HMaM Global Mod
Post by GL on Dec 31, 2010 14:10:19 GMT -5
Traditional Heavy Metal- Death Metal- Since this New Year turning over is actually the end of the decade, let's take a look at the last decade in Traditional Heavy Metal:
2000-
10. Yngwie Malmsteen-War to End All Wars
9. Jag Panzer-Thane to the Throne
8. Custard-For My King
7. Destillery-Behind the Mask
6. Di’Anno-Nomad
5. Seven Witches-City of Lost Souls
4. Dio-Magica
3. Halford-Resurrection
2. King Diamond-House of God
1. Iron Maiden-Brave New World
Okay, so the background is far more interesting than anything I could put here, but what’s criminally-overlooked in this discussion is the fact that, finally reuniting with Bruce and bringing back on of their better guitarists yet still keeping the current team in place, this time launching the band with six members and three guitarists. That gives them a much fuller sound than anything they’ve ever had in the past, and this in turn gives the album a much lusher, fuller sound when adding in those memorable bass swoops or a dose of atmospheric keyboards on select songs to really liven them up. The drumming is again impeccable, the guitar riffs are just as memorable as their prime, and once again Bruce is soaring over the songs like an eagle, still reaching the great highs of the past and sounding much more forceful on the clean mid-sections, especially on their usual epics where he’s not shouting for six minutes at a time. That, in a nutshell is the beauty of this record, since it feels just like one that could’ve been made back in their heyday yet comes complete with all the modern trimmings and whistles. If they can keep this line-up strong now, this decade could only mean good things for these guys, and that alone is worthy of full-on Album of the Year status.
2001-
10. Skullview-Consequences of Failure
9. Armored Saint-A Nod to the Old School
8. Narnia-Desert Land
7. Wayne-Metal Church
6. Rage-Welcome to the Other Side
5. Vainglory-2050
4. Stormhammer-Cold Desert Moon
3. Saxon-Killing Ground
2. Judas Priest-Demolition
1. Jag Panzer-Mechanized Warfare
A bit of an odd choice, but frankly one that won out here simply by wowing me like none other this year. A bit more Power Metal-inspired than many of the others on this list, but there’s still enough traditionalism in their approach to count here. Lead by the irrepressible vocals and biting guitar riffs, this here is a monster of an album riff-wise that shows a very steady Iron Maiden school of influence that leads them well into this collection as it offers up a healthy dose of melody to go along with a never-ending stream of full-throttle anthems welded together with impressive solos that are extremely technical in execution and serve even more to give this an impressive mark. This is matched quite nicely by the towering vocals which are just as powerful and emotive as some of the best in the genre, matching the music quite nicely and making it all the more insatiable an experience. The band is also unafraid of experimentation, offering to include a set of Gregorian chants along select songs that give them an extra dose of mood and atmosphere, which not a lot of bands provide. A highly underrated band that deserves more recognition, and providing work like this is a fantastic first step.
2002-
10. Sacred Steel-Slaughter Prophecy
9. Majesty-Sword and Sorcery
8. Rage-Unity
7. Powergod-Evolution III: Nemesis
6. Seven Witches-Xiled to the Infinity and One
5. Doro-Fight
4. King Diamond-Abigail II: The Revenge
3. Manowar-Warriors of the World
2. Dio-Killing the Dragon
1. Halford-Crucible
So, it appears pretty much confirmed that Rob is dedicating himself back to the Metal genre, and frankly, with two explosive releases, this is certainly good news for most out there. Backed by perhaps the best band of his career, this is just a furious ride through the genre that it’s impossible not to fall for this album, with it’s guitar pyrotechnics spitting out some of the greatest riffs Priest never recorded, absolutely dexterous drumming that’s thunderous, crushing and in total harmony with the mood of the song, whether it be a full-on Thrash attack, a multi-sectioned progressive song that seems welded together from different sections of other songs, a slower mood-driven song or even a ballad or two strewn amongst it all, and an amazing production that gives these just incredible life that makes them seem grander than any previous album. Of course, the best element here is easily Rob screaming over the top of everything in trademark fashion, but as evidenced on the last album, he certainly knows a thing or two about how to carry a song melodically, and those come to the forefront when the band eases up on the throttle and introduces some more introspective moments. All-around, this here was a top choice for this slot and looks to begin a bright future for the Metal God.
