Metalheads! Confess & Brag

[ShinHakkaider]

I should preface this by saying that I am by no stretch of the imagination a metalhead.

However, back in JHS almost all of the guys that I played D&D with WERE metalheads so some of the music did rub off on me.

I still have a decent amount of metal of my ipod, when I go running the playlist I used to get me amped conists mostly of Metallica (thier cover of THE PRINCE, Fight Fire with Fire, Battery, Blackened and Fade to Black) Anthrax (among the Living and Efilikufesin) and Iron Madien (Wasted Years and The Trooper).

As for rock I have my old roomate Damon to thank for my Led Zepplin and Rush education. A lot of Led Zepplin on my ipod as well. Also some Lynyrd Skynyrd. Keep in mind I'm a black d00d from brooklyn who literally just heard Freebird for the first time while watching THE DEVIL'S REJECTS on Showtime and fell in love with the song. So that and Sweet Home Alabama are on my ipod as well.

Also I'm a big Fishbone fan (Chim Chim's Badass Revenge gets constant play) and was just given a copy of Bad Brains I vs. that I havent listened to yet.

Mostly I tend to listen to hip-hop (not the mainstream stuff that everyone seems to hate, but still listen too) and alot of dance music (because I used to club alot and still like to dance alot) but there are times where I get tired of listening to the same ol' same ol' or want to get amped, I listen to whatever metal I've got on my ipod.

 

[Ferret]

Mastodon - the first time I heard them, which was on the Unholy Alliance Tour with Slayer and Lamb of God, I *hated* them. I randomly picked up their album 'Blood Mountain' to test my musical tastes, and found myself enjoying a decent amount of stuff on it. Agreed that it takes a very specific type of ear to enjoy it.

I may have to find some other stuff then, if you liked some but not others of there stuff.

Unearth - I have their two newest albums, neither of which has the track 'the Chosen' on it, so I can't vouch for that. However, their song 'Giles' is a great track, and a good history lesson to boot Lie to Purify is another must-have by this band.

There is a 30 second clip of 'the Chosen' Here. This is the only track I've heard. If I can get my hands on any more I may find I like them and buy some of there stuff.

Lamb of God - too bad you didn't like 'em. They're likely my favourite band at this time Their sound has changed a bit over time - could you throw out some track names you listened to at all? Maybe I can guide you a bit with some choices. Their earlier stuff in particular was not very well-polished at all.

Again the only ones I heard were on last.fm...which were: Laid To Rest, Hourglass, Now You've Got Something To Die For, Omerta. Some of the guitar work was ok...but not all of it.

Shadows Fall - fairly solid band here. Destroyer of Senses is actually my fav track by them, so good on you for snagging that one. I also really like 'Ghosts of Past Failures', which is another powerful track by them.

I did only have one of there tracks, but it was quite good. Not sure what it was called though. I didn't snag anything these are all still on last.fm! I may buy a random album of theres though...

Trivium is *very* hit or miss (and they were terrible when I saw them live). I simply threw them out there to see if you'd dig them at all. Personal favs by them are: 'Rain', Pull Harder on the Strings of Your Martyr', 'Ignition' and 'Dying in Your Arms'. Other then those, they don't have much (I've personally found) which really sticks out.

They missed! I had a few friends who rave about them and I'm like 'Huh?!'. The Guitar isn't so bad but some of the vocals annoy me. Although I'm listening to some of the stuff (Dying in your arms is the only one) and its ok....I may look into that...

Children of Bodom is pretty heavy (vocals-wise) but they have some awesome instruments. Anything from Follow the Reaper is *excellent* material by them, and by most of the people I've talked to about CoB, their best material they've put out.

cheers,
--N

They are, yet I like them....Same with Killswitch. Some of there stuff is a bit heavier then I'd expect me to like...


Dannyalcatraz has reminded me I need to get my hands on some anthrax! Yeah! I like! I also really like Wolfmother, that makes me want to just sing along all day

"Edenbridge, Lacuna Coil, Stream of Passion, Nightwish" I've had my Eye on some of those bands (heard some from Lacuna Coil) and liked it but it seemed a bit too quiet and reserved, I don't want to be rude but at times Dirge-like.

I'm trying to think of what else I listen to, but I can't think of much. if you want to see, check me out on last.fm (am I allowed to post a link?)

 

[Nyaricus]

I may have to find some other stuff then, if you liked some but not others of there stuff.

Yeah. Also, their album Leviathan (the one before Blood Mountain) is supposed to be a bit of a hard listen (I don't own it, just what I've heard). Mastodon is definitely a progressive band, but at some times they are so beyond what I'm used to listening to that it's really hard to get into it. On 'Blood Mountain', I find the first 5 tracks are my favourites out of what I've listened to, but then I've not listened to the second half of the album much. Just keep listening - either it'll click or it won't.

