Saxy S's Forum Threads

Saxy, you've done an amazing job with this playlist! So much so that I have the incentive to comment on all the tracks in it. So here are all my thoughts:

Altesia – Mouth of the Sky (2021)

4/5. A pretty great start to this playlist with killer vocals and chorus to illuminate your soul. There's a nice balance of influences from Haken and Opeth. I remember listening to their album Paragon Circus a few years ago but haven't checked out much of this band ever since. The amount of high quality is quite big! I like how well-composed it is. Things also get a bit djenty here and there.

Atomic Guava – Tether (2024)

4.5/5. The bass sounds quite rad in this one.

Chaos Divine – Landmines (2015)

5/5. Not gonna lie, this mind-blowing song has one of the best choruses I've heard in this Karnivool-ish brand of melodic progressive metal. So heavenly!

Devin Townsend – Goodbye (2024)

4.5/5. This 6-minute epic is a joyful rocker in a similar vein to Van Halen, probably done better!

DGM – From Ashes (2024)

4.5/5. Wicked progressive power metal rising from the ashes.

Extol – Reflections of a Broken Soul (1998)

5/5. This one continues the amazingness with more cleans and lyrics of depression.

Fates Warning – One (2000)

4.5/5. Fates Warning can add in not just upbeat drumming but also melancholic melody. While their 80s era is often considered the best, they've also shown their standing potential in later albums like A Pleasant Shade of Grey and Disconnected. They also have the operatic progressiveness of 90s Savatage. Nice vocals and guitars!

Hemotoxin – Reborn in Tragedy (2024)

4/5. This one has more of a tech-death/thrash sound, practically rebirthing a genre that faded out long ago, but it's actually more progressive than most of the other tracks in its original album, but again, technicality and aggression reigns.

Intronaut – The Unlikely Event of a Water Landing (2015)

4.5/5. Intronaut is such a mind-blowing band that f***ing needs to be more famous. This is one of my favorite songs from this band, especially the kick-A vocals touching the 3-minute mark alongside the more soulful harmonies. Though the outro throughout the final 3 minutes might remind some of Alice in Chains. If you're up for atmospheric progressive metal, you've come to the right band.

Kardashev – Silvered Shadows (2022)

4/5. If you're up for atmospheric progressive metal similar to Intronaut but more deathly, you've come to the right band, but I'll just keep digging.

Mur – Vitrun (2024)

3.5/5. Some nice fresh arrangement, though a bit draggy.

The Ocean – Unconformities (2023)

4/5. It was great listening to The Ocean for a few years, but my interest didn't last as long as I hoped. The dark lyrics and orchestration throw back to 20 years ago when they relied on all that in their debut Fluxion. This was one of my favorites of their new album Holocene, with great gorgeous guest vocals by Karin Park. Her vocals help bring power to even the softer moments. So d*mn stunning! The music and vocals work well together for that part. The heavier part from the 5 and a half minute mark onwards somehow don't strike me as greatly as they should. But what sad is, the band's lineup might split up after an upcoming tour. I wish them all the best...

Opeth – S4 (2024)

4.5/5. I'm glad this highlight got added in because it's my favorite track in the new Opeth album. The riffs and rhythms flow together perfectly. Generally, the folk-prog of Heritage is given a darker heavier treatment complete with growls.

Pyrrhon – Not Going To Mars (2024)

5/5. We may not be going to Mars too soon, but I'm going to get more of this band's material sometime later, thanks to this wild banger.

Tesseract – Luminary (2018)

4.5/5. Another excellent djenty track!

Textures – To Erase a Lifetime (2008)

5/5. This highlight closes its original masterpiece album in all its beauty and glory. However, we still have two more tracks in this playlist...

Trenches – Pathways (2008)

4.5/5. Trenches can be considered progressive post-sludge with metalcore screams from vocalist Jimmy Ryan, formerly of Haste the Day, and this song is no exception.

You Win Again Gravity – Dreadbound (2024)

4/5. Let's end this playlist with some promising creativity. And f***ing h*ll, there's a lot of it! The best part is, when there's two more minutes left, a ripping solo to make this tune stay unique. It's really great and not highly disappointing. We need a f***ing lot more solos in modern progressive metal, we really do....

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

40 Below Summer – 5 Of A Kind (2006)

4/5. Any nu metal fans out there wanting to rock out to songs like this, be my guest. It's pretty great, but I sense better kinds of this music elsewhere.

Alesti, Anxxiety – Dissipate (2021)

4.5/5. I probably would never have heard of Alesti if not for my brother listening to a couple of his tracks. Quite a wild song to love!

Bad Omens – Dethrone (2019)

5/5. Surprising you hard is the heaviest track of its original album. In contrast to the album's clean soft tracks, that one has Emmure-like moshing moments to make it clear that Bad Omens can be considered metal.

Breaking Benjamin – Awaken (2024)

4.5/5. Epic new single by another hard rock/alt-metal/post-grunge band that my brother enjoys, from the upcoming Breaking Benjamin album coming out next year.

Godsmack – 1000hp (2014)

4/5. The title opener of Godsmack's 6th album 1000hp is an anthem of their journey so far, taking us back to the year of their formation, 1995. Listen to that aggressive guitarwork and argue with me about whether or not that's metal, because I might win that debate. The loudness and powerful vocals shall pack some heavy face-punches. "TURN THAT SH*T UP LOUDER!!!"

Lansdowne – Conquer Them All (2023)

4.5/5. I'm quite thankful to my brother for helping me start my metal path and conquer practically all the different lands of metal, though this song and band we didn't encounter until around last year.

Linkin Park – Heavy Is the Crown (2024)

4/5. The main theme song for this year's League of Legends World Championship greatly throws back to "Faint" in the pace and instrumentation, along with "Given Up" in the massive 16-second scream in the bridge, "THIS IS WHAT YOU ASKED FOOOOOOOORRRRRR!!!!!!"

Moron Police – Who’s That Chicken? (2012)

3.5/5. Interesting blend of comedy, punky metal, and radio-friendliness.

Nothing More, David Draiman – Angel Song (2024)

4/5. Nothing More is almost like a blend of Disturbed, Godsmack, and Fall Out Boy. The emotional lyrics and guest vocals by Disturbed's David Draiman really hit the spot.

Starset – Brave New World (2024)

4.5/5. Starset wasn't kidding about wanting to make their sound more cinematic. Good work, guys!

This month's list is a fucking belter. I loved pretty much all of it. There's so much great progressive stuff out there right now.

Extreme's "He-Man Woman Hater" is a pretty decent song that no doubt highlights the incredible talents of guitarist Nuno Bettencourt but I do think it sounds out of place on a playlist for The Gateway as it's essentially a glam metal song.

I consider it one of the funkiest tracks in that Extreme album, close enough to funk metal (which only covers one or two other tracks in the album), hence one of my submissions here.

When you wish upon a star,
It makes no difference who you are.
Unless, of course, you don't like wishes,
Then maybe an album while you do the dishes?

For the month of November, I've chosen a slapper,
Melo-death and prog is a combo quite dapper.
Anciients' Beyond the Reach of the Sun,
Canadian bands sure know how to have fun!

https://metal.academy/releases/54564

Hello again to all the Metal Academy alumni. Hope you have had a chance to enjoy the Halloween candy because you are going to need an empty stomach for this months Gateway feature album. It's nu metal, it's metalcore, and its filling. This is Graphic Nature's Who Are You When No One Is Watching?

https://metal.academy/releases/53156

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

A((wake)) – Iron Mold (2011)

4.5/5. An excellent atmospheric start that's worth your money.

Alchemist – Worlds Within Worlds (1993)

5/5. This one has some of that Eastern balladry followed by a bit of thrashy death metal in a progressive epic.

Gloios – TELE II (2022)

3.5/5. There are some cool metal ideas thrown in here and there, but that and the first "Tele" track are the only ones in that Gloios album I would consider metal.

Meshuggah – Rational Gaze (2002)

4/5. Another killer song with a paradoxical lyrical theme.

Nevermore – The Termination Proclamation (2010)

4.5/5. RIP Warrel Dane. I need to one day get back in touch with the amazing blend of beauty and heaviness occurring in tracks like this.

Sadist – Sadist (1993)

4.5/5. The band's own theme interlude creeps in with horror-filled synths. This time, the heavy guitars join in on the spooky action. The band can actually pull off the horror movie vibe better than other death metal bands, enough for the chances of ending up in a film soundtrack to be likely. Probably a Psycho remake!

Scale the Summit – Atlas Novus (2013)

5/5. Now this one hits the right tone for my instrumental progressive djent search, and I need to scale more of this summit!

Scar Symmetry – Xenotaph (2023)

4.5/5. The 8-minute title epic of Scar Symmetry's latest album concludes this part of the Singularity trilogy, blending their own usual sci-fi melodeath with the extreme progressiveness of Ne Obliviscaris. By the end of this epic, you'll be wanting more from this saga and hoping you'll get it from the upcoming third part.

TesseracT – Juno (2018)

5/5. What's that? More progressive djent?!? You've come to the right place, and with vocals! Hope you've enjoyed the ride.

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Alesti, The World Alive – Disconnected (2021)

4.5/5. Let's start with a killer collaboration with an alt-metalcore band, between Norwegian metal producer Alesti and The Word Alive vocalist Telle Smith. I'm picking up some Hard Reset vibes here, even though this track came out a couple years before that The Word Alive album. The vocals are quite cool and practically make the song epic.

Falling In Reverse – Watch the World Burn (2024)

5/5. A true example of rap metal gone epic. The greatness of that song can practically compete with the Trivium one!

Ice Nine Kills – Hunting Season (2022)

4.5/5. Now this song is a legit contender for a video game-related album Ice Nine Kills should make next. Not just Player Unknown Battlegrounds, but also Call of Duty Zombies! It can almost compete with some of their greatest hits from the Silver Scream series. "SO WE'LL KILL SINGING!!!" Happy Halloween Month!

Last Crack – Squeeze It (2002)

4/5. They're really funkin' it up here, though too much for me to give it a crack.

Linkin Park – Runaway (2000)

4.5/5. More of the band's skyrocketing hooks appear in this highlight, where the primitive tune's melodies can probably get the song into alternative radio.

Living Colour – Wall (1993)

4/5. This one shows you all how this funky sound should really be done. As much as I enjoy Revolution bands from the electronicore of Enter Shikari to the mathcore of The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza, I'm up for a bit of funky alt-metal once in a while.

Mushroomhead – We Don’t Care (2024)

4.5/5. This one aptly shows the band not caring about anything except their own thing. It's like they've taken a song from one of their 90s albums and made it much heavier. An instant classic!

Of Mice & Men – Pain (2016)

4/5. A total unclean crusher with lyrics about the pain of Carlile's Marfan syndrome, which he inherited from his late mother. "PAIN!!!! Every day that I awake, in my blood and through my veins, now there's nothing left that you can take away from me!"

Primer 55 – Loose (2000)

3.5/5. Primer 55 can cause some moshing action in the crowd similar to the catfight depicted in its original album's cover, all without stopping to breathe. Gen X can have some f***ing killer tracks, though there's more rap here than I can take.

Rvshvd, All That Remains – Proof (2024)

4/5. Another collaboration single, this one between Rvshvd and All That Remains. I thought it was going to be just a country rap song and I would've given it a "thumbs down to Hell" if it was, but it turned out to be something different and pretty good. Basically like one of All That Remains' ballads ("Just Tell Me Something" comes to my mind) but with a decent country twist of melodic sorrow. Nice potential as an alt-metal track!

System of a Down – B.Y.O.B. (2005)

4.5/5. Wrapping up my time in this playlist is an experimental alt-metal classic, launching into a thrashy intro followed by a blend of Iron Maiden-like verses and nu metal choruses. An epic diverse start to its original album, and the main reason why I became up to listening to Mezmerize, when my brother was listening to that song.

