Rising Phoenix Music

Cactus's - Tropical Terror [EP]

2008-10-11T20:54:00.000-07:00

Album: Tropical Terror
Genre: Punk/Experimental
Year: 2008
MySpace
Download Here

1. Where Is My skeleton?
2. Daddy
3. Perverted Shark
4. Purple Coyote
5. Queen Bee
6. Tiny Teeth

Here is a highly underrated band that I have come across recently. Cactus's is a three-piece punk/thrash/hardcore influenced experimental explosion of sound, based out of Nashville, Tennessee. Tropical Terror is a great listen and the music is out-standing, very energetic, and I enjoyed it so much that I put it on and listened to it three times in a row. The only problem I had with it was that it was barely over fifteen minutes and it was a tease, being this is their only release so far. I applaud Cactus's for their obvious dedication to what they do, to not caring about the profits of this flawed monetary system, and to really, truly caring about the music they write and produce for the sake of themselves and other music lovers. I recommend this release and this band to open-minded listeners and to those who are looking for something new and interesting. Check them out and give them your support.

Anthony Green - Avalon

2008-10-01T13:19:00.000-07:00

Album: Avalon
Genre: Folk/Indie Rock
Year: 2008
MySpace
Download Here

1. She Loves Me So
2. Dear Child (I’ve Been Dying To Reach You)
3. Drug Dealer
4. Stonehearted Man
5. Baby Girl
6. Miracle Sun
7. Califone
8. Springtime Out the Van Window
9. Slowing Down (Long Time Coming)
10. The First Day of Work At the Microscope Store
11. Devils Song (This Feels Like A Nightmare)
12. Babygirl (High And Driving Version)
13. The First Day of Work At the Microscope Store (High And Driving Version)
14. The Fisherman Will Be Bewildered (High And Driving Version)
15. Plays Ugly For Daddy (High And Driving Version)
16. She Loves Me So (Demo)
17. Stone Hearted Man (Demo)
18. Slowing Down (Demo)
19. Devils Song (Demo)
20. Dear Child (I’ve Been Dying To Reach You) (Good Old War Version)

Well, I don't know what every other Circa Survive fan thought of Anthony Green's solo material, but I know I certainly enjoyed listening to it. Anthony Green just has such a great voice and I liked the direction he went with his album. I wasn't expecting it to sound like Circa Survive at all, so I wasn't disappointed when I listened to it straight through, I simply took it in as it was. A good listen if you enjoy Mr. Green's singing and are a fan of his other projects.

Æon Spoke - Above The Buried Cry

2008-10-01T12:58:00.000-07:00

Album: Above The Buried Cry
Genre: Indie/Progressive Rock
Year: 2004
MySpace
Download Here

1. No Answers
2. Pablo (At The Park)
3. Suicide Boy
4. Grace
5. Silence
6. Emmanuel
7. Face The Wind
8. For Good
9. Nothing
10. Yellowman

Æon Spoke is an easy-listening, serene band created by Paul Masvidal and Sein Reinert (of Cynic and formerly of Death). Above The Buried Cry is a very relaxing album and Masvidal's voice will soothe you to sleep. So roll a fat spliff, pour a nice cup of coffee (or tea, if you're a "tea person") and put on this album.

Cynic - Traced In Air

2008-09-30T21:48:00.000-07:00

Album: Traced In Air
Genre: Progressive Metal
Year: 2008
MySpace
Download Here

1. Nunc Fluens
2. The Space For This
3. Evolutionary Sleeper
4. Integral Birth
5. The Unknown Guest
6. Adam's Murmur
7. King Of Those Who Know
8. Nunc Stans

After so many years, Cynic have finally come out with a new full length album... and it is far from dissapointing. Although the harsh vocals have been dwindled down to almost nonexistence, Traced In Air is a very beautiful album. The skill of all the musicians in Cynic is just as amazing (if not even more so) than on Focus back in '93. Paul Masvidal's voice only gets better and better. Thank you for reuniting and for releasing new music, Cynic, it is greatly appreciated.

Cynic - Focus

2008-09-30T19:54:00.000-07:00

Album: Focus
Genre: Progressive Metal
Year: 1993
MySpace
Download Here

1. Veil Of Maya
2. Celestial Voyage
3. The Eagle Nature
4. Sentiment
5. I'm But A Wave To...
6. Uroboric Forms
7. Textures
8. How Could I

Yes... I just had to post it. Those who are familiar with progressive music (especially progressive metal) are most likely familiar with Cynic's legendary album, Focus. These guys had a few demos and then got signed to Roadrunner Records and released this one full length album. Just when they were getting up there, they disbanded for a long time and continued their musical endevours in different projects over the years (most notable Æon Spoke, featuring vocalist Paul Masvidal and drummer Sean Reinert). In 2006 they reunited and actually toured in 2007 and wrote a new album. Focus was incredibly original for its time and stands as a milestone in progressive music. If you've never heard this album then... you suck... and you should download it right now, listen to it, and then go fucking buy the reissued version, which features some remixes and three kick-ass newer songs.

The Human Abstract - Midheaven

2008-09-11T18:02:00.000-07:00

Album: Midheaven
Genre: Progressive Metal
Year: 2008
MySpace
Download Here

1. A Violent Strike
2. Procession Of The Fates
3. Breathing Life Into Devices
4. This World Is A Tomb
5. Metanoia
6. The Path
7. Echoes Of The Spirit
8. Calm In The Chaos
9. Counting Down The Days
10. A Dead World At Sunrise

Yet another outstanding display of musicianship by The Human Abstract. Midheaven is their second album and they certainly made some slight changes in their sound, shedding most of the Metalcore influence and using a lot more clean singing than harsh vocals. I wasn't disappointed with this album though, it's a great listen (although I can't say if I like it better than Nocturne). I hear these guys are great live (I hope to see for myself) so go see them and support them!

The Human Abstract - Nocturne

2008-09-11T17:26:00.000-07:00

Album: Nocturne
Genre: Progressive Metal
Year: 2006
MySpace
Download Here

1. Harbinger
2. Self Portraits Of The Instincts
3. Nocturne
4. Crossing The Rubicon
5. Sotto Voce
6. Mea Culpa
7. Movement From Discord
8. Channel Detritus
9. Polaris
10. Echelons To Molotovs
11. Desiderata
12. Vela, Together We Await The Storm

First of all... to anyone out there who has the impression that The Human Abstract is a Metalcore band, you should get your ears checked (or stop basing your opinions on what you hear from peoples' mouthes). Yes, there is a slight Metalcore influence... I guess in the style of the harsh vocals and there's probably about two or three breakdowns on this album, but they aren't long, played out, and generic. To me, this is a Progressive band, and anyone who knows anything about skillful musicianship would agree with me; their sound and playing style is very unique. The guitarists in this band are truly amazing at what they do and their drummer's style works very well with their playing. As for the vocalist, Nathan Ells, it's a love/hate situation... personally, I think he has a very powerful and soulful voice when it comes to clean singing, and his harsh vocals are quite strong as well. I love this band and this album and I can't wait until I have another chance to see them live (being I missed them about three times already).

Porcupine Tree - Fear Of A Blank Planet

2008-09-07T19:38:00.000-07:00

Album: Fear Of A Blank Planet
Genre: Progressive Rock
Year: 2007
MySpace
Download Here

1. Fear Of A Blank Planet
2. My Ashes
3. Anesthetize
4. Sentimental
5. Way Out Of Here
6. Sleep Together

Let me start by saying that Fear Of A Blank Planet is most definitely one of my favourite albums of 2007... and of all time. You may see six tracks up there, but do not judge this piece of musicianship by just that. Every song is just amazing, from first to last track... especially the third track, Anesthetize, which has to be one of my favourite songs ever written (I mean seriously, it's almost eighteen fucking minutes long!). Porcupine Tree has done it again and written a masterful album that has a different sound and atmosphere than the previous one, but is still really fuckin' good. Here's to you Porcupine Tree! Cheers!

Porcupine Tree - Deadwing

2008-09-07T19:10:00.000-07:00

Album: Deadwing
Genre: Progressive Rock
Year: 2005
MySpace
Download Here

1. Deadwing
2. Shallow
3. Lazarus
4. Halo
5. Arriving Somewhere but Not Here
6. Mellotron Scratch
7. Open Car
8. The Start of Something Beautiful
9. Glass Arm Shattering
10. She's Moved On

Deadwing, Porcupine Tree's eight studio album, is just another awesome album from this band. What I love about Porcupine Tree is that every album they put out just has its own unique atmosphere to it, but when you hear it you still know that it's them. If you listen to Porcupine Tree expecting every next album to be the same as the last, then you don't listen to them enough to know that they are quite changeable and experimental with the styles they incorporate into their song writing. Good album, good band... buy it and/or go see them live (I know I'd sure love to).

Porcupine Tree - In Absentia

2008-09-07T10:50:00.000-07:00

Album: In Absentia
Genre: Progressive Rock
Year: 2002
MySpace
Download Here

1. Blackest Eyes
2. Trains
3. Lips Of Ashes
4. The Sound Of Muzak
5. Gravity Eyelids
6. Wedding Nails
7. Prodigal
8. .3
9. The Creator Has A Mastertape
10. Heartattack In A Layby
11. Strip The Soul
12. Collapse The Light Into The Earth

In Absentia is one of my all time favourite albums... ever. This was the first album I ever heard from Porcupine Tree and when I heard the introduction to Blackest Eyes and then Steve Wilson's voice for the first time I fell in love with this band instantly. There is just such a pleasurable flow to this album and I never get tired of hearing it. This is also the first album with the amazing Gavin Harrison on drums, who I strive to one day be as good as. My favourite songs are Trains, The Sound Of Muzak, and the instrumental song Wedding Nails. I highly recommend this album to Progressive music lovers.

Porcupine Tree - Lightbulb Sun

2008-09-06T21:15:00.000-07:00

Album: Lightbulb Sun
Genre: Progressive Rock
Year: 2000
MySpace
Download Here

1. Lightbulb Sun
2. How Is Your Life Today?
3. Four Chords That Made a Million
4. Shesmovedon
5. Last Chance To Evacuate Planet Earth Before It Is Recycled
6. The Rest Will Flow
7. Hatesong
8. Where We Would Be
9. Russia On Ice
10. Feel So Low

I think Lightbulb Sun is a stunning album in its entirety. My favourite songs have to be Four Chords That Made A Million and Hatesong. Porcupine Tree is just that kind of band that will put out one kick-ass album after another, plain and simple. Whorship them!

