Shadowdoom9 (Andi)'s Forum Replies

Despite heading back to the melodic progressive/power metal zone, I enjoy a few of the more modern metalcore bands, like this formerly Christian metalcore band from Phoenix, Arizona:

And this Finnish band that started off as modernized old-school thrash metal but ending up going the alt-metal/metalcore route starting with their 2020 album:

Early Norwegian progressive/power metal with wonderful singing by Roy Khan who would later join Kamelot:

Once again, my return to The Guardians has caused my heavy/power/symphonic metal interest to be reborn and rapidly expand. Here are 6 bands of those genres that I've heard of when I was still completely in that zone 10 years ago (except The Dark Element), but didn't start listening to them full-time until I rediscovered them in the playlists that I've assembled in the last few months:

Ben, please add the 2003 Cream Abdul Babar / Teen Cthulhu split album.

Breaking boundaries further is this standout featuring the Stimmgewalt choir, sounding similar to Moonspell's more symphonic works:

Another well-done piece of gothic/industrial metal:

Starting off hard is this majestic opener of aggression and beauty:

An epic rendition of a Pet Shop Boys classic, even more than Gamma Ray's cover:

The melancholy sounds absolutely right in this gothic cover of a Bronski Beat hit:

A highlight by these masters of war-themed power metal, sounding both catchy and epic:

A grand majestic 10-minute epic summarizing all this album has:

The Chronicles of Eden is one of the most essential compilation albums for a band, with the first disc consisting of bonus tracks for their first 5 albums, including this awesome cover of a James Bond movie theme:

And the second disc having two full songs per album; one greatest hit and one 8+ minute epic, the latter including one of the most melodic epics I've heard in my over a decade of listening to metal:

A massive 12-minute epic with killer riffing, synths, and vocals by a few of the guest vocalists:

And there are some more of those splendid vocals from those vocalists and a couple more in the bonus track:

Here's my one submission for the October Horde playlist, Sonny:

Warmen - "Untouched" (from Band of Brothers, 2025)

Here's my one submission for the October Fallen playlist, Sonny:

Within Temptation - "Enter" (from Enter, 1997)

Children of Bodom-esque melodeath from a band once known for its neoclassical power metal sound:

Perhaps the most Christmas-like melodic metal song since some songs by Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Majestica's Christmas Carol, worth listening in the holiday season:

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

With my recent return to The Guardians, I've become more determined to discover more heavy/power metal that's either brand-new or I haven't heard before but wish I had 10 years ago when those two genres were my main focus. This month's Guardians feature release is worth continuing my journey. It's time to check out this band Blazon Rite and listen to them sing their Wild Rites and Ancient Songs! It's quite a promising album with tough instrumentation and melodic writing. I also love the song titles, even though they all look like those AI-generated song titles with at least 5 words each. Considering the amount of bands who get put down for any alleged usage of AI, I just hope this band doesn't get wrongfully accused. The songs are often midpaced or fast, though they can slow down for the occasional bard-sung waltz. In the modern age of metal, not many people expect epic melodies within the way of classic heavy/power metal, but bands like Blazon Rite still have their exciting glory. It's great hearing this band bring more life to a style of metal that has withered decades after its highest peak. This offering shall appeal to listeners wanting more epicness and melody in metal without any cheese or orchestra. It's a Blazon Rite of passage!

4.5/5

A fantastic highlight resurrecting the earlier thrashy aggression:

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

Creativity and technology were really advancing in the 90s. ONE MAN, Klayton decided to put his music skills to the test as a once-unknown man determined to fulfill his vision. His project Circle of Dust takes on industrial metal fury that has given him a reasonable fanbase. Turmoils over record labels and the target audience caused the end of the project. He would start his next project Celldweller and formed his own label FiXT, having more electronic rock/industrial metal freedom. Early hints of Circle of Dust returning came in 2015 with a couple remixes of Celldweller and Scandroid (his electronic side-project) tracks. Later that year, it was announced that he finally regained to the albums he made as Circle of Dust, as well as Argyle Park, re-releasing them in remastered forms with a huge array of bonus material. While he has completely brought all of his 90s work back to light, there was one thing left to prove that Circle of Dust isn't dead... A new album! Machines of Our Disgrace, released in late 2016, has the blazing aggression of industrial metal you've known from Circle of Dust, probably the best album since Brainchild. Some of the best lyrics, riffs, keys, and samples can be found in this album. There's more of the cyber complexity from the first two albums as well as the synths and beats of Disengage. Well-produced compositions push through the limits of industrial metal, coming out as another perfect achievement. The music and lyrics are both heavy and compelling, with the concept of striking back against the mechanical atrocities of the world. Klayton has proven himself to be a master of industrial rock/metal, and longtime fans can enjoy this music that's so complex and intense. Circle of Dust has returned, and the vision has come full circle!

