Gary
Scream Bloody Gore
I have no idea who this is, and something tells me it's a good thing I don't.
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The Metal Thread - Version 2
- Thread starter Gary
- Start date
Big Papa Paegan
L. A. Z.
It's a very, very good thing. McKinty was always someone that earned the term "poser" and would delve into some of the most basic info of the scenes he'd discuss while defending shitty popular bands because they were popular.
Fuck him. I'm glad he's done. Now we just need Jared Dines and the entirety of MetalSucks to disappear.
Fuck him. I'm glad he's done. Now we just need Jared Dines and the entirety of MetalSucks to disappear.
I watched some of his videos a few years ago and they were okay if he liked the genre or it was something silly like his Rock Of Love recap. But, I heard he's gone off the deep end the last few years and barely tries anymore. I'm glad I didn't keep up, because I remember him being pretty arrogant at times.
The Punk Rock MBA (Finn McKenty) formally announces retirement from YouTube: "I was just doing it for the money"
He gave many remarks on the topic in an interview with Jesea Lee.theneedledrop.com
I've seen quite a few videos from this guy. Some were good, others not so much. Some of his takes were level headed and some were LOL. I didn't realize he was such a prominent music commentator (and universally loathed within metal and hardcore circles).
Big Papa Paegan
L. A. Z.
He was super arrogant and overtly admitted to not understanding what the music he claimed to love was all about.
Say what you will about the ethos of hardcore and its applications, but at least it believed in something other than making a few bucks.
Say what you will about the ethos of hardcore and its applications, but at least it believed in something other than making a few bucks.
The new High On Fire lived up to the hype. I think the band is hugely consistent, and has not put out a bad album. But, this is the most intense and focused they've sounded in a while. Probably my favorite since Snakes For The Divine.
One Epic Winter (OEW)
Epic Reine
Judas Priest is #1 on my Spotify unwrapped.
I ain't mad!
I ain't mad!
I didn't use Spotify a lot at the beginning of the year, but I listened to Absolute Elsewhere by Blood Incantation every day for close to a month straight and that got my spot. I get people's qualms with the album and the band, but I love the back and forth between the Death Metal and the 70's Prog with dashes of Kraut Rock. And they busted out so many other influences. Like on the beginning of "The Message", it almost sounds like a Deftones rift before breaking into a Blackgaze Alcest sounding section. I keep noticing new things too. I can't remember the last time I couldn't stop replaying a Metal album like this. Might have to go back to Crack The Skye by Mastodon.
And, tbh I liked their other albums, but I never thought they were amazing. To me, this is the culmination of everything they've been trying for the past decade or so.
And, tbh I liked their other albums, but I never thought they were amazing. To me, this is the culmination of everything they've been trying for the past decade or so.
Big Papa Paegan
L. A. Z.
I switched to YouTube Music for most of the year, which was thrown off by the plethora of kids music for Jr., but every other year has Gwar as my #1 on Spotify Wrapped.
I made a dangerous Spotify move recently when I listened to a Limp Bizkit song. It was "N 2gether Now" with Method Man doing the majority of the work while Fred says dorky shit. Best Bizkit song, but I'm scared of all the Nu Metal I don't like to appear on my playlists. I've already seen some Linkin Park.
All the newer death metal I'm listening to hopefully will drown out this mistake.
All the newer death metal I'm listening to hopefully will drown out this mistake.
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Gary
Scream Bloody Gore
Big Papa Paegan
L. A. Z.
Jerry Lynn still going in the pit makes me so fucking happy
Jeff Loomis is bringing Nevermore back and they are gonna make new music with a different vocalist. Warrel's vocals imo were the band's identity and it's hard to replace him. The music will probably be really good or even great, but it really depends on the vocalist they get for me. I'm interested and will check out their new music.
Big Papa Paegan
L. A. Z.
...I'm torn here. On the one hand, you're 100% right, because Warrel's vocals were the most identifiable aspect of Nevermore, to the point where even his solo album was that much better than anything Loomis has done since (because fuck Arch Enemy).
On the other hand? There are bands like Brainstorm and Shatter Messiah with singers that are similar enough to Warrel, and Loomis unleashed can write some killer material when allowed (because fuck Arch Enemy).
Started going on deep dives and rankings for bands to distract myself from a pretty tough time with the mental health. Went through Testament because I haven't heard a lot of their newer work, and while their peaks weren't as high as 3 of the big four (Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth), they are much more consistent than those three bands. I only disliked one album out of the 12, and that's 1997's Demonic which is their attempt at a death metal album with nu metal/groove metal elements.
