Album Review- Slayer: Hell Awaits

Hell Awaits is the 2nd full length album from Thrash Metal band Slayer and was released in 1985. To me this Slayer at their best. Sure most argue that their crowning achievement is Reign In Blood and while it is a more solid album i just feel this one has more complexity. But why do i freakin love this album so much? Lets find out.

Track Rundown

1.Hell Awaits- The "Join Us" backwards in the beginning is just so evil sounding and shows that Slayer are and always will be the most evil band alive. The intro is just so pounding with all the instruments and really lets the band make their presence known. Tom Arayas lead vocals are the most extreme sounding here and almost make this song sound like something a black metal band might conjure up. Amazing opener possibly my favorite Slayer song.

2.Kill Again- just a killer thrash song it is full of awesome thrash riffs. the bass is probably more audible here than any other album in their catalog  which gives off a more raw sound. All the reverb in all the instruments and the voice during the chorus parts just make for a really ripping song as well almost sounds like a song off Scream Bloody Gore by Death if it had more death metal vocals.

3.At Dawn They Sleep: This song definitely encompasses more progressive elements and is really catchy and honestly the lyrical content is awesome singing about Vampires. I really like the solos by King and Hanneman (may god rest his soul) on this album it really shows how much they have improved since Show No Mercy. the vocals with the evil sounding backrounds in the middle is so awesome and when it starts to gradually get faster with Araya repeating Kill Kill KILL!!!! it just makes you want to mosh your room to pieces and Lombardos drums are as tight as ever here too. a real highlight on this surprisingly short album.

4.Praise Of Death-  Another brutal fast song staying within the traditional Slayer sound not as many twists and turns as the previous track but still awesome nonetheless.

5.Necrophiliac- A real dirty thrasher and another big highlight at least for me on this album fusing the brutal fast parts with the slower rhythmic sections really shines through and the echo of the word Hell from Araya just sends shivers down my spine everytime i listen to it. The riffs you can really catch onto here as well.

6.Crypts Of Eternity-  This track sounds alittle quiet at first but then explodes with the solo in the beginning and then rips into pure thrash about a minute in its a good build up it sounds like it couldve been on Show No Mercy or any Venom record honestly the chorus is very reminiscent of them. I also love the blood curdling scream Araya sprays out here as well. Not the best track but not a bad one by any means and even has more of that progressive feel i like.

7.Hardening Of The Arteries- Sounds like a Death Metal band name, song name, or album title either way its pretty badass just to see that name and think "that track must rip" and it does it is really mosh friendly the drums are really fast here to even might be the fastest on the record. It then closes out with a reprise of the instumental beginning of the title track and closes out what is possibly the most vicious Slayer album bordering on death metal and black metal.

Overall, This album gets a 9 out of 10. If the album was on Def Jam Records, it would be perfect with the higher production but this to me is still the heaviest and most evil piece in Slayers discography.

Album Review- Danzig: Danzig

This is the Self Titled Debut from former Misfits frontman Glenn Danzig and was released in 1988. As a huge Misfits fan this album is quite a surprise to hear since its more of a bluesy kind of metal album which is interesting but does it really hold up to Danzigs name? Lets find out.

Track Rundown

1.Twist Of Cain- i really like the main riff in this song its got a cool groove to it i just wish there was more of a backbone here it sounds flat behind the guitar. I also see where Glenn gets his moniker Evil Elvis since he sounds like the king drenched in Gothic tones.

2.Not Of This World- This song sounds very ACDC-ish but again sounds darker i wish the production was a tad better the power could be much greater but it kind of falls flat still has some good rhythm to it. I do really like the solo even though its quick but its got a dirty tone to it which i like.

3.She Rides- This song just has the Blues riffs oozing out of it i like the rhythm again just has a great groove with Danzigs vocals in it to again very reminiscent of ACDC.

4.Soul On Fire- The song starts out very slow with Danzigs crooning voice then into a nice basic but effective Hard Rock riff the chorus has a weird southern twang in the backround which goes by very quick but is pretty cool and an interesting take.

5.Am I Demon- A faster track which is a nice change of pace and shows the more metal aspects in this album even though the guitars seem a bit weak. The production could have really made this album bigger than it already is.

6.Mother- Undeniably their biggest hit, the riff is pretty catchy with the vocals as well and definitely is the most quote "Metal" track on the album and for some strange reason it sounds so apart from this album maybe its because ive heard it so much.