5/5

Recommended tracks: "Machines of Our Disgrace", "Contagion", "Humanarchy", "Hive Mind", "Outside In", "Neurachem", "Neophyte"

For fans of: Argyle Park, Blue Stahli, Celldweller

Yet another highlight worth giving lots of praise to, for some of its different versions:

I also enjoy this Blue Stahli remix of a different track from the album:

These tracks were in the original 1992 edition of Circle of Dust's self-titled debut and were never re-recorded because of how much Klayton hated them. And I have to agree, these two sh*tty tracks should never have existed:

I really dig this Circle of Dust highlight, so much so that I love a few different versions of it:

An awesome piece of industrial rock/metal greatness:

But this Blue Stahli remix from the deluxe remastering gives another already great song more life:

Another true anthem of melodic deathcore:

An absolutely phenomenal melodic deathcore highlight! WILL YOU PURSUE?!

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

There has been some talk about As Blood Runs Black's debut Allegiance being similar to The Black Dahlia Murder. I haven't listened to a lot of that band, but based on the few songs I've heard from TBDM, I can totally understand. Allegiance I would consider more of a blend of deathcore and melodeath. And everything is in perfect place, including the breakdowns! This is also back when melodic deathcore was more deathly and less blackened/symphonic than their younger peers. Allegiance has the fast guitarwork, melodic soloing, and brutal breakdowns to expect in any metalcore/deathcore album. Vocals range from blackened to deathly. Lots of blast beats are used in the drumming. And the songs are all under 5 minutes in length, so don't expect any progressive epics. The breakdowns actually have audible bass which isn't quite common in other parts of the album. This album would've been 100% perfect but ends up getting a couple percentage points knocked off for a beautiful yet unfitting acoustic interlude in the middle. Still, Allegiance is the best place for anyone wanting to test out deathcore for the first time without going into the popular new wave of symphonic blackened deathcore. I just hope As Blood Runs Black would return with another masterpiece like this without any acoustic interludes. We need more straight-up melodic deathcore, seriously!

5/5

Recommended tracks: "In Dying Days", "My Fears Have Become Phobias", "The Brighter Side of Suffering", "Strife (Chug Chug)", "Legends Never Die"

For fans of: All Shall Perish, The Black Dahlia Murder, The Crimson Armada

Another glorious 7-minute epic of unforgiving riffing:

This massive 80-minute journey is all worth it once you reach this 10-minute sonic behemoth of a closing epic:

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

A decade had passed since the djenty debut album by Vildhjarta, Masstaden, the album that pushed the boundaries of djent just like when Meshuggah invented it in the mid-90s. The long wait for their second album is partially because of Calle Thomer (guitar) and Buster Odeholm (drums) being focused on fellow thall developer Humanity's Last Breath. They still have their perfect groove-ish progressive djent in this next album, the massive 80-minute Masstaden Under Vatten (Seagull Town Underwater)! While thall can mean anything, I would say it's as evil and strong as Thrall, the World of Warcraft character that inspired the genre's name. This is exemplified by the complexity, atmosphere, and downtuned heaviness that make the subgenre, following the band's unconventional ways including no set structure, destructive riffing, and clean melody only used for haunting atmosphere, thereby maintaining the band's aggressive evolution. The talent of each member shines from the vocals of Vilhelm Bladin, the drums of Odeholm, the guitars of Thomer and Daniel Bergstrom, and the bass of Johan Nyberg, all drifting through dark djenty waters. The thall sound has opened up dimensions of darkness and brutality that barely any other band could. This is true kaos!

5/5

Recommended tracks: "Nar De Du Alskar Kommer Tillbaka Fran De Doda", "Toxin", "Den Helige Anden", "Passage Noir", "Vagabond", "Detta Drommars Skote en Sloja Till Ormars Naste", "Sunset Sunrise", "Sunset Sunrise Sunset Sunrise", "Paaradiso"

For fans of: Humanity's Last Breath, Meshuggah, Reflections

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

Blue Stahli - "Not Over Til We Say So" (3:41) from The Devil (2015)

A Dark Halo - "Unbreakable" (4:27) from Catalyst (2006)

The Interbeing - "In the Transcendence" (3:08) from Edge of the Obscure (2011)

Mechina - "Praise Hydrus" (8:15) from Venator (2022)

Neurotech - "Escapism" (6:22) from Exo Escapism (2025)

Omega Lithium - "Point Blank" (3:57) from Dreams in Formaline (2009)

Total length: 29:50

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

The Breathing Process - "Metamorphosis" (4:21) from Odyssey (Un)Dead (2010)

Cave In - "N.I.B." (4:17) from Anomalies, Vol. 1 (2010) (RIP Ozzy Osbourne)

Fear of Domination - "Inner Lies" (4:03) from VI: Revelation (2021)

It Dies Today - "Marigold" (3:06) from The Caitiff Choir (2004)

We Came as Romans - "Dreams" (4:15) from To Plant a Seed (2009)

While She Sleeps - "Gates of Paradise" (5:20) from So What? (2019)

Winds of Plague - "The Impaler" (3:01) from Decimate the Weak (2008)

Total length: 28:23

For the October Infinite playlist, I'd like to nominate this long epic that's one of the best of melodic progressive metal:

Symphony X - "The Odyssey" (24:09) from The Odyssey (2002)

Here are my sneak peek submissions for the October Guardians playlist:

Galneryus - "My Hope is Gone" (7:00) from Into the Purgatory (2019)

Masterplan - "Music" (7:27) from PumpKings (2017)

Powerwolf - "Fire & Forgive" (4:30) from The Sacrament of Sin (2018)

Visions of Atlantis - "Lemuria" (3:41) from Cast Away (2004)

Warkings - "Armata Strigoi" (4:14) from Morgana (2022)

Total length: 26:52

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Architects - "Deep Fake" from The Classic Symptoms of a Broken Spirit (2022)

4/5. The opening track of its original album and this playlist has the band's typical riff-wrath in a slower industrial march. The lyrics pay tribute to their previous album, "But the rest of us wish to exist". We have a killer blend of riffs and synths here. It's clear that they're following Bring Me the Horizon's footsteps during their Post Human era. Sam Carter even channels his own Oli Sykes in the heavy chorus. Carter might be able to sing that one song featuring Sykes by himself. Anyway, great track!

