Throughout the years there has always been a debate whether NY's own Pro-Pain is Hard Core, Alternative Metal, or something in between. What I can tell you is that this band is groovy as fuck! Don't believe me? Check out one of their live shows where they speed up the fast parts, slow down the sludgy parts, and your buddy who just got punched in the jaw will give you the thumbs of approval. (more…)

Today we know the name "Death" as the legendary death metal band that debatably started it all, but in 1991 they had only just begun. Their 4th studio LP, Human was regarded as a turning point for this Florida based death metal act by incorporating more technical and progressive playing through out the record while maintaining that extreme death metal sound. This may have been due to an all star line-up: guitarist/songwriter Paul Masvidal of CYNIC was asked to officially join Death after filling in on tours.  As we all know Masvidal  rejected his invitation in order to commit to his work with his own band Cynic, despite Death being a much bigger band at the time. When it came time to track the Human LP they had also recruited Cynic drummer Sean Reinert, and bassist Steve DiGiorio (Autopsy, Sadus, Testament, Iced Earth, Vintersorg) to complete the line up that would also go on to tour in support of the record.  Sean and Paul later left Death to release Cynic's debut 1993 LP "Focus"

This music video for "Lack of Comprehension" is the first of only 2 videos ever made for the band, featuring the recording line up. Watching Sean and Paul rock out with long hair is worth the viewing unto itself, but don't take my word for it…

My first experience with Candiria was while I was waiting for a bus home on the way from high school, when Carly Coma approached me upon rocking out with head phones on, to hand me a Candira business card. This was of course pre- internet days when face to face communication with your audience was key, and word of mouth was essentially the RSS feed of it's time. Having seen stickers plastered all over the NYC area for this band, I knew there was some buzz about them, but it wasn't until my first experience seeing them live that I understood what all the fuss was about. (more…)

In the late 80's Anthrax was already a house hold name for head bangers across our nation. These thrash giants have seen it all since, and still remain to be one of today's most notable thrash metal bands ever. However if it's one thing that can be said about early Anthrax no matter what line up you prefer, it's that the NYC quintet brought the fun that was clearly missing from your normal heavy acts of it's time.

Going back to 1985 this music video for "Madhouse" off their 2nd LP "Spreading the Disease" was actually banned from MTV completely, who believed the video to be degrading towards mentally ill patients. The LP itself features the then, new vocalist Joey Belladona who replaced original front man Neil Turbin, and new bassist Frank Bello, who took over for Danny Lilker (now of SOD/Brutal Truth fame).

Unless you spent the past quarter century living in Michael Jackson's closet, chances are you've heard and/or seen the spectacle that is Mr. King Diamond. However before Diamond ventured off into solo stardom it was his previous efforts in Mercyful Fate that would put this shock rocker on the legend map.

Founded in Copenhagen Denmark in 1980, Mercyful Fate began as a collective side project turned focus group for Shermann, Denner, and Diamond after helping each other out with demo work for former bands. Needless to say, the metal community at large is thankful for the meeting of these minds for if they hadn't, then many legendary bands such as Metallica may have never found the inspiration needed to shred.

Unfortunately the band did not make a music video for the first 2 classic LP's, but after a near 10 year hiatus (the result of arguments between Diamond and Shermann over creative differences) the band reformed in 1993 with their 3rd full length record "In The Shadows" featuring the single "Egypt." For anyone interested in checking out this LP, Lars Ulrich got to thank his heroes by drumming on the re-recorded track "Return of the Vampire"… this was of course pre-Load era, so it's not half bad. Would I steer you wrong?

In 199,5 Florida-based death metal legends Morbid Angel, celebrated the release of their 4th (letter D) studio album "Domination" to a world of criticism. Original fans of the first few records thought it was more "sludge" than death metal, while those into the newly developing sludge movement thought the record was still too "death" metal for their tastes. Despite open remarks concerning "Domination", the LP is still arguably one of the greatest achievements of 90's American death metal I've ever heard.

One of the coolest things I remember about this particular LP was the attempt to include a slime pack with each disc. This of course never happened once the slime substance began spilling and was proven to be toxic. They later released initial copies in green jewel cases (not eco friendly) for a "PG" effect of the same theme.

Noted as "The #1 Death Metal Guitarist Ever" by Decibel Magazine, Trey Azagthoth lead the band into mainstream attention with this video for "Where The Slime Live".

For every band that carries on past their prime years to the point of self-parody, there's a barely noticeable, ultra-rare breed who split up at the height of their greatness. For the scarce bands that go out on top, there are even fewer who split up before they reach their potential, leaving the rest of us to wonder what could have been while raising horns to the one or two albums that they left us. This brings us to SIKTH.

