Shadowdoom9 (Andi)'s Forum Replies

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

The first time I heard this band was when I was listening to a song from their debut Union in an Infinite playlist 6 months before this review. I thought the song was a nice stylistic homage to Periphery from start to finish. And now I can say the same about their new album Legacy! They're a new addition to the melodic modern progressive metal league of Leprous, Haken, The Contortionist, and Tesseract. It took 5 years for this British progressive metal/rock band to make this follow-up to 2019's Union. Part of the delay was due to the hardships of the COVID lockdowns. But now they're here to deliver us this progressive offering. You can really hear both the production and talent from the two key members of the band; guitarist Phil Monro and vocalist Andy Robison. They, along with the other members, work together to craft complex structures in which ambience turns into metal grace, from decent-length 5-minute tracks to long epics. This beautiful album Legacy has all the melody and power you can get. Well, maybe a slight more metal heaviness would be ideal, but that's OK. I look forward to what path they would take. The modern progressive metal/rock shaped up by VOLA and BTBAM is in the good hands of these young British lads!

4.5/5

I really want to get into more of the post-sludge of bands like Neurosis, Isis, Cult of Luna, and Rosetta, but there are a couple things that set me back on my exploration. One thing is the amount of genres I'm already focused on like metalcore, industrial metal, power metal, and progressive metal, which gives me little time to explore the more niche genres. Emphasis on "niche" because there really aren't many prominent post-sludge bands other than the 4 I've already mentioned, The Ocean, and Sumac. And the genre seemed to die down when I was trying to get into it a few years ago. That is, until recently when that promising Dimscua release came out and Neurosis surprise-released their new album with Aaron Turner (Isis/Sumac/Greymachine) replacing Scott Kelly, so there may be hope for post-sludge in the future.

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

The Amenta - "Angry Chair" (6:31) from Plague of Locus (2023)

Celldweller - "Good L_ck (Yo_'re F_cked) (Combichrist Remix)" (3:52) from End of an Empire: The Remixes (2015)

Fear of Domination - "II" (4:35) from Distorted Delusions (2014)

Gothminister - "616" (3:22) from Anima Inferna (2011)

Neurotech - "Withstand the Agony" (3:58) from Withstand the Agony (2026)

Samael - "For a Thousand Years" (4:55) from Lux Mundi (2011)

Total length: 27:13

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

The Agonist - "Burn It All Down" (3:33) from Orphans (2019)

Bleed from Within - "Immortal Desire" (4:16) from Zenith (2025)

The Dillinger Escape Plan - "Room Full of Eyes" (4:15) from Option Paralysis (2010)

Eighteen Visions - "I Let Go" (3:18) from Obsession (2024 re-recording)

Knut - "Whacked Out" (5:25) from Challenger (2002)

Northlane - "Masquerade" (3:33) from Singularity (2013)

Silent Civilian - "Dead to Me 2006" (5:06) from Rebirth of the Temple (2006)

Total length: 29:26

Here are my submissions for the June Infinite playlist, having just two long epics in mind:

Green Carnation - "My Dark Reflections of Life and Death" (15:37) from Leaves of Yesteryear (2020)

Growth - "Gird Your Loved in Armour While Yet You Wither" (11:09) from The Smothering Arms of Mercy (2020)

Total length: 26:46

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

Beyond the Black - "Welcome to My Wasteland" (3:49) from Horizons (2020)

Haggard - "Awaking the Centuries" (9:34) from Awaking the Centuries (2000)

Leaves' Eyes - "Leaves Whisper" (3:39) from Into Your Light (2004)

Seven Spires - "Architect of Creation" (5:37) from A Fortress Called Home (2024)

Sirenia - "Love Like Cyanide" (5:49) from Arcane Astral Aeons (2018)

Total length: 28:28

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Code Orange - "(deeperthanbefore)" from Underneath (2020)

4/5. A suitable electronic intro for how deep the band is gonna get in diversity.

Oddko - "Disobey" from Disobey (2019)

3.5/5. Oddko can also be a bit diverse in their electro-industrial metal domination.

Rammstein - "Mein Teil" from Reise, Reise (2004)

4/5. Rammstein can make a song and music video about something so disturbing and still have mainstream success. The song is based on a real-life case of cannibalism in which a man named Armin Meiwes murdered and cannibalized another man he found in the internet, including eating his privates. So morbid yet an intriguing song.

Celldweller - "My Disintegration (Joe Ford Remix)" from Satellites (Remixed) (2023)

4.5/5. We need more music like this heard globally, and Joe Ford and Celldweller to keep their collabs going. Honestly, Celldweller should someday do remixes of songs by Infected Mushroom and the Prodigy. The only things that would be disintegrated are people's ears if they turn it up to full blast. And hey, maybe Joe Ford can also remix "Shapshifter". This wicked remix would take your breath away and give it back repeatedly. Who knew something that might be based on the past can sound futuristic?

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

4/5. The criminal justice system has its flaws pointed out in this killer track.

Waltari - "Progression" from Space Avenue (1997)

3.5/5. Space Avenue shows Waltari at their more progressive and industrial.

Iperyt - "Antihuman Hate Generator" from No State of Grace (2011)

3/5. "There is no way of finding a single absolute truth, an irrefutable argument which might help answer the questions of mankind. Philosophy, therefore, is dead, because whereof we cannot speak, thereof we must be silent." I like how f***ing heavy this is, but I feel a little underwhelmed.

Circus of Dead Squirrels - "8-Bit Piece of Shit" from Indoor Recess (2004)

2.5/5. "Piece of Sh*t" is right. This is too much like if video game nerds try to make a KMFDM-inspired song. I can still applaud how clever they are when adding in the Mario soundtrack in the intro and outro. Vocalist Matt Foran has also formed a side-project with ex-Mushroomhead members, Ventana. This song can also go as weird as avant-garde. The lyrics are quite cringe for me, especially when he says "I must be r***rded to write a song about this sh*t". I suppose if I were to check out some avant-garde alt-metal, I would check out Dog Fashion Disco even though I haven't listened to that band in a long while.

Crossbreed - "Seasons" from Synthetic Division (2001)

3/5. This song is more crushing, emotional, and music video-worthy, sounding similar to Static-X and Dope.

Dagoba - "The Things Within" from What Hell is About (2006)

3.5/5. Good-quality industrial/groove metal that might make a great ringtone.

Rorschach Test - "New Blood Order" from The Eleventh (1994)

4/5. At around the same time Rorschach was pioneering metalcore, Rorschach Test was unleashing their own brand of dark industrial metal.

Neurotech - "The Race to Recovery" from The Decipher Volumes (2013)

4.5/5. "Erase me, don't tell me, I'll take you far away from here, delete me, complete me, in the race to recovery." If I had discovered this gem like 12 years ago when my I was starting off my metal taste nice and melodic, I would've loved it back then. I probably would've continued listening to this project if Wulf could bring back the sound of this song and the debut Antagonist, or maybe even as epic and extreme as Mechina. I also love the female vocals and the key-changed outro.

Pain - "Just Think Again" from Psalms of Extinction (2007)

5/5. The guitar soloing here is performed by Children of Bodom's Alexi Laiho (RIP). The song itself is a special 6-minute epic.

Strapping Young Lad - "Far Beyond Metal" from The New Black (2006)

4.5/5. Strapping Young Lad can make a song making fun of metal and still make it metal. RIP the Maggot Master, Dave Brockie AKA Oderus Urungus (GWAR)...

Fear of Domination - "Punish Y.S." from Call of Schizophrenia (2009)

5/5. This rapid punisher really speeds up as rapid riff-tastic highlight. With some great production in the melodeath riffs blended with industrial synths, Norther would probably wish they had more of that.

Subway to Sally - "Herz in der Kinde" from Post Mortem (2024)

4.5/5. If anyone thought Neue Deutsche Harte and epic medieval metal wouldn't go together, Subway to Sally proved them wrong. And sometimes they can provide more than just the experience of music by making an animated video.

Autarkh - "Strife" from Emergent (2023)

4/5. Great guitarwork in this track, right off the bat! Fear Factory and Meshuggah are still the masters of guitar heaviness though.

Persher - "Medieval Soup From the Milkbar" from Sleep Well (2024)

4.5/5. I was expecting this band to go as medieval as Subway to Sally, but this experimental noise-ridden sound is quite killer.

Turmion Katilot - "Revi Minut Auki" from Global Warning (2020)

5/5. This highlight takes you back to the band's beginnings, especially their debut Hoitovirhe with the perfect spark of their earlier sound. Perfect for party rocking, despite the lyrics I don't dare to mention.

Treponem Pal - "Evil is Us - Lofofora Remix" from Evil Music for Evil People (2013)

4.5/5. Even remixes can maintain the evil vibes of the original song despite some electronic overusage.

Combichrist - "RISE" from RISE (2025)

4/5. All rise for some exciting aggrotech metal!