Porcupine Tree - Stupid Dream

2008-09-06T16:27:00.000-07:00

Album: Stupid Dream
Genre: Progressive Rock
Year: 1999
MySpace
Download Here

1. Even Less
2. Piano Lessons
3. Stupid Dream
4. Pure Narcotic
5. Slave Called Shiver
6. Don't Hate Me
7. This Is No Rehearsal
8. Baby Dream in Cellophane
9. Stranger by the Minute
10. A Smart Kid
11. Tinto Brass
12. Stop Swimming

Porcupine Tree is definitely one of my favourite bands of all time. Stupid Dream, although released in '99, is actually their fifth studio album (it goes to show you that there are bands who can just put out one good album after another). Steve Wilson is one of my musical idols and I never get tired of hearing his voice. Chris Maitland is also an excellent drummer and works well with bassist Colin Edwin on this album. Stupid Dream is just an all-around great album, it's very progressive, musical, and personal.

Coheed And Cambria - Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume Two: No World For Tomorrow

2008-08-28T12:06:00.000-07:00

Album: Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume Two: No World For Tomorrow
Genre: Progressive Rock
Year: 2007
MySpace
Download Here

1. The Reaping
2. No World For Tomorrow
3. The Hound (Of Blood And Rank)
4. Feathers
5. The Running Free
6. Mother Superior
7. Gravemakers & Gunslingers
8. Justice In Murder
9. The End Complete I: The Fall of House Atlantic
10. The End Complete II: Radio Bye Bye
11. The End Complete III: The End Complete
12. The End Complete IV: The Road And The Damned
13. The End Complete V: On The Brink

An epic end to an epic story, No World For Tomorrow is Coheed & Cambria's most recent, fourth album and the second part to the final chapter in The Amory Wars (Claudio Sanchez's comic book series from which all of the band's albums are based). This album is just as epic (if not more so) than From Fear Through The Eyes Of Madness. Coheed & Cambria seems to be the kind of band that only gets better and better, and each album tends to be more Progressive than the last.

Coheed And Cambria - Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume One: From Fear Through The Eyes Of Madness

2008-08-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

Album: Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume One: From Fear Through The Eyes Of Madness
Genre: Progressive Rock
Year: 2005
MySpace
Download Here

1. Keeping The Blade
2. Always & Never
3. Welcome Home
4. Ten Speed (Of God's Blood & Burial)
5. Crossing The Frame
6. Apollo I : The Writing Writer
7. Once Upon Your Dead Body
8. Wake Up
9. The Suffering
10. The Lying Lies & Dirty Secrets of Miss Erica Court
11. Mother May I
12. The Willing Well I: Fuel for the Feeding End
13. The Willing Well II: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness
14. The Willing Well III: Apollo II: The Telling Truth
15. The Willing Well IV: The Final Cut

I'm going to start by saying that this album is fucking epic! From Fear Through The Eyes Of Madness is Coheed & Cambria's third album and I love it. Although Claudio Sanchez did change his singing style a bit (he kind of reminded me of Tia Dalma from Pirates Of The Caribbean with his accent) it actually grows on you and you begin to like it for what it is. My favourite songs are Ten Speed (Of God's Blood And Burial) and The Suffering. I highly recommend this great album.

Coheed And Cambria - The Second Stage Turbine Blade

2008-08-28T11:01:00.000-07:00

Album: The Second Stage Turbine Blade
Genre: Progressive Rock/Post-Hardcore
Year: 2002
MySpace
Download Here

1. Second Stage Turbine Blade
2. Time Consumer
3. Devil In Jersey City
4. Everything Evil
5. Delirium Trigger
6. Hearshot Kid Disaster
7. 33
8. Junesong Provision
9. Neverender
10. God Send Conspirator

Well, here's a band that I've been meaning to post and review for a while now. When I first heard Coheed & Cambria (when I was younger) I actually didn't like them at all, but as I got older and my music taste began to expand (I find it expands everyday, actually) I listened to them again and now I love 'em. The Second Stage Turbine Blade is their first full-length release and is actually my least favourite of their four releases, but I still like it and think it's a good album. Coheed & Cambria definitely had more of a Post-Hardcore influenced sound on here, but they always had Progressive elements in their music from the very start. For those who don't already know, all of Coheed & Cambria's albums are concept albums and link together in chronological order to compose one large story (The Amory Wars, which is a comic book series written by frontman Claudio Sanchez). I know some things about this story, but I suggest those interested look it up and read about it.

Decrepit Birth - Diminishing Between Worlds

2008-08-21T22:04:00.000-07:00

Album: Diminishing Between Worlds
Genre: Death Metal
Year: 2008
MySpace
Download Here

1. The Living Doorway
2. Reflection Of Emotions
3. Diminishing Between Worlds
4. Dimensions Intertwine
5. The Enigmatic Form
6. A Gathering Of Imaginations
7. Through Alchemy Bound Eternal
8. ...And Time Begins
9. Await The Unending
10. Essence Of Creation
11. The Morpheus Oracle (Outro)

Decrepit Birth's second and most recent album, Diminishing Between Worlds, is definitely my favourite of their two releases. The recordings are just so much better than on ...And Time Begins, and all the musicianship and composition is really tight... even the vocals just sound more brutal and scary. This is an awesome, heavy, technical, and fast paced Death Metal album, and I love it.

Darkest Hour - Deliver Us

2008-08-20T22:45:00.000-07:00

Album: Deliver Us
Genre: Metal
Year: 2007
MySpace
Download Here

1. Doomsayer (The Beginning Of The End)
2. Sanctuary
3. Demon(s)
4. An Ethereal Drain
5. A Paradox With Flies
6. The Light At The Edge Of The World
7. Stand And Receive Your Judgement
8. Tunguska
9. Fire In The Skies
10. Full Imperial Collapse
11. Deliver Us

Deliver Us is Darkest Hour's fifth and most recent full length album. I'll just tell you straight-up that I love this album. It is, of course, melodic as fuck, and John Henry's lyrics and vocals are just that damn good. Go see this band live, I assure you that you will not be disappointed.

Darkest Hour - Hidden Hands Of A Sadist Nation

2008-08-20T22:35:00.000-07:00

Album: Hidden Hands Of A Sadist Nation
Genre: Metal
Year: 2003
MySpace
Download Here

1. The Sadist Nation
2. Payphones And Pills
3. Oklahoma
4. Marching To The Killing Rhythm
5. The Misinformation Age
6. Seven Day Lie
7. Accessible Losses
8. The Patriot Virus
9. Veritas Aequitas
10. With Friends Like These…

Yet another album by the amazingly melodic Darkest Hour. Hidden Hands Of A Sadist Nation is their third full length studio release and a personal favourite (though I really can't choose between this album and Undoing Ruin). The first track, The Sadist Nation, is my favourite... I love the fucking introduction to it, it's great. This album is really thrashy, more so than their previous two albums, but I love it. Once again... go see them live!

Darkest Hour - So Sedated, So Secure

2008-08-20T21:45:00.000-07:00

Album: So Sedated, So Secure
Genre: Metal
Year: 2001
MySpace
Download Here

1. An Epitaph
2. So Sedated, So Secure
3. The Hollow
4. Another Reason
5. No Closer Than A Stranger
6. A Cold Kiss
7. Treason In Trust
8. The Last Dance Massacre

Here's another amazing and melodic album by Darkest Hour. So Sedated, So Secure is their second full length release, put out in 2001 and then rereleased in 2006. A damn good album by a damn good band with damn fucking good music! Praise them and go see them live!

Darkest Hour - The Mark Of The Judas

2008-08-20T21:06:00.000-07:00

Album: The Mark Of The Judas
Genre: Metal
Year: 2000
MySpace
Download Here

1. For the Soul Of The Savior
2. A Blessing In Tragedy
3. The Legacy
4. Part II
5. Eclipse
6. The Mark Of The Judas
7. Escape Artist
8. Messiah Complex
9. How The Beautiful Decay

The Mark Of The Judas is Darkest Hour's first full length studio album and right from their first album, they already make a great impression on the Metal music scene. This is album is really, really good and I enjoyed listening to it. Another great thing about this band is that they only get better and better each album after this. You've gotta love that melodic sound!

Darkest Hour - Undoing Ruin

2008-08-20T17:28:00.000-07:00

Album: Undoing Ruin
Genre: Metal
Year: 2005
MySpace
Download Here

1. With A Thousand Words To Say But One
2. Convalescence
3. This Will Outlive Us
4. Sound The Surrender
5. Pathos
6. Low
7. Ethos
8. District Divided
9. These Fevered Times
10. Paradise
11. Tranquil

Undoing Ruin is Darkest Hour's fourth album, but I'm going to review it first because it is the first album I heard from them. I have to, of course, do a little rant about something that I never understood... which is why people label this band under Metalcore. I guess they do have some Hardcore influence in their music, but they lack generic breakdowns and the music is more than just monotonous Metalcore riffs. This is why I placed them simply as Metal above, because they can't really be placed in any other particular branch of it. Anyway, Undoing Ruin is really a great album and Darkest Hour is a great band. The guitar riffs are very melodic, creative, and catchy (which I love!) and every instrument is played and recorded to its best. I saw these guys on their last headlining tour about two weeks ago and they put on one of the best performances I've ever seen in my life... and I've seen quite a lot.

Planet X - Quantum

2008-08-19T13:08:00.000-07:00

Album: Quantum
Genre: Progressive Metal/Rock/Jazz
Year: 2007
MySpace
Download Here

1. Alien Hip-Hop
2. Desert Girl
3. Matrix Gate
4. The Thinking Stone
5. Space Foam
6. Poland
7. Snuff
8. Kingdom of Dreams
9. Quantum Factor

Quantum is Planet X's third and most recent studio release and it is one of the most Progressive and interesting albums ever. Virgil Donati and Derek Sherinian, at the level that they are at in musicial skill, can only get better and better. All I can say about this album is that it is just fucking outstanding (as are all of their other releases) and that these guys are truly masters of their craft. Bravo, Planet X!

Planet X - MoonBabies

2008-08-19T12:58:00.000-07:00

Album: MoonBabies
Genre: Progressive Metal/Rock/Jazz
Year: 2002
MySpace
Download Here

1. MoonBabies
2. The Noble Savage
3. Ataraxia
4. 70 VIR
5. Micronesia
6. Interlude In Milan
7. Digital Vertigo
8. Ground Zero
9. Midnight Bell
10. Ignotum Per Ignotius

MoonBabies is Planet X's second studio album and probably my favourite one of all. Virgil Donati is truly a master drummer and the material he's written for this album is beyond impressive. I, of course, have to give credit to Derek Sherinian's amazing keyboard skills and musical composition, as well as to the many guest musicians featured on this album. My favourite song has to be Interlude In Milan... I can't even describe why, but there is just something about that song that is so... well, I guess I'll say it for the hundredth fucking time on this blog--awesome! As is this entire album in general, so I highly recommend it.

