Spawn Of Possession - Incurso (2012)

Album: Incurso
Genre: Technical Death Metal
Label: Relapse Records
Website: Facebook / Myspace


Im not dead! Almost two weeks have passed since i last posted, but im here, i moved to my family's house for the Christmas holidays and i left my collection back at my place, so i have nothing to post here.

So, the new SoP album is not simply heavy as it can be, its also perfect musically. The variety of riffs and solos along with fast drumming and brutal growls is what this band is all about, they are one of my favourite technical death metal bands for some reason. There is no useless shredding here. Can't get enough of this, it will break your neck.

Empty - The House Of Funerary Hymns (2009)

Country: Spain
Genre: Black Metal
Label: De Tenebrarum Principio
Website: Facebook / Myspace

Great spanish act with awesome releases one by one, it also has that simple and enigmatic name, one could think the very simplest to the most complicated explanation out of it. This is by far my favourite album by Empty, they mix some cold symphonic elements with the fact that they are heavily influenced from the 90s norwegian scene, we have a wonderful combination of perfectly executed songs that provoke nothing less than what the rest of the landmark albums of the genre do. I think they could go even further but i dont know their status and i dont really wait for anything. Its a flawless album in general.

Prion - Time Of Plagues (2003)

Prion "Time Of Plagues"

2003, Orion Music

Myspace

South America is known for the awesome death metal scene it has, for the thrash metal maniacs and the general rawness of their bands, as well as having offered some huge names to the game (Sepultura and Sarcofago come to mind).

Here, Prion are playing traditional death metal that combines the elements of south american with the old school sound of the classic bands from the US. They are not experimenting, its just a non-stop agressive album with lots of good moments in it. Definitely deserves a listen.

Necromantia - Ancient Pride (EP, 1997)

Country: Greece
Genre: Black Metal
Label: Osmose Productions
Website: Myspace

What makes this band different is the fact that they have dual basses and they use an 8 string bass, some albums have been recorded without any guitars at all. They are a colossal band for the greek underground, im not amused by most of their early stuff even though they were well placed ideologically, still this EP is, for some reason, my favourite release.

They have added guitars with woderful riffs, they even have solos, there are some ambient parts, there is a flute, there are keys, there is a classic guitar, it creates a wonderful almost pagan black metal scence that i personally love in that music.

I strongly believe that the self-titled song "Ancient Pride" is one of the most beautiful black metal songs done by greek bands. I might be overtalking, but you should listen yourself. The copy i own is a reissue by the greek zine Metal Invader, and it contains a fifth bonus song.

Impending Doom - The Serpent Servant (2009)

Country: USA
Genre: Deathcore
Label: Facedown Records
Website: Facebook / Myspace

They're a top band in the deathcore industry and they've released some really good albums, i think this is my favourite one along with "There Will Be Violence". They have the talent to make heavy songs whatsoever, despite the facts that can make one easily hate them, like the scene they're in, or the lyrical theme. Its a bit annoying to make music this heavy and praise christianity, it bothers me but not to a level that i couldn't listen to them. Its a change from their first release, a more complete and well worked one.

Cataract - Cataract (2008)

Country: Switzerland
Genre: Thrash / Death Metal / Metalcore
Label: Metal Blade Records
Website: Facebook / Myspace

Cataract were originally quite hardcorish, i dislike that genre a lot so i skip their first album, however, in their newer ones, they have some modern metal elements and their music has become quite cool, one can recognize their origins on this album too, but still they have improved to a better mix of genres. Metal Blade has done its job and they've gotten quite popular, i have my doubts on that, it should not discourage you to listen the album though.

Ingested - Surpassing The Boundaries Of Human Suffering (2009)

Ingested "Surpassing The Boundaries Of Human Suffering"

2011, Siege Of Amida Records

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I think the cover art for this album is elegant enough for this blog. And im glad. I love this fact with brutal death metal bands, they usually have extra detailed gore cover albums done with extreme talent and precision, and when you start listening you feel like they recorded it with broken tape players.

Thats not what happens here though, the music is as extreme as the cover, awesome band that has released awesome albums, i don't care if they label it under the deathcore genre or anything, they have some good ideas for brutal death metal and when they make songs out of them, im happy. This debut release is a clear death metal album, the second one has more deathcore influences, but its still pleasant to listen to. Its one of the bands that im never bored to listen, the heaviness just feels good inside.

