No. 31

 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f7/Ace_of_Spades.jpg

Artist: Motorhead

Album: Ace Of Spades

Genre: Hard-Rock/Speed-Metal

Released: November 8th 1980

UK Chart Position: 4

 

Description: What more is there to say about Motorhead and Lemmy? One of the most enduringly popular rock/metal acts of all-time, at their current rate, they'll have fired out as many albums as Dylan by the time they finally hang up their boots. However, it is this album - and more than anything, it's title track - that Motorhead will be remembered by. A song ostensibly about gambling and the rock n' roll lifestyle, the aethemic chorus to 'Ace Of Spades', and the fast, speedy riff alongside it, have ensured 'Ace Of Spades' place as a true metal anthem. It's simply one of those tracks that transcends genres; if someone tells you they've never heard that track, even in passing, then they're either a liar, ignorant or you're talking to an imaginary friend. But let's not get too bogged down on the quality of the title track alone; Ace Of Spades as an album is full of great metal tunes. Short, speedy and drenched in attitude, tracks such as 'Live To Win' and 'Love Me Like A Reptile' show Motorhead at their headbanging best, whilst 'The Chase Is Better Than The Catch' and 'We Are The Roadcrew' offer up yet more anthems for their fans. It's also important to note the influence that the album had on the developing thrash-metal movement, as it was Motorhead who were cranking up the speed and distortion before bands like Metallica had even picked up their first guitar.

 

Essential Album Tracks: Ace Of Spades, Love Me Like A Reptile, Live To Win, Jailbait, The Hammer

 

'Ace Of Spades'

 

'Love Me Like A Reptile'

No. 30

 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/58/Velvet_Revolver-Contraband.jpg

Artist: Velvet Revolver

Album: Contraband

Genre: Hard-Rock

Released: June 8th 2004

UK Chart Position: 11

 

Description: Born out of the ashes of Guns N' Roses and Stone Temple Pilots, Velvet Revolver attempted to rekindle the spirit of just plain hard-rock with this, their debut album. A multi-platinum selling album worldwide, Contraband was a huge success, signalling a welcome return for guitar superstar Slash and a selection of his former GNR band-mates. From start to finish, Contraband delivers pure hard-rock with no holds barred; Dave Kushner on rhythm guitar strikes a great chord with Duff McKagan on bass, whilst Slash offers up some spectacular solos and riffs - albeit nothing of the standard he achieved with GNR. Scott Weiland couldn't be any further from Axl Rose in the vocal stakes (although he comes mighty close in the prima-donna ones), but he displays a good range on this record without ever attempting to push his boundaries too far. The result of this is a very functional, powerful hard-rock record; and a reminder of why exactly both Guns N' Roses and Stone Temple Pilots became such huge successes over a decade earlier.

 

Essential Album Tracks: Sucker Train Blues, Set Me Free, You Got No Right, Slither, Loving The Alien

 

'Slither'

 

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Recap: No. 40-30

40. Foo Fighters - Echoes, Patience, Silence And Grace

39. Queen - Sheer Heart Attack

38. The Answer - Rise

37. Nirvana - Nevermind

36. Megadeth - Youthanasia

35. Muse - Origin Of Symmetry

34. Buckethead - Crime Slunk Scene

33. Linkin Park - Hybrid Theory

32. Oasis - (What's The Story) Morning Glory?

31. Motorhead - Ace Of Spades

30. Velvet Revolver - Contraband

 

All thoughts and comments appreciated! :dance:

i dont like Velvet Revolver :(

No. 29

 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1f/GNRchinesedemocracy.jpg

Artist: Guns N' Roses

Album: Chinese Democracy

Genre: Hard-Rock/Alternative-Rock

Released: November 24th 2008

UK Chart Position: 2

 

