BY METALLICA100 (LUKE)
Map isn't great but it's not important lol.
Since there is always heated debates and discussions about the origins of metal and people wanting to discover new bands and the like, I have decided to make a guide and map (seeing as that's what I'll be doing for a living) of where different metal bands have originated from. Some bands mentioned aren't exactly to my liking, I've heard most of them but I also did a bit of research. Hopefully you can learn more about metal bands and discover more bands by likeness in taste and genre.
(Famous songs and best album is just my rough guide and opinion, it's purely to help people get into the particular band. I don't want heated discussions about the best Metallica album)
A bit about me : Why am I a good metal judge and worthy to make a guide? I've been listening to metal since I was 15, before I discovered metal I just didn't listen to music because I liked very little I heard. I am metal at heart and metal for life. I've been playing guitar for 5 years and taught myself and only played metal, I understand a lot about the music. I pride myself on listening to as much metal as I can, it's like a drug to me. I've also got an A/S level in music technology so I understand production, song structure and many musical techniques metal bands use. I constantly read music and tabs by metal bands and their lyrics. I've been to many gigs and festivals, metal is what I am and what I love to do. You don't have to take notice of my judgement it is merely my educated opinion. I like most metal so there's really no problem. Onwards with the guide!
If I've seen the band live, I'll give them a rating out of 10 for the best time I've seen them.
Lets start from the beginning then where all good things start, in the UK.
UK
Coloured bright green on the map is where heavy metal was born. Mixing elements of blues, early pop and classical the original heavy metal bands were formed toward the end of the 1960's. Of course metal took influence from punk but I can't go into that because I don't know much about it and it's meant to be a Metal guide.
EARLY/ORIGINAL HEAVY METAL
Name : Black Sabbath
Genre : Heavy metal
Famous songs : Black Sabbath, Paranoid, War Pigs, Iron Man, Hole in the sky, Sweet leaf, Snowblind, Sabbath bloody sabbath, Sabbra Cadabra, Symptom of the Universe, Heaven and hell
Best album : Paranoid
Judgement : Sabbath are the daddies, if you dont know their key material then you can't understand or appreciate the roots of metal. I was fortunate enough to see them live, fucking amazing.
Live rating : 10/10
Website : Black Sabbath
Names : Led Zeppelin
Genre : Heavy metal/rock
Famous songs : Stairway to heaven, Black dog, Dazed and confused, Communication breakdown, Good times, bad times, whole lotta love, Heartbreaker, Immigrant song, The rain song
Best album : Led Zepplin
Judgement : Zeppelin are essential to metal and rock as we know it today, bringing a heavy blues influence and a classical understanding they created music that will never die. Zepplin rules.
Website : Led Zeppelin
Name : Deep Purple
Genre : Heavy metal/rock
Judgement : I don't know much Deep Purple but I know they are an important band to the emergence of rock/metal. Not really my style but it's rockin'.
Best album : Machine Head (apprantely)
Website : Deep Purple
NEW WAVE OF BRITISH HEAVY METAL
Now we've looked at where it all started, we see it progress with the 'new wave of British heavy metal' which comes a step closer to metal as it is nowadays.
Name : Iron Maiden
Genre : Heavy/power metal
Famous songs : Run to the hills, number of the beast, The evil that men do, Can I play with madness, Aces high, Iron Maiden, The trooper, fear of the dark, Hallowed be thy name, Powerslave
Best album : Number of the best
Judgement : I didn't quite 'get' Maiden at first but then I got really into them. Their music is very well thought out and structured. One of the first metal bands to bring that faster/distorted element to all their songs. Mixing in amazing musicianship and killer vocals. Maiden is definately a must listen to band for any metal fan plus their live shows are fantastic.
Live rating : 10/10
Website : Iron Maiden
Name : Judas Priest
Genre : Heavy Metal
Famous songs : Breaking the law, Living after midnight, Painkiller, Electric eye, Metal meltdown, Freewheel burning
Best album : British Steel (apprantely)
Judgement : I'm not too keen on Priest, I need to listen to a bit more myself to give proper judgement. If you really dig power metal vocals then definately get some Judas Priest. Check out British Steel
.Website : Judas Priest
Name : Motorhead
Genre : Heavy metal/rock/speed/punk
Famous songs : Aces of spades, Overkill, Bomber, Damage case, Dead men tell no tales, Killed by death, white line fever, Iron fist, Too late, too late, We are the roadcrew
Best album : Bomber, Ace of spades
Judgement : Motorhead are pioneers of fast music, bringing a fast punk influence into their heavy metal they created that first element of thrash. Everyone knows Motorhead and if you dont then you loose! Motorhead owns.
Live rating : 6/10
Website : Motorhead
Name : Diamond Head
Genre : Heavy metal/rock
Famous songs : Lightning to the nations, The prince, Am I evil?, Helpless, It's electric, Shoot out the lights
Best album : Lightning to the nations
Judgement : Diamond head were a major influence to bands like Metallica, I've seen them live supporting Megadeth and they were really ownage. They've made a recent return to the scene and is a must for fans of the genre.
Live rating : 6/10
Website : Diamond Head
Other mentionable bands from the NWOBHM
Name : Venom
Genre : Heavy/thrash metal/black
Judgement : Massively influencial band for all genres of metal. I'm not a big fan but they're a very important band.
Website : Venom
Name: Dio
Genre : Heavy metal
Best album : Holy Diver
Judgement : Ex vocalist of Black sabbath who went on to do solo work which become very popular, not technically NWOBHM but he was as part of Sabbath.
Live rating : 6/10
Website : Dio
Name: Saxon
Genre : Heavy/power metal
Judgement : Saw them live at a festival, didn't like them much but they are a huge heavy metal act.
Live rating : 3/10
Website : Saxon
Name : Blitzkrieg
Genre : Heavy metal
BRITISH DEATH METAL
Name : Napalm Death
Genre : Death metal/Grindcore
Famous songs : Nazi punks fuck off, Scum, You suffer
Judgement : Personally I'm not huge on Napalam death as I haven't heard a lot of their work. I hear their live shows are completely crazy so if you're into grindcore/death metal then you might really be into Napalm Death. Carcass were formed from ex Napalm death members. Napalm Death are extremely important to extreme metal and widely respected.
