Sunday, August 28, 2016
Friday, December 26, 2014
Troldhaugen- Obzkure Anekdotez for Maniakal Massez
Let me paint the picture for you. Its nearing the end of 2014, I'm amidst listening to albums to compile my end of year metal list. So as always I do a ton of research and digging to make sure I haven't missed anything. Lo and behold I happen upon a release that sparks my interest. Namely Troldhaugen and with an album title like this I had to see what this was about. Let me tell you ahead of time that it was well worth it. What we have is a mix of Avant-Garde and folk metal that may well be my album of the year.
This album is killer. Its a very bizarre experience to listen to and there's a lot going on instrumentally, lyrically and vocally. Lyrically the title of this album is appropriate for what we have is a compilation of really obscure and crazy stories. Some of these include a man who goes to a town amidst a famine, begins robbing their graves and making I guess jerky or something out of it and sells it to the townspeople. Another includes a couple who goes for the ride of their life into hell itself. They even have one about the chupa cabra. Lyrically everything flows really well and is quite well written. Vocally you have a lot of diversity, from shrill shrieks to almost silly sounding vocals and even some choir-like choruses.
Instrumentally this album is all over the place. The best way I could describe it is avant-garde carnival music mixed with folk metal. It's very upbeat for the most part and has a lot of melody. Its not a very dissonant album it's just very strange. It has so much going on that its honestly hard to describe it. Its definitely experimental and that's as much as I can say definitively. These people are very proficient players. The songs have a lot of complexity and they are able to create a perfect balance between all the instruments.
So in conclusion this album is one that is undefinable genre wise and the name pretty much does it justice in telling you what you're in for. It's an album that is innovative, musically and lyrically sound, and it has very few flaws if any. Its an out of this world trip to some insane mythical land of obscure maniacal craziness in music form and its fucking amazing. That's my take on this....FUCKING AMAZING.
99/100
This album is killer. Its a very bizarre experience to listen to and there's a lot going on instrumentally, lyrically and vocally. Lyrically the title of this album is appropriate for what we have is a compilation of really obscure and crazy stories. Some of these include a man who goes to a town amidst a famine, begins robbing their graves and making I guess jerky or something out of it and sells it to the townspeople. Another includes a couple who goes for the ride of their life into hell itself. They even have one about the chupa cabra. Lyrically everything flows really well and is quite well written. Vocally you have a lot of diversity, from shrill shrieks to almost silly sounding vocals and even some choir-like choruses.
Instrumentally this album is all over the place. The best way I could describe it is avant-garde carnival music mixed with folk metal. It's very upbeat for the most part and has a lot of melody. Its not a very dissonant album it's just very strange. It has so much going on that its honestly hard to describe it. Its definitely experimental and that's as much as I can say definitively. These people are very proficient players. The songs have a lot of complexity and they are able to create a perfect balance between all the instruments.
So in conclusion this album is one that is undefinable genre wise and the name pretty much does it justice in telling you what you're in for. It's an album that is innovative, musically and lyrically sound, and it has very few flaws if any. Its an out of this world trip to some insane mythical land of obscure maniacal craziness in music form and its fucking amazing. That's my take on this....FUCKING AMAZING.
99/100
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Drudkh- Autumn Aurora- Amazing!
One of the things that makes a great album, especially in the black
metal or depressive black metal genres is atmosphere. The ability of a
band to capture a certain atmosphere whether it be depressive and
melancholy, or hateful and dark, the atmosphere of a black metal album
is important. This album delivers a thick sorrowful, and very natural
atmosphere. Out of the 4 Drudkh albums I've listened to this one is by
far their best.
This album will capture the listener and draw them away into the middle of forest right in the middle of autumn, hence the title Autumn Aurora. The introduction is an acoustic piece with various nature sound effects. Its a perfect lead in to the rest of the album. What I immediately notice is how the guitar tone works with the synth and keyboards to provide a sorrowful and completely natural sound. It captures the essence of autumn fading into winter. The guitar tone is fuzzy and not too high in the mix, but no too low either. The riffing style is very similar to that of Burzum, think fuzzy guitar tones, depressive and emotional melodies. Every so often they throw in some nice guitar leads that add a wealth of feeling to the atmosphere. There are also a few nice acoustic passages to be found as well.
