Mark
2008-08-07, 06:50 PM
DISCLAIMER: This thread is not for you to come in and talk about how much you hate metal. It is my sincere hope that some of these tracks/albums I've written about will cause you to change your mind, or even prove that metal is not mindless. It is, rather, a beautiful, expressive art form. And that's what this ONE thread is here to prove.
Contents:
-What is this thread?
-Why should I care?
-I'm new to Metal/hate it
What is this thread?
It is a place for new people to discover this genre, and for people already familiar with the genre to discover new artists, songs, albums that they have never heard before. And even for haters to maybe change their opinions.
This thread is your one stop for everything good you need to hear about metal. Beyond that, I've included some starter albums, 10 that I feel are essential for understanding a different part of the genre. It is also a place for you guys to discuss some of the latest trends, albums, things like that.
Why should I care?
Well, it was my hope that a SINGLE thread, would generate more interest in metal. I've heard far too often metal is just a "bunch of noise" and it's not true, whatsoever.
I'm new to Metal, where do I begin?
After MUCH thinking (and I believe that this is a very fair list, though others may disagree), THESE 10 albums represent different, crucial aspects and genres of metal. Before anyone bitches about , let me say that I kept in mind how important it was the the genre.
Without further ado, here are the 10 albums:
--------
1. Megadeth - Rust In Peace
Why? This album is considered timeless. Rust in Peace is heavily regarded as the most essential thrash metal masterpiece of all-time. The flawless musicianship, creative riffing, and insane soloing make it an album for all to cherish and for all to remember.
2. Death - Human
Why? Well, Chuck Schuldiner is the definition of awesome, but besides that, this album has as much to offer a listener as just about any other metal album. This was a milestone for the death metal genre. The jazz-like complexity in the layering of the songs, the unforgettable melodies, and the untouchable brutality make this album for those seeking the true depth of heavy metal.
3. Iron Maiden - Powerslave
Why? While there are many who would dispute Iron Maiden's BEST album, I put this down because it's my personal favorite album, and Iron Maiden's greatest showing of jaw-dropping musical composition skills. The middle-eastern influenced sounds, the orgasmic harmonies, and Bruce Dickinson's breathtaking vocal range make this an album for those who want an easy entry into heavy metal.
4. Immortal - At The Heart Of Winter
Why? Some may not consider this is the greatest black metal album of all-time, but it's definitely one of the more accessible ones. Abbath shows his listeners how to compose epic tracks - one after another. Long, dark, raw, this album transcends the boundaries of black and thrash metal with cold and frostbitten madness.
5. Opeth - Blackwater Park
Why? Miakel Akerfeldt has shown again and again just how capable he is of creating the perfect blend of death metal and acoustic ballads. This album is one of their best, and a bit easier to get into than some of their other works. If you want to get used to growling, this is your best bet.
6. Metallica - Ride the Lightning
Why? In my opinion, their best album, Metallica creates a perfect harmony between brutally fast and crushingly slow riffs in this thrash metal icon. This is their most technical, their most creative, and their best.
7. In Flames - Colony
Why? In Flames are notorious for being one of the main pioneers of the melodic death metal genre, and this album defines them. Catchy melodies, haunting acoustic sections, and spacey leads are scattered throughout this fine work of art and you will not be left disappointed.
8. Nevermore - This Godless Endeavor
Why? For fans of progressive music and thrash metal alike, this album defines technical precision. Combine Jeff Loomis' virtuoso guitar playing techniques with Warrell Dane's unique vocal range and you get this.
9. Morbid Angel - Altars of Madness
Why? One of the most recognized and iconic albums in death metal, this album will grab your balls and never let go. Brutality is the only word to describe it. Clearly influenced by the more intense aspects of thrash metal, Morbid Angel creates a dark atmosphere that will leave you feeling 10% more Satanic and 10% more badass.
10. Dissection - Storm of the Light's Bane
Why? This album contains the perfect blend of black metal's brutal side and melodic side. One of Sweden's finest metal bands, Dissection manages to deliver harmonious paradise and soul-darkening misery in this Scandinavian classic.
--------
So what now?
Well, that's basically my [i]opinion and nothing more. Now it's up to you as fans of metal to discuss and even contribute albums for others to listen to. Oh yeah...one more thing. First person to mention Linkin Park or nu-metal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nu-metal) in general (either as a joke or god help you if you're serious) I will personally hunt you down, drag you into the street, and beat you with a a rusty shovel.
