So I wanted to do a little bit of a fan promotion right now. There's a relatively new band out there right now called Sumerlands featuring names such as vocalist Phil Swanson (Hour of 13, etc.) and musicion/producer Arthur Rizk (Eternal Champion, War Hungry, Power Trip, etc.). They come from Philly (Philadelphia), Pensylvania and they play some good old school-influenced American heavy metal.
If I were to describe their sound, I'd say they sound a lot like (80's) solo-era Ozzy Osbourne and also post-Ozzy Black Sabbath. Particularly the vocals are very reminiscent to that of Ozzy's, albeit a lot more cleaner and greater in vocal ranges. Phil Swanson simply sounds amazing! But then again, Ozzy and Sabbath are my very great musical idols, I love that kind of sound.
The guitar work is also very much in the same vein as Ozzy's solo stuff, particularly that of Randy Rhoads and maybe slightly more from Jake E. Lee. Influences of other bands such as Savatage, Queensrÿche and maybe even some Mercyful Fate are to be found here. But I think the band manage just fine to still make the music their own and with a unique touch to it.
Overall the sound is very organic as well as dynamic. The guitars are filled with details and a bit playful in their approach, kinda like Van Halen if you know what I mean? The drums are also very hard-hitting and provides a ferocious stampede throughout the album's run. They're also produced with a heavy 80's sound which I just love.
If you're a fan of Ozzy's "The Ultimate Sin" album and Sabbath's albums with Dio, Tony Martin and the others in between, then this will most likely appeal to you. Fans of other US heavy/power metal bands will likely also like this, as there are some influences of Manilla Road and the other bands which I mentioned before.
To give the album a try, simply use YouTube, Bandcamp or Spotify down below:
So I just came here right now after mouthing of with an ignorant and closed-minded piece-of-shit metalhead who thinks he's some fucking metal music know-it-all. We discussed record productions, you know production as in sound values and all that stuff. So, this stupid fuck jumped some other metalhead for claiming some modern retro-thrash band's album sounded bad because it's recorded with Pro-Tools. This motherfucker went on preaching about how modern productions are superior to old school 80's productions because everything's so much clearer and whatnot. It's an opinion and that's perfectly fine. What I couldn't take, however, was the guy's obvious "my word is fact" attitude.
I decided to join in on the discussion and made a reply to the thread. I pointed out what I liked with older and rawer production styles and why I generally dislike retro metal bands with modern productions. Once again, just an opinion and it's perfectly fine. Anyway, this stupid fuck starts argue about why I am wrong and he is absolutely right. The guy doesn't accept any other opinions than his own conservative views and doesn't even seem to understand half of what the hell I'm responding with. He strikes me as somewhat confused (I believe his mother-tongue is not English) but conservatively sticks to his "my word is fact" bullshit. You know, I try for rounds of replies to explain to him that his opinion isn't speaking for everybody. He doesn't get it.
Now this fuck doesn't strike me as a troll nor does he strike me as very smart. He strikes me as the kind of dickhead who's got his own head up his ass and was nutured that way during his entire upbringing. The guy absolutely had no respect for anyone in the thread besides himself, and you know what? I just fucking hate people who seem to think they're above everyone else. But all this ... it was just a piss in the ocean, really.
What really got me thinking from this incident was that a whole lot of metalheads are behaving this way. You know, I always hated how metalheads got portrayed in movies such as Wayne's World and Airheads - like some stupid stoners playing in a band. The stereotype of my fucking life. "Oh, you're a metalhead? So eh, you like Metallica, huh? Yeah I love 'em, too! "Nothing else matters" is fuckin' awesome, dude! Hey, have you got any dope man? Shit, you look like you fucking party, man!" That's the kind of shit I grew up with in school.
Anyway, school is far behind me now and I doesn't have to deal with such bullshit anymore, at least not directly. But you know what? It still bothers me. At the same time, however, after encountering fucks like the one I mentioned above, I understand why metalheads get portrayed like that.
