No More Blogs

So our last day of school is the 11th of June and I am happy to say that we are done blogging...for school that is. I still might continue this blog during summer vacation if I have time. Now without school I can kind of say whatever I want on here, and really express my opinion on music and any other topic really. So if you keep reading and commenting I'll keep blogging. Have a good summer.

Metalcore

Not always my first choice of rock music or any music really. Like blogs in the past I usually can't stand the screaming, but love the music behind it. With the fast riffs and the double bass you can't go wrong. Yesterday I received a CD from a metalcore fan by the name of Ethan Hughes. He tells me it's the best CD he's ever made, and that he will convert me to metalcore music. I accepted the disc and we left class. I was actually pretty excited about listening to it. My hope was that it would sound like Killswitch Engage, the only metalcore band I like. I got home and immediately put it in the stereo. Ethan told me that the screams would get to me at first so just listen to the godly guitar. I sat through all 18 tracks on the CD. There were two songs that were not metalcore, and a song that I already knew by All that Remains called 2 weeks. I expected to only like maybe three songs, but it turns out that I liked about half of them. For the most part the screaming doesn't get to me, and some of these guitarists are really amazing. They lack solos, but are still really good. I wouldn't say I've converted to head-bashing, destroy everything music, but it is listenable. I just had to get past the screams.

Worst Rap-Rock Collaboration Ever!

30 Seconds to Mars and Kanye West. Not exactly the two I would see together, but it's happening and there is no way it can possibly be good. One of the worst bands I ever heard and a rap/hip-hop "Icon". It's really nothing personal against Kanye, I just can't stand any rap other than the Beastie Boys so...And it's not like I'm against rock and rap mixes. I like some songs by bands like Linkin Park, and I don't despise Aerosmith and Run DMC working together on Walk this Way, but TSTM and Kanye West are just awful, and will more than likely shame anyone else who combines the two. Especially is Kayne is rapping in the song. As far as I know he is only using an MPC, so we can only pray he doesn't get on the mic.

The Killers or Zeppelin?

I recently read on Ultimate-guitar.com that The Killers feel like they are being held down here in America. They blame this on bands from the past such as Led Zeppelin and Nirvana. Now The Killers are looking to knock them of their pedestals so to speak. Well the way I see it is they can cry all they want about being held back, but that isn't going to change the way people think about Zeppelin or Nirvana. Maybe it isn't other bands you should be blaming, maybe you're not as good as you think. Not saying The Killers are a bad band, but face facts, Zeppelin are gods in the music world, and Nirvana was a revolutionary grunge band. They both accomplished great things in their time, and until you do something great you'll just be another band in crowd. And when and if that time comes you still won't stand out from Zeppelin because you just don't have the skill. Your lead singer can't compete with Plant, and your guitarist along with many others, cannot compete with Page. It's simple. When you can write and play like Zeppelin, then you might be able to say you're on the same level...might be able to say that, but as far I'm concerned, it won't happen.

Top 25 Frontmen

This won't be in any order I suppose. I just can't figure out who belongs where. Let me know if I miss anyone important.

Robert Plant
Dio
Bruce Dickinson
James Hetfield
Ozzy
Steven Tyler
Jim Morrison
David Lee Roth
Axl Rose
Alice Cooper
Layne Staley
Rob Halford
Iggy Pop
Lemmy
Phil Anselmo
Maynard James Keenan
Freddy Mercury
Mick Jagger
Chris Cornell
Eddie Vedder
Kurt Cobain
John Lenon
Bon Scott
Sabastian Bach
Gene Simmons


This list was based on both vocal ability and how entertaining they were.

What was I thinking?

I can't believe I missed him. After I published my top ten guitarists, I was informed that I didn't put Jimmy Page on it. Well I'm here to fix my mistake and add him. If you look at the list now you'll see he replaced someone.

