Shadowdoom9 (Andi)'s Forum Replies

January 2026

1. Fear Factory - "Recode" from Aggression Continuum (2021) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

2. Dome Runner - "Biased Heart Replica" from World Panopticon (2025)

3. Kidneythieves - "Before I'm Dead" from Zerospace (2002)

4. 1914, Ship Her Son, Barney Hines Band - "Invaders Must Die" from Invaders Must Die (2025)

5. The Amenta - "Flesh is Heir" from Flesh is Heir (2013) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

6. Bad Omens - "Left for Good" from Left for Good (2025)

7. Nanowar of Steel, Mikael Sehlin - "Feet & Greet" from Feet & Greet (2025)

8. Fear of Domination - "Endgame" from Endgame (2025)

9. Die Krupps - "On Collision Course" from On Collision Course (2025)

10. Static-X - "Down" from Beneath... Between... Beyond... (2004)

11. Eisbrecher - "All We Are" from Schicksalsmelodien (2020)

12. Hanzel und Gretyl - "Fukken Uber Death Party" from 2012: Zwanzig Zwolf (2008)

13. 3TEETH - "The Fall" from Metawar (2019)

14. Silent Planet - "Under Your Skin" from Under Your Skin (2025)

15. Vibrion - "Aguanta" from Instinct (2002)

16. Neo Inferno 262 - "Sexes" from Pleonectic (2023)

17. Godflesh - "Streetcleaner" from Streetcleaner (1989) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

18. Lord of the Lost - "Bad Romance" from Weapons of Mass Seduction (2023)

19. Circle of Dust - "Deviate (1992)" from Brainchild (1994) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

20. Cyanotic - "Altered States of Consciousness" from Transhuman 2.0 (2007)

21. Vortech - "Posthumanism" from Posthumanism (2009)

22. Malmonde - "Machine" from Malmonde (2003)

23. Mechina - "The Collapse Promised to All" from Bellum Interruptum (2025) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

24. Illidiance, Jot Maxi - "Hack the Hoax" from Hack the Hoax (2022)

25. Turmion Katilot - "Reset 7 (Not to Be Continued)" from Reset (2024)

26. Pain - "The Last Drops of My Life" from Pain (1997) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

January 2026

1. Demon Hunter - "My Place in the Dirt" from There Was a Light Here (2025)

2. Lamb of God - "Parasocial Christ" from Parasocial Christ (2025)

3. Dreamwake - "Daydream" from The Lost Years (2025)

4. Deadtide - "The Battle for New Earth" from The Battle for New Earth (2025)

5. Volumes - "Man on Fire" from Happier? (2021)

6. Zao - "Conflict" from Preface: Early Recordings 1995-1996 (2020) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

7. Varials - "Day 3: Revenge" from Scars for You to Remember (2022)

8. Enter Shikari - "Enter Shikari (demo)" from The Zone (2007) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

9. Ice Nine Kills - "Bloodbath & Beyond" from Every Trick in the Book (2015)

10. Skycamefalling - "Porcelain Heart Promises" from 10.21 (2000) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

11. Shadow of Intent - "The Cosmic Inquisitor" from Primordial (2016) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

12. Mental Cruelty, Signs of the Swarm - "Helheim" from Helheim (2025)

13. Lorna Shore - "Soulless Existence" from Pain Remains (2022) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

14. Asking Alexandria - "To the Stage" from Reckless & Relentless (2011) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

15. Equilibrium - "Nexus" from Equinox (2025)

16. As Blood Runs Black - "Ground Zero" from Ground Zero (2014) [submitted by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

17. Blessthefall - "Standing on the Ashes" from Hollow Bodies (2013)

18. As I Lay Dying - "If I Fall" from If I Fall (2025)

19. Elwood Stray, Our Mirage - "Error" from Error (2025)

20. Landmvrks, Novelists - "Heretic" from Deja Vu (2022)

21. Stray From the Path - "Fuck Them All to Hell" from Clockworked (2025)

22. Lionheart - "Salt the Earth" from Valley of Death II (2025)

23. Me and Him Call It Us - "A Rotten Set of Bagpipes Can Make a Fantastic Miniskirt If Sewn Properly" from The (C:) Drive of Love Stories (2004)

24. Paria - "Misanthropos" from Misanthropos (2004)

25. Coalesce - "My Love for Extremes" from Functioning on Impatience (1998)

26. Ion Dissonance - "She's Strychnine" from Solace (2005)

27. Emmure - "When Keeping It Real Goes Wrong" from Goodbye to the Gallows (2007)

28. The Acacia Strain - "Eucharist II: BLOOD LOSS" from You Are Safe From God Here (2025)

29. Of Mice & Men - "Infinite" from Another Miracle (2025)

January 2026

1. Avantasia - "The Seven Angels" from The Metal Opera, Pt. 2 (2002)

2. Visions of Atlantis - "Pirates Will Return" from Pirates (2022) [Suggested by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