Description: Surprised? Chinese Democracy, perhaps the most infamous album in history, was in production for 14 years, cost a reported $13 million to make, and was marked by a rotating ensemble of musicians, which by 1999, left Rose as the sole remaining member of the 'classic' Guns N' Roses line-up. Few thought it would ever be released; yet the day finally arrived this November, when Chinese Democracy hit stores worldwide. The critical response was decidedly mixed - some lamented the loss of the bluesy, hard-rock style played so well by former guitarists Slash and Izzy, and critisized the overblown production of Chinese Democracy. Others praised Guns N' Roses for making a comeback which was typical of Axl - against the grain and in your face. Regardless of your own personal thoughts on Chinese Democracy, as a Guns N' Roses fan it was simply a joy to hear Axl on a record again, as he does have incredible vocal talent. In terms of instrumentation, some tracks are incredible; 'There Was A Time' in particular provides a six-pronged guitar assault. Virtuoso guitarist Buckethead (See No. 34) provides some amazing material (particularly the guitar solos to 'Sorry' and 'Better'), whilst his fellow four axemen deliver some great riffs across the board. At times, however, Chinese Democracy is a victim of it's own ambitions - ballad 'Street Of Dreams' is cringeworthy, the backing choir in 'Scraped' is nothing short of bizarre, and the R&B groove of 'If The World' seems entirely out of place. But for all these moments, there are other times when pure genius shines through - 'This I Love' is the greatest GNR ballad since 'November Rain', the spoken-word breakdown to 'Madagascar' is beautifully constructed, and the albums title-track is as ferocious a mainstream rocker as you're likely to hear these days. How well Chinese Democracy is treated by history will ultimately determine whether Axl's mad project goes down as a success or a failure - but one thing is for sure; he's the only man out there who could make a record as absolutely loopy as this.

 

Essential Album Tracks: Chinese Democracy, Better, Catcher In The Rye, Sorry, Madagascar, This I Love, Prostitute

 

'Chinese Democracy'

 

'Better'

Edited January 20, 200916 yr by ags_rule

:mellow:

Yes, I knew it was a controversial choice...but try as I might, I can't help but love this record. It is absolutely ridiculous and over-the-top, but then again, so were the Illusions records.

 

It's probably the most controversial choice on my list (although I still think there are a fair few surprises on the way), so please don't let it put you off reading the rest! :dance:

No. 28

 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/17/AreyouexpUK.jpg

Artist: Jimi Hendrix Experience

Album: Are You Experienced?

Genre: Psychedelic Rock

Released: May 12th 1967

UK Chart Position: 2

 

Description: What really needs to be said about this album? It launched Hendrix into international megastardom, redefined the limits of the electric guitar and has influenced countless acts since. The definitive Hendrix album, this is one of the greatest guitarists (arguably THE greatest) of all-time at his song-writing peak. Tracks such as 'Foxy Lady', 'The Wind Cries Mary' and 'Purple Haze' remain some of the most recognisable rock tracks of all-time, whilst others such as 'Fire' and 'Third Stone From The Sun' showcase Hendrix's unparallelled imagination and innovation. One of THE defining records of our time - kept only from the UK No. 1 album spot by an equally defining record - Sgt. Pepper by The Beatles!

 

Essential Album Tracks: Foxy Lady, The Wind Cries Mary, Purple Haze, Red House, Hey Joe, Fire

 

'The Wind Cries Mary'

 

'Purple Haze'

No. 27

 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bf/Judas_priest_painkiller_cover.jpg

Artist: Judas Priest

Album: Painkiller

Genre: Speed Metal

Released: September 3rd 1990

UK Chart Position: 24

 

Description: "He rides a metal monster" - Rob Halford screams like a man possessed one of the most iconic metal phrases of all-time on the opening title-track to this bombastic ride of an album. Considered one of the definitive speed metal records, and Judas Priest's magnum-opus, Painkiller plays like a non-stop metal thrill-ride. The dual-guitar lines are as fast as they are intricate, complex, and yet at the same time, melodic. Rob Halford's vocals are as good as they've ever been, bombarding the listener with the glass-shatteringly high shrieks that became his trademark style. New drummer Scott Travis marks his presence with one of the most memorable drum performances ever on the album's title track, and continues to keep pace with the increasingly fast rhythm section as the album progresses. However, the real achievement of this album is that despite the speed and technicality, it still maintains a great melodic, aethemic quality - this is a metal record you can really sing along to, as is the case with much of Judas Priest's material. If you don't like metal, this album alone is probably enough to send you into therapy for severe mental disturbance. If you do like metal, then you don't need me to tell you what a superb record this is - because you already have it. Right?

