Shadowdoom9 (Andi)'s Forum Replies

A darker and heavier standout featuring Anna Hel:

Nothing I can say can do this perfect song justice:

Industrial/cyber metal with lots of groove and energy:

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

Argyle Park - "Violent" (4:29) from Misguided (1994)

Illidiance - "I Want to Believe" (3:36) from Damage Theory (2010)

Mechina - "On the Wings of Vecterra" (6:01) from Bellum Interruptum (2025)

Neurotech - "The Lost Hope" (7:17) from In Remission (2016)

Circle of Dust - "Daraq" (3:05) from Metamorphosis (1993)

Sybreed - "Neurodrive" (4:09) from Antares (2007)

Total length: 28:37

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

The Autumn Offering - "Homecoming" (4:16) from Revelations of the Unsung (2004)

Candiria - "Remove Yourself" (3:46) from What Doesn't Kill You... (2004)

Enter Shikari - "Juggernauts" (4:44) from Common Dreads (2009)

In Hearts Wake - "Healer" (4:20) from Earthwalker (2014)

Morning Again - "Turning Over" (3:11) from The Cleanest War (1996)

Parkway Drive - "Leviathan I" (3:49) from Deep Blue (2010)

Silent Planet - "Anunnaki" (3:01) from Superbloom (2023)

Total length: 27:07

Here are my submissions for the May Infinite playlist:

Becoming the Archetype - "Construct and Collapse" (4:57) from The Physics of Fire (2007)

Fallujah - "Artifacts" (7:23) from Empyrean (2022)

In Vain - "Where the Winds Meet" (6:06) from Solemn (2024)

Into Eternity - "Selling God" (3:07) from Dead or Dreaming (2001)

Voivod - "Into My Hypercube" (5:03) from Nothingface (1989)

Total length: 26:36

Here are my submissions for the May Gateway playlist:

Any Given Sin - "Insidious" (3:34) from War Within (2023)

DAGames - "United We Stand" (4:34) from United We Stand (2016)

A Day to Remember - "Make It Make Sense" (3:10) from Big Ole Album Vol. 1 (2025)

Future Palace - "Roses" (3:43) from Run (2022)

Lacuna Coil - "Zombies" (3:47) from Broken Crown Halo (2014)

Nothing More - "Jenny" (3:56) from Nothing More (2013)

Saint Asonia - "Devastate" (3:32) from Extrovert (2022)

The Wreckage - "Breaking Through" (2:58) from Breaking Through (2011)

Total length: 29:14

A progressive highlight where the two sides greatly battle it all out:

A melodic calm surrounding the heavy storm:

Saxy, you've done it again! Sharing with us a progressive masterpiece that I wish I had discovered earlier. And getting this album featured is a nice tribute to the recently passed vocalist/keyboardist Sindre Nedland. RIP... Here's my review summary:

Solemn is the latest offering in the 20-year career of Norwegian blackened progressive death metal band In Vain, and it's a monolith of triumph! The compositional writing is so unique and diverse. Besides the now-gone-from-the-band vocal duo of Sindre Nedland and Andreas Frigstad, guitarist Johnar Håland shines with his epic guitarwork. And the other half of the band also have the talent to help make this powerful masterpiece. Many tracks have riffing energy and deathly growls in the verses, followed by choruses drifting through clean melody in the guitar leads and singing. Deathly riffs and beautiful melodies make an intense blend of power and thunder. The fire and fury is brightened by melody and harmony and clean choruses soar through. Growls and cleans battle each other then make peace for coexistence. For anyone wanting a gem that's both ethereal and brutal at the same time, this is your Solemn hour!

5/5

This incredible highlight comes close to surpassing that 10-minute epic, and the female vocals here are mostly from "Treasur'" Necole Wright who previously guest appeared in Venator's "Totemic", plus some wild shredding soloing by Dean Paul Arnold:

One of the best Mechina tracks I've heard in ages, a 10-minute epic that includes a spine-chillingly beautiful two-minute bridge in the middle:

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Klank - "Time" from Still Suffering (1995)

4.5/5. A solid start to treat you with what to expect in the playlist and its original album.

