Strictly for musicians/metalheads, plus some visual evidence (2981 hits)
Category: Sound & MusicRating: 1.18 on 134 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by A-Daamage (View user info) at 2004-07-03 04:29:35 EDT
After quite a lengthy discussion on one of BleedTheSky's posts,
http://www.ubersite.com/m/34067
I've decided to stop camping on his post and make a post of my own on the topic. For the casual reader, be wary of the title of this post. If you have a limited knowledge of the underground music/metal scene, you'll probably want to steer clear of this post.
On BleedTheSky's post, a great many topics and bands/artists were brought up in discussion. It seems I'm not the only one on this site with a taste for music other than what the radio or MTV spoon-feeds America. There is a plethora (thank you Three Amigos) of bands/artists out there who are far more talented than anything you'll hear on the radio. Following is a collection of people who I feel are the best at their respective instrument. This is my opinion, but I will give better reasons for my choices than "He doesn't suck like the dude from Linkin Park" (note: I can't single any member of Linkin Park out for suckage as they all are equally heinous.). With that said, here are my picks for Best Artist At Their Respective Instrument.
Vocals (yes, vocal cords are an instrument):
tie:
Devin Townsend (Strapping Young Lad; The Devin Townsend Band)
Mikael Åkerfeldt (Opeth; Bloodbath)
I initially chose Devin, but both are equally amazing vocalists, but in different ways. Devin has, as far as I've heard (and I own well over 450 CDs) the most frighteningly angry screams of any band. His range is second to none and his sustain is scary. He also has an incredible singing voice and has come up with harmonies I've never heard. As for Mikael, when it comes to death vocals, he is also unmatched. His death vocals are almost inhuman, yet somehow he still manages to articulate the lyrics so they can be understood. As for his clean singing voice, it may just be the most melodious, smooth and unique male singing voice ever. I've seen both of these guys live, and both have ridiculous power. It is too hard to say which is better, as it's almost like the old saying of comparing apples to oranges.
Best Devin scream - Strapping Young Lad's album City, song: All Hail The New Flesh (00:27 - 00:39)
Best Devin singing - Devin's album Infinity, song: Truth (all of it) (note: he did over 200 vocals for this album)
Best Mikael scream - Opeth's album My Arms, Your Hearse, song: Demon of the Fall (2:34 - 2:52)
Best Mikael singing - Opeth's album My Arms, Your Hearse, song: When (6:39 - end)
Guitar:
Johan Reinholdz (Andromeda; Nonexist)
When I first heard the debut album of Andromeda, Extension of the Wish, I was floored. The guitar work was overwhelming. The rest of the band were also astounding, but the guitar work was just insane. Johan is unbelievably adroit. As I listened to the CD, I read the liner notes in the booklet, and found that Johan had written ALL the music and the lyrics. That means guitar, bass, keyboard, drums. And this album made everything Dream Theater had previously done look silly. There are a few time signatures that I still can't figure out. Later on, I found out that Johan was only TWENTY years old when he wrote that album. He was playing better than guys who've been playing 10 years longer than him. He's not only a disgustingly awesome guitarist, he's also a great songwriter, which is harder and harder to come by these days. I've played Extension for many of my musician friends and they all have the same look on their face after hearing it: bewildered. This is always followed by, "Holy fuck?! Who the hell is this?!" I just smile and say, "told you they were fucking awesome. It's Andromeda."
Two great Johan riffs - Andromeda's album Extension of the Wish, song: The Words Unspoken (intro riff); Nonexist's album Deus Deceptor, song: Ebony Tower (intro riff)
One of Johan's insane solos - Andromeda's album Extension of the Wish, song: In The Deepest of Waters (00:51 - 1:35)
Drums:
Peter Wildoer (Darkane)
I've played Darkane's debut Rusted Angel for every drummer I know, and every time I do, they each get pissed off. "How the fuck does he do that?!" "This HAS to be a drum machine." "There is no way this is a human drummer." I keep telling them that it is, indeed, a human being behind the drum kit and his name is Peter Wildoer. The man is the word precision personified. He plays at ungodly speeds yet never fails to hit every part of his kit with perfect timing and placement. I don't think it's possible for him to miss anything he intends to hit, no matter how fast he is flying across his kit. There is one drummer in this town who is head-and-shoulders above any other drummer here, and after I played Rusted Angel for him, he was baffled at some of Peter's fills. I believe his exact words were, "How the hell can he hit that much of his kit in that amount of time? It sounds like he has four arms!" Bostaph, Hellhammer, Hoglan, and even Portnoy be damned. Wildoer destroys ALL.
A couple of Peter's schizo fills - Darkane's album Rusted Angel, song: A Wisdom's Breed (00:32 - 00:43); Darkane's album Insanity, song: Third (00:17 - 00:29)
Bass:
Cliff Burton (Metallica)
Is there really any argument here? Fuck Geddy Lee. Cliff completely rewrote the book on how bass can be played in heavy metal. He brought a classical element into the seething grit of Metallica's thrash attack. He did what no one else at the time was doing and made technical bass playing acceptable for metal. Cliff is a legend and rightfully so. He is sorely missed and should never be forgotten for his contribution to music.
Best Cliff moment - Metallica's album Kill 'em All, song: (Anesthesia) - Pulling Teeth (all of it)
Keyboards:
Janne Warman (Children of Bodom; Warmen)
Janne is great at conjuring moody atmospheres, but his real talent lies in his speed-of-light playing ability. When it comes to jaw-dropping solos that sound like Bach on speed and PCP, Janne has no equal. Some of the coolest moments of Children of Bodom are when Janne and lead guitarist Alexi trade off solos, sounding like an apocalyptic showdown in hell. And when Janne isn't obliterating the keys, he's placing the perfect soundscape to drape behind COB's black/thrash attack. There isn't a more versatile keyboardist in metal.
A few of Janne's frenetic solos - COB's album Hatebreeder, song: Hatebreeder (3:39 - end); COB's album Follow The Reaper, song: Mask of Sanity (3:02 - 3:22)
There, those are my picks. I'm curious to see how many of you, if any, agree with me and if not, what your picks are and why. I'll check back periodically. And since this is a post about music and a few people have asked, here is a pic of me from last October playing with the band I used to be in until February. I love my baby ('96 Dean Explorer, Black)
User Reviews
Submitted by Axolotl (user info) at 2008-02-22 20:52:53 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
great post
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2006-05-12 17:08:42 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
ugh lopez has officially left opeth
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2006-05-04 13:26:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I'm gonna go ahead and say it's now my favorite enslaved album
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2006-04-04 16:02:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
no, the new new new album Ruun, I guess if you don't go for leaks then you wouldn't have heard it
I think it gets released in a few months
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2006-03-26 17:32:31 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
DMD, are you referring to Isa? If so, I don't understand the hype. It's not bad, but not as spectacular as everyone says.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2006-03-24 01:45:51 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
holy fucking christ the new Enslaved album is unbelievably good
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-11-18 11:49:13 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Links to Apotheosys, CD info etc. The disc is here, check it out, definitely one of the most relentlessly brutal things you will ever hear...
http://www.myspace.com/apotheosys
Submitted by TheSpook (user info) at 2005-08-01 15:03:29 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Nice. I know about half the bands on here.
Ozzfest tomorrow. Followed by In Flames, Shadows Fall, & Mudvayne the next night.
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2005-08-01 14:46:17 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I refuse to listen to leaks. Ever. I don't like having my first listen to the CD tainted because I already know what's coming. I like to be surprised. I like not knowing if I'm going to love it or be disappointed. I like to absorb the whole album at once while I flip through the booklet, perusing the lyrics and images. Also, leaks are usually compressed down to mp3, completely ruining the experience the artist/band intended the listener to have.
