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Post by AzraelRPG on Oct 2, 2016 6:26:29 GMT -5
Welcome, welcome, welcome to the Month of Metal! Where each day of this month there will be several songs posted each day from one or more metal musicians. This leading up to two dates. The first date is October 29th which is the day of Metal Mania, a meet that is themed by metal music where everyone brings out their most hard rockin' cars and fashion as we create chaos around San Andreas. The second date is a bit less significant, but still oh so important, Halloween. "Wait, what? Halloween? What does Halloween have to do with metal?"Well, I'm glad you asked mysterious person that keeps showing up in my threads. What does Halloween have to do with metal? Well, it is quite simple really, Halloween, and the rest of October leading up it, are celebrated in popular culture with Horror themes. We see this in movies, decorations, costumes, haunted attractions, people are more likely to read the likes of Lovecraft, Poe, and Shelley during this time as well. But music, music doesn't have an obviously named genre to go along with this time of year. Well, I, and many metal musicians, beg to differ. Alice Cooper once said that " metal was the horror genre of music", and you know what, he is absolutely right, it very much is. Metal feeds on some of our primal desires. It can get us up and going, and ready for nearly everything, while boosting several biological functions that other areas of media do that are in the horror genre. Metal is also very technical and is basically can be mixed with nearly every other genre of music out there and cranked up to 11 in volume, density, and technicality, which makes it one of the best (in my opinion) forms of music, since nearly every iota needs to be thought out to flow appropriately to make a truly musically sound work. But that isn't all, a lot of the time, there are songs, and even full albums and series of albums, dedicated to a story within its lyrics. With the massive range of musical talent in the metal genre, it becomes almost common place to find these storyful lyrics in almost every album, especially themes of shock and horror. "But what if we want to post songs too?"Well, you can, in fact, I'd encourage others to get in on the action too,partly because I know mostly obscure metal groups and mostly because as I will be publishing a playlist on a new channel on Youtube, and, may actually create a Spotify account as well for just this playlist, which would be published on the 31st of October. Any genre is welcome, and any group within the metal genre is welcome. And there isn't really a shortage of music out there either. I would just ask that you would post a little bit of information about the group you are posting, and it can be several different groups as well. Just have their name, genre/sub-genre, album of the song (maybe), and a little background information. Some information is a little hard to come by unfortunately, but every little bit helps as it could very well introduce a person to another group they've never heard before. I do go to a site called the "Encyclopaedia Metallum" (www.metal-archives.com/) to get info on specific groups, but sometimes they don't have a group I'm looking for, but still very useful.
Now, what I will most likely be posting is a wide array of metal groups from different sub-genres, this would include, but not limited to: Melodic Death Metal, Classic Heavy metal (can almost be considered rock now unfortunately), Thrash, Symphonic, Gothic, Industrial, Cyberpunk/goth (very heavily electrical but has some of the same idea in metal), Metalcore, Viking Metal, Folk Metal, and a few others I can't think of at the moment. Happy hunting, and happy rocking!
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Post by AzraelRPG on Oct 2, 2016 10:00:42 GMT -5
October 1st: I think it is safe to say that everyone knows about Metallica. It was one of the first in the heavy metal craze that started in the early 1980s, and certainly the first band that was in the Thrash genre of metal and thus they have become one of the staple groups that have greatly influenced the metal genre. Officially formed in 1981 in Los Angeles, California, United States, they created Thrash metal and later experimented with hard rock and heavy metal with lyrical themes that are closely related to subjects of corruption, life & death, anger, and internal struggle. Though the group have had a series of hiccups with their music, like their Load and St. Anger albums, they have stood the test of time and are still rocking out to this day, with an upcoming album scheduled for later this year. I personally, like earlier Metallica, but I am liking some of the stuff coming from their newer album. Seek & Destroy (1983) Master of Puppets (1986) Welcome Home (Sanitarium) [1986] One (1988) Enter Sandman (1991) Moth Into Flame (2016)
