Blog Archives
Mik’s Top 100 Favourite Albums of All Time #81-85
A while ago, at the same time as Matt and Reggie, I posted my Top 100 All Time Favourite (Metal) Albums over at the forum The History of Metal on FB. It took a good amount of time and effort to put it together, but it was so much fun! My taste in metal is always changing, so the list will not always look the same. In fact, it’s already a bit different than it was when I first put it together and posted it on the forum seven months ago.
I tried to limit myself to three albums per band to make the list a little more diverse and interesting. I don’t really consider the ‘test of time’-factor when selecting what albums that will go on my list, instead I measure it by how strongly the album has affected me emotionally and how much/often it has helped me through both good and bad phases in my life. That’s why you can find quite a few newer releases among my favourites too.
#85 At The Gates – Slaughter of The Soul
This is still one of the best melodic death albums in the genre’s history. Relentless, heavy and guitar-oriented. At The Gates was a band that made melodic death metal what it is today. Too bad they broke up after this release.
Album Review: Six Feet Under – Unborn
Six Feet Under have been in the business a long time. Their first album, Haunted, was released in 1995 and for 18 years they have been creating Death metal with an emphasis on groove and mid-tempo based songs. In addition to their 10 studio albums, they have also released four compilation albums, an extended play, and three DVDs. They have been busy, but does that mean they have watered themselves down? In short, yes. Even as a fan, I felt many of their most recent released started to blend together and lacked individuality. If I took all of my favorite songs from them since 2003 and put them on a CD mix, I probably couldn’t tell you what album they came from. I never listened to Death Rituals, their 2008 studio album.
Album Review: Jungle Rot – Terror Regime
Does it piss you off when you discover you like a band only to find out they have been in action for almost 20 years? It makes me feel like I have been living under a rock or something. A few weeks ago, I was sent a promo of the re-issue of Jungle Rot’s first album, Skin the Living, and thought it was mighty cool. So, I reviewed it like a good blogger and now Terror Regime is their latest and greatest 8th album. I have so much to listen to. I guess it’s better late than never. This classic American Death metal band can shred. Here are my thoughts on the new album starting with my personal sensibility.
EP Review – Depopulate – ‘Till Man Exists No More
If one could equate pain and suffering to music, I would compare Depopulate to a blistering death via Mustard gas. For Death metal fans, this is a good thing. Their EP doesn’t take long to get through, but by the time it’s over you will feel beaten and worn, as you should. The introduction to the album is the sound of someone getting hacked to pieces. If this is any indication of what the album has in store, you can stop now or keep listening. The thundering Deranged I Slice is the first track and is everything a Death metal song should be; brutal, full of blast beats, and anchored by guttural vocals. Of course, the album doesn’t let up from the first track. If it did, I would question whether or not Death metal would be the appropriate genre.
EP Review: Under Blackened Skies – Faceless Devastation
I love the haunting piano intro to Faceless Devastation. It’s a slow build up before the brutal riffs and drumming combined with gritty vocals kick in. It doesn’t take long to realize this music isn’t accessible metal. This isn’t for the casual listener. Your non-metal girlfriend isn’t going to like it. Mostly, it isn’t annoying like I find some newer generation metal bands to be. Under Blackened Skies is beyond scream bloody murder and looped heavy riffs. They are heavy through and through, but what you get in the middle are nice breakouts of talented guitar playing, an occasional melodic riff, and oh my God harmony. Thank you for that!
Album Review: Megascavenger – Descent of Yuggoth
It’s hard to imagine what a band called Megascavenger is supposed to sound like. That is, until you hit play and it all makes sense. Basically, it’s the sweet melodic Death metal sounds of Sweden that pull it all together. Decent of Yuggoth is their first full length album topping out at about 37 minutes. Though it may not be a very long album, the sheer wickedness of the album is enough to leave the listener tired and worn accompanied with a sore neck from excessive headbanging…if that’s your thing.