Website : Napalm Death
Name : Carcass
Genre : Death/melodic/thrash/grindcore
Famous songs : Genital grinder, Pyosisified, Reek of Putrefaction, Inpropagation, Corporeal Jigsore Quandary, Buried dreams, Carnal forge, Heartwork, Embodiment, This mortal coil, Keep on rotting in the free world, Tomorrow belongs to nobody, Black star, Generation hexed
Best album : Heartwork
Judgement : Carcass worked their way through the extreme metal genres, starting off as a grindcore band they progressed to death metal then melodic death metal and finally heavy metal/thrash. I think the 'heartwork' album is one of the finest metal albums ever written. I'm pleased to announce that prior to their breakup about 15years ago, Carcass are reforming to do some live shows and who knows what else. If you like death metal and haven't got some carcass then you must! Carcass reign!
Name : Cancer
Genre : Death metal
Judgement : I haven't heard alot of Cancer but I know their early stuff is good but it's hard to get hold of unfortunately. Their latest album before splitting up 'Spirit in flames' is a well produced and original death metal album and metal fans
should endevour to hear it.
Name : Bolt thrower
Genre : Death metal
Judgement : I've only just started listening to Bolt thrower and there's a lot of material to get through. Their latest release 'those once loyal' I found really easy to get into, a real groove death metal classic. Another massive death metal band you might not of heard of.
Website : Bolt Thrower
OTHER BRITISH METAL
Name : Dragonforce
Genre : Extreme power metal
Famous songs : Valley of the damned, Black fire, Disciples of babylon, My spirit will go on, Fury of the storm, Fields of despair, Prepare for war, Through the fire and flames, Revoltion deathsquad, Operation ground and pound, Body breakdown
Best album : Sonic Firestorm
Judgement : I've seen Dragonforce a few times and they truely are amazing at their own shows. The keyboardist has a keyboard guitar! It's crazy how popular they have got in such a short time. I hope it doesn't affect their music too much. I was a big fan of 'Sonic firestorm' but 'Inhuman rampage' was a bit of a let down in comparison. People who don't even like metal, like dragonforce so there's no excuses not to give them a spin.
Live rating : 9/10
Website : Dragonforce
Name : Stampin' Ground
Genre : Hardcore/Metalcore/Thrash
Famous songs : Officer down, The Symmetry Of Hatred, Bathe My Wounds, Everyone owes a death, By Whatever Means Necessary, Don�€™t Need A Reason To Hate, Behind The Light, Dead from the neck up, Bear the scars, Pain is weakness (leaving the body)
Judgement : I can't recommend Stampin' ground enough, probably unheard of outside the UK but this is what this guide is about, for people to hear about metal they may not hear about anywhere else. I've been to so many Stampin' ground shows, they always had the sickest pits and wall of deaths. They absolutely destroyed the London Astoria when I saw them supporting Sepultura. They started off as a Hardcore punk/metal band sounding similar to Hatebreed but I really like their last two albums which are more metalcore. Despite being split up they go down as one of the most brutal Uk metal acts.
Live rating : 10/10
Website : Stampin' Ground
Name : Raging Speedhorn
Genre : Sludgecore/Grindcore/Heavy metal
Famous songs : Superscud, Redweed, Knives and faces, Mandan, Thumper, High whore, The gush, The hate song, Scrapin' the resin, Chronic youth, Iron cobra, Fuck the vodooman, A different shade of shit, Dead man walking
Judgement : I used to be a big fan back in the day, their pits were fun as fuck and the music catchy as hell. If you like fast brutal riffs with screaming vocals then check out Speedhorn. It's probably a lot different from what you'll expect but I'm sure you'll like it.
Live rating : 8/10
Website : Raging Speedhorn
Name : Cradle of filth
Genre : Gothic/heavy/black metal
Judgement : I don't like COF but of course they are massive so worth a mention.
Website : Cradle of filth
Name : Akercocke
Genre : Death/black metal
Judgement : Saw them a few times when they toured a lot. I find them quite difficult to get into but they are a big extreme metal act here in the UK. I'm gonna have to listen to them some more but I hear 'The goat of medes' album is good.
Live rating : 5/10
Website : Ackercocke
Name : Bullet for my valentine
Genre : Metalcore
Judgement : They show signs of good metal but I don't like the melodic vocals and the emo lyrics. Maybe they will come out with something heavier but I wouldn't count on it. Saying this if you wanna get into metal then this band might be a good link.
Website : Bullet for my valentine
Name : Paradise Lost
Genre : Heavy/gothic/doom
Website : Paradise Lost
Name : Bal-Sagoth
Genre : Symphonic black metal/power
Website : Bal Sagoth
Name : Cathedral
Genre : Heavy/doom metal
Website : Cathedral
Name : Conquest of steel
Genre : Power metal
Judgement : Saw them live and they were fucking awesome, true power metal.
Live rating : 8/10
Website : Conquest of steel
Name : My dying bride
Genre : Doom metal
Website : My dying bride
Name : Godflesh
Genre : Industrial metal
Website : Godflesh
Name : Sabbat
Genre : Thrash metal
Website : Sabbat
Name : Anaal Nathrakh
Genre : Black/death/grindcore
Ireland
Located next to the Uk, Sandy coloured.
Name Thin Lizzy
Genre : Heavy metal/rock
Famous songs : Whiskey in the jar, Boys are back in town, Jailbreak, Cowboy song, The rocker
Best Album : Probably Jailbreak
Judgement : Again if you like the old shcool rock/heavy metal then definately get hold of some Thin Lizzy, really chilled out band, similar to Zeppelin.
Website : Thin Lizzy
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Let's start where metal began in the USA, mainly California, coloured red on the map.
BAY AREA THRASH METAL
Name : Metallica
Genre : Thrash metal/hard rock
Famous songs : The four horsemen, Seek n destroy, Fade to black, For whom the bell tolls, Creeping death, Battery, Master of puppets, Sanitarium, Damage Inc, Harvester of sorrow, One, Blackened, Enter Sandman, Sad but true, The unforgiven, Nothing else matters
Best album : '...and Justice for all' in my opinion but many say 'Master of puppets' or 'Ride the lightning'.
Judgement : A band that needs no introduction, my names sake and in my opinion the best metal band ever. I could ramble on forever but I won't so lets just say if you don't appreciate Metallica then you're a damn fool!