3. Galneryus - "There's No Escape" from Vetelgyus (2014) [Suggested by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

4. Judas Priest - "Winter" from Rocka Rolla (1974)

5. Motorhead - "Iron Horse / Born to Lose" from Motorhead (1977)

6. King Diamond - "Welcome Home" from Them (1988)

7. Y&T - "Mean Streak" from Mean Streak (1983)

8. Riot - "Warrior" from Rock City (1977)

9. Al Atkins - "Victim of Changes" from Reloaded (2017)

10. Saxon - "Madame Guillotine" from Hell, Fire and Damnation (2024)

11. Avenged Sevenfold - "Bat Country" from City of Evil (2005)

12. Metallica - "If Darkness Had a Son" from 72 Seasons (2023)

13. Black Sabbath - "Spiral Architect" from Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973)

14. Almah - "Living and Drifting" from Motion (2011) [Suggested by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

15. Warmen - "Into the Oblivion" from Unknown Soldier (2000)

16. Idol Throne - "Harbinger of Light" from Harbinger of Light (2025)

17. Powerwolf - "Out in the Fields" from Metallum Nostrum (2019) [Suggested by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

18. Iron Savior - "After the War" from Dark Assault (2001) [Suggested by Shadowdoom9 (Andi)]

19. Rhapsody - "Gargoyles, Angels of Darkness" from Power of the Dragonflame (2002)

Here's my review summary:

The Arbitrary Method was only active for short EP in 2015, and that EP, Augmentation showcases a diverse mix of industrial/cyber metal and metalcore, and a small bit of nu metal. It's almost the same kind of blend heard in Northlane's Alien! Plus some touches of Cypecore and 2000s Mechina. To be more specific, there are the samples and synths expected in a Sphere release. And there are the simple yet heavy riffing and drums of metalcore, with some lyrics and vocals lean into nu metal territory. The end result is a great small offering that isn't perfect but still enjoyable. More about that in my review itself...

4/5

Recommended tracks: "Divide the Devil", "Defy", "Into Insanity"

For fans of: Cypecore, Mechina's The Assembly of Tyrants, Northlane

Here's my review summary:

As the band continues to evolve throughout their over 25 years of existence, these heroes of Florida's modern metal scene aren't putting out the fire anytime soon. What you can expect from this EP is similar to the rest of their catalog, bloodthirsty riffing and epic melodies. The 3 songs in this EP has their thrashy melodic metalcore reminiscent of Ascendancy, with the last of the 3 having a more cinematic progressive structure. They all have crushing riffing, Matt Heafy's vocals ranging from raw screams to emotional cleans, and energetic drumming by Alex Bent, the latter having just left weeks before the EP's release. His replacement, the previous unavailable Alex Rudinger (Revocation, Monuments, Whitechapel, Light the Torch, Threat Signal, Intronaut, etc.) will make the band destined for a brand-new more technical era. In the meantime, this 18-minute EP has brought their heavy memorable sound back on top. Their talents are unforgettable!

4.5/5

Recommended tracks: All of them, but especially "Bury Me With My Screams" and "Six Walls Surround Me"

For fans of: All That Remains, Bullet for My Valentine, Light the Torch

Here's my submission for the February Gateway playlist:

Slipknot - "Unsainted" (from We Are Not Your Kind, 2019)

I also haven't listened to this album yet and will at some point, to get back in touch with their material after some time away.

A spooky progressive 10-minute epic continuing this cavernous quest:

An experimental progressive black metal beast lurking in the shadows:

The only filler track you'll find in this otherwise solid folk-metalcore album:

Slow folky melancholy is the main purpose of this 8-minute epic:

Epic folk/metalcore that can work as the soundtrack enemy-slashing battles, hammering parties, and simply headbanging to the loud heaviness:

The most blackened gem in this offering, sounding closer to the earlier eras of Ensiferum and Equilibrium:

A grand example of folk-fueled melodeath alternating between fast and slow, with similar vibes to bands like Kalmah, Swallow the Sun, Mercenary, and Hope for the Dying:

Welcome to Metal Academy, Mike! I love many of those bands so I'll definitely check out your band Deadtide.

Agreed. It may not be as djenty as their earlier material, but their metalcore side was still around then.