The synth is used quite effectively on this album as well, many times it's more prominent in the mix than the guitars, and the melodies always have a very melodic and yet sorrowful feel to them. One of the best examples of this is the track Glare of Autumn the guitar drones on in a hypnotizing riff while the keyboards play a very profound and emotive melody on top of it. To me the way the synth and guitar work together to create the atmosphere is the best part of this album
There is also credit to be given to the drum work in this album. Many times it is a hypnotic beat that's very repetitive, but it's very effective throughout the entire album. On occasion the drums play some pretty nice fills and do more than just keep the traditional hypnotic depressive style beats. Sometimes they come out of the mix and really shine. There is a wealth of double bass on this album, and the drums don't overwhelm everything they are pretty even in the mix with everything.
The last point is about the vocals, they aren't necessarily the most memorable thing about the album, but they are very effective. The vocal tone is more of snarl or mid-pitched growl then the usual black metal screech, and it sounds like there is a good deal of reverb added. You can feel the sorrowful emotion as he snarls. The vocals are also very well-produced, not polished production mind you, but it has the exact effect i'm sure they were going for: raw emotion and atmosphere.
To summarize the word I've used most is atmosphere, and its for a good reason, the vocals, guitar, synth and drums (the bass is pretty much inaudible.) work together to create the perfect atmosphere of the beauty of autumn and yet the sorrow and death of the beginning of winter. The album is like listening to all the emotions conveyed from late autumn to early winter. The sound created is a very natural, very emotional very thick atmospheric sound and it's done perfectly. This album has no flaws, everything fits together to create an album only gets more enjoyable the more you listen. Beware: if you start the album, you will get lost in its atmosphere and be hypnotized by its beauty.
This album will capture the listener and draw them away into the middle of forest right in the middle of autumn, hence the title Autumn Aurora. The introduction is an acoustic piece with various nature sound effects. Its a perfect lead in to the rest of the album. What I immediately notice is how the guitar tone works with the synth and keyboards to provide a sorrowful and completely natural sound. It captures the essence of autumn fading into winter. The guitar tone is fuzzy and not too high in the mix, but no too low either. The riffing style is very similar to that of Burzum, think fuzzy guitar tones, depressive and emotional melodies. Every so often they throw in some nice guitar leads that add a wealth of feeling to the atmosphere. There are also a few nice acoustic passages to be found as well.
The synth is used quite effectively on this album as well, many times it's more prominent in the mix than the guitars, and the melodies always have a very melodic and yet sorrowful feel to them. One of the best examples of this is the track Glare of Autumn the guitar drones on in a hypnotizing riff while the keyboards play a very profound and emotive melody on top of it. To me the way the synth and guitar work together to create the atmosphere is the best part of this album
There is also credit to be given to the drum work in this album. Many times it is a hypnotic beat that's very repetitive, but it's very effective throughout the entire album. On occasion the drums play some pretty nice fills and do more than just keep the traditional hypnotic depressive style beats. Sometimes they come out of the mix and really shine. There is a wealth of double bass on this album, and the drums don't overwhelm everything they are pretty even in the mix with everything.
The last point is about the vocals, they aren't necessarily the most memorable thing about the album, but they are very effective. The vocal tone is more of snarl or mid-pitched growl then the usual black metal screech, and it sounds like there is a good deal of reverb added. You can feel the sorrowful emotion as he snarls. The vocals are also very well-produced, not polished production mind you, but it has the exact effect i'm sure they were going for: raw emotion and atmosphere.
To summarize the word I've used most is atmosphere, and its for a good reason, the vocals, guitar, synth and drums (the bass is pretty much inaudible.) work together to create the perfect atmosphere of the beauty of autumn and yet the sorrow and death of the beginning of winter. The album is like listening to all the emotions conveyed from late autumn to early winter. The sound created is a very natural, very emotional very thick atmospheric sound and it's done perfectly. This album has no flaws, everything fits together to create an album only gets more enjoyable the more you listen. Beware: if you start the album, you will get lost in its atmosphere and be hypnotized by its beauty.
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Cradle of Filth: Cruelty and the Beast
As long as I've had this blog and I have yet to review any albums from my most favorite band. These days you catch a lot of flack for liking this band but to be honest I could give a fuck less. Today my friends we'll be talking about one of Cradle's greatest accomplishments. A concept album about the infamous countess Bathory. A woman who believed that she could stay young by bathing in and drinking the blood of young virgins. And to spoil the review a bit this album is an amazing experience.