SUB DUB MICROMACHINE - "Road to Nowhere" from Auferstanden! (2008)

3.5/5. The quality is quite good, though the bass could've been more audible.

Static-X - "Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment" from Beneath...Between...Beyond (2004)

3/5. RIP Wayne Static. This is one of the most punky tracks by the band, even throwing back to a bit of their sound from the debut Wisconsin Death Trip. Quite fun but I feel like it could've been way better.

Vibrion - "Revenge" from Instinct (2002)

3.5/5. Not the best but slightly better. Vengeful deathly industrial metal right there.

Unheilig - "Ausblick (Outro)" from LIEBE GLAUBE MONSTER (2026)

4/5. I've been getting some slightly appear for NDH bands like Unheilig now, and I guess I can start small with one of their outro tracks. This is one beautiful and tear-jerking, sounding like the soundtrack to celebrating your victory in the path to freedom. So wonderful, and Hans Zimmer and Two Steps From Hell come to mind.

Mechina - "Blessings Upon the Field Where Blades Will Flood" from Blessings Upon the Field Where Blades Will Flood (2023)

4.5/5. We still have one more track left in this playlist, and of course, it's the final epic! You'll definitely wanna play Warframe and Star Wars Battlefront while listening to this 18-minute journey. And this is the last we hear from David Holch and his growling vocals before he left the band next year. Best of luck in his future endeavors...

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 selected tracks:

Ithilien - "Blindfolded" from Shaping the Soul (2017)

5/5. Starting its original album and this playlist is a slow march of guitars and Celtic instruments, then when the screaming vocals enter the picture, the drumming tempo really speeds up. This is basically the kind of soundtrack Game of Thrones needs for their enemy-slashing battles. And when the mid-paced folk sections come back on, they're for getting hammered, partying, and simply headbanging to the loud heaviness.

Phinehas - "Blood on My Knuckles" from The Last Word is Yours to Speak (2013)

5/5. "FACE YOUR WRATH!!!" Phinehas have made some awesome Christian metalcore, and their second album has some country/southern vibes. I love the riffing after the first chorus. The lyrical themes seem to continue from their debut Thegodmachine. Furthermore, the soloing is so beautiful and intense. I'm glad to include it in the playlist.

We Butter the Bread with Butter - "N!CE" from Das Album (2021)

4.5/5. Pretty nice, right? Nice in the heavy and not depressive sense.

Hope for the Dying - "Iniquitous" from Aletheia (2013)

5/5. This highlight kicks off with some European neoclassical shredding. Then the lyrics battle against false beliefs, "you almost believe the lies yourself". Lots of epic power despite being a short song compared to the rest of that album.

August Burns Red - "The Nameless" from The Nameless (2026)

4.5/5. August Burns Red still have their heavier metalcore roots to make me happy from the rage. Don't shoot the Messengers!

Boundaries - "Death Will Follow Me" from Death Will Follow Me (2026)

4/5. Some wild tempo changes here. They're going as hard as 156/Silence and TDWP's Zombie EPs. And it all leads to the brutal ending breakdown.

Ankor, SiM - "DANZO · Lying Ghost" from DANZO · Lying Ghost (2026)

3.5/5. Ankor are still cranking up good bangers, this one featuring MAH from SiM.

Mirrorcell, VCTMS - "Ichi" from Long Nights in Lovescape (2026)

4/5. This one deserves attention for its VCTMS guest feature and its intense heaviness. I heard that it's a common song to start listening to Mirrorcell, but that would've raised some people's expectations too high. Either way, another solid track!

Vision of Disorder - "The Craving" from Razed to the Ground (2015)

4.5/5. This one is slightly more progressive, having an unorthodox time signature. The power and strength makes that song another one of the best in the original album.

As I Lay Dying - "The Voices That Betray Me" from Beneath the Encasing of Ashes (2001) (based on A Long March: The First Recordings (2006))

5/5. I'm glad the Long March compilation is on Spotify, otherwise I wouldn't be able to add in this standout. In the middle is some well-made heavy sh*t.

ERRA - "Hybrid Earth" from Augment (2013)

4.5/5. An underrated song by ERRA. Their current vocalist JT Cavey should re-record their first two albums with the rest of the band.

Rise of the Northstar - "Back 2 Basics" from Back 2 Basics (2025)

5/5. I love it when a band goes back to their basic roots. I also love the guest vocals by Florent Salfati of Landmvrks.

Like Moths to Flames - "Burn in Water, Drown in Flame" from No Eternity in Gold (2020)

5/5. One of my favorite songs from that Like Moths to Flames album, with a catchy chorus to balance out with the heaviness. And it only gets better from there, reaching its height with the final BLEGH and riffing.

Excessive Force - "Misfortune" from In Your Blood (1995)

4.5/5. One of, if not THE best track of its original album. It's quite strong in the lyrical message of self-reflection and the kick-A riffing. The heavy drumming is also irresistible.

The Devil Wears Prada - "Swords, Dragons & Diet Coke" from Dear Love: A Beautiful Discord (2006)

5/5. Swords, Dragons, &....Diet Coke???? Well, some knights might be underaged or Muslims. This is one of the best songs by the band in the earlier part of their career. It is relatable for those who feel sadness from dead languages and lonely hearts. Christian melodic metalcore can help those get back up after feeling down.

The Agonist - "Immaculate Deception" from Days Before the World Wept (2021)

4.5/5. It's sad that The Agonist are no longer around. Vicky Psarakis can be considered the princess of melodeath/metalcore.

AVRALIZE - "Liminal" from Liminal (2025)

4/5. Another d*mn great track, though a little pop-ish.

Bleed from Within - "Escape Yourself" from Uprising (2013)

4.5/5. Extreme madness that needs more attention, especially in the final riffing outro.

Worm Shepherd - "Wilted Moon" from Ritual Hymns (2022)

5/5. The symphonics shine the best here. This epic highlight is almost a redux to the Lorna Shore track "And I Return to Nothingness".

A Wake in Providence - "Black Mass (feat. Dickie Allen)" from Insidious: Phase II (2017)

4.5/5. A nearly 6-minute epic with great drumming flow from Anthony Dipietro. I enjoy the alternation between Ramos' growls and the screams of Dickie Allen (Infant Annihilator, later Nekrogoblikon). Nothing ever sounds weak there! Their ex-vocalist Will Ramos has that monstrous intensity that would continue to stun listeners 5 years later in his time with Lorna Shore. Absolutely insane!

The Last Ten Seconds of Life - "Sacrifice (the Prince)" from Soulless Hymns (2015)

5/5. So d*mn perfect, absolutely impressive with the brutal music and irreligious lyrics. F*** yeah!

Within Destruction - "Death Awaits Us All" from Deathwish (2018)

5/5. Another 5-minute epic with some great variation. As far as their later sound would go, that one's pretty close.

Frontierer - "Mt. Swath" from Orange Mathematics (2015)

4.5/5. This one is never a disappointment. The rage from the bass and downtuned guitars can pack some punches even in the lowest mix.

Psyopus - "Ms. Sunflower" from Odd Senses (2009)

5/5. One of the best songs by this band. Even something dark, dissonant, and chaotic like during the final minute can comfort me.

Invent Animate, Silent Planet - "Armageddon Eyes" from Bloom in Heaven (2025)

4.5/5. What would you call this collaboration project? Silent Invention? Animated Planet? Nonetheless, an amazing multi-band work!

Northlane, In Hearts Wake - "Equinox" from Equinox (2016)

5/5. It's not every day an interlude deserves a perfect 5 stars. It's what connects the two songs of the Northlane/In Hearts Wake collaboration EP together and is a beautiful smooth interlude. It works as a prelude to something big to close things off, which is kinda the reason for this submission.

Darkest Hour - "Accessible Losses" from Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation (2003)

4.5/5. Darkest Hour have built the bridge between melodeath and metalcore in tracks like this 8-minute epic. It's just f***ing wild, save for a long yet pleasant soft bridge midway through. And it works well when paired with one last epic...

Bullet for My Valentine - "The End" from The Poison (2005)

5/5. I really love this great end to another metalcore journey. More mellow and depressing but still stands out well. The guitar riff is so simple, Matt can focus on more emotion in his vocals in the cleaner verses. I wish he could keep doing that emotional technique but that would mean he would have to drop the guitar full-time. The song gets heavier but once again, there's no solo. Then it returns to the intro riff used as the outro with soft guitar harmony over it as it all fades out. Another personal favorite!

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!

Thanks, Daniel. I say my view is that Culprit album and those first 3 Queensryche albums are progressive metal, whether mostly or to some extent, yet they haven't cut the bridge between that genre and heavy metal, unlike Fates Warning when they went pure melodic progressive metal from No Exit onwards and Dream Theater which has always been an Infinite band. With that in mind, I'll be voting NO there.

I shall check out that album at some point. Thanks again!