 

Essential Album Tracks: Painkiller, Hell Patrol, A Touch Of Evil, Between The Hammer And The Anvil

 

'Painkiller'

 

'Between The Hammer And The Anvil'

No. 26

 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/23/Blizzard_of_ozz.jpg

Artist: Ozzy Osbourne

Album: Blizzard Of Oz

Genre: Heavy Metal

Released: September 1980

UK Chart Position: 7

 

Description: Rejected by his fellow Black Sabbath bandmates and slave to nearly every substance known to man, Blizzard Of Oz was make-or-break for Ozzy - it would either prove that there was life for him after Black Sabbath, or it would be a failure, sending him back into obscurity. Thankfully for Ozzy, and for heavy-metal music in general, this record was a great success - and that was largely due to the talents of the late, great Randy Rhodes. Generally considered one of the finest metal guitarists ever, Randy's life was cut short when a light aircraft trick went tragically wrong. He had only recorded two albums with Ozzy. However, his legend lives on through the sheer power of his playing - in particular, the riff and guitar solo to 'Crazy Train' and 'Mr. Crowley' have become iconic, instantly recognisible metal tunes. Even if you don't listen to metal, you're still likely to recognise 'Crazy Train' as the introduction to The Osbournes reality TV series. Ozzy's unmistakeable vocal delivery is easily as good as it was in his Black Sabbath days, and retains a great sense of melodic sensibility throughout. But is this Ozzy's best album? Fans will always debate that question, and it will usually be between the two Randy Rhodes albums. Because make no mistake about it; this may have been released under the moniker of 'Ozzy Osbourne', but it's real strength is in the power of a truly great guitarist doing what he does best. A metal classic.

 

Essential Album Tracks: Crazy Train, I Don't Know, Dee, Suicide Solution, Mr. Crowley

 

Sorry for the gap, hopefully can get this back up and running at regular intervals again!

 

No. 25

 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/45/Blackwaterpark.jpg

Artist: Opeth

Album: Blackwater Park

Genre: Progressive Metal/Death Metal

Released: February 27th 2001

UK Chart Position: N/A

 

Description: At a time when mainstream metal was dominated by angsty lyrics, rapping vocal deliveries and heavily downtuned guitars, a little-known progressive metal band called Opeth released Blackwater Park - an album that would make the rest of the metal community sit up, take notice and write 'Opeth' down into the list of bands who defined 21st century heavy music. Blackwater Park is regarded by many of Opeth's fans as their finest work - from a purely technical standpoint, it's very hard to argue. Opeth seemlessly integrate beautiful melodies and haunting balladry with passages of death-metal brutality and technical proficiency. The over ten-minute long epic, The Drapery Falls, is the best example of this on the album, starting off with acoustic minor chords, before going into a heavy, almost pyschedelic bridge, then thundering into an all-out death metal assault on the senses. On the other two sides of the spectrum, the album's first single, Harvest, is more similar to the work of acoustic folk artists than anything by a death-metal band - whilst the album's blistering title track, which rather appropriately closes the album, offers the sort of blistering death-metal ferocity that shakes your bones to their very core. An album to buy granny this is not - it's not even an album for the casual metal listener. But if you can appreciate the technical and aural landscape Opeth are the masters of painting, and aren't adverse to a bit of the old musical brutality, then this one is for you.

 

 

No. 24

 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/ff/Weaponsofourwarfaremetalness.jpg

Artist: Deliverance

Album: Weapons Of Our Warfare

Genre: Thrash Metal

Released: 1990

UK Chart Position: N/A

 

Description: "Who?" - I'm guessing this may be the reaction of most people reading this. Deliverance are undoubtedly the least recognisible band on my Top-40 countdown, yet this shouldn't take away from the sheer quality of this album - a shining example of the then emerging thrash-metal genre. The drums thunder, the vocalist's falsetto shriek is bone-rattling, and the dual-guitar lines are fast, intricate and are just made for headbanging goodness. While the album may have faded into relative obscurity these days - indeed, getting your hands on a physical copy of the CD is incredibly difficult - it made a stir when released, the album's title track being replayed constantly on MTV's Headbanger's Ball. Even Metallica's Lars Ulrich placed it in his Top-10 metal videos of all-time. However, perhaps part of the appeal of this album - as the artwork may give away - is that it shies away from stereotypical metal lyrical content, ignoring the occult, death and war, instead replacing them with lyrics heavily drawing on Christian teachings. Indeed, the track simply entitled 23 is a metal rendition of the the famous Psalm 23 - it's the Bible like you've never heard it before, but it certainly sounds good. Another particular album highlight is the spoken word introduction to Slay The Wicked, which leads into one of the album's best riffs. The contrast between the lyrical content and the sheer ferocity of the music may put some people off, yet there can be no argument it provides a fresh and interesting take on the genre, especially when compared to the most extreme of the thrash metal lyricists, Slayer. There can be no doubt that musically this is an incredibly accomplished album, easily on a technical level with anything produced by the Big-Four. And that, if for no other reason, is why if you like metal, you should check this one out.

