Shadowdoom9 (Andi)'s Forum Replies

Update due to me having to nominate a last-minute Infinite feature release in Saxy's place (I also swapped Saxy and Xephyr's places in The Infinite for March and April to make March a little more fair, if that's OK):

THE FALLEN: SONNY, Vinny

THE GATEWAY: SAXY, Andi

THE GUARDIANS: XEPHYR, Karl

THE HORDE: SONNY, Karl, Vinny

THE INFINITE: SAXY, Xephyr, Andi

THE NORTH: XEPHYR, Sonny, Karl

THE PIT: VINNY, Sonny

THE REVOLUTION: ANDI

THE SPHERE: ANDI

REMINDER: Please submit your feature releases to Ben before the end of the month and have your feature releases' threads ready to be posted in the first one or two days of next month. I can't always do these last-minute nominations and Ben isn't able to chase you down. So if you miss the deadline, you'll lose your slot.

Here's my review summary:

Catch Thirty-Three is a concept album where all songs flow seamlessly together like an epic suite, similar to some Between the Buried and Me albums. A complete trek of a journey from start to finish, that you would want to do all over again. It's a djent journey not to be missed, with the usual downtuned guitars, bellowed vocals, and complex drumming (though it's programmed unlike the other albums). Lyrics, riffs, ambience, and seamless suite sections, all you can hear in this monstrous album. One word: brilliant!

5/5

Recommended tracks: The whole album, or if you just want separate tracks - "The Paradoxical Spiral", "Entrapment", "Mind’s Mirrors", "In Death" (both parts), "Shed", "Sum"

For fans of: Between the Buried and Me (for the "seamless album suite" aspect), Sikth, Textures

Sure, Vinny. Here's the updated roster for March, with your name added to The Fallen for April:

THE FALLEN: SONNY, Vinny

THE GATEWAY: SAXY, Andi

THE GUARDIANS: XEPHYR, Karl

THE HORDE: SONNY, Karl, Vinny

THE INFINITE: ANDI, Xephyr, Saxy

THE NORTH: XEPHYR, Sonny, Karl

THE PIT: VINNY, Sonny

THE REVOLUTION: ANDI

THE SPHERE: ANDI

Futuristic industrial rock/metal by Rabbit Junk:

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

The Amenta - "Obliterate’s Prayer" (5:47) from Flesh is Heir (2013)

Blue Stahli - "Gravity" (4:41) from Obsidian (2021)

Circle of Dust - "Telltale Crime" (4:18) from Brainchild (1994)

Deathstars - "The Last Ammunition" (4:07) from Termination Bliss (2006)

Fear Factory - "Edgecrusher" (3:39) from Obsolete (1998)

Turmion Kätilöt - "Pirun Nyrkki" (3:48) from Pirun Nyrkki (2006)

Total length: 26:20

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

Carnifex - "No Light Shall Save Us" (4:47) from World War X (2019)

Eighteen Visions - "A Short Walk Down a Long Hallway" (4:17) from Vanity (2002)

Falling in Reverse - "Raised by Wolves" (3:25) from The Drug in Me Is You (2011)

Ice Nine Kills - "Dead is the New Black" (4:29) from The Burning (2007)

Parkway Drive - "It's Hard to Speak Without a Tongue" (4:14) from Killing with a Smile (2005)

Shadow of Intent - "The Return" (4:49) from Reclaimer (2017)

Underoath - "Breathing in a New Mentality" (2:37) from Lost in the Sound of Separation (2008)

Total length: 28:38

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

Haken - "The Architect" (15:40) from Affinity (2016)

Novembre - "Marea (Pt. 1, 2, 3)" (11:59) from Dreams d'azur (2002)

Total length: 27:39

Here are my submissions for the March Gateway playlist:

Any Given Sin - "Nearer Our God to Thee" (4:30) from Forbidden (2015)

Avenged Sevenfold - "Afterlife" (5:53) from Avenged Sevenfold (2007)

Limp Bizkit - "Shotgun" (4:32) from Gold Cobra (2011)

Metallica - "Some Kind of Monster" (8:25) from St. Anger (2003)

Nothing More - "Fade In / Fade Out" (6:05) from The Stories We Tell Ourselves (2017)

Total length: 29:25

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

The Mad Capsule Markets - "INTRODUCTION 010" from 010 (2001)

4.5/5. Let's start with this intro that's good music for the industrial part of my metal heart.

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

5/5. This highlight greatly picks up where Blue Screen Planet left off. It's a true cyber metal anthem, with everything you can ask for from the symphonics, synths, electronics, pianos, guitars, drums, beats, and vocals. The perfect memorable beginning of this spacey journey, and done much better than the heavier first part of Blue Screen Planet.

