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.

Holiday Buyer's Guide 08- Acessible 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

Accessible Metal

While it was a great year for metal music as a whole, many of the best albums of the year are in heavy or obscure genres that will unfortunately turn away listeners. Most “mainstream” metal albums tend to be awful, as generic trends were once again more widespread than actual creative art. If you’re looking to get into metal for the first time, or just looking for a metal album that’s easier to get into, here are ten quality accessible metal albums from this past year.

36 Crazyfists

The Tide and Its Takers

If there’s one album in this guide that will not and should not win any awards, it’s 36 Crazyfists’ The Tide and Its Takers. This is an album lacking in variety and standout moments. Still, it gets a pass largely due to the weakness of most other metalcore albums. 36 Crazyfists at least have a sound that can be recommended, even if the album as a whole is decent as best. The group is tight musically and is also one of the few metalcore acts with an aggressive edge to their sound. This isn’t an album for anyone other than metalcore fans, but if you like metalcore, it’s worth checking out. You could certainly do a lot worse than The Tide and Its Takers, and with the onslaught of awful metalcore albums released this year, that’s good enough to be called one of the best metalcore albums of 2008.

All That Remains

Overcome

Overcome is a much more mainstream release than typical All That Remains, as the vocals feature far more clean singing than screaming. However, now matter how accessible and commercial their sound has become, All That Remains is still one of the best bands metalcore has to offer. If you’re a fan of more well known melodic metalcore acts like Bullet for My Valentine, As I Lay Dying, and Atreyu, make sure to check this album out. It might be the weakest album in All That Remains’ discography, but it’s also their most accessible, and far better than the usual metalcore offering.

Apocalyptica

Worlds Collide

Worlds Collide is a much more accessible and commercially friendly album than what Apocalyptica fans may have wanted, but it still earns a spot on this list and a strong recommendation. Apocalyptica is a metal band comprised of three cellists and a drummer, and the music they create is absolutely astonishing. Guests such as Cristina Scabbia from Lacuna Coil and Dave Lombardo from Slayer add to the album, making Worlds Collide a different yet still great Apocalyptica experience. The songs here range from hard rock to heavy metal to symphonic music, and with the exception of a few generic tracks, it works tremendously well. This is an album that any fan of metal, classical, or symphonic music should enjoy, and it’s a rare metal album that finds accessibility without comprising quality and originality.

Heaven Shall Burn

Iconoclast

Germany’s Heaven Shall Burn has been one of the absolute best metalcore bands for some time now. Iconoclast doesn’t see the band drastically improving their sound, but the album has just enough variation to sound fresh. Heaven Shall Burn is a metalcore band that is good enough to appeal to just about any metalhead, and heavy enough to be appreciated by extreme metal fans. Still, their brand of metal is accessible enough to recommend to fans of more popular hardcore bands. Iconoclast isn’t an essential album, but it’s in a completely different league from just about every other 2008 metalcore album, and it will make a good stocking stuffer for most metalheads. Whether you get Iconoclast or one of their previous, just make sure to give this band a look.

Metallica

Death Magnetic

It’s been 17 years since Metallica has recorded anything worthy of praise. After the absolutely horrendous St. Anger in 2004, it’s a miracle that Death Magnetic turned out good enough to warrant a spot on this list. Surprisingly, Death Magnetic isn’t just a huge step up from St. Anger, nor it is simply the best Metallica album since the black album. Death Magnetic is a good metal album in its own right, and it’s sure to please just about any fan of the band. What makes Death Magnetic great is not that the album sounds like classic Metallica, which is does at times, but more that there is actually some genuinely original music being played. The lyrics, one of the most underrated aspects of early Metallica, are great once again, and the album strikes a balance between old-school thrash and modern heavy metal. Death Magnetic is a return to form in many respects, but it’s not a stuck in the past. It’s simply a good solid album that you can find on sale just about anywhere, and is definitely worth picking up.

Protest the Hero

Fortress

Protest the Hero’s Fortress is easily the best metalcore album of 2008. Words cannot do justice to what Protest the Hero have achieved, not because Fortress is an especially amazing album, but because the album has absolutely no reason to be as good as it is. Fortress sounds like a bunch of random styles randomly thrown together to create a complete mess of a prog album, but it somehow comes together and works. This is progressive music with metalcore screams and breakdowns, but it’s also a metalcore album with experimentation, style changes, and obscure time signatures. Fortress gets better with each listen, and while there will be many who will unable to get past the metalcore base, those who are looking for a different kind of metalcore album should take a good look at Protest the Hero’s latest.

Soulfly

Conquer

Originally a run of the mill nu-metal band in the mid-90s, Soulfly have improved tremendously and become a solid and unique heavy metal band in the process. Conquer is the most experimental Soulfly album yet, but it’s also their most consistent. Every song is musically tight and stylistically varied, and the album as a whole is surprisingly great. There’s little to no filler, and the riffs are heavier than anything Soulfly have done in the past. It may be hard to believe, but Conquer is a true heavy metal album. It’s solid throughout, and while it certainly won’t change the way metal is played, it’s a far more original album than anyone could have expected.