What a voice the chick from Infected Rain has! She makes that track a ripsnorter. The Linkin Park track is absolute gold. I absolutely love the chorus hook & it stays with me for days. Funked myself around the lounge room to Mr. Bungle while cleaning the house this morning & didn't mind that Living Colour tune either. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the early tracks from Animal Alpha, Bad Omens & Bring Me The Horizon to be honest. There was some nice, heavy, yet still inherently catchy material there. Rage Against The Machine fans will definitely enjoy the back end of the list as there's an obvious influence in two or three songs. 

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

7 Horns 7 Eyes – Regeneration (2012)

5/5. A perfect instrumental standout featuring some soloing by Jeff Loomis (ex-Nevermore), reminding me of his later supergroup Conquering Dystopia.

Gojira – The Heaviest Matter of the Universe (2005)

4.5/5. Gojira has made some real heavy stuff alongside their usual progressiveness. The "OPEN THE DOOR!!!" part is quite climatic, I'll say!

Ions – A Terrible Mistake (2023)

4/5. You ever want to hear the sounds of Northlane, Tesseract, and Karnivool come together? You got it right here! There's great talent and craftsmanship to love. It's quite cool hearing the orchestration blend in with the djent guitar. That shall help encourage me to level up my progressive metal zone.

Leprous – Like a Sunken Ship (2024)

4/5. Both Leprous and Opeth are making their comeback to their earlier growl-filled metal roots with their singles from their respective new albums, and that's pretty great! Unfortunately, I found out that this is the only track from Leprous' new album Melodies of Atonement with that sound, and the rest of the album is the soft art rock continued from their previous 3 albums.

MaYaN – The Illusory Self (2018)

4.5/5. This 9-minute progressive epic is the best way to summarize all this album has to offer, from the classic riffing to the epic choruses. This should've been the end of the playlist right there, but it's OK that it isn't, because there's more of the progressiveness to come...

Meshuggah – Future Breed Machine (1995)

5/5. The chaos continues after starting with a bit of an apocalyptic atmosphere that sounds like robotic machines taking over the world; industrial noises for almost 30 seconds, then a piercing siren over a total headbanging onslaught.

Ne Obliviscaris – Painters of the Tempest – Part II – Triptych (2014)

5/5. More of the chaos is unleashed with part 2 of "Painters of the Tempest". Even though the entire suite is 23 minutes long, this part would still be Ne Obliviscaris' longest song at 16 and a half minutes! This is perhaps my favorite Ne Obliviscaris song even though it's NOT in Portal of I. There are so many brilliant ideas! This part is actually is split into 3 smaller movements. The first movement, "Creator" has a couple transitions between fast storms and soft melodies. Then the second movement "Cynosure" is more acoustic/violin oriented, unlike the overpowering guitars in the other two movements. The avant-garde jazz themes are more apparent with only clean vocals and mid-tempo melodic grooves, until it builds back up to a crescendo of metal and growls. The last movement "Curator" is back to some of the most intense powerful chaos of the album until a nice ethereal ending.

Nevermore – The Fault of the Flesh (1999)

4.5/5. RIP Warrel Dane. He had the greatest sense of drama in the vocals. Jeff Loomis is also talented with his face-melting soloing, like the one over 3 minutes in.

Novallo – White Phoenix (2015)

4/5. Quite creative, though having some slight weakness.

The Ocean – Bathyalpelagic II: The Wish in Dreams (2013)

4.5/5. Even in a small part of a multi-track suite, you can get everything from different bands like Mastodon, BTBAM, and Opeth.

Opeth - §1 (2024)

4/5. And with all that talk about Opeth, we've made it to the first single of their upcoming album The Last Will and Testament. While the sound picks up where In Cauda Venenum left off, the growls and metal of Ghost Reveries and Watershed have returned! And there's drumming insanity by Waltteri Väyrynen (previously from Paradise Lost and Bodom After Midnight). This deathly sound better not be a one-time thing like that Leprous single is. It's my last hope in regaining full interest in Opeth....

A new month means new music and I couldn't be more excited to present the third studio album from U.K. atmo-sludge band Dvne, Voidkind, for the Infinite feature release in August. I really enjoyed this album the first time around and will likely make a full review for it later this month. I can't wait to see what others think of it.

https://metal.academy/releases/51521

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Anciients – In The Absence of Wisdom (2024) 

4/5. Another Infinite playlist ride begins, and this is when you're starting up the engine. It has some Opeth-like ambience that then climbs up into a banger. Actually it's more Opeth in Chains, considering the more grunge-infused direction.

Angra – Gods of the World (2023)

4.5/5. Angra have made a wonderful throwback to their more classic roots in the music and lyrics while keeping up their later progressiveness. So cool! The amazing vocals of Fabio Lione take on the highs of Dio. The soloing definitely has Rebirth all over it.

Gojira – Esoteric Surgery (2008) 

4/5. The drumming by Mario Duplantier is so fast and diverse, he's practically superhuman! This song certainly needs more attention.

Haken – Cockroach King (2013)

4.5/5. The Muppet-themed music video for this Haken song is good way to introduce your children to a more modern/metalized Gentle Giant/Pink Floyd. You can hear some dirty metal soloing and silly fun jazz in the bridge. And this is before the band's more pop-ish side took over in later albums...

In Mourning – Hierophant (2019)

4/5. It's astonishing how much this band can sound like Threshold while maintaining their deathly sound.

The Ocean – Hadopelagic II: Let Them Believe (2013) 

4.5/5. The Ocean have made beautiful epics like the 3 multi-track suites covering most of this album. At the 4-minute mark, there's a TOOL-like bass riff in a more mystical soundscape. And 3 minutes later, the soundscape turns destructive, leaving behind an underwater wreckage. This is practically Cult of Luna and Katatonia mixed together, and I mean that as a compliment.

OK Goodnight – The Falcon (2023) 

4/5. This one's more chill while having fresh creativity. Nice lyrics too, "Today we own the sky". The instrumentation, especially the guitars, can remind some of Shadow Gallery. This beautiful song can be the soundtrack to a Hearthstone forest adventure. The progressiveness reaches his high power close to 4 minutes in.

Opeth – Ghost of Perdition (2005)

4.5/5. We have experienced Gojira and The Ocean in this playlist, but not yet Opeth?! Well, thank greatness for my submission! This deathly prog-metal epic with acoustic guitars is still a complete one for me.

PainKiller – Morning of Baladchaturdasi (1994)

5/5. My favorite track of the final PainKiller album, and the only track from the band I would consider perfect, for when you wanna chill out in a world of noise (not something I thought anyone would say in a way that makes sense). It's a shame that track didn't get the same ambient treatment as the other two.

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

D’espairsRay – “Forbidden” (2006)

4.5/5. This isn't the D'espairsRay song I requested, but it's still quite amazing. I can't believe I haven't discovered anything from this band until last year, though I knew I was destined to find their material at some point in my life. This shall fit well for exploring the lava-covered monster-ridden Nether in Minecraft. Prepare for some J-metal action!

Dog Fashion Disco – Pale Horse (2014)

4/5. Another great song to love, going back to forth from brutal to pop-ish at any time.

Evanescence – Whisper (2003)

3.5/5. This one adds creepy symphonics to the nu metal/post-grunge sound that made my brother like that song. The lyrics have some religious vibes warning you to resist evil and save yourself from danger.

Katatonia – The Parting (2012)

4/5. It's been far too long since I've parted ways from the music of this band, but I'm grateful songs like this can be dark while having melody instead of death.

MAZIAC – Splendour (2024)

4.5/5. More progressive splendor. Enough said!

Mushroomhead – Fall In Line (2024)

5/5. Mushroomhead is back with a brand new album Call the Devil, coming out next week as of this comment. The album and this kick-A single marks the debut of Scott "xtriker" Beck, replacing longtime vocalist Jason "J Mann" Popson. Lots of fresh yet usual music and lyrics here, "You’re killing me with all your sorrow". This is true heavy sh*t while often melodic! Sadly, all we have left from the original lineup is percussionist Steve "Skinny" Felton. Nonetheless, the band are staying true to their original name.

Sleep Token – Take Me Back To Eden (2023)

5/5. This 8-minute epic really nails the structure. In a garden of birds, Vessel sings in tranquility before lyrics of mental state are semi-rapped. The ending climax has Vessel screaming in pretty much the heaviest breakdown of its original album.

Revisiting this album after hearing that god awful HARDY album Quit!! exemplifies why I enjoyed it in the first place.

Nu metal is notorious for not having any substance beyond edgy teenagers whining and getting angry at the most trivial of issues. These are not inherently bad, but without anything closely resembling a melody or instrumental motifs make them insufferably one dimensional. Reliqa are doing nu metal sure, but instrumentally, Secrets of the Future is very dense, unique and above all, interesting. The lyrics and music play off of one another in a very progressive manner, while retaining the shorter song structures to allow for more mainstream accessibility. 

Overall, the blend of styles here are exceptional. Reliqa show a lot of potential at making modern nu metal that is not dated or cringe. If you don't like nu metal because of this, I recommend giving this a try. It might not be for you, but it is a very different style of nu metal than you're used to.

8/10

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Amorphis – My Kantele (2010)

4/5. Let's start this playlist with the Magic & Mayhem album grand finale! The sorrowful lyrics really detail the emotional magic from the Finnish instrument in question ("Its strings gathered from torments, and its pegs from other ills. Truly they lie, they talk utter nonsense... So it will not play, will not rejoice at all. Music will not play to please.") The vocals work well with the guitars and keyboards. The track is basically extended into an epic as the heavy version is combined with the acoustic reprise for a memorable climax of harmonic leads. Beautiful!

Cynic – The Space for This (2008) 

4.5/5. The greatest emotion spawns from the blend of clean melody and harsh heaviness from both the music and vocals, that can help motivate you to battle against the weight of depression. There's space for many great memories of when I listened to more melodic progressive metal bands like Cynic. The band started off as more of a jazzy tech-death in their debut Focus before softening their sound 15 years later in Traced in Air. And the soloing at over the 4-minute mark is out of this world!

Dysrhythmia – Coffin of Conviction (2024)

5/5. If mathy progressive metal does sound wicked awesome as people say it does, I'm highly convinced!

Edge of Sanity – Incantation (2006 Remastered)

4.5/5. This is the best part of the massive Crimson II album/epic/suite for me, with all that glittering melody.

Ever Forthright – Tambora (2024)

4/5. This one's also pretty cool, and I also love its music video.

Evergrey – Cold Dreams (2024)

4.5/5. This new Evergrey single features frontman Tom Englund's daughter Salina and Katatonia's Jonas Renkse. Salina's beautiful vocals show her improvement since her guest appearance in 2011's Glorious Collision (she was a kid back then, but still). But HOLY SH*T, Renkse has regained his growling ability that's absolutely crushing!

Meshuggah – New Millennium Cyanide Christ (1998)

5/5. The best song of Chaosphere has drummer Tomas Haake's shining lyric writing. Those lyrics aren't as complicated as they are clever. That's my second favorite Meshuggah song behind "Future Breed Machine"!

Rivers of Nihil – The Void from Which No Sound Escapes (2021)

4.5/5. Amazing sound of sax-ified deathly progressive metal!

Spiritbox – Trust Fall (2019) 

4/5. I love the vocals by Courtney LaPlante, singing emotional lyrics in simple passion. It's nice how this song can sound heavy and soothing at the same time.

TesseracT – Burden (2023) 

4.5/5. "I'm afraid, and I don't know what I am, and I don't know where to turn, but I'll learn." Lovely lyrics of hope sung by Daniel Tompkins, almost having similar falsetto-like singing to the late Michael Jackson. Just don't expect any of the "HEE-hee!"

Voivod – Killing Technology (1987)

5/5. Killing Technology's title track begins with rumbling ambience and what sounds like heart-monitor beeps, then it stops shortly after a robot says "We are connected". Right then, freaky fast metal riffing crashes in with Snake's signature punkish vocals and lyrics of a paranoid futuristic dystopia. Now that's killer 80s prog-thrash!

Zeal & Ardor – Gotterdammerung (2022)

5/5. Another playlist-ending grand discovery! Avant-garde black metal is blended together with bluesy gospel for a unique sound of pure perfection.

