The Batlord

Note: I'm running these two albums together cause they're basically the same thing, and the purpose of this entry is more about the artist than the specific albums.

Alright, so these are not actually metal albums ... at all ... by any stretch of the imagination. But, if you're a lover of Nile, and dig those Egyptian music interludes, then these may very well be of interest to you. Karl Sanders is the mastermind behind that band, and these are pretty much albums made up of those ambient interludes. Depending on your point of view, this can either be pointless self-indulgence, or cool as all ****. I am of the second opinion. Obviously.

What I as an ignorant infidel must assume is Egyptian folk music played on guitar, evocatively plays over booming, hypnotic tribal drums. When the guitar is center stage, it feels like a majestic journey through the desert of a lost time. When the drums reach a fever pitch however, it's like bearing witness to some massive, terrifying religious ritual. These albums feel unsettling and otherworldly, speaking to my soul in a primal way that is just fantastic. Both albums are wicked cool, but I'd say the second's greater use of those tribal drums gives it the edge.

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Trollheart

I'm going to revive the "Recommended by ..." thread and this is going in.

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Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

The Batlord

Does Trollheart actually like something I suggested? What have I done?

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Trollheart

I like the sound of it. Whether or not I'll actually like the album(s), time will tell

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Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

The Batlord

FYI, if you only listened to the first song, that's pretty much the only song on either of the albums with real singing. Otherwise they're almost entirely instrumental, with passages of chanting at times.

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The Batlord

I love all Metallica's eighties materiel, but Kill 'Em All is the one I keep coming back to for some reason. It's certainly not their most accomplished, or their most consistent--although I still like pretty much everything on it--but it's got a youthful energy and raw power that is everything that eighties metal should be. I see this as just as much a trad metal album as a thrash album--the point at which the torch was passed. The hardcore influences blend perfectly with those ten-ton Diamond Head riffs in a way that keeps me hitting the replay button as soon as the album is over.

And "Seek and Destroy" is one of the high points of Western civilization.

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Thelonious Monkey

Somebody finally put it up. That's about the only Metallica album I like. And when I say like, I mean fucking love. I'll take that album any day, over their whole discography. I was thinking of making a top 20 thrash metal list in my journal, but I probably still haven't listened to enough. But I'm on a crazy thrash kick, and enjoying it so far. The more I listen to thrash, the more I struggle getting into anything pre-thrash. I just prefer the heavier stuff. Hell, I can't even listen to Maiden the same way anymore.

The Batlord

How deep are you into it? I've got mad recs, but I don't know how obscure to go.

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Primeval Scum

Same, I could probably tip you to some pretty great stuff, but it would help if I knew what you already listen to.

As for Kill em All, it's actually my least favorite Metallica album until Load. It's pretty good, I simply prefer their more creative and varied compositions.

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Last.fm
RateYourMusic

Don't grieve for me, I'm not there. I am the gentle autumn rain. Hold up my lamp to light your way. Farewell to thee...

Thelonious Monkey

Well, I've listened to all the essential albums from The Big Four. Also listened to the odd Kreator album, and Sepultura. Also, Exodus. Lay all your recs down dude, I'll give them a listen. Whether I do a review of them is another thing, but I can give them a listen regardless.