Illidiance - "Deformity" from Deformity (2013)

5/5. Another awesome start, exemplifying the band's true sound.

Circle of Dust - "Onenemy (Fury Weekend Remix)" from Circle of Dust (Remixed) (2022)

5/5. Industrial metal song remixes sound incredible when trance synths are added to the mix. Now we need Dance with the Dead or Die Krupps remixing Argyle Park. And we also need more Circle of Dust, though I still enjoy Klayton's main project Celldweller.

Celldweller - "I Believe You" from Celldweller (2003)

4.5/5. Case in point... A few of these amazing songs in Celldweller's debut appear in Dead Rising 2. There is some slight metalcore in here while staying industrial metal.

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

5/5. This highlight has great harmonies that fit well with the screamed vocals. I also love the cleans and the bridge in the second half.

The Amenta - "Slave" from n0n (2008)

5/5. Another perfect standout, having some killer guest vocals by Nergal of Behemoth.

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

4.5/5. Heck of a day, a f***ing h*ll of a doomy heavy/industrial metal track.

Nailbomb - "Guerrillas" from Point Blank (1994)

4/5. Another one of my favorites in this Nailbomb album.

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

3.5/5. Another good track from an otherwise poor start to NDH.

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

4/5. A wicked early track of thrashy industrial metal, originating from their 1988 EP Shrine.

Fear Factory - "Descent" from Obsolete (1998)

4.5/5. This excellent highlight is the closest we have to a poppy song in this album.

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

4/5. "Crushing, subversive anti-music. Maximum density heaviness fuses with caustic noise textures, creating cascading walls of sound." No better description than that!

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

3.5/5. This slow sludgy track is great for a motorcycle ride in the night.

Godflesh - "Live to Lose" from Us and Them (1999)

4/5. This one is probably the best track of the album if you wish to explore more of Godflesh's heavy riffing. It is a bonus track recorded during the Songs of Love and Hate sessions that ended up in this album.

Rammstein - "Laichzeit" from Herzeleid (1995)

4.5/5. Rammstein wouldn't have been suitable for me 10 years ago when I was young and still listening to a lot of power/symphonic metal. This song has a little more German than you wish you learned. But I'm still intrigued by this. And there would be more disturbing sex-filled tracks later where that came from...

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

5/5. This highlight keeps the vocal strength going further with more brutal energy than that Rammstein track.

Sybreed - "I Am Ultraviolence" from The Pulse of Awakening (2009)

4.5/5. After that, I'm reminded how excellent this playlist and the original Sybreed album is with this aggressive violent explosion of heaviness to make up for two earlier slightly out-of-place tracks. The extreme strength of Strapping Young Lad being added here makes a lot more sense.

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

4/5. So beautiful and lively! This is real heartful music to brush aside any audible extra effects. A potential divine hit!

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

4.5/5. Uniform has made some sick as f*** music including their collaborations with The Body. Sh*t, I can hear both a sped up Electric Wizard and Converge here!

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

4/5. I feel like this is a reminder for what people sometimes say when I speak, "Stop talking so loud, I can't hear what you saying!" Of course I don't actually talk that loud. This song is pleasantly loud and intense though. I also enjoy that f***ing heavy bridge.

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

3.5/5. This one featuring Avenged Sevenfold vocalist M. Shadows is another solid collab. These guest appearances really help boost the quality of the song's original album in most cases.

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

4/5. Nice track! Such a shame this band isn't so active and popular.

Combichrist - "Planet Doom" from CMBCRST (2024)

4.5/5. Exciting electro-industrial metal that's not totally out of line. You can dance to the electronic rhythm and headbanging to the guitar riffing. So wicked and amazing!

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

5/5. The ultimate highlight of this entire playlist is this 7-minute instrumental epic. It's surprising because it's just the soft ethereal new age of Enigma and Vangelis. This atmospheric mini-journey is in a similar vein to the softer half of Blue Screen Planet. Beautiful and suitable for the near-end of a Sphere playlist.

