Best Ever Albums

Re: The Gowi Zone -- Currently Listening: 2022-2023

mickilennial — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 22:26:51 GMT

Author: mickilennial

Posted: 03/21/2023 02:26

Mercury wrote:

Gowi wrote:

https://rateyourmusic.com/list/Gowi/my-favorite-metal-songs-of-the-80s/

Started a rough draft of my favorite [metal] songs of the 80s. For those who'd be interested.

super cool list and idea. Saw most of the great ones I love on there, although I'm sure if I ever venture to make a similar list for myself it will be different (obviously). Love Priest at number 1. Unless I missed it, didn't see much high placement for Master Of Puppets Metallica songs including the grandadday of them all (according to many) "Master of Puppets" itself. I suppose you are a much bigger fan of RtL over MoP?

I like Master of Puppets and Justice well enough, but I largely think the over-long and pseudo-prog/tech nature of those albums did not suit Metallica at all. The only song I think is a pound-by-pound favorite from Master is Orion which is on the list somewhere in the back-end of the list. It probably should be a little higher but there's so much metal in the 80s I love and I'm not even remotely finished with all of my considerations.

Re: The Gowi Zone -- Currently Listening: 2022-2023

Mercury — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 22:23:26 GMT

Author: Mercury

Posted: 03/21/2023 02:23

Gowi wrote:

https://rateyourmusic.com/list/Gowi/my-favorite-metal-songs-of-the-80s/

Started a rough draft of my favorite [metal] songs of the 80s. For those who'd be interested.

Re: The Gowi Zone -- Currently Listening: 2022-2023

mickilennial — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 21:37:03 GMT

Author: mickilennial

Posted: 03/21/2023 01:37

LedZep wrote:

Gowi wrote:

https://rateyourmusic.com/list/Gowi/my-favorite-metal-songs-of-the-80s/

Started a rough draft of my favorite [metal] songs of the 80s. For those who'd be interested.

This is rad. Looks nothing like my potential list, but I love seeing so many great songs and your unique order. A friend of mine claims Crystal Ball is easily the worst song on the Candlemass debut... I'm glad you're not like him 😁

Now I'm inspired to do the same! Might be finished by the end of the week (or never).

It's going to take me forever to start thinking on the metal songs I've most revisited. But eventually I'll run out of 5/5's to post.

Re: The Gowi Zone -- Currently Listening: 2022-2023

LedZep — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 19:28:18 GMT

Author: LedZep

Posted: 03/20/2023 23:28

Gowi wrote:

https://rateyourmusic.com/list/Gowi/my-favorite-metal-songs-of-the-80s/

Started a rough draft of my favorite [metal] songs of the 80s. For those who'd be interested.

Re: The Gowi Zone -- Currently Listening: 2022-2023

mickilennial — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 13:12:09 GMT

Author: mickilennial

Posted: 03/20/2023 17:12

https://rateyourmusic.com/list/Gowi/my-favorite-metal-songs-of-the-80s/

Started a rough draft of my favorite [metal] songs of the 80s. For those who'd be interested.

Re: The Gowi Zone -- Currently Listening: 2022-2023

mickilennial — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 12:47:23 GMT

Author: mickilennial

Posted: 03/10/2023 17:47

2023 is really starting to heat up for me

Re: The Gowi Zone -- Currently Listening: 2022-2023

mickilennial — Wed, 1 Mar 2023 22:26:23 GMT

Author: mickilennial

Posted: 03/02/2023 03:26

Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.

ID.Entity by Riverside (PL)

Definitely Riverside's weakest... accompanied by their worst, most heavy handed lyrical songwriting in their career. It's not bad, but its clumsy.

Re: The Gowi Zone -- Currently Listening: 2022-2023

mickilennial — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 20:13:03 GMT

Author: mickilennial

Posted: 02/18/2023 01:13

RockyRaccoon wrote:

Didn't realize H.C. McEntire had a new album out! I'll have to add that to my list. Also good to see you enjoyed the new Paramore - I haven't heard it yet but I've heard some middling reviews, so I was beginning to wonder if it was any good

It's After Laughter Volume 2, more or less. If they didn't like AL they probably won't like this one.

Re: The Gowi Zone -- Currently Listening: 2022-2023

RockyRaccoon — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 09:40:29 GMT

Author: RockyRaccoon

Posted: 02/15/2023 14:40

Didn't realize H.C. McEntire had a new album out! I'll have to add that to my list. Also good to see you enjoyed the new Paramore - I haven't heard it yet but I've heard some middling reviews, so I was beginning to wonder if it was any good

Re: The Gowi Zone -- Currently Listening: 2022-2023

mickilennial — Sat, 11 Feb 2023 15:01:03 GMT

Author: mickilennial

Posted: 02/11/2023 20:01

Porting this here; will be updating. Assuming I don't break a text limit.

