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Ten ways to shatter your windows...Nov 02 '01 (Updated Dec 12 '01) Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line Listen, learn, and get ready to rock!
Reading the lists of my fellow users, often times their “first metal album” or the “album that got me started” is frequently mentioned. Also the historical significance of an album is put before a person’s actual preference for that album. That is all well and good, however, my list consists of the ten discs that I just flat-out love the most. It is that simple; none of this “oh…that band sold out” or “that band lost it’s balls”, etc. My picks encompass a wide range of metal, although I don’t even touch on several major categories, namely death metal, which I just haven’t gotten in to. So when you listen to these albums, just be sure to sit down, restrain yourself, and let the music do the damage. #10 - Testament - "Low" (1994) While their previous material sounds an awful lot like early Metallica or Anthrax, as Testament matured they developed a sound all their own. Heavy, crunching riffs, combined with Chuck Billy’s great vocals, and a distinct lyrical style to create an album unlike any of their others. The addition of axeman James Murphy in place of long-time star Alex Skolnick was a shock to some fans, but Murph adds the type of crunch Testament had been missing for years. It was hard to pick this album over “The Gathering,” but I feel “Low” offers greater song diversity with nearly equal musicmanship. Favorite Tracks: "Chasing Fear", "All I Could Bleed", "P.C.", "Low" #9 - Stratovarius - "Destiny" (1998) Best described as neo-classical progressive power metal (try saying that ten times fast), Finland’s Stratovarius raises the bar yet again with this release. Featuring a guitarist along the lines of Yngwie Malmsteen, thundering double bass, a backing orchestra, and amazing high-end vox, this album is a true masterpiece. My only complaint is that some songs tend to sound similar, but nothing can compare to the opening title track, which is ten-minute trek through the purpose of life. Favorite Tracks: "Destiny", "S.O.S.", "Anthem Of The World", "Cold Winter Nights” #8 - Impellitteri - "Crunch" (2000) Combine the awesome workings of six-string virtuoso Chris Impellitteri with the soaring vocals of Rob Rock and you’re in for a treat. This is good old-fashioned, kick-your-a$$ metal that holds no compromise. It is truly pathetic that nobody knows about this band, they have been turning out great material since ’88, but to little acclaim, despite their supreme talent level. Only the acoustic track “Forever Yours” is a slight letdown. Favorite Tracks: "Speed Demon", "Spanish Fire", "Beware Of The Devil", "Fear No Evil" #7 - Iron Maiden - "Somewhere In Time” (1986) Although some don’t like the addition of synths to Maiden’s lineup, I think they add a new depth that was missing on their previous releases. Bruce Dickinson is at his best on this album, making the title track an all-time favorite. Harris’ driving bass still wails in the forefront, as Maiden puts out a new sound which only compares to that on “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son.” Favorite Tracks: "Caught Somewhere In Time", "Wasted Years", "Alexander The Great", "Heaven Can Wait" #6 - Dream Theater - "Images & Words" (1992) The talent level of this band is incredible, and although they may not play the heaviest or fastest metal out there, it is amongst the best. Their diverse sound is often labeled "progressive," which I believe masks the kind of power they can throw at you. If one word could describe their brand of music, it is beautiful. Favorite Tracks: "Learning to Live", "Metropolis-Part 1", "Take The Time", "Another Day” #5 - Skid Row - "Slave to the Grind" (1991) Losing most of the MTV/pop-metal influence of their first album, Skid Row puts out a disk featuring great hard rockers and couple of the best heavy ballads ever. Sebastian Bach (not to be confused with the composer) is easily one of the best vocalists in rock, as his range is simply stunning. He is second in my book only to Rob Halford. The lyrics have far more depth and meaning than those of their first album, and the overall sound is simply a blast! Favorite Tracks: "Livin' on a Chain Gang", "Wasted Time", "The Threat", "Monkey Business" #4 - Iced Earth - "Horror Show" (2001) Iced Earth has to be the most overlooked band in metal today, as they have released a handful of great albums to little notoriety. This album isn't as fast as some of their initial offerings, but it tells great stories, and has some of the most powerful lyrics I've heard in metal. Every track is a winner, and the drums are improved over past IE albums. Enjoy this band as they are the American metal masters of the 21st century. Favorite Tracks: "Damien", "The Phantom Opera Ghost", "Transylvania", "Jack" #3 - Judas Priest - "Painkiller" (1990) Although it is the last album for Priest with Masterful frontmam Rob Halford and his incredulous shrieks, it is their most technical effort overall, and contains some of Halford’s most emotional vox. Some of the best solos are contained in the title track, and others just flat-out rip. Take everything good about past Priest albums, roll them all into one with a dose of renewed heaviness a la “Jugulator,” and out comes Painkiller. Favorite Tracks: "Battle Hymn/One Shot At Glory", "Painkiller", "Between The Hammer & The Anvil", "Leather Rebel", “Metal Meltdown” #2 - Metallica - "Master of Puppets" (1986) Often hailed as the best album ever, MOP is the overall technical peak of Metallica’s career. “Battery” is probably my favorite song by anyone ever, but still, I cannot join the masses in anointing MOP as the champ, see below for more. Favorite Tracks: "Battery", "Master of Puppets", "Sanatarium", "Orion" #1 - Metallica - "...And Justice for All" (1988) It is very hard to compare these two albums, as they are both the best of the best, but for me it comes down to the fact that there is only one song on AJFA I don’t absolutely love, “Eye Of The Beholder,” as compared to two on MOP, “Disposable Heroes” and “The Thing That Should Not Be.” I also think that the songwriting is superior on this album, and that although the production may be a bit raw, that it actually adds to the experience. I also think that Lars is at his personal best on this album, for evidence, just listen to “Dyers Eve.” This decision could be debated endlessly, with others throwing in arguments for Ride The Lightning, but this is my take on the issue. Favorite Tracks: "Dyers Eve", "The Shortest Straw", "Frayed Ends of Sanity", “…And Justice For All”, "Blackened" Apologies to: Megadeth, Blind Guardian, Jag Panzer, Slayer, and Symphony X.  |
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