There is a 30 second clip of 'the Chosen' Here. This is the only track I've heard. If I can get my hands on any more I may find I like them and buy some of there stuff.

Hmmmm, that sounds like a fairly standard Unearth song. They tend to have a lot of forgettable tracks IMO. Know what, try the band God Forbid - they have waaaay more memorable tracks then Unearth anyway, and are a tight unit. Plus they have a big black guy singing, which is unique in metal (and he is a really good screamer). Personally, I think they have a similar sound to the old Killswitch Engage sound and Lamb of God - but that's juust me.

Again the only ones I heard were on last.fm...which were: Laid To Rest, Hourglass, Now You've Got Something To Die For, Omerta. Some of the guitar work was ok...but not all of it.

Hmmmm. Laid to Rest is, in my opinion, one of their best tracks. Their old sound is heavier then what they have now, with harsher, less understandable vocals and with poorer guitarmanship. The one thing I could offer is: try their new album 'Sacrament', and see how that goes. Their guitar work is much more technical, even compared to their 'Ashes of the Wake'-era style (which is the album all of the songs you listened to are from) and is *really* good, and the vocals are a bit cleaner, and more easily decipherable. Their sound is more metalcore on the album, similar to the metalcore style on 'Alive or Just Breathing'/Killswitch Engage S/T-era KsE. Try it out, you might like it.

I did only have one of there tracks, but it was quite good. Not sure what it was called though. I didn't snag anything these are all still on last.fm! I may buy a random album of theres though...

Try 'The Art of Balance'. Nary a song in sight you won't like if you like the Shadows Fall style (IMO, of course).

They missed! I had a few friends who rave about them and I'm like 'Huh?!'. The Guitar isn't so bad but some of the vocals annoy me. Although I'm listening to some of the stuff (Dying in your arms is the only one) and its ok....I may look into that...

'Ascendancy' is a better album then 'The Crusade', if you ask me - but only slightly.

They are, yet I like them....Same with Killswitch. Some of there stuff is a bit heavier then I'd expect me to like...

They are catchy, which has something to do with it. Power metal is awesome like that

"Edenbridge, Lacuna Coil, Stream of Passion, Nightwish" I've had my Eye on some of those bands (heard some from Lacuna Coil) and liked it but it seemed a bit too quiet and reserved, I don't want to be rude but at times Dirge-like.

I'm trying to think of what else I listen to, but I can't think of much. if you want to see, check me out on last.fm (am I allowed to post a link?)

Sure, post a link.

As for Lacuna Coil and Nightwish, they definitely have an interesting sound, one that I'm a fan of. I'm not into much Gothic metal, but Lacuna Coil is awesome and has a decently competent male screamer. Nightwish is good symphonic metal, and I dig a few of their tracks.

If you're getting more into the power metal/symphonic metal, I can suggest quite a few bands along those lines as well. Gothic metal, I've not as well-versed in - but Evanescence is a good "poppy" gothic rock style which I like as well. Plus, Amy Lee is HAWT!!

cheers,
--N

 

[Ferret]

Hmmmm, that sounds like a fairly standard Unearth song. They tend to have a lot of forgettable tracks IMO. Know what, try the band God Forbid - they have waaaay more memorable tracks then Unearth anyway, and are a tight unit. Plus they have a big black guy singing, which is unique in metal (and he is a really good screamer). Personally, I think they have a similar sound to the old Killswitch Engage sound and Lamb of God - but that's juust me.

See I' mnot sure what the 'old sound' of Killswitch is. I do have some God Forbid tracks, not sure if I like them that much, but I don't dislike them enough to have deleted them. Which is a good sign!

Hmmmm. Laid to Rest is, in my opinion, one of their best tracks. Their old sound is heavier then what they have now, with harsher, less understandable vocals and with poorer guitarmanship. The one thing I could offer is: try their new album 'Sacrament', and see how that goes. Their guitar work is much more technical, even compared to their 'Ashes of the Wake'-era style (which is the album all of the songs you listened to are from) and is *really* good, and the vocals are a bit cleaner, and more easily decipherable. Their sound is more metalcore on the album, similar to the metalcore style on 'Alive or Just Breathing'/Killswitch Engage S/T-era KsE. Try it out, you might like it.

I may try and find some tracks off of friends but I don't think it would be worth me buying an album of theres... :\

Try 'The Art of Balance'. Nary a song in sight you won't like if you like the Shadows Fall style (IMO, of course).