2003-
10. Chinchilla-Madtropolis
9. Pharaoh-After the Fire
8. Stormwind-Rising Symphony
7. Racer X-Getting Heavier
6. Exhibition-The Sign of Tomorrow
5. Iron Maiden-Dance of Death
4. Seven Witches-Passage to the Other Side
3. Agent Steel-Order of the Illuminati
2. Jag Panzer-The Decade of the Spike-Nailed Bat
1. King Diamond-The Puppet Master
Wow, the King takes the throne again this year, and this time it might be his magnum opus. Backed by the greatest line-up of his career, carried over from the previous album but here given their shining light and make the most of it. With tons upon tons of melodic, heavy Traditional Metal riffs and just amazing solo work from both hands, this one is an album that gets better with repeat listens since it displays a richer, fuller experience once it gets through the initial shock and awe factor, and with some of greatest songs in his history, fantastic performances from all involved and a truly superb production job, it has all the hallmarks of an enjoyable album before King gets a chance to strut his wares, sounding as great as ever with one of his best performances ever and the operatic female vocals he duets with at times gives it a unique flavor missing from his past work. While it’s not his greatest story ever, that’s of little importance as he wins out again here on this list.
2004-
10. Virtuocity-Northern Twilight Symphony
9. Blaze-Blood Belief
8. Axel Rudi Pell-Kings and Queens
7. Overlorde-Return of the Snow Giant
6. Saxon-Lionheart
5. Impellitteri-Pedal to the Metal
4. 3 Inches of Blood-Advance and Vanquish
3. Jag Panzer-Casting the Stones
2. Seven Witches-Year of the Witch
1. UDO-Thunderball
Those that know their Metal history recognize the band name as being the first name of former Accept vocalist Udo Dirkschneider, and indeed this is the band he left Accept for in the late 80s, and what that means is that this here sounds just like what Accept would be like if they were still around. Packed with plenty of those beefy German riffs, dazzling guitar-work and hyper-speed drumming, this one here is a really impressive and energetic album that really doesn’t have many weak spots overall in the collection of songs, running the full gamut of traditional fast rockers, more introspective moments and even a nice ballad, though the most interesting song on here is a Russian folk song the band carries off with indelible style, sounding as organic to the band’s sound as possible yet including several traditional instruments from Russian folk music into the song and comes across as a really enjoyable tune. Topped off with Udo still giving off that indefinable shriek of his over the top of everything, this here is a rather entertaining album that proves it’s still somewhat relevant for the old guard to be going strong in the scene.
2005-
10. Powerwolf-Return in Bloodred
9. Havochate-Cycle of Pain
8. Sabaton-Primo Victoria
7. Nightmare-The Dominion Gate
6. Biomechanical-The Empires of the World
5. Yngwie Malmsteen-Unleash the Fury
4. Seven Witches-Amped
3. UDO-Mission No. X
2. Jack Frost-Out in the Cold
1. Judas Priest-Angel of Retribution
So, it’s finally come to pass, the greatest heavy metal band of all-time is back together fifteen years after their last recorded output and it all feels like home again. This here was exactly what was needed after such a long lay-off, which is filled with prime-era material that runs the gamut of the broad-spectrum from their catalog. With songs that would fit in with their early-80s arena rock period, several that roar forth like lost relics from their ‘Painkiller’ sessions, a great hard-rocker that fits into they’re 70s catalog quite nicely, and there’s even as beautiful a ballad and multi-part epic as you’re going to hear from the band and certainly live up to the high standard set by their past endeavors into the styles. This one here also manages to contain what is quite possibly the best song they’ve ever recorded, certainly no mean feat in its own right. Beyond the collection of songs, the performances here are incredible, as Rob has one of his best, most diverse performances ever as he hits the highs as clear and forcefully as ever and comes through with his trademark power intact, the guitars are utterly phenomenal, spitting out incredible riff after incredible riff, and the superb production allows the drumming to come through as thunderous as ever, giving the whole affair a touch of class solely lacking in many other releases. Even without all the backstage gossip coming into effect, this was an amazing album and narrowly wins out the full-on Album of the Year.