Don't expect the noisy squeals or the shitty drums of average BDM albums, they have a solid production (Abominable Putridity & Pathology) and the album lasts over 20-25 minutes, again unlike other albums of the genre.

Megadeth - Cryptic Writings (1997) [Remastered 2004]

Country: USA
Genre: Thrash Metal
Label: Capitol Records
Website: Facebook / Myspace

Another one from the remastered series that were released in 2004. This is the Megadeth album with the most pop elements, its a bit slower, with softer lyrics and a sound that can be easily approached by fans in and out of metal. I like the songs here and i think its still a good Megadeth album, despite the fact that its not as intense as their first ones, and their new ones (they are still releasing strong albums, to me, even though the  metal scene would not approve).

Megadeth - Greatest Hits-Back To The Start (2005) [Compilation]

Megadeth "Greatest Hits-Back To The Start"

2005, Capitol Records

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One of the many Best Ofs they have released, this one was with a DVD too. The classic Megadeth songs, nothing more and nothing less, in case you are a die hard fan and want everything by them, get it too. I know they are not much of a thrash metal band, but they are known for it so its not a big deal.

Drudkh - Blood In Our Wells (2006) [Reissue 2010]

Drudkh "Blood In Our Wells"

2006, Season of Mist (Saturnal Music)

Facebook / Myspace

Another band with special musicians, and very energetic too, several other bands and side projects. Drudkh are classic in the business and every metalhead into black metal has at least once listened to them, i doubt the ones that don't like them are many either. 

They are excellent band and this album is an example. The reissue here is done by Season of Mist, just with a new cover (there are no remastered or bonus songs), it was originally released under Saturnal Music.

Mortualia - Blood Of The Hermit (2010)

Mortualia "Blood Of The Hermit"

2010, Dark Adversary Productions

Myspace

This act released a ridiculously good album back in 2007, set the expectations very high despite the fact that it was the debut release. With the second album "Blood of the Hermit" it has been made clear that Mortualia are nothing but a DSBM maestro. The mainman of the project is Shatraug, you might know him from Horna or Sargeist, and lately played guitars for the new Behexen album.

This is strictly for fans only, it has long songs (each one 10 to 12 minutes long) and ugly shrieking vocals, the best ones for the genre if you ask me. The simplicity of the cover is captivating too, i would think twice before buying if it wasn't for it, still its an impressive album for the late night hours.

The Breathing Process - Odyssey (Un)dead (2010)

Country: USA

Genre: Symphonic Black / Melodic Death Metal

Label: Candlelight Records

Website: Facebook

When it comes to the modern sound of melodic death metal, im very picky, since i dislike the boy looking bands, the clean vocals, the fanbase of the scene, weak riffs and everything that can go wrong on an album combined. However, this is much different, a wonderful blend of synths, keys, melodies and well worked growling vocals. 

Plus, even the very carefully put cleans in the songs are not destroying anything now. Its an intense album even though it has interludes and "silent" parts, all the songs are fast paced and sound quite heavy. If there is anyone open to genre mixing, you might as well check this, if you have certain styles you like and would not change, do not waste your time.

Abominable Putridity - In The End Of Human Existence (2007) [Reissue 2009]

Country: Russia
Genre: Brutal Death Metal
Label: Lacerated Enemy Records
Website: Facebook / Myspace

Infamous band in the brutal death metal scene, Abominable Putridity's debut is nothing less than a noisy and annoying sickness, experienced via music listening. Dirty guitars and these gargling vocals, lots of slams and groovy lines, i can actually dance on this album, i don't know if that's weird. Such bands are easy to be hated, but once you get on the other side, you just love them and want more, i enjoy lots of disgusting BDM bands for their rawness and apathy towards fame (almost all of them).

In case you have listened to their second album, it has nothing to do with this one since it has a crystal sound quality, this one is a toilet recorded one.

Testament - The Formation Of Damnation (2008)

Country: USA
Genre: Thrash Metal
Label: Nuclear Blast
Website: Facebook / Myspace

Testament are a huge band that has released huge albums, from their early thrash era, to the death metal era, then again to their own music era that stays till today, they haven't released a bad album yet and all of them have something to offer, that to me makes them are pretty solid band, with an excellent carreer so far.