 

 

Opeth at 25.

One great album that is. :o

 

I think there will be at least one Mastodon album coming from any position. :lol:

Edited May 7, 200916 yr by FMbassador11

No. 23

 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5e/RHCP-BSSM.jpg

Artist: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Album: Blood Sugar Sex Magik

Genre: Funk Rock

Released: September 24th 1991

UK Chart Position: 5

 

Description: This is, without question, the definitive RHCP album. The lyrics are crude, yet memorable and clever, and the rhythm is funky and danceable, yet also unquestionably rock-driven and technical as well. While the Chili's may no longer make music like this, having ditched funky grooves for a more melodic, stadium-focused rock sound, there's no question that this was the album that put them on the map as one of the biggest rock bands of the late 20th and early 21st century. 'Give It Away' was a worldwide smash-hit, and a microcasm of the whole album, combining very suggestive rapped lyrics with a driving bassline and John Frusciante's manic guitar. Yet 'Under The Bridge' also showed an other side to the band, a more melodic, sensitive one which would be the driving force behind records such as By The Way and Californication. Others, such as 'Sir Pyscho Sexy', are just plain bizarre, yet they rarely stray into territory that makes it unlistenable or unintentionally comedic. This album should be accessible to anyone who can appreciate a good rhythm - Flea's bass playing is, quite simply, exceptional - and isn't adverse to the dodgy lyrics. If you're looking for another Stadium Arcadium you won't find it here, and nor should you - this was the album that the Chili Peppers had always wanted to make. Making a 'sequel' of such may prove difficult, given that they are now settled down with families and away from illicit substances...so all that you can do is sit-back, stick on this record and listen to a band in their absolute prime.

 

Both Muse Supermassive Black Hole and Sam Sparro Black and Gold have done 8 weeks for me. Strangely the next longest #1s are a host of songs with 4 weeks at the top.

 

Here are their runs

 

Muse:

1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-2-6-8-11-12-13-22-26-30-36-36-44-47-52-52-49-48-49-53-48-32-32-43-50-56-67-73-82-95-94-97-96

40 Weeks 29 in top 50, 14 in top 20, 11 in top 10

 

Sam Sparro:

3-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-3-4-6-7-9-10-14-16-16

18 Weeks 18 in top 50, 18 in top 20, 15 in top 10

gloryforixseal, please use your own thread for that and don't advertise it in mine unless it's of relevance to my own posts! Thanks.

 

Sorry for the delay - hard-drive was fried, so I lost my list. It's on memory stick somewhere, and I'll be starting this back up again as soon as I find it.

Hi again everyone! Starting this back up again, now that I've finally got my computer sorted out. As an extra special treat, and to get this back up to speed, I'm gonna be doing numbers 22-20 now, getting ready for the big 20-0 countdown. Hope you enjoy, and please comment!

 

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No. 22

 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/99/RSSF71.jpg

Artist: The Rolling Stones

Album: Sticky Fingers

Genre: Rock

Released: April 1971

UK Chart Position: 1

 

Description: With a catalogue of over 20 albums, spanning 5 decades, picking out the best Rolling Stones album is arguably as difficult as picking out a Grand National winner by blindfolding yourself, putting a pin in your hand, and randomly stabbing at the newspaper. However, as one of the most important rock bands of all-time, there is no doubt that whatever Stones album is your favourite, it has probably seen countless rotations in the record players of fans all over world, both old and new. For me, the Stones best work is this album, Sticky Fingers - there are 10 impeccably written tracks here, which showcase the bands talent at both uptempo, gritty rock, and also softer, sentimental bluesy numbers. The short and snappy 'Bitch' still packs a mean punch today, and could single-handedly kick the slow-tempo, soft-rock of bands like Snow Patrol firmly into touch. Blues-rock tracks such as the aethemic 'Wild Horses', or the understated yet hauntingly beautiful 'I Got The Blues' resonate just as powerfully as the more riff-driven tracks. The 7 minute long Can't You Hear Me Knockin', my particular album highlight, successfully transforms from a cutting, overdriven riff-focused track into an almost reggae-esque breakdown. Even if you've never heard this record directly before, you've almost certainly heard it indirectly - it's present in the hard-rock of AC/DC and early Aerosmith, it's present in the pop-hooks that dominate the Top-40, it's present in the blues artist playing at a little underground venue. In short, it's the sound of a band at their creative and popular peak, and an essential listen for any rock or blues fan.