Lord of the Lost, Within Temptation - "Light Can Only Shine in the Darkness" from Light Can Only Shine in the Darkness (2025)

4.5/5. Lord of the Lost and Sharon den Adel are practically a match made in Heaven! Her vocals shining in the band's symphonic/industrial metal sound adds a new dimension of dark yet bright serenity.

Mechina - "Vanquisher" from Acheron (2015)

5/5. Another powerful highlight, this one working well separately from the concept as a pre-release single.

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

5/5. This highlight already shows the band's audacity of beginning with a verse of brutal guitar and growls and then switching to a clean bridge midway through. Well played!

Misery Loves Co. - "Sonic Attack" from Misery Loves Co. (1995)

3.5/5. This one starts off in a ballad-like pace, then the sharp riffing aggression continues.

Acumen Nation - "Queener" from Territory=Universe (1996)

4/5. A great track of electro-industrial metal. RIP James Duffy

Tyrant of Death - "Because Death is Not Ready Yet" from Re Connect (2012)

4.5/5. It's sad that some talented people have to go, but death is not ready yet for this underrated shining star of djenty industrial metal, Alex Rise.

Mass Hysteria - "Matiere Noire" from Matiere Noire (2015)

4/5. The beginning samples here sound like a NASA rocket launch, great metaphor for this song blasting off into French industrial metal.

Sonic Violence - "Ritual" from Jagd (1990)

4.5/5. This one is a loud puncher with simple yet intriguing lyrics, "For devotion, read mental abuse, to bind together, the love prostitutes".

Killing Joke - "Mathematics of Chaos" from Pandemonium (1994)

4/5. This one takes you into a metallic trance, as the wizardry of the instrumentation is in clear production, thanks to Youth.

Zynthetic - "Bled Dry" from Soundtrack for the Apocalypse (2010)

4.5/5. My brother enjoys playing "shoot 'em up" video games like Killing Floor and Left 4 Dead. He also likes the soundtrack, whether it's the OST or rock/metal bands contributing with their own songs. From the 20-second intro, you're already in for some eerie electro-industrial metal with background growls/screams. You can have fun slaying your enemies in the game while listening to this track. Quite inspiring despite having absolute zero lyrics. This also might remind some of Nine Inch Nails' more experimental noise material. In these kinds of games, it's all about skill and survival.

Rammstein - "Ich Will" from Mutter (2001)

4/5. The keyboard/guitar rhythm is so catchy though can get tiring after many listens. This song of desire for fame has made a fantastic live staple.

OOMPH! - "Breathtaker" from Sperm (1994)

3.5/5. Indeed what the title suggests, unlike most of that album.

Circle of Dust - "Deviate (Blue Stahli Remix)" from alt_Machines (2018)

5/5. Klayton and Blue Stahli have remixed so many of each other's tracks. They should really make a collaboration album sometime! One of the best remixes by Blue Stahli!

Illidiance - "Mind Hunters" from Damage Theory (2010)

4.5/5. Fear Factory has planted the seed for the cyber metal subgenre, with one of those bands including Illidiance. Sybreed and Breach the Void are definitely part of that wave too. And don't forget the more epic bands like Mechina and Neurotech. Anyway, I enjoy the clean/harsh vocal harmonies, definitely like a more futuristic Disarmonia Mundi and The Human Abstract.

Realize - "In Silence" from Two Human Minutes (2023)

4/5. Now we're getting into a more experimental lineup of tracks, starting with this one.

Raubtier - "Varldsherravalde" from Skriet Fran Vildmarken (2010)

3.5/5. Not as highly experimental as the next few tracks, but there are interesting parts to like such as the second verse one and a half minutes in.

Skymning - "Trolltekk / Aggrotekk" from Machina Genova (2004)

3/5. This one's more aggrotech-ish than I accounted for while still metal.

Bong-Ra - "Bloodclot" from Black Noise (2025)

3.5/5. Now we have a straight-on interlude, but it's better than the previous track.

NOWHERE2RUN, Loathe - "Ant in the Afterbirth" from Ant in the Afterbith (2024)

4/5. Members of Code Orange and Loathe have collaborated with each other for a cyber industrial track. It has a similar vibe to late-80s Ministry and Marilyn Manson, the latter whom Reba Meyers has been performing with lately.

Turmion Katilot - "Helvetin Torvet" from Universal Satan (2018)

4.5/5. In this excellent gem, you can hear some of the most diverse lyrics from the band, all fitting well with the music they're known for.