You got it, Xephyr. Welcome back aboard!

THE FALLEN: Vinny, Sonny

THE GATEWAY: Saxy, Andi

THE GUARDIANS: Xephyr, Andi, Sonny

THE HORDE: Sonny, Vinny

THE INFINITE: Andi, Xephyr, Saxy

THE NORTH: Vinny, Sonny, Xephyr

THE PIT: Sonny, Vinny

THE REVOLUTION: Andi

THE SPHERE: Andi

Submission accepted, thanks Vinny! I've heard of Harms Way but haven't actually listened to them yet, so that track would be a great start. RIP Bo Lueders

Once again, another Infinite playlist I felt up to breezing through entirely. Great work, Saxy! Here are all my track thoughts:

An Abstract Illusion – Emmett (2025)

5/5. Let's starts with one of two 11-minute epics, and this one is full of absolute complex rage! The guitars, leads, and keys are all embraced by the chaos that only become somber by the end. Incredible!

Black Crown Initiate – Withering Waves (2014)

4.5/5. I wonder if anyone has listened to this song while playing that game I keep hearing about, Wuthering Waves. Either way, amazing guitar to start the second third.

Mr. Bungle – My Ass is on Fire (1991)

4/5. Somebody's gonna get toasty buns. Quite an underrated track from a band that started doing masks before Slipknot and Mushroomhead.

Disillusion – Am Abgrund (2022)

4.5/5. I haven't heard from this band in a long time. All I remember is checking out their 3 albums before Ayam (I know it's Maya backwards, but it's also Malay for chicken). This epic has made me remember how epic I thought those albums were. Honestly, we need more of these dark heavy epics that have a positive theme. I really need to check out that album Ayam someday and see if it is the work of art I've missed out on for so long. And maybe I can catch up with those Times of Splendor with that amazing composition. The time signatures are quite a lot and used well. I also need to revisit the more melancholic yet heavy bands like Opeth and Katatonia. Nothing disappoints!

The Faceless – The Spiraling Void (2017)

5/5. I love how clean the distortion sounds here. This band has a lot more diverse variety than other bands signed to Sumerian Records. Like why listening to the mainstream rock/metal of Asking Alexandria when you can have progressive tech-death with a small salsa section midway through. They've been heaving their tech-death sound since Planetary Duality, and it never gets old.

Green Carnation – The Slave That You Are (2025)

5/5. Probably the heaviest track Green Carnation has ever made by far. It brings things closer to the progressive black metal of In the Woods and Enslaved, with the latter band's vocalist Grutle Kjellson guest appearing in the verses that contrast with the clean chorus.

Karmanjakah – Breathing (2023)

4.5/5. Headbanging? Deep breathing?! WHY NOT BOTH?!?! An amazing peaceful track to love!

Leprous – Mb. Indifferentia (2012)

4/5. I've been a bit indifferent to Leprous for the past few 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 it 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!!!!"

Plini – Manala (2026)

4.5/5. Plini is back, and with the heaviness in the drums and guitars, this is Plini as his most metal!

Leprous – Protest the Hero – Limb From Limb (2008)

5/5. Another favorite here! Rody Walker's awesome vocal range varies rapidly, perfectly playing together with the guitar work without overshadowing it. The lower death growls are a bit unnecessary but fit well for the experimentation in the music. The common tapping is still there, but then we find something unique, groovy keyboard soloing by Vadim Pruzhanov from DragonForce. Wicked but I wanna hear from that band's guitarists too.

Rolo Tomassi – Tempest (2025)

4.5/5. Rolo Tomassi has also just returned, and they've made a powerful song called "Tempest" that just lasts 3 minutes, unlike TOOL's over 15-minute epic.

Speaking to Stones – The Human Strain (2022)

4/5. NO, this isn't a Kamelot cover. Nonetheless, it's both beautiful and heavy.

Stormhaven – Dominion (2023)

4.5/5. HOLY B*LLS, A 24-MINUTE EPIC?!? F*** YEAH, I'M IN!!! A few other bands I've known that have each made a song that long are Dream Theater, Symphony X, and Nightwish! Let's let this long epic speak for itself...

TesseracT – Eden (2011)

4/5. Great song by this band, including Daniel Tompkins' vocals. The final third is so emotional, enough to make even the manliest metalhead cry.

Twelve Foot Ninja – Kingdom (2012)

4.5/5. An amazing song I still like from this band despite not being fully commited to listening to this band since their one-year split. "Brother, this is your dominion!"

VOLA – Applause of a Distant Crowd (2018)

5/5. Now let's have a final round of applause as we close the playlist with this band. Whether heavy or soft, incredible riffing all the same!

Here's my submission for the June Fallen playlist, Sonny, to use up those spare minutes:

Swallow the Sun - "Firelights" (from When a Shadow is Forced into the Light, 2019)

Karl has just told me that he will be taking a break from submitting feature releases until further notice, so I've removed him from the roster for now. So here's the new updated roster for June:

THE FALLEN: Vinny, Sonny

THE GATEWAY: Saxy, Andi

THE GUARDIANS: Andi, Sonny

THE HORDE: Sonny, Vinny

THE INFINITE: Andi, Saxy

THE NORTH: Vinny, Sonny

THE PIT: Sonny, Vinny

THE REVOLUTION: Andi

THE SPHERE: Andi

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Stevie T, ZP Theart - "Isugaku Never Say Goodbye" from Isugaku Never Say Goodbye (2026)

4.5/5. Once a fun little AI experiment, then an unexpected viral success, and now a full human-made epic piece of heavy/power metal, featuring the vocalist who sang the very first song to get me into all of metal.

Kamelot - "March of Mephisto (feat. Shagrath)" from The Black Halo (2005)

5/5. The album has a magnificent start with this pounding highlight showing intricate sound layers and dark aggressive Iced Earth-like mid-paced riffs, as well as complex melodic vocal construction. More detailed yet more accessible! Dimmu Borgir vocalist Shagrath does some growling as Mephisto, and Stratovarius keyboardist Jens Johansson plays a progressive keyboard solo.

Therion - "The Rise of Sodom and Gomorrah" from Vovin (1998)

4.5/5. The marching pace of this song fits quite well when put together with that Kamelot track. Angels narrate the march and dance of demons over a Middle Eastern-esque melody from both the symphonics and metal guitars.

Black Sabbath - "Johnny Blade" from Never Say Sie (1978)

4/5. RIP Ozzy Osbourne... I think I've been getting at least one song by Black Sabbath and/or Ozzy Osbourne in a playlist ever since his tragic passing. Even their supposedly least metal album in 1978's Never Say Die has its metal moments throughout songs like this one. Honestly, Johnny Blade has got to be one of the coolest names I've heard. Somehow the song would fit well in the Joker movie. Through the second third, things sound more funky, and this is before funk metal was even a thing.

Raven - "Hard Ride" from Rock Until You Drop (1981)

4.5/5. Another powerful 80s metal banger! The drummer can really wreck the kit. Everyone knows the Oasis Gallagher brothers, but not the Raven Gallagher brothers. This band shaped up heavy metal in the 80s almost as much as Black Sabbath had in the 70s, though the difference in popularity is big. An underrated sound to love!

Anvil - "666" from Metal on Metal (1982)

4/5. If you think the song is ending at the 3-minute mark, don't click off! There's massive guitar soloing before one last chorus.

Accept - "Thunder and Lightning" from I'm a Rebel (1980)

4.5/5. Accept still hits hard for the older metalheads nearly 5 decades after their formation. I also sense a small bit of glam that Motley Crue would take on next year.

LOUDNESS - "LOUDNESS" from THE BIRTHDAY EVE (1981)

4/5. Loudness pretty much started it all for Japanese heavy metal, bringing the sound of Ozzy Osbourne and Judas Priest to the land of the rising sun and paving the way for bands in other Asian countries, like Search in my home country Malaysia.

Diamond Head - "Helpless" from Lightning to the Nations (1980)

3.5/5. NWOBHM has been gaining some genuine speed in songs by bands like Diamond Head. I prefer "Am I Evil?" slightly more than this song though.

Judas Priest - "Exciter" from Stained Class (1978)

3/5. One of the earliest speed metal songs, even leaning into proto-thrash.

Y&T - "Forever" from Black Tiger (1982)

2.5/5. This one's OK but doesn't give me much awe. Sorry, Sonny.

More - "Warhead" from Warhead (1981)

3/5. RIP Paul Mario Day. We wish we could've gotten more from him.

Iron Maiden - "Run to the Hills" from The Number of the Beast (1982)

3.5/5. RIP Clive Burr. His drumming is quite impressive here. The Number of the Beast was the kind of album the older metalheads were listening to in their teens. That and Judas Priest's 70s/early 80s material. This was also before thrash and eventually groove metal took over and left all NWOBHM bands except Maiden run to the hills.