So, with that said, I would appreciate it if you didn't say anything else about Ghost Reveries on this post, as I don't want to know ANYTHING about it until I hear it for myself. I want to approach the album so it is a blank canvas that will be filled in upon my initial listen to the CD.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2005-07-26 18:48:26 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
assuming anyone sees this, have any of you guys heard the new Opeth album? It leaked a couple days ago. Much more 70s prog influence, excellent singing, phenomenal soloing
overall absolutely incredible
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2005-03-25 02:37:56 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-03-25 02:09:29 (#)
Ranking: 2
Well, I'm not familiar with the original, but it sounds great. The production was better than expected, and for the execution sounds great, guitars especially.
Thanks, it's probably the best guitar sonority I've been able to record through the crappy computer microphone to which I'm confined.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2005-03-25 02:30:21 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2005-03-25 01:28:26 (#)
Ranking: 0
DMD, did you know that song is considered by all four members of Opeth to be their most disliked song they've put out? While I think all their songs are fuckin super-terrific, I'd have to go with Wreath being my least liked Opeth song. FAR too repetative and it drags quite a bit. Oddly enough, it's followed by one of their greatest songs, Deliverance. Can't wait for their new one.
Yeah, Mike said it was written about his grandfather who had just passed away, so it brings about shitty memories. Plus he grew out of the dual guitar harmony thing after Morningrise, so that's another negative mark for it. It's one of my favorites though, for the first riff and then the riff under the first verse.
And about Wreath, yeah, it's pretty low on the list. It starts out pretty badass, but that riff sorta in the middle (There is no absolution) is repeated like 50 million times, and from then on it's unremarkable, and the second solo is really out of place.
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-03-25 02:09:29 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Well, I'm not familiar with the original, but it sounds great. The production was better than expected, and for the execution sounds great, guitars especially.
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2005-03-25 01:28:26 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
DMD, did you know that song is considered by all four members of Opeth to be their most disliked song they've put out? While I think all their songs are fuckin super-terrific, I'd have to go with Wreath being my least liked Opeth song. FAR too repetative and it drags quite a bit. Oddly enough, it's followed by one of their greatest songs, Deliverance. Can't wait for their new one.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2005-03-25 01:16:25 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I just remembered that I hadn't posted this here:
http://people.ucsc.edu/~dgreenbe/The%20Night%20and%20The%20Silent%20Water.mp3
my unprofessional recording of the first little while of Opeth's The Night and the Silent Water
no vocals though, because I can't growl
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2005-03-25 00:33:51 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Gee, why does all that sound familiar.... oh yah, because it's pretty much the same problem I have here. There's one guy I know who's been playing guitar since he was 8, and is a phenomenal player and almost no one knows it, but he's hell-bent on being in a black metal band who's sole intent is to shock and disturb any and everyone. Imagine Darkthrone on stage saying things like "Did you guys hear about that girl that got hit by a train last week? Well, this is our dedication to her." followed by blast beats and hyper-alternate-picking for about 10 seconds followed by both guys yelling "YOU'RE DEAD!". Ugh. What a waste of guitar talent.
I'll check that track out in a little bit. Right now I have to go leave a Green Day and wipe my Incubus.
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-03-25 00:20:51 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Right on, yeah, I guess I don't really have much of an idea of what you listen to outside of metal, but if you haven't checked out that second track already, then check it out. People are always telling us we sound very Tool oriented, which is true but a lot more goes into it than that. The stuff is a lot more simplistic than the other track you heard, but has more melody and direction. (Particularly the back half) If you have any ideas for it I'd be glad to hear them, and could send you a cleaner copy. As far as the others, I'll get you some links. I can relate to your struggles. I'm in Charlotte, which isn't a bad place if you're looking to do metal, but it's either that or hip hop. I still like doing the metal thing on the side, but want to do something that encompasses a broader spectrum for my full time gig. The musicians here either can't play, are already involved some crappy project they've dedicated their lives to, are married or have kids, can't play anything other than 4/4, or are just total flakes in general. (See my very first post)
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2005-03-25 00:06:23 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Haha, in my vein. E, I think you'd be surprised what I listen to/like to perform to. Tell you what, send me those tracks you mentioned, and I'll bet I can do something pretty cool or crazy, maybe both, depending on the track. When you mentioned "in my vein", I hope you weren't referring to those two samples I posted, because I didn't write ANY of the music in that band. In fact, the reason I left was because the music was far too simplistic and monotonous. I rewrote the previous vocalist's lyrics, and oh man, if I can find them, I'll post them. To paraphrase David Cross, they were a shitpile of 10th grade, suburban white-girl lyrics. "You don't feel my pain. I hurt because of you." That's not exactly right, but oh man, I was laughing so hard after reading them when I first joined the band. I said either I'm writing new lyrics or I'm gone. They agreed and even copyrighted and kept the lyrics I wrote. Not that I'm some great poet or anything. In that band, I restructured the vocals to try and add more dynamics to the music, because there was almost none. After a few months, I got tired of listening to the same plodding, simplistic riffs that had NO transitions or dynamics. It sucks, because they were hella-cool to me. I tried to provide some riffs for new songs, but they were used to playing slow to mid-paced songs and kept having to tell me to either slow down or not change tempos and signatures so much. I've tried to locate people to start a band here, but it's North Dakota and Rap and Country rule the airwaves.
I've been trying like hell to get a local band I know to play a perfect circle's The Hollow. They don't have a vocalist, and I said if they learn the song, I'll sing it. It's one of the most enjoyable songs to sing, at least for me.
Submitted by Flack (user info) at 2005-03-24 23:05:19 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-03-24 22:55:16 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
A-Daamage, I'll have to convert some files and upload some tracks, but I'll send you something. Honestly, a Maynardesque thing would be perfect for that Toolish track linked below, but I don't know that it would inspire you since the song itself isn't really your vein. (Although I'm not sure the others are either, but at least they're more metal oriented) One in particular I think both the clear vocal style as well as the growls from that first track of yours would be a nice compliment. It's got sort of a grand ominous sound (not unlike FF in a weird sort of way, but not that kind of music) and I think you could do something with it.
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-03-24 22:46:59 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Yeah, I have both Painkiller (which features the original Napalm Death drummer from Scum) and Naked City. Naked City, while pushing the envelope in terms of musical ability and technicality, is a bit too chatoic for my taste. It's great to listen to once, but the arrangement honestly doesn't do a lot for me. I think Candiria does the multiple genre thing in a much smoother and coherant fashion.
Submitted by boneface (user info) at 2005-03-24 22:42:48 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
My only option right now is to try and find a site with more sound clips. I'm not exactly in a position to buy right now.
Submitted by olivia_tremor_control (user info) at 2005-03-24 22:37:58 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
i dont agree but then again whats why its an opinion. +2 for a fellow musician though.
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2005-03-24 22:26:42 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Just go to www.hevydevy.com and buy Ocean Machine, Infinity, and the Strapping Young Lad album, City. I think they are Devin's best work to date, especially Ocean Machine.
Submitted by boneface (user info) at 2005-03-24 22:19:31 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Sorry I keep spelling his name wrong. I just realized it's "Devin" not "Devon".
Submitted by boneface (user info) at 2005-03-24 22:17:55 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I am really excited to check out more Devon. I just haven't been able to find any clips other than "Christeen" and some SYL on the internet. I wasn't particularly drawn to it, but I almost always have to hear at least an albums worth of material by an artist before I can say whether I like them or not.
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2005-03-24 22:12:51 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Bone, I believe Townsend can do anything Patton does, and much better. You seriously have to hear the shit Devin did in his song, Truth. As a matter of fact, you should hear the entire Infinity album. Every song is completely different than the preceding. Ants may be the craziest song ever written. Until you hear it, I can't explain how unsettling that album is. It will floor you.