Lets get to it. The most standout thing about this album is its twin guitar attack,and its atmosphere. Although some have complained about a more thin production, to me it adds to the overall atmosphere. It makes it sound rather wintery and raw, while at the same time showcasing the talent of every instrument. The guitars really steal the show musically speaking. The melodies they weave have a very gothic leaning and yet they harken back to Iron Maiden in their twin lead lines.
The whole album flows quite well, each track seems to fit in its place, giving way perfectly to the next. The flow of the album is flawless. Another thing that really stands out to me is the expert writing by Dani Filth. This is honestly a top notch writer and vocalist. He portrays perfectly the emotion that he is attempting to convey. A great example is in the song Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids. The lyric "Madness came upon her like an amours lovers seed. The delivery is perfect on every single track. My standout tracks as far as this album is concerned are 13 Autumns and a Widow, Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids, Beneath the Howling Stars, and Bathory Aria.
The first is an introduction of sorts where we meet a young Elizabeth who is raped by a priest. It is unclear but in my interpretation she quite enjoyed it but yet she had a distain toward him. In the end she castrates him and hangs him from the bell tower of the church. In Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids we get to witness her descent into madness. She has lost her faith and begins to become obsessed with maintaining her youthful image.
One of my all time favorites is Beneath The Howling Stars. It's basically the story of how the Count falls for her. She goes to a ball with her lips painted with the blood of a freshly murdered woman. She and the Count basically nearly fuck on the dance floor until they leave the ball and go for ride in the dark of winter. At the end of the song they marry and consummate the marriage, in Dani's words "soon in morning fever they were wed. Lycanthropic in the conjugal bed.
The album doesn't miss a beat. The guitar work is amazing. The production is amazing. The story is written out quite expertly in the lyrics. The whole album is amazing.
95/100
Lets get to it. The most standout thing about this album is its twin guitar attack,and its atmosphere. Although some have complained about a more thin production, to me it adds to the overall atmosphere. It makes it sound rather wintery and raw, while at the same time showcasing the talent of every instrument. The guitars really steal the show musically speaking. The melodies they weave have a very gothic leaning and yet they harken back to Iron Maiden in their twin lead lines.
The whole album flows quite well, each track seems to fit in its place, giving way perfectly to the next. The flow of the album is flawless. Another thing that really stands out to me is the expert writing by Dani Filth. This is honestly a top notch writer and vocalist. He portrays perfectly the emotion that he is attempting to convey. A great example is in the song Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids. The lyric "Madness came upon her like an amours lovers seed. The delivery is perfect on every single track. My standout tracks as far as this album is concerned are 13 Autumns and a Widow, Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids, Beneath the Howling Stars, and Bathory Aria.
The first is an introduction of sorts where we meet a young Elizabeth who is raped by a priest. It is unclear but in my interpretation she quite enjoyed it but yet she had a distain toward him. In the end she castrates him and hangs him from the bell tower of the church. In Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids we get to witness her descent into madness. She has lost her faith and begins to become obsessed with maintaining her youthful image.
One of my all time favorites is Beneath The Howling Stars. It's basically the story of how the Count falls for her. She goes to a ball with her lips painted with the blood of a freshly murdered woman. She and the Count basically nearly fuck on the dance floor until they leave the ball and go for ride in the dark of winter. At the end of the song they marry and consummate the marriage, in Dani's words "soon in morning fever they were wed. Lycanthropic in the conjugal bed.
The album doesn't miss a beat. The guitar work is amazing. The production is amazing. The story is written out quite expertly in the lyrics. The whole album is amazing.
95/100
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Top 20 Metallica Songs
At the suggestion of a friend and because I have been itching to get back in the game of blogging I figured a new list would be in order. I'm thinking a list of my favorite Metallica songs. Why the fuck not? To narrow it down to only 20 was a very difficult task, and I also wanted to have most of their albums represented and after a good brainstorm here are my picks. Probably ask me in a week or two and it may change but for now here it is.