January 1 - January 7
How'd the month start for you?

Holy Water & Honey by The Lanterns
Good Company by Monday Night & 3wayslim
How Are Your Cars Driving? by Bagel Fanclub
Every Dog on Earth by We Are Only Human Once
Rai'Hea by Aika
For Your Leisure by jdmasters
Married in Mount Airy by Nicole Dollanganger
Medium Gnarly by Swiss Army Knife
Into My Garden by Greta Panettieri
The View From Above by Cusper
Human Coward Coyote by Nag
Catherine Mercy by Catherine Mercy
A Fate Worse Than Home by Iravu
Pressure Gamut by Jade Cicada
Cenotaph by Mechina
Lies They Tell Our Children by Anti-Flag
As Porphyria Once Went by Tears Seven Times

January 8 - January 14
What was YOUR favorite(s) release(s) from the week of Jan 13th?!

The Mind of a Saint by Skyzoo
Odium by Wothrosch
Oroku Saki by Mickey Diamond & Ral Duke
Second Death by Mansion
The Unconscious Mind of Arda by Ruinthorne
Pale Lungs by Pale Lungs
Endless by Leiah
The Era of Darkness by Crom
Never Going Under by Circa Waves
I'm Not Crying, You're Crying by Whitehorse
Delalma by Delalma
The Coral Tombs by Ahab
Kaleidoscope by Eir Aoi
Dying of Everything by Obituary
Internal Working Model by Liela Moss
The Caverns of Duat by Haxprocess
Late Developers by Belle & Sebastian
Beyond the Black by Beyond the Black
Omni by Centregaze
Skyblazer by Infinity's Wings
Screamer by Kingmaker

January 15 - January 21
An interesting group...

Gardening by Siv Jakobsen
Shadowfall by Silver Bullet
The Lord Knows by Tidal Wave
The Impending Fall of the Stars by Inherits the Void
The Parasitic Chambers by Conjureth
Repulsive Nature by Re-Buried
Sky Void of Stars by Katatonia
Time's Arrow by Ladytron
Музыка ветра, земли и огня by Arktida
Indiana Jones by Boldy James
ID.Entity by Riverside
Surgery Channel by C.I.A.

January 22 - January 28
Nearing the end, but not quite.

As in Gardens, So in Tombs by ...And Oceans
Phoenix by Lakecia Benjamin
Into the Void by Trastorned
Every Acre by H.C. McEntire
Battle of Ice by Marco Garau's Magic Opera
Vai / Gash by Steve Vai
Asking for a Ride by White Reaper
Vengeance Fulfilled by Third Eye
The Enigma Division by The Enigma Division
Come Get Your Wife by Elle King

January 29 - February 4
The last three days of January and the first four of February.

This Is Why by Paramore
Carousel by Vylet Pony
Innocence.Love.Sadness by Sorry...
Imperial Dawn by Rexoria

Re: The Gowi Zone -- Currently Listening: 2022-2023

MadhattanJack — Tue, 7 Feb 2023 16:13:46 GMT

Author: MadhattanJack

Posted: 02/07/2023 21:13

RockyRaccoon wrote:

I thought doing some of the songs from the perspective of the villains of the LOTR universe was a neat idea

You might actually change your mind if you were to read The Last Ringbearer — it can practically ruin the entire Tolkien-world experience, for some people. 😨

Re: The Gowi Zone -- Currently Listening: 2022-2023

RockyRaccoon — Tue, 7 Feb 2023 15:20:22 GMT

Author: RockyRaccoon

Posted: 02/07/2023 20:20

Gowi wrote:

Link

Very solid showing from Ruinthrone, a progressive power metal group with folk metal trappings. Very much in line with Wuthering Heights (the band, obviously) in terms of musical philosophy but also the vocalists inflections. The Unconscious Mind of Arda is a good enough album, but there are a lot of weak showings and weird sequencing. Worth a look if you are looking for a good prog-power outfit.

Definitely enjoyed this - I'm a sucker for anything Lord of the Rings-themed, so naturally I got excited when I saw the title and that one of the songs was called Earendil. I thought doing some of the songs from the perspective of the villains of the LOTR universe was a neat idea

Re: The Gowi Zone -- Currently Listening: 2022-2023

mickilennial — Mon, 6 Feb 2023 18:57:14 GMT

Author: mickilennial

Posted: 02/06/2023 23:57

RockyRaccoon wrote:

I kind of feel like this has been the case with B&S for the better part of a decade now. Just about everything they've released since Writes About Love has been decent, perfectly fine and enjoyable, but ultimately slightly-better-than-mediocre albums.