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Any Given Day – Apocalypse (2024)

4.5/5. Let's start with some d*mn fire with this Any Given Day track!

BOI WHAT – The Both of Us (2024)

4/5. The "Plan Z/Neon Tide" Plankton AI metal saga continues with this song featuring Sandy, stirring up a similar vibe to a more hardcore 2010s Skillet. The animated music video is one of the most epic I've ever seen! And the instrumental bridge is a killer homage to the "Grass Skirt Chase" soundtrack.

Chevelle – Send the Pain Below (2002)

4.5/5. Lots of classic alt-metal wonders from this song that made me understand where bands like Bad Wolves get their sound. Thumbs up for this kind of music!

Coldrain – Miss you (2010)

4/5. This semi-acoustic ballad is where Masato and Sugi take the front stage, the latter bringing his clean/acoustic guitar.

Crossfaith – Godspeed (2024)

4.5/5. Another Japanese alt-metalcore band follows, bringing in the energetic Wargasm for an electrifying banger. And in the same month is Babymetal's collab with Electric Callboy. If all 4 bands can collaborate together, we would have an unstoppable electro-metal alliance!

Dog Fashion Disco – Tastes So Sweet (2014)

5/5. Speaking of Electric Callboy, tone down that band's trance-y dance-y electronics and replace them with the wacky experimentation of Mr. Bungle, and you get this sweet band! Seriously, this band should've been a f***ing lot more popular.

Jeris Johnson – Ode to Metal (2024)

4.5/5. This one is more of an ode to modern metal, but it's still really cool. After starting with a cinematic symphonic intro that would almost make you think it might lead to symphonic metal, the track is actually an alt-metal blend of a Linkin Park-esque rapping verse, a pop punk chorus inspired by A Day To Remember, and a bridge filled with the melodic metalcore of early Avenged Sevenfold and the nu metal of Slipknot, all 4 of those bands paid lyrical tribute to in said chorus.

Jucifer – Hennin Hardine (2006)

5/5. What the Jucifer?! This is noise-filled sludgy alt-metal from a husband-wife duo that sounds absolutely tempting for me! The only other time I've heard of this band is when they guest starred in an unfinished film that was later revamped into Sound of Metal.

Memphis May Fire – Misery (feat. Atreyu) (2023)

4.5/5. Some more d*mn fire coming from another superb collab from Memphis May Fire with Atreyu's Brandon Saller. The vocals by Matty and Brandon really make it all worthwhile. It's amazing how this can please even the more classic metalheads. The chorus and breakdown are both so catchy. If any metalcore fans haven't listened to Memphis May Fire or Atreyu yet, I would recommend doing so right away. This makes almost another perfect highlight for this playlist. It's almost like a mix of Hollywood Undead and Skillet. The lyrics can still be heard clearly in all this vocal distortion.

Nik Nocturnal, Ankor – Unforgiven (2023)

4/5. Nik Nocturnal and Ankor are two of my brother's recent favorite metal musicians. This is a catchy kick-A piece of K-pop metal, and the girl isn't even Korean!

Northlane – Miasma (2024)

4/5. This one has that Obsidian-like blend of electronics and metal, along with another guest vocalist, Parkway Drive's Winston McCall with his own destructive breakdown.

Of Mice & Men – Tether (2023)

4.5/5. Another standout despite its more stripped-down sound for the most part. Pauley's singing slowly ascends until the other members join in for the epic final chorus.

Twelve Foot Ninja – Over and Out (2021)

5/5. This jazzy standout was already in last February's Gateway playlist, but I'll let it slide. It might remind some of Faith No More, features Tatiana Shmayluk of Jinjer who's known as a beautiful beast of a vocalist in her band. Though her poppy cleans appear here rather than her unclean vocals. And I just wanna say thanks to Twelve Foot Ninja for blessing us with this music before their hiatus.

VOLA – Break My Lying Tongue (2024)

5/5. And voila, one more grand discovery to close this playlist! I love the chorus and the synth melodies here. How in the world have I not heard this band before?!? I need more of this newfound favorite band of mine! They can prove that djent doesn't have to be as all-out brutal as Meshuggah, instead balancing those relentless downtuned guitar rhythms with soothing melodies. This is the kind of direction I want to travel through, and I hope to continue making out those playlist discoveries like a bandit. My alt-/prog metal knowledge shall expand, thanks to playlist owner Saxy.

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Amorphis – Course of Fate (2009)

4/5. A nice song to start with from this Finnish melodic prog-metal band.

Animarum – Vikalpa (2024)

4.5/5. New bands have quite the magic touch when they make sick songs like this. There's some killer fire in the lyrics. A f***ing cool discovery! Those vocals can be performed well without choking, including the clean harmonies. Excellent!

Becoming the Archetype – The Balance of Eternity (The Physics of Fire Pt. 4) (2007)

5/5. The 4th and final part of this suite perfectly summarizes the lyrical theme of faith vs. fire, connecting well with this progressive epic to bring its original album, a glorious offering, to a fantastic close.

Dream Theater – About to Crash (2002)

4.5/5. Anyone listening to this after the return original drummer Mike Portnoy? His drumming talent goes well with the emotion of this part of the "Six Degrees" suite.

Pain of Salvation – Reasons (2017)

4/5. If you're wondering why I haven't listened to these melodic prog-metal bands now as much as in the last decade, I have my reasons. Still this Pain of Salvation album was a standout album for me back in early 2017.

Rendezvous Point – Utopia (2024)

4.5/5. Some well-done beautiful progressive metal/rock there! A bit of a Muse vibe, even being as short as their songs in a length of 4 minutes. Impressive!

Rivers of Nihil – Criminals (2024)

4/5. It's insane how well drum solos can turn out like this brief one that starts the last minute. The song is another total banger overall with a fine line between their earlier tech-death albums and The Work. I look forward to more!

Scar Symmetry – Reichsfall (2023)

4.5/5. There's dynamic elegance in the intro before the usual heavy fight and melodic flight. The pace often slows down right before the chorus, losing a bit of dynamic while still sounding cool. The vocals are amazing, but I can't tell the higher notes are real or done with a vocoder similar to Cynic. Either way, that along with the guitar melodies spawn a pleasant Blind Guardian vibe. What a progressive adventure within an adventure!

Teramaze – Step Right Up (2024)

4.5/5. Step right up for some more mesmerizing progressive metal!

Textures – Awake (2008)

5/5. For a few years, I've been enjoying this band. And how can I not?! They made a lot of songs that are both hard-hitting and melodic. There are also seems to be some influence from the heavier side of Devin Townsend. I love this!

Wheel – Saboteur (2024)

4.5/5. Let's wrap up this playlist with another brooding heavy crusher. The chorus and its vocals are so mind-blowing! The Wheel shall keep turning....

Here are my thoughts on all selected tracks:

24-7 Spyz – Why (1994)

4/5. Why did this playlist have to start with something so funky? Never mind, this is still great.

Avatar – Make It Rain (2024)

4.5/5. An excellent single from these masters of carnival-ish melodeath/alt-metal!

Bad Omens – Kingdom of Cards (2019)

5/5. This highlight practically starts where the previous Bad Omens album ended with "The Fountain". There isn't any thunderous metal riffing, but it shines with anthemic beauty, a bit like early 2010s Linkin Park but greater (no disrespect to Chester Bennington, RIP). It is a pleasant start to the journey, and I enjoy the vocals by Noah Sebastian.

Cave In – Trepanning (2005)

4.5/5. RIP Caleb Scofield. His screams and bass gave songs like instant memorability. Practically every fan of this band has discovered them when they were in high school, but for me, it was just a couple years before this comment. This f***ing sh*t rocks hard! I especially the groovy bridge midway through. And my first encounter with Caleb's vocals was from his guest appearances with Converge, Isis, and The Ocean. He will truly be missed...

Dog Fashion Disco – Struck By Lightning (2014)

5/5. Some more experimental alt-metal to love from this band that I've also enjoyed for a year or two! Sweet Nothings continues the sound of Adultery, though with not as much consistency in some tracks. You can almost think of this as Five Finger Death Punch gone Infected Mushroom.

Dreamshade – Where My Heart Belongs (2016)

4.5/5. So heavy and beautiful at the same time! Though I find more in common with Bullet for My Valentine when it comes to this band.

Evanescence – Lithium (2006)

4/5. There's a bit of a Queensryche influence in this piano-powered track.

Future Palace – Paradise (2022)

4/5. Another one of those songs my brother likes recently. Nice glitch-ish effect to go with this female-led alt-metal/rock sound.

Linkin Park – QWERTY (2024)

4.5/5. This is a strong standout that I would recommend for fans of the band's heavier work. It sounds like this should've been in The Hunting Party, the only album to not have a song in the Papercuts compilation.

Mushroomhead – Your Demise (2010)

5/5. The vocal contrast stands out the most here between vocalists Waylon Reavis and Jeffrey Hatrix. Topping it all off is excellent soloing by Dave Felton.

Nik Nocturnal, Bad Wolves – Octane (2024)

4.5/5. My brother has also been getting along well the music of Nik Nocturnal. Here's a high-octane collaboration between Nik Nocturnal and Bad Wolves.

Sleep Token – Alkaline (2021)

5/5. Sleep Token are the alt-pop metal secret agents we all need. I'll never f***ing regret this band! Things get spine-chilling when it builds up to the one and a half minute mark with Vessel singing "Oooh, let's talk about chemistry" as the heaviness opens up. There are definitely some similar vibes to 2010s Anathema/Katatonia.

Stuck Mojo – Rising (1998)

4.5/5. Begin this playlist with a funky track, end it with a rap one. But h*ll, this is still quite dope! The heavy chorus has similar vibes to more iconic alt-rock/metal bands like Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. It actually makes my playlist-commenting homework worthwhile. This band can play well for a rap metal one. Meanwhile, the more melodic classic metalheads are having some of the heavy metal of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest and the thrash metal of Metallica and Megadeth in their minds. But I still prefer the heavier groove of Meshuggah, Fear Factory, and Dark Tranquillity, along with the progressiveness of Mastodon, Nevermore, and Opeth that I should revisit someday.

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Devin Townsend – Deadhead (2003)

4.5/5. Let's start off with this beautiful song from Canadian metal mastermind Devin Townsend. I still love the emotion spawned from there!

Leprous – Mb. Indifferentia (2011) 

4/5. I've been a bit indifferent to Leprous for the past couple years, though songs like this make me question why. The perfect vocals of Einar Solberg first enter around the one-minute mark alongside instrumentation that starts reminiscent of the softer Opeth but then rises to be similar to the heavier side of Devin Townsend. Then gets more ominous right in the middle, but after a minute of that, right around 4 and half minutes into the song, that when we reach the heavier climax that Dream Theater is often good at doing. "DO NOTHING AT ALL!!!!"

Pain of Salvation – On a Tuesday (2017)

4.5/5. I haven't heard from this band for so long, apart from a few small revisits. In the Passing Light of Day was the last album I heard from this band 7 years ago before I switched out of the more melodic progressive metal. The lyrics have f***ing meaningful emotion that fits nicely with the Nine Inch Nails vibe in the instrumentation. This song and "Reasons" were total heavy rollercoasters for me back in those days. The "I lost the will" bridge is so beautiful. Then right after that, the heaviness comes back to surprise you. The verses are quite deep with a bit of shallowness. I can understand, considering the near-fatal Hell the band's frontman Daniel Gildenlöw went through when he suffered from a life-threatening disease. Luckily he's still alive and well.

Into Eternity – Into Eternity (1999)

5/5. Ah yeah, the perfect theme song for this progressive melodeath band Into Eternity! Guitarist Tim Roth can write great lyrics and has nice clean singing. This whole "song and album with the same name as the band" thing has been done before by classic heavy metal bands Black Sabbath, Motorhead, and Iron Maiden.

Mutoid Man – Beast (2015)

5/5. For a two-minute track, this one perfectly unites progressive metal with hardcore/speed metal as the leads and rhythms strike each other for dominance.