Planet X - Universe

2008-08-19T11:16:00.000-07:00

Album: Universe
Genre: Progressive Metal/Rock/Jazz
Year: 2000
MySpace
Download Here

1. Clonus
2. Her Animal
3. Dog Boots
4. Bitch
5. King Of The Universe
6. Inside Black
7. Europa
8. Warfinger
9. Chocalate
10. Pods Of Trance
11. 2116

Planet X is an amazing instrumental band formed by Derek Sherinian (former Dream Theater keyboardist) and one of my top favourite drummers, Virgil Donati. These guys sort of broke off and formed from Sherinian's first solo album in 1999, which was also titled Planet X and featured Donati on drums. I'd have to say that these guys (and all the special guest musicians involved in Planet X) are musical geniuses. Universe is their first album and it is simply fucking great.

Dredg - Catch Without Arms

2008-08-16T08:28:00.000-07:00

Album: Catch Without Arms
Genre: Progressive Rock
Year: 2005
MySpace
Download Here

1. Ode To The Sun
2. Bug Eyes
3. Catch Without Arms
4. Not That Simple
5. Zebra Skin
6. Tanbark
7. Sang Real
8. Planting Seeds
9. Spitshine
10. Jamais Vu
11. Hungover On A Tuesday
12. Matroshka

I never get tired of Catch Without Arms, it's just such a beautiful and amazing album that it entertains me every time I hear it. The lyrics are brilliant, the melodies are creative, the drumming is dynamic, and Gavin Hayes singing is as good (if not better) than on El Cielo. Dredg certainly aren't just a band, they are a milestone in modern music and will surely be one of the bands that current fans will be listening to when we're older and younger people will get into and enjoy as well (sort of like Pink Floyd). This is one of my favourite albums, therefore it is, of course... highly recommended.

Dredg - El Cielo

2008-08-16T07:25:00.000-07:00

Album: El Cielo
Genre: Progressive Rock
Year: 2002
MySpace
Download Here

1. Brushstroke
2. Same Ol' Road
3. Sanzen
4. Brushstroke: New Heart Shadow
5. Triangle
6. Sorry But It's Over
7. Convalescent
8. Brushstroke: Walk In The Park
9. Eighteen People Living In Harmony
10. Scissor Lock
11. Brushstroke: Reprise
12. Of The Room
13. Brushstroke: An Elephant In The Delta Waves
14. It Only Took A Day
15. Whoa Is Me
16. The Canyon Behind Her

Here is a band that deserves a lot of praise for what they are doing. Dredg are expressive, real, emotional, and have a lot of potential. El Cielo is actually their second album (they sound a lot different on their first) and it is one hell of an album. These guys are very original in their style of music, which is why I've labeled them under Progressive, and Gavin Hayes has one of the best voices I've ever heard. They even have an original concept for this album, being this is the only album I've ever heard that was actually based on a painting (Dream Caused by the Flight of a Bee around a Pomegranate a Second Before Awakening by one of my favourite artists, Salvidor Dali) and revolves around the theme of sleep paralysis. It's a long album, but it is as much of a masterpiece musically as Dali's work is visually. A high recommendation.

Opeth - Ghost Reveries

2008-08-14T00:10:00.000-07:00

Album: Ghost Reveries
Genre: Progressive Metal
Year: 2005
MySpace
Download Here: Part 1, Part 2

1. Ghost Of Perdition
2. Baying Of The Hounds
3. Beneath The Mire
4. Atonement
5. Reverie/Harlequin Forest
6. Hours Of Wealth
7. The Grand Conjuration
8. Isolation Years

I have heard mixed opinions on Opeth's eighth studio release, Ghost Reveries. Some say they sold out because they signed to Roadrunner Records, which I think is absurd, being Mikael Åkerfeldt is still writing the music that he wants to write. I personally adore this album greatly, it's one of my favourite albums of all time. Ghost Of Perdition has to have one of the coolest introductions ever to an album (don't lie, you all know that you shit you're pants when you first heard Mikael bust in after that little calm strumming riff, screaming "Ghost of mother, lingering death!"). This album is top notch, and is unfortunately the last album to feature drummer Martin Lopez. This is highly recommended, of course.

Opeth - Blackwater Park

2008-08-13T23:58:00.000-07:00

Album: Blackwater Park
Genre: Progressive Metal
Year: 2001
MySpace
Download Here: Part 1, Part 2

1. The Leper Affinity
2. Bleak
3. Harvest
4. The Drapery Falls
5. Dirge For November
6. The Funeral Portrait
7. Patterns In The Ivy
8. Blackwater Park

Opeth's fifth album, Blackwater Park, might just be my favourite album from them (though that's hard to say, really, being I love them all). This album was produced by Steve Wilson (of Porcupine Tree) who also contributes some backing vocals on some of the songs. I remember when I first heard the introduction to The Leper Affinity that I instantly fell in love with the song. I can't really choose a particular favourite on this album, because I like every song so much and it's really an album I have to listen to completely when I put it on. Highly, highly, highly fucking recommended!

Opeth - Still Life

2008-08-13T23:43:00.000-07:00

Album: Still Life
Genre: Progressive Metal
Year: 1999
MySpace
Download Here: Part 1, Part 2

1. The Moor
2. Godheads Lament
3. Benighted
4. Moonlapse Vertigo
5. Face Of Melinda
6. Serenity Painted Death
7. White Cluster

Still Life, Opeth's fourth studio album, is fucking amazing. It is one of my favourite albums to listen to and I am in love with the catchy guitar riffs, the intense drumming, and the amazing lyrics. Still Life is a concept album and the story behind it is actually quite sad (read about it here). To me, this is the album that Opeth really completely mastered their Progressive sound.

Opeth - Orchid

2008-08-13T23:35:00.000-07:00

Album: Orchid
Genre: Progressive Metal
Year: 1995
MySpace
Download Here: Part 1, Part 2

1. In Mist She Was Standing
2. Under The Weeping Moon
3. Silhouette
4. Forest Of October
5. The Twilight Is My Robe
6. Requiem
7. The Apostle In Triumph

Even more classic than Morningrise is Opeth's first ever release, titled Orchid. I love this album a lot, and I appreciate it as much as I appreciate their newer material. Ironically, the first track (on their first album, mind you) In The Mist She was Standing, was actually the first song I ever heard from this band. Even back in 1995, from the very start, Mikael Åkerfeldt was doing clean singing and deep growls.

Opeth - Morningrise

2008-08-13T23:22:00.000-07:00

Album: Morningrise
Genre: Progressive Metal
Year: 1996
MySpace
Download Here

1. Advent
2. The Night And The Silent Water
3. Nectar
4. Black Rose Immortal
5. To Bid You Farewell

Opeth's second album, Morningrise, in my opinion, is a classic musical masterpiece. At the time, Opeth was really the only band who could merge Death Metal style (riffs and vocals) with soothing clean singing and Progressive elements. This album may be only five tracks, but every track is over ten minutes long (Black Rose Immortal coming in at a whomping twenty minutes and fifteen seconds, making it their longest song ever). Morningrise is just plain fucking awesome, like every Opeth album to follow.

Ihsahn - angL

2008-08-13T23:11:00.000-07:00

Album: angL
Genre: Progressive Metal
Year: 2008
MySpace
Download Here

1. Misanthrope
2. Scarab
3. Unhealer
4. Emancipation
5. Malediction
6. Alchemist
7. Elevator
8. Threnody
9. Monolith

angL is the second full-length solo album by Ihsahn (front man of Emperor). I actually liked this album a lot better than his first solo release. The music is very Progressive (hence the label above) and I believe that this man is a musical genius. This album is very, very original and interesting in its mix of styles. The song Unhealer is one of the most awesome songs ever, especially because it features none other than Mikael Åkerfeldt of Opeth.

Ihsahn - The Adversary

2008-08-13T22:52:00.000-07:00

Album: The Adversary
Genre: Progressive Metal
Year: 2006
MySpace
Download Here

1. Invocation
2. Called By The Fire
3. Citizen
4. Homecoming
5. Astera Ton Proinon
6. Panem Et Circenses
7. And He Shall Walk In Empty Places
8. Will You Love Me Now?
9. The Pain Is Still Mine

This is Emperor front-man Ihsahn's first solo album The Adversary. He is an outstanding musician and proves he can do a lot more than just Black Metal, especially with this album. There is a wide range of influences in it and it's quite Progressive. An all around good listen.

Emperor - Prometheus: The Discipline Of Fire And Demise

2008-08-12T11:57:00.000-07:00

Album: Prometheus: The Discipline Of Fire And Demise
Genre: Black Metal
Year: 2001
MySpace
Download Here

1. The Eruption
2. Depraved
3. Empty
4. The Prophet
5. The Tongue Of Fire
6. In The Wordless Chamber
7. Grey
8. He Who Sought The Fire
9. Thorns On My Grave

Prometheus: The Discipline Of Fire And Demise is Emperor's fourth and final full length album. I actually like this album a lot (though a lot of Black Metal elitists might disagree) and think it's a great fucking listen. Emperor definitely went for a slightly more Progressive sound on this album, but it works and it sounds good. The Black Metal elements are still there, but I think the Progressive elements make the music so much more interesting (especially Ihsahn's clean, opera-like singing parts). This album kicks ass, plain and simple.

Emperor - Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk

2008-08-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

Album: Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk
Genre: Black Metal
Year: 1997
MySpace
Download Here

1. Alsbartr The Oath
2. Ye Entrancemperium
3. Thus Spake The Nightspirit
4. Ensorcelled By Khaos
5. The Loss And Curse Of Reverence
6. The Acclamation Of Bonds
7. With Strength I Burn
8. The Wanderer
9. In Longing Spirit
10. Opus A Satana
11. The Loss And Curse Of Reverence (Live)

Another great album by the legendary Emperor. Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk is their second full length release and it's a damn good album. Emperor is the kind of band that only gets better, in my opinion, and I don't believe they have any bad albums at all. Buy all of their albums and their merchandise (their T-shirts are cool) if you can.

Emperor - In The Nightside Eclipse

2008-08-11T23:33:00.000-07:00

Album: In The Nightside Eclipse
Genre: Black Metal
Year: 1994
MySpace
Download Here: Part 1, Part 2

1. Into The Infinity Of Thoughts
2. The Burning Shadows Of Silence
3. Cosmic Keys To My Creations & Times
4. Beyond The Great Vast Forest
5. Towards The Pantheon
6. The Majesty Of The Nightsky
7. I Am The Black Wizards
8. Inno A Satana
9. A Fine Day To Die (Bathory Cover)
10. Gypsy (Mercyful Fate Cover)

Emperor's first full length release, In The Nightside Eclipse, is a black metal classic. This is a dreary, evil, and raw album and one of my favourite Black Metal releases. Personally, the symphonic keyboard parts are what made the album for me, though Ihsahn's vocals are really cool and the riffs are really catchy as well. Plus, their cover of Bathory's A Fine Day To Die is fucking awesome. This is an all-around awesome Black Metal album... I just wish Emperor would do another reunion tour, because I missed the last one.