I mean the last one I listened to was Girls In Peacetime Want To Danceand I thought it was really good??? What happened?

Re: The Gowi Zone -- Currently Listening: 2022-2023

RockyRaccoon — Mon, 6 Feb 2023 15:56:19 GMT

Author: RockyRaccoon

Posted: 02/06/2023 20:56

Gowi wrote:

Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.

Shadowfall by Silver Bullet

Release Date: 2023
Genre(s): Symphonic Power Metal
Origin: Finland

First proper review of 2023 and not just first impression-laced microreviews. Cool, right?

In the vein of Finnish legends such as Stratovarius and Sonata Arctica, Silver Bullet draws from Finland’s large pool of fondness for power metal. Sometimes incorporating progressive metal into the mix, Silver Bullet is pretty much a case of what you see is what you get.

Bruno Proveschi replaces Nils Nordling, and I’m going to be honest I think that’s the choice to make. That said, there’s not a lot of information out there yet about this record. I don’t know who produced it so I can’t wax on how it's produced by a melodic metal genius or anything, all I can tell you on the front of the tin is that there’s a new singer and that the band more-or-less has been doing their thing quietly since around 2008. By my ears, Nils had a deeper voice and less of the dynamic range that Proveschi shows us on this record right out of the gate. I see flashes of someone like Swedish singer Tommy Karevik or Spain’s Alfred Romero in Proveschi which is very good company to be in.

Overall, I’m impressed. Power Metal is by far my favorite genre of metal. I love speedy, flourishing guitarwork. I’m a big fan of grandiose melodies and harmonies, with or without the accompaniment of soaring keyboard work. If it feels good–it is good. Silver Bullet succeeds in both categories here and I just want more. Not a single song on this record inspires apathy or millennial cynicism, and in recent years I have been feeling more-and-more of it. It’s unfortunate, but the fact Silver Bullet can transport me back to the feeling I had when I discovered Sonata Arctica, Gamma Ray, or Stratovarius for the first time is invaluable. I think this record will be climbing my spotify queue for many months to come and possibly climb my top 20 power metal albums of all time ranking, which I’m honestly pretty surprised that I have the confidence to say with such zeal.

It's a keeper.

Favorite Track: “Soul Reaper”

Alright, so great recommendation, really enjoyed this. Rock solid power metal album - kind of Nightwish-y I think? I need to give it another go-round but on first listen, definitely enjoyed it, I appreciate you recommending it!

Re: The Gowi Zone -- Currently Listening: 2022-2023

RockyRaccoon — Mon, 6 Feb 2023 09:12:24 GMT

Author: RockyRaccoon

Posted: 02/06/2023 14:12

Gowi wrote:

Speaking of mediocre albums that I didn't have a lot of fun with... the new Belle & Sebastian is one of them.

Late Developers isn't terrible but it is the most random selection of songs I've heard written by this group and the music, songwriting... most of it isn't worth listening to. Bland radio indie (I Don't Know What You See in Me), faux-Arcade Fire dance songs (When You're Not With Me), and a bunch of awkward arena alternative that makes me want to listen to 00s U2 instead of finishing this album... it's not good. It's depressing. What's going on with B&S that they think this is acceptable?

Re: The Gowi Zone -- Currently Listening: 2022-2023

Anonymous — Mon, 6 Feb 2023 08:34:40 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 02/06/2023 13:34

Gowi wrote:

[-X 🫵 🫵 🫵

Speaking of mediocre albums that I didn't have a lot of fun with... the new Belle & Sebastian is one of them.

Late Developers isn't terrible but it is the most random selection of songs I've heard written by this group and the music, songwriting... most of it isn't worth listening to. Bland radio indie (I Don't Know What You See in Me), faux-Arcade Fire dance songs (When You're Not With Me), and a bunch of awkward arena alternative that makes me want to listen to 00s U2 instead of finishing this album... it's not good. It's depressing. What's going on with B&S that they think this is acceptable?

It’s not great, sure, but I think there are a couple of really good songs on there for B&S playlists: Evening Star (one of their better blue-eyed soul numbers) and it’s worth sticking around for the title track, which I think takes them into a more worldbeat/ gospel direction for the first time. I agree that the rest is not so interesting and you hit the mark with the bland arena indie comparison.