20.The Memory Remains- Oh no not Reload! Yes I actually like some songs off of these albums and this is one of them. Its not a stroke of musical genius but it's catchy and extremely singable. I like the rock n roll feel of it. To me it tells the story of what happens when you become a celebrity, you start getting the temptation to let your ego get the best of you and its easy to lose your old true self, at least that's how I interpret it.
19. Blackened- For some reason I've never been able to fully jump on the bandwagon of ...And Justice For All but I do have some songs off of it that I enjoy this being one of them. I like the thrashtastic riffing in the song. I like that it has a borderline progressive feel to it. I like the lyrics, very apocalyptic showing the demise of planet earth. You can feel a sense of anger and pain throughout the whole song.
18. Attitude- I don't care what anyone says this song is pure badassery. Its the closet to their classic thrashiness that the old Metallica had. I liike the (hehe) attitude behind this tune. Exemplified by the lyric "throw all your bullets in the fire, and run like hell." its a good fun tune and my 18th best.
17. Anesthesia- This is a bass solo by Cliff Burton and the first instrumental Metallica did which they would do on each successive album up until The Black album. Just to say, it kicks ass.
16. Turn The Page- This is of course a cover of a Bob Segar song. Its perhaps the best cover they have done. They bring out the feeling of this song quite well. The guitar playing that infamous saxophone line is very fitting.
15. Low Man's Lyric- Behold another song off of the oft hated Reload. This song brings a tremendous amount of emotion. I'm not sure if it is literally talking about being homeless or using it as a metaphor for that type of neglected and cast out feeling. I love James vocal delivery.
14. Seek and Destroy- Straight off of Kill 'em All comes a fan favorite, that is still a staple of Metallica's live shows. It has the feel of a straight up metal anthem, complete with anthemic singable chorus.
13. Disposable Heroes- This is a pure ass thrasher right here. It's a stab at the military. Metallica is quite fond of tackling social injustices and this is a damn fine example. Its a fitting track to the Master of Puppets album. The refrain of "Back to the front!" is instantly memorable and the riffing is top notch. Great song!
12. Bleeding Me- Not another Load song! Yes, because this song is full of such raw emotion that it begs mentioning. This song is very dear to me personally. I relate to it in a way that is difficult to explain. It reminds me of my struggles with alienation, anxiety and depression. It may not be a badass thrasher or have intense riffing but the feeling behind it makes it worthy of a top 20 spot.
11. The Unforgiven- Another of Metallica's emotional tunes, and one that I enjoy tremendously. It talks about a child who's will becomes subdued through rule and control, and through the course of time withdraws into himself and becomes a bitter soul. The lyrics are top notch and the music is very fitting for the theme of it. That's about all that can be said.
10. Call of Ktulu- The instrumental from Ride the Lightning, which showcases the bands talent on their instruments. It shows that Metallica is not just a breakneck thrash band but that they know how to craft great works of art musically. It builds up suspensefully and then hits a crescendo of apocalyptic proportions. The theme song to the worlds destruction by an ancient evil. God damn its good.
9. Battery- The opener to Master of Puppets, right from the start you know what's coming. The melodic intro fades and the main riff hits you right in the sack. Its the thrashiest of the thrash and it kicks ass. Need I see more?
8. Ride The Lightning- DUN UN DUN UN DUN UN DUN UN! We all know that riff by heart, and the song that goes with it. One of the most undisputed classics Metallica has ever made. It tackles the subject of the death penalty specifically the electric chair. Fantastic riffs, fantastic leads, great lyrics and delivery. What does all that make? A FUCKING GOOD SONG!
7. One- Another undisputed classic mixing Metallica's melodic tendencies with the thrash side. It begins with a bleak feeling and describes a soldier who is on machines to live and just wants be free of life. Nothing is real but pain now for him. He is wishing for death. Toward the end the mood becomes more frantic until we get to that tremendously furious guitar solo that forms the climax of the song. What more could you ask for in a track?
6. Orion- All I can say is wow! Metallica has done great instrumentals but this one takes the cake. Every band member is well represented. The soundscape evolves throughout. It is a truly inspired piece. I love that slow middle part that builds to the solo. It gives me chills every time.
5. Fade To Black- Metallicas very first ballad if you will. My god the emotion in this song is intensely bleak. To me it's painful to listen to. It talks about sinking into a void of darkness within yourself to the point that all you do is wish for it all to end. Its a feeling of having a void within you that can never be filled. It drifts into a faster part where apparently he has decided to end it all and say goodbye. Excellent song.
