HMaM Global Mod
Post by GL on Dec 31, 2010 14:41:14 GMT -5
Thrash Metal-Since this New Year turning over is actually the end of the decade, let's take a look at the last decade in Thrash Metal:
2000-
10. Carnal Forge-Firedemon
9. Raise Hell-Not Dead Yet
8. Hypnosia-Extreme Hatred
7. Thanatos-Angelic Encounters
6. Destruction-All Hell Breaks Loose
5. Annihilator-Criteria for a Black Widow
4. The Crown-Deathrace King
3. Defleshed-Fast Forward
2. The Haunted-The Haunted Made Me Do It
1. Overkill-Bloodletting
So, the boys from Jersey have entered the new millennium as strong as they exited the last one, and this time it’s also perhaps one of the very best in their career. As per usual, we get all the hallmarks of what Overkill great, from the ravenous thrashing guitars, hyper-speed drumming, over-the-top bass-lines and the snarling, shrieking vocals over everything, yet instead of the chaos it sounds like in descriptive form, it comes across as just insanely melodic and memorable from start to finish with what is fast becoming one of the tightest, most cohesive line-ups in their career, capping off what is one of their better collections of songs ever committed to tape. Perhaps that’s what makes this such an utterly enjoyable listen, that this one manages to be just as enjoyable in single-form as it does in a singular, all-encompassing listen and that’s something new from them, when the entire album was what made them so good, but this time it seems like it’s just as good just with singles, and it easily wins the spot this year.
2001-
10. Flotsam and Jetsam-My God
9. Megadeth-The World Needs a Hero
8. King’s Evil-Deletion of Humanoise
7. Necrodeath-Black as Pitch
6. Holy Moses-Master of Disaster
5. Witchery-Symphony for the Devil
4. Annihilator-Carnival Diablos
3. Destruction-The Antichrist
2. Kreator-Violent Revolution
1. Sodom-M-16
The unsung heroes of the original German triumvirate that was every bit as good as the American big-boys back in the good-ole-days, it’s criminal how underrated and overlooked these guys are despite being the most consistent of the three. That’s on superb display here on one of the finest of their long, storied career, a concept album in theory dealing with topics about the Vietnam War yet not telling a distinct story throughout the tracks; they just all have a common theme. It’s frightening how everything here just meshes together, from the lyrical matter to the utterly chaotic guitars that just blast out insanely memorable riff after riff, the chunky bass making for a fine undertone for the destructive drumming and hoarse, raspy vocals that combine into a perfect atmosphere of the jungle warfare detailed together, and it all fits together into Sodom’s thrashing sound. This here will never reach the heights of their hallowed past, but man is it one that should put them up near the top of the scene.
2002-
10. Horfixion-Instigators of Chaos
9. The Crown-Crowned in Terror
8. Ritual Carnage-The Birth of Tragedy
7. Cyst-Concussion Symphony
6. Raise Hell-Wicked is My Game
5. Carnal Forge-Please…Die!
4. Darkane-Expanding Senses
3. Holy Moses-Disorder of the Order
2. Annihilator-Waking the Fury
1. Dew-Scented-Inwards
Despite the fevered and utterly memorable collection of Swedish upstarts sprouting up at this time, it takes a German band to come along and just blow them all out of the water. With just utterly vicious guitars striking with an urgency and immediacy that the Swedish groups are sorely lacking, ripped-throat Death Metal-ish vocals and insane drumming into a fever-swarm of up-tempo numbers that never seem to slow down or take a melodic break, this is a workout of extreme Thrash in its purest form that’s a real blast to listen to. There’s just no shortage of impressive marks here in the genre, and these guys will no doubt be major players in the genre in the future.
2003-
10. Hatesphere-Hatesphere
9. Anthrax-We’ve Come for You All
8. Crustacean-Insaniac
7. Carnal Forge-The More You Suffer
6. Destruction-Metal Discharge
5. Defleshed-Royal Straight Flesh
4. Overkill-Killbox 13
3. Dew-Scented-Impact
2. The Crown-Possessed 13
1. The Haunted-One Kill Wonder
A continuation of one of the hallmarks of Swedish metal comes one of the better albums a band from that country has ever made. This here is what made the country so important to begin with, with its emphasis on melody despite the fact that it’s all built on aggression, and that’s definitely a mark for the album in that it’s just so well-written that it’s built upon the memorable riffs despite the aggressive feel and tone to them. Their just so vicious and destructive that it’s almost involuntarily built for thrashing, the usual hyper-speed drumming and that distinctly Swedish style of growling while staying decipherable and still Thrash-rooted makes for some incredibly forceful and devastating, making for a perfect encapsulation of the entire Swedish thrash movement and a top-spot on the list here.