Contents:
-What is this thread?
-Why should I care?
-I'm new to Metal/hate it
What is this thread?
It is a place for new people to discover this genre, and for people already familiar with the genre to discover new artists, songs, albums that they have never heard before. And even for haters to maybe change their opinions.
This thread is your one stop for everything good you need to hear about metal. Beyond that, I've included some starter albums, 10 that I feel are essential for understanding a different part of the genre. It is also a place for you guys to discuss some of the latest trends, albums, things like that.
Why should I care?
Well, it was my hope that a SINGLE thread, would generate more interest in metal. I've heard far too often metal is just a "bunch of noise" and it's not true, whatsoever.
I'm new to Metal, where do I begin?
After MUCH thinking (and I believe that this is a very fair list, though others may disagree), THESE 10 albums represent different, crucial aspects and genres of metal. Before anyone bitches about , let me say that I kept in mind how important it was the the genre.
Without further ado, here are the 10 albums:
--------
1. Megadeth - Rust In Peace
Why? This album is considered timeless. Rust in Peace is heavily regarded as the most essential thrash metal masterpiece of all-time. The flawless musicianship, creative riffing, and insane soloing make it an album for all to cherish and for all to remember.
2. Death - Human
Why? Well, Chuck Schuldiner is the definition of awesome, but besides that, this album has as much to offer a listener as just about any other metal album. This was a milestone for the death metal genre. The jazz-like complexity in the layering of the songs, the unforgettable melodies, and the untouchable brutality make this album for those seeking the true depth of heavy metal.
3. Iron Maiden - Powerslave
Why? While there are many who would dispute Iron Maiden's BEST album, I put this down because it's my personal favorite album, and Iron Maiden's greatest showing of jaw-dropping musical composition skills. The middle-eastern influenced sounds, the orgasmic harmonies, and Bruce Dickinson's breathtaking vocal range make this an album for those who want an easy entry into heavy metal.
4. Immortal - At The Heart Of Winter
Why? Some may not consider this is the greatest black metal album of all-time, but it's definitely one of the more accessible ones. Abbath shows his listeners how to compose epic tracks - one after another. Long, dark, raw, this album transcends the boundaries of black and thrash metal with cold and frostbitten madness.
5. Opeth - Blackwater Park
Why? Miakel Akerfeldt has shown again and again just how capable he is of creating the perfect blend of death metal and acoustic ballads. This album is one of their best, and a bit easier to get into than some of their other works. If you want to get used to growling, this is your best bet.
6. Metallica - Ride the Lightning
Why? In my opinion, their best album, Metallica creates a perfect harmony between brutally fast and crushingly slow riffs in this thrash metal icon. This is their most technical, their most creative, and their best.
7. In Flames - Colony
Why? In Flames are notorious for being one of the main pioneers of the melodic death metal genre, and this album defines them. Catchy melodies, haunting acoustic sections, and spacey leads are scattered throughout this fine work of art and you will not be left disappointed.
8. Nevermore - This Godless Endeavor
Why? For fans of progressive music and thrash metal alike, this album defines technical precision. Combine Jeff Loomis' virtuoso guitar playing techniques with Warrell Dane's unique vocal range and you get this.
9. Morbid Angel - Altars of Madness
Why? One of the most recognized and iconic albums in death metal, this album will grab your balls and never let go. Brutality is the only word to describe it. Clearly influenced by the more intense aspects of thrash metal, Morbid Angel creates a dark atmosphere that will leave you feeling 10% more Satanic and 10% more badass.
10. Dissection - Storm of the Light's Bane
Why? This album contains the perfect blend of black metal's brutal side and melodic side. One of Sweden's finest metal bands, Dissection manages to deliver harmonious paradise and soul-darkening misery in this Scandinavian classic.
--------
So what now?
Well, that's basically my [i]opinion and nothing more. Now it's up to you as fans of metal to discuss and even contribute albums for others to listen to. Oh yeah...one more thing. First person to mention Linkin Park or nu-metal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nu-metal) in general (either as a joke or god help you if you're serious) I will personally hunt you down, drag you into the street, and beat you with a a rusty shovel.