Atrocious Filth - "Moans" (5:21) from Moans (2016)

4/5. Lots of atmospheric power similar to the late 80s industrial metal developing classics by Godflesh and Ministry.

Eisbrecher - "Atem" from Die Holle Muss Warten (2012)

4.5/5. One more hauntingly beautiful Neue Deutsche Harte track.

Neurotech - "Memory Eternal" from Memory Eternal (2024)

5/5. This one is a progressive cyber metal monument. Pretty much everything Neurotech fans love is in in this 8-minute epic. A much better one than the title track of Solace!

Fear of Domination - "Ruin" from Metanoia (2018)

5/5. The absolute best highlight of its original album and this playlist! It's one of the most experimental tracks by the band, starting off doomy before exploding into a ballad when some Apocalyptica-like cellos and jazzy magic. So different yet a perfect way out!

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

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Aftershock - "Prelude to Forever" from Through the Looking Glass (1999)

4/5. It's not often a metalcore album or playlist starts with a 7 and a half minute epic, but here we are. Ambient feedback rises before a couple minutes of heavy sludgy riffing and drumming. So basically, the first third of the song is an instrumental. As the vocals come in, the tempo in the riffing slowly increases from mid-tempo to finally reaching a punky thrash pace. This is early groove-ish metalcore at its finest, sounding quite heavy without ever having to resort low djent tunings. Fast riffing, catchy hooks, and deathly breakdowns, all in the moderately heavy drop C tuning. What more can you ask for in metalcore?

Overcast - "Root Bound Apollo" from Reborn to Kill Again (2008)

4.5/5. Thundering riffs and rhythms continue in this song that was meant to be for Overcast's then-shelved 3rd album and ended up in Shadows Fall's album Of One Blood. It still remains one of my favorite early-ish metalcore songs with a fast searing Metallica-like solo, alongside the thrashy riffing and vocals.

Nora - "For the Travelers" from Loser's Intuition (2001)

4/5. Then we have one of the heaviest anthems I've heard from this band. The riffs and tempo practically shapeshift into different forms, even slowing down for the dark effects of Godflesh. Indeed for the metalcore travelers!

Zao - "The Race of Standing Still" from (Self-Titled) (2001)

4.5/5. Songs like this remain eternal classics, just like many of the tracks from albums like Where Blood and Fire Bring Rest. The intro might remind some of Deftones before their usual metalcore rises. "RISING TOWARDS IT!!!" They can sing about death without adding deathly elements to their music. This band, Haste the Day, and Poison the Well would bring metalcore to a greater light in the early 2000s.

August Burns Red - "Composure" from Messengers (2007)

5/5. One of the band's best and most popular songs, with lyrics about keeping yourself together and carrying on. The song itself features an exciting headbanging breakdown with dual guitar harmony.

Poison the Well - "12/23/93" from The Opposite of December... A Season of Separation (1999)

5/5. After the beginning drum roll by Chris Hornbrook, there's a lot of fury from the guitar and vocals. Jeffrey Moreira has wonderful vocals as he screams well-written lyrics at the top of his lungs. Not a lot of metalcore vocalists have the same rage as Jeffrey, and that's probably good health-wise. That, along with active smoking and when he used his screaming offstage after finding out the band's equipment was stolen, would lead to him suffering a collapsed lung, but he recovered. Anyway, he also does some clean singing that helps the band standout among other early metalcore bands.

The Breathing Process - "Inferno" from In Waking: Divinity (2008)

4.5/5. An earlier track from the I Am Legion demo, and I love the clean chorus here. If they had more of that in the actual album, I would rate it higher.

Neaera - "Desecrators" from Let the Tempest Come (2006)

4/5. Another kick-A track from this melodeath/metalcore band bordering in deathcore.

Strife - "Lift" (3:35) from One Truth (1994)

3.5/5. This one lifts things up through hardcore fire.

Blood of the Martyrs - "I Know Why the Caged Bird Kills" (3:41) from Once More With Feeling (2011)

5/5. Absolutely loving this track. The drumming isn't totally perfect, but everything else it. More from this band please!

The Dillinger Escape Plan - "Horse Hunter" (3:11) from Ire Works (2007)

4.5/5. An amazing track usual TDEP mathcore before going into their Zappa influences, more furious groove, spacey synths, and guest vocals by Mastodon's Brent Hinds. This was a last-minute addition to the playlist after finding out about Brent's passing. RIP

Car Bomb - "Blindsides" from Tiles Whispers Dreams (2025)

4.5/5. Savage drumming and guitar by Elliot Hoffman and Greg Kubacki, respectively. It might be worth listening to in a car ride, but at the risk of ending up in sonic speed.

Converge - "Worms Will Feed / Rats Will Feast" from Axe to Fall (2009)

5/5. This crushing two-part choice cut slows the action down to sludgy doom.

Frontierer - "Bunsen" from Orange Mathematics (2015)

4.5/5. More of the mathcore action comes in with tons of noisy distortion in a catchy fashion.

Cult Leader - "Craft of Mourning" from A Patient Man (2018)

4/5. Some of the most f***ing deathly mathcore I've heard! Some might get Cannibal Corpse/Spawn of Possession vibes here.