1. The Legacy (1987) - One of my favorite debuts and "Over The Wall" is also one of my favorite openers and that solo is an all timer. They hit the ground running here.
2. The Gathering (1999) - They mastered the Thrash/Death type of sound here and I even heard some Black Metal elements. Might be their most intense and heavy album, but there's one other contender. "DNR" is another excellent opener.
3. The New Order (1988) - Probably their most classic album with a lot of their most popular songs. "Into The Pit" rules so much
4. Souls Of Black (1990) - Very catchy and memorable songs and a really consistent album.
5. Brotherhood Of The Snake (2016) - This one surprised me. It's the other album that might be their heaviest and most intense album. Chuck Billy was calling the album Testament's Reign In Blood, and it's an apt description. Crazy that these dudes put out an album like this so late.
6. Practice What You Preach (1989) - Title Track is one of their best songs period and carries a lot of good will towards the album for me.
7. The Formation of Damnation (2008) - Great reestablishing album from them to show they still had it after a long absence.
8. Titans Of Creation (2020) - Solid album, but they play it very safe and is starting to sound too similar to the last few albums.
9. Dark Roots Of Evil (2012) - Kind of a little dull, some good songs though. But, overall just not a memorable album for me.
10. Low (1994) - This one is hit and miss. The songs I like really kick ass, but there's some stinkers as well. "Shades of War" and "Dog Faced Gods" are great Testament songs though.
11. The Ritual (1992) - Their attempt at a Black Album or Countdown To Extinction type of crossover success. Didn't work for me, although "Return To Serenity" is an amazing song and their best ballad by far. Some really dull mid tempo rockers on here.
12. Demonic (1997) - Not as awful as a lot of other band's worst albums, but just really boring and unmemorable. I love Chuck's death growls most of the time, but a full album of them didn't work.
I might rate some more Thrash bands where I don't know their work completely. I think Exodus is next. Will post that sometime.
1. The Legacy (1987) - One of my favorite debuts and "Over The Wall" is also one of my favorite openers and that solo is an all timer. They hit the ground running here.
2. The Gathering (1999) - They mastered the Thrash/Death type of sound here and I even heard some Black Metal elements. Might be their most intense and heavy album, but there's one other contender. "DNR" is another excellent opener.
3. The New Order (1988) - Probably their most classic album with a lot of their most popular songs. "Into The Pit" rules so much
4. Souls Of Black (1990) - Very catchy and memorable songs and a really consistent album.
5. Brotherhood Of The Snake (2016) - This one surprised me. It's the other album that might be their heaviest and most intense album. Chuck Billy was calling the album Testament's Reign In Blood, and it's an apt description. Crazy that these dudes put out an album like this so late.
6. Practice What You Preach (1989) - Title Track is one of their best songs period and carries a lot of good will towards the album for me.
7. The Formation of Damnation (2008) - Great reestablishing album from them to show they still had it after a long absence.
8. Titans Of Creation (2020) - Solid album, but they play it very safe and is starting to sound too similar to the last few albums.
9. Dark Roots Of Evil (2012) - Kind of a little dull, some good songs though. But, overall just not a memorable album for me.
10. Low (1994) - This one is hit and miss. The songs I like really kick ass, but there's some stinkers as well. "Shades of War" and "Dog Faced Gods" are great Testament songs though.
11. The Ritual (1992) - Their attempt at a Black Album or Countdown To Extinction type of crossover success. Didn't work for me, although "Return To Serenity" is an amazing song and their best ballad by far. Some really dull mid tempo rockers on here.
12. Demonic (1997) - Not as awful as a lot of other band's worst albums, but just really boring and unmemorable. I love Chuck's death growls most of the time, but a full album of them didn't work.
I might rate some more Thrash bands where I don't know their work completely. I think Exodus is next. Will post that sometime.
Big Papa Paegan
L. A. Z.
Testament is a "Greatest Hits" band for me. Their best stuff is what everyone knows, and their deep cuts are deep for a reason.
You'll have some fun with an Exodus deep dive. Like realizing that the popular opinion of Bonded by Blood being their best is horseshit (not even a top 3 release by them).
You'll have some fun with an Exodus deep dive. Like realizing that the popular opinion of Bonded by Blood being their best is horseshit (not even a top 3 release by them).
One Epic Winter (OEW)
Epic Reine
The Legacy and the New Order are badass. They definatley never reached those highs again.