Megaherz - "Augenblick" from 5 (2004)

4.5/5. Finally, we end with one of the best tracks of NDH, also a soft ballad. But don't worry, more of the earlier metallic action will continue in the next playlist...

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!

I was wondering if those Metal Academy podcast episodes were still around after they were taken down. Thanks for sharing with us that Google Drive, Ben!

Welcome to Metal Academy, fetusspineripper!

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Dal Av - "Petrichor" from Petrichor (2022)

4.5/5. Here's a brutal intro to start it all. Check out this ultra-heavy breakdown!

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

5/5. And the heaviness keeps going! I can understand who later bands like Bad Omens and Beartooth have gotten their respective sounds from.

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

5/5. The rising dramatic strings that begin this glorious highlight might make you think it's an actual prelude, but that all changes when the heavy instrumentation comes in. It's basically a more epic brutal hardcore take on the Finnish melodeath of Insomnium and Omnium Gatherum!

Killswitch Engage - "Forever Aligned" from This Consequence (2025)

4.5/5. Jesse Leach still has his vocal strength just like in those kick-A first two albums. The music is amazing including the harsh vocal verses. This catchy banger shall age well. I also hear a bit of a modern Soilwork vibe. And this is a few months after All That Remains and As I Lay Dying also made their respective comebacks. I enjoy the chorus despite a slight issue with Adam D.'s cleans, probably would've been with Howard Jones there instead of Adam. The outro is so beautiful too!

August Burns Red - "Your Little Suburbia in Ruins" from Thrill Seeker: 20th Anniversary Edition (2025)

5/5. The opening has a catchy riff and fast drums, leading into an earth-shattering breakdown. That's a fast song with interesting riffs that are never cliche.

All That Remains - "The Piper" from Antifragile (2025)

5/5. This one is a more technical highlight, displaying his talents that help take the band to the next level. There's a lot more complexity than before while balancing it out with the usual hooks. Wonderful!

HEAVENSGATE - "RATKING" from RATKING (2024)

4.5/5. Heavensgate (the metalcore band, not the 80s/90s power metal one) was formed by David Wilder and Josh Ang when they were pushed out of Dealer. I have a feeling this may be an attack on Dealer vocalist Eliaz's abuse allegations, "separate art from artist with a head cut off".

Carnifex - "How the Knife Gets Twisted" from Necromanteum (2023)

5/5. One of my favorite bangers from the new Carnifex album. The epic chorus seals the deal of the band joining the symphonic blackened deathcore league, practically different from their sound in earlier more brutal albums like Until I Feel Nothing.

Demon Hunter - "Worlds Apart" from Worlds Apart (2024)

5/5. I believe it was Killing Floor 2 that got my brother and eventually me into listening to this band, with a couple of his favorite songs from the band in that game's soundtrack. And today, they're still creating awesome bangers like this one.

Amaranthe - "Supersonic" from Maximalism (2016)

4.5/5. The most impressive track of its original album with supersonic up-tempo synth-metal instrumentation blended with choir vocals that tribute to Queen much better than "That Song".

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

4/5. Seems like BOI WHAT is doing covers now. I just hope he will do Motionless in White's "Cyberhex" (Plankton and Karen). This Green Day cover was made after Bring Me the Horizon's cover of "Wonderwall". I especially like how part of the second verse is turned into a brutal breakdown. We didn't ask for that cover, but I'm glad we got it.

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

3.5/5. Another solid track with good vocals, especially the cleans.

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

3/5. This one combines that brutal sound with dark melodies, sounding quite beautiful, but everything else about the song and its original album is too bland or unclear.

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

3.5/5. Homesick still has some heavy metalcore bangers despite emphasizing their pop punk side more. The classic lineup from this album and For Those Who Have Heart is a solid one, despite guitarist Tom Denney leaving the band shortly after, and Joshua Woodard having recently left the band after You're Welcome due to abuse allegations and causing someone's death in a car crash. The guest vocals by Mike Hranica (The Devil Wears Prada) are quite wild.

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

4/5. Apparently, this banger from the new Architects album is in the soundtrack of WWE 2025. So f***ing underrated, with choruses that sound like the choruses they're meant to be. Plus a bit of Bring Me the Horizon vibes here and there.

