Micah's Albums He Really Likes: Part One

mewithoutYou-Brother, Sister
I remember hearing mewithoutYou for the first time back in 2002 when they premeired the video for Bullet to Binary. At first, I thought it was far too pretentous and just not good. I ignored them until 2 years later when I heard their new song, January 1979. It was good enough to convince me to buy Catch For Us the Foxes and eventually I got their first cd too. I saw them at Purple Door in 2005 where they put on one of (if not) the best shows there. When I got their newest cd, Brother, Sister, it blew me away. You really can't talk about mewithoutYou unless you mention Aaron Weiss' poetic lyrics which will blow your mind if you're into that kind of thing and this cd showcases them brilliantly. They are not afraid to try things other bands would never think of and use many instruments that are rarely ever used in rock including an accordian and horns are present throughout. This is their most brilliant, experimental, and accessable work so far and yet it's still not for everyone, but if you want to hear an amazing band at their peak so far, get this now.

Copeland- Eat, Sleep, Repeat
Just like you can't talk about mewithoutYou without mentioning Aaron Weiss' vocals and lyrics, the same goes for Copeland with Aaron Marsh's voice and lyrics. When it comes to guys with voices such as his, there is a very fine line you don't want to cross. You usually come off as having a beautiful voice or being wimpy. He has no problem making his vocals shine and really set this cd apart. He also writes the best songs about love you'll hear these days. This is the perfect cd for lounging around reading a book or thinking about someone you hold dear. I wouldn't really know, but it seems like it would be good for that.

Starflyer 59- Talking Voice vs. Singing Voice
Indie rock pioneers Starflyer 59 has one of the most extensive catalogues in all of music that includes 10 full length albums and 5 EPs and for whatever reason, this is the one that stands out in my mind. Jason Martin is the only member to appear on all the albums because sf59 is essentially just him and whoever else backs him up which changes from album to album. For this cd, it was only Jason and drummer Frank Lenz, which led to a much more simplified sound. Lenz also made a lot of string arrangements that make some songs such as Night Life, just that more amazing. The only complaint I can muster about this cd is that it is only 9 tracks and 32 minutes long. But even that isn't really a complaint because when the music's this good, it's just that easy to listen to it over and over again.

Underoath-Define the Great Line
Jay mentioned this album in his favorites and it was definitely a good choice. Like he said, their first Solid State release with Dallas Taylor was great, then Spencer joined, Aaron took over a lot of the songwriting, They're Only Chasing Safety came out, and they joined the screamo elite. Sure it was an alright cd, but I just couldn't accept that it was Underoath. I was fairly tentative since I bought this cd as soon as it came out and I was very pleasantly surprised. The thing to me that makes this cd stand out so much is that Spencer no longer just screams, but he yells, talks, screams, growls, and covers the whole gamet of vocal techniques. Musically, it isn't as complex as a lot of bands, but it definitely gets the job done. Great cd if you ever feel like kickboxing a rhino.

Jay Favorite Albums Of ALL Time : Part III

Here it is, the final twelve. I'm sure by know you know what the deal is. And need I remind you? No stupid comments like 'Uh, dood! Where's The Greenday?? They're SUPER HARDXCORE and liek, screw Bush LAWL!!!@!!! or 'You listen to metal? Only gay people listen to metal! You bath[sic] in horse feces and I have down syndrome!' But please, tell me how you feel about my choices in a mature and logical manner, or discuss the music in an otherwise reasonable manner. Thank you.


22) Nirvana- Nevermind
Disturbed as I am about the baby wanker on the cover, this is a good record. They are HEAVILY overrated, but they were a great band and to judge a band based on how others rate them is pure ignorance. These guys were not the best musicians [I could play anything of theirs with my fingers cut off], but technical proficiency is not of the utmost importance. Kurt Cobain was the spokesperson of a generation, and had some very interesting ideology. The grunge movement was a huge breakaway from the hair scene, which was nearly decimated by this refreshing Seattle explosion. The angst and frustration in the grunge scene CRUSHED the hair scene [thank God], and so now we have music with lyrics that mean something, whether blatant or underlying, rather than songs about sex, drugs, and parties. Rap took up that responsibility. I surprised Kurt Cobain hasn't killed himself yet....oh,wait.......