Persefone – Lingua Ignota Part 1 (2024)

4.5/5. The best riffing comes on in the title track of their new EP. Here we have some great guitar soloing to level up the surrounding riffing and give the EP some redeeming value. This definitely throws back to the band's better earlier material. Although the verses and choruses can sometimes get me ticked, they're still at their best here. The cleans should've been slightly reduced though.

Ever Forthright – Techniflux (2024)

4/5. Soft piano, funky bass, crushing guitar... Ain't that a great combo! The only problem here is the generic structure throughout this 13-minute progressive epic.

Intronaut – Fast Worms (2015) 

4.5/5. Wow, this is the 3rd time this Intronaut song has appeared in an Infinite playlist. I won't complain though, this is f***ing killer jazzy post-/progressive metal with flawless mixing by Devin Townsend.

Voivod – Technocratic Manipulators (1998)

5/5. This highlight demonstrates highly creative originality, packing powerful metal punches, sounding so progressive without turning into a 20-minute epic! After a calm dark ambient intro with a few bass touches, the crossover-ish dynamics erupt with speedy riff rhythms and signature snarling vocals. Near the two-minute mark, the song makes a weird evolution into old-school Hawkwind-like spacey guitar rhythms. Many styles and influences all in dexterous textures in only under 5 minutes. A truly awesome feat!

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Anthrax/Public Enemy – Bring The Noise (1991)

4.5/5. Now here's an interesting way to start this playlist. It's a f***ing hard mix of metal and hip-hop in this Anthrax/Public Enemy collaboration. This can be remembered one of the earliest rap metal songs (besides "I'm the Man") and perhaps one of the earliest hints of nu metal. If anyone thought that Linkin Park/Jay-Z mashup EP Collision Course is the best example of a rock/metal band teaming up with a legendary rapper, Anthrax/Public Enemy had their own thing going on before then.

Bad Omens – Just Pretend (2022)

5/5. This one starts slow, but when the drums and guitars kick in, Noah lets out all of his vocal emotion. The heavier action will keep you on your seat. As awesome as that song is, I'm both surprised and not about this song's presence in TikTok boosting the band's fame.

The Blank Theory – Faded (1998)

4.5/5. The Blank Theory started off as more of a metallic take on indie rock, but they would get heavier by the time of their only full album Beyond the Calm of the Corridor. People seem to really mistake this band for Linkin Park. Probably because this song sounds so Linkin Park-ish and the band name sounds similar to Linkin Park's earlier name, debut EP, and debut album, Hybrid Theory. My brother might be able to play this on guitar, if the tabs ever get released.

BOI WHAT – Funeral of an Antihero (2024)

4/5. Boi What made another song with his Plankton AI voice, this one distancing further from the Spongebob-themed lyrics of his other singles. It's more of a My Chemical Romance-inspired banger. If there ever is a movie to mark the ultimate finale of Spongebob Squarepants, this song would work well for Plankton's redeeming self-sacrifice.

Breaking Benjamin – Break My Fall (2004)

3.5/5. This track combines heavy guitar with Burnley's singing in steady motion. Wonderful, yet nothing else worth writing about there...

Bring Me the Horizon – Teardrops (2020)

4/5. You know Bring Me the Horizon as that band with epic metalcore hits like "It Never Ends". Still their newer alt-metal material like this track sounds pretty great.

Butcher Babies – Lilith (2017)

4.5/5. Another killer respectable track from these cool ladies of extreme alt-metal!

Gravity Kills – Enough (1996)

4/5. Another piece of alt-rock/industrial metal that I love, but still not enough to go further with this band. You can jam out during a long drive! Definitely having some vibes from Nine Inch Nails, Ministry, and a bit KMFDM.

In This Moment – I Would Die For You (2023)

4.5/5. An epic ballad originally in the soundtrack for John Wick: Chapter 4. It reaches a hysterical climax that has really paid off.

Issues – Since I Lost You (2024)

5/5. Seems like Issues stopped their will to go on after they fired clean vocalist Tyler Carter for abuse allegations. This final single has bassist Skyler Acord performing clean vocals, and the band's final shows have Brian Butcher (The Home Team) as their clean vocalist. Adrian "AJ" Rebollo sounds talented in his guitarwork. Let's just hope this pop metal sound the band perfected will live on. Farewell Issues....

Linkin Park – War (2014)

4.5/5. This one is surprisingly closer sounding to Bad Religion, but the stunning punk attack moves on smoothly. For a two-minute song, guitarist Brad Delson has quite some time to pull a fierce solo with Chester Bennington (RIP) playing rhythm guitar to follow his lead (pun somewhat intended).

Sleep Token – Blood Sport (2019)

5/5. One of the most stunning tracks from this band! If I discovered this band a few years ago instead of last year, it would've suited the COVID isolation quite well. The only other band that could sound so emotional in the music and lyrics is Type O Negative. Vessel can really let out his thoughts like he would in other tracks like "Alkaline".

Voice of Baceprot – Testify (Live Session) (2021)

4.5/5. Time to end this playlist with...an Islamic female nu/rap metal cover of a Rage Against the Machine song. RATM Guitarist Tom Morello has certainly influenced aspiring metal musicians all over the globe, including this band from Indonesia (directly South of my country Malaysia), Voice of Baceprot. This cover is quite amazing! Teamwork has been put to the test and it ends well as those girls stand together to revolutionize their unique image. Nicely done!

I'm not really up to a lot of progressive metal at the moment (other than discovering Into Eternity and Volumes the other day), so I'll just review submissions from me and Xephyr for this playlist. Sorry Saxy, maybe next time. So here are my thoughts on those tracks:

Wandering Oak – To Lir Thy Fell (2024)

4.5/5. A killer blackened progressive metal epic to start this playlist, though I have not much to say there.

Anacrusis – Still Black (1991)

5/5. The best and most ominous riffing comes in this track which is my personal favorite here.

Mechina – Earth-Born Axiom (2015)

4.5/5. The engines ignite and the spaceship blasts off in an extensive epic in which electronic synths and cinematic orchestra prevails over the heavy djent instrumentation. Tiberi knows how to combine all that with a landscape of sci-fi dystopia that Neurotech can also achieve.

DGM – The Secret Pt. 2 (2016)

4/5. Pretty great hooks to grab your attention, especially when reaching its last third.

Mr. Bungle – Squeeze Me Macaroni (1991)

4.5/5. This amazing bass-fueled track is where its original album sounds best when blending lightness with spookiness.

Mutoid Man – Siphon (2023)

5/5. This highlight kicks off having some of the math-ish metalcore instrumentation of Converge and The Dillinger Escape Plan then continues on in progressive/sludge metal again as the vocal harmonies and growls blend together.

Protest the Hero – Gardenias (2020)

4.5/5. The instant impact here is so good you can even listen to it on its own! The drum kicks and instrumental punches unleash thunderbolts while electrifying lightning strikes from Rody Walker unleashing his screams and growls.

Rolo Tomassi – Closer (2022)

5/5. Not every track that I absolutely love has to be heavy. This ballad is so beautiful, including the harmonic voice of Eva Korman. Such a lovely song!

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Crossfaith – Zero (2024)

5/5. Crossfaith lives again! The strength of their new single is insane.

Dark new Day – Evergreen (2005)

4.5/5. Over a decade ago, my brother was just starting to listen to the hard rock/alt-metal he still likes today. He probably would love this bada** beast of a song that sounds close to Breaking Benjamin. It relates well to the troubles of relationship neglect. Honestly, it would work as a wrestler's entrance theme.

Dead by April – Break My Fall (2024)

5/5. Now this is some hard fire creeping in! It's not related to that Breaking Benjamin song, but it has a similar vibe to that band but heavier.

Demon Hunter – Time Only Takes (2019)

4.5/5. Personally a timeless melodic Demon Hunter classic!

From Ashes to New – Shadows (2016)

4/5. Another beast of a song that I'm sure my brother would enjoy, since there's one From Ashes to New song he likes, which I've submitted to a Gateway playlist a few months back. And there are other songs to like from this playlist too...

In Flames – Clayman (2020 Version)

4.5/5. As if the new In Flames album Foregone isn't already a throwback to the band's melodeath roots, a few years prior, they re-recorded some songs from their 2000 album Clayman as part of a reissue, and that makes me up to one day revisiting the original version.

In This Moment – Standing Alone (2010)

5/5. Another grand banger, as the bass groove and drum fury speed on. It really stands out with the howling and singing contrasting with each other.

Jeris Johnson, BOI WHAT – Battling My Demons (2024)

4.5/5. Jeris Johnson has collaborated with Boi What (known for his AI Plankton voice) for an anthem to battle your inner struggles. Nicely f***ing done!

Karnivool – The Caudal Lure (2010)

4/5. Sounds Awake is more of an alt-prog rock album than metal, but I appreciate this song have some of their earlier TOOL-like sound, just the way I like it.

Nik Nocturnal, Fronzilla – In Da Club (2023)

4.5/5. The result of modern metal YouTuber Nik Nocturnal and Attila vocalist Fronz making their own version of a 50 Cent hit with the violent rage of metal.

Rollins Band – Tearing (1992)

4/5. Another excellent single. It has caused Rollins' work to spread to MTV and metalheads.

Sleep Token – Gods (2019)

4.5/5. "MY F***ING FORM IS BUT A WRECK BENEATH THEM!" The guitar and overall heaviness might remind some of Deftones and Loathe, in contrast with the soft piano and ambience for a diverse mix.

Spineshank – New Disease (2000)

4/5. I remember adding this song to my first ever Sphere playlist two years ago, and I don't mind commenting on it again. The early 2000s was when alternative/industrial metal was on the rise, and when songs like this one were sports video games. I did not like metal during my kiddy years of the 2000s. It wasn't until the 2010s when my metal interest took off. Still this can give fans of this style of metal quite a bit of nostalgia.

Twelve Foot Ninja – Manufacture of Consent (2010)

4.5/5. F***ing great experimental greatness. Enough said!

Yousei Teikoku – Missing (2013)

4/5. An interesting song to end this playlist, with a dark metal equivalent to anime theme music. Great way to head out!

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Job for a Cowboy – Beyond the Chemical Doorway (2024)

5/5. Starting this playlist is a band that I never had the leeway to listen to in the year 2014 when I was in my power metal-loving teens, due to their death metal (deathcore in their 2006 EP) sound. But now that I'm in my 20s and can handle that kind of sound, especially in their more progressive material like their new album Moon Healer, I'm up for more! It's just way too good to lose, and the bass sounds audible and groovy.

 The Ocean – Permian: The Great Dying (2018)

4.5/5. My interest in this band seemed to have died out lately, but songs like this one still have their underrated greatness.

Ibaraki – Kagutsuchi (2022)

4.5/5. Violent yet melodic blackened prog-metal. How did I not hear this until now???

Intronaut – Prehistoricisms (2008)

5/5. And how perfect can this progressive post-sludge sound get?!

Periphery – Zagreus (2023)

5/5. This glorious highlight kicks the heaviness back to bloodthirsty brutality. This almost has a blackened vibe with the riffing and demonic growling. I haven't heard Sotelo sound so savage since when he guest appeared in Sikth's "Cracks of Light". Then the track closes with a cinematic orchestral ending.

Stortgern – Xeno Chaos (2023)

4.5/5. Standing out well is this track that bursts out more than a human-killing Xenomorph (unrelated). It truly is special as the progressive tech-death rises up in melody.

Charlie Griffiths – Arctic Cemetery (2022)

4.5/5. I hadn't listened to much Haken and Between the Buried and Me in the past couple years, but hearing the former band's guitarist Charlie Griffiths and the latter band's vocalist Tommy Rogers together is quite a treat where you get to hear a bit of BTBAM's signature deathly progressive metal sound.

The Human Abstract – Complex Terms (2011)

5/5. I just wish this band was still around. Their complex djent-ish neoclassical prog-metal sound rules, especially close to the one-minute mark then two minutes after.