"The Formation Of Damnation" has blasting songs in it and it makes me move more than any other Testament album, i know they have a long history but with this one i started listening to them so all my favourite songs are in here. Their new album "Dark Roots Of The Earth" is a kick ass album as well, they have decided not to go downhill and we're happy to follow then.

Municipal Waste - Massive Agressive (2009)

Country: USA
Genre: Thrash Metal / Crossover
Label: Earache Records
Website: Facebook / Myspace

The crossover movement is not my thing at all, i think it gets repetitive, it talks about garbage subjects and is a very bad form of thrash metal gone wild. However, i think Municipal Waste are good. I often get tired with these vocals they use as all crossover bands do, but the musicianship is cool and it can get a party going, i guess.

When i think of these guys i always recall throwing up in random parties and humiliating myself in random public places, its appropriate if you wanna get wasted and lose your way home tonight, "Massive Agressive" will not only encourage you, you will have a great time hopping up and down in the middle of the road after midnight with a suspicious ignorant smile on your face. Check all their albums and have fun.

Emperor - In The Nightside Eclipse (1994)

Country: Norway
Genre: Symphonic Black Metal
Label: Candlelight Records

On the album now, Emperor are not new in the metal scene and they (and their musicians) have had a great run the last 20 years or so, before they split up, this debut depicts the full awesomeness of what the guys could do, it is considered one of the top albums in black metal and more, since it lacks nothing whatsoever. 

Ihsahn is a talented keyboardist and at the time he had the youngster's blood burning inside him, these combined with the black metal aura that was around Norway then, it was almost inevitable that he would make extraordinary synths. There is a great job done on the lyrics too, not to mention how much inspiration one can draw from the compositions here, as it indeed happened in the later years. Personal favourite when it comes to them, im sure im not the only one.

This is not the first press of the album, its a special edition that was released via Candlelight in 2007, it contains an interview of the band, a poster, lyrics booklet and a special CD case, they also released the rest of their albums like this, look out for them, its really cool to own one of these in your collection. There are two bonus songs in this, a cover of Bathory's "A Fine Day To Die" and a cover of Mercyful Fate's "Gypsy".

Cruciamentum - Engulfed In Desolation (2011) [EP]

Country: UK

Genre: Old School Death Metal

Label: Nuclear Winter Records

Website: Facebook

A band ive been watching since the first demo, even if they have recently formed they sound completely like a band from the early 90s.

All of their songs are a must and this EP is an awesome release when it comes to rotten, anti-mainstream and anti-scene kid death metal, as it should be, the guys have made a name for themselves in the underground.

Im glad they are signed to the supreme greek death metal label Nuclear Winter because those who run it are serious, and the bands they have are serious as well.

In case you think the extreme metal you like died somewhere during the change of the millenium, grab this and listen to it with a beer. Its gonna draw the "Oh yeah" look in your face.

Darkthrone - Dark Thrones And Black Flags (2008)

Country: Norway

Genre: Black Metal / Punk / Heavy Metal

Label: Peaceville Records

Website: Facebook / Myspace

You cannot have hard feelings for this guy. Throughout the years Darkthrone have been one of the most controversial black metal bands, they were around in the heart of the norwegian everything back then and the scene owes them a lot. They changed later, and this is a more punkish version of them, i still recognize the old school touch and i love this kind of raw songs that they create.

There is nothing that black metal in this release though, i just wanted to keep the flag high, hahaha... The whole thing is just awesome. Just see for yourselves. Im glad there are a couple of bands from the glorious 90s Norway that haven't put their asses to the shithouse after all these years.

And Hell Followed With - Proprioception (2010)

Country: USA
Genre: Deathcore
Label: Earache Records
Website: Facebook / Myspace

I like "Proprioception" much more than their first release, i think its an album that could describe the quality side of deathcore, musically, aesthetically and lyrically. The band has touched perfection with their combination of guitar work, drums and vocals, there are several death-metalish riffs in here and the breakdowns are well put in between songs, they do not overuse them like the shitty bands do.

To me, its one of the best albums of the genre to date, since the band has not fucked up with popularity or attitude, after all, these are all hardcore type jamming songs with a death metal outlet.