Riot - "Swords and Tequila" from Fire Down Under (1981)

4/5. Riot knew how to pull off a bit of humor while keeping their metal serious. You can hear Guy Speranza singing about a knight charging into battle after swigging a certain Mexican alcoholic drink, though the band's later vocalist would have greater range. The speed is what bands like Venom and early Running Wild would pick up for their own speed metal styles in the mid-80s. There's glorious fun in the dive-bombing solo by Mark Reale that might remind some of the soloing in Manowar's songs. Not only does the soloing sparkle but also the metal riff rhythm. It's just upsetting that both an amazing vocalist and a master-mindful guitarist are gone from this world. Once again, RIP...

Power Quest - "Children of the Dream" from Magic Never Dies (2005)

4.5/5. Power Quest was one of the first power metal (and metal in general) bands I've listened to besides DragonForce, back when I was 14. I distanced myself from this band and others in the power metal genre when I was moving into heavier modern genres, shortly before I turned 20. Now I'm 27, and rediscovering this beautiful uplifting song brought back some of those mystical relatable memories of mine.

Avantasia - "The Final Sacrifice" from The Metal Opera Pt. 2 (2002)

4/5. Same thing with Avantasia, and this is one of the heaviest songs by the band. Pure metal with the gravelly guest vocals by David DeFeis of Virgin Steele.

CONCERTO MOON - "THE LIGHT OF DAWN" from BACK BEYOND TIME (2024)

4.5/5. Concerto Moon seems to take the epicness and heaviness of Avantasia with their own Galneryus-infused neoclassical zest.

Dragonfly - "Rompe Tu Silencio" from Non Requiem (2011)

4/5. How did I miss this band during the height of my power metal taste 10 years ago? Probably because I wasn't used to the Spanish lyrics, but nevermind, this is beautiful.

Lord of the Lost - "Winter's Dying Heart" from OPVS NOIR Vol. 2 (2025)

4.5/5. Then we reach the cold melancholy of this excellent ballad with the instrumentation and vocals in excellent balance.

Fairyland - "The Storyteller" from Of Wars in Osyrhia (2003)

5/5. Fairyland is one of the most underrated symphonic power metal bands, so much so that I can't believe I didn't discover this band until this year instead of 10 years ago. No matter when I find songs like this, they're still f***ing epic!

Epica - "Quietus" from Consign to Oblivion (2005)

4.5/5. This was one of my favorite songs by Epica when I was still listening to that band a lot. I still love it today, especially the gorgeous vocals by Simone Simons.

Dark Sarah - "Hunting the Dreamer" from Behind the Black Veil (2015)

5/5. Another one of my current favorite symphonic metal songs! I like the blend of English and Finnish lyrics, the latter used in the chorus.

Seven Spires - "Almosttown" from A Fortress Called Home (2024)

4.5/5. Seven Spires has made some of the most epic symphonic metal to come out in this decade. It's absolutely underrated, and this particular track has Kamelot vibes.

Benedictum - "Vakerie Rising" from Uncreation (2006)

5/5. Let's end it all with the original Benedictum album's nearly 9-minute epic, and it shows the band in all its glory without any failure.

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!

A special playlist I've made to celebrate the 4-year anniversary of when I started making the monthly Sphere Spotify playlists: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7nJZB6qogLbzI1NOUpXTsQ

May 2026

1. Code Orange - "(deeperthanbefore)" from Underneath (2020)

2. Oddko - "Disobey" from Disobey (2019)

3. Rammstein - "Mein Teil" from Reise, Reise (2004)

4. Celldweller - "My Disintegration (Joe Ford Remix)" from Satellites (Remixed) (2023) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

5. Fear Factory - "Scapegoat" from Soul of a New Machine (1992) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

6. Waltari - "Progression" from Space Avenue (1997) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

7. Iperyt - "Antihuman Hate Generator" from No State of Grace (2011)

8. Circus of Dead Squirrels - "8-Bit Piece of Shit" from Indoor Recess (2004)

9. Crossbreed - "Seasons" from Synthetic Division (2001)

10. Dagoba - "The Things Within" from What Hell is About (2006)

11. Rorschach Test - "New Blood Order" from The Eleventh (1994)

12. Neurotech - "The Race to Recovery" from The Decipher Volumes (2013) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

13. Pain - "Just Think Again" from Psalms of Extinction (2007) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

14. Strapping Young Lad - "Far Beyond Metal" from The New Black (2006) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

15. Fear of Domination - "Punish Y.S." from Call of Schizophrenia (2009)

16. Subway to Sally - "Herz in der Kinde" from Post Mortem (2024)

17. Autarkh - "Strife" from Emergent (2023)

18. Persher - "Medieval Soup From the Milkbar" from Sleep Well (2024)

19. Turmion Katilot - "Revi Minut Auki" from Global Warning (2020)

20. Treponem Pal - "Evil is Us - Lofofora Remix" from Evil Music for Evil People (2013)

21. Combichrist - "RISE" from RISE (2025)

22. SUB DUB MICROMACHINE - "Road to Nowhere" from Auferstanden! (2008)

23. Static-X - "Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment" from Beneath...Between...Beyond (2004)

24. Vibrion - "Revenge" from Instinct (2002)

25. Unheilig - "Ausblick (Outro)" from LIEBE GLAUBE MONSTER (2026)

26. Mechina - "Blessings Upon the Field Where Blades Will Flood" from Blessings Upon the Field Where Blades Will Flood (2023)

May 2026

1. Ithilien - "Blindfolded" from Shaping the Soul (2017) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

2. Phinehas - "Blood on My Knuckles" from The Last Word is Yours to Speak (2013) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

3. We Butter the Bread with Butter - "N!CE" from Das Album (2021)

4. Hope for the Dying - "Iniquitous" from Aletheia (2013) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

5. August Burns Red - "The Nameless" from The Nameless (2026)

6. Boundaries - "Death Will Follow Me" from Death Will Follow Me (2026)

7. Ankor, SiM - "DANZO · Lying Ghost" from DANZO · Lying Ghost (2026)

8. Mirrorcell, VCTMS - "Ichi" from Long Nights in Lovescape (2026)

9. Vision of Disorder - "The Craving" from Razed to the Ground (2015)

10. As I Lay Dying - "The Voices That Betray Me" from Beneath the Encasing of Ashes (2001) (based on A Long March: The First Recordings (2006))

11. ERRA - "Hybrid Earth" from Augment (2013)

12. Rise of the Northstar - "Back 2 Basics" from Back 2 Basics (2025)

13. Like Moths to Flames - "Burn in Water, Drown in Flame" from No Eternity in Gold (2020)

14. Excessive Force - "Misfortune" from In Your Blood (1995) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

15. The Devil Wears Prada - "Swords, Dragons & Diet Coke" from Dear Love: A Beautiful Discord (2006) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

16. The Agonist - "Immaculate Deception" from Days Before the World Wept (2021) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

17. AVRALIZE - "Liminal" from Liminal (2025)

18. Bleed from Within - "Escape Yourself" from Uprising (2013)

19. Worm Shepherd - "Wilted Moon" from Ritual Hymns (2022)

20. A Wake in Providence - "Black Mass (feat. Dickie Allen)" from Insidious: Phase II (2017)

21. The Last Ten Seconds of Life - "Sacrifice (the Prince)" from Soulless Hymns (2015)

22. Within Destruction - "Death Awaits Us All" from Deathwish (2018)

23. Frontierer - "Mt. Swath" from Orange Mathematics (2015)

24. Psyopus - "Ms. Sunflower" from Odd Senses (2009)

25. Invent Animate, Silent Planet - "Armageddon Eyes" from Bloom in Heaven (2025)

26. Northlane, In Hearts Wake - "Equinox" from Equinox (2016) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

27. Darkest Hour - "Accessible Losses" from Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation (2003)

28. Bullet for My Valentine - "The End" from The Poison (2005)

May 2026

1. Stevie T, ZP Theart - "Isugaku Never Say Goodbye" from Isugaku Never Say Goodbye (2026) [Suggested by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

2. Kamelot - "March of Mephisto (feat. Shagrath)" from The Black Halo (2005)

3. Therion - "The Rise of Sodom and Gomorrah" from Vovin (1998)

4. Black Sabbath - "Johnny Blade" from Never Say Sie (1978)

5. Raven - "Hard Ride" from Rock Until You Drop (1981)

6. Anvil - "666" from Metal on Metal (1982)

7. Accept - "Thunder and Lightning" from I'm a Rebel (1980)

8. LOUDNESS - "LOUDNESS" from THE BIRTHDAY EVE (1981)

9. Diamond Head - "Helpless" from Lightning to the Nations (1980)

10. Judas Priest - "Exciter" from Stained Class (1978)

11. Y&T - "Forever" from Black Tiger (1982) [Suggested by Sonny]

12. More - "Warhead" from Warhead (1981)

13. Iron Maiden - "Run to the Hills" from The Number of the Beast (1982)

14. Riot - "Swords and Tequila" from Fire Down Under (1981)

15. Power Quest - "Children of the Dream" from Magic Never Dies (2005)

16. Avantasia - "The Final Sacrifice" from The Metal Opera Pt. 2 (2002)

17. CONCERTO MOON - "THE LIGHT OF DAWN" from BACK BEYOND TIME (2024)

18. Dragonfly - "Rompe Tu Silencio" from Non Requiem (2011)

19. Lord of the Lost - "Winter's Dying Heart" from OPVS NOIR Vol. 2 (2025)

20. Fairyland - "The Storyteller" from Of Wars in Osyrhia (2003) [Suggested by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