Rivers of Nihil – Where Owls Know My Name (2018)

4.5/5. This one is a bleak yet amazing song from another band that I should've listened to more of. The lyrics are some of the best here, and what makes it beautiful yet slightly laughable is the jazzy saxophone solos, one of them as early as the two-minute mark. Quite a groovy headbanger this track is! It will make you float out or orbit into the astral plane. I think I can hear where some of the more technical aspects of Lorna Shore came from!

Leprous – Contaminate Me (2013)

4/5. Horns up for one of the heaviest Leprous songs, featuring Emperor's Ihsahn!

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Alien Weaponry – Titokowaru (2021)

5/5. The opening track of its original album and this playlist starts with some Maori warriors chanting while rowing their boat over stormy seas. Then the storm becomes pummeling as fast riff groove comes in. The verses have a simple melody that pushes along like when those warriors push their oars, as the seas have different layers. It also fits well for a gym workout. An excellent boat-rower!

Biohazard – These Eyes (Have Seen) (1996)

4.5/5. These ears haven't heard before an amazing blended of Pantera groove with rapping. Pretty cool, right?

Demon Hunter – Revolutions (2022)

4.5/5. Then enters this rebellious track, ranging in vocal variety, battling between the screaming empire and the soft-singing rebellion.

Imminence – Death by a Thousand Cuts (2023)

5/5. Another f***ing banger from this band I should listen to more of. G****mn, I look forward to their new album The Black!

Karnivool – Mauseum (2005)

5/5. The heaviness builds up again with this slower highlight that I found a few years before the rest of this band's material.

Katatonia – Lethean (2012)

4.5/5. One of the nicest songs from this band!

Sleep Token – The Offering (2019)

5/5. It's so incredible how perfectly the vocals, guitars, and drums can flow from anger to despair at ease. Discovering this band via their new album Take Me Back to Eden was a pleasant experience, and songs from their other albums like this one make me want more.

Spotlights – Crawling Toward the Light (2023)

4.5/5. Then we have the ominous experimentation again with this band, this time with a similar vibe to Madder Mortem.

Type O Negative – Anesthesia (2003)

4/5. RIP Peter Steele. This was what I enjoyed when I was still highly in the gothic metal zone. The bass and synths shine well here. Though I still prefer upbeat power of songs like "I Don't Wanna Be Me".

Ugly Kid Joe – Sweet Leaf/Funky Fresh Country Club (1991)

4.5/5. This playlist ends with two over 7-minute covers of classic heavy metal songs, the first of which doing the original Sabbath song justice despite adding more funk and the vocals of Whitfield Crane sounding a bit nasal.

Waltari – Infinite Dreams (2011)

5/5. And here's the other cover, perhaps the best Maiden cover I've heard! It's part of a special covers album to celebrate the band's 25 anniversary. The band really lets out their influences here, often sounding like Ozzy Osbourne/Black Sabbath and Metallica, while throwing in some... Johnny Cash-like country?!? And melodeath?!?! Now that's wild! Kärtsy Hatakka is a true genius.

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Animals as Leaders – Wave of Babies (from Wave of Babies)

4.5/5. Animals as Leaders is a prominent band in the wave of developing bands of djent alongside Periphery and Tesseract, and they made cool instrumentals like this one.

Extol – Shadow of Death (from Paralysis)

5/5. Extol's cover of this Believer classic is what got me into this band, and it's a total blessing! It's also a bonus track in the Japanese edition of Undeceived. Apparently, Cradle of Filth stole the song's opening riff for their own song "Dirge Inferno", though I didn't know that because I'm one of those people who prefer to listen to Extol rather than Cradle of Filth, although I'm not a Christian. I guess that proves that plagiarism has made its way into progressive death/thrash and gothic/black metal.

Madder Mortem – Convertion (from Mercury)

5/5. This eerie epic perfectly summarizes the desolate Autumn atmosphere of its original album and artwork. The distorted guitars, technical doomy drums, soft acoustic guitars, dreamy keyboards, and calm yet powerful vocals are all there. Truly hypnotic!

Periphery – Four Lights (from Juggernaut: Alpha)

4.5/5. "THERE. ARE. 4. LIGHTS!!!!" yells Captain Picard in "Chain of Command", a two-part special episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Amazing djent instrumental, though I would've loved to hear Spencer's vocals over those guitar rhythms. I love this almost as much as Zagreus.

Arjen Anthony Lucassen's Star One – The Eye of Ra (from Space Metal)

4.5/5. This ballad-ish 3-part epic breaks the earlier mid-tempo/fast pace and is so majestic, especially in the epic ending where all 4 vocalists plus background vocalist Robert Soeterboek sing in perfect harmony.

Tesseract – Cages - PORTALS (from PORTALS)

5/5. Holy sh*t, thank you Tesseract! They really give this song the perfect live treatment.

Fates Warning – Part of the Machine (from Perfect Symmetry)

4.5/5. Frank Aresti has performed mighty technical guitarwork here. The bass work by Joe DiBiase is also mind-blowing. If people could pay attention to notes more, this would've ended up on the radio at any given chance. The band also gave Dream Theater vocalist James LaBrie an earlier chance to shine in one of the songs from the next album Parallels, released a year before Dream Theater's Images and Words. At that point, their heavy metal from as late as Awaken the Guardian is already gone.

Caligula's Horse – The Stormchaser (from The Stormchaser)

4/5. A fun banger, but am I up to revisiting the band with the rest of their new album Charcoal Grace? Not right now...

Symphony X – Wicked (from The Odyssey)

4.5/5. An excellent wicked way to end this playlist, with great singing. I definitely like the bridge at the 3 and a half minute mark followed a minute later by a scream into the final chorus. And this is the same band with the neoclassical "Smoke and Mirrors"!

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Alter Bridge – Holiday (from Pawns & Kings)

5/5. Let's start this playlist with an awesome tune that's basically like a country song with an epic and metallic punch!

Bad Wolves – It's You (2 Months) [feat. KILLBOY] (from Die About It)

4.5/5. Now this one's interesting as h*ll! This song starts off with some trap-pop verses then rises into powerful metal choruses. Some bada** inspiration there!

BOI WHAT – Neon Tide (from Neon Tide)

4/5. Here's some more of this great music from Boi What and his AI voice filters of Plankton, Spongebob, and Karen, with guitars heating up like wildfire. Someone should make a Spongebob music video for this killer piece of Spongecore!

Calva Louise – Feast is Over (from Over the Threshold)

4.5/5. My brother is often on a search for music to feast his ears on, as well as my ears. This is another one of those songs he stumbled upon and added to his playlist. It basically like a pop tune gone as f***ing heavy as death/thrash metal! And I thought Maria Brink was the metal scream queen (she still is)...

Cane Hill – (The New) Jesus (from Smile)

5/5. Holy f***ing sh*t, now this is some fantastic nu metalcore! I need to keep up with discovering more awesome stuff like this.

Disbelief – Misery (from Worst Enemy)

4.5/5. This heavy track has a dynamic groove sound, especially in the chorus. The first verse will let you know what you're in for, "Hey you, place called earth! Let me explain to you who I am! I’m your worst nightmare!"

Disciple – By God (from By God)

4/5. "YEEEEEEEEEEEHAW!!!" That's the sound Christian cowboys getting ready for the ride of their lives to close the portals to Hell and praise God in this solid track.

Disturbed – Down With the Sickness (from The Sickness)

4/5. You know this as one of their most popular songs, starting with that killer opening riff and vocalist David Draiman's memed-to-death primal shriek of "OOH-WAH-AH-AH-AH". The song has been used in many films, TV shows, and video games. This is Disturbed's true anthem! My brother likes it too, but he skips its disturbing bridge which has Draiman roleplaying as a kid being attacked by his abusing mother and ultimately fighting back. I've heard more disturbing sh*t than that, so I can handle that just fine.

Limp Bizkit – Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle) (from Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water)

4.5/5. Let's skip ahead a bit and start ROLLIN' ROLLIN' ROLLIN' ROLLIN'! My brother has been enjoying this band lately, though surprisingly he didn't start listening to them as early all those other bands he likes. The second verse is one of the best rap verses I've heard, much better lyrics than most other hip-hop lyrics out there.

Sleep Token – Ascensionism (from Take Me Back to Eden)

5/5. This one ascends through 7 minutes of sonic emotion. Melancholic piano and delicate vocals start things off before an atmospheric buildup. Then we switch to that electronic trap beat as Vessel takes on autotuned rap-ish singing that I would rather hear from him instead of T-Pain. Just listen to that personality! Things get tense as another verse builds, and finally, a heavy breakdown occurs, a little more touching piano, and then ground-pounding finale.

Sonic Syndicate – Leave Me Alone (from We Rule the Night)

5/5. PAIN's cover of this perfect epic song is what got me interested in Sonic Syndicate and loving them so much. This is one of my favorite Sonic Syndicate songs besides "Jack of Diamonds" which I'll talk about in the Revolution playlist. I'm definitely getting some Dead by April/Linkin Park vibes here, and that never disappoints me.

Sum 41 – Goddamn I'm Dead Again (from 13 Voices)

4.5/5. Desperate anger sears through this greatness. I saw the music video for this on MTV and it adds to the killer power of the song. My own scenario for this would be an epic battle between punks and metalheads in a mosh pit as the band performs, especially during a whole minute of Bullet for My Valentine gone DragonForce guitar soloing.

Twelve Foot Ninja – Over and Out (from Vengeance)

5/5. This jazzy standout, that might remind some of Faith No More, features Tatiana Shmayluk of Jinjer who's known as a beautiful beast of a vocalist in her band. Though her poppy cleans appear here rather than her unclean vocals. And I just wanna say thanks to Twelve Foot Ninja for blessing us with this music before their hiatus.

Utsu-P – HIKIZURI (from GALAPAGOS)

4.5/5. And here's an exciting piece of Vocaloid metal to end this playlist on a fun note!

This is a debut record of a very traditional progressive metal slab and takes a lot of its influence from giants like Dream Theater and more recently Haken. And Nospūn are really good at paying homage to their idols within progressive metal. The album is incredibly well performed, the song compositions/structures are given a lot of detail as to not make any of the tracks here (including the fifteen minute "Within the Realm of Possibility") feel extended for their own sake, and the production is top notch. I can hear each instrument with the utmost clarity, including the bass, and some of the tracks even have a decent melodic hook to anchor them down, including "The Death of Simpson" and "Back, Yet Forward".

But the record is marred by two major faults. The first is quite obvious: Nospūn do not really have much of an identity of their own at the moment. I am willing to be a little bit more forgiving in this regard since this is the bands debut album, and it's disingenuous of me to expect the band to rock the progressive metal world, in the same way that Black Sabbath did back in the 1970s. However, the other big issue has to do with this god awful synthesizer that persists throughout the entire record. When it isn't there, or not at the forefront of the track, Opus can sound really good, but "Dance With Me!" and "4D Printing" sound brutal as the keyboards rival even the most nasally pop-punk vocalists with their irritation.

It's a solid debut, but I hope that Nospūn will take notes for a follow-up and carve their own identity within the world of progressive metal. Otherwise, they are likely to flounder just like so many others before them.

3.5/5

A new month, a new year. Where does the time go? Let's make 2024 a great year and we'll start off the year with Slipknot's 2008 record, All Hope Is Gone. 

https://metal.academy/releases/5214

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Caligula’s Horse – The World Breathes with Me (2023)

4.5/5. The band led by the talented guitarist Sam Vallen and stunning vocalist Jim Grey are back, and HOLY SH*T, this song opens the playlist in amazing heights! The blend of heaviness and beauty is brought back into shape after Leprous lost it 10 years prior. No way will this ever disappoint!

Liquid Tension Experiment – Acid Rain (1999)

4/5. An untouchable piece from this instrumental band with bassist Tony Levin (NOT Walter White, despite who he looks like) and 3 of the guys from Dream Theater (John Petrucci, Mike Portnoy, and Jordan Rudess). After two wild progressive minutes, things slow down for some tribal percussion almost like it's from the George of the Jungle soundtrack. Then the keyboards rise for under a minute, then a cowbell is struck, in queue for Petrucci to play some sick riffing and soloing. Then over the 4-minute mark, things heat up, sounding similar to Riot's take on "Racing with the Devil on a Spanish Highway". And after all that, the last few seconds of guitar fiddling ends it smoothly.