I saw them open for Anthrax in 2012 and was surprised Chuck Billy can still carry a note live.
Come to think of it, I also saw them open for Judas Priest in '08 but got there late and missed half their set.
I saw them open for Anthrax in 2012 and was surprised Chuck Billy can still carry a note live.
Come to think of it, I also saw them open for Judas Priest in '08 but got there late and missed half their set.
Gary
Scream Bloody Gore
I'd argue that "The Gathering" is their second best record (best being "The New Order"), and "Dark Roots of Earth" is definitely worth a listen. Agree with Brock that "Souls of Black" is a good one. "Low" isn't bad as far as Groove oriented Thrash is concerned, though it's also the album with a song based on a controversial anime ("Urotsukidoji")
Big Papa Paegan
L. A. Z.
Maturity is realizing that Zetro's voice fits the music better than any other thrash frontman.
Possibly. I used to hate the Pissed Off Elmo vocals in Overkill, but now I absolutely love them. Same could happen with Zetro.
Also, I'm really enjoying Bonded By Blood, and I expect to see it ranked high unless some of these other albums are on a different level.
Also, I'm really enjoying Bonded By Blood, and I expect to see it ranked high unless some of these other albums are on a different level.
Big Papa Paegan
L. A. Z.
Bonded is a different beast than the rest of their work, overall. It was also written a while before it came out, when Exodus were really the genesis of the Bay Area scene, so it's a lot more straightforward thrash than everything after it, which features much more groove.
I'm interested in your take on their reunion albums, both with Zetro and Dukes, because I'd say that Exodus is the best of the classic thrash bands when it comes to their 21st century releases.
I'm interested in your take on their reunion albums, both with Zetro and Dukes, because I'd say that Exodus is the best of the classic thrash bands when it comes to their 21st century releases.
Okay me 20 years ago was wrong and Zetro is a great vocalist on Fabulous Disaster. Reminds me of the cleans in Cattle Decapitation weirdly enough, and I love those vocals tbh. The only albums I've heard before are Bonded, Fabulous Disaster, and Tempo Of The Damned. Which all had songs I liked, but it's really been too long since I've listened to remember.
Edit: Now I'm listening to Impact Is Imminent and the voice is grating again. I do admit that he fits the music, but so did Paul Baloff's more maniacal vocals on Bonded By Blood.
Edit part II: They've replaced Zetro with a more Hardcore centric vocalist and now I miss his weird vocals big time. Glad he's returning.
Actually I really like this new vocalist after the meh initial first album. The two Atrocity Exhibition albums are pretty polarizing/low reviewed, but I'm really digging them. I didn't think Exodus could pull off longer songs (Especially after the total slog that was Force of Habit), but they do a great job here.
Edit: Now I'm listening to Impact Is Imminent and the voice is grating again. I do admit that he fits the music, but so did Paul Baloff's more maniacal vocals on Bonded By Blood.
Edit part II: They've replaced Zetro with a more Hardcore centric vocalist and now I miss his weird vocals big time. Glad he's returning.
Actually I really like this new vocalist after the meh initial first album. The two Atrocity Exhibition albums are pretty polarizing/low reviewed, but I'm really digging them. I didn't think Exodus could pull off longer songs (Especially after the total slog that was Force of Habit), but they do a great job here.
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Big Papa Paegan
L. A. Z.
The first Rob Dukes album, Shovel Headed Kill Machine, is one of their best. I'd say it's their most aggressive and ruthless, and the longer songs work almost in spite of themselves.
The pair of Atrocity albums are far more mixed, with some songs being great (especially "Children of a Worthless God") but most being pretty average.
Zetro's return for Blood In, Blood Out is mixed, but Persona Non Grata heads back toward the route they were on with Tempo.
If I'm ranking the discography, I go...
Fabulous Disaster
Tempo of the Damned
Shovel Headed Kill Machine
Bonded by Blood
Pleasures of the Flesh
Persona Non Grata
Atrocity Exhibition: Exhibit A
Impact is Imminent
Blood In, Blood Out
Exhibit B
Force of Habit
The pair of Atrocity albums are far more mixed, with some songs being great (especially "Children of a Worthless God") but most being pretty average.
Zetro's return for Blood In, Blood Out is mixed, but Persona Non Grata heads back toward the route they were on with Tempo.
If I'm ranking the discography, I go...