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Post by AzraelRPG on Oct 4, 2016 7:08:56 GMT -5
October 2nd:Black Sabbath, the godfather of the metal genre. They are regarded as THE first heavy metal band, and the first Doom Metal band. They formed as a bond back in 1969 and have been active ever since. Well, minus a 5-year sabbatical between 2006 and 2011. They were also one of the many musical talents that had invaded the US during the British Music Invasion of the 1960s. Their lyrics, at the time were unlike those of other groups dealing with darker themes such as Doom, Drugs, Death, Life, and Religion. They will be finishing their last tour in September of this year. Paranoid (1970) N.I.B. (1970) Iron Man (1970) War Pigs (1970) Black Sabbath (1970) Bonus: Ozzy Osbourne - No More Tears (1991) Bonus: Ozzy Osbourne - Crazy Train (1980)
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Post by AzraelRPG on Oct 4, 2016 7:53:21 GMT -5
October 3rd:Now we have, for the 3rd of October, a bad of a more modern era, Nightwish. Nightwish is a very recognizable name in the Symphonic Power Metal genre and have been around for the past 2 decades. Formed in Finland in 1996, they have covered topics such as love, nature, astrology, religion, fantasy, and beauty, and have traveled the world on tour as well as filming their own film Imaginaerum. They have had a bit of a tumultuous time with lead singers however, as they are now on their 3rd lead since the inception of the band, their first went on to lead her own solo career. Tarja Tarunen Era (1996-2005):Nemo (2004) I Wish I Had an Angel (2004) Dark Chest of Wonders (2004) Planet Hell (2004) Over the Hills and Far Away (Led Zeppelin Cover) [2001] Annette Olzon Era (2007-2012):Bye Bye Beautiful (2007) Escapist (2009) Storytime (2011) Floor Jansen Era (2013-present):Endless Forms Most Beautiful (2015)
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Post by AzraelRPG on Oct 11, 2016 2:45:04 GMT -5
Totally forgot about this since the update dropped! I'm such a dork and left this thread abandoned for over a week! Oh well, time to make up for lost time!October 4th: Today's a Double Header!
Battlecross is an American metal band that hails from Warren, Michigan and has been active for the better part of a decade. Their lyrics include themes of history, positive ideals, and social commentary. All with the punch to the face delivery of both Thrash metal and Death metal. A great listen for working out, or slaying zombies.
Push Pull Destroy (2011)
Never Come Back (2013)
Absence (2015)
My Vaccine (2013)
Not Your Slave (2015)
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This band was formed in 2012 when 5 members left the group Sabaton and has been a bit of a rising act on the metal scene with its unique focus on just war and history, while using the styling of both heavy and power metal genres. They hail from two places in Sweden, Falun and Borlänge.
Bay of Pigs (2015)
Braveheart (2015)
USS Monitor (2015)
Bonus: The Last Temptation of Christ by Astral Doors (2014)
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Post by AzraelRPG on Oct 11, 2016 3:52:28 GMT -5
October 5th:From Atlanta, Georgia, Becoming the Archetype is a fairly unique band, as in them being a Christian Metal band in the genres of Progressive metal, Melodic Death metal, and Metalcore. And, they are one of the very few that are actually really good at melding these two seemingly opposing forces together to make some great music. Their main lyrical themes are of course about Christianity, faith, but oddly enough, they talk about fire as well. Beyond Adaptation (2005) Immolation (2007) The Great Fall (The Physics of Fire, Pt.1) [2007] End of the Age (2008) Mountain of Souls (2008) Elemental Wrath: Requiem Aeternum, Pt. 2 (2011) The Ocean Walker (2012)
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Post by AzraelRPG on Oct 11, 2016 15:01:27 GMT -5