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2005-03-24 22:05:56 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Oh, and yes I'm familiar with Swanö. I have the Nightingale album Alive Again: The Breathing Shadow part IV. The hook in Eternal gets me everytime. "And I'm never gonna be there when you stumble, I'm never gonna be there when you fall..." Urgh, now I have to go listen to it.
Submitted by boneface (user info) at 2005-03-24 22:02:03 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Envenom- That is what I was trying to say about Patton. I haven't heard all the things that A-Daamage listed, but my impression was that we were comparing different aspects of his vocals. And I agree that the deal with Fear Factory is to have that over-the-top mechanicanized sound and the whole band is locked into that together. I definitely enjoy their music.
As long as we have some calling for a broadening of horizons, has anyone listened to any John Zorn, specifically his Painkiller project? Main Page: http://www.omnology.com/zorn01.html Painkiller Page: http://www.omnology.com/zorn07.html If you've ever wondered what heavy metal wound sound like with a sax, you have to check this out. His other projects range from free jazz, chamber pieces, improvised Jewish music, etc. Maybe there is something there that someone could latch onto.
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2005-03-24 21:59:03 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Banga, as stated in the post, it's my opinion, simple as that. Definitive is brushing too close to calling it fact, and as musical taste is entirely subjective, none of what I'm stating I consider definitive. I asked what other people thought, if they agree or not, and if not, who they feel is best at their instrument. I've listened to every band/artist you mentioned and neglected no genre in writing this post. There are other instruments I could've listed, i.e. piano, violin, etc. but as I don't listen to too much music involving those instruments, I didn't feel I had enough listening experience to state my opinion on them.
E, thanks for the compliments. I'm surprised it turned out as good as it did since I only did two takes for that demo. As for recording, I don't have any means of recording in my possession, but I can see if the guitarist for that band I was in has time. He has a nice mixer and some pretty decent mics. Not sure what he uses for his digital setup, but I think it's some form of Cakewalk. If I end up being able to do it, what kind of vocals are you looking for? For that band, my clean singing was modeled more after Maynard, but my natural voice sounds more like a mix of Jerry Cantrell and Mikael Åkerfeldt. And, if you already couldn't tell, Åkerfeldt is my role model for my harsh vocals. I'd love to see what I can do. If you'd like to send something to me directly, you can email me at Irongate13.at.aol.com.
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-03-24 18:42:04 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Hey, btw,just curious, if I sent you a track would you have the ability to dub some vocals and send it back?
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-03-24 18:40:58 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
A-Daamage, listened to your tracks. You've almost got a Burton C Bell thing going on with your clear vocals in the first one. I'm not sure if you're familiar with Dan Suano (Edge of Sanity) but I can hear a little bit of that too. I LOVE your scream/growl ... brutal as fuck.
The thing with Patton is not that he's the most talented guy in the world, but that he does more with what talent he does have than anyone I can think of. (I'd have to put the late Layne Staley in that category as well) He's incredibly inventive, and I thought the stuff he did with Dillenger was great as well.
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-03-24 18:25:12 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Jesus, what the fuck happened here? I wouldn't necessarily say that Fear Factory is garbage...Soul of a New Machine and Demanufacture were pretty good albums, but their drummer isn't that great. He has absolutely no groove whatsoever (which IMO should be a prerequisite for a drummer...ie Haake -although I guess the whole mechanical element is part of Fear Factory's mystique) and he triggers the shit out of everything, which is a little bit different than playing a standard double bass set up. As far as Haake, the point is valid. He does often play straight through, it's the polyrhythms...they'll meet up every third measure or so and then depart. Sandoval is a badass, as is Derek Hoffman (Gorgasm) Tim "the missle" Yeung, and Kevin Talley. I still Hoglan and Haake alone with Danny Carey though have to be my favorites.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2005-03-24 05:03:30 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
blah that's it for tonight, I need to pass out
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2005-03-24 04:56:47 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I don't consider myself an expert, but I am a huge death metal fan, hence the name. You only know more about those bands (CoF, Cannibal Corpse, and apparently Kittie) because I don't listen to them. Try me on Opeth.
I've also been playing guitar for like 8 years, so the 'not a musician' theory is out the window.
And I just got listening to Chopin, the Bee Gees, Joan Baez, and Borknagar
Submitted by Banga3386 (user info) at 2005-03-24 04:55:01 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
DeathMetalDude
"(one of his favorites because you get an extra beat every measure so after 4 measures you are back where you started)"
Okay I just realized this doesn't make any sense (I'm fucking tired) or maybe it does but to clarify:
after 4 measures the 5/4 syncs back up with the 4/4 so the process can repeat
_________________________________________________________________________________
This is why I still respect you.
PS: fuck you BleedTheSky, I still hate you sober or not. Enjoy cancer you no talent prick.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2005-03-24 04:42:38 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
"(one of his favorites because you get an extra beat every measure so after 4 measures you are back where you started)"
Okay I just realized this doesn't make any sense (I'm fucking tired) or maybe it does but to clarify:
after 4 measures the 5/4 syncs back up with the 4/4 so the process can repeat
Submitted by Banga3386 (user info) at 2005-03-24 04:34:19 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
By all means, be a shithead to me, lord knows I've been one to others; I fear not for I walk in the valley of whiskey and frozen pizza.
I'm listening to The Cure, Kittie (who's new album is honestly really good), Machine Head, Vital Remains, and Bif Naked. I care none about any of your tastes, I only care when a "definitive" list is made without certain amazing musicians being included.
It's the whole close-mindedness that gets to me, when a band or an entire genre goes unnoticed, that's when I want to say something.
We all know bands that are a thousand times better than Kittie, but you have to admit that a number of songs are pretty damned good. I'm not really a fan but you get the point. It's about opening your mind.
Also worth mentioning: When I get rude or indignant it's because I've been drinking, which I have been doing all evening since band practice.
Banga
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2005-03-24 04:31:46 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
"While Meshuggah is great at producing polyrhythmic beats, if you listen carefully, at least half the time Haake is playing straight 4/4, but it sounds fucked up because the guitars are playing a different signature or simply playing around his beats."
I don't think this is necessarily true. Haake uses one or two limbs to keep time in 4/4, but the others are creating a polymeter with 5/4 (one of his favorites because you get an extra beat every measure so after 4 measures you are back where you started) and similarly, 5/8.
Submitted by Banga3386 (user info) at 2005-03-24 04:24:49 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
Listen fucktards, I'm not talking about the bands, I'm talking about individual members' talent. We can all in some way agree that Maiden/Priest/Manowar/Queensryche etc. are over the top wankers, but have badass singers etc. so we are complementing the individual not the band.
I happen to like Strapping Young Lad to a certain degree but disagree with the singer being better than say Dio, Dickenson, or Glen Benton (that one is just my personal taste). I'm scoffing at the lack of recognition for other amazing musicians that everyone forgets. I doubt any of you have ever heard the bass player for Cannibal Corpse, who is fucking amazing at almost any style. Don't believe me, buy their "Wretched Spawn" with the bonus dvd which proves my point.
DMD, I love to read what you write but I also love to hate your opinions because with that name, you should know more than I do. Kindof a love/hate thing but I mean no disrespect at all. I'm overall disgusted at the lack of recognition for excellent musicianship.
The keyboard player from Children of Bodom is way better than Lecter formally of Cradle of Filth (listen to Cruelty and the Beast) but not as good as Jordan Rudess of Dixie Dregs and Dream Theater. The difference is that Lecter adds more to the song as a whole (try Beneath the Howling Stars) while the CoB guy plays faster than the lead guitar player and Rudess just wanks all over the place (perfect for DT).
Lastly, hardcore music has it's place among the "get you pumped, destroy something, rise against the (whatever evil), FUCK YEAH!" type of people but one is hard up to find amazing musicianship among the genre. God Forbid started out as hardcore but branched off into heavy metal while keeping their roots. Another good drummer.
