This Month In Metal: July 2008

After The Burial - Rareform

Release date: July 22
Genres: Death Metal/Hardcore/Progressive
Label: Sumerian

I suppose we've all heard albums that have immediately struck us as 'fun' albums. Early Van Halen is often called 'fun music', and I find that fun metal music comes out when the musicians let it rip while keeping it tasty. After The Burial are extremely skilled at doing just that -- playing technical yet catchy music, and most importantly playing to their strengths. The 8 tracks clock in at a total of 35 minutes and you don't need any more. If you like your metal filled with big choruses, looks elsewhere. If you like your metal filled with catchy shred, instrumental prowess and some good ol' mosh-inducing breakdowns... buy it! “Rareform” is an album consisting of just that -- catchy melodies, soloing, Meshuggah-esque breakdowns and all in all songs that are plain fun to listen to. Why? Because one can tell that these guitarists are having fun, dropping into leads when they feel like it and when they do, it helps the song because the leads are very musical (i.e. not wank or plain crap). And then there's an even bigger hook -- the album is, by modern standards, very short and since it's all quite fun to listen to, it leaves you yearning for more. Just the way it should be.

The vocals are perhaps not the album's strongest point, but they don't hurt the case either. The delivery is somewhat standard -core screaming, yet it complements the 8-string playing quite nicely and since there're so many nice melodies provided by the other instruments (2 x guitar, drum, bass, vocals by the way) it doesn't turn into a monotone mess. Musically one could call it technical, melodic death metal and that would boil it down quite well, but it'd also leave out the obvious Meshuggah-inspiration. Either way, “Rareform” is a very enjoyable album full of fun shredding, fun tunes and as I type this I realise that Arsis just got some competition for Guitar Album Of The Year... so far, anyways.

· UG Review
· Rating: 8.5

Blaze Bayley – The Man Who Would Not Die

Release date: July 7
Genres: Heavy/Melodic Metal
Label: Blaze Bayley

Poor Blaze, he just can't win. After a career in Iron Maiden that most regard as the darkest days of the band, his own career just can't seem to lift before it's shot down, over and over again. His misfortunes in the business eventually led to him releasing this album on his own label, and indeed the lyrics and general vibe of the album echoes much of the man's past experiences.

Blaze's solo albums tend to be made up of traditional and thus melodic metal, some thrashy riffs and generally what you could categorise as modern heavy metal. When one chooses to operate within such parameters, it's quite obvious that it's all about the song. You need tunes in order to deliver a quality album because you won't get any free points for instrumental prowess or spicing things up by incorporating other styles into your music. Blaze and his current band members do deliver quite a few nice rocking tunes, and also a few that don't rock all that much. Sounds like a whole lot of albums out there, doesn't it?

There's nothing inherently wrong with Blaze and his albums -- it's just that they're far from anything special. Despite that certain cliques of the Maiden fanbase want you to think that Blaze is the Messiah and whatnot, I can safely tell you that he is not. Blaze is a good guy who's gotten a decent set of cards in his life and when the flop comes around it just won't work out for him. His voice is not one that can carry a career and create a legacy just by itself. He's an average singer, writing and putting out average metal. And “The Man Who Would Not Die” does not stray from that path.

· Rating: 5

Soulfly - Conquer

Release date: July 29
Genres: Metal/Thrash/Hardcore
Label: Roadrunner

Max Cavalera has been quite a busy bee over his now quite lengthy career, and maybe that's why the creative well has started to run a bit dry... not that it ever was very deep. Sarcastic comments from yours truly aside, it's hardly rocket science. Max is a very dependable writer and his music will always be of a certain quality, much like a modern version of Motorhead I suppose. You can bet your rear end that the first track will be a mosh fest with a riotous chorus screaming dissent against the establishment. You can bet what's left of that rear end of yours that the rest of the album will follow the same established path for another 45-or-so minutes. And there you have your Soulfly album. It's not necessarily a bad thing, obviously. Fans get what they want, Max doesn't have to pick up a dictionary to come up with new words (the chorus “Scream motherf--ker, scream motherf--ker, scream motherf--ker, doom!” will for sure be a hit with every simpleton in the world), Roadrunner cashes in and everyone's happy... but I digress.

It would be nice to see Max & Co try something new (it would certainly give him a higher rating in this column) because despite a few nice tracks, “Conquer” is very forgettable and could be found in a dictionary, accompanying the word 'mundane'. And yes Soulfly fans, I know I'm no-one and he (Max) doesn't care what I think. And I'm cool with that.

· Rating: 5.5

News And Tidbits From The Past Month

Amon Amarth's new album “Twilight Of The Thunder God” will be out in most markets from mid to late September.

Fellow countrymen The Haunted will release their new album “Versus” in late September.

Psycroptic's new album entitled “Ob(Servant)” will be released sometime this fall.

Jeff Loomis of Nevermore will release his solo album “Zero Order Phase” on September 30th.

All That Remains recently posted some new songs on their MySpace page. Check 'em out if you like.

Four former members of The Crown have reunited in a currently unnamed project. They are currently recording a death/thrash album with an as of yet undisclosed singer.

Finland's Insomnium will enter the studio in March to record their fourth album.

Bay Area thrashers Heathen are currently in the studio working on a new album due later this year.

Cynic will release their new album “Traced In Air” on October 27th. I personally can't wait.

Heaven & Hell have reportedly written six or seven new songs for their upcoming new album.

Between The Buried And Me will release their live album on October 18. As previously reported, it consists of their 2007 release “Colors” in its entirety, and a second set of songs picked by their fans.

Lamb Of God will enter the studio in September to start working on a new album, tentatively due Q1 2009.

Unearth have set “The March” as the title for their new album, due October 14th.

July was a pretty lame month for metal, but August looks a bit better with releases from Dragonforce and Slipknot... and then September will roll around with albums from Metallica, Trivium, The Haunted and tons more. As usual, if you have recommendations, thoughts, ideas, love or hate mail, do write them down below or drop me a message in my profile.