 

No. 21

 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/78/Gogol_Bordello_Gypsy_Punks_Album_Cover.jpg

Artist: Gogol Bordello

Album: Gypsy Punks: Underdog World Strike

Genre: Punk (Gypsy)

Released: August 2005

UK Chart Position: N/A

 

Description: "I'm gathering new generation / That's gonna stand up to it / To this karaoke dictatorship / Where posers and models with guitars / Boogie to the $h!t for beats / I make a better rock revolution / Alone with my dick!" - this is just one of the many bizarre yet unforgettable lines in Gogol Bordello's third and best album. The band's music has been described, perhaps tongue-in-cheek, as 'gypsy punk rock', combining the attitude, tempo and delivery of punk-rock with traditional folk instruments such as violins and accordians. Sound strange? It is. But does it work? Undoubtedly. The band has gained a great name on the live circuit for their highly energetic performances, and if their unique brand of musicianship doesn't have you tapping your feet and wanting to get up and dance like a maniac, then nothing will. Ultimately, there's not much you can say to describe Gogol Bordello - suffice to say, they are a unique, one-of-a-kind form of punk-rock, and a shining beacon of light for a genre that has continually been watered down for mainstream acceptance. So stick on these videos, turn up the volume, and enjoy a slice of catchy musical mayhem from one of the most original bands in the world.

 

 

Edited July 21, 200915 yr by ags_rule

No. 20

 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/00/Machine_Head_album_cover.jpg

Artist: Deep Purple

Album: Machine Head

Genre: Hard Rock

Released: March 1972

UK Chart Position: 1

 

Description: Alongside Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple are frequently cited as one of the reasons that the 70s were the golden-age for rock music. And listening to Machine Head, it's hard to argue with that. From start to finish, the bands powerful and memorable riffs, intricate drumming and flawless vocals are a showcase for what makes rock music great - no matter how many times you hear the riff to 'Smoke On The Water', the band's best known track, it doesn't ever seem to get tired. Even more significantly, it's one of the first tracks any new guitarist aquaints themselves with - because despite being simple to play, it's one of those riffs that makes everyone around you sit up and take notice. But Machine Head is far from a one-trick pony - the whole album is teeming with rock classics. Album opener 'Highway Star' is an essential driving tune, it's chugging riff and blistering solo the perfect accompaniment to any car ride; and that's even overlooking the fact that the lyrics are about that! Despite Deep Purple's reputation as a rock band, it's also important to note the influence this record had on the developing heavy-metal movement. This album was louder, heavier and faster than a great deal of music in the early 70s, and was certainly a trend-setter for other bands to follow in their footsteps. Deep Purple's contribution to metal remains criminally overlooked against the influence of bands such as Black Sabbath, but one things for certain - this is their magnum-opus.

 

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------

 

RECAP:

 

40. Foo Fighters - Echoes, Patience, Silence And Grace

39. Queen - Sheer Heart Attack

38. The Answer - Rise

37. Nirvana - Nevermind

36. Megadeth - Youthanasia

35. Muse - Origin Of Symmetry

34. Buckethead - Crime Slunk Scene

33. Linkin Park - Hybrid Theory

32. Oasis - (What's The Story) Morning Glory?

31. Motorhead - Ace Of Spades

30. Velvet Revolver - Contraband

29. Guns N' Roses - Chinese Democracy

28. Jimi Hendrix - Are You Experienced?

27. Judas Priest - Painkiller

26. Ozzy Osbourne - Blizzard Of Ozz

25. Opeth - Blackwater Park

24. Deliverance - Weapons Of Our Warfare

23. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Blood Sugar Sex Magik

22. The Rolling Stones - Sticky Fingers

21. Gogol Bordello - Gypsy Punks: Underdog World Strike

20. Deep Purple - Machine Head

 

Thoughts and comments welcome!

AFTER A MASSIVELY RIDICULOUS GAP, I AM RETURNING TO COMPLETE THE LIST OF MY FINAL 20!