2004-
10. Occult-Elegy for the Weak
9. Hatesphere-Ballet of the Brute
8. Criminal-No Gods, No Masters;
7. Thanatos-Undead. Unholy. Undivine
6. Death Angel-The Art of Dying
5. The Haunted-rEVOLVEr
4. Impious-Hellucinate
3. Carnal Forge-Aren’t You Dead Yet?
2. Shadows Fall-The War Within
1. Exodus-Tempo of the Damned
Welcome back, guys! This here is just about as enjoyable and entertaining a release as they’ve done in some time, perhaps almost as good as their legendary releases back in the 80s, and indeed this one here might’ve been released back then and been considered as important a release in their catalog as perhaps any of their original works. The barbed-wire riffs, manic drumming, insane tempo changes and that gruff-voiced shout are all employed and it’s just as devastating and memorable as it was in their heyday, yet it comes through more forcefully and memorably due to perhaps the all-star of the album, the production job. This here is perhaps the best they’ve sounded and everything comes across like gangbusters, from the destructive riffing to the drumming and even a slight variation on the vocal delivery, with a bit more range than expected since some of the songs tend to switch gears into a bit more melodic fare. As well, we finally have one of the longest-tenured songs in existence finally delivered on CD-form, and that alone is worth it. A fantastic effort, and one that ranks with their very best, and winning them this award.
2005-
10. Hatesphere-The Sickness Within
9. Speed\Kill/Hate-Acts of Insanity
8. Grimfist-Ten Steps to Hell
7. Darkane-Layers of Lies
6. Destruction-Inventor of Evil
5. Dew-Scented-Issue IV
4. Kreator-Enemy of God
3. Annihilator-Schizo Deluxe
2. Overkill-RelXIV
1. Exodus-Shovel Headed Kill Machine
All right, so what happened here? With an utterly phenomenal comeback of their most successful line-up, then dumping 3/5ths of that, bring in two highly-respected replacements and an unknown singer and then roar back onto the scene a year later with their magnum opus. About as heavy as a sledgehammer and hitting with twice the intensity, this is a modern Thrash masterpiece and about as good as you’re going to get in terms of the modern era. Sounding even more like they’re on a mission of destruction than the last album, this whole affair is just violent, vicious and devastating, yet insanely catchy and memorable, making for no shortage of great riffs, impeccable drumming and as over-the-top as it gets. As the new band-members here take about ten seconds to win people over, the new vocalist is just as good, and the caustic delivery touched with the right mix of melody make this overall the best version of the band ever, and with this collection of songs to be carried into the future with this stable of a line-up, it makes for an impressive hope for these guys, and as strong as this genre was this year, we should see a long and fruitful tenure with the genre at the fore-front of the scene, leading the charge. Overall, this one just barely misses being Album of the Year.
2006-
10. Criminal-Sicario
9. Fueled by Fire-Spread the Fire;
8. Dreams of Damnation-Epic Tales of Vengeance
7. One Man Army and the Undead Quartet-21st Century Killing Machine
6. Necrodeath-100% Hell
5. Raise Hell-City of the Damned
4. Demiricous-One (Hellbound)
3. Witchery-Don’t Fear the Reaper
2. Sodom-Sodom
1. Slayer-Christ Illusion
So, it seems like we’ve finally got all the big guns back together now, and once Chuck Billy gets healthy it’ll be just like the 80s again, since if this is any indication of what’s to come along, combined with what happened last year, we should be in for an awesome next couple of years in the genre, even though it’s also really enjoyable right now. Sounding like a mixture of ‘Seasons’ and ‘Reign’ with a more production job, it’s like old-times to see them back and delivering their best set in quite a while. As far as this sounding like Slayer, rest assured it does as the important parts of that, those vicious guitar riffs, are still intact and make for an utterly destructive experience that plays homage to their past while still being unique enough that’s distinctly Slayer through-and-through. The drumming is still as impressive as ever, with thunderous sounds and distinct fills that bring so much into the Slayer canon. Also, the biggest improvement overall to the record is the dropped screaming/shouting approach to the vocals that made the last one intolerable and we go back to their earlier style for a unique, impressive album that sees them continuing their legacy nicely.