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

3.5/5. From beautiful to vicious, Lauren's vocals can practically rival Emily Armstrong.

Annisokay - "STFU" from Aurora (2021)

4/5. I hear a bit of Asking Alexandria of In Hearts Wake here. F***ing brutal lyrics in this one!

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

4.5/5. Didn't expect a Lamb of God track here, did you? I just realized that a few of their earlier classic tracks still have some metalcore/hardcore potential. I love the awesome intro and pummeling breakdown.

Imminence - "Continuum (feat. Niklas Karlsson)" from Continuum (2024) 

5/5. The perfection of Imminence's new singles continues with this highlight, sounding both brutal and beautiful. Like f***ing beyond beautiful! And more brutal thanks to Niklas Karlsson of Orbit Culture.

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

4.5/5. Another crushing track to take the throne. Enough said!

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

4.5/5. F***ing sh*t, this is brutal! Too bad that band is gone now.

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

5/5. Erra and Silent Planet are a couple of the most underrated bands in progressive metalcore. This is one of the f***ing best songs by this band, especially that two-minute outro of glory.

Every Time I Die - "Punch-Drunk Punk Rock Romance" from Last Night in Town (2001)

4.5/5. Ooh yeah, Howard Jones before he joined Killswitch Engage! He appears near the two-minute mark.

God Forbid - "Gone Forever" from Gone Forever (2004)

5/5. Another awesome song with great soloing!

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

4.5/5. Yet another heavy beautiful banger to love. What else can I say?

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

5/5. The last studio song of this Converge release is one of my favorites here and delights me with tight metal melody over an incredible breakdown. Then it goes on with killer metalcore until the end.

From Autumn to Ashes - "Pioneers" from Holding a Wolf by the Ears (2007)

4.5/5. From Autumn to Ashes are one of the timeless pioneers are blending metalcore with emocore, but they ended up splitting up after this album's release. However, they've been performing live for a decade after reforming. Let's hope for a new album soon...

Rolo Tomassi - "Fantasia" from Hysterics (2008)

5/5. An underrated progressive Nintendo-ish mathcore epic! The second half ends it all similarly to one of Cult of Luna's closing tracks.

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!

Sure, Vinny. Here's the updated roster for May, with your name added to The North for June (and swapping yours and Sonny's places in The Pit back to where they were before the original update for May, so sorry about the confusion):

THE FALLEN: SONNY, Vinny

THE GATEWAY: SAXY, Andi

THE GUARDIANS: SONNY, Karl, Andi

THE HORDE: VINNY, Sonny, Karl

THE INFINITE: ANDI, Saxy

THE NORTH: KARL, Vinny, Sonny

THE PIT: VINNY, Sonny

THE REVOLUTION: ANDI

THE SPHERE: ANDI

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

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

5/5. The namesake album for the band's saga and this playlist begins with this epic which really shows what the band is about, as sci-fi sounds lead into orchestration, djenty riffing, and blasts all over. The production is quite solid, though it can't top the perfection of the previous two albums. The composition is sealed together in great synergy.

Avenged Sevenfold - "Nightmare" from Nightmare (2010)

4.5/5. Avenged Sevenfold, Evanescence, and Linkin Park are some of the most popular rock/metal bands in the new millennium. It's the kind of popularity you wish the original Teen Titans series would have and continue but instead is given to its dreaded spinoff Teen Titans Go. The heavier metal side of those bands is that long-gone yet underrated side. Still this is a modern classic popular amongst my family and friends.

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

4/5. Then we have classics from 80s/early 90s metal bands that were massively popular back then before the grunge/nu metal era. And somehow the more underrated songs like this one end up getting overshadowed.

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

4.5/5. And a few of the very early metal bands are still going on since the 70s, probably the earliest one still active being Judas Priest. It's impressive how these guys who are over 70 keep up the strength they had in that classic heavy metal era.