 

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No. 19

 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/ca/Trouble_-_Manic_Frustration.jpg

Artist: Trouble

Album: Manic Frustration

Released: 1992

UK Chart Position: N/A

Genre: Pyschedelic rock/Doom metal/Classic rock

 

Never heard of them? Neither had I until recently. Yet if you're a fan of doom metal, you owe these guys a HUGE gratitude. When the classic heavy-metal sound of Black Sabbath started to become a relic of metal's past, Trouble, alongside other doom pioneers Saint Vitus and Pentagram, were there to pick up the pieces. Trouble's first album, Psalm 9, is generally regarded as a classic of the doom metal genre. So, you may be asking, why is it not on this list? Well, the simple reason is that doom metal isn't one of my all-time favourite genres - yet Trouble didn't limit themselves, and Manic Frustration is therefore a perfect example of a band who were able to cross genre boundaries almost effortlessly. Lead single 'Memory's Garden' juxtaposes a Sgt. Pepper-esque acoustic backing with a riff and vocal track taken straight from the pages of Led Zeppelin's 'How To Rock Like A Man' book. Album opener, 'Come Touch The Sky', is a track of classic rock perfection, but with the guitar tone of Deep Purple's early heavy-metal work. 'Breathe' is the closest the album gets to the band's previous doom sound, the echoed vocals and excessive reverb practically drowning the track in it's own lyrical content. You want another genre? Fine, why not add some pyschedelica to the mix? 'Hello Strawberry Skies' and 'Mr. White' are the sort of drug-fuelled riff fests The Beatles would have written if they had lasted another decade. Ultimately, Manic Frustration mixes so many genres, it's like a wine-tasting evening - you give them all a try and then decide which one you want to take home for the full experience. If you enjoy the doom metal, you might want to check out their first three albums; if you like the classic-rock/metal sound, try their self-titled and albums following Manic Frustration; and if you enjoy the pyschedelica, then you'll probably enjoy all of Trouble's albums, which take more than minor inspiration from pyschedelica. Looking over my list of the Top 40 so far, and the bands yet to come, and having to choose the most underrated band there, I'd pick Trouble in a heartbeat. If you're a fan of any of the genres mentioned, you owe it to yourself to check these guys out.

No. 18

 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f1/Slayer_South_of_Heaven_Cover.jpg

 

Artist: Slayer

Album: South Of Heaven

Released: 1988

UK Chart Position: N/A

Genre: Thrash metal

 

If Anthrax were the most experimental, Megadeth were the most technical and Metallica were the most accessible, then there's never been any doubt that Slayer were the most brutal and heavy of the so-called 'Big Four' of thrash metal. Slayer's music has the ability to make metal fans bang their heads and non-metal fans to hide behind their sofas with a combination of their evil riffs, dark lyrics and sinister vocal delivery. Oh, and did I mention the speed? Propelled by one of the greatest drummers of all-time, Dave Lombardo, Slayer's music reaches almost ludicrous velocities when at full-tilt. Perhaps that's why South Of Heaven works so well...not because of the speed, but because it showed Slayer could work WITHOUT relying on it. Instead, the tracks are more structured, contrasting slow, sinister passages with pedal-to-the-metal (excuse the pun) speed, rather than limiting themselves to one or the other. And oh boy does it work...'Silent Scream' has enough double-bass kicks to burst your ear drums, and 'Dissident Aggressor' turns a relatively tame Judas Priest song into something that could usher in the apocalypse. Ultimately, one thing is more powerful about this album than anything else, and that's the drums - I've already alluded to them several times, but that's because you can't escape them. Some bands like to have the drummer keep a steady, constant rhythm - not Slayer. Lombardo changes his pace and drum fills more often than the Lib Dems change their policies. And this is incredibly apparent in the production of the album, which at times makes the drums even more prominent and explosive than the guitar. Thankfully, this is Dave Lombardo, not Lars Ulrich, so unlike Metallica's disastrous drum-heavy production on St. Anger, South Of Heaven greatly benefits from this production, which adds a dynamnic sense of controlled speed and technicality that was missing from their previous releases. South Of Heaven showed that Slayer could do more than just the manic lunacy of Reign In Blood, and were capable of creating an album both melodic yet speedy, and dark yet accessible.

 

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As before all feedback is welcome, and *hopefully* I will be updating this far more often now.