A great album with a good range of songs, from rollicking tunes like "Cypress Grove" and "The Mob Goes Wild" to more somber fare like "The Regulator" and "Eulogy for a Ghost". Great musicianship, vocals, and thought-provoking lyrics. Just plain good rock music :D
Band: Falconer Album: Among Beggars and Thieves Release: 2008 Genre: Nordic Metal Rating 8/10
Another good release from a great band that even amongst the metal scene, few truly appreciate. Truly good medieval sound, awesome vocals, and the songs themselves are each a tale in their own.
A while ago I decided to look up similar artists to John Zorn's Naked City, because I was in an Avant-Garde mood. I got Quadropus from Estradasphere, what I didn't know was that it's their worst, I never heard anything like it. Surfer Rock, Gypsy Music, Bebop Jazz, Dubstep, Death Metal, all from one band, on one album? Who is this? Well, after getting Buck Fever and It's Understood, this band quickly became a personal favorite of mine. Yet one can only write using multiple genres and, admittedly, some gimmicks for so long. Out they come with Palace of Mirrors.
Loosely a concept album (incorporating no vocals except a female Opera Soprano) based on a short story called "Horse Coffin." This group is a wickedly talented sextet that doesn't just play every genre you can think of, they can truly write in every genre you can think of. This time out, their eclectic nature takes a backseat for once, allowing them to finally achieve a very structured and complete work. Long time fans should not feel discouraged, it's brilliant, it weaves many genres seamlessly together without the dramatic leaps known to occur on previous albums.
These guys set out to make a gripping, powerful, fleshed out work of music that has succeeded overwhelmingly. Once again, the band also does a good job of not taking themselves too seriously, no more is this apparent than in the Palace of Mirrors DVD, which features a live performance of this album along with an hour + of bonus footage, very worthwhile as well. I digress, that's irrelevant in a way, I'm here to talk about the album itself. Estradasphere has released the kind of work I hoped they would, something less about experimentation, and more about feeling complete. The Jazz is still there, the wild build up of A Corporate Merger from soft, Easy Listening which slowly erupts into some of the most intense seconds of Metal ever written. The songs are all in good fun, the recurring theme is brilliant, the musicians are the real deal; talented composers who can really play. This band deserves all of the attention in the world.
darthsmily: Band: Death Album: Sound of Perseverance Release Date: September 15 1998 Genre: Progressive Death Metal Rating (1-10): 10
Probably Death's most progressive album and Chuck Schuldiner's swansong. Brilliant album with songs to suit anybody while still retaining that Death Metal feel. Any Death Metal fan should check this out if they haven't already.
I liked Symbolic better.
Band: Opeth Album: Blackwater Park Release Date: February 27 2001 Genre: Progressive Death Metal Rating (1-10): 10
I would say this album is a great introduction to death metal. Just about every songs are epic and melodic. Before listening this one, I had nothing but criticism for death metal. This record changed my perspective of this genre.
Band:Thrice Album: The Illusion of Safety Release Date: 2002 Genre: Rock/ Alternative Rating (1-10): 10/10 Why you chose to recommend this album: Not only has Thrice evolved throughout their musical career, but they've exemplified various stages of peak performance with the specifics of their own genre that they are portraying at that time. "The Illusion of Safety" is one of their best rock specific albums. The songs can be listened to individually or as an album, they all meld very well together.
Band: The Teenagers Album: Reality Check Release: 2008 Genre: Indielectrosynthpop
Reason: Well crafted, oft-dancey, oft-chilled, always groovy electro indie from France. Great seduction music, unlike all the death metal/prog metal/general metal posted before, because it doesn't make the girls leave the room.
band: mcr name: The Black parade release: uh i dunno lol genre: metal/rock/punk rating: 1000/10 reason: becuz it's lyk, tha best band released tha best album eva!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i <3 mcr.