Peace, Love & Pitbulls - "Das neue konzept" from Red Sonic Underwear (1994)

4.5/5. An excellent concept, though not really a concept track or concept album.

PAIN - "Not for Sale" from I Am (2024)

5/5. One of the best songs from the new album of this project founded by this f***ing legend that is Peter Tägtgren. This makes me feel like punching through glass even though I shouldn't. The Neurotech-ish keyboards in the bridge midway through sound epic, in contrast to the comedic lyrics.

Pitchshifter - "Product Placement" from Infotainment? (1996)

4.5/5. Quite amazing despite the band's transition to a more electronic sound.

Combichrist - "Guns at Last Dawn" from One Fire (2019)

4/5. An underrated heavy song featuring Fear Factory then-vocalist Burton C. Bell.

Rabbit Junk - "Bits and Razors" from Bits and Razors (2020)

4.5/5. With this much electronic fire, it would be interesting if this song ends up on Beat Saber. This is basically synth-fueled industrial metalcore that really levels up after the first minute. I might try singing/screaming along to this tune.

Mechina - "Freedom Foregone" from Siege (2021)

5/5. This 11 and a half minute epic is the band's longest song to be part of an album and not released as a separate single. Tragedy and triumph collide with each other, alongside more of the heavy instrumentation and emotional singing. Then after the final chorus, the last bit of clean guitar and violin melancholy close this chapter of the Mechina saga. But this playlist is far from over...

Samael - "In the Deep" from Lux Mundi (2011)

4.5/5. Can I get a "hail yeah" for this heavy song?!

Ludovico Technique - "Haunted" from Haunted People (2022)

4/5. From just the first 20 seconds, you know haunting this song is gonna get, as if it's sung by a vampire living in loneliness and immortality.

The Amenta - "Twined Towers" from Revelator (2021)

4.5/5. This one is The Amenta's longest song at 8 minutes and might remind some of a more brutal take on Ministry's mid-90s material.

Bad Omens, WARGASM (UK) - "Hedonist (Recharged)" from Concrete Jungle (The OST) (2024)

5/5. Wargasm strikes on in this energetic highlight packed with synths as heavy as the guitars. I've already heard of Wargasm via their remixes with Enter Shikari and Crossfaith. Milkie Way's vocals are more hyper than a sugar-buzzed cheerleader, and that's what I like there!

Circle of Dust - "Chasm" from Disengage (1998)

4.5/5. Disengage and Circle of Dust's other albums are worth giving lots of praise to.

AP2 - "The Red Shirt Conspiracy" from Suspension of Disbelief (2000)

5/5. This highlight actually sounds like an industrial take on the earlier thrash of Voivod and Sabbat with guest vocals by Joel Timothy Bell.

Celldweller - "One Good Reason" from Celldweller (2003)

4.5/5. Anyone who has played Need for Speed Most Wanted can recognize this song's instrumental version, but the original's killer too.

Acumen Nation - "Pistol Whip Me Back Into Your Arms" from Strike 4 (2000)

4/5. This one's great, but a little too rock-ish. "Pistol whip me back into your ARMS!!!!"

Blacklodge - "Culto Al Sol - Solarkult" from Machination (2012)

3.5/5. Heavy hellfire in this one, but maybe a bit too black metal-ish here.

Skrew - "Universal Immolation" from Universal Immolation (2014)

3/5. Skrew reformed with heavier deathly guitars and vocals while maintaining the samples and industrial elements. Still not feeling it much though.

Hint - "In Tenebris" from 100% White Puzzle (1995)

2.5/5. Wow, this is just a dark jazz interlude. Not sure at all while I put it there besides the fact that it's an interlude.

Megaherz - "Rock Me Amadeus" from Kopfschuss (1998)

3/5. Cool cover of that Falco hit, though it's still Neue Deutsche Härte.

Subway to Sally - "So Rot MMXXI" from Himmelfahrt (2023)

3.5/5. Slightly better and more beautiful, a good NDH take on a ballad from their earlier medieval folk era.

Seth Ect - "Orison II" from Godspeak (2011)

4/5. Great sequel to a Seth Ect track from an earlier playlist.

KMFDM - "Sucks" from Angst (1993)

4.5/5. You just gotta love this band's humor mixed with heavy riffing and industrial rock/metal.

Godflesh - "Tiny Tears" from Streetcleaner (1989)

5/5. And now, here we are at the final leg of this playlist, starting with my favorite song of that EP/side of Godflesh's debut Streetcleaner.

Static-X - "Invincible" from Shadow Zone (2003)

4.5/5. RIP Wayne Static. His music will remain invincible.

Motionless in White - "Somebody Told Me" from Disguise (2019, 2021 special edition)

5/5. I love this song, probably the best ever rendition of that Killers hit! Can be heard in the 2021 special edition of Disguise.