I'll look for it, thanks

'Ascendancy' is a better album then 'The Crusade', if you ask me - but only slightly.

Ah but its all Trivium =p, nah I'll ask someone who listens to them lots for a peak at them.

They are catchy, which has something to do with it. Power metal is awesome like that

Power metal is awesome. Perion. \m/

Sure, post a link.

http://www.last.fm/user/Pureferret/

As for Lacuna Coil and Nightwish, they definitely have an interesting sound, one that I'm a fan of. I'm not into much Gothic metal, but Lacuna Coil is awesome and has a decently competent male screamer. Nightwish is good symphonic metal, and I dig a few of their tracks.

If you're getting more into the power metal/symphonic metal, I can suggest quite a few bands along those lines as well. Gothic metal, I've not as well-versed in - but Evanescence is a good "poppy" gothic rock style which I like as well. Plus, Amy Lee is HAWT!!

cheers,
--N

I know someone who would be into that sort of stuff, may be pinch a track or to from them. I am interested in them though, but whats symphonic metal?

Also, whilst we are somewhat in that direction...industrial anyone?

 

[Nyaricus]

See I'm not sure what the 'old sound' of Killswitch is. I do have some God Forbid tracks, not sure if I like them that much, but I don't dislike them enough to have deleted them. Which is a good sign!

Here's my view: Old Killswitch has a harsher, more powerful vocalist and is more 'thrashy' then the new version. The new Killswitch has a much more melodic feel to their songs, and largely they have lost their "edge" they had in their first two albums with the original vocalist. JMHO, of course.

I know someone who would be into that sort of stuff, may be pinch a track or to from them. I am interested in them though, but whats symphonic metal?

Symphonic Metal is a sub-genre of metal stylized by a specific "symphonic" feel of the songs - keyboards are fairly prevalent in the genre, as well as clean vocals. Many bands try to give a symphonic sound to their songs - as if the band is being backed by a whole orchestra. In the recording process, some bands even do go to such a length.

Largely, this genre has a lot of overlap with power metal, but bands like Rhapsody are obviously power metal, while Nightwish (for example) has none of the power metal feel to it - it's purely a symphonic sound to their music. That's about all I can think of saying about this.

Also, whilst we are somewhat in that direction...industrial anyone?

I'm actually just getting into industrial. I've always kinda dabbled in bands who they themselves have an 'industrial'-like feel to them (Crossbreed, Static-X, The Clay People, Rammstein, Spineshank), but I dated a girl back in December who introduced me to CombiChrist, :wumpscut:, Ministry, Skinny Puppy and some others, and I found myself especially liking :wumpscut: and CombiChrist. Ministry and Skinny Puppy I haven't even really listened to, lol. In any case, I have to say I'm rather liking this small smattering of industrial bands, and some of the industrial metal bands I listed (namely, Rammstein and Static-X, though both have a variety of other genre influences in their sound) count among my very favourite bands.

Yourself?

cheers,
--N

 

[Kurashu]

It's sad. I love Rammstein. Yet, my German teacher and my friend who went to Germany as an exchange student loathe them because of their lyrics. "All their songs are obscene." is their reasoning. However, the only song that ever gets brought up is "Du Hast", which is about a marriage. I could understand if they brought up songs like "Du Reichst So Gut" or "Bueck Dich".

However, they totally ignore songs like "Rammstein", or "Amerika" which are about real issues or "Klavier", "Alter Mann", or "Spieluhr" which are just good songs. Not everything Rammstein does is to offend. They're no worse than any other metal band. If anything, they're probably tame compared to some of the metal that comes out of the German/Denmark/Scandinavian area. They jsut get a lot of crap because they're popular.

As for the whole symphonic thing, it's just another adjective to add to a genre. Kind of like tech or blackened. If you really wanted to, you could have Symphonic Blackened Tech Death Metal, which would probably be really good if done right; however, I have a feeling that SBTDM will never be done, at least well.

 

[Nyaricus]

It's sad. I love Rammstein. Yet, my German teacher and my friend who went to Germany as an exchange student loathe them because of their lyrics. "All their songs are obscene." is their reasoning.

[snip]

If anything, they're probably tame compared to some of the metal that comes out of the German/Denmark/Scandinavian area. They just get a lot of crap because they're popular.

Yes, Rammstein's lyrics can be pretty immature (Spiel Mit Mir, anyone? - great song BTW) but they also have some great serious works. Stein Um Stein. Dahlia Lama. Spring. Reise Reise. Moskau. Ohne Dich. Angel. Those songs are all powerful, moving songs - and are all excellent in their own rights.