Alestorm - Leviathan (EP, 2008)

Country: Scotland
Genre: True Scottish Pirate Metal
Label: Napalm Records
Website: Facebook / Myspace

Its not power metal with pirate lyric themes. Its not folk or heavy metal with a pirate concept either. Its pirate metal. I think Alestorm have managed to set the basis for what actually sounds like pirate metal, since they don't simply sing about them, they are them. Napalm hit gold with this and they've taken the whole pirate subject to a new level, standing right near to Running Wild (time will prove me on that). This is the only release i found at a store nearby, it contains four tracks that were later included in their full lengths, still its a great EP and it has some kick ass artwork too. Remember to love pirates.

Wolfcry - Nightbreed (2003)

Wolfcry "Nightbreed"

2003, Black Lotus Records

Facebook / Myspace

Another not so well known power metal band from Greece, maybe im mistaken but if you're not Spitfire you do not have a big fanbase here when it comes to heavy/power/traditional in general. Those guys are not that bad either, pretty warm album, there are not many epic melodies or synths, i liked the female backing vocals in some tracks and the piano parts are awesome.

Weird that i found this in a bag full of random albums in a trash can, it was in a pretty good condition so i took the whole bag, there were several 80s heavy metal gems in there, this was the newest release.

Might be getting some up here. I only dislike the band name of the band by the way, metal artists have been raping the word, i suggest they stop using it unless they think of something smart. Like Wolves In The Throne Room.

In Battle - Kingdom Of Fear (2007)

Country: Sweden
Genre: Viking Death Metal
Label: Nocturnal Art Productions
Website: Myspace

The term "viking death metal" is not that stable, since it is dumb to name a genre after the lyrical theme and not the music itself, there are lots of bands under this particular (Amon Amarth, Unleashed come to mind) so here it is.

I read really bad reviews on Metal Archives and i was surprised because this album is not that bad. I dont think the fact that they talk about Norse Mythology is bad, the music sector is just fine too. I have a couple of songs that i really jam to also, so i like it in general.

Abazagorath & Blood Storm - Ancient Entities Arise (2008) [Split]

Country: USA
Genre: Black Metal
Label: Elegy Records
Website: Myspace / Myspace

I grabbed this EP mainly for Abazagorath, in the long run i figured out im glad i checked Blood Storm too. Their debut "The Atlantean Dragon" is really a piece of art, the fact that its pretty unknown makes even more amazing, you should listen for yourselves.

As for this EP, it is american black metal, with its good moments and downsides, in case you already have an opinion on the subject, ignore this. Both sides are equally listenable, there is nothing horrible in here, they are not taking things to the edge, instead they stick to the typical lines for black metal and succeed.

Godless Truth - Too Late To Stop My Hate (2010) [Promo]

Country: Czech Republic
Genre: Death Metal
Label: Independent
Website: Facebook / Myspace

I thought this was a new band when i got the promo, it seems like they've been active since the early 90s with lots of changes and stuff. It is the solid side of death metal recorded after 2000, they have brought memories of Death with their albums in the past, this is no different, i liked them a lot. This promo is not the old school sound you might want, it is pretty good though.

Witchery - Don't Fear The Reaper (2006)

Witchery "Don't Fear The Reaper"

2006, Century Media Records

Facebook / Myspace

Lots said that Witchery had downgraded with this release. Lots said that they lost direction. Well, i believe they just moved on, progressed and improved their sound, something that was ensured with their 2010 release.

I think "Don't Fear The Reaper" is an awesome album full of enjoyable moments, it has a modern sound and an old school pitch in it at the same time, they nail it as they always do as they are a band that i've trusted since the beginning. Especially now, that they have the titan Caligula of Dark Funeral in the front lines, i can't wait to hear new stuff.

Elvenking - Two Tragedy Poets... And A Caravan Of Weird Figures (2008)

Country: Italy
Genre: Power / Folk Metal
Label: AFM Records
Website: Facebook / Myspace

I got into this band with this album, because i realized that i don't like their new releases at all, and their older ones are listenable, but thats all. They turned into something softer and more emo that what they used to play like 10 years ago, it was once about folklore and now is about romantic dead love to-throw-up lyrics.

Anyway, the songs here remind me of Lord of the Rings and im a die hard fan, i think if i ever had a party with hobbits in the Shire, them dancing with booze on the tables of a random inn, this would be the background music. Even the artwork (front/back/CD covers are included) reminds of something poetic and medieval.