Finally, give your thoughts and prayers to Blaze Bayley's wife who recently suffered a brain haemorrhage and has since been in a coma. We hope for a swift recovery.

Comments

[shnurs]

dragonforce makes me lol.

[kurt18th]

agreed

[Keyphur]

im actually looking forward to Slipknots release, sounds pretty good from what ive heard, Cant wait for Cynic's new album

and yes dragonforce also makes me lol

[blommen]

sorry to hear about blazes wife.

[Davad]

metallica...**** yeah!

[Fallen Angel SG]

I Love PsychoSocial, I really hope the new Slipknot album reflects off that and their other song, All Hope Is Gone. I f***ing worship Slipknot!!!

[Machine Gun Cat]

July was a pretty lame month for metal, but August looks a bit better with releases from Dragonforce and Slipknot... and then September will roll around with albums from Metallica, Trivium, The Haunted and tons more. As usual, if you have recommendations, thoughts, ideas, love or hate mail, do write them down below or drop me a message in my profile.

Slipknot is knot metal but dragonforces new album should be awesome

[jbridge90]

Metallica makes me want to stomp kittens.

[Shabalaba]

This year should be good for albums but nearer to the end of the year i think

[Metal_Rich]

but August looks a bit better with releases from Dragonforce and Slipknot...

I do hope that's sarcasm.

[archangelseren]

what about bleeding through? there new album is sounding amazingly heavy and melodic at the same time cant wait.... well i guess its not til September so that's a bit of for the release

[archangelseren]

Machine Gun Cat wrote:

July was a pretty lame month for metal, but August looks a bit better with releases from Dragonforce and Slipknot... and then September will roll around with albums from Metallica, Trivium, The Haunted and tons more. As usual, if you have recommendations, thoughts, ideas, love or hate mail, do write them down below or drop me a message in my profile.

Slipknot is knot metal but dragonforces new album should be awesome

who are u to decide what metal is? metal is so broad these days that so many bands are metal but if it aint death metal its pussy faced lightning.... like the glam days but wait! heavy riffs plus screaming plus heavy drumbeats = metal or emo these days the questions out there

[taylorhindman]

Dragonforce makes me lol too, and Slipknot have gotten a little too mainstream...
Lamb Of God's new album will kick ass though.

[Mihyaeru]

NIN's The Slip was released this month...well technically it was released a few months ago for fre download but actual cd was released this month..but yeah start of year has been awesome and hopefully the back end will also be awesome

[Mihyaeru]

ps I heard dragonforces nwest song and its pretty much the smae as the last bunch....i swear every line in the new song is taken from all their previous songs!!

[Reviewer Pete]

Perhaps I should add that an interesting release for me is an anticipated one. I don't know if Slipknot or Dragonforce will put out good albums, but as far as these summaries go, they're certainly more fun reviewing than your average unknown melodeath band that no-one gives a toss about. Capiche?

[Noverion]

Ahhh who cares man, metals in the eye of the beholder these days, anything with heavy guitars and a bit of yelling i would consider metal, and yes that includes TRIVIUM

im looking forward ot draognofrces release, ima see them in october, whihc shud be a right ol laugh i expect

[Shade7777]

Why do people hate music that is mainstream?? It's like letting your friend listen to some music and he says: 'Yeah this is cool' then telling him it is mainstream and he will say: Man it sucks!

A bit strange to me. New album of After the Burial sounds ****ing awesome. Can't wait for Slipknot, Dragonforce, Trivium and Metallica ^^

Checked.

You say Insomnium are entering the studio in March...MARCH 2009!? That's way, way after I thought it would be, I was expecting the album to be released this year!

[archangelseren]

vommitron wrote:

slipknot is "pop-metal". They are for little pussy-ass fags who pose as metal-heads!

while what you sow holds truth... but is not limited to some because bands like slipknot and marilyn manson get so much press (literal and 9q8734yr) this means that alot of people know about them and can pass as a metal head..... i listen to them but they aint my favourite.... DETHKLOK RULES lol

[metalmania616]

At least some of you know people who like metal, where I live unless it's Indie shit, It's emo, (yes people call Sabbath, Metallica etc emo!) and everyoune loves rap, It;s all a load of shit.

[Reviewer Pete]

You say Insomnium are entering the studio in March...MARCH 2009!? That's way, way after I thought it would be, I was expecting the album to be released this year!

Yes, it's a bit sad. I hope they have no more mishaps with their schedule...the new album isn't due until fall 2009 at this pace.

[Menzaine]

I have been waiting FOREVER for Jeff Loomis's album Zero Order Phase and im SOOO sick of waiting!Honestly if anyone here reckons they can speed up the release date,my testicles and my Jackson are on offer!

[Nightstrider]

HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN

[Dr-Funkenstein]

I'm not sure if I'd call Blaze's Silicon Messiah an average album. I thought it was a cracking effort, he didnt have much choice but to deliver though right after leaving Maiden.

I'm hearing very similar thoughts on 'The man who would...' to those in the review. Ah well.

Apparnetly he was backstage at Maidens Twickenham concert. Its nice to see theres no hard feelings.

[Into_Eternity23]

Where is Into Eternity????

[Reviewer Pete]

Into_Eternity23 wrote:

Where is Into Eternity????

It ain't out until August, yo.

[ascendancy2]

at least theres a good releases in spetember...go Haunted and Jeff Loomis, definately getting both those albums...stuff Metallica, ill just download that (Ive learned from purchasing St Anger :/ :/)

also that Gojira's new album will be released in October...thought that was appropriate.

[Billy Picken]

Thanks to this article I've been introduced to After The Burial. Rareform is a real listening treat. \m/\m/

[thelostvoices]

At least some of you know people who like metal, where I live unless it's Indie shit, It's emo, (yes people call Sabbath, Metallica etc emo!) and everyoune loves rap, It;s all a load of shit.