A dark satisfying example of the post-sludge sound we know, proving that it's far from dead:

An absolutely devastating sludgy start to this post-sludge adventure:

I've just given this EP some listening and a review, and honestly, it's an amazing return of the post-sludge sound we know. And there's definitely enough sludgy riffing for The Fallen. YES vote from me coming up!

Mirror Touch indeed shows the band taking a turn into just alt-metal, distancing themselves from the djenty roots of their first two albums. In fact, I would say their previous album Happier? continues the direction they've had since Different Animals. So I'll vote YES for this entry. Stay tuned for my Happier? judgement submission...

Cult of Luna is another contender for the greatest Swedish metal band, taking the post-sludge sound developed by Neurosis and Isis, and expanding it further, opening the gates for later bands like The Ocean and Rosetta.

Ben, please add Ithilien.

A fantastic start to the action that's epic, heavy, melodic, and accessible, all at once:

Yeah, that's what I mean, wait for his approval.

Well done, Rex! The gates to The North shall open for you when you earn that clan.

No worries, Daniel.

Glad to hear your wife's feeling better, Daniel. And happy birthday last week!

Thanks Daniel.

Thanks Daniel.

I'm referring to their album Fury, which is exclusively under metalcore. https://metal.academy/releases/36784

Anybody know some real genre-benders in melo-black? 

I have a few I would recommend to you, Rex, though a couple of them are mixed with other genres:

Underoath - Cries of the Past (2000)

Stormlord - At the Gates of Utopia (2001)

Shade Empire - Omega Arcane (2013)

Shylmagoghnar - Emergence (2014)

Waidelotte - Celestial Shrine (2024)

And how about the worst albums of this year? For my list, I've limited to the releases that I've given 2.5 or 3 stars, and that's given me enough for at least a top 5:

1. Brainstorm - Plague of Rats

2. Sabaton - Legends

3. A Day to Remember - Big Ole Album Vol. 1

4. Blessthefall - Gallows

5. Tremonti - The End Will Show Us How

My own Spotify playlist based on my list, from 10 to 1: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4uZGrg1oM7C6xf3Zkhis40

An early melodic progressive metal epic that I wish could describe more, but I have....

Excellent decision, Rex! Now which North clan challenge would you like to do to earn that clan?

And how about just EPs? Here's my top 5 of this year:

1. Trivium - Struck Dead

2. The Halo Effect - We Are Shadows

3. Rolo Tomassi - In the Echoes of All Dreams

4. Ex Deo - Year of the Four Emperors

5. Car Bomb - Tiles Whisper Dreams

Honorable mentions: Impending Doom - Towards the Light, Invent Animate/Silent Planet - Bloom in Heaven

Yeah, I enjoy this band's earlier metalcore material as much as, and possibly better than, their later rap-fueled material, so the haters out there can sit down.

Of all the more melodic genres that I've listened to 10 years ago, the one that I've departed from the most was epic folk metal. And now I'm really back there! Would've been better if I checked out these bands when I had the chance back then:

Sludgy progressive metal similar to Mastodon:

I'm glad to finally be fully interested in these bands that I've somehow missed out on when my power/symphonic metal taste was in an all-time high around a decade ago. I can especially say that about these German power metal pioneers:

Along with these two stunning female-led symphonic metal bands:

Ben, please add the new Volumes album Mirror Touch.

Ben, please add the new Upon a Burning Body album Blood of the Bull.

Oh these cover art coincidences just never end! The cover arts for that The Devil Wears Prada demo and that The Arbitrary Method EP both have a close-up of a woman's face behind an abstract pattern. Though the latter is definitely more futuristic, just like the EP itself.

If it looks good, I treat it like any other art. If it's clearly sloppy, I would dock points for it. Sadly, much of the world is so fixated on what's real or not, continuing their "zero tolerance" against AI. That I can understand, but if they see anything that looks even slightly AI, or if something real looks so good it's likely to be AI, those people can be so quick as to sh*t on it and anyone associated with it. That's why websites like YouTube and DeviantArt give you the option to clarify that something isn't AI.

I wanted to include the song "Defy" here, but that one doesn't have a standalone YouTube video. So I went with this one that's also a grand standout, even having Bjorn Strid from Soilwork behind the mic:

I love the guitar leads and vocals have a similar vibe to Trivium but more futuristic:

No it isn't. Glad you agree with me here, Rex.

Another magnificent 9-minute epic with the heavy/power metal sound similar to Crimson Glory and Helloween:

Fear of Domination have their brand-new album Katharsis coming out next month! This epic single from the album seems to emphasize their earlier industrial/trance metal roots more with some slight glimpses of their melodeath side:

Sorry to hear, Daniel. Hope your wife can recover soon.