I would listen to Heathenreel, this and Wyrd if i were you, i cannot really judge the band as a whole, but thats the albums i can help to listen.

Hammerfall - Threshold (2006)

Country: Sweden
Genre: Power Metal
Label: Nuclear Blast
Website: Facebook / Myspace

I really can't find a reason why i like this specific album, since i don't like anything Hammerfall have ever made. Its an album with several good tracks and i enjoy clicking repeat on some, i don't do that often... Its solid epic metal, with the correct amount of melodies and solos.

The digipack case of the album contained a Hammerfall player for the computer, and a video clip for "Natural High", which is the top song of the album, plus the title "Dark Wings, Dark Words" is a saying from George Martin. Yeah, now that everyone is familiar with Game Of Thrones, i knew it before it was cool *hipster face*.

Lonewolf - Made In Hell (2008)

Country: France
Genre: Heavy Metal
Label: Eat Metal Records
Website: Facebook / Myspace

I suspect the die hards of the genre will be pleased with this post. Lonewolf describe the way above average heavy metal band: Been around for 20 years or so, few and excellent releases (5 full length albums) and the accomplishment of staying underground and not humiliating themselves acting like hairy rockstars.

This release is my favourite by them and im glad i have it, its a very powerful album with cool songs and lyrics. Another aspect i like about them is that they don't have those high vocals frontmen usually do, its more of growing, similar to Grave Digger, i prefer that so yeah.

Caliban - The Awakening (2007)

Country: Germany
Genre: Metalcore
Label: Roadrunner Records
Website: Facebook / Myspace

Even if i got into this band with "Say Hallo To Tragedy", i wanted to have an original of them and i found this one around. Caliban are in the family of the first thrash metal/core bands that lately evolved into the whole metalcore genre that every "good" metalhead hates today. Along with Darkest Hour, Shadows Fall, Lamb of God, Killswitch Engage and similar bands, they formed the modern sound of extreme music that keeps growing.

Don't get me wrong, i dont like their fans or their looks, i admire some bands and thats all. Here we have a solid Caliban release but not the best, it has its melodies, its clean vocals, its heavy parts, everything. You might dig into their latest two albums and their covers EP, if you like this one. I haven't listened to their early stuff that much.

Eternal Helcaraxe - To Whatever End (2010) [EP]

Country: Ireland
Genre: Pagan Black Metal
Label: Self-released
Website: Facebook / Myspace

Ireland has never failed when it comes to metal bands, ive found plenty of irish artists that worth more than just a listen and Eternal Helcaraxe is one of them.

This is atmospheric black metal with an elegant approach to the pagan theme, it has some epic elements and they're not ripping of other black metal bands just to sound like them.

I contacted the band back when this was out and they sent it over for free, i was grateful, then i heard that they signed to Abyss Records for their full length, and it felt like justice was done. Great black metal here.

Order Of Ennead - An Examination Of Being (2010)

Country: USA
Genre: Black / Death Metal
Label: Earache Records
Website: Facebook / Myspace

I had completely forgotten about these guys and only today i stumbled upon this album. I remember i originally got into them because Steve Asheim of Deicide plays drums here, the fact is that i trust Earache (one of my favourite labels around) and i was not wrong this time either.

Great album, probably on the good side of the modern death metal wagon, filled with well composed tracks. It could be described as melodic death metal with good shrieked black metal vocals, maybe, i have not heard their first album to compare it with this, but i pretty much enjoyed every bit.

Interesting lyrics and artwork caught my attention again, even the solos worked for me this time, i usually dislike their use in extreme genres (black & death mostly).

 I got a CD and shirt package of the release, glad to have those. Earache always has sweet offers, you should see for yourself.

Behemoth - Evangelion (2009)

Country: Poland
Genre: Black / Death Metal
Label: Nuclear Blast
Website: Facebook / Myspace

Behemoth have worked very much through the years, they have created their own unique sound, they are one of the biggest names in the industry, i think they deserve it. "Evangelion" is a brilliant album that lacks nothing, it follows all my preferences in extreme music, in terms of lyrical content, artwork, music etc...

Nergal's anti-religious attitude has caused a lot of talking around them, his views haven't changed despite the attacks of random churches and their followers, its nice to see bands that annoy them so much to get that popular.