Drown in Sulphur - "The Sleeping Abomination" from Sulphur Cvlt (2021)

4.5/5. The lyrics strike with their dark universal concept in the best song of this Drown in Sulphur album.

Mental Cruelty - "Chapter II - The Rise of the Antichrist" from Purgatorium (2018)

5/5. One of the most technical tracks by this band. This relentless charger is like a more brutal Within the Ruins!

A Wake in Providence - "The Court ov the Trinity" from Eternity (2022)

5/5. This one very well summarizes both this deathcore trilogy and its original trilogy with lots of exciting moments. In all honesty, the original trilogy really should be performed in a live setting in its entirety. No separating the tracks!

The Red Chord - "Breed the Cancer" from Fused Together in Revolving Doors (2002)

4.5/5. Another perfect highlight! Though this one I consider outside of that deathcore trilogy.

Spitfire - "Quintenessence at Glance" from The Dead Next Door (1999)

4.5/5. One of the most quintessential songs in early math/metalcore, with Rosetta-esque sludgy tempo.

Trivium - "Bury Me With My Screams" from Bury Me With My Screams (2025)

5/5. Trivium is back with a vengeance, filled with awesome heavy groove. Hopefully the Struck Dead EP would lead up to the new album next year.

Annisokay - "Into the Gray" from Abyss Pt II (2025)

4.5/5. Another powerful new track, this one being more of a ballad, sounding like a more electronic Imminence. Nice vocals by both vocalists!

Avenged Sevenfold - "Second Heartbeat" from Waking the Fallen (2003)

4/5. F***ing underrated track compared to their more popular singles. The ending solo is one of the best by the band, especially with its drop C tuning.

Vision of Disorder - "Jada Bloom" from Imprint (1998)

4.5/5. Late 90s metalcore has spawned some great treasures. It really touches my heart as pretty much one of the first ever uplifting metalcore ballads. I've also heard that one of their songs (not this one) features Phil Anselmo. The beat is still quite hammering, along with the addictive heavy starting riff. Around that time, this band and Fear Factory were the ones popularizing this clean/scream blend. So f***ing beautiful, especially that second half!

Hope for the Dying - "Legacy" from Legacy (2016)

5/5. My ultimate favorite track of its original album and this playlist is the 9-minute title epic that really packs some punches. A smooth two-minute bridge comes in midway through before some blazing soloing out of nowhere. Then it ends with soft strings.

Wolves at the Gate - "The Father's Bargain" from VxV (2014)

4.5/5. "What kind of love is this, friends? What kind of love is that is so big, so without bounds, that He would come, He would want, He would want to do so much to rescue people who wanted nothing to do with Him? Who fought Him even when He came to cleave us from hell? What kind of love is it that sees us in our filth, comes to rescue us, sees us resist that rescue, but continues to rescue us anyway? What foolishness is this? That He would come offer us rescue and we would say, 'No!' Why? What are we gaining by our resistance? Oh, how glorious He is, that He saw you like that and didn’t give up!" A well-spoken quote from this Christian metalcore track to end this playlist, suitable for anyone whether or not raised as a Christian.

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

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Anacrusis – Release (1993)

5/5. Let's start with a highlight that tackles a style similar to earlier progressive rock/metal. A remix would later appear as a bonus track for its original album.

Between the Buried and Me - Obfuscation (2009)

4.5/5. This one can fit well as a single that should've been recorded and released between Alaska and Colors. It also shows the soft-hard blend they've used since The Silent Circus. All in all, an excellent piece of progressive action!

Fallujah – Kaleidoscopic Waves (2025)

5/5. One of the best tracks from the new Fallujah album! I love the bass work by Evan Brewer (formerly of Animosity and The Faceless).

Leprous – Painful Detour (2012)

4.5/5. Somehow you can consider this the Aerosmith "Dream On" of modern progressive metal. There are also some early prog-rock vibes here, plus some nice lyrics like "Building a castle, foundation on the sound". For the next couple minutes after that lyrics, some Opeth/Pain of Salvation-isms come in, leading to an amazing rhythm right around the middle. One minute later, it gets heavier and more epic. Then another minute later, a one-minute funky solo rising up to that "Dream On"-like chorus once more.

Mastodon – Naked Burn (2004)

4/5. RIP Brent Hinds... G****mn it, I wish I hadn't lost interest in this band a few years ago. I really need to appreciate a lot of the work the band has put in their music, including Brent's riffing and vocals. Lots of classic hits I still remember in Leviathan.

Mastodon - The Beast (2021)

3.5/5. This one's a heavier beast than the other Mastodon track, but having a little too much of a country vibe. Still I can accept this tribute to Brent Hinds. Again, RIP

The Ocean Collective – The Grand Inquisitor II: Roots & Locusts (2010)

4/5. The Ocean is still going strong, despite much of the lineup having left in the year of this comment.

The Third and the Mortal – Silently I Surrender (2004)

4.5/5. A more progressive while still doomy 8-minute epic.

Threshold – The Man Who Saw Through Time (2017)

5/5. Oh my f***ing word, what a masterpiece! Since I'm really getting back into the more melodic zone of 10 years ago, I might just give this band a second chance after my "touch and let go" moment 5 years ago. It's one of the most beautiful melodic progressive metal epics, and it could practically make the soundtrack of a short film. The guitar and keyboard soloing near the 7 and a half minute mark is so perfectly unique, as are Glynn Morgan's vocals. He should really guest appear in the next Ayreon album!