Emperor - IX Equilibrium

2008-08-11T15:03:00.000-07:00

Album: IX Equilibrium
Genre: Black Metal
Year: 1999
MySpace
Download Here

1. Curse You All Men!
2. Decrystallizing Reason
3. An Elegy Of Icaros
4. The Source Of Icon E
5. Sworn
6. Nonus Aequilibrium
7. The Warriors Of Modern Death
8. Of Blindness And Subsequent Seers

This is my favourite Emperor album and one of my most favourite Black Metal albums of all time. IX Equilibrium, their third full-length album, is rebellious, evil, and fucking heavy. Right from the opening song (the infamous Curse You All Men!) when you hear that fucking sick, high-pitched, sinister scream, you know that these guys mean business. The symphonic keyboards and synthesizers on this album are so dark and epic and I never get tired of hearing it. Highly recommended.

Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare

2008-08-09T12:51:00.000-07:00

Album: Favourite Worst Nightmare
Genre: Indie Rock/Britpop
Year: 2007
MySpace
Download Here

1. Brianstorm
2. Teddy Picker
3. D Is For Dangerous
4. Balaclava
5. Fluorescent Adolescent
6. Only Ones Who Know
7. Do Me A Favour
8. This House Is a Circus
9. If You Were There, Beware
10. The Bad Thing
11. Old Yellow Bricks
12. 505
13. Da Frame 2R (Japanese Bonus Track)
14. Matador (Japanese Bonus Track)

Here's something a bit different than what I usually post, but I'm open minded (and I just love all different kinds of music) and this is, after all, supposed to be a diverse blog. Arctic Monkeys are a young band hailing from South Yorkshire, England. In my opinion, these guys are fuckin' cool--especially on this album, Favourite Worst Nightmare, their second release. These guys have a catchy and fun style of music and the lyrics are brilliant, witty, and poetic. I also love that they actually sing in their British accents.

Between The Buried And Me - Between The Buried And Me

2008-08-09T11:56:00.000-07:00

Album: Colors
Genre: Progressive Metal/Mathcore
Year: 2002
MySpace
Download Here

1. More Of Myself To Kill
2. Arsonist
3. Aspirations
4. What We Have Become
5. Fire For A Dry Mouth
6. Naked By The Computer
7. Use Of A Weapon
8. Shevanel Cut A Flip

This is Between The Buried And Me's self-titled debut album. This is the only album you can hear more of a Metalcore sound in their playing, but it's still so experimental and progressive (especially for the year it came out, when most bands weren't doing this) and shows you that these guys were playing original music from the very start. This is a really cool and heavy album and I love listening to it and seeing how much these guys have advanced and progressed as a band. They remind me of Pink Floyd, only in the sense that all of their albums sound sort of different, but in a way they still keep that Between The Buried And Me sound.

Between The Buried And Me - Colors

2008-08-09T00:37:00.000-07:00

Album: Colors
Genre: Progressive Metal/Mathcore
Year: 2007
MySpace
Download Here

1. Foam Born (A) The Backtrack
2. Foam Born (B) The Decade of Statues
3. Informal Gluttony
4. Sun of Nothing
5. Ants of the Sky
6. Prequel to the Sequel
7. Viridian
8. White Walls

There are really no words to describe my love for this damn album... that's how great it is. Between The Buried And Me's fourth studio release, Colors, is a fucking masterpiece of musicianship. I am beyond privileged to have seen these guys live three times... but no show could ever compare to their headlining tour in 2007, when I saw them in New York City, Blender Theater, on Halloween (with supporting acts Animosity and HORSE The Band). They played this entire album, straight through (and Selkies: The Endless Obsession as an encore) without missing a fucking note. Let's just say I was speechless when it was over (literally, I lost my voice from screaming every word) and it was one of the best concerts I've ever been to. These guys have taken so many different styles of music and masterfully fused them together, everything from metal and hardcore, to jazz, rock, and even a little country. This album is Between The Buried And Me at their best and the peak of their progressive development. I worship them and you should too.

Between The Buried And Me - Alaska

2008-08-09T00:23:00.000-07:00

Album: Alaska
Genre: Progressive Metal/Mathcore
Year: 2005
MySpace
Download Here

1. All Bodies
2. Alaska
3. Croakies And Boatshoes
4. Selkies: The Endless Obsession
5. Breathe In, Breathe Out
6. Roboturner
7. Backwards Marathon
8. Medicine Wheel
9. The Primer
10. Autodidact
11. Laser Speed

Alaska is one of the greatest metal albums I've ever heard (although some might beg to differ, but this blog is for my opinions, not yours). Between The Buried And Me continues to develop their sound on this, their third studio album. This is the first album that their solid line-up was established, entering in three new members since The Silent Circus (Dustie Waring on guitar and Blake Richardson on drums (both of Glass Casket) as well as amazing bassist, Dan Briggs). From the opening track, All Bodies, you already know that this album is going to knock you on your ass. And who could forget their infamous song Selkies: The Endless Obsession (which they're actually tired of playing all the time). Alaska is full of beautiful melodies, skillful drumming, poetic lyrics, and deranged harsh vocals as well as beautiful clean singing buy the amazing Tommy Rogers.

Between The Buried And Me - The Silent Circus

2008-08-08T22:44:00.000-07:00

Album: The Silent Circus
Genre: Progressive Metal/Mathcore
Year: 2003
MySpace
Download Here

1. Lost Perfection a) Coulrophobia
2. Lost Perfection b) Anablephobia
3. Camilla Rhodes
4. Mordecai
5. Reaction
6. Shevanel Take 2
7. Ad A Dglgmut
8. Destructo Spin
9. Aesthetic
10. The Need for Repetition

Between The Buried And Me is one of my top, most favourite bands ever... and The Silent Circus is one of my top albums. This is their second album, and boy is it fucking awesome. To those who call these guys Metalcore, you're musically ignorant... this is Progressive Metal, there's far too much skill and interchangeability for this to simply be called Metalcore. Anyway, this album was before they had their current solid line-up and features Mark Castillo (who now plays for Bury Your Dead) on drums. Every song is outstanding (especially Mordecai) the lyrics are brilliant, the drumming is intense, and the riffs and solos are technical and skillful. Highly recommended album.

Wintersun - Wintersun

2008-08-08T13:46:00.000-07:00

Album: Wintersun
Genre: Melodic Death Metal
Year: 2004
MySpace
Download Here

1. Beyond The Dark Sun
2. Winter Madness
3. Sleeping Stars
4. Battle Against Time
5. Death And The Healing
6. Starchild
7. Beautiful Death
8. Sadness And Hate

Wintersun was founded by Jari Mäenpää (former front-man/guitarist of Ensiferum) and this is their only album released so far. This is one of my favourite albums and one I never get tired of hearing. The music is just amazing, especially the guitar solos. I also love the lyrics and themes on this album. I just wish Jari and the band would hurry up and finish the new album, Time (it's been over four years, guys... I'm growing impatient). Anyway, I highly recommend this album.

Behemoth - The Apostasy

2008-08-08T12:52:00.000-07:00

Album: The Apostasy
Genre: Death Metal
Year: 2007
MySpace
Download Here

1. Rome 64 C.E.
2. Slaying The Prophets Ov Isa
3. Prometherion
4. At The Left Hand Ov God
5. Kriegsphilosophie
6. Be Without Fear
7. Arcana Hereticae
8. Libertheme
9. Inner Sanctum
10. Pazuzu
11. Christgrinding Avenue

The Apostasy is Behemoth's most recent album and their eighth studio release. I have seen these guys live three times, the last time was their tour in support of this album. Let me tell you, these guys really know how to put on a show and I enjoyed seeing some of the new material performed. I cheered so loud when Nergal brought a giant Holy Bible on stage, gave a very heretical, religious emancipation speech, began tearing pages from it, and then threw it in the crowd where the rest was torn to shreds. Also, Inferno did a pretty sick drum solo. Hails to you, Behemoth!

Behemoth - Demigod

2008-08-08T12:13:00.000-07:00

Album: Demigod
Genre: Death Metal
Year: 2004
MySpace
Download Here

1. Sculpting the Throne Ov Seth
2. Demigod
3. Conquer All
4. The Nephilim Rising
5. Towards Babylon
6. Before the Æons Came
7. Mysterium Coniunctionis (Hermanubis)
8. XUL
9. Slaves Shall Serve
10. The Reign Ov Shemsu-Hor

Demigod is Behemoth's seventh studio album and my personal favourite. Every song is fucking awesome and Inferno's drumming is godly in speed. I love Nergal's lyrics and the themes behind this album, most of which are drawn from ancient Mesopotamian mythology and symbolism. The Reign Of Shemsu-Hor is one of my most favourite songs ever... it's so fucking epic. Demigod is an amazing album and I never get tired of listening to it. Buy it.

Behemoth - Zos Kia Cultus (Here And Beyond)

2008-08-08T11:34:00.000-07:00

Album: Zos Kia Cultus (Here And Beyond)
Genre: Death Metal
Year: 2002
MySpace
Download Here

1. Horns Ov Baphomet
2. Modern Iconoclasts
3. Here And Beyond (Titanic Turn Of Time)
4. As Above So Below
5. Blackest Ov The Black
6. Hekau 718
7. The Harlot Ov The Saints
8. No Sympathy For Fools
9. Zos Kia Cultus
10. Fornicatus Benefictus
11. Typhonian Soul Zodiack
12. Heru Ra Ha: Let There Be Might

Behemoth's sixth album, Zos Kia Cultus (Here And Beyond), is pretty damn evil. I liked the fact that this album was longer than their previous releases. Inferno's drumming is, of course insane... and Nergal's lyrics are as cool as ever. All in all, a good and heavy album.

Behemoth - Satanica

2008-08-08T10:53:00.000-07:00

Album: Satanica
Genre: Death Metal/Black Metal
Year: 1999
MySpace
Download Here

1. Decade Of Therion
2. LAM
3. Ceremony Of Shiva
4. Of Sephirotic Transformation And Carnality
5. The Sermon To The Hypocrites
6. Starspawn
7. The Alchemist's Dream
8. Chant For Eschaton 2000

Satanica is Behemoth's fourth album and pretty much the album that the transition from their Black Metal to Death Metal sound began to be heard. It's a sick album and it will definitely keep you awake. Hail Satan...