Conceived in the same kingdom that brewed IRON MAIDEN and NAPALM DEATH, SikTh blended the former's gradiosity and progressive edge with the latter's abrasivenesses and hectic shifts. But from the first listen, SikTh's "Death of a Dead Day" sounds like it came from a universe where matchcore bands gave their hooks room to breathe, progressive bands didn't get bogged down with proficiency and death metal bands focused on clean, melodic songs more than speed. Sure, all of that happens sometimes, but how often do you hear it all on the same record? (more…)

Sikth, "Bland Street Bloom" [5:41m]

 

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Sikth, "Flogging the Horses" [3:33m]

 

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The recent anniversary of Dimebag's death may have encouraged you to blast Vulgar Display of Power, 101 Proof or really any Pantera record, since they all rule. But to further grasp the range of the brilliance that is Darrell Abbott, give a shot to the cowboys from hell's underappreciated collab with outlaw country legend David Allan Coe, Rebel Meets Rebel.

Scared off by the word "country?" Most people were, and despite featuring the last new music from Dimebag, Rebel Meets Rebel's only album has barely made a dent on the world's radar since it came out in 2006. But check it out and you'll be rewarded with one of the best party albums in recent memory.

On a break from Pantera, Dimebag, Vinnie Paul, Rex Brown and country's reigning dirty old man Coe formed a country metal alliance. It sounded nothing like Coe or Pantera's previous music, nothing like Metallica's misguided stabs at country on Load and nothing like Hank Williams III (who makes an awesome cameo on "Get Outta My Life," mayhaps the great metal tell-off song.) Rebel Meets Rebel works because it doesn't try to be country or metal–just blur the bold line between the two onto an awesome hard rock record. (more…)

Rebel Meets Rebel, "Get Outta My Life" [3:32m]

 

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Rebel Meets Rebel, "Cowboys Do More Dope" [4:49m]

 

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At first listen, it's hard to justify why Body Count's self-titled debut is so enjoyable. There are plenty of better punk, hard rock and metal albums. The lyrics, provided by the usually astute Ice-T, are crass at best and moronic at worst.

From "Voodoo:"

She had an old doll.
She had a long shiny needle.
She held the doll in the air–it looked kinda like me!
She took the needle–stuck it in its eye!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

My eye!
Bitch!

Imagine that level of subtlety and discretion applied to "Evil Dick," "KKK Bitch," or "Momma's Gotta Die Tonight." (more…)

Body Count, "Cop Killer"

 

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Body Count, "Bowels of the Devil"

 

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Body Count, "KKK Bitch"

 

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Back in '93 Dave Lombardo (then ex-Slayer) had embarked on a series of side projects that would push his musical know-how in new directions. The first project was Grip Inc., a band I know many of you have probably heard and discarded at some point in their career. While I may agree that the band didn't always put out stellar records, I think if you run through a copy of "Power of Inner Strength" a few times, your bound to hear several explosive gems that bridge the "What if Slayer tried to be melodic" gamut.

Despite the Lombardo headlines surrounding most reviews, many forget Grip Inc. didn't only include 1 metal veteran. Waldemar Sorychta (Guitars/Producer) is mostly known as famed producer for Euro – acts like Tiamat, Samael, Moonspell, Sentenced, Borknagar & Lacuna Coil to name a few. The Lombardo – Sorychta collaboration was released to many rave reviews, but seemingly have been trying to recapture the essence of their debut since!

The band shot a video for their single "Ostracized", but like most head bangers out there, I prefer the tracks featuring Lombardo's signature double kick frenzy. This live clip for "Hostage to Heaven" was filmed in 1997 during the band's Nemesis support tour, and even includes vocalist Gus Chambers coping an attitude and leaving the stage.

Seriously, was there ever a time in metal history people weren't screaming "SLAYERRRRR!!!!" at shows? Back in 1990, the California based band was already a renowned powerhouse of the "original" thrash metal movement. The signature intensity of heavy hitting, riffing and screaming was unlike anything else of it's time, moving the band into the metal stardom they receive today.

Now, I may not be the biggest SLAYER fan any more, but I have to admit hearing a SLAYER oldie on the radio (or a playlist) brings me back faster than a Hi-C squeeze it box. I remember when "Seasons in the Abyss" from the LP of the same name, was a regular on MTV. Like any good metal head back then, I stopped what I was doing and watched the video from start to finish each time it aired, as though it were the last metal video they were going to show on the station. This is Slayer's second music video. It features the Giza pyramids of Egypt, and drummer Dave Lombardo prior to his split with the band over personal conflicts with the other members. The clip still remains to be my favorite SLAYER video of all time, "But why?" you ask. Pyramids, horses, angry Egyptians and an epic looking boat ride… how can you get any more metal than that?