For any of you to truly understand any of these "best instrument player" lists, you have to be a musician to begin with. Otherwise you are either a fan boy or an eliteist and won't listen to others' opinions.
Banga
PS: Screw all yall
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2005-03-24 04:11:54 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Once again, fuck you right back, cunt. You had no reason to start being a little bitch, so I'm just going to throw it right back in your face. Now that's spite. Discussing opinions of talent has nothing to do with spite.
I've seen Vital Remains live. Fucking BORING. Again, a few minutes of straight blasting and I can't help but yawn. DYNAMICS. Try it for a change. Raymond is a fucking badass at double-bass, but that's about all he's badass at. BUT, Gene Hoglan schools him there. Just check out his work on the new SYL, Alien. Ridiculous. Thomas Haake is awesome, but vastly overrated. While Meshuggah is great at producing polyrhythmic beats, if you listen carefully, at least half the time Haake is playing straight 4/4, but it sounds fucked up because the guitars are playing a different signature or simply playing around his beats. The best example of this is the opening of New Millenium Cyanide Christ. Almost the entire song is played in 4/4.
Have YOU heard Wildoer play in Darkane? I hope so, otherwise I'd have to point out the glaring HYPOCRITE behind your words. I've heard every drummer you mentioned, so don't accuse me of shit, jackass. Barker has speed and that's about it. BORING. Hellhammer is the most talented black metal drummer, simply because he can do damn near anything in pretty much any style. Versatile is the key word with him.
And Bone, I think it was you who mentioned Lombardo, while I have to credit him for pretty much inventing the metal drummer's handbook, drummers like Hoglan, Wildoer and Dirk Verbeuren (Scarve) pretty much lay waste to anything he's done on record.
Also, I'm only being a shithead to Banga since he was one to me first. A bit of the golden rule in reverse.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2005-03-24 04:00:53 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I have seen Dimmu Borgir live, and that guy is pretty good, pretty precise. But he plays generic black metal 'light' and therefore it gets boring fast.
Fear Factory is garbage.
Haake is SUPER badass.
Submitted by Banga3386 (user info) at 2005-03-24 03:50:56 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
Unless you saw Dimmu Borgir live there is no way that I can drive my point into your skull so I may have to concede (since Barker has left Dimmu). But if you dare to dream, listen to Dimmu's Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia. First off bad ass drumming, then try to imaging playing the songs 1.5 to 2x's as fast, then add to the fills and beats. THEN you have an idea of how amazing Barker is. Also keep in mind that the bastard is 5 foot 3 and weighs about 260 Lbs and whose feet are about a size 6 womens (that's how close I was to him while he played, plus I met him).
Reno Killerich (who won the World's Fastest Feet award) toured with Dimmu Borgir during Ozzfest and wasn't nearly as capable as Barker. He sounded like he was doing his best Barker impression, without really playing the parts. If you want a better example, listen to Adrian Erlandson try to play anything from Cradle of Filth's albums with Barker. Nothing can touch the guy.
Just try to give a listen to "Dechrisianize" by Vital Remains, see if you can fathom the talent.
Also you asshats have forgotten the technicality of Fear Factory's Raymond Herrera as far as double bass.
If you want to talk about timing, just talk to Thomas Haake of Meshuggah. Once you listen to these guys, I'll stop talking shit, but since you won't look these bands up, out of spite for me, I'll still say fuck you.
Banga
Submitted by thorpe (user info) at 2005-03-24 03:48:50 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Whatever happened to rock music?
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2005-03-24 03:24:25 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
And yeah, Enemies of Reality is going to be a whole lot better after the remastering. Sneap works wonders.
Can't wait for the new Opeth either. I need to see them live again. The only time I ever did was when they did a short show with a bunch of bands (Nile, Behemoth, Lacuna Coil, Superjoint Ritual, and Danzig) so they only got to do Deliverance, Drapery, and Demon.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2005-03-24 03:19:17 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
The River Dragon solo is wicked to listen to, but it's pretty basic to play, and it's not as fast as his norm. I would say Engines of Hate has the best solo on Dead Heart; I love when he sweeps into that high super-fast trill.
Submitted by boneface (user info) at 2005-03-24 03:10:05 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I honestly didn't realize so many people had a hard-on for Patton. I don't actually own anything he's done, but I've seen him live and respect all the things I have heard from him. I haven't been around that scene much though in the past two or three years. Reading this post and listening to a couple SYL tracks has kind of piqued my interest again.
I did mean the Twin Cities, and the Ascot Room is a great place to see live music (I haven't been there forever). I would probably go, but I won't be around the area at all in April. I'll definitely keep my ears open.
I didn't check out the drummer's you listed, but what do you think of Dave Lombardo? I think after he rejoined Slayer the second time, his playing had improved a lot and he is one of my favorites musically.
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2005-03-24 01:58:52 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
DMD, yah, I think Loomis may be the most overlooked guitarist ever. I saw him when Nevermore toured with Opeth and God Forbid (and holy fuck, what a show that was) and pretty much everyone in attendance stood with their mouth agape everytime he whipped out a PERFECTLY played solo. The fucker NEVER misses a single note and his playing is beyond tight. I think my favorite Loomis moment is his frantic solos on The River Dragon. I'm waiting for Sneap's remix of Enemies of Reality to hit the shelves before I buy it.
Oh, and boneface, if you mean the Twin Cities, MN, I've been to many shows there. I'm actually going to see Strapping Young Lad obliterate the Ascot Room on April 10th. Maybe I'll see you there.
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2005-03-24 01:53:16 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Banga, fuck you right back. I wasn't being disrespectful in this post, simply stating who I feel is best at their respective instrument. Barker has talent, there is no doubt, but fucking HELL does his drumming get boring, and fucking fast. You can only blast and spew double-bass fills for so long before it gets obscenely redundant. Sandoval I consider much higher than Barker, but I have yet to hear ANY drummer who is as precise and unpredictable as Wildoer. The only other drummers who come close in dynamics and precision are Hellhammer and Gene Hoglan. So again, fuck you right back, assface.
Bone, I say that about Patton because I can't get into any conversation with musicians anymore about vocalists without Patton being brought up. I wish I was exaggerating, but sadly I'm not. "Dude, have you heard Mr. Bungle?" "Dude, have you heard Fantomas?" "Dude, did you know I sucked Mike Patton's dick?" Ugh. While I agree he's got great range and talent, I think Devin surpasses him in every way. As for the "Oceans" album you mentioned, I think you're referring to Ocean Machine, which is far and away my favorite album of all time. It's as close to perfect as an album can sound. Also, Devin's second solo album, Infinity, has what I consider to be the greatest song ever written, Truth, which I mentioned in the post. Check that shit out and let me know what you think (you can find all his solo and his insane metal band, Strapping Young Lad, albums at his website www.hevydevy.com).
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2005-03-24 01:46:34 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Over the last <however long it's been since I mentioned Alexi Laiho in a 'best' category> I've realized that he really isn't that great. CoB has released basically the same album over and over, and while Laiho is technically skilled, he really doesn't cut it for me anymore. No feel, no emotion, no substance, nothing but shredwanking.
Transcript from Opeth's official forum (I'm talking about the time I saw both Nevermore and CoB at a show):
Me:
heh Loomis completely outshined Alexi 'Cover Girl' Laiho
It was worth seeing
Then Åkerfeldt descended from the heavens to say this in response:
I love Nevermore, I think they're vastly underrated, and Loomis as a guitar player is unbelievable! You can't mention the guy from Bodom in the same sentence, quite honestly it's the C-league in comparison!
Submitted by Banga3386 (user info) at 2005-03-24 01:29:36 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
BleedTheSky:
Are you inbred? Jamie Josta has ONE voice and it's absolute shit. Anyone can do his vocals, just scream from the bottom of your range and blammo you are every other hardcore band.