I've met quite a lot of naive and stupid fucks known as metalheads throughout the years. Some constantly beer-drinkin' fucks who are pretty much just like the guy mentioner earlier: conservative and closed-minded "true metal" fucks who loves living inside their own assholes. That's the main reason why I never really befriended any metalheads throughout the years - everybody was a fucking wanker. My friends were all non-metalheads but at least they didn't judge me as a "stereotypical metalhead". Unfortunately, from my personal experience, that's the sort of dickhead metalheads I've had to meet, though.
I never was a people person. I mostly dislike people in general because of how fake and/or stupid they are. Metal music has a lot of fans but it's not a brotherhood, contrary to what seems to be a popular belief. It's full of conservative fanboys and elitists who have no respect for anything but themselves and their favorite band respectively. I envy the hardcore-punks. Now those guys seem to be a real brotherhood, stand-up guys who make that scene great. I love metal music but seriously, fuck its fans.
Today's the day! I'm doing my personal top-10 list of the ten very best metal records of 2016, plus a bonus mention section of those contestants who didn't make the list. Before we start I would like to briefly summarize the year as a whole down below.
2016 has been a very action packed year to say the least. Lots and more lots of metal records coming out this year. In fact, I've had a strong feeling this year's been more productive than the past few years. Something that's been particularly present for metal records this year, I think, is hype. It just seems like 2016 has been a very dedicated metal year.
Lots of people have also been saying it's been a great 30th anniversary year for thrash in particular, whereas 1986 was argubly the best year in thrash history. Many of the bands that released great albums in 1986 have also released great efforts this year, according to many thrashers and metalheads out there.
Personally, however, I've been standing at the crossroads all year. There's been so much coming out this year, including some personally anticipated releases, but I just kind of feel like most of the stuff left more to be desired. That's left me very confused to say the least. On one hand I've got this really rich metal treasure, but on the other hand there aren't really any real treasures in the chest. Do you catch my drift?
Some of the records that came out this year, some of which have even been majorly anticipated by the common metal scene, have simply left me so unimpressed I kind of thought they sucked. Another truth I feel should be told is the year's rather slow start. Yes, a lot of records this year were planned for release later during the year, making the first bunch of months this year particularly uninteresting to me. That, in turn, also left me somewhat uninterested in checking out more new music altogether as the year progressed.
With all that said, maybe the first few months disappointed me so much that my own hype/interest just got "drained". I dunno. What I do know, however, is that I didn't discover nearly as many new records as I should've done because of that. So to all record labels: please plan your releases somewhat more strategically month by month, rather than "nah, we'll drop 'em all this summer."
2016 to me personally has unfortunately been a rather "boring" year for metal, despite a lot of releases including some major names. But here's ten metal albums which left the most marks with me personally:
10. Exumer - The Raging Tides
One of the best thrash albums of the year, if you ask me. I just love their debut, "Possessed By Fire", which was originally released in 1986! They've now done four albums in total (two in their original run, two since reforming). This is the best one since the debut.
9. Khonsu - The Xun Protectorate
Never heard of these guys before. I happened to stumble upon them as the cover art drew the attention of my eyes, as I'm a solid sci-fi fan. Turned out it was one of those great stumbles. While I'm not entirely sure as to what label these guys as (fuck strict labeling anyway, really), they're along the lines of ... progressive black metal? Whatever, their shit kicks dicks. They actually remind me a lot of a Czechian group called Gorgonea Prima which I really like. A lot of stuff going on here.
8. Amon Amarth - Jomsviking
At first I was rather unimpressed with this one, just like with their previous album "Deciever Of The Gods" (2013), just like so many other fans. As the year has gone by, however, this one actually grew on me a lot. It's definitely the biggest grower of the year for me. I think it's still got a few flawed tracks (including a collaboration with Doro) but also a few epic gems, and those are exactly what I love about Amon Amarth.
7. Fallujah - Dreamless
One word: atmospheric! You know, I was skeptical about this one seeing as I was not really a fan of their sound prior to this one, but lo and behold: this one has some truly amazing soundscapes going on. At times it's progressive metal with jazzy-like guitars and at other times they just rock a U2 kinda vibe (yes, I'm a U2 fan. I love U2). Perhaps the biggest surprise record of the year? Very possibly so.
