The Identity Matrix

This record right here is the pinnacle of independent metal. What this group did without the help of a label is astonishing. The do it yourself mentality these guys had put out one of the most interesting and dynamic records of the decade so far. Mixing the stylings of led zeppelin and deep purple riffs with the harsh growls and screams of blackened death metal is quite honestly magical. The lyrics on this thing are equally fantastic. They tell stories that captivate the listener while still presenting their message clearly. Hanging Garden is easily the standout track here with its progressive leanings and grandiose lyricism. Metazoa is melodic yet ruthless, accessible and engaging while still pushing boundaries. It is certainly a metal record you must listen to before dying.

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What is infinite yet always equal to one?

Enter the Domain - The Identity Matrix Domain

"I'm not a prophet or a stone aged man, just a mortal with potential of a superman. I'm living on." - David Bowie

The Identity Matrix

Is this thread revivable?

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What is infinite yet always equal to one?

Enter the Domain - The Identity Matrix Domain

"I'm not a prophet or a stone aged man, just a mortal with potential of a superman. I'm living on." - David Bowie

Justthefacts

Post an album maybe you'll find out.

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The Best Collection You'll See Today

The Identity Matrix

One of the best progressive metal albums of the 2000's. The absolute mastery these guys show in the writing, composition, and performance on this record is incredible. I was blown away when I first heard it and I am still blown away on subsequent listens. The concepts behind it work wonders, the lyrics are fantastic, and the vocal delivery is top notch. A standout track from this record would easily be Sun of Nothing. A prog metal tune that takes you on the cynical journey of a man wanting to kill himself via incineration by the sun. It's introspective, captivating, and dynamic. Three words that I love to be associated with progressive music. Overall, Colors is an album everyone has to try, at least once. I would also suggest listening to the live version of this record, though it is not essential.

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What is infinite yet always equal to one?

Enter the Domain - The Identity Matrix Domain

"I'm not a prophet or a stone aged man, just a mortal with potential of a superman. I'm living on." - David Bowie

The Batlord

Colors is definitely my top prog metal album. I'm not much for prog metal in general, but as a metalcore freak it's top notch ****.

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The Identity Matrix

Front to back Colors is fantastic. Batlord, get back on this thread and post more albums. We should try and push this thing along.

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What is infinite yet always equal to one?

Enter the Domain - The Identity Matrix Domain

"I'm not a prophet or a stone aged man, just a mortal with potential of a superman. I'm living on." - David Bowie

The Identity Matrix

Also I feel that mastodon should be on this list but it's hard which album of there's is essential. I would pick Blood Mountain but I'm sure others would have Leviathan or even Crack the Skye on there. Tough choices....

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What is infinite yet always equal to one?

Enter the Domain - The Identity Matrix Domain

"I'm not a prophet or a stone aged man, just a mortal with potential of a superman. I'm living on." - David Bowie

Frownland

Multiple releases from the same artist are allowed, even preferred for important artists.

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Studies show that when a given norm is changed in the face of the unchanging, the remaining contradictions will parallel the truth.

The Identity Matrix

I'll start with Blood Mountain. Mastodon, who happen to be one of my favorite bands, are quite deserving of a few spots on this list. Blood Mountain is , IMO, their best record. It balances perfectly, the aggressive undertones of earlier records Remission and Leviathan, while incorporating that progressive metal style they would explore more in later records like Crack the Skye and Emperor of Sand. Tracks such as Colony of Birchman, and Siberian Divide exemplify the style of Blood Mountain in every possible (positive) way. It's the perfect entry point into both styles of mastodon, the more aggressive fast paced style, and the more melodic progressive style. Balance is the word of the day for this album. Also Joshua Homme is on this record, I am a huge Queens of the Stone Age fan, so that is a plus as well.

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What is infinite yet always equal to one?

Enter the Domain - The Identity Matrix Domain

"I'm not a prophet or a stone aged man, just a mortal with potential of a superman. I'm living on." - David Bowie

The Batlord

Death thrash is life, and Protector are top notch practitioners. Once you get done with Demolition Hammer, Morbid Saint, and Exhorder, then this album might as well be your next stop, cause you won't find better. The riffs are of that perfect type that are vicious and high-energy, but also stick in your head, making this one of those few albums of its kind that is legitimately memorable. Helping this are the relatively short tracks that don't really **** about with long instrumental passages or other assorted wankery, making everything short, sweet, and highly visceral. Thrashing out to this monster is pretty much the law, but you won't need any court decisions to get your head banging.

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