23)DragonForce- Inhuman Rampage
That's right, folks. Dragonfoooooorce! This cheesy and over-the-top power-metal band based in the U.K. struck a chord with me, and it sure felt great! So many haters,but I don't care! There is some serious talent here, our Jr. Yngwies Sam and Herman have definitely made it to the summit of Mt. Shred, and this record is so full of lightning riffing, it's flowing out of the cracks in the CD case. The vocals are clean, not many screams to speak of here, and I think ZP Theart's vocals are huge. I know it sounds cliche, but this album is epic, and the lyrics are so CORNY I read them ALL the time.


24) KillSwitch Engage- Alive Or Just Breathing
Killswitch Engage are a monster of a band, and that is not to say that they are super heavy, but they have done a lot of things no metal band would dare to do. This record is HEAVY, but saturated in melody, too. The riffs are not too complicated, but like I said before, technical proficiency is not everything, the ability to write is just as, if not more, meaningful. These guys are brilliant writers, the riffs are very dense, and sink right into your skull. They are not afraid to break the numerous stereotypes about metal. They are not afraid to be emotional in some parts [My Last Serenade, The Element Of One], and actually write songs about LOVE and HOPE, contrary to the popular beliefs of outsiders. The melody plays just as much of a role as the heaviness. The fact that this album is BRUTAL, especially in the vocal department, but melodic and meaningful as well, really hit close to home with me, because the combination here is ideal.


25)Rancid- Indestructible
Here it is again, my favorite band of all time, with their latest release. The theme of this record is that the human spirit is indestructible, and that with good music, your will can never be broken. Many people say that this record blows, claiming it to be 'emo', but I just don't see it. I think they might be thinking so because of 'Fall Back Down', but they would still be off. Tim Armstrong just got divorced from a 7-year marriage, and so he wrote this song thanking his friends for helping him through it. How can you blame the man? I applaud him for dedicating a song to his crew, as a matter of fact. This record has shifted gears only slightly, but it is still full of raw energetic punk tunes, and I was happy to see that they managed to keep it true while avoiding the same beaten path, like many artists tend to do. The evolution was smooth for Rancid, and they have yet to lose their spirit.



26) Shadows Fall- The War Within
The latest full-length from Shadows Fall [save the Fallout From The War b-sides record], this album is very polished and shows that Shad have found their niche in heavy metal. The shred is amazing, especially the arrpegiated intro to 'The Light That Blinds'. They also show a liking for the melodic stuff, with the song 'Inspiration On Demand', which itself has a rather impressive solo. This record is heavy as all heck, but singing along is unavoidable. I cannot wait until the new record, Threads of Life, hits the shelves.


27)Chimaira- Self Titled
HOLY CRAP, this album kicked me straight to the nads when I heard it for the first time!This is honestly one of the heaviest records in existence, the riffs are indescribably relentless, and the impact of the drums is ineffable. They have some nu-metal roots; their less-than-mediocre debut, Pass Out of Existence, bore a striking resemblance to Korn, slightly heavier. I figure I should let you know, I hate Korn. After that, they put out a pretty good record, The Impossibility of reason, which I like a lot, as it shows them inching their way towards finding out who they are as a band. This record was quite a step-up, but still had a few teaspoons of Korn thrown in the batter.Then, this record came out. Chimaira have found themselves, this record is, as I've said before, a real headbanger. This album has not a trace of nu-metal, it is a complete heavy metal kick to the grill.


28) Rise Against- The Sufferer and the Witness
With the release of Siren Song Of The Counter Culture, Rise Against seemed to have lost their authenticity. It was a great record, and got me into the band, but it seems a little watery compared to their other three, it wasn't as beefy. With their newest release, The Sufferer and the Witness, Rise Against are back on track with their energy, anger, and angst filled political punk tunes, filled to the brim with crunchy riffs and intricate base lines, as well as vocals and lyrics than beckon you to join the cause. Tim calls out to everyone in America and all over the world as if we have been in a deep sleep for ages [which we have], and he is the only one that can wake us up. I only disagree in a few areas, and this record does prove to be quite the wake-up call. And need I say again, Greenday, regardless of how long they've been together, couldn't hold a torch to these guys. If you LOVE Greenday, then excardon me.



