Why do I say just a little?" I'm glad Bad Omens hasn't left for good, having more of their alt-metal sound in a more industrial direction.

Nanowar of Steel, Mikael Sehlin - "Feet & Greet" from Feet & Greet (2025)

4.5/5. So the masters of parody power metal have collaborated with Amaranthe harsh vocalist Mikael Sehlin to make Electric Callboy-infused foot fetish-core. This is both interesting and disturbing at the same time. But I guess I shouldn't be surprised, considering they have a song with the laughable title of "Armpits of Immortals".

Fear of Domination - "Endgame" from Endgame (2025)

5/5. Fear of Domination have their brand-new album Katharsis coming out soon! This epic single from the album seems to emphasize their earlier industrial/trance metal roots more with some slight glimpses of their melodeath side. A hard-hitting masterpiece of a song!

Die Krupps - "On Collision Course" from On Collision Course (2025)

4.5/5. Die Krupps has been active since the early 1980s and are staying strong and heavy. They just fire away with their riffing and keys here. If I was living in Germany, I would've gotten more interested in German industrial rock/metal and Neue Deutsche Harte, maybe also learn the language. We'll look out for when a new album arrives.

Static-X - "Down" from Beneath... Between... Beyond... (2004)

4/5. Oh yeah, let's get a little a bit of Static-X in here. RIP Wayne Static...

Eisbrecher - "All We Are" from Schicksalsmelodien (2020)

4.5/5. I've heard the original Warlock song before when assembling an earlier Guardians playlist. Eisbrecher's cover has great and doesn't spoil anything despite being in a different style. Someone should make a mashup/duet using both versions!

Hanzel und Gretyl - "Fukken Uber Death Party" from 2012: Zwanzig Zwolf (2008)

5/5. Apparently, Hanzel und Gretyl is an American band starting off as NDH before getting more extreme. The samples help make this a rad standout, particularly the Arabic chanting at the start of the last minute.

3TEETH - "The Fall" from Metawar (2019)

4.5/5. A dark melancholic song that would fit well in the similarly titled indie video game.

Silent Planet - "Under Your Skin" from Under Your Skin (2025)

5/5. Bad Omens isn't the only metalcore band going the alt-/industrial metal route. Silent Planet has also jumped in! What's next? Currents? Invent Animate? They still have their metalcore roots while delivering lyrics dedicated to fallen loved ones, "Hallucinations of every friend you couldn’t save, every breath they couldn’t take".

Vibrion - "Aguanta" from Instinct (2002)

4.5/5. Now we're heading to the earlier sludgy industrial metal...

Neo Inferno 262 - "Sexes" from Pleonectic (2023)

4.5/5. ...While making room for some fast industrial black metal.

Godflesh - "Streetcleaner" from Streetcleaner (1989)

5/5. The torturously tremendous title track of Godflesh's breakthrough debut begins with a disturbing sound sample of suffering, then starts the industrial sludge/doom march as aliens clean the streets free from the corpses of those killed in the invasion, announcing the death of humanity.

Lord of the Lost - "Bad Romance" from Weapons of Mass Seduction (2023)

4.5/5. I love this Lady Gaga cover more that the one they made for "Judas".

Circle of Dust - "Deviate (1992)" from Brainchild (1994)

5/5. I actually love this demo version more than in the main Brainchild album, sounding strong, even without the midsection commentary.

Cyanotic - "Altered States of Consciousness" from Transhuman 2.0 (2007)

4.5/5. Excellent eerie way to calm down before we get to the cyber metal part of this playlist.

Vortech - "Posthumanism" from Posthumanism (2009)

4/5. Deathly cyber metal greatness that can fire through walls.

Malmonde - "Machine" from Malmonde (2003)

3.5/5. Another good cyber metal track, but I feel like actual drumming would've made it better.

Mechina - "The Collapse Promised to All" from Bellum Interruptum (2025)

4/5. Although the cheesy 80s synths in songs like this one are part of what made me lose interest in Mechina, they're still underrated and need to be further recognized globally, maybe even listened to while playing games like Starcraft.

Illidiance, Jot Maxi - "Hack the Hoax" from Hack the Hoax (2022)

4.5/5. Same with this band, with a new different direction for their cyber metal sound, including a guest appearance by Jot Maxi of Hacktivist.