Acolyte - Oceans Of Blood (2007)

Country: Greece
Genre: Power Metal
Label: Freedom Records And Multimedia
Website: Myspace

So, this is a greek power metal band with lots of symphonic and progressive elements, led by the -quite talented- musician Lazarus Varla. I got this by accident since i liked the front cover art, and it was included in a special package, i don't regret it but im not listening to it that much either, this kind of fancy metal is not my thing. I leave it here to be devoured by power metal fans since it has many catchy riffs, solos, keys everywhere, high vocals, melodies and everything they would like, i guess. I think they have been having band member problems, they have only released this one even though they jam since 2002, im not sure. A back cover and CD scan are included.

Finntroll - Jaktens Tid (2004)

Country: Finland
Genre: Viking / Folk Metal
Label: Spikefarm Records
Website: Facebook / Myspace

Here goes the tracklist

 I often think, what music would i choose for a party that i would throw one time. I guess, it would be full of fast and uplifting folk and viking metal music. I find these tunes just that awesome, i don't get a word of the finnish lyrics, i do not know much about nordic mythology subjects, still these guys make me participate in the craziest viking parties. If they did that at all, in between raping and savaging around. Which is completely fine with me by the way, no offends intended, anyway, when i read about trolls i was fascinated and started looking for related bands, this one came up, im glad i found them. This record contains the song "Födosagan", its one of my favourites by them.

P.S.: You gotta look for the movie "Trollhunter" and see it. A must for every metal fan. Pure awesomeness.

Suicide Silence - The Black Crown (2011)

Country: USA
Genre: Deathcore / Nu Metal
Label: Century Media Records
Website: Facebook / Myspace

The last album that was released in July last year, it actually is the most distinctive sound that Suicide Silence could ever do. They have added some nu metal elements, guest vocals by Jonathan Davis of Korn in a song, some well put whispering-clean vocals, it depicts the fact that the biggest infuences of the band are their favourite artists (Deftones, Slipknot, Korn).

The album is unique, its a bit softer than their first releases, flows nicely and they have not overdone it on any aspect. Lots of reasons to loathe the band again, you can browse all kinds of negative comments around the internet, but anyway, i always thought that the fans ruin the genre, and not the artists.

Suicide Silence - No Time To Bleed (2009)

Country: USA
Genre: Deathcore
Label: Century Media Records
Quality: CD-Rip 320kbps
Website: Facebook / Myspace

They changed from the first record to the second, this is a more complete work, shows how the bandmembers have finally found a way to compose all together. It approaches death metal but keeps some deathcore elements, the sound is approaching the unique SS sound even more this time, it has memorable songs and it is recognizable.

The album has the sound quality of modern deathcore but several parts contain a death metal intensity, these fast riffs with the ripping vocals are what made that band special. I know quite a lot of people hate them, but i don't really care, this band was a talented one of our decade, whereas the listeners liked it. Its my favourite release by them by the way, i like the concept and the general vibe it has.

Suicide Silence - The Cleansing (2007)

Country: USA
Genre: Deathcore
Label: Century Media Records
Quality: CD-Rip 320kbps
Website: Facebook / Myspace

As you have probably noticed, the mainman of Suicide Silence passed away a couple of days ago, suffering fatal wounds from a car accident. Its really sad to see such talented musicians to die so young, even if you hate their music it has nothing to do with the person, its all a matter of respect.

I liked Suicide Silence a lot, i don't really care about the rest of their fanbase or how mainstream they are. I think its good heavy music. The first release by them is the most deathcore-ish album, has some classic songs in it.

Megadeth - Countdown To Exctinction (1992) [Remastered 2004]

Country: USA

Genre: Thrash Metal

Label: Capitol Records

Website: Facebook / Myspace

I don't know if this is their best album, it has all my favourite songs by them in it though. "Rust In Peace" might be the most complete album they have ever released, the one here though will be my top first forever, each and every song on this is a masterpiece. Yet another part part of the remastered series in 2004, this time it contains demo recordings of some songs and not remixes. "Sweating Bullets", "Skin o' My Teeth", "Symphony Of Destruction", "Ashes In Your Mouth", "Architecture Of Agression" are some big names to mention, all gathered in one release, it could easily be a compilation, since all of the songs in here have been used for best offs.