I'm a big fan of God Forbid but if it wasn't for the guitarist's clean vocals here and there I would get very bored very quickly due to the singer's monotone scream.
Also you fucking tard, it was Nicholas Barker of CoF/Dimmu Borgir that kicked Dani Filth's ass and sent him into the hospital. His own drummer beat him up. Get your stories straight.
Banga
Submitted by Banga3386 (user info) at 2005-03-24 01:17:13 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
What?
Nicholas Barker, Pete Sandoval, and Dave Suzuki are all I have to say. Suzuki takes honorable mention in the guitar section since he played all leads and drums on all Vital Remains albums.
Fuck you.
Submitted by boneface (user info) at 2005-03-24 00:37:56 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
His name sounded familiar, and then I listened to some tracks, and his voice sounded familiar, and then I read the other reviews on this post. I have heard him before, I own "Sex and Religion," but I don't listen to it much (I think I've heard some of his other projects too). I see where your perspective is coming from, and I am interested to hear the "Oceans" disc you mentioned. Though, I don't see how you can mention Cliff as the best bass player and then turn around and say that Patton is "the bandwagon choice." I think Patton pushes the boundaries, but again I would love to check out more of Devon.
I checked out your page, and I feel like I have seen you around in the cities. If you don't know what "cities" I'm talking about, then I'm probably wrong, but where are some of the places you have played in the past couple years?
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-03-23 21:32:43 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2005-03-23 03:38:58 (#)
Ranking: 0
Hey E, I checked out that song you posted. Pretty badass, but with most music in that vein, it seems to lack a sense of direction. I'm a fan of technical music, but I prefer strong sense of structure and melody over straight technical ability. Still, I thought it was pretty kickass. You can check out some vocal work I did with a local band I'm no longer in here:
http://www.purevolume.com/adaamage
Also, the new Strapping Young Lad is FUCKING BATSHIT CRAZY. I'm also digging the new Mercenary album, 11 Dreams. Definitely for fans of Dark Tranquillity.
_______________________
Cool, I'll try and remember to check out your track when I get home. You're right about that piece, and I agree. The staleness factor is something that's hard to avoid when you're a one man band. It is what it is...honestly, something like this is more my speed, but it's definitely not metal...more Tool oriented. If it had vocals I think this would be a pretty decent piece.
http://www.unsoundmusic.com/Songs/Torn.mp3
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2005-03-23 04:08:33 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Dude, have you heard Devin Townsend? While Patton is the bandwagon choice and he does have talent, no one can touch Devin Townsend's range, power, dynamics, sense of melody/harmony or sustain. Check out the songs I listed. Either www.centurymedia.com or www.hevydevy.com should have samples somewhere. He has more lung capacity than humans were meant to.
Submitted by boneface (user info) at 2005-03-23 03:52:46 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
My metal knowledge is waning a bit, but you're right that Cliff is a no-brainer. But what about Mike Patton (Faith No More, Fantomas, Mr. Bungle, etc.) for vocals? Range, versatility, and power, I saw him live with Fantomas and it was even more unbelievable than on record.
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2005-03-23 03:38:58 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Hey E, I checked out that song you posted. Pretty badass, but with most music in that vein, it seems to lack a sense of direction. I'm a fan of technical music, but I prefer strong sense of structure and melody over straight technical ability. Still, I thought it was pretty kickass. You can check out some vocal work I did with a local band I'm no longer in here:
http://www.purevolume.com/adaamage
Also, the new Strapping Young Lad is FUCKING BATSHIT CRAZY. I'm also digging the new Mercenary album, 11 Dreams. Definitely for fans of Dark Tranquillity.
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2005-03-18 05:08:55 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Well, I'm downloading it now. Seeing as I'm on dial-up, it's going to take a while. More time for me to drink. Go beer WOO!
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-03-18 02:15:24 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
A little over 2 megs. Have a blast man, I'm already shitfaced. Go St Patrick's Day WOOOOOO!!!!
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2005-03-18 01:01:08 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
How big is that file? I'll check it out later, if I'm not too blitzed from the party I'm heading to. Happy Drunken Irish Day everyone.
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-03-17 12:19:16 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Cool, I'll have to check it out. I meant to link this here a while ago, guess I forgot. I know I linked it somewhere else...this was the first track I did for my upcoming metal solo CD. I have two more that are pretty much done, but have been stalling ever since. DMD you've heard this one already...
http://www.unsoundmusic.com/Songs/NeoMetalJan11.mp3
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2005-02-21 04:00:53 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Shit, I haven't checked this site out forever. I think I may actually have heard of that band. I'm still awaiting the US release of Bloodbath's Nightmares Made Flesh. It's 3 AM Monday morning and I'm sitting at the lab at school tearing my hair out with a modeling program called Form Z. This computer may find itself flying out the window down to the street below very soon. Oh, and don't forget new Strapping Yound Lad come March 22nd.
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-01-19 18:25:08 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
It would probably help if I spelled it right. (Kat with a K)
This is all you need to know...
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=music-artist&field-artist=The%252520Great%252520Kat/102-2026232-0498522
Submitted by MrRottenTreats (user info) at 2005-01-19 18:04:10 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I cant find any of the guitar songs mentioned anywhere :( someone send me them
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-01-19 17:36:48 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Janne is great at conjuring moody atmospheres, but his real talent lies in his speed-of-light playing ability. When it comes to jaw-dropping solos that sound like Bach on speed and PCP, Janne has no equal.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Like The Great Cat on guitar? Beethoven on Speed, Bloody Vivaldi. If you don't own it, you need it.
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-01-14 15:15:45 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Just a correction, it's actually Apotheosys. I guess there are already two bands with the moniker Apotheosis. The show kicked ass, still recovering. The bassist plays like Vic Wooten, sick tapping and all. Good to see metal is still alive and kicking in Charlotte, NC.
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-01-12 19:24:00 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Well, I said fuck it and went ahead and did it. The first track is done, and I'm surprised to say I'm fairly please with it. If you like, shoot me an email at crackkillz.at.mad.scientist.com and I'll send you a link.
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-01-11 16:19:21 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Yep, me too, Reason. It's a bitch trying to do anything 3/4 with ReDrum. It allows you to do it, but it still feels very rigid, no swing, as if it's fighting it. It wants to play everything 4/4.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2005-01-11 16:11:45 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Ugh, yeah, I've been working on sequencing drums in Reason for a cover of Ulver's I Troldskog Faren Vild and it has been pretty shitty. And that's in easy-ass 3/4, and very repetitive. A mind-numbing practice, computer drums.
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-01-11 16:07:55 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I think I'm going to call it "Envenom's Funky Fresh Death Metal Quartet" and the name of the album will be "Church of the Mutilated Corpse"
Or not...
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-01-11 16:04:31 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I'm going to try and get a metal project together here shortly, even if I have to program the damn drums myself. (Not looking forward to it, I hate programming complex drum beats, and I hardly ever write 4/4) I've got all these riffs I've had sitting on the shelf for years, might as well do something with them. They just don't fit with my current project.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2005-01-11 15:59:49 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Sounds cool, I'll keep an eye/ear out for them.
regarding borknagar:
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2005-01-11 15:53:51 (#)
Ranking: -2
They recently picked up the ruler of all viking metal Vintersorg to sing and write lyrics. From then on they turned from pretty standard black metal to symphonic epic metal with much less black metal influence. They also added more soft parts and clean singing. Vintersorg is a very diverse singer, obviously well behind Akerfeldt, but still great. Pick up the albums Empiricism and Epic.
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-01-11 15:42:45 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Hey, A-Daamage, DMD, ever heard of Apotheosis? No? Don't worry, you will.