21. Epica - "Quietus" from Consign to Oblivion (2005)

22. Dark Sarah - "Hunting the Dreamer" from Behind the Black Veil (2015) [Suggested by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

23. Seven Spires - "Almosttown" from A Fortress Called Home (2024) [Suggested by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

24. Benedictum - "Vakerie Rising" from Uncreation (2006) [Suggested by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

Here's my review summary:

For those of you not familiar with Circle of Dust, their best album Brainchild wasn't originally made under that moniker. In 1992, founder Klayton worked with Doug Mann on a different project Brainchild, releasing their sole album Mindwarp. The next year, R.E.X. wanted another album by Circle of Dust, but because most of the money was already used for the Brainchild project, Klayton decided to have Mindwarp re-released in 1994 as that second Circle of Dust release, with Brainchild becoming the album title. The original album Mindwarp is an excellent album that I love almost as much as the Circle of Dust one! The only differences are in 3 tracks. Two of them are better here, and the other one is not bad but could've been improved. As for the rest, they all sound as strong as in the Circle of Dust album. Klayton has done an amazing job combining the industrial metal and samples of Ministry with occasional Slayer-like thrash. Well I say it probably would've made more sense if Klayton re-recorded the entire album instead of just 3 tracks, because then the two albums would've sounded more like separate entities rather than one album credited as two artists. But since I absolutely love the Circle of Dust album, I can't really complain about this one. Though if "Prayers of a Dead Man" was made as metal as the Circle of Dust version, the Mindwarp album would've been perfect as well. Still it's worth checking out for all Klayton fans!

4.5/5

Recommended tracks: "Telltale Crime", "Course of Ruin", "Descent", "Deviate", "Aggressor (Regressive Mix)"

For fans of: Circle of Dust, Godflesh, Ministry

Here's my review summary:

It has been 10 years since this collaboration EP has been released, and I've only listened to it for less than half that amount of time. Surprisingly I haven't reviewed it like I did with all the other Northlane albums, but there's no better time than now. Two Australian metalcore bands Northlane and In Hearts Wake banded together for a top-secret project that wasn't revealed until the day of its release. Those two bands would then tour together to promote this masterpiece! So if you're thinking they were just going to combine the djenty atmosphere of Northlane with the hardcore aggression of In Hearts Wake, that's somewhat true. Both sides were cranked up, causing a new different sound for those bands. This is more than just a metalcore release, it's a journey where you can transcend through the astral realms while looking down at the world's political and environmental issues. I would consider the EP an 11-minute epic with 3 tracks that's basically two songs connected with an interlude, and they're fantastic! The vocalists from both bands all shine well too. The growling vocal style shows the intense power of Jake Taylor while the latter, sung by then-bassist Kyle Erich, enhances the chorus. His clean vocals sound so commanding, which is what I like and what stablized In Hearts Wake's sound before his recent departure from the band. Then you can hear the vocal diversity of Northlane vocalist Marcus Bridge hit you in the face. With those vocalists and the rest of the crew, not often can you have 10 people work together and make a beautiful odyssey. It must've been quite a challenge, but in the end, we get to experience a journey made in a journey. Teamwork makes the dream work, baby!

5/5

Recommended tracks: All of them but especially "Hologram" and "Refuge"

For fans of: Architects, Invent Animate, Silent Planet

Here's my review summary:

I'm not too surprised that I've never heard of Mirrorcell until sometime this week. They released their debut album Long Nights in Lovescape (sounds like if someone spent all night using an AI dating app) two months ago. It's an album that can go back and forth from ethereal to intense, but it ends up inconsistent with only a few exciting tracks. The album's sound is basically alt-metalcore with some shoegaze. I find the more shoegaze side of them a little too much, often interfering with the times when the band is meant to go heavy. As a result, the offering is plagued with generic tracks. And in the few that are actually fun to listen to, it's because of the experimentation they add to the sound. It's really only then that I realize the band's true potential, specifically track 5. From then on, aside from a couple more poor tracks, the tracks are great highlights with intense heaviness along with well-executed electronics and breakdowns. They have really gotten me hooked with fun catchy melody. All in all, I would consider Long Nights in Lovescape a decent album, just not really a great one. The alternation between generic and anthemic tracks is just underwhelming for me. Still they're a new band with some potential, so I'll give them the benefit of a doubt. They just need to improve on their sound and seal it as something unique. I have nothing against shoegazey alt-metalcore, yet the generic sh*t is what made the sound stop being one of my favorite metal styles in the first place. There's still some good in the fusion, they just need to really let it out. Otherwise, we would have another decent yet generic release like this. We'll see what the future holds....

3/5

Recommended tracks: "Hurt Me", "Ichi", "U(phoria)", "Prey"

For fans of: Cane Hill, Issues, Volumes

Here's my submission for the June Gateway playlist:

Mirrorcell - "Hurt Me" (from Long Nights in Lovescape, 2026)

Update for June:

THE FALLEN: Vinny, Sonny

THE GATEWAY: Saxy, Andi

THE GUARDIANS: Karl, Andi, Sonny

THE HORDE: Sonny, Karl, Vinny

THE INFINITE: Andi, Saxy

THE NORTH: Vinny, Sonny, Karl

THE PIT: Sonny, Vinny

THE REVOLUTION: Andi

THE SPHERE: Andi

We don't generally delete releases like that, although we probably should.

That's kinda my feeling about bands that were added to the site as metal but then became deemed non-metal, like Sky Eats Airplane. That was at the time when nintendocore was thought to be a metal genre, until we made the consensus that it is not. Although there is the need for that band to be gone from the site, I know you don't generally delete such releases, and part of me feels it should at least stay for some historical value.

Xephyr!!! Welcome back to Metal Academy! How's it going?

I haven't had any issues today either. I may still have to look out for them though.

Thanks, Gannister! I was planning on requesting those new albums.

Thanks, Daniel. I ultimately decided not to go through with making my second entry. Looking back at the album, I was so fixated on the amount of new wave/synthpop-like aspects in tracks like "Why Can the Bodies Fly?" that I underestimated the metal guitarwork being more than just an afterthought on those tracks. So I'm comfortable with this release being deemed avant-garde doom metal.

Thanks Ben. And now that you mentioned it, maybe it is possible that Void somehow brought in a virus that caused the gateway errors. Of course, we don't know for sure.

Here's my submission for the June Pit playlist, Vinny:

Coroner - "When Angels Die" (from R.I.P., 1987)

I don't see anything bad about The Gateway right now other than that poor Mirrorcell release. OK, but seriously, I'm also having that issue, and hopefully it will be fixed. I would be lucky to have this comment up after less than a few minutes of trying to post.

This is a genre I know very little about, Andi, but I have always thought that bands like Nightwish and Sonata Arctica were symphonic metal rather than power metal, or are the two terms synonymous with each other and interchangeable?

The Nightwish and Sonata Arctica albums I've chosen in my list have each band's power metal side shining the most, though in subsequent albums, they would expand on their symphonic direction to make their own form of symphonic power metal, with Nightwish eventually standing by their pure symphonic metal flame of fame.

Don't forget Imaginations from the Other Side in 1995.  96 isn't the best cutoff.  Blind Guardian's decision to steer into symphonics helped redefine power metal, that and the rise of symphonic metal band Therion who made the switch from death.  But the idea of symphonic power as fully cemented by Rhapsody with their debut and continued for many albums afterwards.  "Emerald Sword" is basically the song that half the power metal bands these days try to rewrite, tempo and all.  But the other side of power metal, the raw edge, is thanks to bands such as Gamma Ray, Rage and Running Wild.  If you want 1996, then you definitely want Grave Digger's Tunes of War, self-titled and Excalibur.  Also include Angra's Holy Lan and Temple of Shadows for the symphonic stuff.

I agree that 1996 isn't the best cutoff, which is part of why I was baffled about Guyo's comment. As I said earlier, Blind Guardian and Gamma Ray have power metal classics that shouldn't be forgotten or mislabeled in Imaginations from the Other Side and Land of the Free, respectively. Indeed, Angra's albums have helped develop symphonic power metal and should be deemed as such instead of "melodic speed metal". So I'm going to extend my list a few years to include those albums, and I might also give those Grave Digger and Rage albums a try (after several poor attempts at getting the appeal). Thanks, Rex!