Live rating : 10/10
Website Metallica
Name : Slayer
Genre : Thrash metal
Famous songs : The antichrist, Die by the sword, hell awaits, Angel of death, Raining blood, South of heaven, Mandatory suicide, Blood red, Dead skin mask, Postmortem, Seasons in the abyss, Alter of sacrifice, Bloodline, Dittohead, Stain of mind
Best album : Reign in blood
Judgement : Slayer defines the dark side of metal in every way, they couldn't be more influencial or important to the metal scene. Slayer have always stayed very true to their scene and have thrashed for 25 + years. All hail the mighty Slayer \m/!
Live rating : 10/10
Website : Slayer
Name : Megadeth
Genre : Thrash metal/hard rock
Famous songs : Mechanix, Peace sells, Devil's island, Wake up dead, In my darkest hour, Hook in mouth, Holy wars, Hangar 18, Take no prisoners, Tornado of souls, Polaris, Symphony of destruction, Sweating bullets, A tout le monde, Die dead enough, Kick the chair
Best album : Rust in peace
Judgement : Despite getting kicked out of Metallica, frontman of Megadeth Dave Mustaine managed to form a band that would become one of the 'big 4' thrash metal bands that came out of the 80's. What in my opinion was a slump in form during the 90's, Megadeth have made a great comeback with their more recent albums which mixes that awesome early 80's sound they had with a more modern hard rock feel. If you like Metallica and Anthrax then you're sure to love Megadeth.
Live rating : 10/10
Website : Megadeth
Name : Exodus
Genre : Thrash metal
Judgement : I've got two albums by Exodus, the debut album 'Bonded by blood' which is a thrash legend and one of their more recent albums 'Tempo of the damned'. Although I haven't heard the albums between, it seems to me Exodus have gone with the times well, their later stuff seemingly solid modern thrash with a real catchy edge. Definately worth a spin.
Website : Exodus
Name : Testament
Genre : Thrash metal/Heavy metal
Best album : The gathering
Judgement : Having heard a handful of Testament I can't pass full judgement but it's pretty widely known that 'The gathering' owns. Probably the 5th biggest thrash metal band of the 80's Tesetment's place on the metal map is well deserved and I can't wait to get round to hearing their whole back catalogue.
Website : Testament
Name : Sadus
Genre : Thrash metal
Website : Sadus
Name : Death angel
Genre : Thrash metal
Judgement : Saw them live and heard a few songs but not enough to make a proper judgement. What I've heard sounds pretty awesome.
Live rating : 7/10
Website : Death Angel
Name : Dark angel
Genre : Thrash metal
Judgement : I have the 'Time does not heal' album, it's very progressive and very core thrash. You hafta really love thrash to like this material but to get you started check our the song 'Sensory Deprivation' damn sick riffs.
Name : Possessed
Genre : Thrash/death metal
Website : Possessed
Name : Heathen
Genre : Thrash metal
Website : Heathen
Name : Vio-lence
Genre : Thrash metal
Website : Vio-lence
Name : Forbidden
Genre : Thrash metal
Name : Suicidal tendencies
Genre : Thrash/funk metal/hardcore punk
Website : Suicidal Tendencies
Name : Beowulf
Genre : Thrash/heavy metal/hardcore punk
Name : Excel
Genre : Thrash metal/hardcore punk
MODERN CALIFORNIAN METAL AND OTHER CALIFORNATION METAL
Name : Machine head
Genre : Groove/Nu/Thrash/Metalcore
Famous songs : Davidian, Old, Thousand lies, Death church, Block, Ten ton hammer, Take my scars, Bay of pigs, Bulldozer, The blood the sweat the tears, Trephination, American High, Crashing around you, Imperium, Left unfinished, Days turn blue to grey, Descend the shades of night, Clenching the fists of dissent, Beautiful mourning, Aesthetics of hate, Halo, Slanderous, Deafening silence, The burning red
Best album : The Blackening
Judgement : I'm a massive Machine head fan. Starting in the early 90's, Machine head took an element of the 80's bay area thrash and made it their own by putting in a modern sound. Experimenting with downtuned guitars and nu metal, Machine head soon became a very popular metal band. Their latest album 'The blackening' I think is their best despite the fact I love the first two albums a lot as well. It's clear MH made a massive effort on their latest release and it's rare to see a band make their later stuff better than their early stuff but in my opinion MH have done it well. Rob Flynn and MH have a real metal spirit which I love and their live shows are amazing, last time I saw them they blew Wembley stadium apart.
Live rating : 10/10
Website : Machine Head
Name : Trivium
Genre : Thrash/Metalcore
Famous songs : If I Could Collapse the Masses, Requiem, Ember to inferno, Rain, Pull Harder on the Strings of Your Martyr, Drowned and Torn Asunder, Ascendancy, A Gunshot to the Head of Trepidation, Like light to flies, Dying in your arms, Ignition, Detonation, Entrance of the Conflagration, Becoming the Dragon, Contempt Breeds Contamination,
Best album : Ascendancy
Judgement : Trivium do what a lot of bands don't really attempt nowdays, bringing that Metallica/Megadeth classical element to their thrash but also being very modern with their approach. Trivium offer great solo's, catchy vocals and riffs. Their latest album I feel went slightly too catchy in places so I hope they go back to the gruffer vocals and musical structure of Ascendancy. Trivium probably the biggest newcomer to the metal scene and their popularity is truely amazing in such a short space of time.
Live rating : 9/10
Website : Trivium
Name : Avenged Sevenfold
Genre : Metalcore/heavy metal/rock
Famous songs : Turn the other way, Warmness on the soul, Unholy confessions, Chapter four, Remenissions, Eternal rest, Beast and the harlot, Burn it down, Bat country, Seize the day, Strength of the world
Best album : Waking the fallen
Judgement : I'm a big fan of 'Waking the fallen' I thought it was a beautiful metalcore album that really stuck in the head. It's a shame that the singer broke his voice at the reading festival show (which I was at) and now can't do the growling vocals anymore. I think 'City of evil' was average really, songs went on too long and although Shadows has a truely awesome voice, his singing gets a bit too much after such a long album. Looking forward to their next album expected at the end of October.