7.Possession-This probably the weakest rack on the album it starts out very creepy but then when the band kicks in it kind just feels there is no direction here the guitars sound really flat its just a really meh track.

8.End Of Time-An acoustic intro which is nice the song overall is an improvement over the previous track i like the riffs in it but again I REALLY WISH THEY HAD MORE POWER!!!!

9.The Hunter- My favorite track on the album i just love the bar blues feel on this track and the subtle double bass drums make the rhythm sound heavier and Danzig sounds best here i think just his lyrics are infectious just a badass track.

10.Evil Thing- Some cool grooves here nothing special though just a nice fun track with a more southern guitar presence.

Overall, i give this album a 6 out of 10. It is a nice listen once in awhile and honestly Danzigs later work has more improvements but this album although having some awesome tracks that are just enough to save it, still kind of comes off boring at some points coming from the guy who fronted the original Misfits but its a fun groovy bluesy rock album just nothing special.

EP Review- Metallica: Beyond Magnetic

Beyond Magnetic is an EP by American Thrash/Heavy Metal band Metallica and was released in 2011. It contained four cuts that did not make Death Magnetic but in my opinion they easily all could have. I like just about everything Metallica has done with Reload being the only record i could not get into i even liked Lulu!!!! But lets talk about this ep.

Track Rundown

1.Hate Train-Right off the bat you will notice that for demos these have damn well production. The title is cheesy yes but the song has amazing riffs especially the one right before the verses kick in. I appreciate Metallica taking more thrash influences back into their sound i really appreciate this song.

2.Just A Bullet Away- I like the palm muting downpick riffing here and James' voice sounds pretty good the whole band sounds pretty tight the slow part is pretty cool very reminiscent of Master Of Puppets to me but this song takes more of a traditional kind of metal sound to it being more of a headbanging song than a mosh and stagedive track but pretty good overall. Also, an interesting fact James played the solos on this song which is pretty cool.

3.Hell And Back- A really groovy riff kicks in here after the cool slow intro. Even with just four songs there are tons of riffs on this ep to go crazy too i really like the chorus on this track as well. There is a weird kind of mainstream sounding feel here but it doesn't make for a bad song. the fast part really gets me going too it pushes out alot of power through James and Kirks guitars.

4.Rebel Of Babylon-This 8 minute epic surely is one to be reckoned with any of the complex tracks featured on ...And Justice For All. This song probably is the thrashiest and even sounds like a Mercyful Fate song after Hetfields wail into the chorus. This is definitely my favorite track on this EP it shows Metallica today giving it all they got and i really wish this made it onto Death Magnetic with a bit higher production on it.

Overall i give this ep a 9.5 out of 10. you would think with a bunch of demos they would be more of throw away tracks but honestly it baffles me how Metallica left these off their 2008 monster. they are insanely heavy and catchy and since the band isdue for a new album in 2015 i hope they pull out something like these tracks.

Album Review- Judas Priest: Sin After Sin

Sin After Sin is the third album by Heavy Metal band Judas Priest ans was released in 1977. What really intrigued me most about this album was how heavy it was for its time and is quite underrated as well. I lately have been on a Priest splurge and after a horrifying day i thought it would be an album i would be interested in reviewing so lets start.

Track Rundown

1.Sinner: This song is very reminiscent with Victim Of Changes with its composure with the slow part in the middle but i really like the guitar sound here too and the solos are pretty memorable and Halfords vocals are as strong as ever and make the chorus really shine here. a great opener and an immediate classic.

2.Diamonds and Rust- This is a pretty good cover of the Joan Baez song but the album version doesn't beat the power of the live version off of Unleashed In the East this one is a bit tamer but still very good.

3.Starbreaker- My all time favorite Priest song just the riffs and vocals on this song are so heavy and the solo tradeoffs are just gold and the harmonizing solo is just enough to make your eardrums explode even Arch Enemy covered it!!!! just perfection right here.

4.The Last Rose of Summer- a much more tame and ballad worthy track Robs vocals are very nice to hear its a nice change of pace but not very memorable.

5.Let Us Prey/Call For the Priest- the song sounds like something off UFOs Obsession but actually sounds heavier after the intro it could be a song on Stained Glass or Hell Bent For Leather it is that heavy very reminiscent of Exciter but has a softer middle spot with some thundering drum beats which is interesting to me i like it alot.