Sybreed - "Destruction and Bliss" from God is an Automaton (2012)

5/5. The 10-minute finale of its original album and this playlist is the best track here. It starts djenty as heavy rhythms fill the atmosphere. The best part is the kick-A solo by Travis Montgomery of Threat Signal. The perfect farewell from Sybreed!

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

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Any Given Day - "My Doom" from Everlasting (2016)

4.5/5. Let's start off with some melodic metalcore the way it's meant to be done, with strong clean vocals, just like Killswitch Engage.

Bleed from Within - "In Place of Your Halo" from In Place of Your Halo (2024)

5/5. And here's more of that, but more brutal, with some eerie bagpipes throughout the last minute.

Silent Planet - "Mindframe" from Mindframe (2024)

4.5/5. Let's drop that cyberpunk metalcore beat!

Resolve - "Exposed" from Reverie (2017)

4/5. There's a lot more music to explore, and sometimes you can get them from a Spotify recommendation or a YouTube ad. The chorus is really good here. It's a true banger than can barely disappoint! This band and Landmvrks have shaped up the French modern metalcore scene. The heavy structure really stands out.

Fit for a King - "Dead Memory (feat. Jake Luhrs)" from Deathgrip (2016)

4.5/5. I'm glad to give Fit for a King a chance the first time I listened to that band two years ago. The blend of heavy verses and clean choruses has quite an As I Lay Dying/Demon Hunter vibe. The guest vocals by Jake Luhrs of August Burns Red give the song great impact, almost as much as the other FFAK albums Creation/Destruction. Lots of metalcore emotion to love! "Would you even notice if my world was falling apart? Would you even care if my heart stopped beating?"

Hollow Front - "Hold Me Down" from Hold Me Down (2024)

4/5. F***ing talented drumming in this one! This band knows how to make kick-A songs that can stay fresh.

Memphis May Fire - "Sleepless Nights" from Unconditional (2014)

4.5/5. The lyrics here are quite relatable for anyone in sleepless anxiety.

Imminence - "86" from The Reclamation of I (2024)

5/5. With hammer-fists and drum sticks, Peter Hanstrom blasts through this highlight alongside talented screams and singing of Eddie Berg (also the violinist) that in turn go well with dissonant riffs and melodies. The lyrics are so beautiful and fit greatly even when screamed.

Demon Hunter - "Hell Don't Need Me" from Extremist (2014)

4.5/5. A slower and sludgier track that's quite interesting.

Trivium - "To the Rats" from The Crusade (2006)

4/5. One of only a couple tracks from The Crusade to qualify for The Revolution, this one balls out some chaotic thrashy metalcore while having a more positive chorus.

Still Remains - "The Worst is Yet to Come" from Of Love and Lunacy (2005)

4.5/5. An amazing classic example of melodic metalcore! "Is this embedded status permanent?!?"

Haste the Day - "Servant Ties" from Pressure the Hinges (2007)

5/5. One of the f***ing best songs by Haste the Day! I love the riffing and the vocals, even the cleans. The bridge at over the two minute mark is quite epic, as is the soloing 45 seconds later, one of the most awesome guitar solos in melodic metalcore.

Wage War - "Gravity" from Deadweight (2017)

4.5/5. The drop C-tuned melodic metalcore continues in a slower pace. Far better than the similar-sounding similarly-titled Bullet for My Valentine song!

Annisokay - "Never Enough" from Never Enough (2024)

4/5. Annisokay fans would certainly dig this 5 days early Christmas gift.

Bury Tomorrow - "Boltcutter" from The Seventh Sun (2023)

4.5/5. Another insane metalcore song to take your breath away.

Blessthefall, Alpha Wolf - "DRAG ME UNDER" from DRAG ME UNDER (2024)

5/5. Anyone else enjoy two bands in one song?! I certainly approve of this blessing!

The Browning - "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" from Blue (Da Ba Dee) (2025)

4.5/5. How about some Blue to go with that Browning? An epic cover, though I prefer the Fleshgod Apocalypse cover slightly more.

Eighteen Visions - "Fake Leather Jacket" from XVIII (2017)

5/5. This one turns things around as another highlight, and the strongest one here too. There are more of the vengeful screams by Hart, "LIAR!!!! SADIST!!! CORPORATE!!! RAPIST!!!" The heavy verses and anthemic choruses are the best of what the album has in store.

Rolo Tomassi - "The Hollow Hour" from Time Will Die and Love Will Bury It (2018)

5/5. A f***ing beautiful mathcore epic! They can go as progressive as Gojira with a bit of black metal in the heavier sections. Such an awesome banger!