Band: Tool Album: 10,000 Days Release Date: May 2, 2006 Genre: Prog Metal Rating: 10/10 Why you chose to recommend this album:
If you have ever listened to this album, you should agree that this is one of the greatest albums of all time. It starts out heavy with Vicarious and Jambi, but then goes into the most beautiful song I have ever heard in my life, Wings for Marie (Pts. 1 and 2). It doesn't matter what kind of music you like (except rap), it's all here and it's so beautifully put together that there is no reason why NOT to recommend this album. It's personally my favorite album of all time and I think anyone should buy this album.
state radio year of the crow no idea about release punk/rock/reggae no rating
i never heard about these guys up until last year and i was never too much into reggae or anything of the like. i don't know what it is about their music, but state radio really makes something special out of their songs. the songwriting is brilliant, as is the execution in practice. it's like music you can always listen to.
no rating given. read the blurb if you're interested.
Band: Rasputina Album: Cabin Fever Date: 2002 Genre: Do electric cellos have a genre? Rating: Awesome/10
I got this album on a whim actually, and it's turned out to be one of my all-time favorites. The sound varies from some very tame, melodic cello to downright hardcore rock, and the lyrics are always very clever and well-written - in particular track 12, "Our Lies." This album is for anyone who wants something different that actually is different.
rossatdi: Band: At The Drive-In Album: Relationship of Command Release: 12 September 2008 Genre: Post-Punk/Post-Hardcore Rating: 10/10 Reason: First 'real' album I ever bought and still one of my favourites. Incredibly densely layered but not forgetting how to kick some arse. Admittedly it'll sound rubbish the first time you hear it but you back to it and it's amazing.
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PS. OP I like the idea of the formula, I will be returning to this at home for some 'purchases' over the internet.
YES!! My current favorite album. I cannot express how much I love every bit of its composition.
theklng: state radio year of the crow no idea about release punk/rock/reggae no rating
i never heard about these guys up until last year and i was never too much into reggae or anything of the like. i don't know what it is about their music, but state radio really makes something special out of their songs. the songwriting is brilliant, as is the execution in practice. it's like music you can always listen to.
no rating given. read the blurb if you're interested.
I actually prefer "Us Against the Crown" by a lot.
this album is, by my standards, fall out boy's best.
I've notcied with each new album FOB's drummer Andy Hurley starts to become more and more basic, TTTYG is a fast paced punk/rock album that rarely take time to slow down and i like it.
top 5 tracks: chicargo is so 2 years ago grenade jumper tell that mick dead on arrival Saturday
Album: Eldorado Artist: The Electric Light Orchestra Release: 1974 Genre: Disco/Rock/ Reason for Why I Recommend it: When people listen to E.L.O. anymore, they only hear their overplayed stuff: "Mr. Blue Sky", "Living Thing", maybe "Turn to Stone" and the ever popular "Do Ya", but this was before they got recognized as pop music fodder. While not every song on here is memorable, to fans, this is their best work. From an awesome poem as the first song read by a voice that sounds similar to Alan Rickman, Full Orchestra playing everywhere, a release into confusion, sadness, happiness, excitement through the album's course, and an album cover with a great scene from the "Wizard of Oz" on it, you can't believe the journey your ears will go on.
Band: Pink Floyd Album: Dark Side Of The Moon Release: March '73 Genre: Experimental/Progressive Rock Rating: 10/10 Reason: 99% of people who own this album will tell you the same thing, it's fucking incredible.
Album: London Calling Artist: The Clash Released: 1979 Genre: Rock/Ska/Jazz/Punk/Rockabilly/Reggae Reason for Recommendation: One of the most original, innovative, and creative albums ever written, "London Calling" is a classic in every sense of the word. What astounds me is how freaking GOOD each and every one of these 19 songs is - what's even more impressive is how not one of them sounds alike. The Clash flow seemlessly from straight up rock ("London Calling") to Ska ("Rudie Can't Fail") to pure awesome ("Hateful"), and they pull it off perfectly. My favourite album.
Album: Daydream Nation Artist: Sonic Youth Released: 1988 Genre: Post-Punk/Alternative/Noise Rock Reason for Recommendation: The best album from one of the greatest "Alt rock" bands of all time. Apart from "Sister", this is really the ONLY time that Sonic Youth were able to focus their wildly experimental approach to song-writing into the context of 14 impeccably written tracks, each of them showcasing the unique abilities of each member of the band. Oh, and "Teen Age Riot" is one of the best songs ever written - oh, what's that, you think there are a lot of songs better than "Teen Age Riot"? Hm, I wonder what it's like to be so WRONG [/sarcasm].