6.Raw Deal- This tracks riff is pretty bluesy sounding and has a good rhythm to it and Rob Halfords vocals get pretty high during the chorus which has an interesting sound with this kind of song an ok track but nothing amazing.

7.Here Comes The Tears- This song sounds like it would be on Rocka Rolla it is very ballady sounding with some piano even thrown in its alot better than the previous one with more composure to it the chorus is pretty heavy it reminds me of Deep Purples Child In Time its pretty good.

8.Dissident Aggressor- arguably one of the heaviest Judas Priest songs ever recorded the riff from KK Downing and Glenn Tipton with the double bass drums is so awesome this song is one to really bang your head to and the fact that Slayer covered it on South Of Heaven is even cooler. A real highlight on this album and a perfect closer to the original album.

9(Bonus Track)Race With the Devil- This song should have been on the original pressing its really infectious its like Priests own Doctor Doctor really solid bonus track.

Overall i give the album a 8.5 out of 10. Its definitely a great album but after the next few albums you could see Priest were still maturing at this point with power escalating to each album but this is still an underrated classic.

Album Review: GHOST: Opus Eponymous

Opus Eponymous is the debut album from Swedish heavy metal band Ghost and was released in 2010. This band is very reminiscent of Mercyful Fate but without Kings screeching vocals. Ever since this album, their sophmore album and their newest ep have been released, this band has grown to a large cult success and are one of the most unique bands you can see today. but is this album worth all the hype from the past few years? lets find out.

Track Rundown

1.Deus Culpa- this is one of the eeriest openings to any album i have ever heard and still gives me chills. it sounds like music played at a funeral home and can seem kind of unsettling but it makes you intrigued what the rest of the album sounds like.

2.Con Clavi Con Dio- this song sounds like a straight up doom metal song with the cool bass riff in the beginning and the song just explodes and and the first lyrics about satan and praising him i really like this song it kicks ass still.

3.Ritual- a very poppy sounding riff at first then into a heavy metal riff with Papa Emeritus's crooning vocals and having a kind of poppy sounding chorus its a very interesting track sounds like the Beatles playing metal

4.Elizabeth- starts out with an awesome doom riff and i like the eerie vocals against it as well i do like the take with really soft vocals apposed to heavier harsh vocals and the chorus sounds so creepy to me which is what this band really accomplishes is creating a moody creepy atmosphere and the solo here sounds pretty neat.

5.Stand By Him- the drum beat at the start i like the song kind of does what the previous song did but its a good headbanging song and the chorus isnt too bad. the fast part with harmonizing guitars was awesome though.

6.Satan Prayer- the riff here again is pretty cool this album is full of them but this song is weaker it doesnt have the huge amount of power the as the past few had.

7.Death Knell- reminds me of Black Sabbaths self titled song with the rain in the beginning and has more of a low trudging rhythm with the pop kind of sounding come back in but otherwise not a really memorable track.

8.Prime Mover- a different sounding riff in the beginning played on higher strings but goes back into that more doom sound it has a bigger sound to it but again not as awesome and epic as the first half of the album.

9.Genesis- I really like this instrumental even though it repeats it just feels so epic though like running through a graveyard trying to escape a killer i just ugh i always have to listen to it when this album is on perfect end to this album.

Overall i give this album an 8 out of 10. the first side definitely succeeds over the second but the instrumental at the end makes up for it definitely and i can understand why this album shot them into fame quickly.

Album Review- Skeletonwitch: Serpents Unleashed

 

Serpents Unleashed is the fifth album from Blackened Thrash metal band Skeletonwitch and was released in 2013. Like their past albums (which all kicked ass) they manage to crank out some great ripping songs but here they seem to make it still sound fresh which is what i really like from bands like this, Toxic Holocaust and plenty of others. Now lets unleash the serpents of this album (see what i did there?)

Track Rundown

1.Serpents Unleashed- This song starts out sounding like a Toxic Holocaust song who i also really dig. It then rips into some awesome thrashing riffs and Chance Garnette comes in with his awesome vocals which sound like Johan Hegg singing like Alexi Laiho. great opener really revs up the rest of the album .

2.Beneath Dead Leaves- this song has kind of the more melodic sound coming through with the power metal kind of riffs from Nate and Scott. This is the type of song that would sound amazing live with an audience almost sounds like it could be an Amon Amarth song and the drumming is pretty tight too. More epic sounding track which is pretty cool.