Here's mine for two of my clans:

Revolution: Converge

Sphere: Godflesh

Good reviews, guys! Thanks for all your feedback.

Cool suggestions, Vinny, but David has already submitted a Smote track.

Probably be busy around the time for the next selections Sonny. Here are 3 around 29 minutes, leaving an extra 6 minutes for someone. 

Unearthly Trance – “Raised by Wolves” (from “Season of Seance, Science of Silence”, 2003): 9:39

Smote – “Lof” (from “Clyppan”, 2025): 9:33

Sumac – “Will to Reach” (from “What One Becomes”, 2016): 9:48

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Tyrant of Death - "Cyanide" from Cyanide (2012)

4/5. Solid start, though before I first listened to this track, I almost thought it would be like a Deathstars cover which would've ruled.

Pain - "Call Me" from Coming Home (2016)

4.5/5. Then comes a greater standout. In the instrumentation, the industrial sound is blended with some epic power metal from bands like Unleash the Archers and Sabaton, especially with the latter band's vocalist Joakim Brodén guest appearing. I love that one!

Celldweller - "End of an Empire" from End of an Empire (2015)

5/5. We really need more electro-metal artists doing the way of Blue Stahli and Celldweller. This masterpiece song should've been in the Cyberpunk 2077 soundtrack!

OOMPH! - "Sag Jetzt Einfach Nichts" from Richter Und Henker (2023)

4.5/5. The new OOMPH! can still impress people with their lyrics of sorrow.

Persher - "Sycamore" from Sleep Well (2024)

4/5. Well, now we're heading to the more experimental sludgy side of things.

Psychopomps - "Wonderful World" from Six Six Six Nights in Hell (1995)

3.5/5. Although I can't really find the lyrics for this song, it still has its beauty and darkness.

Viter - "Viter" from Springtime (2012)

4/5. Interesting blend of industrial metal and Ukrainian folk.

Jacob Lizotte - "Afterlife" from Afterlife (2026)

4.5/5. Amazing industrial metalcore song from the master of royalty-free modern metal! I love both his cleans and growls.

Turmion Katilot - "Pyha Maa" from Technodiktator (2013)

5/5. The track that I consider my favorite here in this Turmion Katilot album is a fantastic track I would revisit quite often as the techno beats are blended well with some of the heaviest riffing by the band.

Eisbrecher - "Satt" from Kaltfront°! (2025)

4.5/5. Remember those Eisbrecher songs from my last 3 playlists? This one really has what's missing in those tracks, a breakdown and trumpets. It should be listened to with headphones for an excellent experience. Even in NDH, anything is possible.

Rammstein - "Haifisch" from Liebe Ist Fur Alle Da (2009)

4/5. This song can be fitting for soldiers heading to war, and the lyrics are quite poetic in both German and the English translation. Honestly, this is pretty great.

Dimension F3H - "Paint Me Something Bleach" from Reaping the World Winds (2003)

3.5/5. Is bleach even a paint color? That song title is a little whack, as is this otherwise good song.

Samael - "Antigod" from Lux Mundi (2011)

4/5. I still enjoy some Samael songs despite having moving on from that band.

Godflesh - "Tyrant" from Hymns (2001)

4.5/5. The tyrannical aggression can be found in this track when the vocals are mostly shouts.

Static-X - "Goat" from Cannibal (2007)

4/5. If this song was slightly faster, it could've ended up in their debut Wisconsin Death Trip. RIP Wayne Static

Intensive Care - "Cancer Causes Rats" from Diprivan (2018)

3.5/5. OK, first of all, that should be "Rats Cause Cancer", to be more factually correct. Second, rats are morely like to cause rabies. You see what I mean about the song titles being as odd as the songs?

Moshpit - "Follow the Loser" from Follow the Loser (2008)

4/5. This one has more of a drum 'n' bass pace while staying metal.

Mnemic - "The Naked and the Dead" from Mechanical Spin Phenomena (2003)

4.5/5. Another amazing highlight to make even the most serious metalhead smile.

Circle of Dust - "Telltale Crime - 1992" from Brainchild (1994)

5/5. Another highlight a lot more people need to hear more of. This edition has an audio sample from Geraldo Rivera in the intro that was then removed for the Circle of Dust album. That actually makes it more eerie, and I love it!

Iperyt - "Totalitarian Love Pulse" from Totalitarian Love Pulse (2006)

4.5/5. Blackened techno-industrial metal, huh? This may be too heavy and hyper for anyone inexperienced, but for me it's quite pleasant.

Crawl - "No Way Out" from No Way Out (2025)

4/5. The extreme industrial metal chaos doesn't stop there, this one's more deathly.

Klank - "Something About You (feat. Dug Pinnick)" from Urban Warfare (2012)

3.5/5. A f***ing cool tune by Klank featuring King's X vocalist Doug Pinnick.

Sovereign - "Disorder" from Harbinger (2017)

4/5. A hyperspeed cyber metal track with a similar vibe to the heavier side of Mechina.

Division Alpha - "Inside Replika" from Replika (2003)

3.5/5. Another good cyber metal tune to blow your mind.

Godkiller - "Deliverance" from Deliverance (2000)

3/5. Also decent but doesn't really deliver as much.

Woods of Belial - "Pervertum" from Deimos XIII (2003)

2.5/5. Y'know, when I first heard this track in that Woods of Belial album, I thought it was the memorable part of that album that pretty much exemplifies the dark temptation of the more experimental side of The Sphere. Don't ask me what I was think there. I now hear that ambient industrial instrumental finale as what it is, ambient industrial. In fact, listening to it a few times while doing my playlist test marathons made me lose my appeal for it. That was a tough blow...

Spineshank - "Dead to Me" from Self-Destructive Pattern (2003)

3/5. Spineshank vocalist Jonny Santos would later form Silent Civilian during his temporary departure. Both bands have a song titled "Dead to Me". I prefer the Silent Civilian song a lot more, though the Spineshank can throw a few raging punches.

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 selected tracks:

Sylosis - "Beneath the Surface" from The New Flesh (2026)

4.5/5. Sylosis' new album The New Flesh may just be their most metalcore album in years, and this rapid banger might just make a smashing opener for both the album and this playlist, spine-chilling right from the intro onwards.

Varials - "Anything to Numb" from Pain Again (2017)

5/5. I can't put to word how much hellfire this heavy sh*t has. It's brutal as f*** and I love it!

Every Time I Die - "Kill the Music" from Gutter Phenomenon (2005)

4.5/5. I enjoy the guest vocals by My Chemical Romance's Gerard Way in this one. He really f***ing nails the chorus! Around that time, this was between the eras of Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge and The Black Parade. Gerard certainly has a rougher edge in his guest appearances, especially his black metal screaming in that Ibaraki song. G****mn, I wish I could perform guitar and learn to play this song and others on it. I also enjoy the usual screams by Keith Buckley. "I KNOW THE STRIPPER'S REAL NAME!!"

Vision of Disorder - "Blood Red Sun" from The Cursed Remain Cursed (2012)

5/5. The f***ing best song in this Vision of Disorder album. The vocals, guitars, bass, and drumming are all filled with rage, especially in the riffing and screams. The cleans also add to the brilliance.

BOI WHAT - "BUCKET HELMET" from BUCKET HELMET (2026)

4.5/5. Perhaps the heaviest thing Boi What has done! Sh*tloads of brutal chaos compared to other modern metal bands these days.

Fox Lake - "Cold Hard Truth" from Cold Hard Truth (2025)

4/5. This sick song is just like the truth, cold and hard.

We Came as Romans, Currents, After the Burial - "Bad Luck" from Bad Luck (2025)

4.5/5. We Came as Romans has brought together members of Currents and After the Burial to rework one of the songs from their new album. The end result is a powerful rifftastic blessing. And boy are we lucky!

Bring Me the Horizon - "Sleepwalking" from Sempiternal (2013)

5/5. After the metalcore action of the previous songs, this one is more melodic with a beautiful middle bridge painting images with words, "Your eyes are swallowing me. Mirrors start to whisper, shadows start to see. My skin's smothering me. Help me find a way to breathe!"

Lamb of God - "Redneck" from Sacrament (2006)

4.5/5. OK, I know Lamb of God is generally groove metal, but hear me out. Even their greater hits can please a metalcore fan. "THIS IS A MOTHERF***ING INVITATION!!!"

August Burns Red - "Behemoth" from Behemoth (2026)

5/5. August Burns Red are coming back with their new album Season of Surrender to be released in June, and this pre-release single is filled with ripped rage. An absolutely perfect return to their sound from 20 years ago, and then some. We have an Architects-style "BLEGH" 30 seconds in, plus a heavy breakdown a minute later followed by an even more crushing one shortly after. This band really should get more credit for enhancing metalcore with this and other unique songs.

