Napalm Death have existed in some form or another since 1981, but the band as we know it solidified in 1987 with the release of “Scum”. An utter game-changer of an album, it brought Grind-core into the spotlight as an even more extreme version of death metal. Short, sharp and nasty as hell. Thirty-three years later, we have record number sixteen from Napalm Death.
Read MoreFor the uninitiated, Corey’s day job is chief screamer with the juggernaut that is Slipknot. This may well be his first solo record, but Corey is modern metal’s renaissance man. He writes, he does mainstream telly (Doctor Who and QI, no less) and he fronts a Nickelback tribute act (Stone Sour).
Read MoreA collaboration between Mark Boals, vocalist with walking ego Yngwie Malmsteen and guitarist Ölaf Thorsen of cult Italian power metallers Labyrinth.
Read MoreYes that Throwing Muses. Yes, Kristin Hersh is still in charge. Yes, it is the same brand of fuzzy, quiet loud quiet, quirky alt rock they traded on in the late eighties and nineties.
Read MoreWarm but bittersweet modern prog. Technically highly proficient, it also manages to have a very human and brittle heart.
Read MoreThe long overdue return of Sylosis. Josh Middleton’s absorption into Architects in 2016 may have resulted in a temporary hiatus of activities, but it was never meant to be full stop. Now juggling being in both acts, Josh has regrouped his old bandmates and taken Sylosis through another musical evolution.
Read MoreTuomas, Tuomas, Tuomas, what have you done? Nightwish usually make wonderous records. Over the last few albums, they have become bolder and brasher. They have reached for the stars with grand concepts and intricate instrumentation. Sadly, this time they have over-shot and it just doesn’t quite work. It still makes 94 out of 400+ because (aside from the fact that I utterly adore Nightwish) there are some damn fine songs in here, they just so happen to all be in the first section.
Read MoreRegular followers of this list will be aware of my deep love of Italian Power Metal auteurs Rhapsody (of Fire). Regular readers will be also be aware that there is a bit of a Soap Opera about the band, with multiple versions of Rhapsody existing simultaneously. Fabio Lione, though not the original singer, was vocalist in the classic line-up. When the band split in two in 2011, he initially stayed with the ...of Fire version, but jumped ship in 2015 to join the other version (confusedly called Luca Turilli's Rhapsody).
Read MoreI'll let you into a little secret, my favourite Anthrax album isn’t either of the much respected “Spreading the Disease” or “Amongst the Living”. It isn’t even either of the underrated follow ups “State of Euphoria” or “Persistence of Time”. It's the John Bush fronted “Sound of White Noise”. I adore his voice.
Read MoreThis is heady mix of Doom and Death metals with a distinctly punkish, in your face delivery. Veterans of the Dutch metal scene, they have in the past shared members with Bolthrower fanboys Asphxy. What is interesting about this record, and makes it stand out from the crowd, is the way that it drifts in and out of the contrasting styles.
Read MoreThere is so much in here. This album is a smorgasbord of different styles and textures. At its heart its black metalbut in an almostdeconstructed form. Gone are the down-tuned lo-fi guitars. Instead “Brand” is atmospheric, introspective and, at times, almost joyful.
Read MoreA couple of weeks back, Fish appeared on Gardeners World, showing off his personally curated garden. In the write up he was described as the singer with rock band Marillion. I appreciate that Gardeners World is not at the heart of the zeitgeist but being 31 years behind the curve does take the biscuit. Fish has been a solo agent for four times the length of his stint in Marillion, yet Kayleigh et al will be a milestone he forever wears around his neck.
Read MoreWell crafted and expertly delivered melodic death metal from the states. It manages to highly effectively mix harshness with smooth melody. The songs are well constructed and morph as you listen to them.
Read MoreSleazy glam rock from Sweden, from beginning to end this a sugar rush of catchy hooks and choruses. Whereas lot of bands rely on attitude to get them from A to Z, with “H.E.A.T. II” strong song-writing is the key.
Read MoreA melting pot of styles and genres that whirl around in a tornado of noise. There is electronica here, there is plenty of death metal, but there is also slabs of my fav, nu-metal (irony alert, irony alert). There are so many seemingly incompatible components, that it should audibly curdle.
Read MoreGothic Doom from Sweden with obvious middle eastern influences. Shaam herself provides the dark sultry tones andthe whole thing is atmospheric and rather mystical.
Read MoreRaging Speedhorn are almost a national treasure. The British bruisers from Corby that nearly made it. It might be premature to call a band that were only formed in 1998, legendary and highly influential, but the entire current crop of bands from this country that fearlessly mix hardcore and metal owe a debt to Speedhorn.
Read MoreSomewhere along the line, I’m not quite sure when or where, Bodycount evolved from being a novelty act into a bonafide Heavy Metal Band. They are no longer seen as an ego trip on Ice-T’s behalf and instead have gained credibility and kudos. There is now no question that they belong on festival bills and are an essential part of our world. Part of the reason is hard work.
Read MoreA remarkably understated and slight album. Whilst impassioned and full of emotion, it never explodes. It is reserved and fragile. There is a delicate beauty to the tracks here. It feels as if the band are slowly and subtly revealing their anguish and pains, afraid to be too transparent or extrovert in their approach.
Read MoreLoved the first Fleet Foxes album. It spoke to my heart. Exquisitely beautiful harmonious melodies that were full of hope and optimism. Second album was sadly rather dull and third was even duller still. This thankfully is a major return to form.
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