What?! That is the craziest thing I've ever heard...Some people are so ignorant...

[Monolith295]

The deluxe version of Conquer has a cover of Manson's "The Beautiful People". It's hilariously bad.

You missed the death of James Root too.

[Reviewer Pete]

Billy Picken wrote:

Thanks to this article I've been introduced to After The Burial. Rareform is a real listening treat. \m/\m/

Glad to hear that!

[GuitarHero0715]

Yeah, Im sooooo stoked for Gojira's new album,

For serious, im stoked for Triviums new album too, I actually have faith that this new album is going to be two steps up.

[jammin24]

all that remains' new material is ****ing SICK! definitely going to be one of the best metal albums of the year. Also thoughts on trivium's new song?

[ML28Dude]

triviums new album is gunna kick ass seriously trivium r the best band around in mi opinion really lookin forward 2 ther new album. psycosocial bi slipknot tells me ther albums gunna b awsum 2 dragonforce r ****in cool and im expectin a good album frm metallica bcus its bin quite a while since iv heard 1

[s-o-u-l-f-l-y]

YESSSSS

[gavz_verdikt]

taylorhindman wrote:

Dragonforce makes me lol too, and Slipknot have gotten a little too mainstream...
Lamb Of God's new album will kick ass though.

AMEN!!
Metallica... maybe

[matt360]

wooooo!!! insomnium making 4th album, hope its good, insomnium ****ing rules!

\..//..\ evil and twisted

[Detonation]

This year by far is better than last year has far has albums go lol. I cant wait for all of these albums to come out. im soo interested in what there going to sound like, like the trivium, metallica, and slipknot albums. Dragonforce.. idk ill pick up the album anyways cause i got all 3 of there others XD

[NathanWolff]

I don't know if I agree with you about Blaze Bayley.

[Cannibalhell666]

Can't wait for Amon Amarth album and the Insomnium album!!!!

[Ash on fires]

Wow, Cynic's new material sounds absolutely incredible. October 27th is too far away.

[SheCouldChoke]

No mention of Misery Signals? That is just injustice!!

[funkadelicsuper]

**** the soulfly review is garbage the new album kicks ****in ass i swear i feel like ripping someone apart when i hear this shit incredible

[\m/Gaz]

Machine Gun Cat wrote:
Slipknot is knot metal but dragonforces new album should be awesome

LOL, you think Slipknot aren't metal? XDXDXD But think that a Dragonforce album will be 'awesome'? Haha, seek help

[DieselEater]

Hey, uhh you forgot Beneath the Massacre and Gojira's New albums coming out in october.

[scottishmob]

jbridge90 wrote:

Metallica makes me want to stomp kittens.

Don't you love it?

[\m/Gaz]

DP sorry guys, forgot to mention that yeah, this month was pretty crap, not a huge fan of any of those new albums, Slipknot album should be okay, I like all hope is gone anyway, Dragonforce suck, Trivium suck, and I'm not very optimistic about Metallica's new album either, if it's anything like any album they made after And Justice it'll suck.

[assist B]

Soulfly got owned. Cant wait for amon amarth and the haunted!!

[VIRUSDETECTED]

Saying that a band is too mainstream is like complaining about having too big of a dick. Shut the hell up. And Slipknot is metal. I'm not a fan, but you can't deny that they are metal. Just because it doesn't have pitch-shifted gurgling and blast beats doesn't mean it isn't metal.

[Masonpwiley]

July was a pretty lame month for metal, but August looks a bit better with releases from Dragonforce and Slipknot...

I hope that's sarcasm.

checked

[cloud041089]

DieselEater wrote:

Hey, uhh you forgot Beneath the Massacre and Gojira's New albums coming out in october.

"THIS MONTH in metal.... beneath the massacre and gojira have new albums coming out in october."

[bootyguard]

you forgot to review Neruaxis' new album... which is f*ckin' badass!

[Reviewer Pete]

NathanWolff wrote:

I don't know if I agree with you about Blaze Bayley.

That's OK.

DieselEater wrote:

Hey, uhh you forgot Beneath the Massacre and Gojira's New albums coming out in october.

Their release dates weren't announced in July, thus they don't make it to the news section of this summary.

bootyguard :
you forgot to review Neruaxis' new album... which is f*ckin' badass!

No, I just didn't include it. I was going to review it, but in the end deemed it too pedestrian to bother. Didn't think anyone would care or notice, but I guess I was wrong.

[Styx]

Trivium I like!!!

[impropagation66]

The Haunted's new album will tear your ******* apart. One of the best albums of the year for sure.

[postmortem2006]

Conquer - 5.5?

Whoever wrote that needs their head checked. Max has gone back to what he does best, what more do oyu wnat - a human sacrifice?

[Sendrith]

I can't wait for Iced Earth's new release! September 18 or something.

[boXcaR 244]

after the burials new cd is so sick. i highly recommend it.

[Psychopathology]

Do you even like metal Pete?

[Reviewer Pete]

Psychopathology wrote:

Do you even like metal Pete?

No, I'm only in it for the chicks.

[Rancid69Sublime]

thelostvoices wrote:

At least some of you know people who like metal, where I live unless it's Indie shit, It's emo, (yes people call Sabbath, Metallica etc emo!) and everyoune loves rap, It;s all a load of shit.

What?! That is the craziest thing I've ever heard...Some people are so ignorant...

ya bro, same where im at in michigan, gets ****ing annoying... and i personally hate most indie

[SilentGhost]

archangelseren wrote:

Machine Gun Cat wrote:

July was a pretty lame month for metal, but August looks a bit better with releases from Dragonforce and Slipknot... and then September will roll around with albums from Metallica, Trivium, The Haunted and tons more. As usual, if you have recommendations, thoughts, ideas, love or hate mail, do write them down below or drop me a message in my profile.