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

4/5. OK, technically Black Sabbath would qualify the earliest metal band still active today, but their ultimate final concert in July comes after the band and Ozzy Osbourne himself retired from touring 7 to 8 years ago. Even young listeners in their 20s such as myself can jam out to classics by the Prince of Darkness. RIP guitarist Randy Rhoads

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

3.5/5. Around the time of that Ozzy Osbourne album above, Ronnie James Dio was with Black Sabbath, then he left and formed his own band Dio, as we all know. It starts off sounding a little too much like a Scorpions ballad in the one-minute intro, then we end up getting stronger classic metal. What a legend Dio was, RIP... And holy sh*t, what a blazing solo at the 3-minute mark. This song might just be suitable for radio, or at least it was in the 80s. We're the last in line!

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

4/5. Now let's head to the new decade again and crank up the speed! No matter how much they've changed, there's still talent within this transcendence between styles.

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

3.5/5. Not totally the best, but I can understand how people can consider this another immortal classic.

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

4/5. Black Sabbath vs. White Zombie! Who performed this song better?! You decide! Great take on the original, though I'm not sure that Manson murders sample was called for or related to the original song.

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

4.5/5. Again we have heavy/power metal classics from the 80s that are hard to find in the modern era. Apparently, this one is inspired by Jason and the Argonauts. It's worth repeat listens and hearing the vocal glory of J.D. Kimball, RIP. This band is basically like Crimson Glory at that time with more battle-ready hymns. Quite superb and spell-binding! The soloing and bridge are also worth headbanging to. Peace, love, and 80s metal classics!

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

5/5. DragonForce has made another video game-based song, telling the tale of Draco from Brawl Stars. I love the chorus in this one. Let's go, Draco!

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

5/5. Then we have the most likeable single in Kamelot's breakthrough album The Black Halo, a nice melodic contrast with the heavier tracks. The character Marguerite is sung by Simone Simons from Epica, that band who named themselves after the previous Kamelot album.

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

4.5/5. For any fan of fantasy books by writers like Michael Moorcock, you're bound to find something familiar in tracks like this one that refers to the fictional city of Tanelorn. Here we have a classic revisited! The music and lyrics are all quite pleasant. The storytelling grandeur would all lead to what they had in Nightfall in Middle-Earth.

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

4/5. Pirate metal is a genre that might be too cheesy for some, but it can still be quite fun. Still I've matured past being able to handle the cheesiness.

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

4/5. The Nephilim's Empire Saga is still going on, and Rhapsody of Fire are going strong. The soloing surrounding the 3-minute mark rules!

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

4.5/5. Then we go slightly more progressive alongside some beautiful vocals. The arrangement is quite excellent, having that Avantasia vibe without any of the guest vocalists. Give us more!

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

5/5. Epic speedy power metal similar to DragonForce! This highlight also appears in the NHL 25 soundtrack.

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

4.5/5. A little less speed while having the neoclassical progressiveness of Royal Hunt, along with the amazing voice of Goran Edman. Works well for something neoclassical.

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

4/5. Load up the neoclassical harpsichord and shredding, though maybe not too much next time.

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

4.5/5. Some symphonic metal ballads are still suitable for me when it's all about beauty in the music and depth in the lyrics. This is still one of my favorite Epica tracks, and it fits well for anyone's safe haven.

Starkill - "Detonate" from Gravity (2019)

5/5. Now this is the kind of symphonic metal I still find awesome, blending heaviness and melody at ease. Great chorus is this absolutely underrated song!

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

4.5/5. And lastly, another sick 9-minute epic that's like Queensryche's own "Heaven and Hell"/"Hallowed Be Thy Name".

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!

OK, welcome on board, Sonny!