Devin Townsend Project – Higher (2016)

4.5/5. Canadian metal mastermind Devin Townsend continues to bring his sound to higher places. The most glorious part of this epic is the last chorus that starts the final two minutes. An absolute tear-jerker!

Kayo Dot – The Manifold Curiosity (2003)

5/5. This one has so much to explore, as more instruments and vocal styles are added to the arsenal. 4 and a half minutes into the track, the soft ambience is broken by a melodic explosion with a huge variety of jazzy instruments that not a lot of metal bands can add without tainting their sound. From the 10-minute mark onwards, there's more intense chaos. How intense?! It's actually in the same level as Strapping Young Lad with Converge-like screaming rage, especially at the very end with a brief moment of grind-ish metalcore. A truly heavy and artsy epic!

Opeth – Blackwater Park (2021)

5/5. The epic title finale of this band's magnum opus continues the complex structure, adding in some of the later rhythm atmosphere. All I'm gonna note is how majestic the ending is, when the band unleash all their power before hitting the brakes in a bang.

The Contortionist – Return to Earth (2017)

4.5/5. Another amazing song to love and rock on to!

Gojira – The Art of Dying (2008)

4/5. Gojira's songs can be considered a heavy mix of Meshuggah and TOOL. The lyrics fit well with the title, as the philosophical lyrics, especially the first verse, detail the pain and depression of real-life and the peace and tranquility of the afterlife, relating well to our hardships of life. So it's not always the environment this French progressive metal bands always sings about. Beautiful rhythm appears from the 6-minute mark onwards, for their typical dose of progressive melody.

Leprous – Mediocrity Wins (2012)

3.5/5. The vocals by Einar Solberg are so unique, fitting well for the Opeth gone TOOL vibe. And the tasty bass that starts over the one-minute mark is also pretty good. Other than that, the song is a little too strange, and doesn't really reach its necessary height. In a battle for good quality, mediocrity wins...

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Beartooth – I Was Alive (2023)

4.5/5. Let's start this playlist with another excellent song from the brand-new Beartooth album The Surface. My brother likes this one because of how therapeutic and relatable is for him. This has a bit of the softer country rock of "The Better Me" while having the self-motivational lyrical theme of "Riptide" and "Might Love Myself".

Bullet for My Valentine – Riot (2013)

5/5. Then the anger and fast pace shoots through your head again in this song in which its music video made me eventually interested in BFMV. It has the sharp heavy potential from earlier on its original album. I love that song so much!

Death Angel – Stagnant (1990)

4.5/5. Although Death Angel is known as another popular band in the Bay Area thrash metal scene, there are some songs that stagnate from their usual hardcore thrash, such as this one that is more of an alt-metal track with a bit of funky ska in the verses. That may seem like just a joke for those who aren't open-minded, but it shows how well they can think through their diversity. F***ing h*ll, this might actually be a good song to play in some places like restaurants. One other band that could really make a progressive blend of a funk metal and thrash at that time is Mordred. All the instruments have the right to unite!

Ed Sheeran, Bring Me the Horizon – Bad Habits (2022)

5/5. Bring Me the Horizon collaborated with Ed Sheeran for an alt-metal re-recording of his hit "Bad Habits", and what a masterpiece! This definitely deserves some radio airplay. Rock/metal bands can often make pop stars and their songs better.

Filter – Where Do We Go From Here (2002)

4.5/5. A lot of people might know this band for their earlier single "Hey Man Nice Shot", but their later singles from 20 years before today may spawn some bittersweet memories for longtime fans. It's strange that while people started listening to Filter and other alt-metal bands in their high school years, I was listening to power metal during my own teen years before my full interest in metalcore/alt-metal. The song title is a good question to wonder about our future of uncertainty.

Five Finger Death Punch – My Heart Lied (2013)

4/5. It was actually this band that I was more familiar with than Filter, thanks to my brother. I can't forget its freshness for when I first heard it 10 years ago.

Limp Bizkit – Break Stuff (2001)

3.5/5. I requested the original version from Significant Other, but I guess the remix is fine. The original song is an angry anthem that really shows how rap metal should be done. This song, and the rest of the album, inspired by Durst ending a longtime relationship with a girlfriend, showing him taking his aggression out on his ex, "I pack a chainsaw, I'll skin your a** raw". A couple more things about that song: 1. It's notorious for being the cause of a violent revolution in Woodstock 1999 when Durst encouraged the crowd to not mellow out, which is "what Alanis Morissette had you motherf***ers do", and even telling them not to let anyone get hurt only caused them to get hurt in the chaos. 2. The song is my brother's new ringtone.

Living Colour – Bi (1993)

4/5. Another cool mainstream song from the band behind the "Cult of Personality" hit. Despite not getting enough attention or longevity in their career, great songs like this shouldn't be ignored. It's an interesting song detailing the ongoing dilemma of people's sexuality ("Everybody's messed up with their sexuality") and can motivate people to overcome that dilemma and be proud of themselves and their community, maybe even certain characters from children's shows that have expanded the LGBT boundaries. But it might also cause some massive debate about whether this is pro- or anti-LGBT. Quite a tough call. Let's move on...

Megan Thee Stallion, Spiritbox – Cobra (Rock Remix) (2023)

4.5/5. Another metal band remix of a pop hit! Excellent, though I prefer the "Bad Habits" re-recording slightly more.

Northlane – Bloodline (2019)

5/5. Absolutely awesome lyrics and production here! So atmospheric while dark and heavy. Fantastic prog-ish alt-metalcore!

Roadrunner United – The End (2005)

4.5/5. This one features Trivium's Matt Heafy's clean singing in a wonderful hard rock/alt-metal power ballad. An incredible experiment by Dino Cazares (Fear Factory) and Heafy that has paid off! And I'm glad that one received a single and video, the only one from the entire Roadrunner United album to have those.

While She Sleeps – Self Hell (2023)

5/5. F*** yeah! While She Sleeps is coming back with their new album, and the killer final riff and scream ends this playlist in a bang.

This nomination has been posted in the Hall of Judgement.

https://metal.academy/hall/450

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Madder Mortem – Towers (2023)

5/5. OMG YES!!! This is another perfect playlist opener, this one having opened my ears to an awesome song from an underrated band that has been active for 3 decades yet hidden from my young view. A beautifully powerful sneak peek for their next album! This track has not disappointed me one bit. The frontwoman has a lot of talent within her vocals. I should put this song high up in my best songs of 2023 list. You can almost consider this band a metal resurrection of Siouxsie and the Banshees.

Anacrusis – Sound the Alarm (1993)

5/5. The lower sorrow of Kenn Nardi's cleans can already be found in the dramatic riff-wrath. The pessimistic darkness would continue in later songs from that album, while the mid-paced riffing stays sharp and keeps the bleakness interesting.

Nospün - …And Then There Were None (2023)

4.5/5. And then there's some melodic progressive metal that sounds amazing, but I would've loved this to bits if that side of my progressive metal interest was still dominant.

Opeth – Hex Omega (2008)

4/5. I love it when, 40 seconds in, the music halts until 40 more seconds later when the vocals rise magnificently. Ghost Reveries and Watershed are the band's two last metal albums before the prog-rock sound of Heritage onwards.

Charlie Griffiths – Dead in the Water (2022)

4.5/5. Some more superb melodic progressive metal, but again I've moved on to the more extreme side of the genre.

Periphery – Dying Star (2023)

5/5. This one has a more uplifting vibe, but the band returns to the impressive intricate heaviness. They can really add warm calm color to an ultra-heavy subgenre like djent.

Wilderun – And So Open the Earth (Ash Memory Part I) (2015)

4.5/5. Although my interest in Opeth has mostly faded out, I still have to thank that band for boosting my love for extreme vocals in progressive metal. With that and the folk/symphonic power metal vibes, this Wilderun track has so much color.

Star One – Human See, Human Do (2010)

4.5/5. "Get your stinkin' paws off me, you d*mn dirty ape!" Star One was one of my favorite progressive metal supergroups when I was younger, and I discovered them earlier than Opeth, like 5 years earlier. Still even back then, I enjoy Dan Swano's growling bridge of "SEE NO EVIL! HEAR NO EVIL! SPEAK NO EVIL! DO NO EVIL!"

Intronaut – Above (2010)

5/5. Another blessing from the heavens above, an underrated post-progressive metal band!

Tool – The Pot (2006)

4.5/5. This one shows the bass rhythm being less snappy, instead synchronizing with the beat in a groove-powered breakdown perfect for some live moshing. Maybe that Plankton AI cover would level up the mosh pit even more. Yeah, that version is what my brother was listening to that made me interested in checking out its original album.

Plini – Still Life (Feat. Tosin Abasi) (2023)

5/5. New Plini single, featuring Animals as Leaders guitarist Tosin Abasi?!?! An absolute djent dream! And who knew you can make a lute sound djent?!

TesseracT – Of Reality – Eclipse (2013)

5/5. Altered State is one of my favorite djent albums, and one any modern metal fan should have in their lifetime! Through the last third of this part, the filthy drumming adds to the serene ambience for beautiful heights. But I gotta get out of here before that peak drops....

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Alien Weaponry – Whisper (2018)

5/5. Now here's a perfect start for this playlist, a greatly significant song in both the production and defending their culture, with mighty powerful melodies inspired by Stone Sour, specifically Corey Taylor.

Beartooth – The Better Me (2023)

4.5/5. Let's rock out to the catchy energy this band has with country rock musician Hardy to give you more motivation and mental health.

Code Orange – Take Shape (2023)

5/5. A true Gateway anthem, this accessible yet total rocker is a killer single. The one and only Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins performs his signature nasal singing over an ominous bridge, though the dark melody and harsh rhythm of the chorus really hits the spot for me. Hard yet smart writing!

Coldrain – 24-7 (2009)

2.5/5. This one falls into a two-faced emo-rock trap, and that's my cue to skip over to slightly later in the playlist...

Five Finger Death Punch – Burn MF (2013)

3/5. The playlist quality starts to slowly climb back up. I could probably scream along to this if not for these explicitly aggressive lyrics. For that reason, my parents couldn't let my brother let me hear this at the time when this album came out 10 years ago when back then I was 14 and he was 16.

From Ashes to New – My Fight (2013)

3.5/5. Same with this one... Hypothetically. My brother didn't discover this until quite recently, and despite the rapping overdose, it's quite catchy. "Get up, get up, get up...!"

Godsmack – I Stand Alone (2003)

4/5. Now this is a different moderate standout in this playlist, and this single was featured in The Scorpion King and the show I've been binge-watching. An absolutely killer song for battle!

Karnivool – C.O.T.E. (2005)

4.5/5. This atmospheric track packs some polished punches with riff crunch and frontman Ian Kenny's subdued vocals. Ethereal melodic streams flow with edgy guitar. The band is mature enough to handle the tight production and go complex without having to go high in speed.

Katatonia – Sold Heart (2010)

4/5. The sadness in Jonas Renkse's voice is so convincing and admirable. Samurai Jack-like vibes much?

Lacuna Coil – Survive (2009)

4.5/5. Some more darkness to love, this time more energetic. I probably would've loved this more long ago though, especially when I don't recognize a bit of the lyrical quality.

Living Colour – Type (1990)

4/5. Funk metal is never really my type, though this song has kick-A iconic potential.

Machinae Supremacy – Phantom Battle (2014)

4.5/5. Now here's a battle-ready 8-bit-infused alt-/power metal banger. The guitar in the intro and chorus execute epic shredding!

Slipknot – Custer (2014)

4/5. This reckless track has a bit of spoken word before his scathing ranting over crushing speed as he chants, "CUT CUT CUT ME UP AND F*** F*** F*** ME UP!" When my brother was listening to the song this year when the song became a TikTok staple, that was my indirect invitation to listen to the album that included that thrashy highlight.