2006-
10. Adagio-Dominate
9. Wolf-The Black Flame
8. Iron Maiden-A Matter of Life and Death
7. Majesty-Hellforces
6. Sabaton-Attera Dominatus
5. Manowar-Gods of War
4. Beyond Fear-Beyond Fear
3. Doro-Warrior Soul
2. Rage-Speak of the Dead
1. Axel Rudi Pell-Mystica
One of the forefathers of Melodic Metal/Hard Rock for just slightly under two decades now, this German guitarist has made a never-ending series of quality releases that might just be blown out of the water here on his magnum opus, since there really isn’t a bad song on the whole. Naturally, the guitars are going to be a highlight, as well they should, since this is a renown guitarist’s project band and the riffs here fly and soar with dexterity, grace and power, all the while staying infinitely heavy and accessible, no mean feat to accomplish here and the riffs that decorate these songs might just be the strongest of his career. With incredibly-strong and multifaceted vocals that range from the falsetto-like highs to a general mid-range style and even tender emotiveness on the ballads, precision drumming that fills in the right amounts of space with double-bass or just plain awesome fills and a bass-tone that gives the whole thing a touch of class, there’s not a lot that is wrong here and manages to win this spot for the year.
2007-
10. Vainglory-Vainglory
9. Nightmare-Genetic Disorder
8. 7 Witches-Deadly Sins
7. Sinner-Mask of Sanity
6. Agent Steel-Alienigma
5. UDO-Mastercutor
4. Saxon-The Inner Sanctum
3. Cage-Hell Destroyer
2. 3 Inches of Blood-Fire Up the Blades
1. King Diamond-Give Me Your Soul…Please
So, it’s come to pass, another year with the King on top of the year-end list, proving once again when a band is on a roll like this not even God can stop them. Filled with all the greatest elements of a King record on full display, from the absolutely beautiful guitar-playing, jaw-dropping solos, stellar drum-work and an superb, haunting production, sonically this is as best as he’s sounded in years and with the band as tight as they are, it makes for an enjoyable experience that doesn’t have any real down spots at all. The songs are given a much more up-tempo groove this time around, and it makes for the band playing at its best, which is what is needed in a situation like this and gives everyone a stand-out performance on a song, definitely the sound of a quality experience. Almost forgotten in the stand-out sonic quality is the irrepressible lead vocal work, which is just outstanding and makes for a much better experience that it would’ve been otherwise, and given the welcome return of the operatic female vocals and a much better story to tell throughout, it’s easily going to win this spot this year.
2008-
10. Ross the Boss-Heavy Metal Leader
9. Battleroar-To Death and Beyond
8. Rage-Carved from Stone
7. Lonewolf-Made in Hell
6. Axel Rudi Pell-Tales of the Crown
5. Yngwie Malmsteen-Perpetual Flame
4. Sinner-Crash and Burn
3. Judas Priest-Nostradamus
2. Sabaton-The Art of War
1. Pharoah-Be Gone
For those of you who like your Iron Maiden songs to be under the six-minute mark, meet your new favorite band. While not having the twin-guitar leads that make their songs so delectable, these guys can still come up with fairly harmonic leads and riffs from just one, and it’s not until you know the line-up that it lets it slip that there’s only the one as it’s pretty evident all the way through that the Iron Maiden worship will shine through quite early and easily, making for an incredibly retro sound that is just so sorely missed in the genre at this point. The rest of the band, sonically, exudes a feeling of class from the drumming and intermittent keyboards that gives more of an accent to the songs rather than a dominant feeling, and when coupled with Tim’s stellar vocals and a fantastic vibe all the way through, it’s pretty easy to give it to these guys for the year.
2009-
10. Adagio-Archangels in Black
9. Wolf-Ravenous
8. Saviours-Accelerated Living
7. Powerwolf-Bible of the Beast
6. Crystal Viper-Metal Nation
5. Tim Owens-Play My Game
4. 3 Inches of Blood-Thy Will Be Done
3. Saxon-Into the Labyrinth
2. Cage-Science of Annihilation
1. Heaven and Hell-The Devil You Know
This version of the band is pretty much the only incarnation of any line-up they’ve recorded under that is worthwhile, because they have the one member of the band who had no talent replaced with one who does and an upgrade at a position that didn’t need to but does, so all around this outfit here is much better than it’s core. Bristling through an album of classy, hard-driven Traditional Heavy Metal is certainly a lot of fun, but because there’s so much talent in the line-up, they get a chance to display that are fully rewarded with one of the best performances each man has ever committed to tape. The doom-and-gloom is actually melded quite nicely in style and tone to their more up-tempo charges, and the result is one of the finest albums of the year.