Turmion Katilot - "Reset 7 (Not to Be Continued)" from Reset (2024)

4/5. Then we have the 8-minute finale of the new Turmion Katilot album, which has nice dance-y industrial metal, but the Babymetal-like J-pop moments are a bit too much.

Pain - "The Last Drops of My Life" from Pain (1997)

4.5/5. An interesting slow finale. After all that experimentation, we can just calm down with a mostly soft ambient ending.

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:

Demon Hunter - "My Place in the Dirt" from There Was a Light Here (2025)

5/5. The opening march gets you ready for the action, blasting off into what may be the closest to the band's melodic metalcore roots (one of the only tracks in the new Demon Hunter album to qualify for The Revolution) complete with rapid blasts and vocalist Ryan Clark's growls of yester-decade.

Lamb of God - "Parasocial Christ" from Parasocial Christ (2025)

4.5/5. Lamb of God still have their identity while taking on more of the beatdown metalcore of Kublai Khan, along with Randy Blythe's vocals getting deeper and meaner. The bridge and guitar soloing throughout the 3rd quarter is a killer throwback to their 2000s era. Soloing is uncommon for this band, but Mark Morton never misses his mark.

Dreamwake - "Daydream" from The Lost Years (2025)

4/5. Dreamwake has a recognizably unique sound in the guitars, bass, and drums, along with the synths and saxophone to make what's basically synthwave metal.

Deadtide - "The Battle for New Earth" from The Battle for New Earth (2025)

4.5/5. I'd like to thank Mike Metal for sharing his band Deadtide here in this site. This track is such a powerful banger! Everything sounds both real and unreal.

Volumes - "Man on Fire" from Happier? (2021)

5/5. After that Spiritbox-esque intro, we have some brutal verses with vocals by Michael Barr and Myke Terry, with the latter hitting some searing highs. This album Happier would also have some, well, happier moments in other songs. Still this is probably the best of this album! I love the f***ing killer riffing at over the one-minute mark, and the mind-f***ing breakdown over another minute later. The lyrics seem to protest against racism and violence. Another wicked banger of a song!

Zao - "Conflict" from Preface: Early Recordings 1995-1996 (2020)

4.5/5. Ah, some old-school Zao. This is from when Eric Reeder was still with the band.

Varials - "Day 3: Revenge" from Scars for You to Remember (2022)

5/5. Another hard-hitting headbanger, featuring different vocalists including Matt Honeycutt of Kublai Khan. HOLY SH*T, it's an unexpected collab that pays off! What makes this a killer standout is the chorus, as well as the final breakdown throughout the last 30 seconds. The most serious metalcore listener would have a Joker-like smile.

Enter Shikari - "Enter Shikari (demo)" from The Zone (2007)

4.5/5. SH*T!!!! The demo version of the band's theme song has knocked me off my feet! Rou Reynolds' vocals sound rawer in this one.

Ice Nine Kills - "Bloodbath & Beyond" from Every Trick in the Book (2015)

5/5. The band puts a unique twist into the story that this song is based on; Dracula is a young brooding vampire similar to Edward from Twilight though slightly younger and the girl's "boyfriend". The superb drumming travels through the great choruses and ravaging near-end breakdown.

Skycamefalling - "Porcelain Heart Promises" from 10.21 (2000)

5/5. This highlight covers pretty much everything you need to hear from this band. Another recommendation!

Shadow of Intent - "The Cosmic Inquisitor" from Primordial (2016)

4.5/5. This one has some pieces of the tech-death/thrash of Revocation, from the heavy intro riffing to the sweeping guitar soloing. Brutal guest vocals are done by Dan Watson, former vocalist of Infant Annihilator and Enterprise Earth.

Mental Cruelty, Signs of the Swarm - "Helheim" from Helheim (2025)

5/5. Epic blackened viking deathcore?!?!? F*** YEAH!!!! And I would love to hear more of that other band Signs of the Swarm!

Lorna Shore - "Soulless Existence" from Pain Remains (2022)

5/5. The breakdowns in this massive standout have the same greatness as the previous track, invited in by the Lord of the Rings-like epicness and emotion.

Asking Alexandria - "To the Stage" from Reckless & Relentless (2011)

4.5/5. Another sweet gem, and I miss this kind of sound from the band. No wonder I didn't last long listening to this band after their move away from their earlier metalcore.

Equilibrium - "Nexus" from Equinox (2025)

5/5. The pure blackened viking metal of their earlier material is gone. Say hello to their exciting new modern folk-core, similar to Ithilien!