A close friend of mine who I jam with on occasion is now playing guitar in this band, and I must say it is some of the best death metal I've ever heard. Fast, brutal, technical, unyielding. Combines what to me sounds like some of the more technical guitar work of latter Cryptopsy with the blasting style of Blasphemy Made Flesh, and galloping octaves a la Morbid Angel all played at mach speed.. I haven't heard the new vocals yet but I can promise they won't be hard cord vocs. They've already got a killer recording but I think they plan to rerecord before they distribute. Going to see them play on Thurs here in Charlotte with Lust of Decay (phenomenal drummer with whom I've jammed on occasion). Should be entertaining.
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2004-07-25 18:14:19 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
DMD:
Listened to the Harvest solo. Your picking is quite smooth. +2 for a good, clean rendition.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2004-07-22 23:46:44 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
While I'm at it, I'll post the solo to The Leper Affinity too, this time with some freaking volume.
http://people.ucsc.edu/~dgreenbe/leper-affinity-solo.wav
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2004-07-19 05:23:36 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I'll check both of those out tomorrow, when I'm not on the shitbox disguised as a computer that I'm currently using.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2004-07-18 02:46:31 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
And here's the solo from The Drapery Falls:
Turn your speakers up.
http://people.ucsc.edu/~dgreenbe/Opeth%20-%20The%20Drapery%20Falls%20Solo.wav
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2004-07-10 02:09:40 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
As an aside, I've been fiddling around with recording into my computer and I just polished off the solo from Opeth's Harvest.
I'm using a Gretsch Electromatic through a Marshall JCM800 with a little reverb and echo. The rhythm is from a Martin Backpacker. Using GarageBand to mix. It's the best I can do through my comp's shitty ass microphone.
10 MB .aif:
http://people.ucsc.edu/~dgreenbe/Opeth-Harvest_solo_NEWandIMPROVED.aif
2.7 MB .wav:
http://people.ucsc.edu/~dgreenbe/Opeth-Harvest_solo_NEWandIMPROVED.wav
Submitted by godking (user info) at 2004-07-09 11:35:45 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Most of the Devin Townsend interviews I've read that mention Vai usually refer to him as a friend, and that they got along well. I was lucky with Sex & Religion, because the year that album came out was the one whole year Indianapolis had a metal radio station. I haven't listened to it in years- hell, I have it on cassette.
Theater of Tragedy was pretty good before they went techno. I'm wandering how they'll sound on their new album without Liv Kristine. They are definitely one of the originals, but the song "Gothic" from Paradise Lost really set the scene in motion.
GK
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2004-07-08 18:37:10 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Everytime I look in the store for Sex and Religion, they have every single Vai album EXCEPT that one. But, it's mostly because I'm just curious how Devin sounds. I know he isn't very happy with his work on that album. His time with Vai is the reason SYL came to be. All these people telling him what to do, how to sing, what he shouldn't be, etc. He got so fed up with the music industry and all the bullshit involved that it drove him to scream so hard in the studio for SYL that he blacked out multiple times. As far as I know he didn't have a problem with Vai himself, but the rest of the people involved in the recording.
Oh, and none of these female-fronted goth/dark metal/rock bands like Lacuna Coil, Evanescence, etc. would exist without Theater of Tragedy.
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2004-07-08 14:34:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
And of course it goes without saying, but Pete Sandoval is a badass too.
Terrorizer! Fuck Yeah!
Submitted by godking (user info) at 2004-07-08 14:29:00 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Speaking of Devin Townsend-
Did anyone else besides me buy Steve Vai's Sex and Religion back in 1993 when he had this little known kid singing for him?
GK
Submitted by godking (user info) at 2004-07-08 14:25:01 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
When I say Goth, I don't mean Cradle of Filth. I usually call them Black-Lite, but the more technical term I suppose is, Atmospheric-Black. By Goth, I mean Moonspell, early Paradise Lost, Type O-Negative, Tristania, Sirenia, Theater of Tragedy (pre-techno), Sins of Thy Beloved, and Darkwell. You won't necessarily hear the greatest guitarists or drummers here, but these bands have some amazing vocal talents, and often feature some pretty sweet orchestral arrangements.
Nu-metal is probably at the bottom of my list of metal-types, but even it has a few bands of merit. Disturbed is a pretty good live band. David Draiman actually has a lead singer charisma lacking in most of these modern stare-at-the-floor singers. Static-X is fairly decent. Slipknot garners a ton of hatred, but at least every time a slipknot song is on the radio, a limp bizkit song isn't. System's of a Down are a new breed of Megadeth, maybe not in speed, but in lyrical content. Finally, Korn's first album is actually good!!
Of course, Suicidal Tendencies was and is better than all of them, and seldom gets credit for playing that style more than a decade earlier. The debuted in 1983 and still OWN all rap metal bands.
GK
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2004-07-08 03:50:17 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Bellebrown:
+2 for the humor, but Peter is indeed existing as the greatest drummer to ever drum.
DMD:
Cradle fans make me want to carve my face open with a broken beer bottle. DANI FILTH MUST DIE.
And I don't remember who said Devin isn't as a great a vocalist as I say, but have you listened to Ocean Machine (best album ever made by anyone) and Infinity? He's done things with his voice that no one has ever dared. In interviews he's been asked how someone can learn to sing/scream like him, and he warned against it as his warm-up exercise alone would most likely injure someone who's inexperienced. Devin is the shit and yay for beer! Time for another.
Submitted by Bellebrown (user info) at 2004-07-08 03:36:30 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
"There is no way this is a human drummer." I keep telling them that it is, indeed, a human being behind the drum kit and his name is Peter Wildoer"
Yeah... and they said Millivanilli were singing on there tunes too.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2004-07-08 03:23:20 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Dani Filth: LOOK AT ME I ARE TEH VAMPIRE!!!1111lolololool *screech screech growl screech*
Fucking pretentious gimmicky cunt of a band, that is.
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2004-07-08 03:09:19 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Newstead is a great bassist, but I will always choose Cliff. The man did more for metal bassists than ANYONE.
The Manowar bassist is automatically disqualified because he is in Manowar. Manowar may just qualify for Gayest Band To Ever Exist. I bought the Nuclear Blast "Death Is Just The Beginning vol.7" DVD, and when Manowar's video for Warriors Of The World United began playing, I spit beer all over my TV screen from laughing so hard, and the TV was a good 8 to 10 feet away.
Dani Filth needs to die. That's all there is to it. Musically Cradle isn't bad, but his vocals ruin everything.
Submitted by BleedTheSky (user info) at 2004-07-08 01:41:38 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Don't kid yourself. "Goth" isn't a type of metal. It's for the goths who don't want to be mainstream nu-metal fucks so they listen to shit like Cradle of Filth so that the can convince themselves that they are unique because they listen to a band that the nu-metal kids haven't heard of. Its ironic that a tiny mainstream (a rivulet, if you will) is created in trying to avert from the mainstream. And I'm glad that the drummer of the Murderdolls kicked Dani Filth's ass.
I too was thinking that Newstead was a killer bassist.
Submitted by Metal_Immortal (user info) at 2004-07-07 16:28:30 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Ahem! Best bassist in the world currently serves Manowar. Listen to him play Flight of the Bublebee on their album Kings of Metal, and you will quickly agree.
Submitted by godking (user info) at 2004-07-07 16:15:36 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
And the discussion continues!!
I think your picks are all acceptable, though not who I'd choose. I'm middle of the road in metal, being a fan of goth, thrash, classical, death, prog, power, hair, and nearly every subdivision of metal.
Bass is the most underrated of instruments. Cliff is an easy choice, but Jason Newstead is damn good, considering the shoes he had to follow. Dave Ellefson is pretty good too.
Guitarist is much harder to pick. Vai, Petrucci, Scotti Hill, Slash, Rhodes, Wylde, DeGarmo, Angus Young, Jim Matheos....any one of these could be the best on any given day. Being a Savatage fan though, Al Pitrelli and the late Criss Oliva rule the top spots. Criss was taken way too early- "Streets" and "Edge of Thorns" have some of the most memorable playing I've ever heard.