2000-
10. Yngwie Malmsteen-War to End All Wars
9. Jag Panzer-Thane to the Throne
8. Custard-For My King
7. Destillery-Behind the Mask
6. Di’Anno-Nomad
5. Seven Witches-City of Lost Souls
4. Dio-Magica
3. Halford-Resurrection
2. King Diamond-House of God
1. Iron Maiden-Brave New World
Okay, so the background is far more interesting than anything I could put here, but what’s criminally-overlooked in this discussion is the fact that, finally reuniting with Bruce and bringing back on of their better guitarists yet still keeping the current team in place, this time launching the band with six members and three guitarists. That gives them a much fuller sound than anything they’ve ever had in the past, and this in turn gives the album a much lusher, fuller sound when adding in those memorable bass swoops or a dose of atmospheric keyboards on select songs to really liven them up. The drumming is again impeccable, the guitar riffs are just as memorable as their prime, and once again Bruce is soaring over the songs like an eagle, still reaching the great highs of the past and sounding much more forceful on the clean mid-sections, especially on their usual epics where he’s not shouting for six minutes at a time. That, in a nutshell is the beauty of this record, since it feels just like one that could’ve been made back in their heyday yet comes complete with all the modern trimmings and whistles. If they can keep this line-up strong now, this decade could only mean good things for these guys, and that alone is worthy of full-on Album of the Year status.
2001-
10. Skullview-Consequences of Failure
9. Armored Saint-A Nod to the Old School
8. Narnia-Desert Land
7. Wayne-Metal Church
6. Rage-Welcome to the Other Side
5. Vainglory-2050
4. Stormhammer-Cold Desert Moon
3. Saxon-Killing Ground
2. Judas Priest-Demolition
1. Jag Panzer-Mechanized Warfare
A bit of an odd choice, but frankly one that won out here simply by wowing me like none other this year. A bit more Power Metal-inspired than many of the others on this list, but there’s still enough traditionalism in their approach to count here. Lead by the irrepressible vocals and biting guitar riffs, this here is a monster of an album riff-wise that shows a very steady Iron Maiden school of influence that leads them well into this collection as it offers up a healthy dose of melody to go along with a never-ending stream of full-throttle anthems welded together with impressive solos that are extremely technical in execution and serve even more to give this an impressive mark. This is matched quite nicely by the towering vocals which are just as powerful and emotive as some of the best in the genre, matching the music quite nicely and making it all the more insatiable an experience. The band is also unafraid of experimentation, offering to include a set of Gregorian chants along select songs that give them an extra dose of mood and atmosphere, which not a lot of bands provide. A highly underrated band that deserves more recognition, and providing work like this is a fantastic first step.
2002-
10. Sacred Steel-Slaughter Prophecy
9. Majesty-Sword and Sorcery
8. Rage-Unity
7. Powergod-Evolution III: Nemesis
6. Seven Witches-Xiled to the Infinity and One
5. Doro-Fight
4. King Diamond-Abigail II: The Revenge
3. Manowar-Warriors of the World
2. Dio-Killing the Dragon
1. Halford-Crucible
So, it appears pretty much confirmed that Rob is dedicating himself back to the Metal genre, and frankly, with two explosive releases, this is certainly good news for most out there. Backed by perhaps the best band of his career, this is just a furious ride through the genre that it’s impossible not to fall for this album, with it’s guitar pyrotechnics spitting out some of the greatest riffs Priest never recorded, absolutely dexterous drumming that’s thunderous, crushing and in total harmony with the mood of the song, whether it be a full-on Thrash attack, a multi-sectioned progressive song that seems welded together from different sections of other songs, a slower mood-driven song or even a ballad or two strewn amongst it all, and an amazing production that gives these just incredible life that makes them seem grander than any previous album. Of course, the best element here is easily Rob screaming over the top of everything in trademark fashion, but as evidenced on the last album, he certainly knows a thing or two about how to carry a song melodically, and those come to the forefront when the band eases up on the throttle and introduces some more introspective moments. All-around, this here was a top choice for this slot and looks to begin a bright future for the Metal God.
2003-
10. Chinchilla-Madtropolis
9. Pharaoh-After the Fire
8. Stormwind-Rising Symphony
7. Racer X-Getting Heavier
6. Exhibition-The Sign of Tomorrow
5. Iron Maiden-Dance of Death
4. Seven Witches-Passage to the Other Side
3. Agent Steel-Order of the Illuminati
2. Jag Panzer-The Decade of the Spike-Nailed Bat
1. King Diamond-The Puppet Master
Wow, the King takes the throne again this year, and this time it might be his magnum opus. Backed by the greatest line-up of his career, carried over from the previous album but here given their shining light and make the most of it. With tons upon tons of melodic, heavy Traditional Metal riffs and just amazing solo work from both hands, this one is an album that gets better with repeat listens since it displays a richer, fuller experience once it gets through the initial shock and awe factor, and with some of greatest songs in his history, fantastic performances from all involved and a truly superb production job, it has all the hallmarks of an enjoyable album before King gets a chance to strut his wares, sounding as great as ever with one of his best performances ever and the operatic female vocals he duets with at times gives it a unique flavor missing from his past work. While it’s not his greatest story ever, that’s of little importance as he wins out again here on this list.
2004-
10. Virtuocity-Northern Twilight Symphony
9. Blaze-Blood Belief
8. Axel Rudi Pell-Kings and Queens
7. Overlorde-Return of the Snow Giant
6. Saxon-Lionheart
5. Impellitteri-Pedal to the Metal
4. 3 Inches of Blood-Advance and Vanquish
3. Jag Panzer-Casting the Stones
2. Seven Witches-Year of the Witch
1. UDO-Thunderball
Those that know their Metal history recognize the band name as being the first name of former Accept vocalist Udo Dirkschneider, and indeed this is the band he left Accept for in the late 80s, and what that means is that this here sounds just like what Accept would be like if they were still around. Packed with plenty of those beefy German riffs, dazzling guitar-work and hyper-speed drumming, this one here is a really impressive and energetic album that really doesn’t have many weak spots overall in the collection of songs, running the full gamut of traditional fast rockers, more introspective moments and even a nice ballad, though the most interesting song on here is a Russian folk song the band carries off with indelible style, sounding as organic to the band’s sound as possible yet including several traditional instruments from Russian folk music into the song and comes across as a really enjoyable tune. Topped off with Udo still giving off that indefinable shriek of his over the top of everything, this here is a rather entertaining album that proves it’s still somewhat relevant for the old guard to be going strong in the scene.
2005-
10. Powerwolf-Return in Bloodred
9. Havochate-Cycle of Pain
8. Sabaton-Primo Victoria
7. Nightmare-The Dominion Gate
6. Biomechanical-The Empires of the World
5. Yngwie Malmsteen-Unleash the Fury
4. Seven Witches-Amped
3. UDO-Mission No. X
2. Jack Frost-Out in the Cold
1. Judas Priest-Angel of Retribution
So, it’s finally come to pass, the greatest heavy metal band of all-time is back together fifteen years after their last recorded output and it all feels like home again. This here was exactly what was needed after such a long lay-off, which is filled with prime-era material that runs the gamut of the broad-spectrum from their catalog. With songs that would fit in with their early-80s arena rock period, several that roar forth like lost relics from their ‘Painkiller’ sessions, a great hard-rocker that fits into they’re 70s catalog quite nicely, and there’s even as beautiful a ballad and multi-part epic as you’re going to hear from the band and certainly live up to the high standard set by their past endeavors into the styles. This one here also manages to contain what is quite possibly the best song they’ve ever recorded, certainly no mean feat in its own right. Beyond the collection of songs, the performances here are incredible, as Rob has one of his best, most diverse performances ever as he hits the highs as clear and forcefully as ever and comes through with his trademark power intact, the guitars are utterly phenomenal, spitting out incredible riff after incredible riff, and the superb production allows the drumming to come through as thunderous as ever, giving the whole affair a touch of class solely lacking in many other releases. Even without all the backstage gossip coming into effect, this was an amazing album and narrowly wins out the full-on Album of the Year.
2006-
10. Adagio-Dominate
9. Wolf-The Black Flame
8. Iron Maiden-A Matter of Life and Death
7. Majesty-Hellforces
6. Sabaton-Attera Dominatus
5. Manowar-Gods of War
4. Beyond Fear-Beyond Fear
3. Doro-Warrior Soul
2. Rage-Speak of the Dead
1. Axel Rudi Pell-Mystica
One of the forefathers of Melodic Metal/Hard Rock for just slightly under two decades now, this German guitarist has made a never-ending series of quality releases that might just be blown out of the water here on his magnum opus, since there really isn’t a bad song on the whole. Naturally, the guitars are going to be a highlight, as well they should, since this is a renown guitarist’s project band and the riffs here fly and soar with dexterity, grace and power, all the while staying infinitely heavy and accessible, no mean feat to accomplish here and the riffs that decorate these songs might just be the strongest of his career. With incredibly-strong and multifaceted vocals that range from the falsetto-like highs to a general mid-range style and even tender emotiveness on the ballads, precision drumming that fills in the right amounts of space with double-bass or just plain awesome fills and a bass-tone that gives the whole thing a touch of class, there’s not a lot that is wrong here and manages to win this spot for the year.
2007-
10. Vainglory-Vainglory
9. Nightmare-Genetic Disorder
8. 7 Witches-Deadly Sins
7. Sinner-Mask of Sanity
6. Agent Steel-Alienigma
5. UDO-Mastercutor
4. Saxon-The Inner Sanctum
3. Cage-Hell Destroyer
2. 3 Inches of Blood-Fire Up the Blades
1. King Diamond-Give Me Your Soul…Please
So, it’s come to pass, another year with the King on top of the year-end list, proving once again when a band is on a roll like this not even God can stop them. Filled with all the greatest elements of a King record on full display, from the absolutely beautiful guitar-playing, jaw-dropping solos, stellar drum-work and an superb, haunting production, sonically this is as best as he’s sounded in years and with the band as tight as they are, it makes for an enjoyable experience that doesn’t have any real down spots at all. The songs are given a much more up-tempo groove this time around, and it makes for the band playing at its best, which is what is needed in a situation like this and gives everyone a stand-out performance on a song, definitely the sound of a quality experience. Almost forgotten in the stand-out sonic quality is the irrepressible lead vocal work, which is just outstanding and makes for a much better experience that it would’ve been otherwise, and given the welcome return of the operatic female vocals and a much better story to tell throughout, it’s easily going to win this spot this year.
2008-
10. Ross the Boss-Heavy Metal Leader
9. Battleroar-To Death and Beyond
8. Rage-Carved from Stone
7. Lonewolf-Made in Hell
6. Axel Rudi Pell-Tales of the Crown
5. Yngwie Malmsteen-Perpetual Flame
4. Sinner-Crash and Burn
3. Judas Priest-Nostradamus
2. Sabaton-The Art of War
1. Pharoah-Be Gone
For those of you who like your Iron Maiden songs to be under the six-minute mark, meet your new favorite band. While not having the twin-guitar leads that make their songs so delectable, these guys can still come up with fairly harmonic leads and riffs from just one, and it’s not until you know the line-up that it lets it slip that there’s only the one as it’s pretty evident all the way through that the Iron Maiden worship will shine through quite early and easily, making for an incredibly retro sound that is just so sorely missed in the genre at this point. The rest of the band, sonically, exudes a feeling of class from the drumming and intermittent keyboards that gives more of an accent to the songs rather than a dominant feeling, and when coupled with Tim’s stellar vocals and a fantastic vibe all the way through, it’s pretty easy to give it to these guys for the year.
2009-
10. Adagio-Archangels in Black
9. Wolf-Ravenous
8. Saviours-Accelerated Living
7. Powerwolf-Bible of the Beast
6. Crystal Viper-Metal Nation
5. Tim Owens-Play My Game
4. 3 Inches of Blood-Thy Will Be Done
3. Saxon-Into the Labyrinth
2. Cage-Science of Annihilation
1. Heaven and Hell-The Devil You Know
This version of the band is pretty much the only incarnation of any line-up they’ve recorded under that is worthwhile, because they have the one member of the band who had no talent replaced with one who does and an upgrade at a position that didn’t need to but does, so all around this outfit here is much better than it’s core. Bristling through an album of classy, hard-driven Traditional Heavy Metal is certainly a lot of fun, but because there’s so much talent in the line-up, they get a chance to display that are fully rewarded with one of the best performances each man has ever committed to tape. The doom-and-gloom is actually melded quite nicely in style and tone to their more up-tempo charges, and the result is one of the finest albums of the year.