Several years before the NOLA all stars of southern metal, DOWN came out with their debut, Pepper Keenan was busy making a name for himself in Corrosion of Conformity. In 1991, COC released their LP "Blind" featuring a new line up, and a young Keenan on rhythm guitar. The change in line up and musical direction paved the road to mainstream audiences intrigued by the combination of southern doom and metal. The band's first music video for "Vote with a Bullet" features vocalist Karl Agell before Keenan took over the front-man role on 1993's "Deliverance" LP.

Back in 1993, the land of Sweden had spawned yet another influential metal band by the name of Dissection. Although not the band's first recording, Dissection's 1993 LP "The Somberlain" was the first official release from these black / death metal pioneers. A year before it's release date, the band originally from Stromstad Sweden, picked up and relocated to Gothenburg where they shared a rehearsal space with other Swedish legends At The Gates. This may, or may not be the influence they needed to create what is known to be the first "Black-Death Metal" LP recorded.

While Dissection's 1990 demo "The Grief Prophecy" was re-released in memory of Dead, the former vocalist for the notorious Norwegian black metal group Mayhem, "The Somberlain" was dedicated to Euronymous, guitarist of Mayhem who was murdered the same year of it's release.

This live video of "The Somberlain" is off Dissection's only DVD release "Rebirth of Dissection" filmed in 2004. This was in fact the first show the band played after vocalist Jon Nodtveidt was release from prison, where he spent 7 years doing time for murdering a homosexual male. 2 Years after this live DVD taping that featured no original Dissection members but himself, Nodtveidt was forbidden to enter the United States because of his incarceration and was unable to finish the band's final tour. 2 weeks after Dissection's farewell concert in Stockholm, Jon Nodtveidt was found dead from self inflicted gun shot wounds.

In the early 90's you couldn't possibly attend a show without seeing several Overkill T's in the crowd. Rightfully so, because the New Jersey legends have been churning out horn waving thrash tunes since '85, and doing a damn fine job ever since.

The 1991 release "Horoscope " LP saw the band in their heaviest fitting up to that point, complete with fame producer Terry Date . This was the first record following the loss of long-time guitarist and song writer Bobby Gustafson , despite fans' worries concerning the "new" Overkill, the band managed to pump out what some consider their finest and darkest work ever. This early Overkill DVD clip montage for the track "Coma " isnt an official release, but it kicks ass anyway.

Back in the late 80's early 90's Arizona based Flotsam and Jetsam were losing bassists like it was the cool thing to do. Chances are you have heard of this band at least once in your life, more than likely surrounding a news clipping featuring the names Jason Newsted (who left to join Metallica) or Troy Gregory ( who left to join Prong), but how many of us really got into this band? This video for "Swatting at Flies" features the band in the only after-Newsted CD I'll admit to owning. The band's 1992 LP "Cuatro" was released during an era where Grunge-Alternative was getting hipper by the minute, and America saw several metal bands attempting their shot at reclaiming themselves. An interesting, but surprisingly well written effort in my opinion.

Back in 1994, I apparently listened to more European metal than anything else (judging by my posts thus far). For good reason too, it was a time Earache and Century Media could do no wrong, releasing LP after LP of influential European music that would later shape the sound of American sub-cultures. However, in order to own such a collection of bestial hits, you better have at least one grim disc from the swiss black metal cross over band Samael. 1994 marked their debut on Century Media with an LP so satanic, I was sent to the dean's office 5 times in a single year for sporting the band's T-shirt (shown below). The music video "Baphomets Throne" off said LP "Ceremony of Opposites" features the band in full satanic throttle, before packing in the Jesus hateraid and exchanging it for several Roland keyboards and drum machine.

Back in 1995, Finnish band Sentenced was unaware they completed the best LP of their career.  The band's 3rd full length record "Amok", considered the best of their albums by most fans and critics, featured their first ever music video for the single "Nepenthe." Despite Amok serving as the band's break through LP (and their first of many releases on Century Media), the effort would be the last with Bassist/ Vocalist Taneli Jarva. Jarva is said to have left the band simply because they were no longer heavy enough for him, and didn't like the slow melodic approach that led the band to fame (now thats pretty fuckin metal!). Despite a major change in the line up, Sentenced continued to produce many more popular European singles until their disbandment in 2005.

 Back in 1994, Finland's Amorphis was the best new sound since distortion to this youngin. Even still I cant help but find my hand clenching into a claw as the song continues in the background. After abandoning their initial death metal approach shown in debut LP "The Karelian Isthmus", the band wasted no time exploring themselves further as song writers both musically and lyrically. "Black Winter Day" can be found on the 1994 release "Tales from the Thousand Lakes" a concept disc surrounding the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala. The EP for "Black Winter Day" would prove to be the launch pad for Amorphis' change in musical direction once again, this time donning a full time clean vocalist. Despite the bands many changes in sound, this video features Amorphis in what I believe is their finest era. I'd even nominate this epic single for a spot on Metal Sucks' Saturday Song To Get Stoned To… except my calendar is marked Saturday, everyday.