Vocals- Well of course it has to be JOn Oliva and Zak Stevens. As said way below...Tarja has to be listed- her voice is way too powerful. Anneke (the Gathering), Liv Kristine (former Theater of Tragedy), and Sharon den Adel (Within Temptation)are all on her heels though. Bruce Dickinson, Ripper Owens, Halford, Geoff Tate, Dio, Nick Holmes, and Michael Kiske are also worth mentioning.
I'll have to do drums some other time.
GK
Submitted by BleedTheSky (user info) at 2004-07-06 13:08:43 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
And let me just mention that there is 5 days till I get to see Slayer again (w00t).
Submitted by BleedTheSky (user info) at 2004-07-06 13:05:59 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I'm going to have to disagree with you on your picks for vocals because while even though Opeth is one of my favorite bands, I've seen the singers abilities matched by the likes of that one guy from Between the Buried and Me. Talk about range. I think that the kind of death vocals in Opeth (let's call them doom vocals because of their low pitch and tone) are by far much easier to do then a more higher pitched death vocal (like you would find in bands like Avenged Sevenfold or Unearth). This is just my perspective as a vocalist. And I don't particularly care for Devin Townsend as a singer (although SYL's City Album is THOROUGHLY badass). Was it you who said KsE's Jesse Leach was a good singer? I think I agree with you there. Their new singer sounds a lot like Leach, but I think he might be even better. Their lead guitarist has also got quite a set of pipes on him. They both belt it out like no one's business. I think Jamey Jasta deserves an honorable mention as well because nobody has got the sound like he does. His voice is pure power.
And fuck power metal. While the likes of Halford and Dickinson may have incredibly powerful voices, I must concur that they have extremely annoying voices.
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2004-07-06 11:52:27 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Oh, and apparently Steve also filled in on drums for Immolation on their last US tour.
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2004-07-06 11:40:43 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Oh, and a few I left out -
Best All Around Drummer: Dave Galazia, Coinmonster - The guy can do it all, sick double bass, swing, ridiculous non-stop fills, odd time signatures, grooves. He is phenomenal.
Best Double Bass: Steve Shalaty (sp?), Odious Sanction - Jon Reider of Coinmonster once referred to his double bass as sounding like someone dropper a type writer down a flight of stairs. He's since been pursed (unsuccessfully) by the like of Malevolent Creation, Suffo, etc.)
Best/favorite Guitarist: Jon Reider, Coinmonster - He does obscene tapping shit while singing, and although he doesn't solo much, when he does, it's like Alan Holdsworth/Frederik Thordendal on crack.
And how could I forget Thordendal? His style is extremely fucked up, and his Special Defects album is the shit.
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2004-07-04 16:18:21 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Having a degree in music doesn't make you an expert. In fact, most people I've met with degrees in music are extremely closed-minded and elitist assholes.
Don't tell me to broaden my horizons when I listen to more unknown and far more talented music than most people in this country.
Submitted by inspired (user info) at 2004-07-04 01:58:00 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I'm unsure whether to question the diversity of the music you listen to, but I've learned that most of the time you can't be sure of anything. So I will. Broaden your horizens then try this again.
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2004-07-04 01:41:42 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
They ALL SUCK HAIRY BALLS OF DEAD GOATS!
Cliff Burton's best showing was his corpse kicking them bellbottoms in the "For Whom The Bell Tolls" Video.
This is coming from somebody with a degree in music. Your tastes will grow up someday.
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2004-07-04 01:25:30 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Oh, and have you heard Hoglan's work on both Strapping Young Lad's as well as Devin's solo albums? He did the drums for SYL's City in ONE day. Daam. Ok, peace out.
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2004-07-04 01:23:07 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Hoglan is phenomenal, but have you heard Darkane? Holy fucking hell is all I can say about Wildoer.
If you want to hear absurdly talented guitar playing that is WAY left of normal, check out Mattias Eklundh's Freak Guitar CD. He's done guest solos on the first four Soilwork CDs. He's a big fan of Vai/Zappa. In fact, Vai released the album under his label.
And the reason I chose Devin and Mikael for best vocalist is because they can do it all. Both have insane screaming voices, but also possess very distinct, very powerful singing voices, and both have uncanny ears for unique melodies/harmonies. I am not only considering metal, but all of music for my choices, especially in the case of Devin, who's solo albums are some the most original and miraculous pieces of work I've ever heard. Devin's Ocean Machine album is far and away my favorite album of all time. There is NOTHING else like it, not even close. Devin conjured so many rare melodies and harmonies on that album that I have never heard in my entire life; not in classical, metal, country, punk, pop, techno or R&B. I can't praise that album enough. It affects me more than any album I've ever heard. It's as close to perfect as an album can possibly sound.
Alright, enough gabbing. I just got a call about a party outside of town, so I'm out the door. Thanks for your opinions, Envenom. Anyone else want to voice their opinion?
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2004-07-03 22:27:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
That depends on whether this list is exclusively for the genre of metal. There aren't a whole lot of metal singers that really do a whole lot for me. I love the screamers and growlers but most metal bands that actually have singing usually have some whiny high pitched bullshit. Dan Swano of Edge of Sanity would be an exception. Dax Riggs of Acid Bath is one of my favorites. But outside of metal, my favorite vocalists would be Maynard and Chris Cornell.
As far as drummers go, for metal I'd have to say Gene Hoglan. His work on Individual Thought Patterns and Symbolic was phenomenal. Outside of metal, probably Akira Jimbo or Terry Bozzio. The guy plays fucking songs on his drums.
Guitar wise I'd go with any of the Death guitarists, from Spiritual Healing on. I love them all, and I love Chuck. Outside of that genre however, I'd have to say Martin Taylor is far and away the most absurd guitarist I've ever heard.
AD, have you listened to Wooten? I honestly don't know how anyone who's heard his "Classical Thump" could hear that and not think he's the greatest bassist alive. (Well, that would eliminate Burton, but you get my point)
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2004-07-03 20:45:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
So, other than Envenom's vote for Wooten, does this mean most of you agree with my choices?
Submitted by melkorthedelerious (user info) at 2004-07-03 20:22:13 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Cliff Burton is no less than a fucking god in my book. Damned bus driver.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2004-07-03 20:02:08 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
I'm gonna turn on "Nile - Libation Unto The Shades Who Lurk In The Shadows Of The Temple Of Anhur" now.
After which I'll listen to some Immortal songs with arbitrarily combined words: 'Storming Through Red Clouds and Holocaustwinds,' 'Frostdemonstorm,' 'The Call of the Wintermoon' etc
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2004-07-03 19:55:21 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Yeah, I love that the name is super long. Why is it black metal bands have to make their album and song names fucking sentences, like "Starfire Burns the Ice Veiled Walls of Ultima Thule."
Seriously, what the fuck?
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2004-07-03 19:43:56 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Their early shit is fucking weird. One minute it's black metal and the next it sounds like the Doors. I haven't had a chance to pick up any of their recent albums, but I've heard parts of them and thought it was pretty good. They've definitely gotten heavier. I've got Neonism and The Linear Scaffold and love them both.
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2004-07-03 19:41:46 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
AAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Fuck, DMD, that was great. Yah, the genre-defining has gotten a little out of hand, but it's also what helps metal stay fresh and unique. It's a constantly evolving creature. I was going to go camping an hour ago, but then nature decided to take a gargantuan piss on this state, so I'm stuck here, eating pizza and talking metal with you guys. Daamit. I have over 80 dollars worth of fireworks sitting in my house, not getting fired into the sky.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2004-07-03 19:37:45 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Who wants to join my new Black Death Power Heavy Thrash Grind Speed Goth Doom Technical Classical Symphonic Epic Viking Folk Progressive Math Metal band?