Behemoth - Thelema.6

2008-08-07T16:32:00.000-07:00

Album: Thelema.6
Genre: Death Metal
Year: 2000
MySpace
Download Here

1. Antichristian Phenomenon
2. The Act Of Rebellion
3. Inflamed With Rage
4. Pan Satyros
5. Natural Born Philosopher
6. Christians To The Lions
7. Inauguration Of Scorpio Dome
8. In The Garden Of Dispersion
9. The Universe Illumination (Say "Hello" To My Demons)
10. Vinum Sabbati
11. 23 (The Youth Manifesto)
12. The End

I would say that Thelema .6 is the album where Behemoth completely changed into straight up Death Metal (although you can hear the changes begin with Satanica). I do like Behemoth's Black Metal material, but not nearly as much as I like their Death Metal material. Thelema .6 is a good album, bearing classic anti-religious anthems, such as Antichristian Phenomenon and Christians To The Lions (both are sick to see performed live). Get this album and hail Satan! (That was a joke.)

HIM - Venus Doom

2008-08-07T16:27:00.000-07:00

Album: Venus Doom
Genre: Gothic Rock
Year: 2007
MySpace
Download Here

1.Venus Doom
2.Love in Cold Blood
3.Passion's Killing Floor
4.The Kiss of Dawn
5.Sleepwalking Past Hope
6.Dead Lovers' Lane
7.Song or Suicide
8.Bleed Well
9.Cyanide Sun

I really have nothing to say about all of the HIM albums I just posted, being I was never fond of them and don't listen to any of their music (although I've heard this album once and it wasn't bad). I simply posted their discography for a good friend of mine.

HIM - Dark Light

2008-08-07T16:24:00.000-07:00

Album: Dark Light
Genre: Gothic Rock
Year: 2005
MySpace
Download Here

1. Face of God
2. Rip Out the Wings of A Butterfly
3. Killing Loneliness
4. Behind the Crimson Door
5. Dark Light
6. Under the Rose
7. Vampire Heart
8. Play Dead
9. Drunk on Shadows
10. In the Night-Side of Eden

HIM - Deep Shadows And Brilliant Highlights

2008-08-07T16:17:00.000-07:00

Album: Deep Shadows And Brilliant Highlights
Genre: Gothic Rock
Year: 2001
MySpace
Download Here

1.Salt In Our Wounds
2. Heartache Every Moment
3. Loose You Tonight
4. In Joy And Sorrow
5. Pretending
6. Close To The Flame
7. You Are The One
8. Please Don\'t Let It Go
9. Beautiful
10. In Love And Lonely
11. Don\'t Close Your Heart
12. Love You Like I Do
13. Again

HIM - Greatest Love Songs vol. 666

2008-08-07T16:02:00.000-07:00

Album: Greatest Love Songs vol. 666
Genre: Gothic Rock
Year: 1997
MySpace
Download Here

1. Your Sweet Six Six Six
2. Wicked Game
3. The Heartless
4. Our Diabolikal Rapture
5. It's All Tears (Drown in This Love)
6. When Love and Death Embrace
7. The Beginning of the End
8. (Don't Fear) The Reaper
9. For You

September Malevolence - After This Darkness, There's A Next

2008-08-06T21:24:00.000-07:00

Album: After This Darkness, There's A Next
Genre: Post-Rock/Indie
Year: 2008
MySpace
Download Here

1. Who Watches the Watchmen
2. I Shut Doors and Windows
3. A Notion, I Can't Shake...
4. ...Accidents Happen So Fast
5. Vile Tendencies
6. Moments
7. Brandskär
8. Exxon Valdez
9. The Descent
10. All Lies

One of the most beautiful and wonderfully composed albums I've ever come across. September Malevolence is a brilliant band and After This Darkness, There's A Next is a brilliant album. There is something about this album that just gets inside of me and stays there... it has definitely had a lasting impression on me. The lyrics are great, the melodies and drumming are fantastic in their simplicity and serenity, and their vocalist (Martin Lundmark) has an almost haunting, but wonderful singing voice. I don't know what it is about Sweden that produces so many amazingly talented musicians (I mean, seriously... I can name tons!). Download this, listen to it, appreciate its incomparability, and support this awesome band by buying it!

Bloodbath - Unblessing The Purity [EP]

2008-08-06T18:58:00.000-07:00

Album: Unblessing The Purity [EP]
Genre: Death Metal
Year: 2008
MySpace
Download Here

1. Blasting the Virginborn
2. Weak Aside
3. Sick Salvation
4. Mouth Of Empty Praise

The first thing I thought when Unblessing The Purity came out was "yes, Mikael Åkerfeldt is fucking back in Bloodbath!" I was excited as can be, especially because this EP did not let me down. It's four songs, but they're heavy as fuck and Mikael's growls sound as good as ever. I really can't wait for Bloodbath's new full length, The Fathomless Mastery.

Bloodbath - Resurrection Through Carnage

2008-08-06T16:03:00.000-07:00

Album: Resurrection Through Carnage
Genre: Death Metal
Year: 2002
MySpace
Download Here

1. Ways To The Grave
2. So You Die
3. Mass Strangulation
4. Death Delirium
5. Buried By The Dead
6. The Soulcollector
7. Bathe In Blood
8. Trail Of Insects
9. Like Fire
10. Cry My Name

An awesome fucking album by a dream team of sick musicians, featuring members of Katatonia, Edge Of Sanity, and the legendary (well, to me he is) Mikael Åkerfeldt (Opeth) on vocals. This album is heavy as fuck (as I've said before, nothing is heavier than the word "fuck") and insanely brutal. These guys really do pay tribute to old school death metal, but still add a touch of their own to death metal in general. Download it, listen to it, head bang to it, and buy it! This album doesn't just kick ass, it kicks Holy Mary in her pregnant stomach!

Arsonists Get All The Girls - The Game Of Life

2008-08-05T20:13:00.000-07:00

Album: The Game Of Life
Genre: Mathcore/Experimental
Year: 2007
MySpace
Download Here

1. Business In The Front
2. Save The Castle, Screw The Princess
3. Mantipede
4. Cuffed To Your Ankles
5. Shoeshine For Neptune
6. To Get Eaten By The Rats
7. Tourtasia
8. Claiming Middle Age A Decade Early
9. Taiwanese Troft Trouble
10. 13 Year Old Ruby
11. Robando De Los Muertos
12. So You Think You Know About The Game Of Life (Party In The Rear)

The Game Of Life is the second full length release by Arsonists Get All The Girls. This album is my idea of a party put to music and didn't disappoint me (although I sill like Hits From The Bow better). They didn't loose the jazz parts, nor the deep growls, deranged high screams, odd time signatures and breakdowns, and the catchy keyboard/synthesizer parts (they weren't as abundant as they were in their first release, though). This band is very original and, so far, I have not heard any band that sounds exactly like them. Buy these albums and go see them live!

Arsonists Get All The Girls - Hits From The Bow

2008-08-05T19:14:00.000-07:00

Album: Hits From The Bow
Genre: Mathcore/Experimental
Year: 2006
MySpace
Download Here

1. This Time You're Gonna Get It Dirty Shirley
2. Red Meat & Big Trucks
3. Scorbra Vs. Cupcake: Battle Of The Bulge
4. Shat Shart Tart
5. Zombies Ate My Neighbors
6. Jazzy Geoffery
7. Sinsinatti
8. Canadian Unigog
9. Limbo
10. City Of Angels Cakewalk

This is probably one of my favourite albums of all time. As I have said before (pertaining to War From A Harlots Mouth) that in this current raging "core" music scene, there are a few bands that really stand out to me... well, Arsonists Get All The Girls is definitely one of them. When I heard Hits From The Bow, it was one of the most memorable, original, and insane albums I've ever heard upon first listen. This is a band who incorporates chaotic death metal (deep growls, grind style screams, blast beats, heavy riffs) with hardcore (slamming/two-step riffs and strange breakdowns) and with some jazz, as well as catchy keyboard/synthesizer parts cleverly worked throughout the whole album. The two vocalists, Cameron Reed and Remi Rodburg, alternate from high screams to growls and sound absolutely mad. When you see them live, these two also take turns playing the keyboard/synthesizer parts, so as one is standing behind the keyboard, playing and screaming through a microphone on a stand, the other is all over the stage, screaming free hand--and then they switch back and forth. All in all, this band is just fucking godly!

R.I.P. Patrick Mason

From A Second Story Window - Conversations

2008-08-05T13:10:00.000-07:00

Album: Conversations
Genre: Mathcore/Progressive Metal
Year: 2008
MySpace
Download Here

1. Most Of Us Are Normal
2. Self Admitted
3. Leaving The Earth
4. Monumental Treason
5. The Burning Bush
6. Severed Heads Open Minds
7. A Swarm Of Bees
8. Advancement Towards Nothingness
9. Stolen Lands
10. When Harry Lost Sally

I love this damn album! Conversations is, in my opinion, From A Second Story Window at their best. Will Jackson's harsh vocals are just as awesome as on Delenda, but I like the fact that he evened it out by doing more clean singing than he did on Delenda. The recordings are great, the lyrics are greater, as are the odd time signatures and riffs. This is a good fucking album by a good fucking band. Enjoy!

From A Second Story Window - Delenda

2008-08-05T13:02:00.000-07:00

Album: Delenda
Genre: Mathcore/Progressive Metal
Year: 2006
MySpace
Download Here

1. Acknowledgement
2. Soft Green Fields
3. A Piece Of History Written In English
4. Dark Water Of Thought
5. Oracles And Doorsteps
6. For Those Lost
7. The Crusher
8. Ghosts Over Japan
9. These Lights Above Us
10. Mourning For Morning

This is From A Second Story Window's first full length release, and their first album with vocalist Will Jackson. Delenda is a great fucking listen... the introduction just sucks you in, and once your in, you'll want to stay there. Jackson's harsh vocals are really cool and he has an awesome singing voice as well. This album was a good start for a really good band. Check it out.

From A Second Story Window - Not One Word Has Been Omitted [EP]

2008-08-05T12:19:00.000-07:00

Album: Not One Word Has Been Omitted
Genre: Mathcore/Progressive Metal
Year: 2004
MySpace
Download Here

1. The Challenge of Caring
2. I Tried Voodoo Once
3. In a River Where You Least Expect It There Will Be Fish
4. How London Got It's Fog
5. Vespers

Not One Word Has Been Omitted is From A Second Story Window's first release, originally recorded in 2003 under the title The Cassandra Complex and later rerecorded with the label Black Market Activities in 2004 as the current title. Although this is a different vocalist than the two albums that follow, it's still a really good EP and I like it a lot.

War From A Harlots Mouth - Transmetropolitan

2008-08-05T07:04:00.000-07:00

Album: Transmetropolitan
Genre: Mathcore/Experimental
Year: 2007
MySpace
Download Here

1. How To Disconnect From Your Social Surrounding In Half An Hour
2. Heeey Lets Start A Band
3. The District Attorneys Are Selling Your Blood
4. Trife Life
5. Fighting Wars With Keyboards
6. Mulder
7. Thousand Compliments, One Answer
8. If You Want To Blame Us For Something Wrong Please Abuse This Song
9. Riding Dead Horses Is A Fucking Curse
10. Transmetropolitan
11. And In The Right To Make Mistakes We Are Loose And Start Again

This album is amazing! In the raging "core" music scene, there's only a few bands that really stand out to me... and War From A Harlots Mouth is one of them. Transmetropolitan is very technical, experimental, and original in its sound... it's very chaotic, but you got to love the jazz parts (or even the random hip-hop style song). Download it, listen to it, love it, buy it... and I can't really say to go see them live or not (being I haven't myself) but I might be seeing them in August.