Live rating : 7/10
Website : Avenged Sevenfold
Name : System of a down
Genre : Alternative metal/nu metal
Famous songs : Sugar, Spiders, Soil, War?, P.L.U.C.K, Prison song, Needles, Deer dance, Jet pilot, Chop Suey!, Forest, Science, Toxicity, Aerials, Boom!, Innervision, Highway song, Fuck the system, Mr. Jack, B.Y.O.B, Revenga, Cigaro, Radio/video, Violent pornography, Old school hollywood, Attack, Dreaming, Kill rock n roll, Hypnotize, Holy mountains, Lonely day
Best album : Toxicity
Judgement : System are a really awesome band, to become so popular and be so original is a massive achievement. Coming about during the nu metal scene, System really hit massive popularity with their second album 'Toxicity' and from there the rest is history. Although on hiatus at the moment, System were constantly headlining major metal/rock festivals around the world.
Live rating : 10/10
Website : System of a down
Name : Black label society
Genre : Heavy metal/Hard rock
Famous songs : Bored to tears, Born to loose, Counterfeit god, All for you, Like a bird, Bleed for me, Stillborn, The blessed hellride, House of doom, Suicide messiah, Fire it up, In this river, Concrete jungle, Blood is thicker than water, Forver down, You must be blind, Doomsday jesus, Stoned and drunk
Best album : Mafia (in my opinion)
Judgement : I've heard 3 albums so my judgement on best album may be wrong but 'Mafia' rocks. Black label society being the band of the legendary Zakk Wylde, Ozzy Osbournes ex guitarist. Their sound is very old school but modern production makes the sound a whole lot heavier and metal as fuck. I really like Wylde's approach to song writing and song subject, his skills as a guitarist are shown off in every song with shreading solos and crunching riffs. Wylde for president \m/
Website : Black label society
Name : Korn
Genre : Alternative/Nu metal
Famous songs : Blind, Clown, Faget, Shoots and ladders, Twist, Chi, A.D.I.D.A.S, It's on!, Freak on a leash, Got the life, Dead bodies everywhere, Falling away from me, Make me bad, Somebody someone, Here to stay, Thoughtless, Right now, Did my time, Twisted transistor, Coming undone, Politics, Evolution, Hold on
Best album : Korn
Judgement : No teenager into metal could avoid getting into Korn and I was one of them. They had a real unique sound that made them massive in a short space of time. They have this dark twisted edge that a lot of people could relate to. I haven't listened to them in a while and after the 'untouchables' album I don't know any of their stuff because I grew out of it. I still respect their work and importance.
Live rating : 8/10
Website : Korn
Name : Tool
Genre : Alternative/progressive metal/rock
Famous songs : Prison sex, Sober, Swamp song, Stinkfist, Forty six + 2, Enema, The grudge, Schism, Parabol, Parabola, Ticks + leeches, Lateralus, vicarious, Jambi, The pot, 10,000 days
Best album : Lateralus
Judgement : I'm not always big on slow progressive bands but Tool are special, having gained massive popularity with their first two albums, Tool's albums have been few and far between which makes their releases much anticipated. Saying that, Tool don't dissapoint, it's clear to see a lot of effort goes into making their albums. I saw them at the Download festival a couple years ago and they blew me away which their presence. Not one of my top favourite bands but when you're in the mood, Tool hits the spot nicely.
Live rating : 8/10
Website : Tool
Name : Deftones
Genre : Alternative/Nu metal/rock
Famous songs : Bored, Minus blindfold, Nosebleed, Root, 7 words, My own summer, Be quiet and drive, Mascara, Headup, Digital bath, Elite, Knife party, Passenger, Change, Back to school, Hexagram, Needles and pins, Minerva, Battle-axe, Hole in the earth, Rapture, Mein
Best ablum : White pony
Judgement : Again another very original band that's made it pretty big. Deftones first album 'Adrenaline' was their most rough and from their they devloped their strange style of Nu metal/rock. Essentially Deftones are a very laid back band and are good when you're in the right mood. I don't really listen to them much anymore but I find them very relaxing when the occasion is right.
Live rating : 7/10
Website : Deftones
Name : Fear Factory
Genre : Industrial/groove/death metal
Famous songs : Demanufacture, Zero Signal, Replica, New breed, Body hammer, Edgecrusher, Securitron, Smasher/Devourer, What will become?, Linchpin, Invisible wounds, slave labor, Cyberwaste, Archtype, Undercurrent, 540, 000° Fahrenheit, Transgression
Best album : Demanufacture
Judgement : Fear factory have made a recent return to form with their latest albums being much better than previous efforts. The second album 'Demanufacture' is a masterpiece and is a must listen for any metal fan. Really good band live, keep it up.
Live rating : 7/10
Website : Fear Factory
Name : Bleeding Through
Genre : Metalcore
Famous songs : Love lost in a hail of gun fire, Sweet Vampirous, Number seven with a bullet, On wings of lead, Revenge I seek, For love and failing, Love in slow motion, Kill to believe, Dearly demented, Line in the sand
Best album : This is love, this is murderous
Judgement : Focusing mainly on the feeling of love and emotion Bleeding through aren't one of my favourite bands but some of their songs are really brutal with thumping riffs and immense beatdowns. Really enjoyed seeing them live and I'm sure they'll continue to me a rising force in the metalcore scene.
Live rating : 7/10
Website : Bleeding Through
Name : Devildriver
Genre : Groove/thrash metal
Famous songs : Nothings wrong?, I could care less, Cry for me sky, What does it take, End of the line, Sin + Sacrifice, Driving down the darkness, Not all who wander are lost, These fighting words
Best album : Devildriver
Judgement : I really liked the debut album, it was original with some catchy choruses and riffs but I couldn't get into the next two so much. It just started to sound the same a lot, the rhythms got boring and there's no real melody going on. A lot of people like the newer stuff so I'd still recommend listening to them and they are good live.
Live rating : 6/10
Website : Devildriver
Name : Throwdown
Genre : Metalcore/post thrash/hardcore
Judgement : I've only heard the 'Haymaker' album properly and I really love it, it sounds a lot like Hatebreed, really brutal with beatdowns all over the place. I don't agree with their early 'straight edge' image but it seems now they are bringing in a heavy metal influence rather than hardcore. Heard their latest album a couple times, not too sure if I like it but it sounds a bit panterish so who knows what's next for this band.