6. Lucifer's Hammer (Chile) - Beyond The Omens
Okey,
so the name is a blatant rip-off from an old legendary band, but if you
(can) look past that you'll have yourself a mighty fine heavy metal
album right here. This one's one of the absolutely best NWoTHM releases
this year, much in the vein of old Maiden, Satan, Angel Witch and other
lovely bands from back in the day.
5. Eternal Champion - The Armor Of Ire
This one appeared to me through Blake Ibanez whose work I'm very familiar with (and a fan of) from the Texas hardcore-thrashers Power Trip. This band plays old school (epic) heavy metal. I'd say their spirit/feeling is reminiscent of Manowar while the music is perhaps more towards early Savatage, Manilla Road and Omen. A mighty fine and refreshing old school-influenced release in this day and age of metal, and also a proof that some Americans can still crank out some good ol' heavy metal. The only downside is the album's somewhat short duration - six songs and two instrumental pieces. The biggest upside - I want more!
4. Cauldron - In Ruin
I've always been a somewhat casual fan of Cauldron. They're good but not awesome was what I used to think about 'em. Their previous album "Tomorrow's Lost" (2012) was a real solid album, though. Somehow I never thought they'd do another one like it, why that was I dunno, but four years later they actually returned - and topped it! I was very impressed with this one. The songs are stronger, more energetic, there's more melody and the vibe brings out just about everything I love about 80's heavy metal.
3. Sumerlands - S/T
And the biggest heavy metal bomb of the year is none other than the mighty Sumerlands. A relatively new band, also featuring Arthur Rizk who also plays on the Eternal Champion record. I guess the guy knows his shit like a real pro, making two of the top-5 best records of the year. Without a doubt the guy is the future of metal. This album sounds like a great mix of 80's solo-era Ozzy Osbourne with a touch of Dio (band) as well as Dio-era Sabbath. Further add some Queensrÿche, Savatage and Van Halen into the mix and you've got Sumerlands. The production is also really nice, warm and old school sounding without sounding too clean or too cheap. The best heavy metal album in a long time.
2. Death Angel - The Evil Divide
These dudes together are one of my favorite bands these days. Their last three albums including this one are all killer! While I think I do prefer their previous album slightly more, the ultra-thrasy "The Dream Calls For Blood" (2013), this album's definitely as good as a great follow-up gets. The music is a lot more varied on this album, which I also believe is one of its strongest features, but it also takes the cake for being the best thrash I've heard all this year. I don't think there's any other record from this year which has spun more times than this one. Gongrats guys, you officially won the "thrash of the year"-award from me.
1. Devin Townsend Project - Transcendence
And winner of the year is...*double bass-blast and tom-tom roll attack*... DTP! I'm a long-time fan (for my age) of Devin's and I love a lot of the man's musical work. His last few releases, however, have been somewhat ... less interesting, I think. Particularly "Epicloud" (2012) is an effort I found quite uninteresting and it made his music sound somewhat stuck in a rut, maybe? I wasn't really expecting too much from this album to be honest, but when I finally heard the thing I was blown away! This is truly one of Devin's finest hours (and he's got quite a few) and I absolutely love the "celestial sounds" which dominate this album. The songs are huge, epic, beautiful and together they just make one hell of a musical journey. Congrats Devin and DTP - you are the album of the year!
Bonus: Noteworthy mentions and opinions of albums that did not make the list...
DevilDriver - Trust No One
I really liked "Winter Kills" (2013) unlike most fans who seemed not to. This album, however, left a few things to be desired. A bit too safely played and also a bit too repetitive, perhaps? But for being the first album by a whole new line-up, it's pretty solid. The previous album brought more variety to the table. A few great tracks are to be found (particularly "For What It's Worth"), as well.
Testament - Brotherhood Of The Snake
Back in like 2010 or so, I kind of worshipped (old) Testament. They're one of the greatest and most important thrash outfits of all time, but their past three albums have all been kind of "meh" in my opinion. This one didn't really disappoint as my expectations were relatively low, but on the other hand did it not do well in surprising me either. What it did do, however, was making me appreciate "Dark Roots Of Earth" (2012) a lot more (in comparison). It's something, I guess.