Band: KoRn Album: Issues Release Date: 1999 Genre: Metal/Alternative Metal Rating (1-10): 7 Why you chose to recommend this album: Because its classic fucking KoRn.
Since people are mainly doing old albums, I will do something from 2007. Justice is an amazing electronic band that sounds like daft punk if it was written by slayer. There debut album † could be considered the best album of the decade since it was such a weak decade in music. I highly recommend you give this album a try, even if you don't really like electronic music.
System of a down 10/10 It's system of a down... That's all I need, but not all you need, so I shall elaborate. This album shows you how a metal band can do things differently ALL the time. No two songs on this album are the same and all of them are great. It has amazing vocals, that range from deep screaming to high pitched singing to animal like noises, the most unique guitar riff I have ever heard and songs that range from extreamely faced paced to slow, thinking type, songs. If your even remotely interested in metal I would recommend it. You don't have to like it, just check it out.
Arsen: Band: Album: Release Date Genre: Rating (1-10): Why you chose to recommend this album:
I will start.
Dark Tranquility "Damage Done" 2002 Melodic Death Metal/Gothenburg Metal 9.2/10
I choose this album because if ANYONE has any doubts as to the sincerity of how far metal has evolved from their earlier notions of the genre (and the ignorant stereotypes undeserved...) then this album has the potential to change their minds. A great introduction to a band that has never made a single bad album as of yet and only continues to grow as a defining musical act.
Dude, of all the albums you picked "Damage Done"?
High five man!
Personally I listen to Skydancer and The Gallery more.
ok so...
2009 North American Reissue: Band: October Tide Album: Rain Without End Release Date: 1997 Genre: Doom Metal Rating: Easy 10.
If you have ever wanted to hear a truly dark and melancholic album, or an example of truly haunting and atmospheric music, then this album is the way to go. In all seriousness this album deserves to be recognized, it's a real shame this side project only produced two albums, yet this album will truly leave an impression on you. If there was an album that deserves to be named the most underrated of all time, it is this one.
Simply go on Amazon to get it, believe me you will neer find an album like this in a store.
Band: Adam Faucett Album: The Great Basking Shark Release Date: March 11, 2008 Genre: Folk Rating (1-10): 9
Why you chose to recommend this album: This man is the quintessential Folk artist. His modern interpretation of folk gives a hint of speed influences, but maintains the southern-blues feel one comes to expect from heart-felt folk/soul. Great first album from an amazing even if you don't listen to folk, pick it up on iTunes.
Band: Modest Mouse Album: Good News For People Love Bad News Release: 06 April 2004 Genre: Indie rock Rating: 9/10 Reason: This was the first Modest Mouse album I ever bought and probably the cause of my love of Indie music. Although not all Modest Mouse fans would say that this is their best album, it is definitely the best one for new fans as it draws them in with addictive singles like 'Float on' but also maintains a lot of old fashioned, Modest Mouse goodness.
Band: Nocturnus Album: The Key Release Date: August 1990 Genre: Progessive Death Metal Rating (1-10): 9
Why: This is the first death metal band to use keyboards. Before In Flames, Dark Tranquility there was Nocturnus. The Keyboard playing is amazing, as well as the guitar, drum (Not triggered like most mordern bands) and bass playing. The only reason this didn't get a 10 is because of the vocals. The vocals are reasonable just not Corpsegrinder, Schuldiner or Michael Akerfeldt calibur.
perfectimo: Band: The Beatles Album: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band Release Date: June 1, 1967 Genre: Psychedelic Rock Rating: 10/10
wikipedia.org: Sgt. Pepper is often described as The Beatles' magnum opus, and one of the most influential albums of all time by prominent critics and publications. It was ranked the greatest album of all time by Rolling Stone in 2003.