I'm calling it Burzorbid Angelmaidensabbath Destructionapalm Deathslayercuna Coilatoniatopsy Death Haggard Guardiantersorg Finntrollpethshuggah.
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2004-07-03 19:32:14 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I only have Solefald's Pills Against The Ageless Ills. I fuckin love it. Solefald I would call neo-black metal. Or you can go by their own description: "black music with red edges". Hyperhuman is a great fucking song.
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2004-07-03 19:29:26 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Are you familiar with Solefald? What would you consider that?
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2004-07-03 19:28:57 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I agree, but it's the melodic portion that makes me consider it Blackened Death Metal. Dark Tranquility's hit or miss with me. Some of the albums I like, others I don't really care for.
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2004-07-03 19:27:01 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
At The Gates and Dark Tranquillity are melodic death metal and both can be said to have invented the genre.
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2004-07-03 19:25:05 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
At the Gates and Depresy as well.
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2004-07-03 19:23:53 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
'Heavy Black Death Metal."
Now when I see that, I think of Ablaze My Sorry, particularly the Plague. But some would call that power metal. Semantics.
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2004-07-03 19:23:17 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Ah daamit, DMD, I was actually getting a pretty descent rating with this post. :(
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2004-07-03 19:21:19 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Envenom: Musically Bodom is black/thrash with a touch of Maiden and In Flames. I have yet to hear a single "gallop" beat in any of their songs. You know, the typical power metal chug chugga-chug chugga-chug.... and on and on. Bodom just rocks. Pure metal fun to drink and air-guitar to.
Val: Thanks again for the support.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2004-07-03 19:19:26 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
CoB is like a monstrous vat of metal styles in one band. They have elements of black, death, and power. Under 'genre' on my playlist, I have them as 'Heavy Black Death Metal."
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2004-07-03 19:18:42 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
The bass player from Cryptopsy is pretty damn good as well.
Outside of this genre however, nobody touches Victor Wooten.
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2004-07-03 19:16:55 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Bass:
Cliff Burton (Metallica)
Is there really any argument here?
__________________________________________
I don't know, Alex Webster is pretty fucking sick, especially if you see him live.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2004-07-03 19:16:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
April Ethereal (5:45 - 5:59)
We could do this all day.
Submitted by Val (user info) at 2004-07-03 19:14:07 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I saw the title and knew it was by you.
+2!
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2004-07-03 19:09:56 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Yeah, I wasn't referring to the vocals, but if the music isn't power metal, seriously, then I don't know what is. It screams power metal to me.
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2004-07-03 19:05:56 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Bodom isn't power metal, although the music is a bit similar. Alexi basically just uses typical black metal vocals.
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2004-07-03 18:56:48 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2004-07-03 05:24:50 (#)
Ranking: 0
Nothing against you, Avals, I just can't stand power metal. Maiden has some cool guitar work, but I just can't stand the butt-clench, rod-of-dry-ice-up-the-anus vocals of most of the bands you mentioned.
___________________________________________________________________
And yet you like Children of Bodom?
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2004-07-03 18:45:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
This one is also impressive:
Black Rose Immortal (19:01 - 19:18)
That's right, a seventeen-second sustained scream. Mikael is a fucking monster.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2004-07-03 18:35:20 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I prefer this series of screams from Åkerfeldt:
In The Mist She Was Standing (8:00-8:36)
But right on with Warman. That guy is insane!
Submitted by Avals (user info) at 2004-07-03 15:27:27 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Metallica and Cage, right on it. Thanks for the suggestions.
Must shamefully admit that I didn't read the post you linked to. What can I say, I'm a lazy fuck; so sue me.
Totally forgot today is the 3rd of July. 4th of July doesn't mean much where I'm from, you see. Have fun blowing shit up - it's what god intended man for. :D
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2004-07-03 15:12:15 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Wow, I think you may be the first metalhead I've conversed with who hasn't listened to Metallica. Just buy Master of Puppets and perhaps you'll understand why they *used* to be considered the greatest metal band on the planet.
As for your last comment, are you kidding? Did you read the reviews on the BleedTheSky post that I linked to? That's why I made this post. But, it is the weekend of the 4th and I'm sure a lot of people have left for the lakes or wherever else they go. I myself will be leaving shortly to go camping with friends where we will enjoy mass quanities of beer and blowing shit up in the sky. I bought one battery of shots that contains the maximum allowable powder by law in one unit, 500 g.
Oh, and not sure if you've heard of them, but I've heard that a California power metal band called Cage has recently exploded and are leading the pack here in the states. Check 'em out.
Submitted by Avals (user info) at 2004-07-03 06:01:04 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Intriguing indeed. Although I'm pretty sure Rhapsody, for example, utilizes orchestras on a regular basis, it's still nice to know you're listening to real instruments instead of keyboards.
The only song I really liked on Something Wicked This Way Comes is Melancholy. The others are listenable, but not something I find myself enjoying on a regular basis. Honestly, I never really understood why they say Iced Earth plays power metal; it doesn't fit my idea of power metal at all.
As for Metallica, re-read my first comment. I intentionally said "listen to" instead of "heard of". I've heard of Metallica, but don't listen to them. Admittedly, I've only heard them a bit quite a while ago. I don't actually remember what they sound like, just that I don't like them. Maybe it's time to give them another shot though.
On another interesting note, looks like no one else gives a fuck about this post. Guess we don't have too many metalheads around here after all.
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2004-07-03 05:44:24 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I read that on Once, instead of keyboards they utilized a full-blown orchestra for the atmosphere, which I found intriguing. As I've said before, the only power metal I've ever liked was Iced Earth's Something Wicked This Way Comes. And regarding your first response to this post, are you saying you've never heard of Metallica?
Submitted by Avals (user info) at 2004-07-03 05:37:15 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
OK then, that disqualifies about 9/10 of my music collection; I prefer power metal myself, you see...
I'm not sure you're going to like Nightwish much then - they aren't exactly Maiden, but they do have a certain power metal vibe to them, especially when Marco Hietala (at least, I think it's Marco) comes on with his high-pitched scream. (See Phantom of the Opera or Dead to the World for reference.) Although, try it; who knows...
And about Once - thanks, but I don't think I need a review when it comes to Nightwish. :)
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2004-07-03 05:24:50 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Nothing against you, Avals, I just can't stand power metal. Maiden has some cool guitar work, but I just can't stand the butt-clench, rod-of-dry-ice-up-the-anus vocals of most of the bands you mentioned.
And about Nightwish, I believe it's called Once. Check out www.metalbite.com for a review.
Submitted by Avals (user info) at 2004-07-03 05:20:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Motherfucker! How could I not know Nightwish had a new album out!? I am so fucking on it!
Don't know what you've got against Rhapsody, but hey, it's a free country. You gotta admit, the guy's got a fucking incredible voice though...
OK then, how about David DeFeis (the guy's got an incredible vocal range, and he can go from an evil slur to a beautiful serenade voice in a fucking heartbeat), Bruce Dickinson (aka "The Air Raid Siren", need I say more?) or Tobias Sammet? I'm sure I can remember more if I tried.
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2004-07-03 05:08:55 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Well, I haven't personally heard Nightwish (which is a little odd, since I've known about them for a while), but I have heard some buzz that their new album is pretty killer.
Rhapsody, on the other hand, I fucking hate with a burning, vitriolic passion. That's just my opinion though.
Submitted by Avals (user info) at 2004-07-03 05:04:54 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Why the fuck don't these kinds of lists ever contain ONE SINGLE FUCKING BAND I listen to!?
Does no one actually consider Tarja Turunen (Nightwish) or Fabio Lione (Rhapsody) worthy of at least an honourable mention? Or is it just that everyone these days listens to nothing but Black and Death Metal?
Just curious.