Shadows Fall - "Inspiration on Demand" from The War Within (2004)

4.5/5. A heavy but more mid-tempo song with some moving, beautiful ballad-like verses that flashback to the title track of their previous album.

Carnifex - "Bury Me in Blasphemy" from Bury Me in Blasphemy (2018)

5/5. The fire burns within Carnifex as they unleash their sinister deathcore sound with symphonic touches.

Excessive Force - "In Your Blood" from In Your Blood (1995)

4.5/5. Interestingly the shortest one in the album and this playlist (besides that BOI WHAT track) and placed towards the end of the album while not being the final track. The music and lyrics are absolutely earth-shattering and make another brutal highlight.

Born of Osiris - "Open Arms to Damnation" from The New Reign (2007)

5/5. Probably the best track of the EP, and it really should've started the album as track #1 with "Rosecrance" as track #3. It has the best riffs and keyboards. Vocals are catchy and fun. And the ending guitar melody is impressive.

The Faceless - "Leica" from Akeldama (2006)

4.5/5. I wish we could have more of this earlier Faceless sound when they were melodic/technical deathcore, though I still enjoy their more progressive later albums. At the 3-minute mark, after the music glitches out, we have one of the most brutal breakdowns I've heard in deathcore/metal.

Lorna Shore - "In Darkness" from I Feel the Everblack Festering Within Me (2025)

5/5. You know how epic an album is when even the non-highlights earn 5 stars. The first of the 3 tracks without breakdowns is almost like their attempt at combining the title track of And I Return to Nothingness and one of my favorite Mechina songs "Anagenesis", including the double key-change final chorus of the former but excluding the clean singing and cyber synths of the latter. It still can't beat those two tracks though.

Showing Teeth - "Rip" from Rip (2026)

4.5/5. H*ll of a metalcore ripper! It seems this band is willing to combine the sounds of Knocked Loose and Poppy after those two artists' collab.

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

5/5. Must be quite a heavy weight. An underrated song that should make modern metal history!

Avenged Sevenfold - "I Won't See You Tonight Part 1" from Waking the Fallen (2003)

4.5/5. Last playlist had Part 2, this one has Part 1, a ballad-like epic to break things up a little.

Prayer for Cleansing - "Bael Na Mblath" from The Rain in Endless Fall (1999)

5/5. This highlight begins by alternating between fast blast beats and slow acoustics. Some parts get a bit sludgy in the second half, before speeding up one last time.

Bleeding Through - "War Time" from NINE (2025)

4.5/5. This one is a violent banger with background vocals by Brian Fair (Shadows Fall), and the lyrics fire away as well.

Electric Callboy - "Revery" from Revery (2025)

4/5. Electric Callboy can make beautiful songs while still having their heavy impact. This should really end up in a possible film adaptation of Five Nights at Freddy's 3.

Until I Wake - "Sinking Under" from Until I Wake (2021)

3.5/5. Beauty and strength can be found in the riffing and chorus melody, though a few parts are a little more average. Reminds me of We Came as Romans, with the clean singing practically paying tribute to the late Kyle Pavone. RIP

Not Enough Space, Dark Divine - "Eye 4 an Eye" from Weaponize Your Rage (2025)

4/5. Imagine if Butcher Babies added more of their early kick-A metalcore sound to their alt-metal, that would be this solid collab right there.

ERRA - "II. In the Gut of the Wolf" from Silence Outlives the Earth (2026)

4.5/5. The new ERRA album keeps up their djentcore style, sounding more cyber-ish than before. I can hear both Gojira and Silent Planet vibes here, along with some interesting background synths. A f***ing heavy banger until a soft cosmic ending sung by Jesse Cash. Having the intro sound so brutal and the outro sound so beautiful throws back to that kind of technique in songs from their earlier albums. This may be the heaviest song in both the album and its ending trilogy of songs. Oh, and there's also a bit of Mastodon in the instrumentation. This band never f***ing disappoints!

Versus Me - "Heavy Breathing" from Continuous (2019)

4/5. Apparently, AEW wrestler Shawn Dean used the instrumental of this song as his theme. The blend of heaviness and melody is quite pleasing to my ears, and I also enjoy the clean singing to go with the growls. The drumming is so technical, it's practically inhuman! We need more people listening to metalcore instead of just pop/hip-hop sh*t.

We Butter the Bread with Butter - "Meine Brille" from Goldkinder (2013)

4.5/5. What happens when you combine Rammstein, Linkin Park, and Volumes? You get songs like this that should really end up on the radio!

Volumes - "Pullin' Shades" from Different Animals (2017)

5/5. A ballad-like song in which the nu metal and metalcore worlds really collide. Myke's clean chorus is so wonderful. Although the short solo could've been slightly better, the rest is a true highlight and I wouldn't change a thing.

Ion Dissonance - "The Girl Nextdoor Is Always Screaming" from Breathing is Irrelevant (2003)

4.5/5. "The Girl Nextdoor Is Always Screaming", so is this vocalist. Disturbing spine-breaking mathcore, and one of my favorite songs by this band!

The Chariot - "Mrs. Montgomery Alabama III." from Wars and Rumors of Wars (2009)

5/5. "RECEIVE MY FATE! LONG LIVE THE GHOST!!!" Spectacular beauty and chaos to end it all!

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!

Ben, please add the new Green Carnation album A Dark Poem, Part II: Sanguis.

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

An Abstract Illusion – Vakuum (2016)

5/5. Apparently, this Swedish-sung epic was written quite early on in their career, and it's probably the best one of the entire album, possibly by the band. The intro is so beautiful, as is the rest of the song.

Aghora – Existence (2000)

5/5. So this is the band that had the talented rhythm section duo Sean Malone and Sean Reinert during their break from Cynic. RIP the two Seans... That f***ing heavy drum outro absolutely rules! I also like the piano work occurring in different sections midway through. This actually hints at the more progressive less doomy direction Madder Mortem would take after this album.

Ayreon – Everybody Dies (2017)

4.5/5. Ayreon continues to impress us with different vocalists singing dark apocalyptic lyrics in an upbeat tune.

Between the Buried and Me – Lunar Wilderness (2011)

4/5. You want more of Tommy Rogers' fascinating vocals? Here you go! The world also needs more of the beautiful soloing by Paul Waggoner. The best part is the middle where BTBAM makes their own attempt on djentcore. Then Tommy growls "WHERE IS THIS DOOR?!?" as the instrumentation gets more looney. Then right at the 5-minute is some of the f***ing heaviest sh*t they've done at the time. They're total winners at this progressive game. "Dig deep, commence sleep..."

Green Carnation – Sanguis (Blood Ties) (2026)

4.5/5. Green Carnation already have the second part of the Dark Poem saga up just 7 months after Part 1. Music comes from the heart and mind, and they clearly have some melancholy going on, along with groovy keys. So amazing, and I look forward to the third part to conclude the journey!

Ihlo – Mute (2025)

4/5. A little soft but quite addictive! Everything flows smoothly throughout these 8 and a half minutes. The vocals are quite remarkable too. I kinda wish they would go as djenty as Tesseract though. There are many different layers of spacey ambience. And if you're wondering when the heaviness would hit, it's at the 7-minute mark, starting the climactic outro, leading up to some final spoken lines like "You'll never shine as bright". Quite wonderful, though again it could've been a little heavier.

In Vain – Watch for me on the Mountain (2024)

4.5/5. This is the 3rd time this song has appeared in an Infinite playlist, but I won't judge. A strong clean swansong for the blissful harmonies of Sindre Nedland. RIP

Lattermath – Ember (2026)

4/5. Another lovely banger! I especially loved the screamed section right before the outro.

Leprous – Acquired Taste (2011)

4.5/5. Even music can have an acquired taste. That's how I felt when losing my touch for Leprous. Still I love how emotional this track is. This band can really master the melody and lyrics! I'm blowing away by how amazing this is. This is true beautiful talent that can surpass whatever's put out by pop artists like Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande.

Stream of Passion – Passion (2005)

5/5. And even more so by this stunning band! The riffing scales are enough to make even Andrew Lloyd Webber jealous. The lyrics are quite lovely, sung by Marcela Bovio who can shine even more than those popstars out there. Nightwish are still on top when it comes to female-sung metal though.

Textures – At the Edge of Winter (2026)

5/5. This highlight to close off my journey through this playlist is where the band's heaviness comes back to life and punches right through. Vocalist Daniel de Jongh is still in great shape after all those years away, but what impresses me the most here is the guest vocals by Charlotte Wessels of Delain. The instrumentation and vocals sound epic, and it's clear the band is back for real.

Thanks, Sonny.