Daughters - "Hyperventilationsystem" from Hell Songs (2006)

4.5/5. "Love is a disgusting thing", according to the chant in this hyper track that would keep you away from sleeping.

Knut - "Bound" from Leftovers (1997)

4/5. Another heavy mathcore track. RIP Didier Séverin

The Sleeper - "Paradigm" from Aurora (2013)

3.5/5. Quite brutal, but a little too much for a djenty metalcore track.

Aviana - "DELIRIUM" from DELIRIUM (2024)

4/5. A heavy ripped banger for a two-minute track! There's even a bit of hardstyle 40 seconds in.

Graphic Nature - "N.F.A." from Who Are You When No One Is Watching? (2024)

4.5/5. The hardcore heaviness shines the best in this short track. Enough said!

Memory of a Melody - "'Til Death Do Us Part" from Things That Make You Scream (2011)

4/5. What's not to love besides my brother enjoying this song? And why not? It's like if Breaking Benjamin leveled up the metalcore elements in their alt-rock/metal.

Convictions - "Eros" from I Am Nothing (2012)

4.5/5. This song is also excellent, though this Convictions EP is their only one with lead vocalist Dan Gardner. That's a shame because I love his screams here. It might remind some of Dream on Dreamer, especially the more hardcore yet clean singing at the two and a half minute mark.

Kingdom of Giants - "Smoke" from Bleeding Star (2024)

4/5. The electronic intro starts the song off interesting, but it gets heavier as it progresses, especially halfway through. Seems like we still have some cyberpunk metalcore left after that Silent Planet track. Northlane, Architects, and Bad Omens influences unite!

Filth - "Idle Hands" from The Burden of Isolation (2018)

4.5/5. Nothing but filthy brutal deathcore in this one.

A Wake in Providence - "Mournful Benediction (feat. Ben Duerr)" from I Write To You, My Darling Decay (2024)

5/5. This one keeps up the perfect balance this band has between melody and heaviness. Drum blasts, symphonic keys, and a guest vocal appearance by Shadow of Intent's Ben Duerr make the song guaranteed to be an eternal epic deathcore hit.

Make Them Suffer - "Weeping Wastelands" from Neverbloom (2012)

4.5/5. This one was re-recorded from their brutal demo EP Lord of Woe, and is the band's longest song at nearly 7 minutes. It's not as special as those other two epics in its original album (the title track and "Maelstrom"), but it's still listenable by any means.

Shadow of Intent - "Malediction" from Melancholy (2019)

5/5. The playlist doesn't end there though, making way for this monumental gem, one of the best I've heard from this band and genre. I really am torn between whether this is the perfect ending for its original album or that long instrumental epic before it.

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

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Angra – The Bottom of My Soul (2018)

4.5/5. An amazing song to start with, with the emotional vocals of guitarist Rafael Bittencourt. The instrumentation is quite beautiful too! The lyrics are relatable for battling against anxiety and depression. Rafael is also good at his guitarwork, so is Marcelo Barbosa with his passionate soloing at the 3-minute mark. Rafael's vocals sounds like a mix of Devin Townsend and Chris Cornell, in contrast to the higher power metal singing of Fabio Lione in all the other tracks in the album. Either way, f***ing magical! Despite the more Creed-ish motive for this song, the melody from Rebirth still shines, along with those lyrics.

Chaos Divine – Hazard (2024)

5/5. I actually love this cover more than the one for Toto's "Africa", and it's more metal too. This epic cover should get on the radio more than the original.

Haken – A Cell Divides (2018)

4.5/5. Sick chills from this one! While the vocals by Ross Jennings sound great here, they should've brought in Leprous' Einar Solberg for some growls like in "The Architect".

Imperial Triumphant – Lexington Delirium (feat. Tomas Haake) (2025)

4/5. Finally we get to hear some cool extreme avant-prog metal, with spoken vocals by Meshuggah drummer Tomas Haake.

Jinjer – Green Serpent (2024)

4.5/5. Jinjer's progressive sound slithers through in this single from their new album Duel.

Joviac – Shine (2024)

4/5. Nice positive modern progressive metal/rock right here.

Monolithe – Unveiling the Illusion (2024)

4.5/5. This one unleashes guitar aggression in contrast with the string tranquility. Truly one of the greatest standouts here!

Nevermore – No More Will (1999)

4/5. "The velvet sleep is conviction only fools know", "These tears of dust are the tears from one who knows why", "The voice that stills the pain, I am the lover gone insane"... Some of the most emotional lyrics I've heard from Nevermore! And I love the riffing at the one and a half minute mark. RIP Warrel Dane...

Protest the Hero – Soliloquy (2020)

4.5/5. This one springs into hyperactive action with killer blast beats alongside a good lyrical concept. The instrumental wizardry keeps you in the flowing stream.