3.I Am of Death(Hell Has Arrived)- the second song goes right into this and this goes right back into those thrash riffs very in vein to bands like Testament and tons more of that double beat drumming which seems to never stop on this album. I really like the chorus on this song its got a good hook to it.

4.From A Cloudless Sky- another more epic sounding song which works well with SkeletonWitch's brutal sound. Its kind of repetitive but there are some different good headbanging rhythms here too and a guitar solo two in fact which sounds really fresh and pumps more life into this album.

5.Burned From Bone- awesome and very frantic song with an awesome scream from from Chance its pretty badass. this song features some really awesome fast chugging rhythms and guitar harmonizing. The solo isnt anything epic but its really cool with the riff in the backround and the bass from Evan in the backround is awesome. Favorite track on this album.

6.Unending, Everliving- Starts out a bit slower and has a cool kind of hard rock rhythm at the beginning and goes right into that fast blackened thrash playing which if i could describe my experience of this album so far its like being in a battlefield of a mosh pit which is what this album is made for. The musicianship is very superb here as well.

7.Blade On the Flesh, Blood One My Hands- some cool drum fills in the beginning with a fast doomy riff and then back into the fast playing but kind of lacking the power metal feel that the songs before had more of which is a bit of a nice change of pace. The bass with just the drums was cool to hear as well when the guitars slowly came back in which gave it that chanting hey hey kind of feel.

8.This Evil Embrace- Starts out with this interesting riff in the beginning and into this fast higher scaled riffing kind of a weaker song i felt it was kind of a filler track but its still listenable it has some good verses to sing to.

9.Unwept-  the bass again sounds really tight and thick in the beginning i like when songs begin with the bass more up front. another more epic black/ thrash kind of chorus which is where the meat of this song really is its so powerful yet emotional.

10.Born Of the Light That Does Not Shine- a cool intro where all the instruments come in a kind of seperate way and then a really cool harmonizing part in to beginning even the verse riffs harmonize which is pretty impressive.

11.More Cruel Than Weak- the beginning has a very Metallica Nothing Else Matters or Call Of Cthulhu feel to it but oddly heavier awesome opener definitely a good change of pace and how ever instrument fades in is so badass this song ends the album pretty strong for what these guys are going for.

Overall i give this album an 8 out of 10. these guys still suprisingly make their brand of thrash sound fresh while combining a kind of European power metal undertone into it. this album is not groundbreaking by any means but still an awesome listen and something to bang your head to until the next release comes along.

Album Review- Dillinger Escape Plan: One of Us Is the Killer

This is the fifth album from Mathcore band The Dillinger Escape Plan and it was released in 2013. Now, i am not hugely familiar with all of Dillingers work but they are one hell of a band and very unique as well. This review is also at the suggestion of my friend and i thought it would be interesting to dissect so lets get into it.

Track Rundown

1.Prancer- This track has a very cool unique Hardcore sound especially in the vocals and goes into some interesting rhythm sections which are common throughout this album the playing altogether is very tight which i like. It goes into this progressive kind of feel around the two minute mark which is only one of the twists and turns that make this band so interesting.

2.When I Lost my Bet: some really nice jazz drumbeats in the beginning which i find really cool kind of an extreme Jazz Fusion if you will the bass playing with the distorted vocals sounds so cool with the tight drums as well. Really energetic and technical which is really submersing me into this record more.

3.One of Us Is the Killer- Talk about feeling wow the intro has more of a presence of that breezy jazz feel and honestly sounds like it could be a pop song but i find it so awesome when it goes into the big distorted riffs then back to the soft parts it really blends together well creating an atmosphere that surrounds you as you listen to this album more the chorus is freaking fantastic. This song is pretty much a perfect composure and is my favorite on the album.

4.Hero of the Soviet Union- More of that tight Hardcore style playing with some really cool technical guitar parts it blows my mind how Ben Weinman can play so frantic like that and still keep a fluent smooth ryhthm pattern and Greg Puciato sounds like hes belting out as much as he can in his voice this is a pretty good track.

5.Nothing's Funny- Some cool chugging with a cool punchy bass line its got a cool groove in it for a band as frantic as this the really high back up vocals get me to its very cool just adds more layering to this song. I really like the really fast running on the guitar neck in the middle it weirdly reminds me of Megadeths Take No Prisoners and then goes back into the chorus which reminds me of some thing System Of A Down would write. its a good song.