Band: Red Album: Innocence and Instinct Release Date: February 10th 2009 Genre: Christian metal, alternative metal Rating (1-10): 10 Why you chose to recommend this album: Until I looked up the release date I had no idea this band was considered Christian, Their songs I think relate to things that can/do happen in real life(and never mention God), I know a few of their songs have applied to things that have happened in my life. Their songs aren't full on hardcore metal/screamo but aren't like soft rock or pop. They remind me of bands like Breaking Benjamin which is my kind of music.
as i look at my music..it's impossible to pick just one..i have to give a few..6 bands, 9 albums....sorry guys...i have to..
Band: VNV Nation Album: Of Faith, Power and Glory Release: June 23, 2009 Genre: Syhtpop/EBM/Futurepop Rating: 9.3/10 Reason: This is an amazing "electronic" band. one of the very few i can tolerate, and they do an amazing job. their songs 'Sentinel' 'Tomorrow Never Comes' and 'The Great Divide' off of this album, will change the way you look at two man bands forever. they are simply amazing, just sit through the intro's of them, and they become amazing. you wont like it at first, then you'll find yourself always coming back to it.
Band: 1000 Scars Album: New Rebellion Release: sometime back in '08 ((can't remember for sure)) Genre: Punk Metal Rating: 10/10 Reason: i've been talking to the lead singer and bass player of this band since they had only 3 demo tracks. these guys change the way you will think about Punk Metal for the rest of your life, aka, they do it right. this is an album that changed how i looked at music in general, as in, how i see the messages.
Band: Arch Enemy Album: Wages of Sin ((2001)) or The Rise of the Tyrant ((2007)) Genre: Metal Rating: WoS-9.6/10 TRotT-9.8/10 Reason: WoS was Angela's first album with this band, proving that females make amazing Metal vocalists, once Angela joined, it taught me a lot about music that i didn't know before.
TRotT proves just how brutal and emotional metal can actually be. when you listen to the lyrics, and know the meaning behind them, it hits you hard. FYI the song "The Day You Died" was written about the anime "Grave of the Fireflies."
Band: Into Eternity Album: The Scattering of Ashes ((2006)) or The Incurable Tragedy ((2008)) Genre: Melodic Metal Rating: TSoA-9.7/10 TIT-10/10 Reason: TSoA was one of the first albums i ever felt a real connection with when it came down to lyrics. I found out about this band when I was going through a rough time, and I realized that one of the songs had a line that fit me perfectly "And I fall Into The Ocean, Will you be there to rescue me? As I start to take on water...Drowning me." it made me come to my senses and realize I was drowning in my own pity. this album helped me break that cycle.
TIT is n album written entirely by the lead guitarist, Tim Roth, about his two friends, and his father. The entire album is about how they all had Cancer, and ended up dieing in the hospital. The Incurable Tragedy I (September 21, 2006) is about his best friend's death. The Incurable Tragedy II (November 10, 2006) is about his best friend's brother's death. The Incurable Tragedy III (December 15, 2007) is about his father's death. this is a very very powerful album, and simply due to the fact that he wrote this, and is able to play these songs live on stage shows his strength of character, and earns a perfect 10/10.
Band: Heaven Shall Burn Album: Iconoclast, Pt. 1: The Final Resistance Release: 2008 Genre: Metal Rating: 9.8/10 Reason: Heaven Shall Burn is the band that got me passionate about metal in the first place. all of their lyrics send a powerful message, even if you don't agree with them, you feel the power behind the words.
Band: Epica Album: The Divine Conpiracy ((2007)) or Design Your Universe ((2009)) Genre: Symphonic Metal Rating: TDC-8.7/10 DYU-9.9/10 Reason: Epica is one of those bands, you can't help but love. Simone Simons knows how to use her Mezzo-Soprano voice, without it being overwhelming. the not only play with an entire symphony, but they use a choir as well. they also know how to integrate actual metal into their music. the songs The Divine Conspiracy and Chasing The Dragon are beautiful examples of this.
DYU is their newest album, and happens to have an amazing combination of all of their earlier albums, without it sounding the same as before. thier song Tides of Time, had the original score written by my buddy from high school, of course it was changed, but it's an amazing slower song, and it is beautifully done. nobody can make music like Epica, plain and simple.
Awesome album man. Just got and have listened to a lot.