October 6th: Nu-Metal[place-graphic_here] Oh boy, where do I start. Nu-Metal is a genre the appeared in the mid-late 1990s. It housed bands like Korn, Linkin Park, Slipknot, Staind, P.O.D., Powerman 5000, Rob Zombie, Mudvayne, and many others. Now I know what some others are already thinking "Those groups aren't metal at all!" And in most conventional definitions, I'd agree with you. But, and just hear me out, Nu-Metal is still technically a subgenre of Metal. This is mostly due to the fact that, like in my first post, metal is more of an amalgamation of different genres and then being pumped up to the nth degree. That being said, the advent of Nu-Metal came after the end of Grunge, and in some circles, helped bring the metal genre back to form after its 1980s pop phase. This helped bring back some old genres come back to the lime light, while helping to create a multitude of newer genres of metal that are still popular to this day. Although Nu-metal has faded after the mid-2000s, it still holds its ground as being one of the most unique genres around, and, without it, we may not have the metal genre, and its veritable plethora of groups and styles, to enjoy. Linkin Park - Papercut (2000) Linkin Park - Faint (2003) Korn - Freak on a Leash (1998) Korn - Insane (2016) Korn - Thoughtless (2002) Slipknot - Wait and Bleed (1999) Slipknot - Duality (2004) Slipknot - Before I Forget (2004) Slipknot - The Devil In I (2014) P.O.D. - Youth of the Nation (2001) P.O.D. - Boom (2001) Powerman 5000 - When Worlds Collide (1999) Powerman 5000 - Bombshell (2001)
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Post by AzraelRPG on Oct 11, 2016 16:05:06 GMT -5
October 7:Another band whose lead vocalist is considered one of the Goddesses of Metal, Sharon den Adel. This is a Symphonic Metal band that hails from the Netherlands and it may not be as heavy as some fans of metal want, but it is seriously a really good band and may very well be one of the main influencers of the the Symphonic Metal genre since they've been around for about two decades. Their lyrics have themes relating to Fantasy, Nature, Love, and Inner Struggles. Paradise (What About Us?) ft. Tarja Turunen [2014] And We Run ft. Xzibit (2014) Stand My Ground (2004) Ice Queen (2000) Shot In the Dark (2011) Frozen (2007) Dangerous ft. Howard Jones (2014) What Have You Done (2007)
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Post by AzraelRPG on Oct 11, 2016 16:53:31 GMT -5
October 8th:Ah, Good old Viking Metal, and non really truly match the power that Amon Amarth has in the genre, nor the scope of lyrical content, not really surprising since the name of the band actually means "Mt. Doom" in Tolkiens fictional language, Sindarin. This particular group ascribes to a more Melodic Death Metal sound with lyrical content relating to topics in Vikings, Warfare, Mythology, and Destruction. As Loke Falls (2013) Deceiver of the Gods (2013) Twilight of the Thunder God (2008) Guardians of Asgaard (2008) Tattered Banners and Bloody Flags (2008) Destroyer of the Universe (2011) War of the Gods (2011)
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Post by AzraelRPG on Oct 11, 2016 17:16:39 GMT -5
October 9th:One of the biggest influencers of metal of all time, Motörhead. A very classic band in the genre, and one that is also very recognizable, including the gambling anthem Ace of Spades. This band was active for 40 years and only split up after the death of Lemmy Kilmister in December of 2015. Starting in 1975, this band has been in the hardline in helping to create the Heavy Metal genre. Their lyrics contain themes of Gambling, Rock 'n' Roll, Drugs, War, Life, Sex, and Humour. Even though this band no longer performs, they will continue through the annals of time as one of the biggest influencers of hard rock and heavy metal. Ace of Spades (1980) Bomber (La Bomba) [1979] Overkill (1979) Killed By Death (1984) Brotherhood of Man (2010) Fight (2004)
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Post by AzraelRPG on Oct 11, 2016 18:57:31 GMT -5
October 10th: Every wondered what would happen if Elvis Presley was in a modern metal band? Well, the rocking outfit from Copenhagen, Denmark has got you covered. A mix of Groove and Heavy Metal, Hard Rock, and a bit of Psychobilly, this group has an undeniably unique sound that is reminiscent of the 1960s punk scene mixed with modern day heaviness with I would dub "Greaser Metal". With lyrics that match up to the groups style with themes like Gansters, Love, and Rock 'n' Roll. Definitely worth a listen if you are wanting something very unique for your collection. Fire Song (2005) The Human Instrument (2007) Sad Man's Tongue (2007) River Queen (2007) Radio Girl (2007) Still Counting (2009) 16 Dollars (2010) The Hangman's Body Count (2013) Black Bart (2013) Seal the Deal (2016) The Devil's Bleeding Crown (2016)
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Post by AzraelRPG on Oct 12, 2016 11:03:06 GMT -5