Scale the Summit – Goddess Gate (2017)

5/5. Fantastic soloing by Nick Johnston and Scar Symmetry guitarist Per Nilsson!

Sepultura – The Pentagram (2020)

4.5/5. Another progressive instrumental that's one h*ll of a thrashy journey that can be considered the Quadra Crusade.

SikTh – Weaves of Woe (2017)

5/5. Let's stop here with this awesome hyperactive highlight that reminds me of Protest the Hero's Kezia.

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Bring Me The Horizon – YOUtopia (2024)

5/5. The beginning of Bring Me the Horizon's second Post Human installment is so crazy yet you can soar through the clouds. Love it!

The Devil Wears Prada – Chemical (2019)

4.5/5. F***ing amazing greatness from this band!

Falling in Reverse – Zombified (2024)

5/5. This highlight is a total anthem of intense energy, standing against the cancel culture Ronnie was suffering in. Love that one!

Gemini Syndrome – Remember We Die (2016)

4.5/5. So bad-a** and filled with amazing fire! "Remember we die, but until we arrive, don't let go, just let the light shine from your soul before we run out of time..."

Lacuna Coil – In The Mean Time (feat. Ash Costello) (2024)

4/5. Lacuna Coil was one of the first gothic metal bands I started listened to. Well, at least their first 3 albums are gothic metal, now the band is more like gothic-ish alt-metal. I like hearing the guest vocals by Ash Costello to break up the repetition.

Nik Nocturnal, Archie Wilson – Undisturbed (2024)

4.5/5. "Get off your phones, get off your computers, and say these magic words with me.... SHA-KA-KA-KOW!!!"

Papercut – Somber Literature (2023)

4/5. "'Cause I'm paranoid, looking over my head..." Oh wait, it's not that song. Some cool nu metalcore from Hartford, Connecticut!

The Plot in You – Left Behind (2024)

4.5/5. I love the music and lyrics in this one. So relatable!

Seven Hours After Violet – Go! (2024)

4/5. Finally we really go hard in this f***ing insane track. Lots of speed and destruction from the music and vocals, with a fun anthemic chorus.

February 2025

1. The Mad Capsule Markets - "INTRODUCTION 010" from 010 (2001)

2. Neurotech - "The Cyber Waltz" from The Decipher Volumes (2013)

3. Peace, Love & Pitbulls - "Das neue konzept" from Red Sonic Underwear (1994)

4. PAIN - "Not for Sale" from I Am (2024)

5. Pitchshifter - "Product Placement" from Infotainment? (1996)

6. Combichrist - "Guns at Last Dawn" from One Fire (2019)

7. Rabbit Junk - "Bits and Razors" from Bits and Razors (2020)

8. Mechina - "Freedom Foregone" from Siege (2021)

9. Samael - "In the Deep" from Lux Mundi (2011)

10. Ludovico Technique - "Haunted" from Haunted People (2022)

11. The Amenta - "Twined Towers" from Revelator (2021) [submitted by Daniel]

12. Bad Omens, WARGASM (UK) - "Hedonist (Recharged)" from Concrete Jungle (The OST) (2024) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

13. Circle of Dust - "Chasm" from Disengage (1998)

14. AP2 - "The Red Shirt Conspiracy" from Suspension of Disbelief (2000) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

15. Celldweller - "One Good Reason" from Celldweller (2003) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

16. Acumen Nation - "Pistol Whip Me Back Into Your Arms" from Strike 4 (2000)

17. Blacklodge - "Culto Al Sol - Solarkult" from Machination (2012)

18. Skrew - "Universal Immolation" from Universal Immolation (2014)

19. Hint - "In Tenebris" from 100% White Puzzle (1995)

20. Megaherz - "Rock Me Amadeus" from Kopfschuss (1998)

21. Subway to Sally - "So Rot MMXXI" from Himmelfahrt (2023)

22. Seth Ect - "Orison II" from Godspeak (2011)

23. KMFDM - "Sucks" from Angst (1993)

24. Godflesh - "Tiny Tears" from Streetcleaner (1989) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

25. Static-X - "Invincible" from Shadow Zone (2003)

26. Motionless in White - "Somebody Told Me" from Disguise (2019, 2021 special edition) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

27. Sybreed - "Destruction and Bliss" from God is an Automaton (2012) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

February 2025

1. Any Given Day - "My Doom" from Everlasting (2016)

2. Bleed from Within - "In Place of Your Halo" from In Place of Your Halo (2024)

3. Silent Planet - "Mindframe" from Mindframe (2024)

4. Resolve - "Exposed" from Reverie (2017)

5. Fit for a King - "Dead Memory (feat. Jake Luhrs)" from Deathgrip (2016) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