4. Four Horsemen- This has long been one of my favorite Metallica songs. Its pure apocalyptic thrash. The horsemen are drawing nearer and you will either ride with them or die. What a great concept for a thrash song. The riffs are fantastic and that melodic middle part cements it as a pure classic.
3. For Whom The Bell Tolls- This is one of the first riffs I learned on guitar that chorus riff. This song is amazing. There isn't much I can say about it. Go now and listen to it if you have never heard it...well GO!
2. Hit the Lights- This song has the most pure energy of any Metallica track and it makes me feel like just thrashing my neck, playing guitar riffs at breakneck speed and screaming out the vocals without a care of how in tune they are. They call it the metal madness, and boy I've got it. Its the feel of being onstage, feeling the energy of the crowd, expending every ounce of yourself and giving it all you have to make the crowd go nuts. Fucking awesome.
1. Enter Sandman.....PSYCHE!
1. Master of Puppets- This song is perhaps the most iconic Metallica song to ever be written. The main riff can probably be sung by pretty much anyone you know over the age of 20 probably many people younger than that. Its thrash that leads into a melodic midsection and then breaks into a furious second half. My god its fantastic. The best ever in my opinion.
20.The Memory Remains- Oh no not Reload! Yes I actually like some songs off of these albums and this is one of them. Its not a stroke of musical genius but it's catchy and extremely singable. I like the rock n roll feel of it. To me it tells the story of what happens when you become a celebrity, you start getting the temptation to let your ego get the best of you and its easy to lose your old true self, at least that's how I interpret it.
19. Blackened- For some reason I've never been able to fully jump on the bandwagon of ...And Justice For All but I do have some songs off of it that I enjoy this being one of them. I like the thrashtastic riffing in the song. I like that it has a borderline progressive feel to it. I like the lyrics, very apocalyptic showing the demise of planet earth. You can feel a sense of anger and pain throughout the whole song.
18. Attitude- I don't care what anyone says this song is pure badassery. Its the closet to their classic thrashiness that the old Metallica had. I liike the (hehe) attitude behind this tune. Exemplified by the lyric "throw all your bullets in the fire, and run like hell." its a good fun tune and my 18th best.
17. Anesthesia- This is a bass solo by Cliff Burton and the first instrumental Metallica did which they would do on each successive album up until The Black album. Just to say, it kicks ass.
16. Turn The Page- This is of course a cover of a Bob Segar song. Its perhaps the best cover they have done. They bring out the feeling of this song quite well. The guitar playing that infamous saxophone line is very fitting.
15. Low Man's Lyric- Behold another song off of the oft hated Reload. This song brings a tremendous amount of emotion. I'm not sure if it is literally talking about being homeless or using it as a metaphor for that type of neglected and cast out feeling. I love James vocal delivery.
14. Seek and Destroy- Straight off of Kill 'em All comes a fan favorite, that is still a staple of Metallica's live shows. It has the feel of a straight up metal anthem, complete with anthemic singable chorus.
13. Disposable Heroes- This is a pure ass thrasher right here. It's a stab at the military. Metallica is quite fond of tackling social injustices and this is a damn fine example. Its a fitting track to the Master of Puppets album. The refrain of "Back to the front!" is instantly memorable and the riffing is top notch. Great song!
12. Bleeding Me- Not another Load song! Yes, because this song is full of such raw emotion that it begs mentioning. This song is very dear to me personally. I relate to it in a way that is difficult to explain. It reminds me of my struggles with alienation, anxiety and depression. It may not be a badass thrasher or have intense riffing but the feeling behind it makes it worthy of a top 20 spot.
11. The Unforgiven- Another of Metallica's emotional tunes, and one that I enjoy tremendously. It talks about a child who's will becomes subdued through rule and control, and through the course of time withdraws into himself and becomes a bitter soul. The lyrics are top notch and the music is very fitting for the theme of it. That's about all that can be said.
10. Call of Ktulu- The instrumental from Ride the Lightning, which showcases the bands talent on their instruments. It shows that Metallica is not just a breakneck thrash band but that they know how to craft great works of art musically. It builds up suspensefully and then hits a crescendo of apocalyptic proportions. The theme song to the worlds destruction by an ancient evil. God damn its good.