Cryptopsy - None So Vile

2008-08-05T06:41:00.000-07:00

Album: None So Vile
Genre: Death Metal
Year: 1996
MySpace
Download Here

1. Crown of Horns
2. Slit Your Guts
3. Graves of the Fathers
4. Dead and Dripping
5. Benedictine Convulsions
6. Phobophile
7. Lichmistress
8. Orgiastic Disembowelment

I thought I'd post something heavy again, but also something classic. Cryptopsy's None So Vile is considered by most to be their best album ever, which is understandable, being it's such an awesome and brutal album. This album is heavy as fuck (you can't get heavier than the word "fuck," by the way). Being I'm speaking of Cryptopsy, I must, of course, give my opinion on their new material (like everyone else does). To be honest, I'm not fond of it--only because I'm used to this Cryptopsy... but, I don't think it's bad (it's just not Cryptopsy) on the contrary, I think it's pretty decent and that the new vocalist puts on a pretty good live performance (next time, just change your name guys... Cryptopsy is dead). Anyway, None So Vile is classic and truly a milestone in Death Metal. I mean, seriously, how can you not remember an album with a cover that has the severed head of Jesus Christ on a plate? Bravo, guys!

Anaal Nathrakh - Eschaton

2008-08-05T00:27:00.000-07:00

Album: Eschaton
Genre: Grindcore/Black Metal/Death Metal
Year: 2006
MySpace
Download Here

1. Bellum Omnium Contra Omnes
2. Between Shit And Piss We Are Born
3. Timewave Zero
4. The Destroying Angel
5. Waiting For The Barbarians
6. The Yellow King
7. When The Lion Devours Both Dragon And Child
8. The Necrogeddon
9. Regression To The Mean

Eschaton is Anaal Nathrakh's stunningly insane second full length release. I say it is just as good as their newest album, Hell Is Empty, And All The Devils Are Here (maybe with slightly lower quality recordings--depending on what sound pleases your ear, though). This album is fucking awesome and will make you want to head bang until all of your braincells are dead. Beware of its brutality!

The Black Dahlia Murder - Unhallowed

2008-08-05T00:19:00.000-07:00

Album: Unhallowed
Genre: Melodic Death Metal
Year: 2003
MySpace
Download Here

1. Unhallowed
2. Funeral Thirst
3. Elder Misanthropy
4. Contagion
5. When The Last Grave Has Emptied
6. Thy Horror Cosmic
7. The Blackest Incarnation
8. Hymn For The Wretched
9. Closed Casket Requiem
10. Apex

Unhallowed is The Black Dahlia Murder's first full length album. Although I'm not really too fond of the demos they released before this, I can truly say that I love this album... this is the album that they began to master their sound (leading to what they sound like today, which is great). This is a really good Melodic Death Metal album and I recommend it to anyone looking for something heavy and, well... melodic. You gotta love the song Funeral Thirst... seriously, even the music video is just fucking cool. For the third time... see these guys life if you have a chance.

The Black Dahlia Murder - Miasma

2008-08-05T00:11:00.000-07:00

Album: Miasma
Genre: Melodic Death Metal
Year: 2005
MySpace
Download Here

1. Built For Sin
2. I'm Charming
3. Flies
4. Statutory Ape
5. A Vulgar Picture
6. Novelty Cross
7. Vice Campaign
8. Miscarriage
9. Spite Suicide
10. Miasma

The Black Dahlia Murder's second album, Miasma, is simply a good fucking album. It has catchy, melodic riffs and solos, sick drumming, and awesome lyrics. I can't really choose between this album or Nocturnal, because they're both just so damn good. My favourite songs are definitely I'm Charming and Statutory Ape. Go see them live!

The Black Dahlia Murder - Nocturnal

2008-08-04T23:15:00.000-07:00

Album: Nocturnal
Genre: Melodic Death Metal
Year: 2007
MySpace
Download Here

1. Everything Went Black
2. What A Horrible Night To Have A Curse
3. Virally Yours
4. I Worship Only What You Bleed
5. Nocturnal
6. Deathmask Divine
7. Of Darkness Spawned
8. Climactic Degradation
9. To A Breathless Oblivion
10. Warborn

The Black Dahlia Murder's most recent release, Nocturnal, is basically what a horror movie would sound like if it was a metal album. The lyrics are brutal, deliciously evil, and just fucking awesome. I have seen these guys live four times and they're simply awesome--so go see them if you get the chance. I hate when people call this metalcore, or deathcore... I've even heard them labeled as blackcore (seriously, people... blackcore!?). If you have any ears for music then you would know by listening to them that The Black Dahlia Murder is fucking Melodic Death Metal (there is no "core" in this band at all). Aside from genres and labels and what-not... Nocturnal is simply just a nice and heavy album with awesome riffs, awesome drumming, awesome guitar solos, awesome vocals, and awesome lyrics. This album is, of course... highly recommended.

The Red Chord - Prey For Eyes

2008-08-04T21:32:00.000-07:00

Album: Prey For Eyes
Genre: Grindcore/Death Metal/Hardcore
Year: 2007
MySpace
Download Here

1. Film Critiques and Militia Men
2. Dread Prevailed
3. It Runs In The Family
4. Send The Death Storm
5. Pray For Eyes
6. Responsibles
7. Midas Touch
8. Tread On The Necks Of Kings
9. It Came From Over There
10. Intelligence Has Been Compromise
11. Open Eyed Beast Attack
12. Birdbath
13. Bone Needle
14. Semina

The Red Chord does it again with their third album, Prey For Eyes. This is another collection of songs that are pure brutality and chaos, yet still sticks to their own sound. Another piece of masterfully mixed grind, death metal, and hardcore. And for the third time... download it, listen to it, love it, buy it, and for the love of Odin... GO SEE THESE GUYS LIVE!

The Red Chord - Clients

2008-08-04T21:22:00.000-07:00

Album: Clients
Genre: Grindcore/Death Metal/Hardcore
Year: 2005
MySpace
Download Here

1. Fixation On Plastics
2. Lay The Tarp
3. Black Santa
4. Clients
5. Upper Decker
6. Hospice Residence
7. Dragon Wagon
8. Love On The Concrete
9. Blue Line Cretin
10. He Was Dead When I Got There

The Red Chord definitely stepped it up with their second release, Clients, but still didn't stray away from their sound. The lyrics are just as good, the music is just as heavy, chaotic, and brutal. Clients was, in no way, a disappointment to me. I fucking love this album and this band, and you should to. Once again--download it, listen to it, love it, buy it, and go see these guys live when they come around....

The Red Chord - Fused Together In Revolving Doors

2008-08-04T21:05:00.000-07:00

Album: Fused Together In Revolving Doors
Genre: Grindcore/Death Metal/Hardcore
Year: 2004
MySpace
Download Here

1. Nihilist
2. That Certain Special Ugly
3. Catalepsy
4. Like A Train Through A Pigeon
5. He Was Stretching, And Then He Climbed Up There
6. Breed The Cancer
7. L Formation
8. Dreaming In Dog Years
9. Sixteen Bit Fingerprint

A chaotic and brutal first release by Massachusette's The Red Chord. Fused Together In Revolving Doors is fucking awesome! I personally think The Red Chord have a pretty original style of music, masterfully combining elements of grind, death metal, and hardcore to produce an effective and heavy sound. Guy Kozowyk is an awesome vocalist and front man (and a really cool guy in person). These guys put on an amazing performance and I was privledged enough to have seen them twice. I doubt I'll ever get tired of watching them play Dreaming In Dog Years live, witnessing the energy of the crowd, and screaming along with them: "It's not gunna be alright! It's not gunna be okay!" Anyway... download this, listen to it, love it, buy it, and go see these guys live when they come around... you won't be sorry you did.

Pelican - Australasia

2008-08-04T20:54:00.000-07:00

Album: Australasia
Genre: Instrumental/Post-Rock
Year: 2003
MySpace
Download Here

1. NightEndDay
2. Drought
3. Angel Tears
4. gw
5. Untitled
6. Australasia

Australasia is Pelican's first full length release, and what a first release it is. Although (according to what I've read) the recording sessions for this album had to be rushed due to financial problems, it is still an amazing record. As I've said before, this is highly recommended to anyone who wants to just lay back and relax.

Pelican - The Fire In Our Throats Will Beckon The Thaw

2008-08-04T20:36:00.000-07:00

Album: The Fire In Our Throats Will Beckon The Thaw
Genre: Instrumental/Post-Rock
Year: 2005
MySpace
Download Here

1. Last Day of Winter
2. Autumn into Summer
3. March to the Sea
4. (Untitled)
5. Red Ran Amber
6. Aurora Borealis
7. Sirius

Anther album perfect to chill out (and smoke) to. The Fire In Our Throats Will Beckon The Thaw is Pelican's second full length release. A soothing journey from beginning to end. This is recommended to those who just want to lay back and relax.

Thrice - Vheissu

2008-08-04T20:22:00.000-07:00

Album: Vheissu
Genre: Alternative Rock/Experimental
Year: 2005
MySpace
Download Here

1. Image Of The Invisible
2. Between The End And Where We Lie
3. The Earth Will Shake
4. Atlantic
5. For Miles
6. Hold Fast Hope
7. Music Box
8. Like Moths To Flame
9. Of Dust And Nations
10. Stand And Feel Your Worth
11. Red Sky

Well, to start off... I love this album. It isn't my favourite Thrice album, but I definitely think it's a damn good listen. The riffs and lyrics are extremely catchy and you'll most likely find yourself humming and/or singing them out loud or in your head as you go through the day. I've always been skeptical as to whether Thrice are a Christian band or not, based on some of their lyrics (also due to their clear knowledge of the Illuminati and the oppression of society, which makes them seem far too intelligent and open minded to be religious)--but then again... the lyrics can be taken in several ways. All in all, this is a very moving and raw collection of songs and I highly recommend it.