Slipknot is knot metal but dragonforces new album should be awesome


who are u to decide what metal is? metal is so broad these days that so many bands are metal but if it aint death metal its pussy faced lightning.... like the glam days but wait! heavy riffs plus screaming plus heavy drumbeats = metal or emo these days the questions out there

'

Slapnuts is not metal. Get over it. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy Slipknot, it just means that nu-metal =/= metal. I also look forward to Loomis' solo album as well as Amon Amarth's new release.

[jackshred]

Rareform is fackin insane everybody

I was at their CD release show on 7/22
nothing but amazing.

[Multiplayerjon]

I agree what you think , july sucks as of now for metal but Dragonforce, slipknot and Metallica.... the future just gets better

[Kaspre]

Who gives a shit what is or isn't "metal". It sounds like you have a heavyness meter, and if something is just barely below the mark you hate it with a passion.

[jakstar]

slipknot is metal, nu-metal, whatever. so is iron maiden and judest priest, and they dont gurgle and pig squeal and that sh*t. they are real original metal. if metal means non-mainstream and super heavy guitar and screaming, then slipknot falls under that category quite well. but if thats not metal, then what is? if you can call iron maiden metal, but can call lamb of god metal, but not slipknot? wtf???

im not a fan of any of these bands, i like old metal more than anything. but i hope the slapnuts (LOL) album os okay

[iTzMaTT]

Lamb of God & All that Remains!
Yay!

[DonCorleone72]

"...August looks a bit better with releases from Dragonforce and Slipknot..."

How is that "better"?

[the spiker]

Sendrith wrote:

I can't wait for Iced Earth's new release! September 18 or something.

September 9th in the United States. Earlier in German and the rest of Euro.

[biglaz84]

I hear Poison is back on tour, they are so goddam heavy. People should stop arguing about whats heavy and just accept the fact that poison is as heavy as it gets and all other bands should be measured next to them especially if your looking for Nothing But A Good Time

[korbhag]

Can't believe I'm the first to comment this but... BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME!!!! Why is Nashville so far from Montreal?

[corrda00]

I cant wait till the human abstract midheaven and Slipknot this august! And even shogun and death magnetic this sept. Sounds like a good summer of metal (ecxept dragonfore)

[postmortem2006]

Reviewer Pete wrote:

Psychopathology wrote:

Do you even like metal Pete?


No, I'm only in it for the chicks.

lmao!!

[Deth is iminent]

You know what metal metal is, Amon Amarth
vikings like them and I (yes im norwegian *******s) were born from metal, made for metal.
Oden commands them as well as i to make metal and you "slipknot", "between the bullshit and me", and Trivium fans cant compare to the metal that we put out into this world
I know that there new album will be so metal most of you slipknot loving jerkoffs couldnt handle it
Hail Oden

[Neverhead666]

Jeff Loomis is releasing his solo album August 25th, my friend. FAIL. rofl. Slipknot may actually release a good album, but Dragonforce will forever suck. Metallica's album had better not disappoint this time, they're career is on the line with Death Magnetic but I'm sure Kirk and James will release something good. Trivium say their music is completely original for this release, let's hope they can back that up. I think that's it for my two cents.

[DamoPlaysBass]

Finally, give your thoughts and prayers to Blaze Bayley's wife who recently suffered a brain haemorrhage and has since been in a coma. We hope for a swift recovery.

My mother had one when I was 11. Poor guy, I hope things get better.

[guitargodderyck]

Dragon Force? more like Studioforce

[savory_softy]

metalmania616 :
At least some of you know people who like metal, where I live unless it's Indie shit, It's emo, (yes people call Sabbath, Metallica etc emo!) and everyoune loves rap, It;s all a load of shit.

You live in Melbourne don't you? And even if you don't, you have my sympathy.

[GodbowstoMath]

Metal_Rich wrote:

but August looks a bit better with releases from Dragonforce and Slipknot...
I do hope that's sarcasm.

+1, though I have to say that that new slipknot single ain't bad, first song of there's i don't automatically switch off.

[killer puppy]

TriviuM!!! DDDD

[TMA-2]

you forgot to mention Anata is in the process of recording their new album. afaik drums, bass, and guitar are all done. something tells me that it will conquer all other new death metal albums.

[huevos]

After the Burial is a little twiddly, but damn. They are definitely one of the most technical hardcore/metalcore bands evar! Outside BTBAM, THA, and PTH.
Not that that means shit. Having some good tunes is what it's all about and ATB brings it in spades.

Dude in the review wasn't kidding about Arsis' having some competition. Not just for best guitar album(s) of the year, but in terms of both being catchy and overall kickass.

[deathnotes]

Speaking strictly as a guitarist, I am psyched by the new All That Remains stuff. They've always had very strong, powerful riffs, and they always great tone with their solos. It's not just empty technique. When matched with the vocalist's... interesting range, it makes for some great music.

[trouble92rocker]

i agree with this guy

archangelseren wrote:

Machine Gun Cat wrote:

July was a pretty lame month for metal, but August looks a bit better with releases from Dragonforce and Slipknot... and then September will roll around with albums from Metallica, Trivium, The Haunted and tons more. As usual, if you have recommendations, thoughts, ideas, love or hate mail, do write them down below or drop me a message in my profile.

Slipknot is knot metal but dragonforces new album should be awesome



who are u to decide what metal is? metal is so broad these days that so many bands are metal but if it aint death metal its pussy faced lightning.... like the glam days but wait! heavy riffs plus screaming plus heavy drumbeats = metal or emo these days the questions out there

[WendigoRock]

I'm really only interested in Lamb Of God and psycroptic's new albums, to be honest. Although Metallica's album should be fun.

[trouble92rocker]

the guy at the bottom

trouble92rocker wrote:

i agree with this guyarchangelseren wrote:

Machine Gun Cat wrote:

July was a pretty lame month for metal, but August looks a bit better with releases from Dragonforce and Slipknot... and then September will roll around with albums from Metallica, Trivium, The Haunted and tons more. As usual, if you have recommendations, thoughts, ideas, love or hate mail, do write them down below or drop me a message in my profile.