6. Hollow Front - "Hold Me Down" from Hold Me Down (2024)

7. Memphis May Fire - "Sleepless Nights" from Unconditional (2014) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

8. Imminence - "86" from The Reclamation of I (2024)

9. Demon Hunter - "Hell Don't Need Me" from Extremist (2014) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

10. Trivium - "To the Rats" from The Crusade (2006)

11. Still Remains - "The Worst is Yet to Come" from Of Love and Lunacy (2005)

12. Haste the Day - "Servant Ties" from Pressure the Hinges (2007)

13. Wage War - "Gravity" from Deadweight (2017)

14. Annisokay - "Never Enough" from Never Enough (2024)

15. Bury Tomorrow - "Boltcutter" from The Seventh Sun (2023) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

16. Blessthefall, Alpha Wolf - "DRAG ME UNDER" from DRAG ME UNDER (2024)

17. The Browning - "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" from Blue (Da Ba Dee) (2025)

18. Eighteen Visions - "Fake Leather Jacket" from XVIII (2017) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

19. Rolo Tomassi - "The Hollow Hour" from Time Will Die and Love Will Bury It (2018)

20. Daughters - "Hyperventilationsystem" from Hell Songs (2006) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

21. Knut - "Bound" from Leftovers (1997)

22. The Sleeper - "Paradigm" from Aurora (2013)

23. Aviana - "DELIRIUM" from DELIRIUM (2024)

24. Graphic Nature - "N.F.A." from Who Are You When No One Is Watching? (2024)

25. Memory of a Melody - "'Til Death Do Us Part" from Things That Make You Scream (2011)

26. Convictions - "Eros" from I Am Nothing (2012)

27. Kingdom of Giants - "Smoke" from Bleeding Star (2024)

28. Filth - "Idle Hands" from The Burden of Isolation (2018)

29. A Wake in Providence - "Mournful Benediction (feat. Ben Duerr)" from I Write To You, My Darling Decay (2024)

30. Make Them Suffer - "Weeping Wastelands" from Neverbloom (2012)

31. Shadow of Intent - "Malediction" from Melancholy (2019) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

Here's my review summary:

The debut album from this sludgy industrial metal supergroup doesn't reach the perfection of Greymachine, but it still reaches a solid level of greatness. You can practically hear what the members have in store from their respective bands including apocalyptic heaviness and nihilistic themes. The industrial side of the sound stems from the guitar distortion, drum programming, and keyboard usage. The vocals range from the deep gloom of Scott Kelly to the raging shouts of main vocalist Mike Williams. The poetic lyrics fit like a glove with this heavy doomy industrial metal music, along with some eerie sax. Last City Zero allows you to experience destruction and withering hope pleasantly from the comfort of your home. The experimentation blended with steel-strong heaviness is not something you would find in every supergroup. It fits well for if the world is reduced to ruin by climate change and carbon footprints....

4/5

Recommended tracks: "Serve of Survive", "Party Leg and Three Fingers", "Dirt Poor and Mentally Ill", "Drapes Hung by Jesus"

For fans of: Eyehategod, Neurosis, Godflesh

Here's my review summary:

After the overly hardcore punk-ish Halo in a Haystack, the second Converge album Petitioning the Empty Sky marks a great contributor to the birth of the metalcore we know, love, and hate. Who knows what metalcore would've been like if Converge didn't step out of their hardcore comfort zone? I'm glad they did! This album has been praised and put in top-10 hardcore/metalcore album lists, along with other later Converge albums. Petitioning the Empty Sky has caused a new flow in the history of hardcore and heavy metal. If anyone who can't stand metalcore hears this and screams, "What is THIS!?!", the correct answer would be "A revolutionary piece of heavy history!" Converge wasn't the only band with the idea of inventing metalcore. There seems to be a school of bands experimenting with mixing metal with hardcore, but I'm sure the top student of that metal-hardcore experimentation class is, you guessed it, Converge! And it looks like a couple other bands in 1996/1997 (Cave In and The Dillinger Escape Plan) were already following Converge's steps with their own demos/EPs, though they couldn't go the same height as Petitioning the Empty Sky...except maybe Dillinger's Calculating Infinity. Anyway, unlike Halo in a Haystack and the earlier Converge demo EPs that lean more towards traditional hardcore, their second album unleashed the rhythm vs. melody instrumentation and dissonant vocals of metalcore. It is a raw dynamic brute force to dig out of the underground and change two genres' destinies! I can go on about the first track "The Saddest Day" alone and how it perfectly exemplifies the sound of the band and the genre at the time, but it's best left in the full review. Cacophonic guitars drift through with the throbbing rhythm of drums and bass (NOT the genre, the instruments) with a caustic vocal force as vocalist Jacob Bannon screams his lungs out. The album was re-released two years later with live tracks that are great but not as much as the studio part of the album. While I'm sure there are more experimental metalcore albums out there by bands like Cave In, The Dillinger Escape Plan, and even Converge themselves in their ambient-ish masterpiece Jane Doe, Petitioning the Empty Sky is revolutionary in the hardcore and metal fields, ranging from violent chaos to tranquil melody. Generally, it's a #1 metalcore kick-starter pack!