29)AFI- Decemberunderground
It's time again to embrace the change, because AFI have done it again with their June 2006 release, Decemberunderground. This album is VERY different from AFI, as well as anything else I've ever heard, and so it is very difficult for me to explain the sound of this record. There are a few rockin' tunes here, but they break away from it to make musical poetry in many of the other tracks. In track like 'Summer Shudder', Davey creates freezing cold yet BEAUTIFUL vocals while Jade's guitar showers the listener in sparks. They also went into some electronic stuff here, breaking away from the raw guitar-singer-bass-drums oriented music they once played.


30) Avenged Sevenfold- City of Evil
Avenged were at one point a gothic/hardcore/Atreyu-esque band , but now, they show their love of the old school with this super heavy record, City of Evil. This record is a monster, almost as huge as the budget they had to make it. A few years ago, vocalist M. Shadows blew out his throat from the harsh vocal technique of previous works, and underwent surgery. When he came out, he underwent voice training to emerge with a new set of pipes, and he really shows them off in the record. They have thrown themselves off the screaming bandwagon, but the vocals are just as powerful as any metal scream or wail. Also, the crap that guitarists Zacky Vengeance and Sinister Gates pull off are amazing ans so tech, no wonder Gates got the best shredder award in 2004. Also, the drummer is break-neck fast, I wish I could play drums like that. While they are no longer a goth outfit, they maintain that sort of darkness in the guitar tones they use, and also in the lyrics, which often sound like they came straight out of the last book of THE book.

I cannot find the cover art for this album, so I will post a picture of this prime rib sandwich:
31)Incubus- Light Grenades
The latest record from Incubus is a welcomed change. Not like anything they've released before, Light Grenades brought some real rockin' jams to the table, but still stands tall alongside Morningview and A Crow Left of the Murder, both of which had a fair percentage of mellow jams. I was pleasantly surprised to hear the more upbeat tunes here, like Anna Molly, Rogues [my personal favorite], A Kiss To Send Us Off, and the title track, Light Grenades. They have energy to blow off this time around, and this record definitely has rubbed that off on me. It also has a couple slower ballad-ish songs, Oil and Water and Dig come to mind. The only downfalls of this album are the track Earth to Bella Part I and Part II. Aside from that, this record sounds as if Incubus died and rose from their own ashes as a new being, with their eyes set hard on a goal.

32)KillSwitch Engage- As Daylight Dies
After the release of Alive of Just Breathing, the departure of their original singer brought about the recruitment of new vocalist Howard Jones [also the manager of August Burns Red]. This was a welcome change, but the first record he performed on, The End of Heartache, was mediocre at best. I like it, but it was ALMOST one of those sophomore slumps. However, Howard has proved himself as a worthy member and valuable asset to the band on this November 2006 Release, As Daylight Dies. Killswitch Engage have really bounced back, doing again what I loved about Alive or Just Breathing, mixing up the perfect batch of brutality meets melody. From the screams of 'OOOOOHHHHH DAYLIGHT DIES!' on the title track to the persistent and hopeful calls 'We Will Not Die This Way/ This is Absolution', this record shows that they had a good time making this record, and obviously did not come up with some trite crap for the sake of pushing out a record to please their label.


33) Rancid- Let's Go!
Sick of seeing Rancid on the list? Well too bad, cuz I'm not. There's really not much to say about this album, and that's just how some albums are. This is yet another raw punk record put out by Rancid and is what many regard as thier best album. I like it a lot, there's really not much I NEED to say. If you want to know how it sounds, just ask me to borrow it or somethin.



Well, this brings about the end of the lists, peoples. Hey, maybe if you petition for it, I'll post a few more records on here, maybe 4 or 5 more. If you want it, of course.

Jay's Favorite Albums of ALL Time : Part II

Here it is, ladies. You know the drill from the first post. If not, I suggest you read Part One first. These are not the top ten of the thirty-three, so I will not bother to put them in any particular order. And as before, no stupid comments like "I L3IK DEESTURBED DOODZ, LI3K WHY ARENT THEY HERE LOL??? MARYLYN MANSON IS TEH JEEZUS!", but feel free to make comments [positive OR negative, preferably with your logic]. I will do eleven items this time. Part three will feature the final twelve.


11) Megadeth- Peace Sells...But Who's buying?
Anyone who has the cahones to rival Metallica after being kicked out for drug abuse is a respectable man in my book, and Dave Mustaine did just that when he took on the task of fronting this monster of a thrash pioneer, Megadeth. No sophmore slump here; Peace Sells is one monster of a second realease that is a staple both of Megadeth's career, AND the genre of thrash metal. The palm- muted thrashy riffs are the focal point of this record, Dave Mustaine takes on the role of lead guitarist while singing, rather than rythym like James Hetfield of Metallica. I can just imagine Dave Mustaine listening to Metallica and going 'OOOOHHH Master of Puppets!', then rolling out with the sinister track about a serial murderer, 'Good Mourning/Black Friday'. He hacks down his victims like pieces of meat. At first I was dissapointed to see that there were only few tracks [8], but this is a worthy strategy. Some artists load em on, and some of these tracks tend to get neglected as a result. Every track here is good to go, I just pop it in and let it roll. It is important for any fan of metal to go back to the older days, and this is one of those records that should be payes attention to, among many others. And with all due respect, Metallica is a great band, but Megadeth dwarfs them.


12) Incubus- Morningview
Incubus has three full-length releases before this one, and you will hear many fans say that they miss the old days, when Incubus was heavier and had the edge. I, however, am not one of those people. There are a few pretty rockin' tunes here, but the edges have been smoothed, and they break away from thier alternative-metal roots into something more mellow and carefree. I guess it's hard to be edgey when you write and record an album right next the the ocean and beach. The track 'Wish You Were Here' was what got me hooked, and its hard to describe the emotions it pours into me, but it sure is good. It makes me feel like I'm just kickin' on the beach with a few of my good friends, not worrying about the daily stresses of life. What really makes this record different from the other works of Incubus is the mellower, quieter, and more slow-paced songs, like 'Echo','11 AM', and 'Are You In?". Each one of those have thier own unique qualities. Echo has a great flow, the music is very smooth, and Einziger, the guitar player, does a few slides in there that are so smooth, it sounds like his guitar doesn't even have any frets. Are You In is a very fun song that gives me mental images of just chilling with some friends at a party and just enjoying the company. The focal point of this song is DJ Kilmore's DJ work. My personal favorite track, however, is Aqueous Transmission, a very quiet and relaxing song, that sounds like it came straight from Japan, save the english vocal part. It makes me feel like im, as the singer Brandon says in the song 'Floating Down a River', in the quiet of the night.


13) System of a Down- The Self-Titled Debut
"Announce Your Anthems On the Cieling, We Dance, Annexed By Power. Casual Neckties Embrace, The Hungry Hunger Further, Images Rule Through The Media, Commercial Orwellianism, Producing Unvieled Icebergs, Running Transparent Electrical Cables, Curving String Ensembles, Witnessed By Hangings From Flagpoles of Souls Avenged By Dr. Clock. Fresh Paint, Naked Melting Figures Mixing the Revolution Against TV Sentencing, At the Hands of Brutal Men and Thier Military Business World. LET US INVESTIGATE THE REVOLT, DOWN WITH THE SYSTEM!" I have only the slightest idea what all this means, but I sure do think the boys in System are angry, and it shows in thier music and lyrics. They are EXTREMELY cynical, and they are clever in the lyrical writing department. This album packs some serious heavy punch, and is THE album to start with if you are becoming a SOAD fan. We've all heard Mezmerize/Hypnotize, but this record is in a different leaugue, nowhere near as strange, ten times as heavy, and twenty times as good. Sure, I love thier newer works, but this blows them off the shelf.


14) Shadows Fall- The Art of Balance
The boys in Shad Did some serious homework befire jumping into making thier third record. The shred is amazing, the technique blew me away. What really stands out is Brian Fair's vocals. His vocal style has completely changed, trading in the lower bellowing for the higher [but not high] style, a style that souds more like his natural voice. His voice is no longer typical, you can hear this and say 'Yeah- that must be shadows fall'. It is also much more melodic. Also, they threw in a cover of Pink Floyd's 'Welcome to the Machine', and Fair shows that he really can sing, trashing the 'its all screaming and wailing' stereotype. The subject as far has lyrics has changed, now dealing with battling inner demons and false desires to achieve physical and mental balance, thus the album title.


15) Gojira- From Mars to Sirius
France is full of snail-sucking pansies, but the exception proves the rule. This is an exception. These French metallers show that those Euro-queers can definately rock out, and still manage to eat copious amount of le cheese. I was blown away. The riffs that couple up with relentless blast beats and double bass sear into your skull, and the playing precision is scrotum-squeezing tight. The vocals have a range of styles, ranging from dirtier bellowing to all out sreaming to angry growls to clean vocals. These guys know thier metal, and they play it well. It's no wonder Randy Blythe of Lamb of God has been singing thier praises.



16)Lostprophets- Start Something
Same deal as thier debut- a really fun record that sticks. On this record, they went a little heavier on some songs, but also realeased the radio freindly 'Last Train Home', which was worn out by the time i got this, so thank God all the other tracks stand on thier own. If you want to know anything else, just read my review for The Fake Sound of Progress, but don't let that make you think these two are carbon copies.


17)Zao- The Funeral of God
Sorry to say it, but often I feel like Christian metal is a watered-down version of the real thing *cough Demon Hunter cough*, but this is not one of those records. This album is so dark and sinister, you'd think they were in league with bands like Gorgoroth [despite sound differences]. This album is so heavy, I needed a fork-lift to take it out of The Exchange. The drums are pummeling, the guitars, while not having much complexity, compensate for thier simplicity while still managing to be catchy and raw , and extremely heavy. Dan Weyandt's vocals are HUGE and so evil sounding, you'd never associate Christianity with this. But you know God gives this record a spin every day. He has every record they've put out AND every record they'll put out in the future.


18)AFI- Sing The Sorrow
When people become a fan of a certain band, they tend to buy new releases from this said band with preconcieved expectations. This is a bad idea. Bands change and progress, and AFI makes HUGE changes from record to record. When buying new releases from AFI, you need an open mind. I was very quick to embrace this record. It is very emotional, some idiots have been quick to label this record 'emo', but I don't care what it's called. You can call a turd a turkey sandwich, but it won't be edible, it is what it is, and this IS a great record. It has some very dark elements, but it also has some upeat energy layered underneath the despair. Davey Havoc's unique and really high-pitched vocal style is unforgettable, and he isn't afraid to make them the focal point of this record, despite the fact that many call him 'gay' because of it. I don't care if he's gay, straight, or has sex with trees. This record has hooks.


19)Underoath- Define The Great Line
Many many bands fall victim to the sophmore slump. They get together and have years to spend honing thier first songs before they are signed. When they get signed, they then have much less time to push out thier second record. Unfortunately, this can be said of Underoath. They're Only Chasing Safety was a great record, but mediocre at best. It was the first one from them I heard, andI liked it, but then I heard the changing of times, and was sad at the fact that a different path, one much less rockin', was taken on Theyre Only Chasing Safety. However, I was compelled to purchase this, mainly because it recieved acclaim from Micah, and also becasue it was only five bucks. I am not dissapointed. It is heavier than the sophmore album, and they experimented a little in some ares. There is certainly more angst, and though the riffs are not and never were very complex, they are sure to bust some strings. The downfall of the album is the fact that Aaron won't shut up and just play drums.


20)Shadows Fall- Fallout From The War
Shortly after the release of 'The War Within', and slightly before the release of thier upcoming record, 'Threads of Life', Shad decided to get together and release all the songs that never quite made the cut on thier previous works, as well as some cover songs, and a couple new tunes as well. This was a brilliant idea. It's always good to hear what almost never was, these songs are all definately very worthy of space on a CD. From the pounding and thick riffs of 'In Effigy', to the searing and desperate howls and riffs of 'Deadworld', this record, though a companion piece to The War Within, stands on it's own two feet, and delivers a very powerful punch. This was a great way to feed hungry Shadows Fall fans like myself while awaiting the arrival of 'Threads of Life' on April 20th.


21)As I Lay Dying- Frail Words Collapse
Remember how I said that Christian heavy music was fairly watered-down, but there were some exceptions? Heres another one. Man, these guys definately hit me hard when I gave this record it's first listen. The European influenced guitars, blazin-fast drums,and wide open vocals make this one METAL record, I don't care what the elitists have to say for it. This record is a real headbanger, and after learning to play 6 As I Lay dying songs, my love of this record only grew. Its hard not to scream along to track like 'The Beginning', of 'Forever'.

Jay's Best Albums.....Of ALL Time Part I

Well, as you all may know by this point (or not), the bloggers in this little group LOVE music. And many have talked about it, posting videos, song suggestions, etc. This does not apply to me, but I love music, and sometimes it keeps me from eating a bullet. Or drowning myself, etc. I decided that I would share with all of YOU what I regard as the best albums ever made, and so I composed a list. I was able to whittle the list down to 33[alot, I know], so I will do the list in three parts. Remember, this is what I think is the best. If you don't like it, cry. I have WAY different tastes from the other bloggers in this group, I have heavier tastes, and have been into punk since 12 [hence Rancid]. When you read these lists, feel free to comment, but I don't want you to ask me any dumb questions like "WHY ISN'T NORMA JEENZORZ ON THE LISTERZ!?!!?one!!@". Just because It ain't on the list doesn't mean I don't like it. Even though there are many many items, I had to remove A LOT of bands. Norma Jean is a great band, trust me. And So is He Is Legend, Unearth, Dropkick Murphy's, etc... but none of these bands are among what I regard as the best, though He Is Legend barely missed the list. Without futher ado or adieu or adooouuugh or whatever, here is the top ten in order [item one is best] [the other two lists will not be in any particular order]:


10) Johnny Cash - The Man Comes Around
I feel as though I don't even need to say much about this one. Cash was a genius, and was a legend even when he was still alive. His career spanned for decades, and he has influenced so many people. He was a great writer, writing songs that ranged from stories of personal experience to fictional pieces he himself came up with. His voice is definately very weathered by this time, and that ads great character. Though his voice has been worn, the emotion on tracks like 'Hurt', the NIN cover about the pain of addiction [something Cash knew all too well], is all-encompassing. Cash needed nothing to make thius album but his voice, his guitar, and his soul. Listen to this record and educate yourself.


9) Mastodon- Blood Mountain

They gave us Remission in 2002, and Leviathan in 2004, and this record definately takes the cake as the best Mastodon record. Of course, all three of the works by these Georgia natives are gems, but this surpasses the others. The vocals have a different approach, where they focus less on blowing thier throats out and more on making the vocals one of the focal points of the record. You can hear many of thier musical inflluences in this one [Pink Floyd, Iron Maiden, lsd], and the range of styles is great. I should also mention that the drummer is regarded by many as the best in the business. Every track is an instrumental orgasm, you can tell that all four of these strapping young men spend a lot of time in practice. They show thier love of many different styles, but this album is still pretty freaking metal, and one of the heaviest albums in existence. Even is you don't like metal, give it a listen. And if you don't like it the first time, keep listening. You may learn something.


8)Flogging Molly- Drunken Lullabies
I was only 13 when I bought this record, and it is far from wearing out it's welcome on my CD shelf. They love punk, and they love irish music. The singer/ guitar player also loves his home country, Ireland. All three of these things show on the record. They have a drummer, a bass player, and a guitar player. They also have a fiddle player, accordian player, and a couple members who play whatver they want [mandolin, flute, banjo, etc.] This record of full of energy, you can tell they love thier music [and booze]! It makes me want to river dance [sober, of course]. This cd ads some unique flavor to my mainly-metal CD collection. Its so hard not to get into this, and the man's lyrics have such fluidity, once I had them memorized, litening to the record became a new experience.


7) Flogging Molly- Within A Mile of Home
Two Flogging Molly Records in a row? Yep. Its just that good. They keep it fresh with this one. They aren't ridin' the same wave, but you can tell it's Flogging Molly. This album is not only fun, but it has been filled to the brim with emotion, and the energy was in abundance during the making of this record. They are skilled with thier instruments indeed, and this record makes me want to go to Ireland really freaking bad [so I can drive on the right side of the road and get smashed by a truck].


6) Children of Bodom- Hate Crew Death Roll
Sweden has given us some great metal acts. Arch Enemy, Soilwork, In Flames, and CHILDREN OF BODOM. I was blown away with this record. It's thrashy, heavy, dark, angry, majestic[yeah, I said it], and melodic, all at the same time! Alexi Laiho is a true guitar virtuoso, and plays some crazy stuff, singing at the same time! The keyboards add a GREAT feel, and there are even a few keyboard solos! The keyboards add a pretty dark atmosphere, and are the reason why I said majestic just a minute ago. These guys are not your typical run-of-the-mill metal band. They stand on their own two legs. Also, if you read the lyrics, you'll know that Alexi wants to get out there and beat the crap out of someone.


5)Rise Against- Revolutions Per Minute
Frontman Tim McIlrath's passion for politics and dissatisfaction with the state of America have made for some great songwriting material. This ain't Greenday. Greenday wish they were as good as Rise Against. This record is very edgy, full of angst, hopelesness, and it's even pretty cynical at times. The chords rip through your skull while the drums makes your heart explode in a bloody mess. Some songs are so rockin' I've busted my LOW E playing them [Heaven Knows, track 2]. The passion in Tim is so great that it has poured over into me, and I wish I could take his place at any given moment, as the frontman of RA. These guys prove that you don't need to do all the fancy stuff with your instruments to be a great songwriter, such was the case with Kurt Cobain. All you need is a passion for music, a worthy cause, and a freaking soul.


4)The Black Dahlia Murder
It's in thier videos. Headbanging in a graveyard. Headbanging in a cement room. Headbanging in a Church. Headbanging in a gorilla suit. The Black Dahlia Murder LOVE to headbang, and this is one headbang-inducing record. Its so freaking morbid that it makes you dream at night of digging up the body of your dead lover and doing er...passionate things to it. Such is the subject in thier lyrics. Trever Strnad obviousely loves horror movies, and they have released two horror records. The lyrics paint some very vivid pictures, once they release enough records, it will be like owning hundreds of horror movies. The drummer is INSANELY fast [even though they go through drummers like toilet tissue], and the riffs are sharp as a chainsaw. It's like both guitarists are there in front of you smacking you in the face...with laser precision and semi truck-like heaviness. They LOVE tremolo picking, and I think that this is what makes the record such a head-banger. Also, when I listened to this record, I thought there were two vocalists, but I was wrong. Trever is doing the high AND the low, and I thought that was pretty nice. This record makes me want to go headbang in a graveyard. In bright orange beach shorts.


3)Shadows Fall- Of One Blood
Before the making in 2000 of this second album, original singer Philip Labonte was replaced with Brian Fair, and LORD it was a good idea. He conveys such vehemence and fury through his low pitched screams, I ran away crying when I heard this record for the first time. He also conveys a sense of passion and solemness when he sings clean, and this is also reflected in the music, where there are fast, blazing, heart-attack riffs, but also some pretty intricate acoustic riffs, usually behind the clean vocals. Also, our guitar duo, Matt Bachand and John Donais, prove that they had chops even before the 'War Within' days. Suck a great record, so early in their career.


2) Lostprophets- The Fake Sound of Progress
I heard these guys for the first time five years ago, and I've been hooked ever since. This group from wales have some fun making thier music, you can tell. Listening to this record gets me going, and once the spring weather arrives, it is customary for me to neglect homework, pop this record in, and just enjoy my day. The tunes are so rockin', I could listen and forget about any burdens I have on my heart. And as of recently, it makes me nostalgic, probably because I got into it so long ago. I have fun listening to this record. The DJ rolls out. The singer has a great voice. 'Nuff said.


1!!!!)Rancid- ...And Out Come The Wolves
Rancid. My favorite band of all time. This is a masterpiece. These guys are punk, but you can tell they love thier reggae as well. The songs make you move whether you want to or not, and you can tell that these guys got by with thier love of music when they were growing up on the streets. The voices are great, but many would argue that Tim sounds like crap. I love it. Both Tim Armstrong and Lars Fredricksen gang up on the vocals, and the turnout is great. Much like Miasma, the stories on this record paint a vivid picture, though much less morbid. Not many people like punk, but these guys are unlike many of the others. And by now, they have tons of experience. Also, the bass is insane! Matt Freeman is a master of the practice, adn I'm sure many a bass player has commited suicide after hearing his amazing skill.