As Blood Runs Black - "Ground Zero" from Ground Zero (2014)

5/5. A true melodic deathcore anthem, complete with chanting from members of bands Volumes and Thy Art is Murder.

Blessthefall - "Standing on the Ashes" from Hollow Bodies (2013)

4.5/5. One of the most underrated songs by this band. The catchy clean chorus is in great contrast with the brutal screamed verses.

As I Lay Dying - "If I Fall" from If I Fall (2025)

5/5. I wasn't sure if I could see this as a perfect song because how rock-bottom Tim Lambesis has gone. But f*** it, this is the best embodiment of the band's sound with the new lineup that hopefully won't implode so soon.

Elwood Stray, Our Mirage - "Error" from Error (2025)

4.5/5. Some f***ing powerful Linkin Park energy at around the one-minute mark to end the first verse. Probably some Architects vibes too with that BLEGH another minute later. And the catchy final chorus brings more balance to this banger. This might also remind some of Stick to Your Guns and Our Promise. Bands like Elwood Stray and Our Mirage can do amazing work to please the metalcore masses, including collabs like this. The vocals also remind me of Tyler Smith. Maybe a collab with Resolve would also be good. Oh, and if you're wondering when Our Mirage vocalist Timo Bonner shows up, it's during said final chorus. Quite late, but better late than never!

Landmvrks, Novelists - "Heretic" from Deja Vu (2022)

4/5. Another underrated collab! If they brought in Resolve as well, that would be the French modern metalcore trio right there.

Stray From the Path - "Fuck Them All to Hell" from Clockworked (2025)

4.5/5. For the band's final album, they're really going out in a f***ing bang, with some of the heavy chaos of Car Bomb and Suicide Silence. That brutal final breakdown throughout the final 30 seconds really pleases my ears. F*** THEM ALL TO HELL!!!

Lionheart - "Salt the Earth" from Valley of Death II (2025)

4/5. Nice, heavy, and f***ing sick. Look out for more, metalcore fans!

Me and Him Call It Us - "A Rotten Set of Bagpipes Can Make a Fantastic Miniskirt If Sewn Properly" from The (C:) Drive of Love Stories (2004)

4.5/5. Chaotic ambient mathcore, and there's more of that in the next track...

Paria - "Misanthropos" from Misanthropos (2004)

5/5. Experimental grind-mathcore can make a fantastic highlight is performed properly, and indeed it does!

Coalesce - "My Love for Extremes" from Functioning on Impatience (1998)

4.5/5. Heavily suitable for my love for extreme mathcore. Will they continue the extremeness that I love if they ever make a new album?

Ion Dissonance - "She's Strychnine" from Solace (2005)

5/5. You want an absolutely crushing mathcore breakdown? Go to the one that starts the second third of the song. Everything's f***ing wrecked apart and rebuilt!

Emmure - "When Keeping It Real Goes Wrong" from Goodbye to the Gallows (2007)

4.5/5. However, the breakdown in this song is even more brutal. In the last minute, after some distorted chaos similar to Ion Dissonance, then comes the funny yet heavy ending, "Won't you be my bride? (ANOTHER DAY ANOTHER DAY ANOTHER DAY ANOTHER DAY)".

The Acacia Strain - "Eucharist II: BLOOD LOSS" from You Are Safe From God Here (2025)

5/5. All right, fun's over. Now we're getting into one of the most f***ing darkest 14-minute epics you'll ever hear. This is more than just downtempo deathcore/metalcore, it's apocalyptic ambient funeral doomcore! So unlike their earlier faster material from 20 years ago. You can mosh out to this for one moment, then mourn a fallen loved one the next. Vincent Bennett's vocals are some of the most wide-ranged ever here! And this is after 11 tracks that are each under 3 minutes long. We have a beautiful soft bridge at the 6-minute mark, and even softer a couple minutes later, with clean singing by Blackwater Holylight vocalist Sunny Faris (not as sunny as she sounds), before the brutality rises back up. A couple minutes later, a sad yet heavy riff keeps repeating itself, getting more melancholic after a couple minutes before eventually fading out.

Of Mice & Men - "Infinite" from Another Miracle (2025)

5/5. Then we have this short yet epic finale that has Of Mice & Men's usual modern sound leading up to the final chorus' grand climax.