Voivod – Meteor (1995)

4.5/5. Another killer track, throwing back to the Killing Technology era.

Wheel – Movement (2021)

4/5. The more rock-ish progressive metal sound might remind some of Soen. This month's playlist may be over, but the progressive metal wheel shall keep moving!

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Blind Guardian - "Imaginations From the Other Side" from Imaginations From the Other Side (1995)

5/5. The opening title track of this absolute gem of a Blind Guardian album is one of the best album openers and power metal songs I've heard in my life. It picks up where things left off from the end of their previous album Somewhere Far Beyond, this time with more atmospheric structure. The vocal density would be further displayed in the next album Nightfall in Middle-Earth, as well as those harmonic guitar leads. EPIC!!!!

Galneryus - "Finally, It Comes!" from The Stars Will Light the Way (2024)

5/5. I think I just found my new favorite Japanese metal band in Galneryus. The music and lyrics are so strong and never disappoint. This song in particular takes many cues from their earlier songs has the same "stars and space" vibe as DragonForce. They've also taken on 7-string B-flat tuning similar to recent Trivium.

Trivium - "Until the World Goes Cold" from Silence in the Snow (2015)

3/5. Speaking of Trivium's new 7-string B-flat-tuned era, well... This one is kind of a plodding track, but still an acceptable hit in a Guardians playlist.

Black Sabbath - "Hole in the Sky" from Sabotage (1975)

3.5/5. Time for one of a couple tributes here to the late mighty Ozzy Osbourne, sadly already taken to Heaven. RIP

Battle Beast - "Here We Are" from Here We Are (2025)

4/5. Earlier this year, I wasn't thinking I would actually return to The Guardians, but HERE WE ARE!!! And I'll never regret it any time soon! All the band members have power and talent shining within them.

Metal Church - "Metal Church" from Metal Church (1984)

3.5/5. Should there be a metal mosque for Muslims like me? Anyway, this is a good mind-blowing classic, but I think it's more suited for people from my dad's generation.

Halford - "Resurrection" from Resurrection (2000)

4/5. Rob Halford is quite f***ing impressive in his vocal range, able to keep his highs going from the intro onwards.

Judas Priest - "The Serpent and the King" from Invincible Shield (2024)

4.5/5. And there's more of Halford's vocal power in his main band Judas Priest. He still sounds as mighty as he was in the 70s and 80s, and the other band members have strong fire within their respective instruments. So monstrous with nothing wasted!

Ozzy Osbourne - "Believer" from Diary of a Madmen (1981)

4/5. Another great tribute to the Prince of Darkness who brought metal to the light of day. RIP him and Randy Rhoads. Fantastic earth-shattering soloing from the latter at the 3-minute mark! These lyrics should help motivate you to believe in yourself.

Crimson Glory - "Masque of the Red Death" from Transcendence (1988)

4.5/5. Now this song continues to kick a**! RIP Midnight, another fallen legend of a vocalist. I should really listen to this band and album more, as I had a few years before this comment. His high vocals covering the last minute of the track shows that he and vocalists from other bands like Queensryche need more attention, not pop stars like Ed Sheeran whose vocal range is more limited yet still get all the fame. Classic music like this should never be forgotten!

Accept - "Shadow Soldiers" from Stalingrad (2012)

4/5. Wolf Hoffmann is a master of the guitar in German classic metal. His work should be appreciated as much as other guitar heroes in the rest of Europe, UK, and America.

Mercyful Fate - "Melissa" from Melissa (1983)

4.5/5. Beautiful melancholy and strong lyrical poetry! As I'm already 26, my music mind has expanded more in different areas, mostly metal of course. I don't mind a small bit from this band that would plant the seed for satanism in metal that would form the lyrical basis of black metal. I love the guitar leads in the intro that the soloing 4 minutes later. Why take something like that for granted!? The drumming is also good, and while I enjoy King Diamond's vocals, I wish it would have the same power Rob Halford has.

Manowar - "Battle Hymn" from Battle Hymns (1982)

4/5. I probably would've love this band a lot more when I was 16 and enjoy the sh*t out of fantasy-filled heavy/power metal, but back then I wasn't into music from the 80s or earlier. Just like the previous track, the best guitar soloing happens in over the 4-minute mark. I also love the epic vocals here!

Sabaton - "The Duelist" from The Duelist (2025)

4.5/5. Songs like this should also be appreciated for the music and lyrical concept. Simply cool!

Beyond the Black - "Break the Silence" from Break the Silence (2025)

5/5. I'm really breaking my symphonic metal silence with the first of not one but 3 gems from bands of that genre that I wish I discovered 10 years prior! This would be a grand recommendation for symphonic metal fans!

Xandria - "Fight Me" from India (2005)

5/5. I only just started hearing about Xandria a couple years ago when temporarily filling in for Xephyr in assembling the Guardians playlists. This is the first song from this band that I actually consider perfect! Lisa Middelhauve has some of the best female singing around.