Fabulous Disaster
Tempo of the Damned
Shovel Headed Kill Machine
Bonded by Blood
Pleasures of the Flesh
Persona Non Grata
Atrocity Exhibition: Exhibit A
Impact is Imminent
Blood In, Blood Out
Exhibit B
Force of Habit
Shovel Headed was dull and I loved the Atrocity albums, so my ranking will be something. Right now my number 1 is either between Disaster or Bonded. Leaning towards Disaster, but I don't like the covers and imo "Cajun Hell" is really dumb. But, the rest of the songs are amazing. Bonded has no bad songs, but the highs don't reach Fabulous Disaster.
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Big Papa Paegan
L. A. Z.
I'll say. I haven't talked to many people who didn't enjoy it, honestly.
Loved is maybe a strong word as I'd rate them like 7/10. I know those albums were ranked low on the Metal Archives, but my taste is really different from that board at this point. I didn't think they were bad and I liked the way the band sounded on those albums. I liked the guitar playing and heaviness on those albums, and I thought the vocals sounded better on B than A.
I guess, it's that Exodus is kind of just an okay band to me so I don't really cherish their work. I enjoyed the Testament listen through a lot more tbh. They've always been a band that I never connected with even as a huge thrash fan. I'm more into Overkill or Annihilator or Death Angel than Exodus. I was hoping the listen through would open my eyes, but it hasn't really and I have around the same opinion. Unless these final two albums blow my socks away.
I guess, it's that Exodus is kind of just an okay band to me so I don't really cherish their work. I enjoyed the Testament listen through a lot more tbh. They've always been a band that I never connected with even as a huge thrash fan. I'm more into Overkill or Annihilator or Death Angel than Exodus. I was hoping the listen through would open my eyes, but it hasn't really and I have around the same opinion. Unless these final two albums blow my socks away.
Big Papa Paegan
L. A. Z.
To each their own. I love how tasty Holt's riffs are above all else, perfect balance of catchy grooves and nasty thrash.
Big Papa Paegan
L. A. Z.
Kinda funny that @Brocklock does an Exodus dive and today they announced that Zetro is out (again) and Dukes is in (again).
Bah gawd, EXHIBIT C IS GONNA HAPPEN. Still need to listen to the last two Zetro albums. Then I might veer out of Thrash Metal and rank Immortal, My Dying Bride (This might be done soon cause I haven't listened to a MDB album past the mid 00's) or Morbid Angel. Although if I do MA, I'm not listening to Illud Divinum Insanus two times in the span of two months. Embarrassingly, I put it on in November because I needed a good laugh and "Too Extreme" and "Radikult" provided that. "Blades For Baal" is a banger though and the only song that sounds like good Morbid Angel.
Exodus are kind of a rollercoaster for me. I had to listen to some albums twice to accurately do this ranking. I really enjoyed the last two albums, and I'll admit that I was in a pissy mood when I made that "7/10 band" post. They are better than that. Zetro switching to more of a shriek on the last two albums was a great decision imo, and he's a really good vocalist overall. I like all three of the vocalists. Rob Dukes is the worst of the three, but I thought he had strong moments and fit in well with the band. He sounds too much like Robb Flynn though. They still have cheesy lyrics and Zetro sounds like a metal muppet some times, but I do appreciate this band a lot more doing this ranking. The only album that is a bad one is ranked last, but it is a really awful album.
1. Fabulous Disaster (1989) - I love too many songs to not put this at one. I think "Low Rider" and "Cajun Hell" are stinkers, but the rest of the music is super high quality. Quintessential Exodus album for me that has their signature "Party Thrash" sound.
2. Bonded By Blood (1985) - A ripper of an album. Probably would be remembered as one of the biggest albums ever in Metal if it came out when it was supposed to in 1983 rather than come out in 1985 post Metallica and Slayer.
3. Tempo Of The Damned (2004) - Great comeback album with some of their best songs. Still some cheesy lyrics and songs like "Scar Spangled Banner", but so many great riffs and solos.
4. Impact Is Imminent (1990) - Very underrated album. A little more serious than Fabulous Disaster with longer songs. Not as memorable and catchy as FD, but still very good.
5. Blood In Blood Out (2014) - Kickass album and Zetro sounds the best of any album. Although, his vocals fit Fabulous Disaster perfectly. Some crushing songs. I wasn't expecting Exodus to master the long song late into their career, but other than the last album on this ranking, I've enjoyed all their long albums. They can keep the songs interesting.
6. Pleasures Of The Flesh (1987) - A solid album sandwiched between their two best. I don't care for the production, but there are some fantastic songs here. But, kind of a letdown compared to Bonded and Disaster.