6.Understanding Decay- pure frantic playing in this song really viscous but sticking with the progressive aspects Dillinger is known for. Its not an amazing song but by Dillingers standards its up to par.

7.Paranoia Shields- I like the bass and higher guitar notes in the beginning and what i really like by this point in the album is that every song has a unique sound whether its more pop or hardcore or mainstream rock but it always sounds good still a very enjoying album seven songs in.

8.CH 375 268 277 ARS- It fades in pretty interestingly with all the static noises and the slow droning and a riff i really like its very heavy and the electronic sounds in the backround i was afraid would hurt this bands sound but in fact adds another layer which i apprecitate. unfortunately this could be the weakest track here theres no real direction for it

9.Magic That I Held You Prisoner- this song sounds a tad repetitive in the beginning but still listenable but goes into some cool harmonics with the guitar i still like the little touches they have put in the song.

10.Crossburner- the heavy bass sounds really cool at the intro and then gets so frantic sounding but very heavy like a progressive Doom sludge metal song its pretty awesome.

11.The Threat Posed by Nuclear Weapons- the subtle then frantic beginning is pretty cool then it actually gets kind of a crossover sound to it the sound is very notable to Megadeths Rust In Peace record to me and its not an amazing end but it definitely ends very well.

Overall this album gets a 9 out of 10. i was very pleased after listening to this and now im interested to go back into Dillingers catalog and catch up to this mammoth of an album

Album Review- DOYLE: Abominator

Abominator is the debut album from former Misfits guitarist Doyle Von Wolfgang Frankensteins new Horror Metal band/supergroup DOYLE and was released in 2013. This to me was one of my most anticipated albums of last year since i am such a Misfits fanatic and Doyle is my all time favorite Punk guitarist but when i found out he would again be doing more metal material as he did with Gorgeous Frankenstein i got really excited. However, does it hold up for one of horror punks founding fathers? lets find out.

Track Rundown

1. Abominator- This song starts out with a blood curdling scream from Alex Story from the the notorious CancerSlug and Doyle comes in with an awesome Doom riff thats very Black Sabbath worthy. The drums sound extremely heavy as well with Graves era Misfit Dr. CHUD back behind the kit. the fast riff then picks up and is very infectious but to me the verses are the best part of the track with Doyle doing some chugging and palm muting while Story sounds as badass as ever singing here. This is definitely a standout track.

2.Learn To Bleed- The beginning riff has so much groove i try so hard to resist going crazy. i really love the chorus how it goes into a hardcore punk kind of rhythm which gives this record a kind of crossover sound as well. this is a really infectious song.

3.DreamingDeadGirls- CHUDs drumming really stands out to me the most here with his very fast double pedal hitting showing that his abilities have broadened. Alex Storys lyrical content really is really funny here singing about what else? necrophilia! and Doyles riffs are very doom sounding with a ballad kind of rhythm during the chorus parts. i really like his squealing solo which reminds me of Panteras Suicide Note part 2. another very cool song very fun to sing to.

4.HeadHunter- a very thrashy sounding song that would get any mosh pit riled up. its a very fun and fast track.

5.Valley Of  Shadows- this song sounds like the combination of Pantera with horror movies. It s a very strong song that again has a very strong element of groove in it. the fast punky part in the middle is a left turn that you totally dont expect on first listen.

6.Land of the Dead- another very sludgy sounding riff in the beginning with Doyles now signature squeal harmonics but then picks up into a riff that sounds like it would be on Black Sabbaths Master of Reality. Alexs vocals sound very sludgy here as well which i really like. not one of the best tracks but a good one.

7.CemeterySexx- finally the bass gets a chance to shine that Doyle actually recorded on the album(Left Hand Graham plays with them live) and is very groovy with guitar as well and Story singing with a caress in his voice gives this song a very Alice In Chains kind of vibe to me. another song with great riffs.

8.Love Like Murder- this song has a very southern metal/ DOWN feel to it but its nothing amazing like a couple songs before it. its still pretty good but not great.

9.Mark of the Beast- This song sounds like it could be off of Rob Zombies Educated Horses for some reason to me i don't know why but it has that more industrial feel to it the chorus is very vicious its pretty good.

10.Drawing Down the Moon- this oddly has a more upbeat riff to it but i think this is the weakest track here its not really special or groundbreaking.