2007-
10. Demiricous-Two (Poverty)
9. Carnal Forge-Testify for My Victims
8. Hatesphere-Serpent Smiles and Killer Eyes
7. Impious-Holy Murder Masquerade
6. Evile-Enter the Grave
5. Skeletonwitch-Beyond the Permafrost
4. Exodus-The Atrocity Exhibition-Exhibit A
3. Shadows Fall-Threads of Life
2. Megadeth-United Abominations
1. Annihilator-Metal
Well, it’s not quite the monster its predecessor was, but this is still as good as it gets in terms of their style, and it’s one of the most enjoyable albums of their career. Joined by an all-star collection of guests, with at least one on every track, running the gamut from guitarists to drummers and guest vocalists from the scene today, it’s a rather unique take on their sound to hear the guests who each do their thing, whether providing impressive solos or intricate drumming displays to their chosen song, or just lending a hand on the chorus to make it bigger or more memorable, but no matter the cause, it doesn’t take away from the fact that this is some of the highest quality material of their career and this would’ve been a ripping album in its own right had it just been left to the original group, as they’ve gotten as tight and cohesive as any version of their line-up and it’s good to see that carry on here as it gives the group a sense of solidarity and makes this feel more in cohesion with their past efforts. Another fine album from these vets who show no signs of stopping or slowing down soon.
2008-
10. Death Angel-Killing Season
9. Legion of the Damned-Feel the Blade
8. Toxic Holocaust-An Overdose of Death
7. Nocturnal Fear-Code of Violence
6. Gama Bomb-Citizen Brain
5. Warbringer-War Without End
4. Bonded by Blood-Feed the Beast
3. Holy Moses-Agony of Death
2. Destruction-D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N.
1. Testament-The Formation of Damnation
The reunion that finally came about took way too long to do so, but if they’re going to give us music like this, take your time, fellas. Apparently still under the assumption, like I was, that ‘The Gathering’ was their best album of their career, they used those lessons nicely to produce a follow-up every bit as intense, extreme and yet still filled with all those great Testament elements, from the devastating vocal performances including seamless change-ups between growling and cleaner singing, utterly jaw-dropping guitar riffs, solos and interplays that sound as if they haven’t missed a beat in twenty years, a ferocious drumming display that hits harder and heavier than anything they’ve released in the past and perhaps as heavy a production as they’ve ever had. They haven’t sounded as good as this in years, and frankly, they never were that bad to start with, so that’s what makes this one so impressive. The songs are as incredible as they’ve been in the past, and it really has no weak spots at all, hitting as many thrash highs and melodic interludes as they used to do, yet here it manages to sound fresh again, and coming out with all the hoopla over the New-Wave of Thrash this year, these guys still showed they have the strength they’ve always had. Not a tough choice at all, Album of the Year. Welcome back, guys.
Now let’s not take so long to do a follow-up, alright?
2009-
10. Swashbuckle-Back to the Noose
9. Municipal Waste-Massive Aggressive
8. Tenet-Sovereign
7. Hirax-El Rostro de la Muerte
6. Shadows Fall-Retribution
5. Kreator-Hordes of Chaos
4. Slayer-World Painted Blood
3. Evile-Infected Nations
2. Warbringer-Waking into Nightmares
1. Megadeth-Endgame
Quite frankly, I haven’t been crushed by a Megadeth album in some time (‘Rust in Peace’ if you want to know) and despite some promising stuff in their ‘reformation,’ but this is surely the magnum opus of their work so far. Never a dull moment (aside from a lyrically out-of-time one about the North Hollywood shoot-out nearly six years too late) they haven’t had such a strong collection of songs since that previously-alluded to album, and that makes this one so special. With some utterly intense soloing, brilliant technicality from the riffing department, manic vocals and a pummeling rhythm section, this one is just a barn-burner all the way around. This is what is generally referred to as an “all killer, no filler” album, and manages to just barely misses overall Album of the Year away from a worthy Cannibal album but still giving Thrash an incredibly high honor for the second year in a row.
2000-
10. Carnal Forge-Firedemon
9. Raise Hell-Not Dead Yet
8. Hypnosia-Extreme Hatred
7. Thanatos-Angelic Encounters
6. Destruction-All Hell Breaks Loose
5. Annihilator-Criteria for a Black Widow
4. The Crown-Deathrace King
3. Defleshed-Fast Forward
2. The Haunted-The Haunted Made Me Do It
1. Overkill-Bloodletting
So, the boys from Jersey have entered the new millennium as strong as they exited the last one, and this time it’s also perhaps one of the very best in their career. As per usual, we get all the hallmarks of what Overkill great, from the ravenous thrashing guitars, hyper-speed drumming, over-the-top bass-lines and the snarling, shrieking vocals over everything, yet instead of the chaos it sounds like in descriptive form, it comes across as just insanely melodic and memorable from start to finish with what is fast becoming one of the tightest, most cohesive line-ups in their career, capping off what is one of their better collections of songs ever committed to tape. Perhaps that’s what makes this such an utterly enjoyable listen, that this one manages to be just as enjoyable in single-form as it does in a singular, all-encompassing listen and that’s something new from them, when the entire album was what made them so good, but this time it seems like it’s just as good just with singles, and it easily wins the spot this year.
2001-
10. Flotsam and Jetsam-My God
9. Megadeth-The World Needs a Hero
8. King’s Evil-Deletion of Humanoise
7. Necrodeath-Black as Pitch
6. Holy Moses-Master of Disaster
5. Witchery-Symphony for the Devil
4. Annihilator-Carnival Diablos
3. Destruction-The Antichrist
2. Kreator-Violent Revolution
1. Sodom-M-16
The unsung heroes of the original German triumvirate that was every bit as good as the American big-boys back in the good-ole-days, it’s criminal how underrated and overlooked these guys are despite being the most consistent of the three. That’s on superb display here on one of the finest of their long, storied career, a concept album in theory dealing with topics about the Vietnam War yet not telling a distinct story throughout the tracks; they just all have a common theme. It’s frightening how everything here just meshes together, from the lyrical matter to the utterly chaotic guitars that just blast out insanely memorable riff after riff, the chunky bass making for a fine undertone for the destructive drumming and hoarse, raspy vocals that combine into a perfect atmosphere of the jungle warfare detailed together, and it all fits together into Sodom’s thrashing sound. This here will never reach the heights of their hallowed past, but man is it one that should put them up near the top of the scene.
2002-
10. Horfixion-Instigators of Chaos
9. The Crown-Crowned in Terror
8. Ritual Carnage-The Birth of Tragedy
7. Cyst-Concussion Symphony
6. Raise Hell-Wicked is My Game
5. Carnal Forge-Please…Die!
4. Darkane-Expanding Senses
3. Holy Moses-Disorder of the Order
2. Annihilator-Waking the Fury
1. Dew-Scented-Inwards
Despite the fevered and utterly memorable collection of Swedish upstarts sprouting up at this time, it takes a German band to come along and just blow them all out of the water. With just utterly vicious guitars striking with an urgency and immediacy that the Swedish groups are sorely lacking, ripped-throat Death Metal-ish vocals and insane drumming into a fever-swarm of up-tempo numbers that never seem to slow down or take a melodic break, this is a workout of extreme Thrash in its purest form that’s a real blast to listen to. There’s just no shortage of impressive marks here in the genre, and these guys will no doubt be major players in the genre in the future.
2003-
10. Hatesphere-Hatesphere
9. Anthrax-We’ve Come for You All
8. Crustacean-Insaniac
7. Carnal Forge-The More You Suffer
6. Destruction-Metal Discharge
5. Defleshed-Royal Straight Flesh
4. Overkill-Killbox 13
3. Dew-Scented-Impact
2. The Crown-Possessed 13
1. The Haunted-One Kill Wonder
A continuation of one of the hallmarks of Swedish metal comes one of the better albums a band from that country has ever made. This here is what made the country so important to begin with, with its emphasis on melody despite the fact that it’s all built on aggression, and that’s definitely a mark for the album in that it’s just so well-written that it’s built upon the memorable riffs despite the aggressive feel and tone to them. Their just so vicious and destructive that it’s almost involuntarily built for thrashing, the usual hyper-speed drumming and that distinctly Swedish style of growling while staying decipherable and still Thrash-rooted makes for some incredibly forceful and devastating, making for a perfect encapsulation of the entire Swedish thrash movement and a top-spot on the list here.
2004-
10. Occult-Elegy for the Weak
9. Hatesphere-Ballet of the Brute
8. Criminal-No Gods, No Masters;
7. Thanatos-Undead. Unholy. Undivine
6. Death Angel-The Art of Dying
5. The Haunted-rEVOLVEr
4. Impious-Hellucinate
3. Carnal Forge-Aren’t You Dead Yet?
2. Shadows Fall-The War Within
1. Exodus-Tempo of the Damned
Welcome back, guys! This here is just about as enjoyable and entertaining a release as they’ve done in some time, perhaps almost as good as their legendary releases back in the 80s, and indeed this one here might’ve been released back then and been considered as important a release in their catalog as perhaps any of their original works. The barbed-wire riffs, manic drumming, insane tempo changes and that gruff-voiced shout are all employed and it’s just as devastating and memorable as it was in their heyday, yet it comes through more forcefully and memorably due to perhaps the all-star of the album, the production job. This here is perhaps the best they’ve sounded and everything comes across like gangbusters, from the destructive riffing to the drumming and even a slight variation on the vocal delivery, with a bit more range than expected since some of the songs tend to switch gears into a bit more melodic fare. As well, we finally have one of the longest-tenured songs in existence finally delivered on CD-form, and that alone is worth it. A fantastic effort, and one that ranks with their very best, and winning them this award.
2005-
10. Hatesphere-The Sickness Within
9. Speed\Kill/Hate-Acts of Insanity
8. Grimfist-Ten Steps to Hell
7. Darkane-Layers of Lies
6. Destruction-Inventor of Evil
5. Dew-Scented-Issue IV
4. Kreator-Enemy of God
3. Annihilator-Schizo Deluxe
2. Overkill-RelXIV
1. Exodus-Shovel Headed Kill Machine
All right, so what happened here? With an utterly phenomenal comeback of their most successful line-up, then dumping 3/5ths of that, bring in two highly-respected replacements and an unknown singer and then roar back onto the scene a year later with their magnum opus. About as heavy as a sledgehammer and hitting with twice the intensity, this is a modern Thrash masterpiece and about as good as you’re going to get in terms of the modern era. Sounding even more like they’re on a mission of destruction than the last album, this whole affair is just violent, vicious and devastating, yet insanely catchy and memorable, making for no shortage of great riffs, impeccable drumming and as over-the-top as it gets. As the new band-members here take about ten seconds to win people over, the new vocalist is just as good, and the caustic delivery touched with the right mix of melody make this overall the best version of the band ever, and with this collection of songs to be carried into the future with this stable of a line-up, it makes for an impressive hope for these guys, and as strong as this genre was this year, we should see a long and fruitful tenure with the genre at the fore-front of the scene, leading the charge. Overall, this one just barely misses being Album of the Year.
2006-
10. Criminal-Sicario
9. Fueled by Fire-Spread the Fire;
8. Dreams of Damnation-Epic Tales of Vengeance
7. One Man Army and the Undead Quartet-21st Century Killing Machine
6. Necrodeath-100% Hell
5. Raise Hell-City of the Damned
4. Demiricous-One (Hellbound)
3. Witchery-Don’t Fear the Reaper
2. Sodom-Sodom
1. Slayer-Christ Illusion
So, it seems like we’ve finally got all the big guns back together now, and once Chuck Billy gets healthy it’ll be just like the 80s again, since if this is any indication of what’s to come along, combined with what happened last year, we should be in for an awesome next couple of years in the genre, even though it’s also really enjoyable right now. Sounding like a mixture of ‘Seasons’ and ‘Reign’ with a more production job, it’s like old-times to see them back and delivering their best set in quite a while. As far as this sounding like Slayer, rest assured it does as the important parts of that, those vicious guitar riffs, are still intact and make for an utterly destructive experience that plays homage to their past while still being unique enough that’s distinctly Slayer through-and-through. The drumming is still as impressive as ever, with thunderous sounds and distinct fills that bring so much into the Slayer canon. Also, the biggest improvement overall to the record is the dropped screaming/shouting approach to the vocals that made the last one intolerable and we go back to their earlier style for a unique, impressive album that sees them continuing their legacy nicely.
2007-
10. Demiricous-Two (Poverty)
9. Carnal Forge-Testify for My Victims
8. Hatesphere-Serpent Smiles and Killer Eyes
7. Impious-Holy Murder Masquerade
6. Evile-Enter the Grave
5. Skeletonwitch-Beyond the Permafrost
4. Exodus-The Atrocity Exhibition-Exhibit A
3. Shadows Fall-Threads of Life
2. Megadeth-United Abominations
1. Annihilator-Metal
Well, it’s not quite the monster its predecessor was, but this is still as good as it gets in terms of their style, and it’s one of the most enjoyable albums of their career. Joined by an all-star collection of guests, with at least one on every track, running the gamut from guitarists to drummers and guest vocalists from the scene today, it’s a rather unique take on their sound to hear the guests who each do their thing, whether providing impressive solos or intricate drumming displays to their chosen song, or just lending a hand on the chorus to make it bigger or more memorable, but no matter the cause, it doesn’t take away from the fact that this is some of the highest quality material of their career and this would’ve been a ripping album in its own right had it just been left to the original group, as they’ve gotten as tight and cohesive as any version of their line-up and it’s good to see that carry on here as it gives the group a sense of solidarity and makes this feel more in cohesion with their past efforts. Another fine album from these vets who show no signs of stopping or slowing down soon.
2008-
10. Death Angel-Killing Season
9. Legion of the Damned-Feel the Blade
8. Toxic Holocaust-An Overdose of Death
7. Nocturnal Fear-Code of Violence
6. Gama Bomb-Citizen Brain
5. Warbringer-War Without End
4. Bonded by Blood-Feed the Beast
3. Holy Moses-Agony of Death
2. Destruction-D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N.
1. Testament-The Formation of Damnation
The reunion that finally came about took way too long to do so, but if they’re going to give us music like this, take your time, fellas. Apparently still under the assumption, like I was, that ‘The Gathering’ was their best album of their career, they used those lessons nicely to produce a follow-up every bit as intense, extreme and yet still filled with all those great Testament elements, from the devastating vocal performances including seamless change-ups between growling and cleaner singing, utterly jaw-dropping guitar riffs, solos and interplays that sound as if they haven’t missed a beat in twenty years, a ferocious drumming display that hits harder and heavier than anything they’ve released in the past and perhaps as heavy a production as they’ve ever had. They haven’t sounded as good as this in years, and frankly, they never were that bad to start with, so that’s what makes this one so impressive. The songs are as incredible as they’ve been in the past, and it really has no weak spots at all, hitting as many thrash highs and melodic interludes as they used to do, yet here it manages to sound fresh again, and coming out with all the hoopla over the New-Wave of Thrash this year, these guys still showed they have the strength they’ve always had. Not a tough choice at all, Album of the Year. Welcome back, guys.
Now let’s not take so long to do a follow-up, alright?
2009-
10. Swashbuckle-Back to the Noose
9. Municipal Waste-Massive Aggressive
8. Tenet-Sovereign
7. Hirax-El Rostro de la Muerte
6. Shadows Fall-Retribution
5. Kreator-Hordes of Chaos
4. Slayer-World Painted Blood
3. Evile-Infected Nations
2. Warbringer-Waking into Nightmares
1. Megadeth-Endgame
Quite frankly, I haven’t been crushed by a Megadeth album in some time (‘Rust in Peace’ if you want to know) and despite some promising stuff in their ‘reformation,’ but this is surely the magnum opus of their work so far. Never a dull moment (aside from a lyrically out-of-time one about the North Hollywood shoot-out nearly six years too late) they haven’t had such a strong collection of songs since that previously-alluded to album, and that makes this one so special. With some utterly intense soloing, brilliant technicality from the riffing department, manic vocals and a pummeling rhythm section, this one is just a barn-burner all the way around. This is what is generally referred to as an “all killer, no filler” album, and manages to just barely misses overall Album of the Year away from a worthy Cannibal album but still giving Thrash an incredibly high honor for the second year in a row.