Tygers Of Pan Tang - S/T
I still haven't heard this in its entirely yet (I think), but what I did hear so far sounded solid. I'm happy they're still around and rocking.
Hatebreed - The Concrete Confessional
I liked this one a lot but I just don't think it's a top-10 contestor. Best album they've done in a while, though.
VOLA - Inmazes
Don't think I've managed to go through this whole thing yet. It's a bit too djent-y for my taste so I take it in bits and pieces, but it's got some great soundscapes going on which makes it worthy of listening to.
Meshuggah - The Violent Sleep Of Reason
What can I say? Just another Meshuggah album. Nothing more, nothing less.
Vektor - Terminal Redux
People have gone apeshit over this one but I personally just don't hear what's so great about it. "It sounds like Coroner". Hey, I love Coroner. This does not sound like Coroner!Maybe someday, though.
Destruction - Under Attack
I do like some of Destruction's works, both old and more recent, but this one was rather bland.
The Browning - Isolation
Like the case with Meshuggah - just another Browning album. Also somewhat arguable if it's really metal or not. I enjoyed it nonetheless. Just nothing extra ordinary about it.
Vicious Rumors - Concussion Protocol
The same case again - just another Vicious Rumors album (but it's good).
Metallica - Hardwired...To Self-Destruct
I've seen this on several lists already (no wonder). Some first spots as
expected as well, 'cause it's Metallica after all, you know? But in all
honesty though, when they announced this I didn't know what to expect. I
liked "Death Magnetic" (2008) but it wasn't awesome. However, I
do think they did a solid one with this album. A few tracks are kind of
"meh", but some others are really nice with a good variety, and
Thrash(y)tallica is always nostalgic and welcome to me, so...yeah.
Megadeth - Dystopia
I liked "United Abominations" (2007) a lot, and you know what? It was the last Megadeth album I liked a lot. This one is better than the previous two crappy outputs by MegaDave, but way overhyped and not nearly as good as all the fanboys make it out to be. The title-track was the best Megadeth song in years, though. Love that one!
Anthrax - For All Kings
Most disappointing album of the year for me. It just sounds boring to my ears. And for fuck's sake, can the new lead guitarist try to at least look happy on stage once in a while. The guy always looks like he despises being in the band. Joey sounds great, though.
Revocation - Great Is Our Sin
A solid release but they've done better ones. This one simply didn't make the list.
Denner / Shermann - Masters Of Evil
The first full-lenght release from these Danish guitar masters in quite a while. A satisfying album no doubt, but it does fall somewhat short in comparison the duo's previous works (I guess mostly because the vocals - we all want KD, obviously).
Oceans Of Slumber - Winter
This one's the coolest modern female-fronted metal I've heard in quite a while. Why didn't it make top-10? I guess I just enjoyed the actual top-10 a bit more.
Khemmis - Hunted
It's been many years since I last had a something of an interest in doom metal. Don't ask me why 'cause the riffs and sound are usually crushing, but I guess the slow tempo just bores me too much in the long run. You know, I'm a huge Black Sabbath fan so that's pretty much all the "doom" I need. I used to be a big Candlemass fan back in the day as well, but I haven't listened to them for ten years now. These guys, however, actually made doom metal kind of interesting to my ears again.
There are tons and tons more of metal records released this year. I haven't gone through an ounce of them all yet. If a record wasn't mentioned it's because;
It simply blew.
I forgot about it.
I haven't heard it at all.
It wasn't anything particular or noteworthy in my opinion.
Welcome to a new series I'm starting here, right now! A top-15 best songs list, because 10 is simply not enough most of the times. Debuting this new series will be the almighty Judas Priest. I will base the list on my personal preference rather than the general one, or which songs are hits or not. Screw that! No further description is really needed so let's get started!
15. Blood Red Skies (1988)
Powerful and epic. Rob Halford vocally in top shape. The productions sucks but it doesn't ruin the song's awesomeness. The song also sounds very good and heavy live on Epitaph (2013).
14. Dissident Aggressor (1977)
The song itself isn't anything special, I think. It's the riff and drums that totally do it for me. One of Priest's finest "harder" metal moments.
13.Diamonds And Rust (1977)
Amazing cover of the Joan Baez song. One of the finest covers of all time, as well. Just listen and feel it for yourself. Outstanding vocal performance from Rob.