Slipknot is knot metal but dragonforces new album should be awesome



who are u to decide what metal is? metal is so broad these days that so many bands are metal but if it aint death metal its pussy faced lightning.... like the glam days but wait! heavy riffs plus screaming plus heavy drumbeats = metal or emo these days the questions out there

[BleedDeathMetal]

Rareform is amazing.

Can't wait to see them on the 11th,

[F8iscruel]

i dont understand, people shouldnt critasize a band and for what they do, like there are people who insult slipknot to no end then say, well i used to be a fan but then they changed their sound and they dont do enough pinch harmonics or to many or whatever so they just start insultingthe people they used to like, its the same as the metallica issues with the balck album ( i know people have problems with the napster thing but im talking musically). if you cant listen to a band because they change themselves it doesnt make you a fan it makes you a poser, it works the same in reverse for kids who do nothing but trash the band just to be on the bandwagon, if you dont like a band dont insult just go on listening to the music you like and if you hear something then listen to it, dont go, well i like this song but its not in the metal genre so its not heavy enough for me to be popular listening to, or well their pop so their not good, or well their metal so their posers. i dont understand why people havenothing better to do than insult someone. if you had the time to listen to them it means you liked the song enough to give it a try so, your being a hypocrit (

[F8iscruel]

well i ra out of room what do you know lol, i had written more but i forgot it so my bad haha i cant finish that thought

[rip3149]

to address issues above...slipknot WAS metal until vol. 3. after that, they became hard rock at best. and dragonforce...they are a different breed of metal that WE ALL LAUGH AT. metallica's "death magnetic" looks like a promising release (can't be worse than "load". and as far as what is considered metal...nothing is technically metal. metal was a term we originally created to describe just how "heavy" certain brands or rock music are. and yes, metal is indeed in the eye of the beholder. for me personally, metal is either "sounding the seventh trumpet", 80's metallica, or "british steel". anything less heavy than judas priest's british steel cannot be considered metal in my book.

[rip3149]

rip3149 wrote:

to address issues above...slipknot WAS metal until vol. 3. after that, they became hard rock at best. and dragonforce...they are a different breed of metal that WE ALL LAUGH AT. metallica's "death magnetic" looks like a promising release (can't be worse than "load". and as far as what is considered metal...nothing is technically metal. metal was a term we originally created to describe just how "heavy" certain brands or rock music are. and yes, metal is indeed in the eye of the beholder. for me personally, metal is either "sounding the seventh trumpet", 80's metallica, or "british steel". anything less heavy than judas priest's british steel cannot be considered metal in my book.

and furthermore, metal isn't the only "acceptable" music as some of you may feel. personally, i'd take classic rock like zeppelin or deep purple over hatebreed or trivium any day. but i still love metallica.

[jonathanonfire]

stop crying kids. slipknot was.. and always will be nu-metal.

archangelseren wrote:

what about bleeding through? there new album is sounding amazingly heavy and melodic at the same time cant wait.... well i guess its not til September so that's a bit of for the release

are you ****ing serious? their last relase was just horrible. i cant see any way of recovering from that with their dignity intact.

cynic, nevermore dude, the haunted and psycroptic. only good things to come out soon.

[jonathanonfire]

taylorhindman wrote:

Dragonforce makes me lol too, and Slipknot have gotten a little too mainstream...
Lamb Of God's new album will kick ass though.

newsflash. new lamb of god will sound even more like pantera. wait for it... wait for it...

[Infamou$17]

"July was a pretty lame month for metal, but August looks a bit better with releases from Dragonforce and Slipknot... and then September will roll around with albums from Metallica, Trivium, The Haunted and tons more"

A bit? That's waaaaay too much credit. If this is the promise of the future then I will take July with After the Burial and news of LoG's new album. Q1 '09 looks like a good one... new LoG and Mastodon.

Other than that... I bet you'kk forget Arsis once The Faceless put out Planetary Duality... the new song on myspace is insane

[Infamou$17]

you'll**

[juzzy]

conquer is the best soulfly album since soulfly, that shit is so good,

Psycroptic, first good aussie metal band ever

[manmanster]

jonathanonfire wrote:

taylorhindman wrote:

Dragonforce makes me lol too, and Slipknot have gotten a little too mainstream...
Lamb Of God's new album will kick ass though.

newsflash. new lamb of god will sound even more like pantera. wait for it... wait for it...

How is that bad? I think you meant to say
"new lamb of god will sound even more like JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF. wait for it...wait for it...

[Ironpriest]

New album from heaven and hell? thats black sabbath with dio on the mic is it not? i got the dio years album and i pretty much enjoyed it! love early metal. new metal not so much. plus 'death' metal should never be called fun. its just noise.

Checked.

[the_heretic]

Nightstrider wrote:

HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN

YEAH!

[Phill-Rock]

Yeah, I'll jump on the Heathen bandwagon.

[bwalter32]

Machine Gun Cat :
July was a pretty lame month for metal, but August looks a bit better with releases from Dragonforce and Slipknot... and then September will roll around with albums from Metallica, Trivium, The Haunted and tons more. As usual, if you have recommendations, thoughts, ideas, love or hate mail, do write them down below or drop me a message in my profile.

Slipknot is knot metal but dragonforces new album should be awesome

POSTED: 08/01/2008 - 05:43 am / quote |

slipknot give metal a better name then dragonforce. dragonforce blows.

i can't wait for the new lamb of god album. should be awesome.

[Mr_CiNiC]

Not familiar with Cynic or Heathen, might check them out from all the response they're gettin' here. Freakin' psyched about All That Remains and Lamb of God albums. Not too much so about Lamb of God, though. Sacrament was literally terrible. It was St. Anger for LoG, in my opinion. It had, like, 2 good songs, just pathetic.