Anaal Nathrakh - Hell Is Empty, And All The Devils Are Here

2008-08-02T13:22:00.000-07:00

Album: Hell Is Empty, And All The Devils Are Here
Genre: Grindcore/Black Metal/Death Metal
Year: 2007
MySpace
Download Here

01. Solifugae (Intro)
02. Der Hölle Rache Kocht In Meinem Herzen
03. Screaming Of The Unborn
04. Virus Bomb
05. The Final Absolution
06. Shatter The Empyrean
07. Lama Sabachthani
08. Until The World Stops Turning
09. Genetic Noose
10. Sanction Extremis (Kill Them All)
11. Castigation And Betrayal

This album is pure fucking chaos! Anaal Nathrakh's most recent release, Hell Is Empty, And All The Devils Are Here, is an insanely brutal masterpiece. From the introduction to the very last song, you'll be head banging and feeling the need to summon demons from the bowls of the underworld. These guys brilliantly combine a variety of brutal styles (from grind, to death metal, to black metal) of music to produce one of the heaviest (and scariest) albums I've ever heard. I highly recommend this to anyone who's looking for something loud, heavy, and crazy (but in an organized manner).

Cult Of Luna - Eternal Kingdom

2008-08-01T22:44:00.000-07:00

Album: Eternal Kingdom
Genre: Sludge/Post-Metal
Year: 2008
MySpace
Download Here

1. Owlwood
2. Eternal Kingdom
3. Ghost Trail
4. The Lure (Interlude)
5. Mire Deep
6. The Great Migration
7. Osterbotten
8. Curse
9. Ugin
10. Following Betulas

Eternal Kingdom is the new concept album by the Swedish band Cult Of Luna. The story to this album and how the band came up with it is actually quite interesting, so I would suggest looking it up if you decide to check this out. This is actually a very good release--I can't really say if I like it better than their last album, but I can definitely say that I like it. Cult Of Luna, to me, seems to have their own original sound, combining strange guitar riffs over down-tuned rhythms with harsh, almost agonizing vocals. This is an all-around awesome album and I highly recommend it.

Pelican - City Of Echoes

2008-08-01T22:32:00.000-07:00

Album: City Of Echoes
Genre: Instrumental/Post-Rock
Year: 2007
MySpace
Download Here

1. Bliss In Concrete
2. City Of Echoes
3. Spaceship Broken-Parts Needed
4. Winds With Hands
5. Dead Between The Walls
6. Lost In The Headlights
7. Far From Fields
8. A Delicate Sense Of Balance

Pelican's most recent release, City Of Echoes, is a brilliant piece of musical composition. The music is simply peaceful and moving and expresses a lot of feeling, as if an emotional reflection of the musicians themselves. This album will take you on a relaxing journey from first to last song, and I assure you, it's one of the best albums to listen to after smoking some Cannabis. So roll up a spliff, put this album on, spark up, and get lost in a sea of beautiful sounds.

Explosions In The Sky - The Rescue

2008-07-31T21:25:00.000-07:00

Album: The Rescue
Genre: Instrumental/Ambient/Post-Rock
Year: 2005
MySpace
Download Here

1. Day One
2. Day Two
3. Day Three
4. Day Four
5. Day Five
6. Day Six
7. Day Seven
8. Day Eight

This is their fourth album, and I love it because it runs like a musical story. I've always loved Explosions In The Sky for the fact that they have no vocalist at all, but simply speak through their beautiful melodies and compositions. If you're going to get one of their albums, you might as well get them all, because they're all good.

Explosions In The Sky - How Strange, Innocence

2008-07-31T21:20:00.000-07:00

Album: How Strange, Innocence
Genre: Instrumental/Ambient/Post-Rock
Year: 2000
MySpace
Download Here

1. A Song For Our Fathers
2. Snow And Lights
3. Magic Hours
4. Look Into The Air
5. Glittering Blackness
6. Time Stops
7. Remember Me As A Time Of Day

This is Explosions In The Sky's first release and it's as beautiful, relaxing, and talented as all of the albums they have released afterward. My favourite song is probably the opening track, A Song For Our Fathers... the first guitar melody that fades in is beyond soothing and will put you to sleep like a baby.

Explosions In The Sky - Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Die, Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Live Forever

2008-07-31T20:43:00.000-07:00

Album: Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Die, Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Live Forever
Genre: Instrumental/Ambient/Post-Rock
Year: 2001
MySpace
Download Here

1. Greet Death
2. Yasmin The Light
3. The Moon Is Down
4. Have You Passed Through This Night?
5. A Poor Man's Memory
6. With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept

Their second release, and an amazing one at that. Yasmin The Light is such an awesome song. Like all of their albums, this is very relaxing. If you're new to Explosions In The Sky, this is actually a great album to start with.

(For all those who had trouble downloading this, I apologize. I have fixed it now.)

Explosions In The Sky - The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place

2008-07-31T20:10:00.000-07:00

Album: The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place
Genre: Instrumental/Ambient/Post-Rock
Year: 2003
MySpace
Download Here

1. First Breath After Coma
2. The Only Moment We Were Alone
3. Six Days At The Bottom Of The Ocean
4. Memorial
5. Your Hand In Mine

Explosions In The Sky's third album. It's as good as all the others and highly recommended for anyone looking to chill out.

Explosions In The Sky - All Of A Sudden I Miss Everyone

2008-07-30T10:59:00.000-07:00

Album: All Of A Sudden I Miss Everyone
Genre: Instrumental/Ambient/Post-Rock
Year: 2007
MySpace
Download Here

1. The Birth And Death Of The Day
2. Welcome, Ghosts
3. It's Natural To Be Afraid
4. What Do You Go Home To?
5. Catastrophe And The Cure
6. So Long, Lonesome

This is the first album I heard from this band, and immediately I was hooked on them. This is actually their most recent release, but it's my favourite. This band has a style of writing that is quite unique in its simplicity, and the music is very beautiful, moving, and relaxing. Perfect to get really stoned to or to put on before bed. I recommend this to anyone who wants something very calm to chill out to.

Circa Survive - Juturna

2008-07-29T23:13:00.000-07:00

Album: Juturna
Genre: Indie Rock/Progressive Rock/Experimental
Year: 2005
MySpace
Download Here

1. Holding Someone's Hair Back

2. Act Appalled

3. Wish Resign

4. The Glorious Nosebleed

5. In Fear And Faith

6. The Great Golden Baby

7. Stop The Car

8. We're All Thieves

9. Oh, Hello

10. Always Getting What You Want

11. Meet Me In Montauk

Circa Survive... there's so much to say about a band with this much potential. To be honest, at first listen, I wasn't too crazy about this album, but after a while, it grew on me and now I absolutely love it. Anthony Green's voice is very original and beautiful in it's own way. I have to give credit to the other musicians in band too, because I very much enjoy the way in which they compose their music. I recommend this, their first album, to anyone who's looking for something new with high pitched (not bitchy or whiny, but simply beautiful) vocals.

Thrice - The Alchemy Index Vols. III & IV Air & Earth

2008-07-29T20:47:00.000-07:00

Album: The Alchemy Index Vols. III & IV Air & Earth
Genre: Alternative Rock/Experimental
Year: 2008
MySpace
Download Here

Disk 1: Air

1. Broken Lungs
2. The Sky Is Falling
3. A Song For Milly Michaelson
4. Daedalus
5. As The Crow Flies
6. Silver Wings

Disk 2: Earth

1. Moving Mountains
2. Digging My Own Grave
3. The Earth Isn't Humming
4. The Lion And The Wolf
5. Come All You Weary
6. Child Of Dust

As I said before, I love how much Thrice has progressed since their earlier releases and I think the entire Alchemy Index series of EP's is a must have. Each disk is individual and seems to portray the very elements they are named after. The Air Album is calm, soothing, and emotional. It is very atmospheric and just like the wind: sometimes the breeze is subtle and light, other times it's roaring and powerful, lifting up things and sweeping them away. The sound effects and wind chimes definitely add to the "air" feeling of this release. As for the Earth Album, Thrice went in a very interesting direction with this one. The music is heavily influenced by folk and country (similar to Dustin Kenrue's solo stuff) and the recordings are raw, which is an excellent musical portrayal of the earth... very practical and old-fashioned. All four disks of the Alchemy Index are amazing and diverse and I recommend them to all "open minded" music listeners. I even suggest actually buying them--just the album booklet layout and artwork itself is worth buying it for.

Opeth - Watershed

2008-07-29T19:33:00.000-07:00

Album: Watershed
Genre: Progressive Metal
Year: 2008
MySpace
Download Here

1. Coil
2. Heir Apparent
3. The Lotus Eater
4. Burden
5. Porcelain Heart
6. Hessian Peel
7. Hex Omega

This is Opeth's most recent release, Watershed. I have heard and read mixed views of this album... some praising it, some bashing it. I personally like this album a lot and think it is an excellent release and have no problem with how the band has progressed. The entire thing reminded me of a story--right from the soft introduction song, Coil, I felt like a movie or a play was about to begin. Then when it descends into the next song, Heir Apparent, I could already tell that this album was going to be fucking cool. Mikael Åkerfeldt's deep growls, raspy screams, and clean singing sound as good as ever. I am a big fan of Martin Lopez and greatly miss his membership in the band, but new drummer, Martin Axenrot, did a great job. Although his style is slightly different than Lopez's (I wasn't expecting it to sound the same anyway) it is still impressive and skilled and suits Opeth very well. An all-around good listen; I recommend this to fans of good progressive music.

Opeth - My Arms, Your Hearse

2008-07-29T17:28:00.000-07:00

Album: My Arms, Your Hearse
Genre: Progressive Metal
Year: 1998
MySpace
Download Here

1. Prologue
2. April Ethereal
3. When
4. Madrigal
5. The Amen Corner
6. Demon Of The Fall
7. Credence
8. Karma
9. Epilogue

This is an excellent album! Right from the introduction you can already tell that this album is going to kick ass. Mikael Åkerfeldt's vocals really sound amazing on this for the year that it was released, especially the absolutely wretched and sinister growls on Demon Of The Fall, with the potential to strike fear into the heart of an angel. This (along with Orchid and Morningrise) I personally consider one of the classics of progressive metal and even old-school death metal.

Opeth - Delivarance

2008-07-29T17:18:00.000-07:00

Album: Deliverance
Genre: Progressive Metal
Year: 2002
MySpace
Download Here

1. Wreath
2. Deliverance
3. A Fair Judgement
4. For Absent Friends
5. Master's Apprentices
6. By The Pain I See In Others

The Yang of the Yin (Damnation). This album is deliciously evil... it emits a very dark, sinister, and hateful radiance. It is a dark ride from first song to last. The title song Deliverance is probably my favourite, it's very catchy and you'll probably find yourself humming the riffs and patterns in your head. Gathering all of their heavy and dark material into one album, and all of their calm and relaxing material into the other, I think recording Deliverance and Damnation back to back was a brilliant idea.