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 are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Avantasia - "The Seven Angels" from The Metal Opera, Pt. 2 (2002)

4.5/5. To start off this year, we have this amazing 14-minute composition by power metal genius Tobias Sammet's side-project and later main band Avantasia. He and 7 other vocalists sing with all their might. I think one of them sounds like Jorn Lande (ex-Masterplan), particularly in the chorus, but he doesn't actually appear until The Wicked Trilogy. After the second chorus and some guitar melody, it all fades into epic orchestration starting at around the 5 and a half minute mark. 4 minutes later, after the heaviness returns along with a bit of drama, things actually get fun, with some moments reminding some of Bon Jovi's more upbeat songs, particularly in Tobias' vocals. Two minutes later, we finally reach the uplifting ending with vocals by Kai Hansen of Gamma Ray and ex-Angra vocalist Andre Matos (RIP), soon fading out with the melody similar to the end of DragonForce's title track. Well done, Avantasia!

Visions of Atlantis - "Pirates Will Return" from Pirates (2022)

5/5. Pirate metal has made its return after Alestorm's brand of that subgenre has gotten stale, when Visions of Atlantis decided to go that route. With that, the band has gotten much better known than they were previously. This should really end up in a Pirates of the Caribbean movie soundtrack. Love it!

Galneryus - "There's No Escape" from Vetelgyus (2014)

5/5. The neoclassical intro for this song is just insane as h*ll. And so is the buildup to the final chorus. Incredible!

Judas Priest - "Winter" from Rocka Rolla (1974)

2.5/5. Revisiting this track as I was making this playlist, I've realized it does sound similar to early Black Sabbath. Still too bluesy for its own good, I don't know why I chose it.

Motorhead - "Iron Horse / Born to Lose" from Motorhead (1977)

3/5. Another blues-ish early metal track, though I would give it some points for the fierce soloing. On iron horse Lemmy flies and gladly dies. RIP this legend...

King Diamond - "Welcome Home" from Them (1988)

3.5/5. Slightly better than the previous two tracks in the playlist, coming from a decade later when classic heavy metal became more b*llsy. The production is pretty solid here. I'm not sure what my neighbors would think if I play this song out loud, particularly the lyrics directed to the main character's grandma.

Y&T - "Mean Streak" from Mean Streak (1983)

4/5. It is interesting digging into a time when the heavy/glam metal of this band and Twisted Sister was still at its peak.

Riot - "Warrior" from Rock City (1977)

4.5/5. This one has glowing energy in the chorus, and the guitar solo stands out yet again.

Al Atkins - "Victim of Changes" from Reloaded (2017)

4/5. Another Judas Priest classic, this time covered by Al Atkins who was the original lead vocalist for Judas Priest before Rob Halford, having written some songs included this one and the aforementioned "Winter". As legendary as Rob Halford, you sometimes gotta imagine what the band would sound like if they still had Al Atkins.

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

4.5/5. More classic heavy metal greatness, now in the modern present era. Long live the classic revolution, and please don't lose your head! Classic heavy metal can still shine in the modern decade without ever having to go as progressive as Evergrey. The production and lyrics are quite excellent. I especially like the rhythm here. Saxon is one of only a few bands around practically as early as Judas Priest and still not losing stream.

Avenged Sevenfold - "Bat Country" from City of Evil (2005)

5/5. A fun standout that many fans know. Awesome Maiden-style verses and singalong chorus there!

Metallica - "If Darkness Had a Son" from 72 Seasons (2023)

4.5/5. Once you get used to the beat throughout the intro, you can be able to enjoy the kick-A verses. Some might say the soloing in this song is the worst by Metallica, but I say it's the best. This alternation between heavy metal and thrash songs the band in this album they also have in Hardwired. I might like it more than Pantera!

Black Sabbath - "Spiral Architect" from Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973)

4/5. A magical song that might just be the earliest one from a metal band to use symphonic orchestra. It's pretty much the big bang of the symphonic metal genre that wouldn't come to fruition until two decades later. And this is the kind of experimentation that they never really dived into in their previous album Vol. 4. Great composition from the true inventors of heavy metal. RIP Ozzy Osbourne...

Almah - "Living and Drifting" from Motion (2011)

4.5/5. One of my favorite tracks by Almah! Edu Falaschi can really channel his inner Bruce Dickinson.