Live rating : 7/10
Website : Throwdown
Name : As I lay dying
Genre : Metalcore
Judgement : I like a couple of their songs and they have some good riffs but I don't dig the vocals in places. If you like stuff like Bleeding through and Caliban then perhaps you'll like As I lay dying but personally I cant get into them. Plus they're christian.
Live rating : 4/10
Website : As I lay dying
Name : All shall perish
Genre : Deathcore
Judgement : I liked the first album although I haven't listened to it enough to know it well. Been listening to the second album as well, all sounds good to me, just needs more listening I guess. If you like death metal and or metalcore then All shall perish may be right up your street. A band for the future.
Website : All shall perish
Name : Otep
Genre : Alternative/Nu metal
Website : Otep
Name : Static X
Genre : Industrial/Nu metal
Website : Static X
Name : As blood runs black
Genre : Death/metalcore
Judgement : Bring the fucking RUCKUS!
Name : W.A.S.P
Genre : Heavy metal
Name : Watch me burn
Genre : Grindcore
Website : Watch me burn
Name : Impaled
Genre : Death metal
Website : Impaled
Name : Exhumed
Genre : Deathgrind
Website : Exhumed
Name : Ludicra
Genre : Black metal
Name : Will haven
Genre : Metalcore/hardcore
NEW YORK/NEW JERESY METAL
Coloured deep blue on the map.
Name : Anthrax
Genre : Thrash metal/hard rock
Famous songs : Metal thrashing mad, I'm eighteen, A.I.R, Madhouse, The enemy, Armed and dangerous, Among the living, Caught in a mosh, I am the law, NFL, Indians, Antisocial, Keep it in the family, Belly of the beast, Safe home
Best album : Among the living
Judgement : Anthrax has always been a core band for the spirit of metal, always have a good time watching them live. They dont seem to take themselves too seriously and like to have fun which is what thrash metal is all about. Their old stuff probably better than there later (but that's true with most bands) but their riff progressions and catchy choruses are second to none.
Live rating : 10/10
Website : Anthrax
Name : Stormtroopers of death
Genre : Hardcore punk/thrash metal
Famous songs : Kill yourself, Speak english or die, United forces, Pussy whipped, Bigger than the devil, Crackhead song, Kill the assholes, Song that don't go fast, Make room make room, Free dirty needles, We all bleed red, Aren't you hungry
Best album : Bigger than the devil
Judgement : Hardcore project from members of Anthrax, most songs are quick and catchy. If you like thrash metal then get hold of some SOD, a lot of fun with a few laughs along the way. Not a band to be taken too seriously but yeah great stuff.
Name : Nuclear Assault
Genre : Thrash metal
Judgement : A fairly big player in the thrash scene but I haven't really found anything that special about them, they do have a lot of material though so I dunno.
Website : Nuclear Assault
Name : Overkill
Genre : Thrash metal
Judgement : Same as Nuclear assault ^
Name : Type o negative
Genre : Heavy/doom metal
Website : Type O negative
Name : Cannibal Corpse
Genre : Death/gore metal
Website : Cannibal Corpse
Name : Dream Theater
Genre : Progressive metal/rock
Famous songs : A fortune in lies, Status seeker, The killing hand, Another day, Pull me under, The mirror, Lie, Hollow years, The glass prison, Blind faith, The great debate, Six degress of inner turbulence, As I am, This dying soul, In the name of god, The root of all evil, Sacrificed sons, Octavarium, In the presence of enemies, Forsaken, Constant motion, The dark eternal night
Best album : Systematic Chaos
Judgement : I only really like the last 4 Dream threater albums, their earlier days was more rock than metal so I dont really like it much. I think their latest release is the best to date. Dream theater are one of the most talented bands on earth, every single member is pro at their instrument. This makes for an excellent metal band and Dream theater are just that. If you like decent riff progression and amazing solos combined with a mellow rock exterior then look no further.
Live rating : 8/10
Website : Dream Theater
Name : Manowar
Genre : Heavy/power meatl
Famous songs : Death tone, Battle hymn, Hail to England, Kill with power, Blood of my enemies, All men play on 10, Sign of the hammer, Blow your speakers, Wheels of fire, Kings of metal, Kingdom come, Hail and kill, Blood of the kings, Achilles, Agony and Ecstasy in Eight Parts, Metal warriors, The demon's whip, Master of the wind, The gods made heavy metal, Call to arms, Warriors of the world united, Fight until we die,
Best album : Kings of metal
Judgement : Manowar are the kings of metal, whenever metal is threatened, Manowar is there with a mighty axe to chomp the enemy! But seriously Manowar make some awesome heavy metal, I haven't heard the whole catalogue but I'm sure I will. If you wanna know what metal is all about then stick on some Manowar because they've been going 25+ years and couldn't be a bigger flag for everything metal is about. Get ready to blow your speakers!
Website : Manowar
Name : God Forbid
Genre : Metalcore/groove
Famous songs : Broken promise, Force-fed, Antihero, Gone forever, Better days, Judge the blood, The end of the world, Chains of humanity, The lonely dead, To the fallen hero, Constitution of treason, Crucify your beliefs
Best album : Constitution of treason
Judgement : God forbid get better album by album, their latest release a real classic. God forbid is a cutting edge modern metal band with a big future. If you enjoy bands like Machine head, Lamb of god and Unearth then you must listen to God Forbid. Can't wait for another album.
Live rating : 8/10
Website : God Forbid
Name : Symphony X
Genre : Progressive/neo classical metal
Website : Symphony X
Name : Suffocation
Genre : Brutal death metal
Judgement : Yeah this band is great from what I've heard.
Website : Suffocation
Name : Mortician
Genre : Brutal death metal
Website : Mortician
Name : Immolation
Genre : Death metal
Website : Immolation
Name : Malevolent creation
Genre : Thrash/death metal
Website : Malevolent Creation
Name : Dillinger escape plan
Genre : Mathcore
Judgement : Saw them a couple times, not really my thing. They're extremely talented with crazy time sigantures, check out '43% burnt' that will give you a good idea of what they're about.
Live rating : 6/10
Name : Architect
Genre : Mathcore/technical metal
Name : Psyopus
Genre : Mathcore/technical metal
Website : Psyopus
Name : Bloodsimple
Genre : Metalcore
Famous songs : Straight hate, Path to prevail, What if I lost it, Blood in blood out, Falling backward
Best album : A cruel world
Judgement : Bloodsimple aren't particulary from New york as they are formed from ex members of other bands but some of the members originate from there. They're very catchy but I hope they develop their sound further as I like more technical stuff. Look forward to their second album coming out soon.