Testament

The Formation of Damnation

Okay, Testament isn’t exactly “accessible metal,” but if I’m going to recommend the new Metallica and Soulfly albums, I feel the need to put the best trash metal album of the year on the same list. Testament’s The Formation of Damnation is far and away the best thrash metal album of 2008, and it’s one of the overall best metal albums of the year as well. It took 9 years to make, and it’s the first album with Testament's original lineup in 16 years, but it’s also one of the finest albums this classic band has ever released. This is what thrash metal should sound like, and fans of the genre should love this album. If you’re looking for a new album for a thrash metal fan in your life, you can’t do much better than The Formation of Damnation.

Textures

Silhouettes

Progressive metalcore had a surprisingly strong year in 2008, and Silhouettes is one of two solid albums this year to combine metalcore with progressive elements. While Textures’ album is heavier than the other, Fortress by Protest the Hero, it is also the weaker of the two. Still, Textures have more extreme metal influences than Protest the Hero, and unlike Protest the Hero, this is a more polished album with experimental and ambient elements. If that sounds like more of your thing, then give this is a listen, as it’s a very solid album in its own right. If you’re neutral though, and you can only get one progressive metalcore album, I recommend Fortress over Silhouettes, but you can’t go wrong with either.

The Sword

Gods of the Earth

Faulting The Sword for sounding too much like Black Sabbath is like faulting Ozzy Osbourne for not having a great voice. It may be true, but it misses the point entirely. The Sword is essentially a Black Sabbath tribute band, and while the album is comprised of all original songs, the one major influence is clearly Sabbath. Unlike most retro-rock bands, however, The Sword do a commendable job of paying tribute to their influences with copying their style. They avoid recycling Sabbath riffs, and none of the songs are reminiscent of any specific classic. It’s just a new band doing their own thing while paying tribute to their heroes. Yes, it’s an unessential album lacking in originality, but it’s also an album that achieves just about everything it attempts. If you’re a fan of early Sabbath, The Sword’s Gods of the Earth makes for a worthwhile listen.

Holiday Buyer's Guide 08- Introduction

2008 has been another unbelievable year for music. Unfortunately a trip to your local music store may not give you that same impression. These days, there are more bad albums being released than good albums, and it’s hard to find the many great bands of today without digging through a large amount of the bad ones. That’s why it’s important to know what to look for if you plan to buy albums for you and your loved ones this holiday season. Well, I’ve dug through all of the crap and compiled a list of 110 albums from this past year that I can recommend for any music fan in your life. Whether you’re having trouble deciding which albums to put on your Christmas list, or you’re looking for a gift for a special music lover in your life, this Holiday Buyer’s Guide is for you! Unlike other sites that have included music recommendations in their holiday buyer’s guides, I’ve listened to more than just what’s popular, and I’ll answer any and all questions. The 110 albums will be divided into 11 categories that will be revealed over the next few days, with ten albums in each section. So whether you or that special someone is a prog fan, alternative rocker, hip-hop fanatic, or even a hardcore headbanger, there’s a category that should fit your needs.

Sections:

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

Not a review, but a sloppy rant regarding Common's new album

I like Common. I really do. Not as much as Immortal Technique, Atmosphere, or many of the greats in underground rap these days, but there's no denying that Common is a deeper, more poetic emcee than 95% of rappers that have achieved the same level of commercial success. Common will release his latest album, Universal Mind Control on Tuesday, and will be selling it for a mere $0.99 on the Zune marketplace. If you've been following this story, this shouldn't be news to you, as Common announced this a few weeks ago. At that point, it was hard to imagine any fan of music justifying passing on the album. I got a chance to hear the album last week, and after a week of thinking and re-listening, I've come to the conclusion that this album is awful. Not only is it by far Common's weakest album, but it's also one of the worst albums I've heard this year, and honestly of the same quality as your average mainstream hip-hop garbage. Universal Mind Control is a flat-out terrible album, and while Common did say beforehand that this one was going to be a "club" album, it's unfortunate that one of hip-hop's better lyricists couldn't at least make a club album that was good in comparison to other club albums. The lyrics are awful, the beats are awful, and I'm actually torn as to whether this album is even worth $0.99. You can listen to it in its entirety at Common's myspace page, and if you think it's worth it, you can find more information on how to get it for 99 cents right here.

A Message to Anyone Who Cares

I don't want to make excuses for my inactivity, but the truth is that I love reviewing music, writing about music, and discussing music. This is my passion, and believe me when I say that I am fighting to be able to keep doing it. Those who know me know that I am a verbose person, and rarely will I simplify a situation to a single phrase, nonetheless a profane one, but I can't describe what I'm going through other than to call it simply shit. I've been through stuff this past year that I honestly I'm not sure how I got through, and I'm both shocked and grateful to still be alive and in a position where I can continue to follow my passion. Regardless of the work that I will have to do in order to stabilize myself and reach a state of mind where I can be safe, I will make time to write. I don't care what anyone says. If I didn't have this passion, I would not be alive right now. I would have given up and I literally would be dead. My wonderful friends who have supported me through this process, and even those who don't know what I've been through and have never met me in person, but continue to comment and support me, you are also the reason why I am alive today. I owe you all my life, and for what I've been through I owe myself more than what I have been able to give. Fuck everything else. Reviewing music is now my priority.

No excuses. No delays. Updates are coming.