Spiritbox – Ultraviolet (2023)

4.5/5. To conclude this partial playlist speed-run, I'd like to thank not just Saxy for making the playlist, but also Spiritbox for being the heroes/heroine of modern metal. Beautiful emotional songs like this might just make history this decade.

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Between the Buried and Me – Ants of the Sky (Live) (2008)

5/5. This 13-minute epic to start off this playlist that I still love from this band has wonderful aspects of blues groove and organ, with some hard rock/thrash added in, as the soloing ranges from jazz to Queen-esque to country. Soon it leads to an epic slow bridge that then quiets down for a bit of clean soloing. And then another country-like moment, this time with banjo-like guitars and a background bar fight (WHAT?!), before ending with an uplifting neoclassical outro similar to Pachelbel's Canon.

Opeth – Forest of October (1995)

5/5. Another 13-minute epic that I still love to bits, having melodies of beauty and sorrow from one of the band's most memorable earlier compositions. The song is quite d*mn long, but what makes those long epics superb is, there are some different emotions in different sections, all ranging from aggressive brutality to acoustic melancholy. One of my favorite Opeth songs, though still behind "The Drapery Falls"!

Disillusion – Back to Times of Splendor (2004)

4.5/5. I haven't heard anything from Disillusion in over a year when my prog-metal interest was at fault, but now that I'm reviving it slowly, this is yet another 13+ minute epic to strike my heart. It's crazy how emotional and powerful this composition, so much so that it should've been more popular. I'm glad I discovered this amazing sh*t 3 years ago via a recommendation, and I enjoy the lyrics here like "morning sun beyond the clouds". Think of this wonderful deathly progressive metal piece like Ne Obliviscaris collaborating with Amon Amarth. I mean, Ne Obliviscaris didn't fully start yet back in 2004, but still. This kind of music with tons of melody deserves more attention. At least the band is still around and producing music, even after a 13-year break at the same time as that of Tool. Near the 5 and a half minute mark is an Opeth like-section. The softer section two minutes later also rules. Things get more emotional at the 11-minute point. And two minutes later is the best ending. All in true deathly progressive metal!

Edge of Sanity – Crimson Pt. 3 (1996)

4/5. This track is actually part of a 40-minute progressive melodeath album/epic (almost as long as the first 3 epics of this playlist altogether!), but the digital edition of the album uses the slightly shortened version from the When All is Said compilation and splits it up to different parts, not caring about the movements within the lyrics. I think this is the ending of the "With Broken Wings" segment followed by most of the "War" segment (Yes, I still remember the names of the segments that I've made up). I would probably have much a better revisiting experience with this album/epic in its full form.

Haken – Elephants Never Forget (2023)

3.5/5. This epic was already in last April's playlist, but I don't mind sharing my thoughts on it again. The starting move into a more prog-rock-ish style is a bit forgettable, but still worth enjoying. After a one-minute intro, the band's Gentle Giant influence kicks in, especially in Ross Jennings' vocals. That goes on for a minute until Haken's own classic sound enters, further taken another minute later into their typical chorus. Yet another minute later, it ends sounding closer to a bit of the industrial rock of Nine Inch Nails. At the 7-minute mark is an insane bridge to make up for the earlier drag. This is then followed a minute after by the progressive metal glory that I wish there could be more of without sounding too melodic.

Caligula’s Horse – Autumn (2020)

4/5. A melodic half-acoustic half-electric ballad, slightly better than that Haken track.

Mastodon – Gobblers of Dregs (2021)

4.5/5. "All that I needed from you was your warm embrace. Turns out, that was mine to give." Tear-shedding emotional beauty!

Caligula’s Horse – Marigold (2023)

4/5. Whoa, hold the phone... Two Caligula's Horse songs here?!? Ain't that a break from the one song per band playlist rule! I suppose I can try making an exception in one of my own playlists later. Anyway, this has lots of Opeth vibes mixed with the clean vocals of Leprous.

Monosphere – Method Acting (2023)

4.5/5. Some killer progressive metalcore here! Anyway...

Ne Obliviscaris – Painters of the Tempest – Part II (Triptych Lux) (2014)

5/5. The chaos is unleashed with part 2 of "Painters of the Tempest". Even though the entire suite is 23 minutes long, this part would still be Ne Obliviscaris' longest song at 16 and a half minutes, and the longest epic of this playlist! This is perhaps my favorite Ne Obliviscaris song even though it's NOT in Portal of I. There are so many brilliant ideas! This part is actually is split into 3 smaller movements. The first movement, "Creator" has a couple transitions between fast storms and soft melodies. Then the second movement "Cynosure" is more acoustic/violin oriented, unlike the overpowering guitars in the other two movements. The avant-garde jazz themes are more apparent with only clean vocals and mid-tempo melodic grooves, until it builds back up to a crescendo of metal and growls. The last movement "Curator" is back to some of the most intense powerful chaos of the album until a nice ethereal ending.

Rivers of Nihil – Hellbirds (2023)

4.5/5. Let's end this playlist with a new single by Rivers of Nihil, their second one with bassist Adam Biggs on lead vocals. The vocals are incredible in both Adam Biggs' death growls and guitarist Andy Thomas' melodic singing. The drumming, soloing, and breakdown are all so intense! And this band has been up in prog/tech-death game since their formation in 2009.

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Pyrogenesis – Survival of the Fittest (2020)

4/5. Killer start to this playlist! Not the best, but I'll survive.

36 Crazyfists – Better to Burn (2017)

4.5/5. Now this is a better song to love! Still can't believe this band ended up calling it quits.

Sleep Token – The Summoning (2023)

5/5. Then I get to hear this awesome track with heavier breakdowns leading to a soulful bass/vocals ending. The song is highly popular on Spotify, and I can understand why.

Alien Weaponry – Kai Tangata (2018)

5/5. This highlight continues the heavy aggression while having another shining melodic chorus. I love it!

Alter Bridge – Fortress (2013)

5/5. This 7 and a half minute epic is the perfect ending to the hour-long tale of its original album. The textures and time changes are produced perfectly in experimental glory.

Any Given Day – Wind of Change (2022)

4.5/5. As time goes by, a f***ing boring rock ballad ends up getting the amazing metal cover treatment. Any Given Day's cover is a real tear-jerker, and it's a pleasant break from the band's Soilwork-infused melodic metalcore.

Celldweller – Switchback (2003)

5/5. A classic released 20 years ago and still sounds fresh! The more material I find from Celldweller, the less likely I'm able to SWITCHBACK.

In This Moment – In The Air Tonight (2017)

4.5/5. Another impressive remake of an earlier hit. This is the probably best cover I've heard of this Phil Collins single. Cinematic beauty and drama ends up taken to higher levels. Hearing this cover again on the day after Halloween (as of commenting) is a f***ing phenomenal experience. The whole "cover sounding better than the original thing" strikes again! My only complaint is how muffled the drumming sounds, even during the beat-drop leading to the final chorus. Nonetheless, Maria Brink and co. nailed it!

Spiritibox – Cellar Door (2023)

4/5. Pretty sick! Enough said.

Evanescence – Far From Heaven (2021)

3.5/5. The beginning is like Within Temptation gone Tears for Fears, with the piano and soft operatic singing. But the rest of the ballad isn't that strong. I'll head out now....

While Narrow Head don't really reinvent in any meaningful way on Moments of Clarity, I cannot deny that I still quite enjoy the newest output. Something about it major harmonies and more jolly melodic songwriting is a welcome change of pace when I've been trapped in an extreme metal deep dive, or the forgettable quagmire of modern metalcore. Even in comparison to Deftones, the bands most obvious influence, they do not continue in a loathsome, haze infused way, unlike a band such as Loathe or early Teenage Wrist.

I did enjoy this; it was a rather pleasant change of pace, which makes it stand out amongst its more metal contemporaries. Having allowed this record to sit with me for a little while however, I do feel like my initial reaction was swayed by novelty. The record does meander a bit too much and it can turn into a slog if you listen to the whole thing. But with this being post-metal/shoegaze, I don't think it's the biggest deal breaker.

3.5/5

The dog days of summer might be behind us, but that doesn't mean we should leave the crappy animal puns behind as well. I present to you for the Infinite featured release for the month... OK Goodnight, a Boston based progressive band who very much surprised me a couple years ago with their debut and followed it up with a very smooth and enjoyable concept album, The Fox and the Bird. We would love to know what you all think of this record as well!

https://metal.academy/releases/45287

September REVIEW DRAFT (The Infinite)

I've found a new batch of records to try out and anyone who wants to help me clear out this batch is more than welcome. I'll select first, followed by Rexorcist, Xephyr and then possible Andi.

1.El Altar del Holocausto - - I T - (2019)

2.Fractal Universe - Rhizomes of Insanity (2019)

3. Ocrilim - Anoint (2006)

4. Oxiplegatz - Sidereal Journey (1998)

5. Sun Caged - The Lotus Effect (2011)

This might be the best review draft yet considering I haven't heard a single one of these names before! My selection will be... Sidereal Journey by Oxiplegatz.

Rex, you're up!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7aY7WjCGySb3Lb4x79Dk5T?si=33cd8830699e488e

1. Jane’s Addiction – Mountain Song

2. Northlane -Freefall

3. Asking Alexandria – Bad Blood

4. Sevendust – Won’t Stop the Bleeding

5. System of a Down – P.L.U.C.K.

6. Beartooth- Might Lose Myself

7. End of Green – Dark Side of the Sun

8. Celldweller – Own Little World

9. Smallman – A Drop

10. Grim Salvo – Feasting.On.The.Guts.Of.Angels

11. Disturbed – The Best Ones Lie

12. Alice in Chains – Stone

13. Five Finger Death Punch – Coming Down

14. Fleshwater – The Razor’s Apple

15. Infected Rain – Everlasting Lethargy

16. In This Moment – The Great Divide

17. The Clay People – Awake

18. Lacuna Coil – Aeon XX

19. New Years Day – Relentless

20. Clawfinger – Out to Get Me

21. Alexisonfire – Reverse the Curse

22. BABYMETAL – Monochrome

23. Life Of Agony – My Mind Is Dangerous

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1yFgscg5HWKGoIy2s0xRfG?si=593a6644166340b1

1. Whitechapel – Single File to Dehumanization (2010)

2. Botch – Frequency Ass Bandit (1999)

3. The Dillinger Escape Plan – Symptom of Terminal Illness (2016)

4. Any Given Day – Endurance (2016)

5. Typecaste – Traverse (2020)

6. As I Lay Dying – Blinded (2019)

7. Fit For A King – Hollow King (Sound of the End) (2013)

8. Electric Callboy – Best Day (2015)

9. The World Is Quiet Here – Ossuary (2023)

10. blessthefall – The Reign (2011)

11. Emmure – A Gift A Curse (2014)

12. iwresledabearonce – Green Eyes (2015)

13. Northlane – Corruption (2011)

14. MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE – Headshot! (2008)

15. The World Alive – Your Mirage (2014)

16. Animations – My Private Ghetto (2013)

17. The Eyes Of A Traitor – The Birth (2010)

18. Unbroken – Zero Hour (1993)

19. A Black Rose Burial – A Baleful Aura in the Graveyard of Broken Gears (2020)

20. ERRA – Vanish Canvas (2021)

21. The Agonist – Blood as My Guide (2019)

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2Wtb5QsNObO9w62f7ThQNF?si=fa859b301cb24c02

1. Vildhjarta – + den spanska känslan + (2023)

2. Nuclear Power Trio – Anti-Saxxers (Mandatory Saxination) (2023)

3. The Advent Equation – A Sudden Perception (2023)

4. Ashbreather – Hivemind III (2022)

5. Psychonaut – Violate Consensus Reality (2022)

6. Ostraca – Heaven is Still (2023)

7. Dodheimsgard – Det tome kalde morke (2023)

8. Evergrey – Closure (2006)

9. Pestilence – Soul Search (1993)

10. Sikth – Cracks of Light (2017)

11. The Ocean – Permian: The Great Dying (2018)

12. Pain of Salvation – A Trace of Blood (2002)

13. TesseracT – The Grey (2023)

14. You Win Again Gravity – Paper Bodies (2023)

15. Aviations – Pure (2023)

16. The Anchoret – A Dead Man (2023)

17. Lucid Awakening – Aphelion (2021)

18. An Abstract Illusion – Slaves (2022)

19. Mastodon – Gigantium (2021)

20. Intronaut – Fast Worms (2015)

21. Haken ft. Courtney Swain – Canary Yellow (2023)

22. maudlin of the Well – Interlude 3 (2001)

23. Erra – Pale Iris (2023)

24. Cyborg Octopus – Old Stories (2022)

25. Vola – Paper Wolf (2023)  

I finally got around to listening to this album and it was interesting to hear where Northlane came from before they went full into alternative metal. The metalcore roots are still on display with Alien but they do not take as much from everywhere, which was commonplace in earlier Northlane records and other metalcore albums in general. Alien is far heavier than its later project, but the vocal stylings are more diverse and interesting thanks in part to a greater emphasis on harsh vocals and djent-y breakdowns. The album sure is mixed well and has more than enough solid moments to keep it above average, but knowing what we do now, its clear to see how transitory Alien was. As a result, some of the experimentation (especially on tracks like "Rift") don't hit at all and pull the album down as a result. Still, its a fine release and a clever one by a band who knew what they want to do and have carried on with refinement, much to the dismay of older Northlane/metalcore fans.