Live rating : 4/10
Website : Bloodsimple
Name : Incantation
Genre : Death metal
Website : Incantation
Name : Skinless
Genre : Brutal death metal
FLORIDA METAL
Coloured purple on the map.
FOUNDING FLORIDA DEATH METAL
Name : Death
Genre : Death/progressive/melodic death metal
Famous songs : Scream bloody gore, Leprosy, Living monstrosity, Defensive personalities, Suicide machine, Flattening of emotions, Overactive imagination, Trapped in a corner, Mentally blind, Individual thought patterns, The philospher, Left to die, Altering the future, Symbolic, Zero tolerance, Empty words, 1,000 eyes, Without judgement, Crystal mountain, Misanthrope, Scavenger of human sorrow, Bite the pain, Spirit crusher, Flesh and the power it holds
Best album : Symbolic
Judgement : Death are one of my favourite bands, no band sounds like Death, especially late Death. I cry that Chuck died and they aren't about anymore because their metal was revolutionary. If you wanna hear one of the finest metal albums ever made then get 'Symbolic'. I can't recommend this band enough.
Website : Death
Name : Morbid angel
Genre : Death metal
Famous songs : Immortal rights, Maze of torment, Chapel of ghouls, Fall from grace, Blessed are the sick, Abominations, Rapture, Pain divide, Angel of disease, God of emptiness, Dominate, Where the slime live, Dawn of the angry
Best album : Alters of madness
Judgement : Still giving some of their albums more listens as I haven't heard much of the newer stuff. Saw them live when I didn't know too much of their material and they blew me away which is difficult to do. Morbid angel are one of the original death metal bands and Azagthoths guitar work is original and suberp. A must for extreme metal fans.
Live rating : 9/10
Website : Morbid Angel
Name : Deicide
Genre : Brutal Death metal
Famous songs : Dead by dawn, Lunatic of god's creation, Sacrifical suicide, Crucifixation, Satan Spawn, the Caco-Daemon, In hell I burn, Dead but dreaming, When satan ruled his world, Once upon a cross, Trick or brtrayed, Serpents of the light, Bastard of christ, Blame it on god, Standing in the flames, Scars of the Crucifix, Fuck your god, The Stench of Redemption, Homage for satan
Best album : Once upon a cross
Judgement : Extremely anti christian band and from the dvd, very scary guys lol. They are metal as fuck and if you like pure death metal then Deicide may just be one of your favourite bands. I don't listen to them a lot but when you're in the mood nothing beats them.
Live rating : 7/10
Name : Obituary
Genre : Death metal
Famous songs : Til death, Slowly we rot, Internal bleeding, Cause of death, Find the arise, Dying, Turned inside out, Chopped in half, The end complete, I'm in pain, Final thoughts, Threatening skies, By the light, Back from the dead, Don't care, Redneck stomp, On the floor, Blindsided,
Best album : Frozen in time (although some may argue the older albums)
Judgement : Obituary have a really unique sound, it's very much like their choice of music and lyrics, down and dirty. They have some punk roots which show sometimes but their overall ambience is very dark and death metal. Last of the 'big 4' death metal bands I've mentioned to emerge from Florida in the late 80's and the start of the death scene in America.
Website : Obituary
Name : Atheist
Genre : Technical/progressive death metal
Judgement : I've only heard the 'elements' album and I thought it was great so they're certainly worth a listen.
Website : Atheist
Name : Cynic
Genre : Technical/progressive death metal
Judgement : Cynic only had one album 'Focus' and a bunch of demo's but still a good band worth listening to.
Name : Massacre
Genre : Death metal
Name : Monstrosity
Genre : Death metal
Website : Monstrosity
Name : Brutality
Genre : Death metal
Website : [url=http://originalbrutality.tripod.com/ -]Brutality[/url]
Name : Acheron
Genre : Death metal
Website : Acheron
Name : Nocturnus
Genre : Death metal
OTHER FLORIDA METAL
Name : Iced Earth
Genre : Power/thrash metal
Famous songs : Iced earth, When the night falls, Written on the walls, Angels holocaust, The path I chose, Desert rain, Travel in stygian, Dante's inferno, Dark saga, Violate, The hunter, A question of heaven, Burning times, Watching over me, Stand alone, 1776, Prophecy, My own savior, Wolf, Damien, Frankenstein, Dracula, Declaration day, Greenface, Waterloo, Setien massacre, Ten thousand strong
Best album : Something wicked this way comes
Judgement : I'm a big fan of Iced earth, their music is well thought out and technically sound. I really enjoy the albums with 'Matt Barlow' on vocals and not entirely keen on the new singer 'Tim Owens' but still, Iced earth owns. After checking out 'Something wicked this way comes' definately get hold of 'The horror show' and 'Iced Earth' as they're classic albums too. You don't even hafta like metal to like this band, they're seriously awesome.
Website : Iced Earth
Name : Hate Eternal
Genre : Death metal
Website : Hate Eternal
Name : Kamelot
Genre : Symphonic power metal
Judgement : Only really heard 'The black halo' album and I thought it was fairly good so if power metal is your thing then it's a must (so I'm told).
Website : Kamelot
Name : Diabolic
Genre : Death metal
Website : Diabolic
Name : Six feet under
Genre : Death metal
Website : Six feet under
Name : Control denied
Genre : Power/death/thrash metal
Judgement : Side project of Chuck Schuldiner of 'Death' but he died before it could go much further than one album. Saying that it's a fucking awesome album so check it out 'The fragile art of exsistence'.
MASSACHUSETTS METAL
Coloured olive on the map
Name : Killswitch engage
Genre : Metalcore
Famous songs : Temple from within, vide infra, Soilborn, Numbered days, Self revolution, Fixation on the darkness, My last serenade, Life to lifeless, Just barely breathing, To the sons of man, Rise inside, A bid farewell, Take this oath, When darkness falls, Rose of Sharyn, Breathe life, The end of heartache, World ablaze, Daylight dies, This is absolution, The arms of sorrow, My curse
Best album : Alive or just breathing
Judgement : People will have mixed judgement on this band but I think 'Alive or just breathing' was one of freshest and most original albums I had ever heard when it came out and still sticks in my head as a masterpiece. Releases since have been average at best in my opinion, they've gone a bit scene. Killswitch stand as one of the pioneers of metalcore and modern metal and will continue to dominate with a fan base growing all the time.