4.5/5

Recommended tracks: "The Saddest Day", "Dead", "Farewell Note to the City", "Color Me Blood Red"

For fans of: early Cave In, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Shai Hulud

Here's my review summary:

Since 2017's Mesmer, Northlane has travelled through the alt-metal realm with gradually withering emphasis on their metalcore roots and taking on cyber/industrial metal territory in albums Alien and Obsidian. At the point of this EP, Mirror's Edge, Northlane can be considered more of an alt-metal band with some of their mid-2010s djent, and that's an accurate description for the EP, and then some... The band went to Victoria’s Yarra Valley to find some creative inspiration and overcome their struggles. It is quite a journey to add more to their stylistic journey! The EP has new elements to go with what they've done earlier, to please fans with their Obsidian-like blend of electronics and metal, sometimes having a more rock-ish vibe while still unleashing the usual heavy attack. All in all, Mirror's Edge has some amazing fun that can give new fans a nice treat and longtime fans what they want to hear. This is high-quality usage of electronics and metal together. The guest vocalists are quite helpful with the EP's variety. This might be the beginning of the band's next generation!

4.5/5

Recommended tracks: "Afterimage", "Miasma", "Let Me Disappear"

For fans of: 2000s Karnivool, later Parkway Drive, Structures (quite obvious from the guest appearances, but the EP reminds me greatly of those 3 bands)

Here's my submission for the March Guardians playlist:

Sabaton - "Unbreakable" (from The Art of War, 2008)

Update for March:

THE FALLEN: SONNY

THE GATEWAY: SAXY, Andi

THE GUARDIANS: XEPHYR, Karl

THE HORDE: SONNY, Karl, Vinny

THE INFINITE: ANDI, Xephyr, Saxy

THE NORTH: XEPHYR, Sonny, Karl

THE PIT: VINNY, Sonny

THE REVOLUTION: ANDI

THE SPHERE: ANDI

Nice review, Rex, though I consider The Land of Rape and Honey an industrial metal album, therefore a Sphere album, with the same level of industrial metal as in Killing Joke's Extremities, Dirt and Various Repressed Emotions.

I look forward to getting that brand-new All That Remains album. In all 4 of its pre-release singles, I can hear the band getting back on their feet after the loss of founding guitarist Oli Herbert, with new guy Jason Richardson pulling off impressive guitarwork while respectfully maintaining Oli's legacy. I can't wait to hear how the rest of it goes...

I love both of those tracks, and I was actually thinking of adding in that Make Them Suffer track before you suggested it, so I accept them both, Saxy.

Vocalist David Holch also has a creditable crack at reproducing Burton C. Bell's growling bark as the main vocal, but where he comes unstuck is with the complementary clean vocals which, in all honesty, sound terrible, as if he can't carry a tune at all. They are so bad that I can't believe no one advised the band to re-record them or get a guest in to help out.

The Tyrannical Resurrection EP recorded two years later has half the amount of songs in the debut re-recorded, but as much as I enjoy The Assembly of Tyrants, I agree that the band should re-record the album entirely (except for the "Clash" remix) with their later vocalist Mel Rose singing the cleans. That can be like a special 20th anniversary thing later this year, which I guess depends on if they get at least a smidge more success out of their new album Bellum Interruptum to be released two months from now.

Cool list, Rex! Though if I make my own list in this thread, it would all just be metal, and I wouldn't have to write my top 20 when it's already in the "top 20 releases" feature.

The crushing closing track of the new Shokran album takes the ultra-heavy throne:

This highlight stands out with its catchy chorus and more of those Egyptian vibes, along with the vocals reaching great heights in the climax:

Today I've just listened to two great albums of Egyptian-style djenty progressive metalcore by Russian band Shokran, their new album being a contender for the Revolution Gallery Awards for 2024:

Rating for both albums: 4/5

By the way, the release year for Shokran's Supreme Truth is actually 2014, though its release page in the site says it's 2004. Could you please fix that, Ben? Thanks. https://metal.academy/releases/26479

This progressive highlight has the most development, lasting 4 minutes in length, a minute longer than most of each of the other tracks in the album:

The title track of Shokran's debut hypnotizes me with the riffs and growls sounding like Whitechapel while mixed with stunning melodies:

