My intersts are music and more music. Metal all the way,
[deth] to everything that is not metal.
R.I.P. Dimebag Darrel
Music:
AC/DC, Adagio, After Forever, Agalloch, Alestorm, Alkemyst, Amon Amarth, Angel Dust, Annihiator, Angra, Anthrax, Arch Enemy, Acheon, Artillery, Athlantis, Atrocity, Autopsy, Avantasia, Bathory, Battlore, Behemoth, Beyond Fear, Black Label Society, Black Sabbath, Blind Guardian, Bloodbath, Burning In Hell, Cannibal Corpse, Cellador, Children of Bodom, Circus Maximus, Corrosion Of Conformity, The Crown, Crystal Eyes, Damage Plan, Dark Empire, Dark Moor, Dark Tranquility, Darkane, Death, Demons & Wizards, Desdemona, Dethklok, Dimmu Borgir, Dissection, Draconian, Dragonforce, Dragonland, Dragonlord, Dream Evil, Dream Theater, Dreamtale, Edenbridge, Edguy, Eidolon, Eluvietie, Elvenkind, Ensiferum, Epica, Equilibrium, Evergrey, Exodus, Fairyland, Fear Factory, Finntroll, Firewind, Galneryus, Gamma Ray, Genius, Gojira, Hammerfall, Heaven Shall Burn, Heavens Guardian, Heidevolk, Helloween, Heraldry, Highlord, Holy Knights, Iced Earth, Ihsahn, Immortal, Imperanon, Insania, Intense, Into Eternity, Iron Maiden, Iron Savior, Jag Panzer, Jorn, Judas Priest, Kalmah, Kamelot, Keep of Kalessin, King Diamond,
Korpiklaani, Kreator, Lacuna Coil, Lamb of God, Landguard, Leaves' Eyes, Led Zeppelin, Logars Diary, Manowar, Masterplan, Mayhem, Megadeth, Mercenary, Mercury Tide, Metadox, Metalium, Metallica, Midnattsol, Moonspell, Morgana Lefay, Mors Principium Est, Mystic Prophecy, Naildown, Nevermore, Nightwish, Norther, Old Man's Child, Opeth, Overkill, Pagans Mind, Pain Of Salvation, Painmuseum, Pantera, Persuader, Pink Floyd, Poisonblack, Porcupine Tree, Primal Fear, Pyramaze, Repulsion, Rhapsody, Rhapsody Of Fire, Rough Silk, Savage Circus, Savage, Serenity, Sigma, Sinergy, Skyfire, Slayer, Sonta Artica, Stratovarius, Susperia, Svartsot, Symphony X, Symphorce, Testament, Thunderstone, Tristina, Twilightning, Twisted Tower Dire, Týr, Unleashed, Vesania, Vision Divine, Visions of Atlantis, Warmen, Wintersun, Within Temptation, Wolfpack Unleashed, 3 Inches Of Blood, and many others...
Movies:
Some Of My Favorite Albums
Iced Earth - Burnt Offerings
Real nice metal album that only got better on the remastering reissue. The opening title track really sets the tone for this album. It's 7 minutes of pure thrash and power metal with some cool death growls during the verse. The guitar solo in that song is also wicked.
So what does that title track say? Well this is Iced Earth's heaviest and darkest work to date and overall it never misses a beat. All those riffs flying and all that head on collusions. Man this album is a ride! Other cool tracks are "Brainwashed" and the 16 minute epic "Dante's Inferno". This is a real good release to start with if you want to hear what Metal is all about. This along with "Night of the Stormrider" remaind Iced Earth's best work to date. Real solid stuff here!Upon hearing the remastered version, I can tell you the latter is of better quality. Do yourself a favor and get the remastered one. You will notice a difference right from the opening track.