Live rating : 9/10
Website : Killswitch Engage
Name : Unearth
Genre : Metalcore
Famous songs : My heart bleeds no longer, One step away, Strings of conscience, My desire, The great dividers, Failure, This lying world, Black hearts now reign, zombie autopilot, Bloodlust of the human condition, Endless, This glorious nightmere, Giles, March of the mutes, Sanctity of brothers, This time was mine, So it goes
Best album : The oncoming storm
Judgement : Unearth are one of my favourite metalcore bands, I see them being a big part of the future of metal. Fast riffing mixed with crunching breakdowns and ravenous vocals. Unearth really are a gaurantee for carnage and mayhem.
Live rating : 9/10
Website : Unearth
Name : Shadows fall
Genre : Metalcore
Famous songs : Pain glass vision, Crushing belial, Of one bloood, Idle hands, Thoughts without words, Destroyer of senses, Stepping outside the circle, The art of balance, Mystery of one spirit, The idiot box, Enlightened by the cold, What drives the weak, The power of I and I, Redemption, Failure of the devout, Another hero lost,
Best album : The art of balance
Judgement : I really like the first two albums, I think they are full of passion and every song offers something. I went off Shadows fall after listening to their third album and the follow up 'Fallout from the war' which was B-sides and stuff from the third album 'The war within' which I think was just milking money from what was a weak album in my opinion. Their latest CD 'Threads of life' is an improvement so hopefully a positive future.
Live rating : 8/10
Website : Shadows Fall
Name : All that remains
Genre : Metalcore
Famous songs : And death in my arms, The deepest grey, Vicious betrayal, Focus shall not fail, This darkened heart, For salvation, This calling, Not alone, Whispers, The weak willed, Six, It dwells on me
Best album : This darkened heart
Judgement : 'This darkened heart' in my opinion is a modern metal masterpiece, every song catches you in a different way. Catchy but different is what I look for, using different song writing techniques to achieve the same goal and that's what All that remains do well. I think their follow up album was good but not great, the songs were too short and I didn't think it worked as well but they still remain a big band for the future. I am not the weak willed grrr!
Live rating : 8/10
Website : All that remains
Name : Diecast
Genre : Metalcore
Judgement : Heard they're good but haven't got round to them on my busy metal schedule.
Website : Diecast
Name : Isis
Genre : Progressive metal/rock/sludge
Website : Isis
Name : Rob Zombie
Genre : Alternative metal/groove/industrial
Famous songs : Superbeast, Dragula, Living dead girl, Meet the creeper, Demon speeding, Dead girl superstar, Never gonna stop, Iron head, Feel so numb, Scum of the earth, American witch, Foxy foxy, Let it all bleed out, The devil's rejects
Best album : Hillbilly deluxe
Judgement : Can't say I listen to zombie often but his music is well produced and goes down really well at an alternative club. Fans of dance music should check out some Rob Zombie as well as metal fans, it's just really cool music. He also does film directing, mainly horror of course!
Website : Rob Zombie
LOUSIANA METAL
Coloured dark green on the map
Name : Crowbar
Genre : Doom/sludge metal
Judgement : I had one of their albums but I lent it to a friend and haven't get it back yet! I'm not a big fan of consistantly slow music but Crowbar are pretty good. Saw them live and it was damn heavy so if you're into that sludge scene then make sure Crowbar is the next thing you buy (if you haven't already).
Live rating : 6/10
Website : Crowbar
Name : Acid bath
Genre : Doom/sludge/grunge metal
Famous songs : The blue, Tranquilized, Cheap vodka, Scream of the butterfly, Dope fiend, The bones of baby dolls, Paegan love song, Bleed me an ocean, New death sensation,
Best album : When the kite string pops
Judgement : This is one fucked up band, with only two albums before their break up Acid bath have some what of a cult following. I find some of their songs absolutely amazing and others make me feel uneasy. Any music lover should get hold of 'scream of the butterfly' because it's simply beautiful. I can't really describe this band because they are mix of so many things. Find out for yourself.
Website : Acid Bath
Name : Exhorder
Genre : Thrash/groove metal
Judgement : Exhorder had two albums back in the early 90's which were said to be the roots of 'groove' oriented metal which made bands like 'Pantera' and 'Machine head' so big. I've heard their albums and they're certainly are worth a listen but I think it takes a while to grow on you because it's pretty raw production. It's always good to know and understand the roots of the music you love.
Website : Exhorder
Name : Superjoint ritual
Genre : Thrash/punk/slude metal
Famous songs : Oblivious Maximus, It takes no guts, Everyone hates everyone, The alcholik, Fuck your enemy, Drug your love, Sickness, waiting for the turning point, Dress like a target, The destruction of a person, Personal insult, symbol of nevemore
Best album : A lethal dose of american hatred
Judgement : I really love Phil Anselmo so naturally I think everything he touches turns to gold. Superjoint ritual is a drug fueld metal band with punk influences and are catchy as hell. If you like Pantera then you'll probably enjoy Superjoint ritual.
Website : Superjoint Ritual
Name : Down
Genre : Heavy/doom metal
Famous songs : Lifer, Hail the leaf, Stone the crow, Bury me in smoke, Ghosts along the Mississippi, Beautifully depressed, New orleans is a dying whore
Best album : Nola
Judgement : Although i've listened to their material quite a lot, some of it catches me and some of it doesn't. The songs I like are musical brilliance and there's no limit on who can listen to Down, some of their songs are just southern rock and very relaxed. Saw them live at Download a couple years ago and Phil Anselmo was funny as fuck. New album out recently I just gotta get round to hearing. If you generally like heavy metal then be sure to 'get down'
Live rating : 8/10
Website : Down
Name : Eyehategod
Genre : Doom/sludge metal
ARIZONA METAL
Coloured pale pink on the map.