THE FALLEN: SONNY, Vinny

THE GATEWAY: SAXY, Andi

THE GUARDIANS: SONNY, Karl, Andi

THE HORDE: VINNY, Sonny, Karl

THE INFINITE: ANDI, Saxy

THE NORTH: KARL, Sonny

THE PIT: SONNY, Vinny

THE REVOLUTION: ANDI

THE SPHERE: ANDI

I thought about what Karl said about not having engaged with The Guardians enough to nominate feature releases for the clan monthly, and I decided to work out a nice compromise. Since I've been well-experienced with many different heavy/power metal bands and releases for over a decade, despite not being in The Guardians clan at the moment or listening as much of that now as back then, I'm going to put myself on rotation for The Guardians clan for the time being, until we can find some more Guardians members up to submitting feature releases and taking over the monthly playlist. Karl, Ben, you two please let me know if what I'm proposing here is OK. So here's the new update for May:

THE FALLEN: SONNY, Vinny

THE GATEWAY: SAXY, Andi

THE GUARDIANS: ANDI, Karl

THE HORDE: VINNY, Sonny, Karl

THE INFINITE: ANDI, Saxy

THE NORTH: KARL, Sonny

THE PIT: SONNY, Vinny

THE REVOLUTION: ANDI

THE SPHERE: ANDI

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Allegaeon – Driftwood (2025)

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

Apocalyptica – Aqua Genesis (2019)

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

Fallujah – Levitation (2024)

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

Grace Hayhurst – The World is Dying (2025)

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

Into Eternity – Behind the Disguise (1999)

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

Meshuggah – Swarm (2012)

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

TesseracT – Of Reality – Palingenesis (2013)

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

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Amen – Slave (1994)

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

Any Given Sin – Rest for the Wicked (2025)

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

Demon Hunter – Freedom is Dead (2022)

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

Falling in Reverse – Prequel (2024)

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

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

4.5/5. A softer but excellent relatable track.

In This Moment – Adrenalize (2012)

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

Jynx – G.O.A.T. (2018)

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

Lacuna Coil – I Wish You Were Dead (2025)

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

Spiritbox – Perfect Soul (2025)

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

Swallow the Sun – What Have I Become (2024)

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

Vision of Disorder – Heart of Darkness (2015)

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

April 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

April 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

April 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's my review summary:

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

5/5

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

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

Here's my review summary:

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

5/5

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

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

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

THE FALLEN: SONNY, Vinny

THE GATEWAY: SAXY, Andi

THE GUARDIANS: KARL

THE HORDE: VINNY, Sonny, Karl

THE INFINITE: ANDI, Saxy

THE NORTH: KARL, Sonny

THE PIT: SONNY, Vinny

THE REVOLUTION: ANDI

THE SPHERE: ANDI

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

Ben, please add There for Tomorrow. Their 2004 debut Point of Origin is considered melodic metalcore in RYM.

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

Ben, please add The Wreckage.

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

Having listening to the new Mechina album Bellum Interruptum, I realized the first minute of its opening track sounds practically similar to that of the RichaadEB/Cristina Vee cover of "Bad Apple!!" When that first verse hits, I almost feel like singing "Ever on and on, I continue circling, with nothing but my hate and the carousel of agony..."

Ben, please add the new Mechina album Bellum Interruptum.

The final third of Bellum Interruptum has arrived! Below are my thoughts on the tracks.

1. When Honor Meant Something - 7:51

2. The Collapse Promised to All - 3:17

3. The Overwhelming Harmony of Collective Suffering - 5:09

I'm glad they kept in "When Honor Meant Something", and they remastered it too, making it much clearer than the single version and even adding in some narration at the end. "The Collapse Promised to All" is the shortest track of the album and actually the best one of this part, sounding almost like a continuation of the title track while adding in some more of Mel Rose's vocals along with the growls of Dave Lowmiller. "The Overwhelming Harmony of Collective Suffering" is a solid ending track seguing from the previous one, and it features Ricky Lewis who I'm guessing is the one doing the higher-range growls. But now it seems David Holch really is gone from this band, and Dave Lowmiller might just be the brand-new growler. Still an official announcement would've been nice. Anyway, Mechina is back and have proved that they're far from dead with one of the most diverse albums yet in Bellum Interruptum. Still can't beat the second half of the 2010s though....

Album rating: 4/5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Easily the worst track Illidiance has ever done. "I Want to Believe" is a far better ballad-ish song than this sh*t:

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

An annihilating highlight of extreme symphonic industrial/cyber metal:

I can enjoy the symphonic darkness in the synth-filled highlight:

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