9. Battery- The opener to Master of Puppets, right from the start you know what's coming. The melodic intro fades and the main riff hits you right in the sack. Its the thrashiest of the thrash and it kicks ass. Need I see more?
8. Ride The Lightning- DUN UN DUN UN DUN UN DUN UN! We all know that riff by heart, and the song that goes with it. One of the most undisputed classics Metallica has ever made. It tackles the subject of the death penalty specifically the electric chair. Fantastic riffs, fantastic leads, great lyrics and delivery. What does all that make? A FUCKING GOOD SONG!
7. One- Another undisputed classic mixing Metallica's melodic tendencies with the thrash side. It begins with a bleak feeling and describes a soldier who is on machines to live and just wants be free of life. Nothing is real but pain now for him. He is wishing for death. Toward the end the mood becomes more frantic until we get to that tremendously furious guitar solo that forms the climax of the song. What more could you ask for in a track?
6. Orion- All I can say is wow! Metallica has done great instrumentals but this one takes the cake. Every band member is well represented. The soundscape evolves throughout. It is a truly inspired piece. I love that slow middle part that builds to the solo. It gives me chills every time.
5. Fade To Black- Metallicas very first ballad if you will. My god the emotion in this song is intensely bleak. To me it's painful to listen to. It talks about sinking into a void of darkness within yourself to the point that all you do is wish for it all to end. Its a feeling of having a void within you that can never be filled. It drifts into a faster part where apparently he has decided to end it all and say goodbye. Excellent song.
4. Four Horsemen- This has long been one of my favorite Metallica songs. Its pure apocalyptic thrash. The horsemen are drawing nearer and you will either ride with them or die. What a great concept for a thrash song. The riffs are fantastic and that melodic middle part cements it as a pure classic.
3. For Whom The Bell Tolls- This is one of the first riffs I learned on guitar that chorus riff. This song is amazing. There isn't much I can say about it. Go now and listen to it if you have never heard it...well GO!
2. Hit the Lights- This song has the most pure energy of any Metallica track and it makes me feel like just thrashing my neck, playing guitar riffs at breakneck speed and screaming out the vocals without a care of how in tune they are. They call it the metal madness, and boy I've got it. Its the feel of being onstage, feeling the energy of the crowd, expending every ounce of yourself and giving it all you have to make the crowd go nuts. Fucking awesome.
1. Enter Sandman.....PSYCHE!
1. Master of Puppets- This song is perhaps the most iconic Metallica song to ever be written. The main riff can probably be sung by pretty much anyone you know over the age of 20 probably many people younger than that. Its thrash that leads into a melodic midsection and then breaks into a furious second half. My god its fantastic. The best ever in my opinion.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Metallica- Load- About Half Filler.
After having released the black album, an album that was decent but showing signs of a Metallica that is transforming from melodic and emotive thrash into bonafide radio rock/metal. This album would see them experiment in blues rock, and don't get me wrong when it's good it's really good but when it's bad its really bad. Songs like Bleeding Me have a definite appeal that speaks to a broken spirit, but songs like Cure just drag on and you find yourself just waiting for it to end.
The first half of this album is no slouch, it starts with paced hard rockers Ain't My Bitch and 2 x 4, which are both good tracks in their own right. Although they aren't the best Metallica has ever done they're actually pretty decent tracks. The riffing is slowed to a more hard rock pace, at times almost bordering on grungy with songs like The House That Jack built.
The appeal of this album is really how Metallica shows their more emotional side on tracks such as Until It Sleeps which has sort of a surfer rock sound to it at times. It speaks to the pain which can haunt a person, and though some could say it shows weakness I find it to be a mature take on a haunting pain that gnaws at the soul.
Hero of the day continues the emotional exploration and is actually one of my favorite Metallica songs. It has real feeling to it which showcases this albums strongly. The track that follows, Bleeding Me is another example of this however taking a more bluesy approach and this is a track that succeeds well, however sometimes I feel it lasts just a little too long. However with every track that succeeds in this experiment there is a track that just doesn't cut it. Songs like Cure and Poor Twisted me just seem a little bit forced and filler in nature. The song Outlaw Torn while lasting a little too long is another successful track on here.