12. Out In The Cold (1986)
Another one of Priest's more emotional semi-ballad tracks. I guess I'm just a sucker for those. This live version is also very nice. It says a lot about the song when the band opened up with this in 1986.
11. Victim Of Changes (1975)
The studio version is awesome. Live it's even better. My favortie official release of the song is from the Unleashed In The East live album (1979). This live clip is from the US Festival 1983.
10. You've Got Another Thing Comin' (1982)
This is the closest I get to a "given hit" on this list. Love the biker-esque sound, my kinda shit. Also GTA: Vice City back in 2002. It was the first Priest song I ever loved.
9. Turbo Lover (1986)
In one way this song is actually kind of bad, but in other ways (plural!) it's just fucking awesome! 80's cheesy, guitar synths and an infectiously good chorus. Very driving song. Great solo section.
8. Freewheel Burning (1984)
I had a crazy dream many years ago where I witnessed a cops-and-crooks car chase while I heard this song blast all over the world. High energy, great guitars. The production could be rawer, though.
7. Exiled (2008)
Many fans really disliked the Nostradamus (2008) album, but I loved it from day one. It's actually my favorite Priest record. This song is very powerful, very beautiful. I especially love the last two minutes - great build-up and conclussion.
6. Prophecy (2008)
The opening track from Nostradamus. Just listen to that riff, so heavy. It's like riding a great chopper-style motorcycle while waving around a nasty sledgehammer at people. Fuck! Yeah, that's how I feel when I hear this.
5. The Sentinel (1984)
The guitars! The intro always sounded like you stood staring against a giant concrete wall, just to have the Metallian burst through it when the song kicks off. Such a huge song.
4. Hellrider (2005)
One of those truly perfect Priest songs. Simple but most effective riffing, great dual soloing, driving drums and a catchy chorus. A modern classic from Priest.
3. Beyond The Realms Of Death (1978)
Perfection. I actually almost stole the song title once. My old band made a song back in 2006 and we needed a title. I named it "Beyond Reality Of Death" (no "the", I'm Swedish and that's our own grammatic logic! I was really bad at English back then, as well). I always felt like the title was too familiar, though. Then I realized... haha!
2. Rock Hard, Ride Free (1984)
Another metal biker anthem, just the way I like my Judas Priest. This song never stuck with during the first few years as a fan. It wasn't before a guitarist we used to have in my old band, who loved this song, played it for me and I was instantly sold. Just like that!
1. Desert Plains (1981)
A very mellow track from Priest. Yet another biker anthem, and my favorite one at that. Very emotional, powerful and with an almost dramatic chorus. It sounds like the album cover, I guess. I always imagine myself riding a chopper (motorcycle, of course) on Route 68 or something when I hear this. Anyway, it's my favorite Priest song of all time.
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OK, so that's a wrap! Some people are probably surprised or even disappointed (maybe pissed?!) that I didn't include anything from Painkiller (1990) or British Steel (1980). Don't get me wrong for that, I love those albums. Just not enough, I guess. It was really hard coming up with 15 songs. I'm a huge fan of Priest, even the Ripper albums, so there's really a whole lot to choose from. But this was a fair and honest try, and I hope you enjoyed it.
On December 13, two years ago, I did my first list consisting of my ten (10) favorite heavy metal albums of all time. I'll tell you; it's fuckin' hard coming up with only ten albums which are supposedly the ten best. I have 3300-something played artists on my Last.fm, with the majority of the artists being some kind of metal. Then have in mind most of them did at least a few to many albums each, as well. That's quite a lot to choose from.
Another thing I did which I found rather weird was how I chose one album to represent the artists respectively as a whole. Looking back on it now, it's more like a "best heavy metal artist and their best albums respectively"-list. With that said, I decided to re-make a list and actually keep true to the list's purpose. Besides, my opinions have changed a bit during the last two years. So here ... we ... go!
Extra note: Only classic heavy and traditional metal, and NWoBHM will be included in this list. Not the "general understanding" that heavy metal means "all" metal.