Amberian Dawn - "River of Tuoni" from River of Tuoni (2008)

5/5. I've actually encountered this track 10 years before this comment but for some reason, that band didn't hop aboard my symphonic/power metal train at the time. Now I realize how epic this song is, as the lyrics take on the death of Lemminkäinen from the Kalevala. The intro riffing sounds cool, though the real beauty comes the voice of an angel, Heidi Parviainen, singing smoothly and serenely, just like Tarja Turunen. I should keep up this search for underrated symphonic/power metal bands. H*ll, I really want to move to Finland and the rest of Scandinavia for some awesome metal there. This band should really be as popular as Nightwish, Epica, and Within Temptation.

Within Temptation - "Iron" from The Unforgiving (2011)

4.5/5. And speaking of Within Temptation, this track is so heavy and epic, right from the intro riffing onwards. The song itself reminds me of DragonForce's "Cry Thunder" and it's better at that than those poor rip-offs like Warkings' cover of that song and Sabaton's "Union".

Kiuas - "Warrior Soul" from The Spirit of Ukko (2005)

5/5. A f***ing hammering power metal anthem. Enough said!

Golden Resurrection - "Identity in Christ" from Man with a Mission (2011)

4.5/5. That's right, Christian neoclassical power metal exists! Christian Liljegren has amazing widely ranged vocals as he sings about the eternal truth and finding his identity in his god. These kinds of lyrics help the band stand out amongst the power metal scene of bands like Rhapsody of Fire, Blind Guardian, Sabaton, and Powerwolf.

Yngwie Malmsteen - "World on Fire" from World on Fire (2016)

4.5/5. In a time when metal is about adding more guitar strings than just 6 per guitar, Yngwie Malmsteen still has his 6-string magic. Lots of incredible different changes in the guitar tone here. He can really go fast and furious!

Visions of Atlantis - "Seven Seas" from Trinity (2007)

5/5. And now we slow down for one of the best songs by Visions of Atlantis! Well, as much as I love the vocals by Melissa Ferlaak, their first female vocalist Nicole Bogner really helped the band out in their earlier years. RIP...

Dark Moor - "Dies Irae (Amadeus)" from The Gates of Oblivion (2002)

5/5. Then at last, we reach the epic climax of this playlist, paying tribute to Mozart's works. The most incredible guitar technicality by Enrik Garcia is one of the many things that make this Dark Moor's most fascinating epic. As incredible as this is, I feel like there could've been slight trimming to tone down some of the repetition. Still I wouldn't change a thing, and it's all worth it in the end. One tiny miniscule flaw won't weigh anything down.

Stratovarius - "Goodbye" from Fright Night (1989)

4.5/5. Now how about a beautiful yet melancholic acoustic outro to end it all? Goodbye until next time in the Guardians playlist....

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

September 2025

1. Architects - "Deep Fake" from The Classic Symptoms of a Broken Spirit (2022) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

2. Lord of the Lost, Within Temptation - "Light Can Only Shine in the Darkness" from Light Can Only Shine in the Darkness (2025)

3. Mechina - "Vanquisher" from Acheron (2015) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

4. Fear Factory - "Martyr" from Soul of a New Machine (1992)

5. Misery Loves Co. - "Sonic Attack" from Misery Loves Co. (1995)

6. Acumen Nation - "Queener" from Territory=Universe (1996)

7. Tyrant of Death - "Because Death is Not Ready Yet" from Re Connect (2012)

8. Mass Hysteria - "Matiere Noire" from Matiere Noire (2015)

9. Sonic Violence - "Ritual" from Jagd (1990)

10. Killing Joke - "Mathematics of Chaos" from Pandemonium (1994)

11. Zynthetic - "Bled Dry" from Soundtrack for the Apocalypse (2010)

12. Rammstein - "Ich Will" from Mutter (2001)

13. OOMPH! - "Breathtaker" from Sperm (1994)

14. Circle of Dust - "Deviate (Blue Stahli Remix)" from alt_Machines (2018) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

15. Illidiance - "Mind Hunters" from Damage Theory (2010) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

16. Realize - "In Silence" from Two Human Minutes (2023)

17. Raubtier - "Varldsherravalde" from Skriet Fran Vildmarken (2010)

18. Skymning - "Trolltekk / Aggrotekk" from Machina Genova (2004)

19. Bong-Ra - "Bloodclot" from Black Noise (2025)

20. NOWHERE2RUN, Loathe - "Ant in the Afterbirth" from Ant in the Afterbith (2024)

21. Turmion Katilot - "Helvetin Torvet" from Universal Satan (2018)

22. Atrocious Filth - "Moans" (5:21) from Moans (2016)

23. Eisbrecher - "Atem" from Die Holle Muss Warten (2012)

24. Neurotech - "Memory Eternal" from Memory Eternal (2024) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

25. Fear of Domination - "Ruin" from Metanoia (2018) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

September 2025

1. Aftershock - "Prelude to Forever" from Through the Looking Glass (1999)

2. Overcast - "Root Bound Apollo" from Reborn to Kill Again (2008)

3. Nora - "For the Travelers" from Loser's Intuition (2001)

4. Zao - "The Race of Standing Still" from (Self-Titled) (2001) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

5. August Burns Red - "Composure" from Messengers (2007) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

6. Poison the Well - "12/23/93" from The Opposite of December... A Season of Separation (1999)

7. The Breathing Process - "Inferno" from In Waking: Divinity (2008) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