7/10

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1yFgscg5HWKGoIy2s0xRfG?si=fd6e82740749446f

1. All That Remains – Not Alone

2. Amaranthe – Countdown

3. Suicide Silence – Witness the Addiction

4. Electric Callboy – Everytime We Touch

5. Emmure – Looking A Gift Horse In The Mouth

6. Iris Official – I’m the Animal

7. Killswitch Engage – The Signal Fire

8. Trivium – Brave This Storm

9. All Shall Perish – Awaken the Dreamers

10. Whitechapel – When a Demon Defiles a Witch

11. As I Lay Dying – Parallels

12. Fit For A King – Anthem of the Defeated

13. Adept – Shark! Shark! Shark!

14. To The Grave – Red Dot Sight

15. Fit For An Autopsy – Iron Moon

16. Imminence – Jaded

17. Unearth – Mother Betrayal

18. Like Moth To Flame – Real Talk

19. Hatebreed – Weight of the False Self

20. Within Destruction – Plage of Immortality (feat. Dean Lamb)

21. After The Burial – To Carry You Away

22. Sea Of Treachery – Unleash The Serpents

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2Wtb5QsNObO9w62f7ThQNF?si=782f80a056a6454d

1. Arcturus – La masquerade infernale

2. Dødheimsgard – It Does Not Follow

3. Evergrey – Recreation Day

4. Sólstafir – Svatir Sandar

5. The Ocean – Subboreal

6. Rosetta – In & Yo / Dualities of the Way

7. While Heaven Wept – Icarus and I / Ardor

8. Symphony X – Pharoh

9. Between The Buried And Me – Voice Of Trespass

10. Dawn of Destiny – My Life Lies in Ruins

11. Holy Fawn – Drag Me into the Woods

12. Scar Symmetry – Reichsfall

13. Soen – Lucidity

14. Disperse – Message from Atlantis

15. Ebony Ark – True Friendship Never Die

16. Amogh Symphony – Decoded Karnosiris

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7aY7WjCGySb3Lb4x79Dk5T?si=5d4a7deaa4e64ce3

1. Asking Alexandria – Psycho

2. Breaking Benjamin – Never Again

3. Five Finger Death Punch – Mama Said Knock You Out

4. I Prevail – Paranoid

5. In This Moment – Rise With Me

6. Lacuna Coil – Never Dawn

7. Parkway Drive – Wishing Wells

8. POYNTE – In My Head

9. Rage Against The Machine – Down Rodeo

10. Dope – Dirty World

11. Sleep Token – Chokehold

12. Yakui The Maid – Nereid

13. Mudvayne – World so Cold

14. God Lives Underwater - No More Love

15. BABYMETAL – Onedari Daisakusen

16. TOOL – The Pot

17. Giraffe Tongue Orchestra – Back to the Light

18. Naïve – Mother Russia

19. Destiny Potato – Take a Picture

20. For The Fallen Dreams – No Heaven

21. Chevelle – Vitamin R (Leading Us Along)

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Wheel – Tyrant (2019)

4/5. A great start for this playlist! That's the kind of breathtaking music to appreciate with audible bass. However, I find the lyrics to be a little too obvious. And while I do love the music, it's a bit too much like TOOL. Though there is a bit of a Soen vibe in the ambient midsection. Also the excellent vocals sound like the smoother side of Linkin Park's Chester Bennington (RIP).

Breaking Benjamin – Red Cold River (2018)

4.5/5. This song is a true example of Breaking Benjamin's heavier potential. My brother has been a fan of this band since the beginning of his rock/metal interest over a decade ago, and he and I still find amazing songs from this band throughout all those years.

Coldrain – Bloody Power Fame (2022)

5/5. Now this is a thought-evoking anthem throwing back to their earlier alt-metal/post-hardcore roots of 10 years ago. It's certainly addictive with the tight guitar shredding and powerful clean choruses. No wonder it became another anime theme!

Evanescence – Haunted (2003)

3.5/5. One of my brother's favorite Evanescence songs, though it's quite strange, telling a horror story about a spirit trapping a girl in a haunted mansion for a decade.

Five Finger Death Punch – If I Fall (2011)

4/5. This one continues the heavy madness that would impress fellow bands of the NWOAHM such as Trivium.

I Prevail – Bow Down (2019)

4.5/5. A great song from one of my brother's recent favorite bands! "GET ON YOUR KNEES AND BOW DOWN!!!"

My Ruin – Silverlake (2008)

4/5. The sludgy alt-metal instrumentation is quite killer, but the rapping ruins it a bit.

Lacuna Coil – Sword of Anger (2019)

4.5/5. A great sensation of gothic alt-metal from the masters of that sound! Like holy sh*t, you can hear the vocal anger of Andrea Ferro alongside the beautiful voice of Cristina Scabbia. The amazing music comes out as almost a cross between Madness-era All That Remains, HIM, and We are the Fallen. Probably one of the best songs I've heard from this band! They've taken their heaviness and done it justice like true modern metal warriors.

Escape the Fate – Gorgeous Nightmare (2010)

2.5/5. This song I've heard from a music video I've watched 10 years ago. It sounded great back then, but now? Nope, it's just too d*mn repetitive. This attempt at a catchy chorus is annoying with plain-sounding instrumentation. I feel like skipping that track and erasing all memories of it from my mind.

New Years Day – Relentless (2015)

3/5. Although I support my brother's like for this band, Ash Costello's vocals sound a bit too whiny and emo there. Sorry, miss...

Parkway Drive – Shadow Boxing (2018)

3.5/5. This one introduces something different to the band; clean vocals and piano! It's a dark epic song, despite the strange rapping vocals throwing me off.

Ektomorf – Ten Plagues (2014)

4/5. Great track to end the playlist, despite sounding too much like mid-90s Sepultura.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2Wtb5QsNObO9w62f7ThQNF?si=9fd067002816400e

1. VOLA – Alien Shivers (2018) (49)

2. Scar Symmetry – Chrononautilus (2023) (6)

3. Azusa – Iniquitous Spiritual Praxis (2018)

4. Queensryche – The Mission (1988) (20)

5. Oceill – Course Bottom (2023) (7)

6. Burst – I Hold Vertigo (2008)

7. DVNE – Court of the Matriarch (2021) (19)

8. Evergrey – I’m Sorry (2003)

9. Slugdge – Crop Killer (2018) (36)

10. The Ocean – Unconformities (2023) (22)

11. An Abstract Illusion – In The Heavens Above, You Will Become a Monster (2022) (12)

12. In The Woods… - The Cave of Dreams (2016)

13. öOoOoOoOoOo – No Guts = No Masters (2016) (18)

14. Arjen Lucassen’s Supersonic Revolution – Odyssey (2023) (5)

15. Ne Obliviscaris – Misericorde II – Anatomy of Quiescence (2023)

16. Animals As Leaders – Arithmophobia (2016) (10)

17. Kardashev – Snow-Sleep (2020) (18)

18. Avenged Sevenfold – We Love You (2023) (37)

Before I make the thread for my June feature releases and playlists, I'd like to share my thoughts about this feature release that I skipped but have not caught up. Here's my review summary:

The late Wayne Static, along with bassist Tony Campos, guitarist Koichi Fukuka, and drummer Ken Jay have made pretty good industrial/nu metal straight outta California. What's interesting is the album title, coming from the 1973 Michael Lesy book. The programmed drumming shows the band's noise-powered industrial metal tendencies, while being easily performed with actual drums. Static's vocal range is impressive, ranging from shouts to cleans without difficulty. The atmospheric synths and heavy riffing are also essential to the album's sound. In the end, we get to have a nice lookback at the first work of the band Wayne Static is mostly known for. RIP Wayne....

4/5

I came into this record with no knowledge of Klone as a band either. I had just finished listening to the new Katatonia record Sky Void of Stars from earlier in the year and found it rather disappointing overall. Meanwhile, conversely, does not really seem like a record that is doing a whole lot different than a recent Katatonia album, but has its fair share of subtle deviances that snowball on one another to stand out amongst the influences. I, like Sonny, do feel like the album does get a little bit too comfortable at the halfway point, and Klone do not really seem super invested on developing their story beyond what has already been established on the first two songs. But the progressive tendencies are well executed, once again, the Katatonia influence is here in droves, but it doesn't sound like "another Katatonia album" and it features some excellent production, especially in the guitar leads.

4/5

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Veil of Maya – Mother Pt. 4 (2023)

5/5. HOLY MOTHER!!! Veil of Maya is back with an awesome piece of synthwave djentcore!

Cynic – Veil of Maya (2023)

4.5/5. And speaking of Veil of Maya, the song that inspired that band's name, along with other songs from Cynic's famous debut Focus, is getting a revamp for the album's 30th anniversary. Sean Malone and Reinert would be proud. RIP the two Seans...

Between the Buried and Me – Bad Habits (2021) 

4.5/5. This one mixes extreme prog blast beats, triumphant sections, strange organ duels, and celestial acoustics, having a greater cauldron than in The Great Misdirect, along with a lyrical reprise to "Ants of the Sky" (from Colors) at the end.

Car Bomb – Antipatterns (2019) 

5/5. This one ironically has its own pattern in the structure. It starts heavy again with a breakdown before building up and collapsing into a cinematic ending of operatic synth reverb. The heat begins to cool down...

Slice the Cake – Westward Bound, Pt. 1 – The Lantern (2023)

4.5/5. The vocalist for this band can f***ing easily switch from cleans to growls, which is amazing, especially in the climax after a bit of repetition. Sheer poetry throughout the lyrics! "IF I GO WESTWARD!!!" Magic purity all over until the end riff!

Amorphis – Northwards (2022)

5/5. One of the best songs from Amorphis' latest album, a bit similar to Opeth!

Enslaved – Nauthir Bleeding (2015)

4.5/5. This one has the best of the clean vocals by keyboardist Herbrand Larsen, who would end up leaving the band a year after this album.

Green Carnation – Crushed to Dust (2003)

4/5. Now let's hear some more of that Amorphis-like style in a more punk-ish sound. A great song from a band I've been enjoying for a year and a half now.

Stone Healer – In the Spoke of Night (2021)

4.5/5. The album's fantastic intense finale for this offering. Hell breaks loose in the riffing, in a progressive balance with the band's more melodic side. Talk about a kick-A closing summary of their progressive black metal! However, the playlist is far from over, though I have one more song to comment on...

The Ocean – Swallowed by the Earth (2010)

5/5. An awesome way for me to head out, with spacey reverb in the midsection that helps The Ocean expand their new style.