October 11th:We've got another heavy hitting group today with Fear Factory. This group has been practicing in the Death Metal and Industrial Metal genre since 1990 and has added Groove Metal to their repertoire of sound. This LA outfit has songs relating to technology, anti-religion, hate, society, and sci-fi. Replica (1995) Zero Signal (1995) Shock (1998) Cars (Remix) [1998] Linchpin (2001) Invisible Wounds (Dark Bodies) [2001] Recharger (2012) The Industrialist (2012) Expiration Date (2016) Regenerate (2016)
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Post by AzraelRPG on Oct 12, 2016 13:50:45 GMT -5
October 12th: Triple ThreatHammerfall, a heavy and power metal band from one of the biggest metal capitals in the world, Gothenburg, Sweden. This group has been around and telling stories of both fantasy and medieval battles since 1993. They are one of the few modern groups that utilize a 100% clean vocal range and still able to kick major ass on stage and on record. Unchained (1997) Hearts On Fire (2002) Hector's Hymn (2014) _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Alestorm seems to be somewhat well known in metal circles as one of the very few truly good "Pirate Metal" groups. Hailing from Perth, Scotland, Alestorm is a Folk and Power Metal group that is heavy on the themes of Pirates, Drinking, and Adventure. Truly a good band to have a drunken party with. Keelhauled (2009) Terror on the High Seas (2010) The Sunk'n Norwegian (2011) Drink (2014) _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This is another Power Metal group from Scotland. Their lyrical content is about Fantasy, Epic tales, and Fictional Scottish History, while having a bit of humour thrown in. A good band to combine with Alestorm so you can add a bit of clean Symphonic Power Metal in contrast with Alestorms dirty pirate style. Angus McFife (2013) Rise of the Chaos Wizards (2015) Universe on Fire (2015)
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Post by AzraelRPG on Oct 13, 2016 20:09:37 GMT -5
October 13th:This Swedish Melodic Death and Groove metal band has been around for just about 12 years, and have been rocking out since. They did have a major lineup change with their lead vocalist leaving the band in 2008, to be replaced by to other vocalists about a month later. This band's lyrical themes include mysticism, philosophy, science, inner struggles, and sci-fi. Christian Älvestam era (2004 - 2008):Reborn (2005) The illusionist (2006) Quantumleaper (2008) Lars Palmqvist & Roberth Karlsson era (2008 - present):Noumenon and Phenomenon (2009) Seers of the Eschaton (2011) Neuromancers (2014)
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Post by AzraelRPG on Oct 15, 2016 0:09:40 GMT -5
October 14th: Double HeaderArch Enemy is a female-fronted Melodic Death Metal band from Sweden that has been around for just over 2 decades now. They cover themes such as darkness, humanity, anti-religion, rebellion and society. In 2014, Angela Gossow, lead vocalist of Arch Enemy, stepped down as the lead of the band to become its manager. They later hired The Agonist's front woman, Alissa White-Gluz, to lead Arch Enemy. Even though Arch Enemy had a switch in vocalists, they still are face melting with their guitar riffs and solos, the pounding drums, and the ever-so-present harsh female vocals from on of the best in the biz. Angela Gossow era (2000 - 2014):We Will Rise (2003) My Apocalypse (2005) Blood on Your Hands (2007) Under Black Flags (2011) Alissa White-Gluz era (2014 - Present):War Eternal (2014) You Will Know My Name (2014) _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This Canadian outfit is a Melodic Death Metal and Metalcore band from Montreal. They tackle subjects like global and social issues, and self-help. In 2014, the lead vocalist, Alissa White-Gluz, left the band to lead Arch Enemy after Angela Gossow had retired from leading the band. Later in 2014, the band hired Vicky Psarakis to lead The Agonist. Alissa White-Gluz era (2004 - 2014):Void of Sympathy (2007) ... And Their Eulogies Sang Me to Sleep (2009) Thank You Pain (2009) Birds Elope with the Sun (2009) You're Coming With Me (2012) Vicky Psarakis era (2014 - Present):Disconnect Me (2015) As Above, So Below (2015) Personal Note: The Agonist was the first female-fronted Melodic Death Metal band that I had been interested in. If it weren't for the sheer craziness of some of the instrumentation and the major vocals of Alissa White-Gluz, I may not have looked at these bands seriously. Even though Alissa is still doing her thing with Arch Enemy, I feel that The Agonist had lost a big part of the sound that had appealed to me when I first heard of them. This is not saying the Vicky is a bad vocalist, she is great in her own right, I just feel that this new change makes this band seem less hard-hitting than it once was.
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