Opeth - Ghost Reveries
This is a band that has truly progressed without any strain whatsoever. Ghost Reveries definitely solidifies them as more than a metal or prog band. In my opinion Opeth is Opeth. They are one of those bands that don't need catogorization. Talent is thick and evident here, and beyond anything else they have done. Opeth has always been an ever present force of amazement. Some critics say there is nothing really different about Ghost Reveries in comparison to the previous albums.... Well, like I had said earlier, Opeth is Opeth. They do what they do in their own way, but still experementing with different sounds, sometimes subtle, sometimes bold. This album is the best example of that. The blend of heavy agression and mellow beauty makes this their most well rounded and complete album to date. Sure, maybe it has been done before in the past but not quite this well. The increase in the talent and musicainship of these guys hits you square in the face. The percussion is mindblowing as well as the guitar riffs and bass work. Add in some mellotron in all the right places and you've got a complete, almost perfect album. And yes, different from the others. Many people would disagree with that opinion, but the musicianship is there. So, those who judge Opeth as just a metal or a prog or black metal are way off base. They have once again created an album rich with many musical elements. You'll never hear anything like this anywhere. Opeth is a true milestone in music and should be taken seriously.
Testament - First Strike Still Deadly
This is a re-recording of some of their tracks from The Legacy and The New Order CDs. These tracks have been re-recorded with the 'new' Testament sound, with several ex-members being asked back for the project. From the opening few beats of 'First Strike Is Deadly' to the final notes of the crushing 'Reign Of Terror', this album is pure gold. Chuck Billy's powerful growl comes through loud and clear, along with Eric Peterson's bludgeoning machine-gun riffs. The return of Alex Skolnick to lead guitars shows the man in top form, with clean lightning-fast licks being thrown around with reckless abandon, as seen in his guitar battle with Peterson in 'Over The Wall'. The rhythm section of John Tempesta is totally unbeatable throughout this album, never running out of steam. Original lead throat Steve Souza (of Exodus) returns to the mic for two cuts, the mid-paced rocker 'Alone In The Dark' and the destructive 'Reign Of Terror'. Both contributions are rather impressive. It is easily one of the most brutal thrash CD's you will hear!
Megadeth - Rust In Peace
Megadeth was unleashed. This was the record that really blew away the Heavy Metal community. Speed and Thrash are on the menu and not about to run out. It's a record filled with riffs and more riffs, plenty of solos and an insane sonic onslaught. Pure speed, hate and defiance. This was the first record for the Mustaine/Friedman team, and it was a grans slam. Both of these guys raised the bar, and they did it with one arm tied behind their backs. All the title songs are incredible. "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due", "Hangar 18", "Rust in Peace... Polaris" are only examples of Mustaine's clear vision of society in 1990. There's no bullshit, just the truth. No sappy/happy songs. By far, the only other two Megadeth records that rival this one are "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying" for its speed and brutality, and "Countdown to Extinction" for its heaviness and honest lyrics. The overall RIP record combines everything they do best. This is the definite must-have record by Megadeth.
Evergrey - Recreation Day
If there were a band that needed no introduction, that band would be Evergrey. Know for their progressive melancholy metal, Evergrey have risen to metal stardom with their past three releases, and they show no sign of slowing down with their fourth album, "Recreation Day". Each track is dark and very powerful and often incorporates many dynamic shifts, often showcasing this bands incredible musicianship without suffocating the listener with un-necessary filler or chops. Lead singer/guitarist Tom S. Englund is a monster songwriter, guitarist, arranger and vocalist. His vocal expressions, intensity, and emotions are hypnotic, and like before, he sings every song as if it were his last. Standout tracks include: 'End of Your Days', 'Recreation Day', 'As I Lie Here Bleeding', 'Your Darkest Hour' and 'Blinded'. These songs demonstrate the intense songwriting skills this band possesses.