I'm into Job For A Cowboy (old album) and am wondering if any of these bands listed are similar to that, are they?

[Soadfan8]

I like slipknot. even if you dont, you cant say theyre not metal just because you think their music sucks.

[rockybo]

The new After the Burial album is pretty killer. It's a bonus that all the dudes in the band are really awesome guys, we went to the same high school.

[EndOfNothing656]

Machine Gun Cat wrote:

July was a pretty lame month for metal, but August looks a bit better with releases from Dragonforce and Slipknot... and then September will roll around with albums from Metallica, Trivium, The Haunted and tons more. As usual, if you have recommendations, thoughts, ideas, love or hate mail, do write them down below or drop me a message in my profile.

Slipknot is knot metal but dragonforces new album should be awesome

lol are you serious? You cant be serious. Your choosing Dragonforce being more metal than slipknot? Sure according to Seventh Sin they are a little more kiddy, but they are still more metal than Dragonforces same thrash beats and same ass vocal harmonies...

[Reviewer Pete]

Mr_CiNiC wrote:

Not familiar with Cynic or Heathen, might check them out from all the response they're gettin' here.

Cynic's 1993 release Focus is one of the cornerstones of technical death metal. Amazing album.

[EndOfNothing656]

rip3149 wrote:

rip3149 wrote:

to address issues above...slipknot WAS metal until vol. 3. after that, they became hard rock at best. and dragonforce...they are a different breed of metal that WE ALL LAUGH AT. metallica's "death magnetic" looks like a promising release (can't be worse than "load". and as far as what is considered metal...nothing is technically metal. metal was a term we originally created to describe just how "heavy" certain brands or rock music are. and yes, metal is indeed in the eye of the beholder. for me personally, metal is either "sounding the seventh trumpet", 80's metallica, or "british steel". anything less heavy than judas priest's british steel cannot be considered metal in my book.


and furthermore, metal isn't the only "acceptable" music as some of you may feel. personally, i'd take classic rock like zeppelin or deep purple over hatebreed or trivium any day. but i still love metallica.

I couldn't agree with you more sir.

[Creaz93]

I'm looking forward to Jeff Loomis's solo album. That guy is a beast

[LakeboDom]

Slipknot is trying to become hardcore. F That they suck couldnt do it if they tried. Cant wait for Unearth though. After The Burial Has more technical skills than anyband on this Review besides BTBAM.

[Masonpwiley]

Deth is iminent wrote:

You know what metal metal is, Amon Amarth
vikings like them and I (yes im norwegian *****s) were born from metal, made for metal.
Oden commands them as well as i to make metal and you "slipknot", "between the bullshit and me", and Trivium fans cant compare to the metal that we put out into this world
I know that there new album will be so metal most of you slipknot loving jerkoffs couldnt handle it
Hail Oden

I agree that Slipknot sucks. But if you think BTBAM does, you have a MAJOR case of elitist syndrome.

[ready2breakdown]

New Haunted and Unearth album? Cannot wait!

[wasteofkrisza]

jim root says the new slipknot album is alright at best in the july guitar world. so dont get too excited. although well get to hear some six string sweep apreggios.

what i dont understand is how a band can change genres just because they use acoustic guitars or slower beats. its experimentation, i dont know about you, but most guitarists i know have acoustics, no matter what they listen to. its just a part of being a musician

[Slash.vs.Bucket]

TRIVIUM \m/

[mykl]

I hope slipknot crash and burn because of this new album. After hearing "Snuff" I think it's safe to say that album is an epic fail.

Psycroptic and Cynic should make everything better though.

[bwalter32]

Deth is iminent wrote:

You know what metal metal is, Amon Amarth
vikings like them and I (yes im norwegian *****s) were born from metal, made for metal.
Oden commands them as well as i to make metal and you "slipknot", "between the bullshit and me", and Trivium fans cant compare to the metal that we put out into this world
I know that there new album will be so metal most of you slipknot loving jerkoffs couldnt handle it
Hail Oden

i agree with some of your points, but you just sound like a douche.

[scud1987]

you know what, i feel like joining this. so im gonna say - NONE OF THESE BANDS ARE METAL!!! as that seems to be the only thing being discussed here...lame

and just for the record...slipknot are awesome and one of the best live bands ive ever seen...guess that makes me NOT METAL!!! haha :P

[IbanezBassman]

jbridge90 wrote:

Metallica makes me want to stomp kittens.

Is that good or bad?

[Slaytan666]

IbanezBassman wrote:

jbridge90 wrote:

Metallica makes me want to stomp kittens.

Is that good or bad?

It's a good thing. Slipknot makes me want to stomp kittens, too. And I don't care if they don't fit into a closed-minded view of what is or isn't metal, they're angry enough for me.

[Tortiss]

"July was a pretty lame month for metal, but August looks a bit better with releases from Dragonforce and Slipknot"

Whew! Thank goodness! Dragonforce and Slipknot are gunna save me from this month's terrible metal! >.>

[blasphemus666]

Machine Gun Cat wrote:

July was a pretty lame month for metal, but August looks a bit better with releases from Dragonforce and Slipknot... and then September will roll around with albums from Metallica, Trivium, The Haunted and tons more. As usual, if you have recommendations, thoughts, ideas, love or hate mail, do write them down below or drop me a message in my profile.

Slipknot is knot metal but dragonforces new album should be awesome

wuhuwhuwhuwhuuuuuhh?????
nonono, i think youre a little mixed up. Slipknot is DEFINATELY metal. Dragonforce is just...well...crap.

[blasphemus666]

oh, and i cant wait for lamb of gods new album!!!!! ITS GUNNA BE FUCKIN AWESOME!!!

(sorry for the double post)

[blasphemus666]

oh, and i cant wait for lamb of gods new album!!!!! ITS GUNNA BE FUCKIN AWESOME!!!