Opeth - Damnation

2008-07-29T17:05:00.000-07:00

Album: Damnation
Genre: Progressive Metal
Year: 2003
MySpace
Download Here

1. Windowpane
2. In Time Of Need
3. Death Whispered A Lullaby
4. Closure
5. Hope Leaves
6. To Rid The Disease
7. Ending Credits (Instrumental)
8. Weakness

The Yin of the Yang that is Deliverance. Damnation is an amazing listen... I absolutely love the direction that Opeth took with this release. It is very relaxing and Martin Lopez really displays his diversity in drumming, which is my favourite part of the album (being I'm a drummer myself). I do, for course, have to give credit where credit is due, and the riffs and bass-lines on this album are outstanding. Death Whispered A Lullaby is probably my favourite song; Mikael's voice is that of a fallen angel. The entire musical composition conveys a bleak, soothing, comforting, forboding, depressing, and sorrowful atmosphere, all bunched up in one. I highly recommend this.

Thrice - The Alchemy Index Vols. I & II Fire & Water

2008-07-29T11:20:00.000-07:00

Album: The Alchemy Index Vols. I & II Fire & Water
Genre: Alternative Rock/Experimental
Year: 2007
MySpace
Download Here

Disk 1: Fire

1. Firebreather
2. The Messenger
3. Backdraft
4. The Arsonist
5. Burn the Fleet
6. The Flame Deluge

Disk 2: Water

1. Digital Sea
2. Open Water
3. Lost Continent
4. Night Diving
5. The Whaler
6. Kings Upon the Main

I love how much Thrice has progressed since their earlier releases. The entire Alchemy Index series of EP's is a must have. Each disk is individual and seems to portray the very elements they are named after. The Fire Album has a louder and more rebellious sound, and almost seems to burn like flames. This is the heaviest album in the Alchemy Index and Firebreather is one of the greatest introduction songs I've ever heard... it just screams "Open your eyes and stand up!" The Water Album is very uncanny and foreboding and as soothing as the ocean--at times the water is still and relaxing, and at others, you can feel the waves rising up and crashing on every shore. They incorporated a more industrial/electronic sound on this album, but it is excellent for portraying the element of water. If you want to kick back and relax, then put on Night Diving and close your eyes (smoke a J while your at it, too).

Thrice - The Artist In The Ambulance

2008-07-29T11:09:00.001-07:00

Album: The Artist In The Ambulance
Genre: Alternative Rock
Year: 2003
MySpace
Download Here

1. Cold Cash, Colder Hearts
2. Under A Killing Moon
3. All That's Left
4. Silhouette
5. Stare At The Sun
6. Paper Tigers
7. Hoods On Peregrine
8. Melting Point Of Wax
9. Blood Clots And Black Holes
10. The Artist In The Ambulance
11. The Abolition Of Man
12. Don't Tell And We Won't Ask

You can see that Thrice had started to be a bit more creative with their music writing by this album. Although it is still quite punky and alternative, it is definitely less-so than the others and way more interesting. The lyrics on this album are very deep, personal, inspiring, and simply well-written, which is no surprise to me, being most of Thrice's lyrics are awesome. My favourite songs are Silhouette, Stare At The Sun, and Hoods On Peregrine. Personally, I like all of their following albums better, but I still enjoy listening to this album as well.

Elysia - Lion Of Judas

2008-07-29T10:56:00.000-07:00

Album: Lion Of Judas
Genre: Hardcore
Year: 2008
MySpace
Download Here

1. Lack Of Culture
2. Flood Of Kings
3. Box Of Need(les)
4. Crown Of Thorns
5. Plague Of Insects
6. Pride Of Lions
7. Curse Of God (Pt. 1)
8. Fountain Of Life (Pt. 2)
9. Lion Of Judas

First of all, to anyone who hates this album and thinks Elysia should return to their older, more generic sound... you're probably a closed minded scene kid who won't give an album a chance unless the breakdowns sound like every other bands'. Don't get me wrong, I loved Masochist, but I completely respect the direction Zak Vargas and the other members decided to go with this album (now that they are signed). One of my best friends and I have been fans of these guys long before that, though. We've seen them in a tiny bar in Treton, New Jersey over a year ago (and another time in a venue after that) and have smoked with them twice, and even got driven home by them. Although Zak is very anti-social and quiet, I can't help but relate to him and his views on the world and what is currently going on in it (and has been going on for a long time, in fact). These guys took it to a whole different level with Lion Of Judas. I call this album "The Soundtrack to the End of the World," because that's what I think of when I hear it... the ultimate upturning of society. I hear rebellion, destruction, warfare, suppression, oppression, and a personal anger of it all, perfectly expressed into the composition of sounds. The breakdowns aren't completely lost, but were simply replaced with more interesting and less typical ones, that go better with the atmosphere of the music. The riffs go up and down and are actually a bit progressive and pretty experimental. This album makes me want to blow up shit and, to quote The Joker, "upset the established order." I applaud you, Elysia.

Biology - Making Movies

2008-07-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

Album: Making Movies
Genre: Indie Rock
Year: 2005
MySpace
Download Here

1. Programming the Populous
2. Sophisdecay
3. The Measure of My Worth
4. Opinions Are Like Addictions
5. Public Art
6. Arbitrary Stimulation
7. New English
8. Born Again Virgins
9. Employment
10. When Future History Became Current History
11. Damaged Goods

Although I was never big on From Autumn To Ashes, I loved Francis Mark's side project, Biology. It's a shame that this is their only album, and that it'll always be that way, being that Francis has announced that he will no longer be writing for Biology, that From Autumn To Ashes broke up, and that he is now working on a new project. Making Movies is a great album and Francis Mark's voice and lyrics are very impacting and real. It's a shame I'll never get to hear this band progress, who knows how the next album could have been.

Whitechapel - This Is Exile

2008-07-29T00:31:00.000-07:00

Album: This Is Exile
Genre: Brutal Deathcore
Year: 2008
MySpace
Download Here

1. Father Of Lies
2. This Is Exile
3. Possession
4. To All That Are Dead
5. Exalt
6. Somatically Incorrect
7. Death Becomes Him
8. Daemon (The Procreated)
9. Eternal Refuge
10. Of Legions
11. Messiahbolical

I have mixed feelings about Whitechapel's new album, This Is Exile. Part of me misses the slightly different and more deathcore-ish sound on The Somatic Defilement (as well as the more sadistic, serial killer lyrics) but then again... part of me loves and appreciates the more brutal and death metal-ish sound they went for on this album. They didn't loose the breakdowns (they dimmed them down a bit, that's all) but I'm an open minded guy and I love breakdowns anyway, even if a lot of them do sound the same. This is a really good and heavy album and I do recommend it. I also recommend you go see these guys live if they come around you, because they put on one hell of a show.

After The Burial - Rareform

2008-07-29T00:27:00.000-07:00

Album: Rareform
Genre: Progressive/Metalcore/Deathcore
Year: 2008
MySpace
Download Here

01. Berzerker
02. Drifts
03. Cursing Akenaten
04. Rareform
05. Aspiration
06. The Fractal Effect
07. Ometh
08. A Vicious Reforming Of Features

I was actually pretty excited about this album, and when I heard it... I wasn't letdown. This album kicks ass, plain and simple. Compared to their earlier material, this is a big step in the right direction for After The Burial. The guitar riffs are insane, the vocals are awesome, and the breakdowns are out of this world (being they actually use original, odd-timed patterns that will make you question whether you should fight invisible ninjas or simply listen to see if you can even memorize the pattern). This album surely stands out amongst all of the other generic releases in metalcore/deathcore and it most definitely deserves that Progressive tag you see there. Highly recommended!

Tunturia - Maps

2008-07-28T22:46:00.000-07:00

Album: Maps
Genre: Post-Rock/Ambient/Indie
Year: 2007
MySpace
Download Here

1. Panic Attack
2. Echoes Of The Unmoved Mover
3. Silence Is Consent
4. Cast Shadows On Clouds
5. October 4, 1957 (Prologue)
6. Satellites
7. Tunturia
8. These are the Words
9. Robots Building Robots Building a Nation
10. Lost In The Hidden Forest

Maps is currently the only album released by Tunturia, but damn is it a good first release. The songs on this album are of utmost serenity. I usually like to put this on when I'm reading, smoking, or drinking tea (or a combination of the three). My favourite song is actually the first track, Panic Attack (although there isn't much portrayal of panic in this song as there is of calmness).

God Is An Astronaut - Far From Refuge

2008-07-28T22:37:00.000-07:00

Album: Far From Refuge
Genre: Instrumental/Ambient/Post-Rock
Year: 2007
MySpace
Download Here

1. Radau
2. Far From Refuge
3. Sunrise In Aries
4. Grace Descending
5. New Years End
6. Darkfall
7. Tempus Horizon
8. Lateral Noise
9. Beyond The Dying Light

Far From Refuge is God Is An Astronaut's fourth release (third full length) and is a very serene album. As expected from this band, this album will calm you and really make you appreciate music and its beauty. These guys have no bad songs and no bad albums if you are into this style of music... everything is masterfully composed and mixed.

God Is An Astronaut - A Moment Of Stillness [EP]

2008-07-28T22:16:00.000-07:00

Album: A Moment Of Stillness [EP]
Genre: Instrumental/Ambient/Post-Rock
Year: 2005
MySpace
Download Here

1. Frozen Twilight
2. A Moment of Stillness
3. Forever Lost (Reprise)
4. Elysian Fields
5. Crystal Canyon

A Moment Of Stillness is a very assuasive EP by Ireland's ambient, post-rock band, God Is An Astronaut. An all-around calming and pleasant listen, this EP will surely sedate you.

God Is An Astronaut - All Is Violent, All Is Bright

2008-07-28T22:11:00.000-07:00

Album: All Is Violent, All Is Bright
Genre: Instrumental/Ambient/Post-Rock
Year: 2005
MySpace
Download Here

1. Fragile
2. All Is Violent, All Is Bright
3. Forever Lost
4. Fire Flies And Empty Skies
5. A Deafening Distance
6. Infinite Horizons
7. Suicide By Star
8. Remembrance Day
9. Dust And Echoes
10. When Everything Dies

God Is An Astronaut's second album, All Is Violent, All Is Bright, is probably my favourite release from them. This album will take you places, especially if you smoke some Cannabis and just close your eyes and listen to it. All I can really say is... beautiful album... absolutely beautiful.

God Is An Astronaut - The End Of The Beginning

2008-07-28T21:07:00.000-07:00

Album: The End Of The Beginning
Genre: Instrumental/Ambient/Post-Rock
Year: 2003
MySpace
Download Here

1. The End of the Beginning
2. From Dust to the Beyond
3. Ascend to Oblivion
4. Coda
5. Remembrance
6. Point Pleasant
7. Fall from the Star
8. Twilight
9. Coma
10. Route 666
11. Lost Symphony

The End Of The Beginning is God Is An Astronaut's first album. In my opinion, these guys are one of the best bands out of Ireland. Their style of music is so soothing and beautiful... it sort of speaks to you without words (being they have no vocalist). This is a good, chill, relaxing album.