Speaking of "right" - you are definitely right that they are tame compared to some bands out of the Germano-Europe area, and are probably right that they get crapped on so much just because they are popular.

As for the whole symphonic thing, it's just another adjective to add to a genre. Kind of like tech or blackened. If you really wanted to, you could have Symphonic Blackened Tech Death Metal, which would probably be really good if done right; however, I have a feeling that SBTDM will never be done, at least well.

I can't say I really agree with you with the statement, "it's just another adjective to add to a genre." Generally, bands are specifically seeking to add a symphonic feel to their music - bands that get really technical in their music get labelled as tech, or who verge on black metal can get labelled as a "blackened X metal" band - but if you're adding stuff like synths and keyboards, then you're definitely going out of your way to create that atmosphere.

BTW, I ris to your challenged of finding a good "symphonic blackened tech death metal" band with the following: Winds of Plague. Their Encyclopedia Mettalum page lists them as a "Symphonic Deathcore/Blackened Death Metal" band, but I have to say this: they actually sound *really* good. It's about as close to SBTDM as I can get, sorry

And just when you thought everything was done, eh?

cheers,
--N

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

While the instrumentals smack a bit of failed King Crimson pieces, I found "The Wolf is Loose" to be a solid opening track, with the next few keeping the energy pretty consistently, up to my fave ("Birchmen").

That should have read:

While the instrumentals smack a bit of failed Steve Vai pieces, I found "The Wolf is Loose" to be a solid opening track, with the next few keeping the energy pretty consistently, up to my fave ("Birchmen").

I was listening to King Crimson at the time I wrote that comment.

(BTW: "Sleeping Giant" and "Hunters of the Sky" are pretty doggone cool.)

For those of you who like Static-X (as I do) and similar bands, check out Prong if you haven't already. Yeah, the stuff's a decade+ old, but they (and Ministry) kind of defined the style.

And that mention of Bad Brains! Wow- I had forgotten them! They started the whole Black (guys) Rock/Metal band thing way back when...even before Living Colour. And the bands that followed them and LC... 24-7 Spyz, Eye & I, Follow For Now, Fluid Foundation, Lucy Brown, Mother's Finest (so many were so short lived).

 

[Theron]

And that mention of Bad Brains! Wow- I had forgotten them! They started the whole Black (guys) Rock/Metal band thing way back when...even before Living Colour. And the bands that followed them and LC... 24-7 Spyz, Eye & I, Follow For Now, Fluid Foundation, Lucy Brown, Mother's Finest (so many were so short lived).

Bad Brains basically created hardcore. I love pointing that fact out to skinheads.

 

[Ferret]

Here's my view: Old Killswitch has a harsher, more powerful vocalist and is more 'thrashy' then the new version. The new Killswitch has a much more melodic feel to their songs, and largely they have lost their "edge" they had in their first two albums with the original vocalist. JMHO, of course.

The problem arises when I tell you that I don't know what what Thrash or melodic actually are. I have a vague idea, but not really enough to imagin what the two sound like.

Symphonic Metal is a sub-genre of metal stylized by a specific "symphonic" feel of the songs - keyboards are fairly prevalent in the genre, as well as clean vocals. Many bands try to give a symphonic sound to their songs - as if the band is being backed by a whole orchestra. In the recording process, some bands even do go to such a length.

Largely, this genre has a lot of overlap with power metal, but bands like Rhapsody are obviously power metal, while Nightwish (for example) has none of the power metal feel to it - it's purely a symphonic sound to their music. That's about all I can think of saying about this.

Hmmm, I'm liking the 'cleanness' part of it. I'll need to investigate this. Also the power metal overlap would suit me fine . Not so sure about the orchestral bit, as in how its fits in with the overal sound.

I'm actually just getting into industrial. I've always kinda dabbled in bands who they themselves have an 'industrial'-like feel to them (Crossbreed, Static-X, The Clay People, Rammstein, Spineshank), but I dated a girl back in December who introduced me to CombiChrist, :wumpscut:, Ministry, Skinny Puppy and some others, and I found myself especially liking :wumpscut: and CombiChrist. Ministry and Skinny Puppy I haven't even really listened to, lol. In any case, I have to say I'm rather liking this small smattering of industrial bands, and some of the industrial metal bands I listed (namely, Rammstein and Static-X, though both have a variety of other genre influences in their sound) count among my very favourite bands.

Yourself?

cheers,
--N

I'll be looking at all of those names...atm I've only heard one song properly, and that's 'Shut me up by Mindless Self Indulgence. Tell a lie, the same person who sent me that track sent me a Velvet Acid Christ track...I tihnk I liked it, but not as much as that one.