Not sure if you're still cutting down on non-Fallen members' track submissions, Sonny, but here's one to fill the 6-minute void left by David:

Novembers Doom - "Not the Strong" (from To Welcome the Fade, 2002)

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Iron Fire - "The Final Crusade" from Thunderstorm (2000)

4.5/5. Iron Fire's debut Thunderstorm is one of my newfound favorite power metal albums, and it exemplifies the amazing fantasy-filled melodic power metal developed by Gamma Ray and Helloween. They don't even have to go crazy on progressiveness and synths. The guitar riffs and leads are what deliver. Join the crusade!

Therion - "To Mega Therion" from Theli (1996)

5/5. Theli is one of the best symphonic metal albums ever, having brought that genre to life with awesome anthems like this one.

Epica - "Facade of Reality (The Embrace That Smothers, Part 5)" from The Phantom Agony (2003)

4.5/5. Epica can really pull off some kick-A symphonic metal epics. "We will take you with us..."

Plasmatics - "Doom Song" from New Hope for the Wretched/Metal Priestess (1981)

4/5. Well this is an interesting submission, an early blend of punk and heavy metal. The vocals by the late Wendy O. Williams sound so great. "The prince of darkness here! You've sealed your doom! Your time has come! YHVH, so it is done!!!" RIP

Black Sabbath - "Symptom of the Universe" from Sabotage (1975)

4.5/5. One of the heaviest songs to come from the 70s. You can say it's proto-thrash! Well, at least until the final two minutes when it switches to a softer jazz-like section. Apparently, they were inspired to some degree by the Hollies when making this. And I think it songs like this would give Judas Priest vocalist Rob Halford's voice a rough metal edge from Sad Wings of Destiny onwards.

Ozzy Osbourne - "Crazy Train" from Blizzard of Ozz (1980)

4/5. "All aboard!!! Ha ha ha... AYY!" Such an iconic opening line sung by Ozzy Osbourne. RIP... The chorus line "Mental wounds not healing" (which would become the title of one of the Uniform/The Body collaboration albums) hits differently now. Anyway, this is a solid classic hit!

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

3.5/5. Nearly 6 decades (!) at this point, and Judas Priest are still going f***ing strong in touring and making good songs.

Hollow Ground - "Warlord" from Warlord (1980)

3/5. Some somewhat good NWOBHM despite the sh*tty quality (I don't blame them, it was 80s underground).

Accept - "Straight Up Jack" from Humanoid (2024)

3.5/5. Accept have no problem performing straight-up hard rock/metal, as they've been doing for the past 5 decades. Despite sounding closer to AC/DC, it's a good banger. I can practically hear this song in that band's Back in Black album. I'm glad many of us are still here after the pandemic to hear songs like this. The guitar soloing doesn't really sound greatly mixed though. That, along with the guitar melodies sound too rock-ish, are what makes this slightly disappointing.

Holocaust - "Death or Glory" from The Nightcomers (1981)

3/5. Good lyrics, decent music, but again the underground quality could've been better. I heard that Gamma Ray covered this song, I should check that out at some point.

Erik Gronwall - "Bad Bones" from Bad Bones (2025)

2.5/5. I thought this one sounded cool and heavy, but now I may have to reassess my thoughts. It sounds much closer to the revival of 80s hard rock than anything metal. Those bones have gone bad, all right.

Angel Witch - "Angel of Death" from Angel Witch (1980)

3/5. Lots of things stolen from thrash metal bands in this song. Metallica would take the chorus riff and add it to "For Whom the Bell Tolls", and Slayer would take the song title for an entirely different, more (in)famous song.

Killer - "Ready for Hell" from Ready for Hell (1980)

3.5/5. Ready for Hell? Me, probably not. But still a good one.

Iron Maiden - "Killers" from Killers (1981)

4/5. An underrated killer song from the more punk-ish earlier era with their initial vocalist Paul Di'Anno. RIP... "I can see what a life's meant to be". Also, impressive drumming by Clive Burr! RIP him too...

Metal Church - "Brainwash Game" from Brainwash Game (2026)

4.5/5. Metal Church are back, heavier than ever and having a new lineup including vocalist Brain Allen, bassist David Ellefson (from Megadeth), and drummer Ken Mary. Brian Allen fits right in while respecting the legacy of their two earlier fallen vocalists, David Wayne and Mike Howe (RIP).

Altaria - "Crucifix" from The Fallen Empire (2006)

5/5. An epic piece of heavy/power metal! This would actually fit well with one of those classic Disney medieval fantasy films.

Fairyland - "Doryan the Enlighted" from Of Wars in Osyhria (2003)

5/5. An epic piece of prog-ish symphonic power metal! Lots of pure melodic majesty in this one. Quite an anthem for warriors to fight dragons. And I enjoy the vocals by Elisa Martin who had just left Dark Moor at that time.

Dragonfly - "Solo Depende de Ti" from Domine (2006)

4.5/5. Dragonfly is a power metal band with Spanish lyrics. When translated, you can find a supportive motivational lyrical message. The music itself is quite excellent, so beautiful and heavy. Especially in the soloing at the 3-minute mark. Whatever happens, it only depends on you!

Xandria - "Kill the Sun" from Kill the Sun (2003)

5/5. The title opener of Xandria's debut marked the birth of one of the most wonderful bands in symphonic metal. I wish Lisa Middelhauve could've stayed with the band longer, or maybe reunite with them someday. Her angelic vocals really enhance this awesome song.

Dreamstate - "Evolution" from Evolution (2012)

4.5/5. Another underrated symphonic metal song, featuring Elize Ryd of Amaranthe. Such a shame this song is all we got from this band/project.

Fabienne Erni - "Ritual (feat. Lena Scissorhands)" from Ritual (2026)

4/5. A little more on the alternative side, but quite emotional, especially in the vocals by both Fabienne Erni (Eluveitie) and Lena Scissorhands (Infected Rain).

Hizaki - "Desert Apple" from Rosario (2016)

4.5/5. At the time of Versailles' temporary split, guitarist Hizaki worked on some solo material, including a nice rendition of this Versailles instrumental.

Versailles - "Catharsis" from Jubilee (2010)

5/5. And now we have one of Versailles' own songs, having their epic power metal sound as always!

Iron Savior - "Machine World" from Battering Ram (2004)

4.5/5. Iron Savior has also made some underrated songs, and this would be one of the tracks re-recorded for their Reforged albums.

Queensryche - "Eyes of a Stranger" from Operation: Mindcrime (1988)

5/5. And now we get to the closing track of its original album and this playlist. It still remains as my favorite song of this Queensryche album and possibly by the band! Everything's amazing, from the buildup to the climax. Yes, the climax, in which the melody keeps repeating until it is cut off, and nothing happens until Nicky says one last time, "I remember now." One of the best ending tracks, and certainly the best one in 80s heavy/progressive metal!

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!

Ben, please add Sun Eater (German deathcore band).

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

Celldweller - "My Disintegration (Joe Ford Remix)" (5:26) from Satellites (Remixed) (2023)

Fear Factory - "Scapegoat" (4:33) from Soul of a New Machine (1992)

Neurotech - "The Race to Recovery" (4:02) from The Decipher Volumes (2013)

Pain - "Just Think Again" (6:15) from Psalms of Extinction (2007)

Strapping Young Lad - "Far Beyond Metal" (4:36) from The New Black (2007)

Waltari - "Progression" (4:03) from Space Avenue (1997)

Total length: 28:55

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

The Agonist - "Immaculate Deception" (3:35) from Days Before the World Wept (2021)

The Devil Wears Prada - "Swords, Dragons & Diet Coke" (4:06) from Dear Love: A Beautiful Discord (2006)

Excessive Force - "Misfortune" (4:36) from In Your Blood (1995)

Hope for the Dying - "Iniquitous" (5:20) from Aletheia (2006)

Ithilien - "Blindfolded" (4:39) from Shaping the Soul (2017)

Northlane, In Hearts Wake - "Equinox" (2:07) from Equinox (2016)

Phinehas - "Blood on My Knuckles" (3:32) from The Last Word is Yours to Speak (2013)

Total length: 27:55

Here are my submissions for the May Infinite playlist:

An Abstract Illusion - "Emmett" (11:19) from The Sleeping City (2025)

Black Crown Initiate - "Withering Waves" (6:02) from The Wreckage of Stars (2014)

The Faceless - "The Spiraling Void" (5:27) from In Becoming a Ghost (2017)

Green Carnation - "The Slave That You Are" (6:16) from A Dark Poem, Pt. I: The Shores of Melancholia (2025)

Total length: 29:04

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

Benedictum - "Valkerie Rising" (8:42) from Uncreation (2006)

Dark Sarah - "Hunting the Dreamer" (5:32) from Behind the Black Veil (2015)

Fairyland - "The Storyteller" (3:47) from Of Wars in Osyrhia (2003)

Seven Spires - "Almosttown" (5:06) from A Fortress Called Home (2024)

Stevie T, ZP Theart - "Isugaku Never Say Goodbye" (3:40) from Isugaku Never Say Goodbye (2026)

Total length: 26:47