(sorry for the double post)

[blasphemus666]

jonathanonfire wrote:
newsflash. new lamb of god will sound even more like pantera. wait for it... wait for it...

im pretty sure thats a good thing.

[DukeFame]

Slipknot is knot metal


agreed , sure they look cool the sound on the other hand is not even heavy and vocals are pussy. If you wanna get into over the top showmanship in metal check out Gorgoroth or some other black metal.
praise satan.

[Ironpriest]

lol metal has just become comedy now. screaming non stop is not cool. i remember when bands like maiden, priest, metallica, helloween etc used to (and still do) sing!

[jpgilbert701]

I want to know when BTBAM's DVD is going to be released!

[XxRustInPeacexX]

i dont think ATB deserved an 8.5 i liked Soulfly more

[Wizard_of_Aus]

'Croptic for the ****ing win !

Chalky shits all over Peppiat though. gotta say.

[Wizard_of_Aus]

and cheers Pete, Rareform is indeed a tasty little morsel. someone get tabs up, i can't tab that crazy shit. good choice

[Set-Abominae]

Nightstrider wrote:

HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN HEATHEN

This.

[zerotri]

The loomis album really kicks ass, although in my opinion is a little different than what I expected, but not by much. If you're all into the great-guitarist-doing-some-exploring-with-his-not-so-normal- sound then you'll like it. I know I did

I'm also really excited for the new Holy Moses in September. that's gonna be brutal. Along with next year's Kreator album. Oh, and I can't wait for the rumored Forbidden album. The new Lamb of God will hopefully be good too, along with The Haunted's next release. At least I hope.

[Jimmy B Drag]

nothing much that interests me here

hmm. metallica.. God i hope it's not the same as the load/reload albums... i mean, i'm all for experimenting with new sounds, but a band's supposed to get BETTER as it ages =(

keeping my fingers crossed for what metallica said would be a modern version of "and justice for all"

[PoP N FresH]

I LIKE THE HAUNTED A FUCKING LOT>>> WOOOOO MELODICNESSS. yay. hmmmm log, metallica, haunted, .....trvium? well cant win em all.

[undeaded]

After the Burial...8.1?

Hah.

Generic Metalcore/Deathcore gets more than the much darker Soufly album?

Good attempt at summing up albums. 5/10

[6Metal6Militia6]

Shyin wrote:

Slipknot = Shit
Dragonforce = w00t

Also, they forgot Lordi's album

All of them are shit.

[PastaOfMuppets]

undeaded wrote:

After the Burial...8.1?

Hah.

Generic Metalcore/Deathcore gets more than the much darker Soufly album?

Good attempt at summing up albums. 5/10

After The Burial is hardly generic deathcore.

[nemesis_911]

taylorhindman wrote:

Dragonforce makes me lol too, and Slipknot have gotten a little too mainstream...
Lamb Of God's new album will kick ass though.

Agreed

agreed

[Sun King]

Disappointing review.

[nemesis_911]

BTW, hope Death Magnetic,
Shogun nd
All Hope is Gone
will kick ass!!!!!

And let's hope dragonforce's "ultra beatdown"
won't be that bad.

[touji-za-nai]

August will be better because of Slipknot.... how on God's green Earth is that possible

[nemesis_911]

btw...

ALL DRAGONFORCE FANS PRAYTHAT THEY WILL LEARN 2 PLAY DIS ALBUM ONSTAGE!!!!!

Coz i gotta tell you guys, they SUCK when they play live

[Masonpwiley]

Slaytan666 wrote:

IbanezBassman wrote:

jbridge90 wrote:

Metallica makes me want to stomp kittens.

Is that good or bad?

It's a good thing. Slipknot makes me want to stomp kittens, too. And I don't care if they don't fit into a closed-minded view of what is or isn't metal, they're angry enough for me.

You judge music based on how "angry" it is? That's sad.

[Jastul]

July was a pretty lame month for metal, but August looks a bit better with releases from Dragonforce and Slipknot...

you're kidding me, right? how is a slipknot album and a studioforce repetitious fiasco something to look forward to?

Finally, give your thoughts and prayers to Blaze Bayley's wife who recently suffered a brain haemorrhage and has since been in a coma. We hope for a swift recovery.

hope she gets better and that she and mr. Bayley pull through

[virtussilex]

SLIPKNOT!!! WOOHOOO (Hardcore fan speaking)

[Holy Katana]

Cynic's new album is going to rule.

[francescotriest]

trivium :Q_____

[ghostofhendrix]

Machine Gun Cat wrote:

July was a pretty lame month for metal, but August looks a bit better with releases from Dragonforce and Slipknot... and then September will roll around with albums from Metallica, Trivium, The Haunted and tons more. As usual, if you have recommendations, thoughts, ideas, love or hate mail, do write them down below or drop me a message in my profile.

Slipknot is knot metal but dragonforces new album should be awesome

Pfft Dragonforce are a fad band. Sure they're talented players...but as songwriters their songs often sound very similar. I used to like them but now i don't think "wow!" or even grin when the long shredding solos come in. A few weeks ago my friend played the beginning parts of several DF songs....and they were all basically the same! Theres not much point looking forward to their new album, as it will just be a rehash of their old stuff... sadly

[bootyguard]

Reviewer Pete wrote:

NathanWolff wrote:

I don't know if I agree with you about Blaze Bayley.

That's OK.

DieselEater wrote:

Hey, uhh you forgot Beneath the Massacre and Gojira's New albums coming out in october.

Their release dates weren't announced in July, thus they don't make it to the news section of this summary.

bootyguard :
you forgot to review Neruaxis' new album... which is f*ckin' badass!

No, I just didn't include it. I was going to review it, but in the end deemed it too pedestrian to bother. Didn't think anyone would care or notice, but I guess I was wrong.

I'd rather have that reviewed than Blaze bayley or Soulfly. Neuraxis actually has some very cool songs... the other two are debatable.

[AnomHero]

Dragonfarce's new album is complete balls.