Megadeth - So Far, So Good... So What! (1988) [Remastered 2004]

Country: USA
Genre: Thrash Metal
Label: Capitol Records
Website: Facebook / Myspace

I have several Megadeth albums and i decided, i will post them all together. They still had some old school thrash elements, they were not completely transformed into the sound they have today, scars of the "Killing Is My Business..." and "Peace Sells" are not absent.

Their debut full length is one of my favourites by them, so anything like it makes my day. As a whole, its a good album, the remastered version again contains song remixes.

Megadeth - Peace Sells... But Who's Buying? (1986) [Remastered 2004]

Country: USA

Genre: Thrash Metal

Label: Capitol Records

Website: Facebook / Myspace

Mustaine has been the center of attention lately due to what he says or does, as it always happens, everyone hates him for a while. He has changed from angry teenager to Metallica friend, from atheist to christian then atheist and then christian again, he has insulted people, despised people, done whatever the fuck he feels like in a nutshell.

I have to say Megadeth are a band that definitely got me into metal, i listen to all their albums (almost...) and i dont think there is anyone out there that could say they can't compose good songs. After what Anthrax, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Slayer have done, a mediocre Megadeth song surpasses all. "Peace Sells..." is a classic album, since the self-titled song is huge, the remastered version contains some more song remixes and expanded artwork.

Candlemass - Lucifer Rising (2008) [Ep]

Country: Sweden
Genre: Doom Metal
Label: Nuclear Blast
Website: Facebook / Myspace

A relatively recent EP, in between "King Of The Grey Islands" and "Death Magic Doom" , both beloved records by them for me. This contains a live set they did here in Greece and three studio recordings, from which the two are my favourite songs by them ("Lucifer Rising" and "White God").

I know all of you probably prefer their first years, i love it too but some songs off their newer are the best to me. There is no point in arguing on this anyway, Candlemass will always be an amazing band and this is a pretty good EP.

Hatchet - Awaiting Evil (2008)

Country: USA
Genre: Thrash Metal
Label: Metal Blade Records
Website: Facebook / Myspace

All of us know a band that had signed to a really big label before they even released an album, and plenty of us could have wondered how this happens.

Hatchet is an example for me, since this is their only full length and they have signed to one of the biggest labels in the metal industry, maybe i just don't know how things work in there. Don't get me wrong, this is a solid album and it would appeal to every thrash metal fan and more.

They have some high screams that remind of the 80s scene and it does a really good job if you want to destroy your neck and room, since all the songs are fast and filled with catchy riffs.

Askuror & Vargshelske - Kirchenbrand (Split, 2005)

Askuror & Vargshelske "Kirchenbrand"

2005, Nordsturm Productions

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It always gives me a great pleasure digging up obscure splits and demo releases by unknown black metal bands, i stumble upon loads of shit to reach a dungeon but the process and the result worths it. The joy gets bigger when i get to do that research with original albums and not just digital copies of them, its even more interesting to inspect the layout, the messages, the ideologies and the general concept and feeling those bands try to provoke.

That is one reason i find black metal one of the most intriguing metal genres, and fuck the haters. As for, i got it for the cover and kept it for the music, solid black metal sound, nothing memorable but still solid executions. The Vargshelske side was really good, sadly they haven't released anything else, no information links either. Anyway, its for fans only.

Slaughtered Priest - Confess Your Sins (2012)

Country: Greece
Genre: Black / Thrash Metal
Label: Floga Records
Website: Facebook

Fresh blood. Fresh meat. Slaughtered Priest have shown their guts since their first full length, and they've been going better since, having released four albums including this one. Im really into this band because they have great music, they are not pretending they are celebrities or something (cough cough satan'swrath cough) and they have that old school blackthrash sound that makes your head burn within minutes.

The one member, Ungod, also plays in infamous black metal bands like Sad, Necrohell and Kvele, so he has a level of experience in destroying the ears of the civilians. I like the new one more than any other i've listened by them so far, because you can feel the steps forward they've taken, "Confess Your Sins" might be getting in my list of favourites for the year. You worshippers of the underground should praise this a little bit.