In conclusion this album is about half successful and half filler. It shows Metallica's sound kind of declining into something that is just there. Not terrible but not measuring up to the band's past releases. I actually really like some of the songs on here, but as a complete album this experiment falls quite short of the mark set by past albums.
55/100
The first half of this album is no slouch, it starts with paced hard rockers Ain't My Bitch and 2 x 4, which are both good tracks in their own right. Although they aren't the best Metallica has ever done they're actually pretty decent tracks. The riffing is slowed to a more hard rock pace, at times almost bordering on grungy with songs like The House That Jack built.
The appeal of this album is really how Metallica shows their more emotional side on tracks such as Until It Sleeps which has sort of a surfer rock sound to it at times. It speaks to the pain which can haunt a person, and though some could say it shows weakness I find it to be a mature take on a haunting pain that gnaws at the soul.
Hero of the day continues the emotional exploration and is actually one of my favorite Metallica songs. It has real feeling to it which showcases this albums strongly. The track that follows, Bleeding Me is another example of this however taking a more bluesy approach and this is a track that succeeds well, however sometimes I feel it lasts just a little too long. However with every track that succeeds in this experiment there is a track that just doesn't cut it. Songs like Cure and Poor Twisted me just seem a little bit forced and filler in nature. The song Outlaw Torn while lasting a little too long is another successful track on here.
In conclusion this album is about half successful and half filler. It shows Metallica's sound kind of declining into something that is just there. Not terrible but not measuring up to the band's past releases. I actually really like some of the songs on here, but as a complete album this experiment falls quite short of the mark set by past albums.
55/100
Thursday, August 8, 2013
The Metallica Saga- Master of Puppets
The band Metallica had 2 releases previous to this both of them huge albums within the genre of thrash metal. While Kill 'Em All was a pure out thrasher, Ride The Lightning showcased in injected with a little more melody and in a more focused way. Now it is time to review the third album and one that many hail as the greatest metal album of all time. Master of Puppets
From the very onset of this album you know you're in for a ride. The breakneck speed of Battery thrashes you do death for a full 5 minutes straight. Then comes the furious Master of Puppets. This song is really a huge highlight of the album. It shows how Metallica was meshing melody with thrash in a very well executed way. From the famous main riff of the song to the excellent soloing in the middle section this song is one mammoth beast of a song.
In order to avoid a track by track review let me just say that this album is huge. It keeps Metallica's trademark thrash sound injects more melody and tempo changes to craft one of the best albums of all time. This album is an album that is nearly. Its songs cover themes of social injustice, Insanity, and even some Lovecraftian mythology. The riffs on this album are still very creative, and quite thrashy. The soloing is top notch on this album as well. The whole album flows exactly the way an album should with the perfect mix of melody and chaos. This is an excellently crafted album.
The one track that still has to be mentioned is Orion. This isnstrumental showcases really what Metallica is capable of as far as instrumental talent and songwriting skills. The moods of this song change from upbeat to somber and melodic. The solos and bass track in this song is momentous.
To conclude this album is one monster of an album and if you haven't heard it then fucking hell what are you waiting for?
99/100
From the very onset of this album you know you're in for a ride. The breakneck speed of Battery thrashes you do death for a full 5 minutes straight. Then comes the furious Master of Puppets. This song is really a huge highlight of the album. It shows how Metallica was meshing melody with thrash in a very well executed way. From the famous main riff of the song to the excellent soloing in the middle section this song is one mammoth beast of a song.
In order to avoid a track by track review let me just say that this album is huge. It keeps Metallica's trademark thrash sound injects more melody and tempo changes to craft one of the best albums of all time. This album is an album that is nearly. Its songs cover themes of social injustice, Insanity, and even some Lovecraftian mythology. The riffs on this album are still very creative, and quite thrashy. The soloing is top notch on this album as well. The whole album flows exactly the way an album should with the perfect mix of melody and chaos. This is an excellently crafted album.
The one track that still has to be mentioned is Orion. This isnstrumental showcases really what Metallica is capable of as far as instrumental talent and songwriting skills. The moods of this song change from upbeat to somber and melodic. The solos and bass track in this song is momentous.
To conclude this album is one monster of an album and if you haven't heard it then fucking hell what are you waiting for?
99/100
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