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10. Saxon - Innocence Is No Excuse (1985)
Saxon is one of the greatest, hardest working and long-lived classic NWoBHM bands ever. They have made a large amount of records and still to this day they put out a record every two years. Another great feature of theirs is that they never put out a bad album. Some albums were obviously not-as-good as others, but I never disliked or got truly disappointed by a Saxon album. I feel secure when I say they're the only band on this list to have that feature.
Speaking of this particular choice of album. It's probably what you'd call their "second most commercial" release. The winner being Destiny (1988), of course. This was an attempt to break into the American market, which ultimately didn't succeed. I think it's still very much British heavy metal here, with a few touches of American influences. It's mostly the production that sounds American - huge arena-like soundscape, but that's exactly one of the features I love about 80's metal - lots of reverb all around. The songs just sound so huge on this record.
9. Iron Maiden - Somewhere In Time(1986)
My first favorite band for a few years when I first started listening to heavy metal. I'll love Iron Maiden to death, but I do think the massive hype around them is overrated. I mean, in the long run their stuff just tends to be somewhat repetitive, especially Steve's songs although his the master at writing epic songs. But Maiden still deserves a lot of credit for what they've done throughout their career.
I'm one of those fans who prefer the old stuff. Mostly because I love the actual 80's sound so much, and I also think Bruce's voice was in much better shape back in his younger day. But one thing that was so great about Maiden in the 80's was how they constantly evolved into something better, in my opinion. This album was where they truly reached their peek in my book. I just love the sci-fi themed Blade Runner-esque setting from the cover art to the guitar-synths gracing the musical landscape.
8. Madison - Diamond Mistress (1984)
One of those more "odd" or "unheard" choices on this list, I imagine. Madison was an old Swedish band much in the vein of Priest, Maiden and speed metal. They only did two records with this being the first one. Their second album, unfortunately, followed the band Europe's success and did a glam metal album, which was rather bad.
This album was a great heavy metal. From the fast guitars and drums to the young and somewhat naive, but still great vocals from Göran Edman (later in John Norum and Yngwie Malmsteen's bands respectively, and more). Like many other Swedish bands in the 80's, there are also hints of ABBA influences in the bands music. As a Swede, you can kind of here that as you largely grow up with ABBA here (for reasons I'll leave obvious). It's just an amazing record!
7. Accept - Balls To The Wall (1983)
Accept is probably my favorite band coming from Germany, and there are a lot to chose from. They had a really great run in the 80's, not so much in the 90's, but then again in the 2010's (or currently). Just like with many other bands in this list, they've had such great records it's rather hard choosing one as the better. This has got to be it for me, however, as I just love the heavy sound of it. The drums in particular are real heavy and kick-ass.
The songs on this album are all great. Perhaps there isn't a real "hit", if you want to call it that, but as an album in its whole I think it's one of the strongest ones ever made. The guitars are heavy and loud, drums pounding, bass deep and Udo's vocals are in great shape. Udo even manages to do the album's ballad "Winter Dream" without sounding out of place, despite his unique vocal style.
6. Enforcer - From Beyond (2015)
I would suppose a lot of you are familiar with the Swedish band Enforcer which is currently very active and rocking throughout the world. They're a young band taking on the very best of old school metal. The recipes are all available today and Enforcer just takes that opportunity to re-do and refine the recipes, in my opinion. For not being one of the "old originals", I think they're very competent in what they're doing. Without a doubt the best band among the "revival/retro bands" these days, because they simply make it sound original again. #makeheavymetalgreatagain
5. Judas Priest - Nostradamus (2008)
I'm a huge Priest fan and love most of their catalogue except for the Tim "Ripper" records. I've got nothing against the fact that it's Ripper who sings on the two albums in question, I just didn't like the actual music on them. Other than that, I love everthing from Priest's 70's stuff to their modern stuff.
So here I come and present a rather strange choice in most fans' eyes, I suppose? The truth is, when I bought this album soon after its release, I've been amazed by it ever since. I've always thought that keyboards add a lot more to records, if done properly of course, but who can deny the quality work from a master such as Don Airey (Ozzy, Rainbow, Deep Purple, Priest, etc.)? This two-disc release is just an epic musical journey which I love to experience. It's like all the greatest JP ingredients being enhanced. Master craftmanship.