Deicide - To Hell With God (2011)

Country: USA

Genre: Death Metal

Label: Century Media Records

Website: Facebook / Myspace

Ive heard that they are using Deicide songs in Iraqi prisons as a way of torturing suspects to confess, especially the song "Fuck You God". The band is not that frustrated with that, on the contrary they embrace it, even though the "torture list" contains Eminem, Metallica, ACDC and Barney the Purple Dinosaur (!?). I have to say that i love Deicide, i still remember the day i got the Amon: Feasting The Beast some years ago, its a death metal legend and a personal favourite.

"To Hell With God" is their latest and 10th album, it  has received all kinds of reviews but i think its a solid death metal album. Im glad Benton still hates God, no sophisticated ideas, just fast and brutal songs with anti-religious lyrical theme, lots of anger and headbanging are the logical continuations of you listening to it.

Its not their best one and i don't give a fuck about that, its a neverending circle that eats the brains of metalheads, so enjoy the music or stay silent for the rest of eternity.

Menace - Mentally Ill (Demo, 2012)

Country: Greece

Genre: Old School Thrash Metal

Label: Independent

Website: Facebook

This is a local band, and there are not lots of serious bands around my town, thats why demos or even song recordings receive the talk of everyone or so. Its what the genre states, thrash metal old-school-sound with really high vocals and screams.

I've seen them live and I've met some, influences from Exodus, Dark Angel, Vio-Lence and Destruction can give you an idea... Purchased this demo at their concert, self-made and self-promoted. Its not a waste of time to check this out and their performance was a hell of a mosh pit, old school style.

Tribe Of Neptune - Γνῶσις (2010)

Country: Greece

Genre: Ambient / Depressive Black Metal

Label: Razorbleed Productions

Website: Facebook

Not many are familiar with this group, even here in Greece. I was really into DSBM and dark ambient once, so ive been looking all kinds of bands up, im glad i stumbled upon Tribe of Neptune during that period, this release -and the only by them- is a hidden gem of the scene.

Four really long tracks of atmospheric black metal with ambient parts is what it is, i think the fans will really dig it. It lacks at some aspects and in terms of song writing, but the overall conclusion is a solid 38 minute ceremony.

I liked the tracks even though i rarely listen to them whole, but its still a creative effort by them. I don't know their status, active or inactive. For the record, Γνῶσις is the greek word for knowledge, if anyone cares.

Children Of Bodom - Hate Crew Deathroll (2003)

Country: Finland
Genre: Melodic Death / Power Metal
Label: Spinefarm Records
Website: Facebook / Myspace

Ok, the last of the CoB ones i have, and its been a long time since i bought it. Apart from the facts that ive mentioned so far, the story of the name of the band is quite interesting, unsolved murders have always been an intriguing mystery to me.

Grim Reaper (the guy in the covers of their albums) is the one that the survivor of that night in Lake Bodom said he saw, killing his friends. Even though there were not enough clues, he was a suspect for the murders. Anyway, this album contains their best song "Sixpounder".

If you liked the other two albums, one more is even better.

Children Of Bodom - Follow The Reaper (2000) [Reissue 2008]

Country: Finland
Genre: Melodic Death / Power Metal
Label: Spinefarm Records
Website: Facebook / Myspace

Probably my favourite release by them, based on the ones ive heard because i havent listened to all their albums. They have faster songs and more intense keys on this one, the different lines are bound perfectly together and the result is a melodeath awesomeness. The music would fit to battles in dark tales, even though the band does not have to do with this kind of themes.

The reissue contains 2 bonus tracks (the single version of "Hate Me" and a W.A.S.P. cover) and it contains some classic songs by them like "Everytime I Die" and "Bodom After Midnight", two of the most often-heard songs they have. "Hate Me" is my top though, for it has an awesome bridge to the chorus.

Children Of Bodom - Hatebreeder (1999) [Reissue 2008]

Children Of Bodom "Hatebreeder"

Spring 1999, Spinefarm Records

Lots of talking goes on around CoB, they have a die hard fan club but also there are plenty of haters around. As for me, im not a fan since im not following the band's news or album, i listen to their stuff and i like them, because despite the gay looking poser Laiho is, he is a great guitarist. This is their second full length, their debut was released in 1997.

I believe the originality of this band and the melodic riffs and solos made them überpopular, they still have very entertaining albums. "Bed Of Razors" and "Hatebreeder" are my favourite songs off this release. Lots of teenage kids support them and the old school elitists don't like that, but hey, do not judge a book by its cover.

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