Warmen - "Into the Oblivion" from Unknown Soldier (2000)

5/5. Perhaps Warmen's best song! It's crazy how this is from over 25 years ago. The music sounds so epic, even having a nice progressive touch. So basically it's kinda like Rhapsody of Fire, a band with one of their epics reaching the end of this playlist. In the meantime, here are a few more songs coming up...

Idol Throne - "Harbinger of Light" from Harbinger of Light (2025)

4.5/5. US power metal cranked up to the max! This should pick up some vibes from 3 Inches of Blood and Kiuas.

Powerwolf - "Out in the Fields" from Metallum Nostrum (2019)

4/5. A great track for crusaders to battle against werewolves! A few other bands have also covered this Gary Moore track including Primal Fear, Riot, and Sonata Arctica.

Iron Savior - "After the War" from Dark Assault (2001)

4.5/5. I would recommend this extraordinary track to my fellow Guardians members. That and Masterplan's remake.

Rhapsody - "Gargoyles, Angels of Darkness" from Power of the Dragonflame (2002)

5/5. The greatest conclusion to Rhapsody (of Fire)'s first 5-album saga is this 19-minute epic. It's one of the best songs ever by the band and the epic to end all epics! The complex variation is perfect all the way. It starts with an acoustic intro that's almost like Opeth's softer moments then blasts off into some of the most emotional vocals, most cinematic keys and choir, and the most searing soloing. Then it all ends with a reprise of the album's intro that then literally explodes and collapses into windy ambience. The perfect ending for the saga and this playlist!

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!

https://metal.academy/hall/627

I've passed this nomination uncontested Andi.

I keep persisting with the Revolution features despite the fact that, as a general rule, they are evidently not my cup of tea. There has been the occasional gem, however, that is why I keep returning. Unfortunately Poison the Well's debut full-length is not one such nugget and is much more the angsty-teenager background noise that makes zero impact on me either emotionally or intellectually. Whilst I do admire the energy, the earnestness of the screeching vocals sounds inordinately preachy, like I am being chastised for not understanding the songs' protagonists' struggles and hardships in an unfair world (man!) Occasionally out of this seething pit of venomous vipers a nice, hard-hitting riff does emerge and makes my ears pick up, but it is soon swallowed up by the tornado of raging impotence and it falls back into ravening background noise.

Believe me, though, I am self-aware enough to know that a 60-odd year old, former stoner is definitely not the target audience for this stuff and I appreciate that there are legions of younger metalheads who lap this shit up - and good luck to em - but it isn't for me. Best track by a country mile is "Slice Paper Wrists". Oh well, there's always next month!

2.5/5

https://metal.academy/hall/625

https://metal.academy/hall/626

I went to the releases tag and put together a chart for the highest-rated Swedish albums with a 5 vote minimum.

https://metal.academy/releases?releasesFilters=1&releaseCountry%5B%5D=211&releaseSort=releases.overall_rating&releaseSortType=DESC&releasesCountRating=5&fromYear=&toYear=

Candlemass is the clear winner.  Everything else is a bit scattered.  I'm surprised Blackwater Park is so low, though.

https://metal.academy/hall/622

Thanks Daniel.

Thanks Daniel.

I've passed this nomination uncontested Andi.

https://metal.academy/hall/620

https://metal.academy/hall/621

I've passed this nomination uncontested Andi.

https://metal.academy/hall/619

For the record, I don't recall much of a folk metal feel to this one so I'm voting NO on this occasion.

https://metal.academy/hall/618

https://metal.academy/hall/616

https://metal.academy/hall/617

I've passed this nomination uncontested Andi.

I've passed this nomination uncontested Andi as it's clearly required in my opinion.

https://metal.academy/hall/615

https://metal.academy/hall/614

https://metal.academy/hall/613

https://metal.academy/hall/611

https://metal.academy/hall/609

https://metal.academy/hall/610

I've passed this nomination uncontested Andi.

I've passed these two nominations uncontested Andi.

https://metal.academy/hall/608

https://metal.academy/hall/606

I've added these two nominations:

https://metal.academy/hall/604

https://metal.academy/hall/605

I've passed this nomination uncontested Andi.

I've passed this nomination uncontested Andi.

I've passed these two nominations uncontested Andi.

I've passed this nomination uncontested Andi.

I've just added these three nominations Andi:

https://metal.academy/hall/601

https://metal.academy/hall/602

https://metal.academy/hall/603

For the record, I'm well across "Parallel Minds" & I don't think there's enough Power Metal there to command a second primary genre tag.