Re: The Gowi Zone -- Currently Listening: 2022-2023

mickilennial — Sun, 5 Feb 2023 09:20:18 GMT

Author: mickilennial

Posted: 02/05/2023 14:20

🫵 🫵 🫵 🫵

Speaking of mediocre albums that I didn't have a lot of fun with... the new Belle & Sebastian is one of them.

Late Developers isn't terrible but it is the most random selection of songs I've heard written by this group and the music, songwriting... most of it isn't worth listening to. Bland radio indie (I Don't Know What You See in Me), faux-Arcade Fire dance songs (When You're Not With Me), and a bunch of awkward arena alternative that makes me want to listen to 00s U2 instead of finishing this album... it's not good. It's depressing. What's going on with B&S that they think this is acceptable?

Re: The Gowi Zone -- Currently Listening: 2022-2023

Repo — Sun, 5 Feb 2023 08:52:01 GMT

Author: Repo

Posted: 02/05/2023 13:52

Gowi wrote:

Link

A collaboration heavy record, but if you're still listening to Anti-Flag you know what you're dealing with at this point. Lies They Tell Our Children is pretty much the same thing Anti-Flag has been doing for thirty years... though its probably their most inconsistent album yet. Their politically charged lyrics are shallow and flimsy as they always have been but outside of a few songs like Work & Struggle its pretty much Anti-Flag defanged and out of steam. They sound a lot less like The Offspring and NOFX today and more like a weird aged out Sum41, which I suppose has its place. I just wish they were as fun as they used to be.

Nah! I had similar thoughts on first listen. And it's definitely a commercial radio-friendly album. But it excels at that! The songs are super catchy and it has a high replay value. I'm as surprised as anyone how much I dug and listened to this album in January '23. If it hadn't been released in the very first week of January, I never would have given it a shot most likely! It's like turning on late 90s Alt Rock radio. willingly! lol.>

I used to live in Pittsburgh for five years in the the early 2000s so it's great seeing these guys still killing it. The collaborations work great and add to that fun '90s let's-all-get-in-the-car and head to Newbury Comics feel.

I'm really hoping they're on Riot Fest lineup this Fall here in Chicago!!! 😈

FF to R thread as well at some point since it fits with that first week of January theme that I was trying to talk about. 😁 >

Re: The Gowi Zone -- Currently Listening: 2022-2023

mickilennial — Sun, 5 Feb 2023 05:16:51 GMT

Author: mickilennial

Posted: 02/05/2023 10:16

Link

A collaboration heavy record, but if you're still listening to Anti-Flag you know what you're dealing with at this point. Lies They Tell Our Children is pretty much the same thing Anti-Flag has been doing for thirty years... though its probably their most inconsistent album yet. Their politically charged lyrics are shallow and flimsy as they always have been but outside of a few songs like Work & Struggle its pretty much Anti-Flag defanged and out of steam. They sound a lot less like The Offspring and NOFX today and more like a weird aged out Sum41, which I suppose has its place. I just wish they were as fun as they used to be.

Link

Part of the current wave of underground rap in the sprawling midwest, JDmasters hits us up from Montana with a collection of quirky jazz-laced hip hop. While not on the level of a Chris Crack or other contemporaries there is a lot on For Your Leisure to enjoy.

Link

Serviceable power metal-laced folk metal that harkens back to early Tyr and Korkiplaani, Crom provides more or less what you're looking for if you're into that kind of thing on Era of Darkness. Some guitar tones ripped right from current day Amorphis and norse rhythms (as expected of the viking metal influences) bring this all together in a very palatable package. Worth a look.

Link

From Detroit, here's Boldy James.

Despite this being from my neck of the woods, I'm rather out of touch with the local scene since a bit of my environment has changed. That said, Indiana Jones is a record I didn't expect to like as much as I have. It seems a lot of people (at least on RYM, not sure about proper rap and hip hop aggerates) aren't super fond of this one, but overall I feel like this is one of those records I will like and others will pass on. The trap production, if your thing, is here. Lyrics are serviceable and the flow is not exciting but not stiff or clumsy either. Personally, I'll be checking out his work at length after this one.

Re: The Gowi Zone -- Currently Listening: 2022-2023

mickilennial — Sat, 4 Feb 2023 20:13:15 GMT

Author: mickilennial

Posted: 02/05/2023 01:13

Repo wrote:

Love all the write-ups, Gowi!!! Just threw this one in my queue!!! 😈

😁 >

Really? Forbidden are a pretty big name. How fluent/well-read are you on the classic thrash era (1980-1995) overall? Is it something you only know the big names with some extras or?