[Shazazmic]

DukeFame wrote:

Slipknot is knot metal


agreed , sure they look cool the sound on the other hand is not even heavy and vocals are pussy. If you wanna get into over the top showmanship in metal check out Gorgoroth or some other black metal.
praise satan.

YEAH! Because going out in your backyard in the middle of winter covered in Ketchup while wielding plastic weapons to make yourself look cool is totally more badass!

Neither is Slipknot.

On a DragonForce note; what kind of name is Ultra Beatdown? I wouldn't be surprised if the CD was a 50 minute audio of the band having a furious masturbation session (although it'd probably have more musical skill if it was exactly that).

[isabiggles]

Apparnetly he was backstage at Maidens Twickenham concert. Its nice to see theres no hard feelings.

I'd just like to add that i was there

To clear this up: Slipknot are Nu metal which is a form of hard rock and is not metal. Jumping around in matching uniform looking like a twat does not make you metal.

If i see Slipknot or Trivium in this article next month i'll riot.

[jdanger]

trivium!!

[jdanger]

Shazazmic wrote:

DukeFame wrote:

Slipknot is knot metal


agreed , sure they look cool the sound on the other hand is not even heavy and vocals are pussy. If you wanna get into over the top showmanship in metal check out Gorgoroth or some other black metal.
praise satan.


YEAH! Because going out in your backyard in the middle of winter covered in Ketchup while wielding plastic weapons to make yourself look cool is totally more badass!

Neither is Slipknot.

On a DragonForce note; what kind of name is Ultra Beatdown? I wouldn't be surprised if the CD was a 50 minute audio of the band having a furious masturbation session (although it'd probably have more musical skill if it was exactly that).

You're an idiot. Dragonforce shames most metal bands when it comes to playing guitar.

[Reviewer Pete]

isabiggles
If i see Slipknot or Trivium in this article next month i'll riot.

Riot away. They'll be reviewed here.

[nikh158]

When I was a kid it was all so much simpler. There were three Heavy Metal bands: Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. Hendrix was away in a complete genre of his own, or you could listen to Free if you wanted to be a bit miserable (maybe the godfathers of emo, only slower and with some talent). Now, there are so many genres, sub genres and sub sub genres, it`s frightening.
Ah, the good old days.

[Shazazmic]

jdanger wrote:

Shazazmic wrote:

DukeFame wrote:

Slipknot is knot metal


agreed , sure they look cool the sound on the other hand is not even heavy and vocals are pussy. If you wanna get into over the top showmanship in metal check out Gorgoroth or some other black metal.
praise satan.


YEAH! Because going out in your backyard in the middle of winter covered in Ketchup while wielding plastic weapons to make yourself look cool is totally more badass!

Neither is Slipknot.

On a DragonForce note; what kind of name is Ultra Beatdown? I wouldn't be surprised if the CD was a 50 minute audio of the band having a furious masturbation session (although it'd probably have more musical skill if it was exactly that).

You're an idiot. Dragonforce shames most metal bands when it comes to playing guitar.

You, my good sir, have an extreme lack of reading comprehension. Did I say DragonForce was good ANYWHERE in my post?

[Shazazmic]

To clafiry;

First Poster:
agreed , sure they look cool the sound on the other hand is not even heavy and vocals are pussy. If you wanna get into over the top showmanship in metal check out Gorgoroth or some other black metal.
praise satan.

ME:
YEAH! Because going out in your backyard in the middle of winter covered in Ketchup while wielding plastic weapons to make yourself look cool is totally more badass!

Neither is Slipknot.

On a DragonForce note; what kind of name is Ultra Beatdown? I wouldn't be surprised if the CD was a 50 minute audio of the band having a furious masturbation session (although it'd probably have more musical skill if it was exactly that).

[the capta1n]

Sh*t, I thought they(Dragonforce) were a joke band? I never thought there would be another one. The way people, myself included, think they suck. I just didnt think there was a demographic. Whoda thunk.

[Nightfyre]

the capta1n wrote:

Sh*t, I thought they(Dragonforce) were a joke band? I never thought there would be another one. The way people, myself included, think they suck. I just didnt think there was a demographic. Whoda thunk.

I think they surprised most everyone hitting it big like they did. I personally can't stand them, but I know a number of fans. Granted, it was (unsurprisingly) a fad for some, but the support is definitely there.
So far the metal album I'm most anticipating this year is definitely the new Cynic album. If only they'd come to the US...

[wolfpacbravo]

Okay if u cant listen to Dragonforce, then you have no appreciation for ANY type of guitars. II mean, listen "Operation Ground and Pound", and "Soldiers of the Wasteland". Those ar two of the greatest dragon force songs with amaz-a-zing guitar, chordal arrangements, and straight up 80s metal chorus vocals.
Another cool band is Random Eyes. Theyre a bit like Dragonforce with nowhere the ferocity or speed. HB is acool band too. A Bit like early Evanescence, with more stock in orchestral arrangements. There are lot of cool metal bands on www.hmmag.com

[the capta1n]

Ahem. Well wolfpac, I am a fan of guitars. Of MOST types. There is a vast amount of guitar talent out there. Its just too bad "Dragonfarce" didnt get any of it. Apparently you arent aware of the wonderous capablities of Protools. They cant even play the songs they "wrote". People can like whatever they want. But to say I dont appreciate guitar because I dont like Dragonfarce is a bit much.

[Masterbasser36]

can't wait for Amon Amarth **** i'm stoked gonna get my tickets for their show in October

[Slicer666]

funkadelicsuper wrote:

**** the soulfly review is garbage the new album kicks ****in ass i swear i feel like ripping someone apart when i hear this shit incredible

I think the reviewer said something bout simple-minded people... here we go lol

oh and I honestly HOPE trivium and Metallica can back their claims up (waiting lol) but meh, Q1 2009 ftw! (LoG & Mastodon!)

Check't.