A djenty metalcore track featuring Monuments' last vocalist Andy Cizek:

An epic diverse opening track to this Arch Enemy album, with Alissa White-Gluz's vocals shining the best as her clean singing is on full display:

The worst saved for last, this is really more of a happy-sappy Disney/Enya track than anything and it made me almost fall asleep:

Although the title track of Within Temptation's Mother Earth is still some of my favorite Within Temptation songs today, this track is a diverse folk-ish highlight in the instrumentation and vocals:

But the only track that can surpass it all in this album and possibly the band is this dark B-side that would end up as a bonus track on their next album The Silent Force:

1. Black Sabbath "The Illusion of Power"

2. Anthrax "Toast to the Extras"

3. Megadeth "Wanderlust"

4. Helloween "Heavy Metal Hamsters"

5. Scorpions "Still Loving You"

6. Judas Priest "Parental Guidance"

7. Slayer "Threshold"

8. Iron Maiden "Nodding Donkey Blues"

I actually like that Annihilator track, it's quite fun for a chess-themed speedy heavy metal song. Now the track I've replaced it with might come out as a surprise to you all. I'm sorry, world, but it's the Scorpions ballad many people know, right at the tail end of their metal era. I find it so unnecessary and unfitting, and it's the unfortunate sign of their softer era to come. Sonata Arctica performed that song much better when they covered it as an upbeat power metal tune.

Fantastic choice, Daniel! The power metal-ish melodeath of Skyfire is a grand treat for any fan of Children of Bodom, Norther, and early Eternal Tears of Sorrow.

Great choice, Kosie! That's one of my personal highlights of that Corrections House album with its dark heavy sound and lyrics of poetic rage.

This song from Phineas and Ferb is relatable for when I want to prove that I can do things on my own and be myself without relying on who or what others falsely think I am. The song itself reminds me of Halestorm and The Pretty Reckless with its upbeat hard rock sound and the tough-gal vocals of Vanessa Doofenshmirtz (Olivia Olson):

I've just listened to that Deathless track on my phone while taking a small walk across town (in a soft decent volume so I wouldn't disturb the peace). Pretty cool experimental sludgy industrial metal vibes there, ala Godflesh/Skrew. Good one, Daniel!

https://metal.academy/forum/25/thread/1689

Killswitch Engage is another great melodic metalcore band for me, so somewhere around the melodic metalcore section (tracks 1-5) would be good.

Nice one, Zach, another solid track that I enjoy and accept! The tough lyrics and hip-hop beat sound quite odd in the band's attempt to discard their death metal roots, yet it brings me great delight. Guilty pleasure for me much!?

You're doing it right, Zach. I love that In This Moment song, another great track to please the alt-metal crowd.

Sorry Zach, but I wouldn't count on a glam metal clan here. It's more of a hard rock genre despite having "metal" in its name.

I approve of that early hardcore/metalcore track, Daniel! Though it would've been better without that one-minute intro ("CAN YOU HEAR ME!?!").

Nice choice with that Taramis track, Daniel. Cool 80s progressive power metal right there!

Good choice, Daniel! That Spiderbait track sounds like a solid early alt-metal banger, though it makes a detour to jazzy funk in the verses.

1. Exumer "Possessed by Fire"

2. Anthrax "Caught in a Mosh"

3. Metallica "Whiplash"

4. Tyrus - "Bubonic Plague"

5. Megadeth "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due"

6. Exodus "Deathamphetamine"

7. Slayer "Raining Blood"

8. Destruction "Curse the Gods"

I love me some Voivod, but that track is just speedy heavy metal at best, and its original album is from the band's dive into classic heavy metal in the 2000s. I replaced it with this Destruction track that I listened to a couple years ago and still think it's a classic from a well-known thrash band. The aggressive riffing and drumming can easily cause listeners to headbang and air-guitar to this tune. The riffing will stay in your head due to all of its catchy fun. If you ever wanna play some of those impressive mind-blowing riffs on guitar for your friends to hear...why not? "Curse...the GODS!!!!"

I don't have anything for this thread, but NWOBHM is today's Wikipedia featured article. And on my birthday today! The timing couldn't have been better than this, although I don't listen to a lot of NWOBHM.

I know I said I didn't know if any of the novels I read capture the metal spirit, but they do now! I was reading this graphic novel adaptation of Star Wars - Revenge of the Sith:

While listening to all the industrial/cyber metal tracks I've shared in this page of the Sphere Track of the Day thread: https://metal.academy/forum/15/thread/193?page=9

Star Wars can really capture my cyber metal spirit. I guess the most suitable metal genre for Star Wars would be Mechina-style epic symphonic progressive cyber metal.

The worst offender of this f***ing migraine-inducing mess of an album: