It was impossible for me to pay attention to Hollenthon. There were several times where my mind started to wander so badly that a song would end and I wouldn't notice for minutes on end.

Agreed. And not in a good way either. Like with a Neurosis, Isis, or Rosetta record, I can lose myself in the music and kind of take in the whole album as one, unified, aural experience. Not the case with Hollenthon; just terribly boring and without gusto.

Ok Septic Flesh take that one 3-0. Next up is the final clash of the war as Septic Flesh will take on Haggard from Germany whose album came out in 2004. I've noticed that this Septic Flesh album has two different covers as well.

Septic Flesh The Great Mass 2011
http://azintex-music.com/published/p...20Mass_enl.jpg

Versus

Haggard Eppur Si Muove 2004

Don't really have time to post a good explanation, but my vote goes easily to Septic Flesh. The Haggard album sounds a little demo-ish, and at times the incorporation of symphonic elements seems downright lazy. I kind of assumed ahead of time that SF would get my vote in every round (after looking at the other albums), and it looks like that assumption was correct.

Septic Flesh - 1
Haggard - 0

Septic Flesh is still winning this one for me. Besides being one of the best albums from last year, I think it does the best job at marrying the sounds and stylings of extreme metal with the softer, more melodic sensibilities of symphony without feeling like it has to sacrifice anything.

Septic Flesh - 2
Haggard - 0

I'm going to have to go with Haggard. I think their production fits the music better, and I think the song writing is better overall. Whether or not the symphonic elements mesh as well as SepticFlesh is a point of debate, and I have to admit the songs are rather disjointed.... but they are fun.

Septic Flesh - 2
Haggard - 1

Haggard was an accomplished album set around the concept of Galileo, it set out to do what it wanted BUT I didn't enjoy it as much as the Septic Flesh album.

Septic Flesh -3
Haggard -1

Ok Septic Flesh win the final battle 3-1 and win the Best Extreme Metal Album with Symphonic Influences. The battle achieved a total of 18 Votes not one of the highest but thanks to Metal Connoisseur for the suggestion.

Final Order:
Septic Flesh-The Great Mass
Haggard-Eppur Si Muove
Hollenthons-With Vilest of Worms to Dwell
Anoerexia Nervosa-Drudenhaus
Fleshgod Apocolypse-Oracles
Mirrorthrone-Carriers of Dust

Ok since there has been a lack of interest in some of the recent themes and albums and thanks to the Batlord and his suggestions, Metal Wars will become a bit more versatile, diverse and more streamlined. Meaning that wars will turn around quicker (less albums per category) and a better mix between obscure metal albums and well known metal albums so as to isolate less people from voting etc.

So how it will work. I'll continue from the list as always which is below, but after each war, I will put up a couple of albums of my choice (or ask somebody else too) which should help to generate interest.

Unknown Soldier
The Batlord
Howard the Duck (Il Duce)
Janszoon
Loathsome Pete
Bastard of Young
Mondo Bungle
Jackhammer
Metal Connoisseur
Lolpocolypse
RCVA
Unrelenting
Frownland (Battle Pending)
Mrdood
Hip Hop Bunny Hop
James

NEW WAR COMING A BIT LATER (WATCH THIS SPACE)

Thanks to all who participated, I've been really busy at of late, which is why I didn't get around to voting in the last battle. Septic Flesh was clearly a cut above though and thankfully the voting reflected that.