8. Neaera - "Desecrators" from Let the Tempest Come (2006) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

9. Strife - "Lift" (3:35) from One Truth (1994)

10. Blood of the Martyrs - "I Know Why the Caged Bird Kills" (3:41) from Once More With Feeling (2011)

11. The Dillinger Escape Plan - "Horse Hunter" (3:11) from Ire Works (2007)

12. Car Bomb - "Blindsides" from Tiles Whispers Dreams (2025)

13. Converge - "Worms Will Feed / Rats Will Feast" from Axe to Fall (2009)

14. Frontierer - "Bunsen" from Orange Mathematics (2015)

15. Cult Leader - "Craft of Mourning" from A Patient Man (2018)

16. Drown in Sulphur - "The Sleeping Abomination" from Sulphur Cvlt (2021) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

17. Mental Cruelty - "Chapter II - The Rise of the Antichrist" from Purgatorium (2018) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

18. A Wake in Providence - "The Court ov the Trinity" from Eternity (2022)

19. The Red Chord - "Breed the Cancer" from Fused Together in Revolving Doors (2002) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

20. Spitfire - "Quintenessence at Glance" from The Dead Next Door (1999)

21. Trivium - "Bury Me With My Screams" from Bury Me With My Screams (2025)

22. Annisokay - "Into the Gray" from Abyss Pt II (2025)

23. Avenged Sevenfold - "Second Heartbeat" from Waking the Fallen (2003)

24. Vision of Disorder - "Jada Bloom" from Imprint (1998)

25. Hope for the Dying - "Legacy" from Legacy (2016)

26. Wolves at the Gate - "The Father's Bargain" from VxV (2014)

September 2025

1. Blind Guardian - "Imaginations From the Other Side" from Imaginations From the Other Side (1995)

2. Galneryus - "Finally, It Comes!" from The Stars Will Light the Way (2024)

3. Trivium - "Until the World Goes Cold" from Silence in the Snow (2015)

4. Black Sabbath - "Hole in the Sky" from Sabotage (1975)

5. Battle Beast - "Here We Are" from Here We Are (2025)

6. Metal Church - "Metal Church" from Metal Church (1984)

7. Halford - "Resurrection" from Resurrection (2000)

8. Judas Priest - "The Serpent and the King" from Invincible Shield (2024)

9. Ozzy Osbourne - "Believer" from Diary of a Madmen (1981)

10. Crimson Glory - "Masque of the Red Death" from Transcendence (1988)

11. Accept - "Shadow Soldiers" from Stalingrad (2012) [Suggested by Sonny]

12. Mercyful Fate - "Melissa" from Melissa (1983)

13. Manowar - "Battle Hymn" from Battle Hymns (1982)

14. Sabaton - "The Duelist" from The Duelist (2025)

15. Beyond the Black - "Break the Silence" from Break the Silence (2025)

16. Xandria - "Fight Me" from India (2005)

17. Amberian Dawn - "River of Tuoni" from River of Tuoni (2008)

18. Within Temptation - "Iron" from The Unforgiving (2011)

19. Kiuas - "Warrior Soul" from The Spirit of Ukko (2005) [Suggested by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

20. Golden Resurrection - "Identity in Christ" from Man with a Mission (2011)

21. Yngwie Malmsteen - "World on Fire" from World on Fire (2016)

22. Visions of Atlantis - "Seven Seas" from Trinity (2007)

23. Dark Moor - "Dies Irae (Amadeus)" from The Gates of Oblivion (2002)

24. Stratovarius - "Goodbye" from Fright Night (1989)

Here's my submission for the October Gateway playlist, my first single-track submission since my switch from The Gateway to The Guardians, and it's a long epic too:

Slipknot - Iowa (from Iowa, 2001)

Update for October:

THE FALLEN: VINNY, Sonny

THE GATEWAY: ANDI, Saxy

THE GUARDIANS: ANDI, Sonny, Karl

THE HORDE: KARL, Vinny, Sonny

THE INFINITE: SAXY, Andi

THE NORTH: SONNY, Karl, Vinny

THE PIT: SONNY, Vinny

THE REVOLUTION: ANDI

THE SPHERE: ANDI

This track is from Blue Stahli's Antisleep instrumental album series that mostly centers around electro-industrial tracks. However, as much as this track tries to go the EDM/house route similar to Avicii and David Guetta, it actually has a similar vein to Neurotech's Evasive, touching in on Deathstars and Turmion Katilot, giving it a somewhat industrial/cyber metal vibe, enough for it to fit well in The Sphere:

One of only two tracks I like in this release, it's not often you hear a track that's basically power metal/grind/deathcore:

One of only two tracks I like in this release, this one has a brutal breakdown similar to early Job for a Cowboy:

This heavy epic track I still consider one of the best standouts in Within Temptation's career:

"Evolution" and "Set the World on Fire" are both wonderful highlights. "Egypt" and "Paradise Lost" (the title track) are also great but could've been improved more in my opinion.

One of the greatest epics in the metal part of my existence that I'm grateful to revisit after so many years away from what I once knew:

Another awesome epic of unbreakable glory: