Holiday Buyer's Guide 08- Symphonic/Power/Folk Metal

Other Sections:

-Introduction
-Accessible Metal
-Mainstream Rock
-Progressive
-Alternative
-Melodeath/Doom/Goth
-Indie Rock
-Hip-Hop
-Power/Folk/Symphonic Metal
-Indie Folk
-Extreme Metal
-Experimental

Symphonic/Power/Folk Metal

As is true with many good albums in the symphonic, power, and folk metal genres, a number of the albums on this list blend all three styles into their own unique sound. While some albums are certainly more power metal based, while others primarily feature folk metal, fans of any of the genres should look into the other two if they haven’t already. There’s a reason they’re grouped together, and while there weren’t any “album of the year” contenders released in any of the three genres this year, here are ten solid choices for fans of symphonic, power, and folk metal.

Battlelore

The Last Alliance

Battlelore is a very strange band to say the least. Their sound combines a wide variety of metal subgenres, most notably power, folk, symphonic, and melodic death metal. The Last Alliance doesn’t do anything to change their sound, but consistency is one of Battlelore’s strong points. Their sound is unique, their lyrics relating to The Lord of the Rings are appropriately nerdy and over-the-top, and anyone who isn’t shaking their head at the description will likely love what these guys are doing. It’s very unique, and despite its ridiculous nature at times, Battlelore’s sound is one of the most epic in metal. If artistic songs about epic fantasy battles don’t completely turn you away, this album is for you.

Dawn of Destiny

Rebellion in Heaven

I’ll admit it. I’m a sucker for female-fronted power/symphonic metal. I love the combination of beautiful female vocals with blazing guitar riffs and melodic keyboards. Chances are, I’m not the only person who loves this style of music, and if you’re like me, you’ll love Dawn of Destiny’s Rebellion in Heaven. Dawn of Destiny is closer to power than symphonic metal, and is a very solid entry in the power genre. The vocals are consistently powerful and melodic, and there is quite a bit of variation and originality in Dawn of Desinty’s sound. Fans of power metal and female-fronted metal would be wise to give Rebellion in a Heaven a place on your Christmas list.

Edguy

Tinnitus Sanctus

While one could argue that Edguy’s formula is starting to wear thin, it’s hard to listen to them without smiling. This is an immensely talented power metal band that doesn’t take their music seriously in the slightest. Tinnitus Sanctus is a slightly more mature record than what fans may be used to be, but it’s still a fun, lighthearted, and comedic metal album with some of the most impressive musicianship and intelligent songwriting of Edguy’s career. Just because Tinnitus Sanctus isn’t vastly different from typical Edguy doesn’t imply that Edguy is just your average power metal band. The humor, musicianship, and even the variety within the songs themselves makes Edguy a band that even those who aren’t into power metal can listen to and appreciate. This album has yet to release in the U.S., so you’ll have to wait until January to buy it if you’re an American Edguy fan, but European metalheads should consider adding Tinnitus Sanctus to their wishlist this holiday season.

Eluveitie

Slania

Eluveitie is a very unique folk metal band, and thus Slania, the second album from the band, is a very unique album. If you’re not a fan of folk metal, then you really don’t have much of a reason to listen to it, but Eluveitie’s impressive combination of folk and melodic death metal makes for one of the most interesting sounds in folk metal. Slania is the type of album that takes folk metal in completely new directions, not only by fusing it with melodeath, but also by playing folk metal itself in a non-formulaic way. There are songs here that remove the metal elements entirely, as well as songs that use typical folk instruments in ways not normally used in folk metal. While most other bands of the genre have been reusing the same formula again and again, Eluveitie have created their own and are willing to stray from it. In doing so they have made an album that all folk metal fans should hear.

Elvenking

Two Tragedy Poets (...and a Caravan of Weird Figures)

Two Tragedy Poets is an acoustic folk rock album from power/folk band Elvenking. While that may sound like career suicide to some, this is actually a very good album. Elvenking doesn’t exactly posses the lyrical quality necessary to make a typical folk album, which is why Two Tragedy Poets is anything but a typical folk rock album. The songs are still structured like power metal tracks, and the songwriting is intentionally fun and over-the-top. While an acoustic folk album could have been a huge failure, Elvenking not only do a great job of tweaking their sound to work in an acoustic setting, but they also do a great job of tweaking the acoustic folk formula to fit their style. The result is a purely fun album that anyone looking for a fun folk metal experience should enjoy.

Equilibrium

Sagas

Sagas is an epic and often ridiculous metal album that blends elements of folk, viking, and even black metal into one completely over-the-top sound. This is a fun and epic album that is mostly a folk metal release at its core, but crunching riffs and harsh vocals make it not only much heavier than the typical folk metal album, but also more fun. The musicianship is incredibly solid, the vocals are appropriately over-the-top, and it comes together to create what can only be described as a brilliant mess. If you like folk metal, Sagas is an interesting and unique take on the genre that is definitely worth getting this holiday season.

Korpiklaani

Korven Kuningas

Korven Kuningas isn’t a drastic departure from Korpiklaani’s formula. In fact, there is little here to distinguish Korven Kuningas from other Korpiklaani albums. Still, Korpiklaani’s formula is not one that needs a lot of tweaking. Korven Kuningas is another fun folk metal album that never takes itself seriously, and it’s one that fans of the band will almost certainly enjoy. If you’ve yet to discover Korpiklaani’s unique brand of folk metal, Korven Kuningas is a good place to start. It’s a fun album with a unique sound, and while it won’t be anything new to fans of Korpiklaani, it’s still a folk metal album that’s hard not to like.

Manilla Road

Voyager

Voyager is exactly the kind of album that Manilla Road fans wanted and expected. That is to say, it’s a musically stunning album filled with epic songs and rough vocals. Manilla Road isn’t exactly going to be gaining any popularity with this album, but those who know what this vastly underrated band can do were in for a treat this year. Voyager is yet another solid Manilla Road album, and fans of power/epic metal should give this band a listen. Regardless of whether you get Voyager or one of the many solid past albums, just make sure you look into them. They’re one of the most talented bands in metal, and they’ve been one of the metal underground’s most underappreciated acts for the last 20 years.

Pyramaze

Immortal

Pyramaze’s third release, and first and only release with Matt Barlow (Iced Earth) on vocal duty, is one of the most surprising albums of 2008. Pyramaze was known almost exclusively for vocalist Lance King, who left after two albums. Oddly enough, Immortal is quite possibly Pyramaze’s best album to date. The musicianship has improved dramatically, and Matt Barlow works exceptionally well with the rest of the band. This is power metal at its best, and in a year that featured disappointing new albums from Iced Earth, Evergrey, and DragonForce, Immortal has come out of practically nowhere to become the one of the most essential power metal releases of 2008.

Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force

Perpetual Flame

Perpetual Flame is another one of the year’s most surprising albums. Of course Malmsteen’s guitar work is technically impressive, but it’s the vocals from Tim “Ripper” Owens that makes Perpetual Flame more than just your typical speed metal album. Yngwie’s guitar playing still lacks the passion that he has been missing for most of his career, but the riffs he’s come up with here are some of his most technical and even some of his most unique. There’s no denying his technical skills, but Owens’ vocal performances adds a much needed dimension to the music that makes Perputal Flame a good album. If you’re a fan of Malmsteen, power metal, or blazing fast guitar skills, Perpetual Flame is a solid choice.

Holiday Buyer's Guide 08- Melodeath/Doom/Goth

Other Sections:

-Introduction
-Accessible Metal
-Mainstream Rock
-Progressive
-Alternative
-Melodeath/Doom/Goth
-Indie Rock
-Hip-Hop
-Power/Folk/Symphonic Metal
-Indie Folk
-Extreme Metal
-Experimental

Melodeath/Doom/Goth

Grouped together for the second straight year, melodic death, goth, and doom metal all had their fair share of great albums. While melodeath occupied most of the list last year, 2008 had a number of great doom metal albums, as well as few great goth metal releases. Whether a fan of melodeath, goth, doom, or even all three, here are ten albums from the past year that I recommend to you.

Amon Amarth

Twilight of the Thunder God

Amon Amarth is a band that cannot be accurately described. They just simply have their own unique style of metal that must be heard before being judged. If you’re a metalhead, give Amon Amarth a try. They’ve improved and farther polished their sound with each new album, and Twilight of the Thunder God is their best effort yet. It’s a heavy, brutal, oddly melodic, and wonderfully over-the-top album that is one of the best of 2008. Few bands are so unique in their brutality, and Amon Amarth continue to harness a truly unique sound with a ton creativity and some of the tightest and most technical musicianship you’ll ever hear. Twilight of the Thunder God is an essential metal album, and it makes a great gift for metalheads.

Cult of Luna

Eternal Kingdom

Cult of Luna is easily one of the most creative bands in modern metal. Eternal Kingdom is in no way the definitive Cult of Luna album, and it was a disappointment to a certain extent, but it still comes highly recommended. Not only will this band appeal to fans of doom and prog metal, but also to fans of post-rock bands like Explosions in the Sky and Mogwai. Cult of Luna is widely regarded as post-metal, and they could very well be called the definitive band in that genre. Once again, Eternal Kingdom doesn’t necessarily show what Cult of Luna are capable of, but it’s still a solid metal album, and easily the best post-metal album of 2008.

Daylight Dies

Lost to the Living

Daylight Dies is an immensely talented doom metal band that have shown a great deal of potential. Lost to the Living is an example of what this band is capable of doing while at the top of their game. This is a very original melodic doom album that captivates the listener in more ways than one. It’s full of beautiful melodies and brutal riffs, and the combination of the two is simply stunning. Lost to the Living is an album that shows both the talent and emotion of Daylight Dies, and in a year filled with great doom metal albums, this stands out as one of the best. If you’re looking for either a great doom metal album or just an emotional and melodic work of art, Lost to the Living is the album for you.

Esoteric

The Maniacal Vail

If you’re a fan of doom metal, you should already own this album. If you’re a doom fan that somehow hasn’t yet discovered Esoteric, one of the most unique and talented funeral doom bands out there, then put this one at the top of your holiday list. The Maniacal Vail is everything doom metal should be, and it’s simply a brilliant album from start to finish. As the title implies, funeral doom metal is neither the most accessible nor happiest genre of music in the world, but Esoteric’s latest album is one of the most beautiful and artistic albums released in any genre of music all year. It’s certainly depressing, but also wonderfully artistic and ambient, and it comes highly recommended.

In Mourning

Shrouded Divine

In Mourning’s debut album has drawn comparisons to Opeth, both in the style of their music and even the quality. While Shrouded Divine isn’t anywhere near Opeth’s Watershed, it is a strong melodic death metal album with enough progressive elements to please prog fans. Where In Mourning shines is in the melodeath elements of their music, and that’s where the band separates themselves from other heavy prog metal bands, as well as why there included them in the “melodeath” section of this guide. Shrouded Divine sounds like Opeth’s heavier elements mixed with the Gothenburg sound. It’s not necessarily the most original sound out there, but one that works exceptionally well despite its flaws.

Mar de Grises

Draining the Waterheart

Mar de Grises’ Draining the Waterheart is not only one of the best doom metal albums of 2008, but it’s one of the best doom metal albums released in the last decade. This is an album that reaches the same level as Katatonia, My Dying Bride, and Swallow the Sun, and fans of those three bands would be wise to give this album a look. It’s one of the most unique takes on the doom metal genre in some time, and it’s another brilliant album that went mostly unnoticed in 2008. I don’t even know how to describe their sound other than to say it’s the most unique and artistic doom metal this side of Katatonia. If you’re a fan of either doom metal or simply indescribable metal, this is an album well worth seeking.

Moonspell

Night Eternal

One of the most famous and most influential goth metal acts, Moonspell continue to evolve with their latest album, Night Eternal. This is a heavy yet beautiful atmospheric album that exemplifies what goth metal should be. The heavy riffs combined with beautifully melodic keyboards is nothing new for Moonspell, but they continue to find ways to mix and match the two to create new atmospheres under which to work. The strength of Night Eternal is definitely its atmosphere, as Moonspell knows how to create atmosphere that is dark, haunting, and surprisingly varied. Within that atmosphere they expertly craft beautiful goth metal than can be appreciated by just about any metalhead. If you’re a fan of goth metal, you should already own this album, and if even if you’re not, Night Eternal is worth checking out.

Scar Symmetry

Holographic Universe

It’s unfortunate that vocalist Christian Alvestam parted ways with Scar Symmetry over the summer, as his performance on Holographic Universe is one of the best vocal performances of the year. Much of the album stays all too close to 2006’s masterful Pitch Black Progress, which is both a strength and weakness of Holographic Universe, but it’s still an album that stunningly blends melodeath heaviness with beautiful melody. This is found both in Alvestam’s vocals, as well as with the music behind him. If you have yet to become a fan of Scar Symmetry’s unique sound, get Pitch Black Progress first, but any fan that has held out on the new album this long should get it this holiday season. It’s one of the better metal albums released this year.

Skepticism

Alloy

2008 has been an amazing year for funeral doom metal. Two of the best metal albums of the year are from that genre, and Skepticism’s Alloy is one of those well deserving two. Heavier and even more epic than Esoteric’s The Maniacal Vail, Alloy is a very different yet equally brilliant funeral doom effort. This is an album that takes the typical doom metal sound, and infuses it with new ideas while still executing the formula to perfection. Alloy is epic in scale and beautiful at heart, and it’s an example of doom metal at its finest, nevertheless the epitome of funeral doom.

Virgin Black

Requiem- Fortissimo

Fortissimo is the second album in Virgin Black’s Requiem trinity, and it had a lot to live up to. Last year’s Mezzo Forte was a somewhat overlooked masterpiece that established Virgin Black as an elite metal band. It was an album that was as good as any goth metal album out there, and also one of the most unique and beautiful metal offerings released in some time. Fortissimo is another beautifully unique album from Virgin Black, but it’s also a moderate step down from Mezzo Forte. The sequel is a heavier album that features more growling and less classical influences, and in doing so is much closer to a typical doom metal album. Regardless, Requiem- Fortissimo is a great album, and is worth picking alongside the essential Mezzo Forte.

Holiday Buyer's Guide 08- Progressive

Other Sections:

-Introduction
-Accessible Metal
-Mainstream Rock
-Progressive
-Alternative
-Melodeath/Doom/Goth
-Indie Rock
-Hip-Hop
-Power/Folk/Symphonic Metal
-Indie Folk
-Extreme Metal
-Experimental

Progressive

If you’re a fan of art rock, progressive rock, or progressive metal, 2008 has been good to you. This past year was filled was excellent prog albums, many of which rank among the absolute best albums released in 08. Nearly all of the albums in this category are essential, even if you’re not a huge fan of the genre.

Avantasia

The Scarecrow

In what was an incredible year for progressive music, the third album from Tobias Sammet’s Avantasia is a great album that was almost left off of this guide. Even though The Scarecrow is the tenth most essential prog album of 2008, I highly recommend getting all ten. This isn’t nearly as good as The Metal Opera albums that Avantastia are known for, nor does it come anywhere close to matching Ayreon’s 01011001, the other progressive metal opera released last year, but it’s still a great album with an interesting story and some very impressive musicianship. Although Tobias Sammet is the leader and songwriter of the group, he’s not the only talent involved. Nearly every musician involved in the project pulls their weight, and unlike Ayreon’s latest, The Scarecrow does not suffer from having too many vocalists. There is far less coherency than what one would expect from a prog opera, but there’s still a number of solid progressive power metal tracks featuring some of the most talented musicians in metal. To fans of progressive music, it comes highly recommended.

Ayreon

01011001

It’s easy to compare Ayreon’s latest metal opera to 2004’s brilliant masterpiece The Human Equation, and focus on this album’s faults in the process. Yes, there are too many vocalists, the lyrics are often cheesy, and the story drags in the middle, but this is still one of the absolute best progressive metal operas available. If you’re looking for a story on the same level as Arjen Lucassen’s best, you’re in for a disappointment. However, if you’re looking for a musically varied album with outstanding vocal performances and epic prog metal songs, this album is for you. It’s not The Human Equation, but it’s still one of the most creative albums of the past year, as well as one of the most underrated and overlooked. Far too few copies of this album have been sold, so support great music and give Ayreon’s latest a purchase this Christmas.

Cynic

Traced in Air

It’s taken 15 years for a follow up to Cynic’s classic Focus, and while not a whole lot has changed, Traced in Air is a worthy follow up that belongs in the collection of every metal and prog fan. Cynic’s unique combination of technical death metal and jazz fusion is just as impressive now as it was 15 years ago, and finding a more instrumentally complex album as this is just about impossible. However, it’s not just the music itself that makes Traced in Air a great album. The emotion the band has put into their music is staggering, and it’s safe to say that Traced in Air is the most passionate and emotionally involving technical death metal album since Focus. Whether it’s for a fan of progressive rock, death metal, or even a jazz fan that doesn’t mind the occasional growl, Traced in Air is one of the best albums you can get this holiday season.

Gojira

The Way of All Flesh

If you like music, buy this album. It’s as simple as that. The Way of All Flesh is a masterpiece that is filled with 75 minutes of truly unique progressive metal. From the absolutely stunning lyrical content to mind blowing musicianship to the incredibly varied and practically unclassifiable blend of genres, this album is incredible. Few albums reach the heaviness and brutality that Gojira perform almost effortlessly here, but the focus is on the progressive elements and intelligence that the band displays throughout the album. When an album is as heavy as The Way of All Flesh, rarely is it as creative. Comparisons can be made to Meshuggah and Strapping Young Lad in the way that Gojira is creative within their heaviness, but even compared to their influences Gojira takes it a step farther. This is a masterful record that builds off the groundwork laid by Meshuggah and other extreme and progressive metal bands, and in a year where Meshuggah released what may be their own masterpiece, The Way of All Flesh stands up to it and even surpasses it in many ways. Metalheads or even general music fans should not start 2009 without hearing this album.

Ihsahn

angL

The second solo album from Emperor frontman Ihsahn, is far better than the first. angL has all of the ambition and creativity of his solo debut, but this time around Ihsahn has lived up to his ambition in just about respect. This is a progressive black metal masterpiece that expertly blends genres and sounds in ways that no one could have expected. As part of Emperor, Ihsahn has made some of the best and most iconic black metal albums ever released. This, however, his is masterpiece to date. angL is a stunning and unique album that is a perfect combination of extreme and progressive metal. It’s unlike anything else in music, and is a must buy for any fan of metal or progressive music.

No-Man

Schoolyard Ghosts

No-Man, a collaboration between Tim Bowness and Porcupine Tree’s Steven Wilson, has become a prog band worthy of being called one of the best in the genre. Stylistically, it’s very different from Porcupine Tree, as Schoolyard Ghosts is an atmospheric album that ranges from dream pop to post-rock to more ambient progressive rock, but it still contains much of what makes Porcupine Tree great. As one would expect, the songwriting is superb, and the album as a whole makes for a deep and challenging experience. No-Man is far more than just a Porcupine Tree side project, and Schoolyard Ghosts is far more than just another Steven Wilson album. This is a brilliant record full of beautiful ambiance, deep lyrics, and moments of sheer amazement. Any fan of progressive rock should give this album a strong look this holiday season.

Oceans of Sadness

The Arrogance of Ignorance

Oceans of Sadness are another odd experimental metal band in the spirit of Mr. Bungle, uneXpect, and Diablo Swing Orchestra. Their style is far more serious and contained than the aforementioned groups, but the use of unusual instruments, constantly changing styles, and moments of pure oddity work to a far greater extent than they should. The Arrogance of Ignorance could be described as what a heavier Mr. Bungle would sound like if they decided to record a serious album. Somehow it works, and it works beautifully at that. For those who like their metal unique and inventive, Oceans of Sadness have put out a great record. It may be difficult to find, but it’s worth tracking down.

Opeth

Watershed

Even for an Opeth album, Watershed is outstanding. Words cannot describe the mastery at which Opeth works, and Watershed is Opeth at their best. The contrast of soft and heavy, beautiful and brutal, and lyrical and musical poetry, is one that is at a level of high art few bands are ever able to achieve. This is an album that is dark, beautiful, and poetic, and one that is built on individual moments. Each moment is masterful within itself, but comes together to create a series of masterful tracks that also come together to create a powerful masterpiece of an album. Watershed is simply as good as music gets. It takes many listens to fully appreciate, but it’s a beautiful and powerful experience that is among the best this critic has had the honor of being a part of. I can’t recommend this album highly enough, and in a world where garbage floods the market and dominates album sales, it’s depressing that a truly beautiful magnificent piece of art like this one goes unnoticed to many. Even most critics have denied Watershed a place on their top 10 lists, and I honestly believe there is no excuse for that. This is an album that makes me proud to be a critic and music lover, and I urge and plead any and all fans to treat yourself to Watershed this Christmas.

Steven Wilson

Insurgentes

Steven Wilson already made this list with his side project No-Man’s incredible Schoolyard Ghosts, and he’s created masterpiece after masterpiece in Porcupine Tree. With his first solo album, Insurgentes, Steven Wilson has created another unbelievable masterpiece. Insurgentes features more alternative focused music that is reminiscent of Porcupine Tree, but also very different in that it's is a more personal album that could not be done under Porcupine Tree. This is a different but equally artistic side of Steven Wilson that anyone, even cynics of Porcupine Tree, should purchase. This is one of the best albums of the year, and while the only way to order it is through Steven Wilson’s website, it’s an absolutely essential addition to any prog fan’s collection.

Suspyre

When Times Fades…

Listening to Suspyre’s When Times Fades… is an absolutely mesmerizing experience. Even within the progressive genre, this album is immensely creative and unlike anything else out there. With influences ranging from progressive metal bands like Opeth and Symphony X to various classical musicians, Suspyre’s sound is both varied and beautiful, but it also surprisingly polished. Musically, this is one of the tightest metal albums released this past year, and it also happens to be one of the most unique. Much like Opeth, brutality and melody are intertwined seamlessly, and the use of choirs, grand pianos, and even a saxophone are superb. This is one of 2008’s best releases, and just about any fan of beautiful music would love it.

Holiday Buyer's Guide 08- Hip-Hop

Other Sections:

-Introduction
-Accessible Metal
-Mainstream Rock
-Progressive
-Alternative
-Melodeath/Doom/Goth
-Indie Rock
-Hip-Hop
-Power/Folk/Symphonic Metal
-Indie Folk
-Extreme Metal
-Experimental

Hip-Hop

This is the first year I’ve included hip-hop on my Holiday Buyer’s Guide, but with the possible exception of indie rock, no section had stronger competition. 2008 was an unbelievable year for underground rap, and while even legends like Nas have said that hip-hop is dead, the underground is alive and doing better than ever. Whether you’re a fan of underground rap or someone who has yet to hear what real hip-hop music is like, there are number of great albums for you to choose from.

Atmosphere

When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold

Atmosphere’s When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold is an intelligent, mature, and poetic album that belongs in the collection of every music fan. Regardless of how much or how little you like rap, this is an album that you should own. When Life Gives You Lemons is an example of what rap music can be when in the hands of true artists. The amount of subtle touches in production, lyrics, and delivery of the album is staggering, and this is the type of album that is both immensely deep while also beautiful in its simplicity. That may seem like a contradiction, but it’s the contrast of ideas that gives this album depth. A few sentences cannot describe just how incredible this album is, and if you’re a music fan who has yet to experience this unbelievably beautiful work of art, there’s really no excuse for ending the year without it.

Blue Sky Black Death

Late Night Cinema

In a genre capable of such raw and powerful lyricism, it’s somewhat surprising that one of the year’s most recommendable hip-hop albums is an instrumental one. However, Blue Sky Black Death’s Late Night Cinema is more than just an album of catchy hip-hop beats. This is a beautiful and even emotionally tense album that tells a story through some of the most creative beats found in hip-hop. Late Night Cinema is reminiscent of DJ Shadow’s classic Entroducing… in the way that it creates truly unique music through pure sampling. It’s both an experimental instrumental album and powerful hip-hop poetry, and it’s far and away the best instrumental hip-hop album of 2008.

Flobots

Fight with Tools

Known mostly for the breakout single “Handlebars,” which received significant air time on alternative rock stations this past year, the Flobots are actually a very different band than advertised. This is a unique political rap group that has much more in common with underground hip-hop acts than alternative rap-rock bands or mainstream rap. No other songs on this album have much of a chance to get radio play, so it’s not something that fans of catchy pop music are going to like. This is serious political rap, and the Flobots never stray from that. Musically, the use of a violin, as well as traditional rock instruments allow them to create tension that goes well with the lyrics and message. The Flobots are one of one of the most deserving groups to get radio play in some time, and this is a great album for anyone looking for hip-hop with a real message.

GZA/Genius

Pro Tools

Even though he may not be the most recognizable member in the mainstream, Wu-Tang Clan’s GZA is truly the genius of the group. He’s a masterful lyricist with a flow to match, and he has been one of the most influential artists in the hip-hop underground. GZA’s Pro Tools is an album written from an underground perspective, and its focus is primarily on lyrics. There are few choruses, as GZA opts for mostly short songs comprised of deep poetry and clever rhymes, and it takes an approach directly opposite of mainstream rap. There’s even a full song dedicated to 50 Cent, where GZA tells him he “still window shops for lyrics” and “got rich robbing those in the industry.” It may be an obvious pun, but GZA lives up to his nickname. Pro Tools is one of the best albums this genius has done since his classic Liquid Swords, and it belongs in the collection of any true rap fan.

Hasan Salaam

Children of God

Hasan Salaam is proof that even in the underground, there is no justice in hip-hop. While he’s far too intelligent and lyrical to appeal to radio rap fans, Hasan Salaam deserves to be a household name. He’s one of the best emcees in hip-hop today, both in terms to flow and lyrics. He raps with as much swagger as the best of them, his metaphors are deep, and his rhymes are real. Like Immortal Technique, Hasam Salaam is real hip-hop, and Children of God is one of the best rap albums of 2008. If you respect real lyricism and true rap music, then support real hip-hop and get yourself a copy of Children of God. It’s raw, real, and oddly inspiring.

Ill Bill

The Hour of Reprisal

Ill Bill isn’t the only rapper that claims to be influenced by metal, but he makes better uses of his metal influences than just about anyone. Containing guests spots from metal musicians such as Howard Jones from Killswitch Engage, Max Cavalera from Soulfly, and two members of Bad Brains, as well as guest rappers Immortal Technique, Raekwon from Wu-Tang Clan, Vinnie Paz from Jedi Mind Tricks, B-Real from Cypress Hill, Everlast from La Coka Nostra, among others, The Hour of Reprisal is an overblown rap-metal record that succeeds by the strengths of its guests. Ill Bill himself is a talented enough emcee, as well as one of the most hardcore and controversial lyricists in the hip-hop underground, but it’s the guests that will make and break the album for you. If the guest list sounds like something you’d like, either on the metal or hip-hop side of things, then The Hour of Reprisal is a worthwhile to purchase this holiday season. Just make sure you can stand lyrics influenced by politics, horror films, metal, and porn.

Immortal Technique

The 3^rd World

It’s unfortunate that The 3^rd World is Immortal Technique’s first album in five years. It’s really more of a mixtape than an actual album, and compared to his powerful Revolutionary albums, The 3^rd World is somewhat of a disappointment. However, this is a mixtape that is as good as any rap album released this year, and while not as cohesive as his past work, it contains some of Tech’s best individual tracks. Immortal Technique is real hip-hop with a powerful message that isn’t for the faint of heart, but instead for anyone willing to hear the truth in the form of hip-hop. The 3^rd World is easily the most raw album released in 2008, and while it’s no Revolutionary Vol. 2, it’s one of the absolute best hip-hop albums of the year.

Nas

Untitled

Nas has received some likely desired controversy and a massive amount of undeserved criticism for his untitled ninth album, originally pegged to use the n-word as its title. Regardless of what the album is called, Nas has made an album that is anything but a gimmick. This is one of the best lyrical albums released since Nas revolutionized hip-hop with his classic Illmatic, and it’s the second masterpiece of Nas’ career. While many have been quick to criticize the beats, the point of the album is in the lyrics. Lyrically, this is a poetic and analytic account of racism, both in modern times and history. Nas raps with clarity that is rarely heard in hip-hop, and the words he speaks are powerful. Nas’ untitled masterpiece is an essential album, not just because of its quality, but also for its message. Any human being willing to listen to an album for the lyrics and what the artist has to say should do so with this one. It’s one of the most important albums of the past year.

The Mighty Underdogs

Droppin’ Science Fiction

While most hip-hop albums on this list focus on deep lyrics and a serious message, the first album from “supergroup” The Mighty Underdogs is a purely fun hip-hop record. It’s far from a club album, but instead an album of clever rhymes and unique production. The songs range from soulful jams to parody to the just plain crazy, and it makes for an incredibly fun experience. Great guest spots from MF DOOM, Mr. Lif, DJ Shadow, Akrobatik, and others add to the album. There are some seriously talented people involved in this album, and it’s clear that all had a great time working on it. Trust me, you’ll have a great time listening as well.

The Roots

Rising Down

Rising Down is a moderate step down from The Roots’ brilliant 2006 album, Game Theory, but that’s not to say it isn’t a solid album. Actually, Rising Down is solid to a fault. Every song on the album is purely solid, nothing more, nothing less (unless you include the iTunes bonus track “Birthday Girl,” which is nothing short of awful). The Roots can do better than this, but no other hip-hop group could make this album. The Roots stand out from other hip-hop groups by using live instruments and actual band members as opposed to samples, and the talent of the musicians at hand allows The Roots to get more creative musically than their peers. It also helps that The Roots’ lyrics exemplifies what real hip-hop should be. It’s not as poetic as Atmosphere or as hardcore as Immortal Technique, but it is real music with an actual message, and even just an average Roots album like Rising Down is enough to be one of the most recommendable hip-hop albums this holiday season.

Holiday Buyer's Guide 08- Mainstream Rock

Other Sections:

-Introduction
-Accessible Metal
-Mainstream Rock
-Progressive
-Alternative
-Melodeath/Doom/Goth
-Indie Rock
-Hip-Hop
-Power/Folk/Symphonic Metal
-Indie Folk
-Extreme Metal
-Experimental

Mainstream Rock

Good mainstream rock albums are getting harder and harder to find. In a day where free radio is dying and radio play is dictated by major labels persistent on forcing the same material over and over again onto listeners, the quality of mainstream rock has greatly decreased. Still, there are quality mainstream rock bands to found, and here are ten recommendable albums for fans of radio rock.

10 Years
Division

10 Years’ sophomore album isn’t a huge improvement from their debut, but it’s a more praise worthy album than most other post-grunge releases. While it’s not saying much, Division is quite possibly the best post-grunge album of 2008. Fans of the genre looking for some solid tracks should be satisfied with what 10 Years have produced. It’s not terribly original, but that’s to be expected. Instead, the album’s strength is in its lyrics, which range from personal reflections to politically conscious protests. Once again, it’s nothing new, but Division is decent enough. Unfortunately for post-grunge fans, you can’t say that about many other post-grunge albums released this past year.

Another Black Day
Another Black Day

The self titled debut from hard rock band Another Black Day is admittedly a rather generic album. That being said, it’s not trying to do anything new or groundbreaking. This is simply solid hard rock that is much tighter, heavier, and intelligent than most of what’s on the radio these days. If you have either a guilty pleasure for radio rock or are a proud fan of mainstream hard rock, this is a much better option than almost any other radio rock album from 2008. If you or the person you’re shopping for is looking at the new Nickelback or Hinder albums, get them this instead. It’s a far better in just about every respect, and is even a good album in its own right.

Black Stone Cherry
Folklore and Superstition

Black Stone Cherry is a bluesy hard rock group with a sound that ranges from post-grunge to southern rock to heavy metal. They’ve received some criticism because of this, as their sound too grunge-like for some southern rock fans, and they sound too southern for many radio rock fans. Their sound is certainly unique compared to that of other mainstream rock acts though, and more open-minded hard rock fans may find this to be a solid addition to their collection. Variety is not one Black Stone Cherry’s strong points, as not much as changed since their first album, but there’s more than enough solid tracks to keep Folklore and Superstition ahead of the radio rock pack. It’s not a great album, and I’m hoping to see some progression for their next release, but Black Stone Cherry have done enough to earn a recommendation.

Disturbed
Indestructible

Indestructible is another solid album from Disturbed that sees the band making just enough improvements to sound fresh without changing who they are. This is an album that fans of Disturbed should be pleased with, and it’s easily one of the best mainstream rock albums released in 2008. Some will still fault Disturbed for not being heavy enough or not having enough variety, but it’s pretty clear that Disturbed isn’t concerned with being heavy. They stick to their sound, and within that sound, and they’ve made some solid improvements for this record. Just like their first three albums, Indestructible is front-loaded. Still, the front half of the album is filled with hard-hitting rock songs with surprisingly great lyrics. Indestructible is an album that should please any and all hard rock fans, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s one of the easiest 2008 releases to find in stores.

Janus
Red Right Return

Janus’ Red Right Return is somewhat of a hard album to recommend. Not because of it’s quality, as it’s actually a very good album, but it’s that the post-hardcore genre has become populated with so many awful bands that I’m not quite sure who to recommend this album to. This is a far more progressive, unique, and intelligent album to appeal to fans of the garbage on MTV, but it’s also hard to imagine a fan of artistic music truly enjoying a post-hardcore band with an emo looking frontman. To anyone looking for a quality post-hardcore album that actually strays from the norm and takes the genre into new territory, this is an album worth getting. Fans of bands like 30 Seconds to Mars and The Used willing to try something a bit more progressive should give this album a chance, and anyone who is intrigued by a quality accessible hardcore album should not be deterred by the comparison to the aforementioned bands. This is actually a very solid album, and it’s far better than anything the mainstream form of the genre has seen in some time.

Rise Against
Appeal to Reason

There has been and will likely continue to be mixed reactions to Rise Against’s Appeal to Reason. On one hand, this album marks a fairly drastic change in the band’s style. No longer can they be called hardcore punk, as the screaming is gone, the riffs have been slowed down, and the songs have become more radio friendly. One could say that this new style is more similar to the MTV punk bands than the true punk rockers Rise Against have been influenced by, but within this style Rise Against have made some necessary improvements. In doing so, the band has proved once again that they are far superior to any other modern mainstream punk band. Despite the oddly non-aggressive style of many of the songs, the change doesn’t seem forced. The songwriting is more intelligent than ever, and Rise Against’s political message is never comprised. Regardless of whether you like mainstream rock or hardcore punk, Rise Against’s Appeal to Reason is a solid choice, and by far the best mainstream punk album released in 2008.

Scars on Broadway
Scars on Broadway

Scars on Broadway, the new project from System of a Down guitarist Daron Malakian, is different enough from System of a Down to warrant a new project, but also similar enough in areas to recommend wholeheartedly to fans of SOAD. Malakian has made a straight up hard rock album with a fair share of experimentation. It’s weird, intelligent, and is every bit as good as Serj Tankian’s solo album from last year. As a whole Scars on Broadway is highly recommended to fans of System of a Down, and even open-minded cynics of the band might be wise to give it a chance, as its best moments are when it strays from System’s formula.


Sevendust
Chapter VII: Hope and Sorrow

Sevendust’s seventh studio album is a lot like the first six. Hope and Sorrow has the same problems of past Sevendust albums, most notably consistency, but it also has moments of true greatness. If you’re the type of person who downloads single songs, just get the single “Prodigal Son” and skip the full album. There are, however, enough solid songs to warrant a purchase for rock fans who prefer buying full albums. Sevendust is a band that I cannot recommend highly enough to fans of rock, but this particular album has a bit to much filler to warrant a high recommendation. Still, Chapter VII, is a decent enough album that is as good as any in Sevendust’s discography, and when it’s at its best it’s far better than anything else played on active rock radio.

Tesla
Forever More

Tesla have been around for over 20 years now, so it’s a bit unfair to call them mainstream rock. They actually have a large audience with fans of classic hard rock and heavy metal than with active rock fans, but Tesla’s Forever More is a pure rock ‘n roll album that really doesn’t fit anywhere else on this guide. Still, if you’re a fan of hard rock, definitely give this album a shot. In a year where Chinese Democracy has been the most hyped album for classic hard rock fans, Tesla’s lesser known Forever More is the far better option. Great vocals, solid guitar work, and some of rock’s most intelligent songwriting this year make Forever More a very solid album for rock fans this Christmas.

Underoath
Lost in Sound and Separation

The latest album from post-hardcore band Underoath is quite possibly the last album I expected to be good. From a subjective standpoint, I’m never going to like anything they do, simply because this really isn’t my style of music. Still, I must give Underoath credit for making a great album. Lost in Sound and Separation is a surprisingly accessible, intelligent, and original album that has features vastly improved songwriting and musicianship. Underoath have shed themsevles of the forced angst and emo influences, and for the first time, the group sounds honest. I can’t believe I’m recommending this album, but honestly, this is one of the best albums in this category, and any fan of hard rock or metalcore should give it a chance. It’s probably the year’s most surprisingly good album, and also one of the best the genre has seen in some time.