11.Bloodstains- this song returns to the heavy riff squeal heavy riff style of past songs and is pretty headbangable(is this a word?) its very Godsmack sounding too which i really appreciate.

12. Hope Hell Is Warm- the album really goes out swinging with a track as ferocious as this one. the chorus is one of my favorites on here its awesome to sing along to as the album ends with a bang.

Overall this album receives a 9 out of 10. This album really is a trip through a graveyard of hell and i was extremely pleased it didnt sound like The Misfits at all but more like a Pantera/Godsmack/Alice In Chains mashup thrown into the middle of a haunted house and i hope Doyle pulls more of this stuff out in the future.

EP Review- Skull Fist: Heavier Than Metal

This is the first official recording from Canadian Power Metal band Skull Fist released in 2010. I am doing this review at the request of one of my fellow tumblr bloggers and i really like this style of metal so i was pleased that they asked me to. I heard a few songs off of their full length Head Of The Pack and thought they were pretty good. But lets look before that with this EP.

Track Rundown

1.Sign of the Warrior- i really like the fast double bass drums at the beginning and the voice of Jackie Slaughter is very very strong and strangely reminds me of James Hetfield during the Kill Em All days but with an even higher voice. this is a very cool song.

2.Heavier Than Metal- I really like the riff for this song and the shout at the beginning is really cool. It really reminds me of JawBreaker from Judas Priests Defenders Of The Faith. the solo is pretty awesome as well. This is my favorite song off the EP

3.Blackout- The acoustic intro is really cool and power metal worthy and the main full structure of the song has a thrashy kind of undertone with the chugging riffs but is pretty well done.

4.Ride The Beast- this reminds me alot of Anthraxs Metal Thrashing Mad off of Fistful Of Metal not amazing but still pretty fun.

5.No False Metal- i really like the name of this song it sounds a bit different than all the other tracks in ways of guitar playing with a more frantic strumming. Not a bad closer.

Overall i would give this EP 7.5 out of 10. The band take it is what it is and that is kick ass Power Metal and while this record is nothing new it is pretty nostalgic to all the 80s metal bands and i like that its not as over the top as dragon force. I do think this is a neat band and i wouldnt mind seeing them live one day.

Album Review- Megadeth: Super Collider

Super Collider is the fourteenth album by American Thrash metal and my all time favorite metal band Megadeth. It was released in the middle of the boom of 2013(we got a lot of freaking albums last year). Now originally i wanted to review So Far So Good...So What? because it is quite possibly my favorite Metal album of all time but for some reason this one was calling my name. When it came out, i was so shocked of how Megadeth changed but in a good way. However, this album it seems has fell to a low slowly becoming Risk two. I for one was a fan of Risk when i first heard it because i thought it was interesting for a thrash metal band. I thought i should speak about this album more in depth since i know most of my friends won't hear about it. Lets begin.

Track Rundown

1.KingMaker- I always believe that a strong opener is crucial for an at least decent album and wow does Super Collider have one. I really appreciate the James Bond sounding bass doodle from David Jr.Ellefson in the beginning and then a really thrashy riff blows in. I really like Dave Mustaines voice here with his signature growl but more up front. Chris Brodericks guitar tone also kicks ass with all the squeals he does during the verses. The song has  a very Children Of The Grave sound to it but sounding original as well. This an amazing opener even with the really quiet acoustic part at the end.

2.Super Collider- Ahh the infamous title track. Most people i know or people i have seen hate this album because of this one song. I will agree that it sounds very mainstream and extremely upbeat but its still a decent track. Its definitely not a real big standout but it is enjoyable after a few listens and even has a ripping solo in it which is always a plus.

3.Burn!- This song sounds really cool and the chorus i really like it is pretty original. This song definitely has some more thrash elements to it but also steps into a traditional metal sound as well. It sounds like it could have been on Th1rt3en.

4.Built For War- I really like the riffing in this song it has a nice groove to it and the vocals are pretty mean sounding which is what i like from Dave. This track could have easily been on United Abominations with the aptly titled Gears Of War.

5.Off The Edge- a much more simple metal song it has the riffs with the voice going along with them but not a real standout track i do like the solo though.

6.Dance In The Rain- By far my favorite track on the album. i love the dark depressing drone effect on the instruments in the beginning. the song reminds me of a more mature Peace Sells with the lyrical content and structure of this song. i really like the fast scale running riffs as well. However, the best part of this song is by far the end which breaks into some crushing thrashy riffs with David Draiman doing guest vocals which sound really cool up with Mustaines voice this ending is very mosh worthy i freaking love it.