Kreator - Enemy Of God
I got the chance to check out 'Violent Revolution' and really liked the aggressive nature alot of that record. I found myself going backwards into their catalog to get more from them. Well, this time around we get the new album 'Enemy of God' from this extremely heavy band. Subject material seems to be political dealing with suicide terrorists and the war on terror and much more. Heavy subject material makes for heavy music. This album as expected gets out of the gate in a hurry with the mentioned title track. If you have never really heard Kreator but like your music heavy, you will be smiling at this point. This is old school heaviness here. 'Impossible Brutality' follows and is one of the more catchy tracks. Catchy, but not sacrificing their heavy nature that is. This song is also represented with a video track on the cd which I thought was a cool addition. You'll never hear me complain about this type of thing. The album has the bands usual consistency in terms of tempo. Most of the album is very similar in intensity with only 'The Ancient Plague' having a bit of it's own thing going on. It has an epic feel, but turns equally as heavy. Probably one of my favorite tracks on the album along with 'Impossible Brutality', 'Suicide Terrorist', 'Voices of the Dead' and 'Under a Total Blackened Sky'. If you are already familiar with Kreator, this album is probably already in your collection. If you haven't heard them and are into the likes of bands like Slayer in terms of intensity, you'll probably like Kreator. The band vocally is more old school and that's the way it should be. They definitely have won me over when I need a fix of heavy music played with thrash sensibility.
Judas Priest - Painkiller
From out of nowhere, Judas Priest suddenly revitalized themselves with Painkiller, in no small part because of new drummer Scott Travis, whose busy, virtuosic rhythmic base pushes Rob Halford, K.K. Downing, and Glenn Tipton to their most energetic and impassioned performances in an extremely long time. Songs like the title track, "Leather Rebel," and "Metal Meltdown" thrash like mad. Halford's shrieking and growling is positively frightening, as he uses his incredible vocal range to an almost King Diamond-like effect. But it isn't just the rediscovered power that makes Painkiller the band's strongest musical effort in ages: the elegant "A Touch of Evil," for example, is reminiscent of the progressive, intricately arranged pieces of their '70s work. Painkiller is a qualified success and is a must for all metalheads!
Children Of Bodom - Follow The Reaper
The album kicks in with the title track and it is clear right away that the band has learned a thing or two about writing more compact and memorable songs, with the melodies as strong as ever. "Bodom After Midnight" opens with a King Diamond-esque riff before winding through a typical array of riffs and change-ups. The middle of the song features keyboardist Janne Wirman and guitarist Alexi Laiho trading off solos, as they do throughout the album, leaving me in awe of both of their talents. The rest of the album continues with one great song after another, with "Taste of my Scythe" and "Kissing the Shadows" standing out the most. One thing I've got to credit the band for is their integrity. Their music has progressed with time, but they have never lost the raw-as-hell vocals, the energy or the technical playing that are at the heart of their sound since day one. If you have yet to experience Children of Bodom, my advice is to buy this album. They have truly combined ripping aggression with classy melodies in a way no one else has come close to doing. Follow the Reaper shows a band truly coming into its own and is one of the finest recordings this year.
Metallica - Master Of Puppets
Master of Puppets, released in 1986, was the third studio album from San Francisco’s masters of heavy metal, Metallica. The lyrical content is dark, but not heavily satanic or ridiculous. Themes of the record focus on oppression and power. Kirk Hammet and James Hetfield provide scorching guitar chops that build layer upon layer of energy. Lars Ulrich keeps pace with double bass drum fills. Master of Puppets was also the last record featuring Cliff Burton, Metallica’s original bassist, who died in a tour bus accident. Cliff is featured on the bass solo instrumental "Orion" and provides a deep and powerful undertone to the entire record. Master of Puppets is a no-holds-barred slamfest of an album, not to be confused with the more sensitive 1990s Metallica records. Songs such as "Battery," "Master of Puppets," "Disposable Heroes" and "Damage, Inc." are some of the most intense you’ll ever hear. Metallica defined and matured the hard rock genre with this record.