4. Black Sabbath - Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973)
The almighty (Black) Sabbath, the "start of it all", as we say. Tony Iommi a.k.a. the riff maker no. 1 has driven this band to great heights throughout its career, whether it being musical or commercial heights. It doesn't matter, I love all eras of Sab and I'm a fan of all their records, even though some are not up-to-par with some others, like with most bands.
I had a really hard time choosing a favorite from Sabbath, because I love so many of them dearly, but I always keep going back to this particular one. I honestly can't say why that is exactly, but the music is just great and perhaps there are one or two extra special songs which are dear to me. It's hard to say. Nonetheless, it's an amzing record from an amazing band and it's a great record to experience the band through.
3. Dio - Holy Diver (1983)
Dio (the band) is one of my favorites of all time, and so is Ronnie's amazing voice. Everything from the raw guitar riffs, live-feel drumming, stellar bass and keyboard soundscapes. It's a band that really managed to make their music sound like "pictures", if you know what I mean? It's impossible to just listen to the music itself. You hear it and it's like making up your own fantasy movie with Dio's music as its soundtrack, and that's exactly what I love about their music.
There are many great records done by this band and I've been going back and forth throughout the years about which one is my favorite. Right now, it's this one, but at some points I favored other albums (note, plural). They were such an amazing band and RJD is actually my very favorite vocalist. The man had such an emotional and powerful voice, and it truly saddens me that we'll never hear his voice grace some new wonderful heavy metal again.
2. Mercyful Fate - Don't Break The Oath (1984)
The most sinister and evil heavy metal album ever made. This is one of those few gems that are just flawless. Everything from King Diamond's ghostly falsetto to his darker and twisted screams. All that in company with some amazing and Judas Priest-esque twin guitars, courtesy of Hank Shermann and Michael Denner. I just simply love their style and sound, and I've never heard any more evil-sounding guitars on a heavy metal album than those found here. The ultra-distorted guitar sound is just mindblowing and most unique, as I've never heard any other band using this particular sound before or after (some black metal bands have come close, though).
This one is one of the most definitive, perfect and most amazing metal albums of all time, no matter what sub-genre we're talking. It's got all of the essential ingredients of what defines a great heavy metal record. From the classic and powerful cover art, which just suits the musical content perfectly, to every band members' creative efforts and skills. This is one of those truly immortal classics, and also one of my true holy grails in my vinyl collection.
1. Ozzy Osbourne - Diary Of A Madman (1981)
And number one ...*drum roll*...*tss!*... Ozzy Osbourne! The Godfather of heavy metal, and the one and only who made my interest for heavy metal explode back in 2002. I owe so much to Ozzy, his music and the countless hours I've been enjoying his legacy, from Sabbath to his most recent solo stuff. However, my favorite work of his lies in his 80's solo career, or more specifically up till the No More Tears album. Most of his records up till that point was awesome, with the exception of Bark At The Moon (whose title-track is still kick-ass as fuck).
This album is the perfect example of what I love about Ozzy's music: his unique voice (in awesome shape on this record, just listen to "You Can't Kill Rock 'n' Roll"), his musicians (particularly the amazing Randy Rhoads) and the songs themselves. This is truly the man's finest hour, especially with his own singing efforts in mind. This is the one album I'd chose to have with me on a deserted island.
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Honorable mentions (bands) which were ultimately rejected for not quite meeting the list's criteria or simply outdone:
Motörhead - (Several)
Danzig - Danzig (1988)
Twisted Sister - Come Out And Play (1985)
Tygers Of Pan Tang - Spellbound (1981)
Thin Lizzy - Thunder And Lightning (1983)
Ozzy, Sabbath, Dio, Priest, Saxon, Maiden, Enforcer - (More choices)
So I wanted to do a little bit of a fan promotion right now. There's a relatively new band out there right now called Sumerlands featuring names such as vocalist Phil Swanson (Hour of 13, etc.) and musicion/producer Arthur Rizk (Eternal Champion, War Hungry, Power Trip, etc.). They come from Philly (Philadelphia), Pensylvania and they play some good old school-influenced American heavy metal.