7.Beginning Of Sorrow: Another mainstream sounding tune but still sounds pretty badass with a grungy feel to it. I could see Korn writing a song like this, Jonathan Davis's voice would fit very well with it. I love the hammer on solo in the middle too.

8.The Blackest Crow: Megadeth doing country? hell yeah! The beginning reminds me of Rob Zombies House Of 1000 Corpses off of The Sinister Urge. They do a very good job of blending their unique sound with a dark country sound it blends very well.

9.Forget To Remember- Even though it sounds upbeat the lyrics are very depressing about someone losing their memory. The song has alot of feel to it and i think that is why i love it so much and the riffs have a poppy feel that i oddly enjoy. Definitely my second favorite track on this record.

10.Don't Turn Your Back On A Friend- The beginning sounds like 1920's Lounge music which i thought was an interesting twist but then turns into probably the heaviest sounding riff on the album and i give credit to Shawn Drovers drumming sounding probably the heaviest yet here. The lyrics are still kind of cheesy but the musical structure definitely makes up for it.

11.Cold Sweat: My favorite Thin Lizzy song covered by my favorite Metal band equals pure awesomness. this is the first album to feature a cover on it since 1988's So Far So Good...So What? and it has been a long time coming. a great closer to a not perfect but great album.

Overall, this album gets an 8.5 out of 10. Megadeth are still original and i give them props to writing an album like this and i appreciate them not trying to create another Rust In Peace or Endgame and i hope to get more left turns in the future.

Album Review- Anthrax: Worship Music

To kick off my blog of reviews i thought i would start with an album i have adored since the day it came out. Worship Music is the tenth album by american Thrash Metal band Anthrax and what an album it is. When i heard this album was to be released i was excited for it since i knew Joey Belladonna had returned permanently and for me is the true singer of Anthrax. I have nothing against John Bush as a singer but i never felt like he was right for this particular band. But anyways, lets rip into this album.

Track rundown

1.Worship Music- this intro is still pretty cool it really reminds me of Gridlock off Persistence Of Time with the spacey feel to it. It really does get you pumped with what Anthrax has in store for the rest of the trip.

2.Earth On Hell- WHAM! this song really hits hard and is a very catchy straight up thrash song. to hear Joey singing really feels refreshing oddly but i think the real star here is the rhythm section of Scott Ian, Charlie Benante and Frankie Bello who sound the tightest ever on this record.

3.The Devil You Know- This song is very headbang friendly and the chorus sounds very much like something out of a Bush era song but the blending is very likable. It also reminds me alot of AC/DC's Rocker with its jitteriness i suppose.

4.Fight Em Til' You Can't:- This song is undeniably the live favorite. It is already an Anthrax classic very in vein to Caught In a Mosh off Among The Living. Its not quite as famous but with time it will be high in their catalog.

5.I.'m Alive- Another very hard rock sounding song but still keeping within its metal roots. the chorus is pretty damn catchy as well.

6. In The End- The truly epic piece on this album dedicated to Ronnie James Dio and Dimebag Darrell god rest their souls. the beginning with the low tuned string instruments and church bells create a very dark atmosphere and BOOM! an awesome riff from Mr. Ian. the chorus is also very atmospheric here as well which i like and i like when they break and you hear a live crowd in the backround.

7.The Giant- another catchy hard rock song with joey singing from speaker to speaker. not a perfect piece but a fun piece nonetheless.

8.Judas Priest- I find it funny but awesome that Anthrax combine their thrashy sound with a Judas Priestlike heavy metal sound on a song aptly titled Judas Priest.

9.Crawl: Honestly the weakest song on the album and for this song being weak is saying how well this album was written because the song is still pretty good and brings kind of a Sabbathy sound which i really do admire.

10. The Constant: Oh yeah some Pantera sounding riffs here. This is also probably the most experimental track on the album with them playing around with some different riffing.

11.Revolution Screams: For the final song it's pretty good and very upbeat nothing special but it gets into some really good drum fills with some mute palm picking that makes you rock your head alittle.

Overall, i give this album a 9.5 out of 10. I was very impressed with Anthrax that they pulled this one off and this year they are due for a release and after the cool Anthems EP i am very excited to see what more original material they can pull out.