Name : Soulfly
Genre : Nu/groove metal
Famous songs : Eye for an eye, Bleed, Tribe, Fire, The song remains insane, Back to the primitive, Jumpdafuckup, Pain, Bring it, Boom, Terrorist, Downstroy, Seek n destroy, Prophecy, Mars, Moses, Babylon, Carved inside, Frontlines,
Best album : Primitive
Judgement : I've always liked Soulfly from back when I was into nu metal as a kid, they were one of the heavier bands and I guess helped me get into heavier music. Max is a thrash legend, nicknamed the 'Marley of metal' bringing different people and influences on his albums to keep them fresh but undoubtidly heavy. If you're looking to get into heavier music then Soulfly is a good start.
Live rating : 8/10
Website : Soulfly
Name : Job for a cowboy
Genre : Deathcore/death metal
Judgement : Just started listening to this band, the riffs seem awesome but I'm a fan of solid song structure and JFAC seems a little all over the place, however I endevour to listen further because it's normally the bands that are hard to get into at first that turn out being the best.
Name : Flotsam and Jetsam
Genre : Heavy/thrash/power metal
Website : Flotsam-and-jetsam
WEST VIRGINIAN METAL
Coloured pale light green on the map.
Name : Darkness remains
Genre : Progressive/technical death metal
Judgement : Only releasing two albums before splitting up, they are a very underground band and I kinda stumbled upon them one day so I doubt many would of heard of them. I strongly reccomend the album 'Lamia' but I doubt anyone will be able to get hold of it so maybe I'll upload it somewhere because it's awesome.
Name : Municipal waste
Genre : Thrash
Judgement : Heard a few songs from a friend and it's basically 'fun thrash' which means no-one takes it seriously and songs are normally very short, catchy and mainly pointless. Check out 'The art of partying' album, the funner side of metal. I love bands like this, reminds me of stormtroopers of death.
Website : Municipal Waste
Name : Byzantine
Genre : Groove/technical/metalcore
Judgement : Just started listeining, sounds good.
MICHIGAN METAL
Flesh coloured on the map.
Name : Walls of jericho
Genre : Metalcore/hardcore
Judgement : If you like screaming women then try some walls of jericho, it comes highly recommended but I'm not too keen. Needs another listen methinks.
Website : Walls of Jericho
Name : The black dahlia murder
Genre : Melodic death metal/metalcore
Famous songs : Unhallowed, Funeral thirst, Elder misanthropy, Closed casket requiem, A vulgar picture
Judgement : I'm a big fan of the 'Unhallowed' and I'm listening to Miasma now but I hear they have a new album out that I'll have to get hold of. Too much metal, too little time! If you like stuff like In flames and Children of bodom then you might wanna go a step heavier and listen to this band. Brutal vocals and momumental breakdowns but beautifully melodic.
Name : Still remains
Genre : Metalcore
Judgement : Not too keen on the vocals and they sound like every other melodic metalcore band, however if you really like that kinda thing then check them out.
Website : Still Remains
ILLINOIS METAL
Coloured blue on the map.
Name : Ministry
Genre : Industrial/heavy
Judgement : In my research i've come across bands i've always meant to get round to listening to and this one of them. I can't say much more.
Website : Ministry
Name : Mudvayne
Genre : Alternative/heavy metal/hard rock
Judgement : Used to like a bit of Mudvayne back in the day but I stopped listening to them. Check out 'Dig' thats a tune and go from there. Not the worst band.
Website : Mudvayne
Name : Disturbed
Genre : Alternative/heavy/nu metal/hard rock
Famous songs : Stupify, Voices, The game, Down with the sickness, Prayer, Remember, Liberate, Guarded, Stricken, Just stop, Land of confusion, Ten thousand fists, Numb, Want
Best album : The sickness
Judgement : The sickness was one of my favourite albums when I was a teenager and still remains a classic in my eyes. Really catchy music with original vocals, sorta grew out of Disturbed a bit but they've left their mark on me. If you like lighter metal then you'll like Disturbed.
Website : Disturbed
Name : Impetigo
Genre : Grindcore/Death metal
Name : Five pointe 0
Genre : Alternative/nu/core metal
Judgement : They had one album before splitting up but for it's time I thought it was quite original. If you're up for something new then download 'Untitled' there's something for everyone with this band.
Live rating : 7/10
TEXAN METAL
Name : Pantera
Genre : Groove/Thrash metal
Famous songs : Cowboys from hell, Primal concrete sledge, Pyscho holiday, Cemetry gates, Domination, Mouth for war, Walk, Fucking hostile, This love, Rise, No good, Regular people, A new level, Hollow, Becoming, 5minutes alone, I'm broken, Hard line sunken cheeks, Slaughtered, War nerve, Drag the waters, Suicide note I + II, Floods, Goddamn electric, Yesterday dont mean shit, Revolution is my name,
Best album : Vulgar display of power
Judgement : If any band could define the metal attitude it's Pantera. Smoking, drinking, thrashing cowboys. There's a reason why Pantera are so popular, simply every song is great. In Phil Anselmo, Pantera had in my opinion the best metal vocalist. In Dimebag Darrel (RIP) one of the best technical metal guitarists. The band was a powerhouse supergroup of amazing musicianship. I love Pantera and I can't believe they will never be around again. Rest in peace Dimebag.
Website : Pantera
Name : Solitude Aeturnus
Genre : Doom/progressive metal
Judgement : I've heard the latest album 'alone' and it's seriously good but it's just too slow for me at this moment in time. I'm sure i'll love bands like this when I'm a bit older but I'd recommend it to anyone who likes progressive music. The Band's experienced and been going a long time.
Website : Solitude Aeturnus
OHIO METAL
Name : Chimaira
Genre : Groove/nu/thrash/metalcore/death metal
Famous songs : Let go, Dead inside, Severed, SP lit, Cleansation, Power trip, Down again, Pure hatred, The dehumanizing process, Nothing remains, Save ourselves, Salvation, Comatose, Everything you love, Lazarus, Resurrection, Pleasure in pain, Empire
Best album : Chimaira
Judgement : Chimaira have explored many different areas of metal, starting off with a heavy nu metal sound and progressing to a melodic early metalcore sound they have recently gone heavier. Using elements of thrash and death to create a unique sounding modern metal ambience. Chimaira get more technical with every album and instead of selling out like most bands do nowdays they have complicated and hardened their sound and I respect them for it. Band for the future for sure.
Live rating : 8/10
Website : Chimaira
Name : Mushroomhead
Genre : Industrial metal
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but also similar to bands like necrophagist and Cynic. Good up and coming band in the genre .gif)
and so is deafening silence 