7. Exhibit B: The Human Condition (2010) - I think this is their heaviest album and Rob Dukes best vocal performance. The songs could be cut down, but I really wasn't bored that much towards the album. I get why these Exhibit albums are so divisive. They sound a lot like Machine Head with the vocals sounding really similar. I hear some Nevermore in the sound as well.
8. Persona Non Grata (2021) - Continuing with the vibe from Blood In Blood Out. Kind of samey which is why it's lower, but these guys still go all out and deliver some great thrash. It's crazy they are continuing into the 2020's to put out solid work.
9. The Atrocity Exhibition: Exhibit A (2007) - Kind of dull at parts, but I appreciate the ambition. I think there are some really good songs here like "Funeral Hymn" and "Children of A Worthless God". I get why it's disliked and just like part B, it sounds more like Machine Head than Exodus. But, I felt like the new sound freshened things up a little.
10. Shovel Headed Killing Machine (2005) - I know this one gets a lot of love, but it didn't fully click with me. Not a bad album, but very unmemorable. I didn't care for Dukes vocals here either. A little disappointing for me.
11. Force Of Habit (1992) - Awful album. 76 minutes of mostly butt rock with a few thrash parts thrown in. I find some of the songs as embarrassing as the worst songs off of Risk or St. Anger. Like wtf is this shit
And don't get me started on that hideous album cover.
I think next up I'm gonna go through Sepultura. I heard every album so many times up to Roots. The Derrick Green albums I really haven't listened too. So, that might be interesting. I know they have a longish rough patch, but have released some late career albums that have been well reviewed.
1. Fabulous Disaster (1989) - I love too many songs to not put this at one. I think "Low Rider" and "Cajun Hell" are stinkers, but the rest of the music is super high quality. Quintessential Exodus album for me that has their signature "Party Thrash" sound.
2. Bonded By Blood (1985) - A ripper of an album. Probably would be remembered as one of the biggest albums ever in Metal if it came out when it was supposed to in 1983 rather than come out in 1985 post Metallica and Slayer.
3. Tempo Of The Damned (2004) - Great comeback album with some of their best songs. Still some cheesy lyrics and songs like "Scar Spangled Banner", but so many great riffs and solos.
4. Impact Is Imminent (1990) - Very underrated album. A little more serious than Fabulous Disaster with longer songs. Not as memorable and catchy as FD, but still very good.
5. Blood In Blood Out (2014) - Kickass album and Zetro sounds the best of any album. Although, his vocals fit Fabulous Disaster perfectly. Some crushing songs. I wasn't expecting Exodus to master the long song late into their career, but other than the last album on this ranking, I've enjoyed all their long albums. They can keep the songs interesting.
6. Pleasures Of The Flesh (1987) - A solid album sandwiched between their two best. I don't care for the production, but there are some fantastic songs here. But, kind of a letdown compared to Bonded and Disaster.
7. Exhibit B: The Human Condition (2010) - I think this is their heaviest album and Rob Dukes best vocal performance. The songs could be cut down, but I really wasn't bored that much towards the album. I get why these Exhibit albums are so divisive. They sound a lot like Machine Head with the vocals sounding really similar. I hear some Nevermore in the sound as well.
8. Persona Non Grata (2021) - Continuing with the vibe from Blood In Blood Out. Kind of samey which is why it's lower, but these guys still go all out and deliver some great thrash. It's crazy they are continuing into the 2020's to put out solid work.
9. The Atrocity Exhibition: Exhibit A (2007) - Kind of dull at parts, but I appreciate the ambition. I think there are some really good songs here like "Funeral Hymn" and "Children of A Worthless God". I get why it's disliked and just like part B, it sounds more like Machine Head than Exodus. But, I felt like the new sound freshened things up a little.
10. Shovel Headed Killing Machine (2005) - I know this one gets a lot of love, but it didn't fully click with me. Not a bad album, but very unmemorable. I didn't care for Dukes vocals here either. A little disappointing for me.
11. Force Of Habit (1992) - Awful album. 76 minutes of mostly butt rock with a few thrash parts thrown in. I find some of the songs as embarrassing as the worst songs off of Risk or St. Anger. Like wtf is this shit
And don't get me started on that hideous album cover.
I think next up I'm gonna go through Sepultura. I heard every album so many times up to Roots. The Derrick Green albums I really haven't listened too. So, that might be interesting. I know they have a longish rough patch, but have released some late career albums that have been well reviewed.