A new album for Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden. Ring a bell? Well it should if you're a metal fan. And if you like the band then you'll love to hear that they are coming out with a new album, and should be done with it by 2010. As always the band will be going on tour for the new CD. This will be number fifteen for the band. They're latest album "A Matter of Life or Death" was released in 2006 and got a lot of good reviews. When it comes to pressure guitarist Adrin Smith says, "There's always a bit of pressure to follow up the last album, in a way it's good because it motivates you.
"We never get complacent; we always try our best for our own sake as much as anything else. As far as pressure for another album, we just do what we do - we've been doing it long enough now, we know what we're doing."

I havn't always been a huge Iron Maiden fan, but I do recognize them for who and what they are. They've been around for a long time, and it doesn't look like they're slowing down anytime soon. As far as seeing them in concert well, I imagine that it would be a really good show. Just to see Eddie (If they still use him) would be cool.

Top Ten Guitarists

This list for me is very difficult. being a guitarist myself, I was inspired by many, but there are still a lot more that deserve recognition. I also don't want to put someone in the wrong place just for inpirational reasons, but whatever. This is the top ten list of guitarists.

10. Tom Morello-Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave

A good guitar player. Can make the guitar sound like anything but a guitar. Uses a lot of effects and a kill switch.

9. David Gilmour-Pink Floyd

He was a replacement guitarist, and really showed everyone what he was capable of. He shows a lot of passion, and his solos are very haunting.

8. Angus Young-AC/DC

Another good guitarist, but a little bit over-rated in my eyes.

7. Jimmy Page-Led Zeppelin

The guy I forgot. An amazing guitarist, the only reason he's number seven is because he's more hard rock than metal. He'd be top three in the hard rock version.

6. Tony Iommi-Back Sabbath

An amazing metal guitar player. He created so many metal riffs, amd inspired a lot of people to play.

5. Eddie Van Halen-Van Halen

Famous for the legendary solo, Eruption, there is no doubt that Eddie can play, and play well.

4. Dimebag Darrell-Pantera

An extraordinary guitarist. One of the fastest of all time and very heavy metal. Died much to early. Could've been capable of so much more.

3. Kirk Hammett-Metallica

My personal favorite of all time, even though he isn't the best. Kirk and Metallica revolutionized thrash metal. Hammett puts so much passion into it as well. He's not one of those guys that's like "Look at me I can play really fast!" he has true talent, and that isn't just speed.

2. Randy Rhodes-Ozzy

All I can say is wow. One of the best of all time, if not the best. Even though he only appeared on two Ozzy albums, Rhodes showed true talent and skill. A great writer, and a great soloist.

1. Jimi Hendrix

I know it seems like everone picks him, but it isn't just his playing that gets him here, it's what he did. he was unlike anything anyone had ever seen or heard. The first to do many things such as play with his teeth.

If you have anyone else that deserves to be hear please tell me.

Top Ten Drummers Continued

Alright, so I got some feed back from a few people on who to put on the list of top ten drummers, and it helped a little so here goes nothing.



10. Travis Barker-Blink 182


9. Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan-Avenged Sevenfold


8. Alex Van Halen-Van Halen


7. Tommy Aldridge-Ozzy


6. Dave Lombardo-Slayer


5. John Bonham-Led Zeppelin


4. Keith Moon-The Who


3. Danny Carey-Tool


2. Lars Ulrich-Metallica


1.Neil Peart-Rush

So there's my list of top drummers. If you have anything else to add you can comment.

Top Ten Drummers?

Well I need your help, whoever you may be. I'm having some difficulty deciding who would fit in the top ten drummers of all time. So if you have any suggestions or have compiled your own list then please comment. Thanks!

Top ten Bassists

I'm sure bass players are tired of guitarists getting the credit for everything so I've decide to show my respect for the bassist with a top ten list starting with...

10. Cliff Williams-AC/DC

9. Mike Dirnt-Green Day

8. Johnny Christ-Avenged Sevenfold

7. John Entwistle- The Who

6. Geddy Lee- Rush

5. Les Claypool- Primus

4. Steve Harris- Iron Maiden

3. Paul D'Amour- Tool

2. Flea- Red Hot Chili Peppers

1. Cliff Burton-Metallica

Those are in order in my opinion, but I have to say that's not a bad list for someone who plays the guitar.

Would I go see Megadeth?

As a huge Metallica fan people may second guess if I am a fan of Megadeth. The ongoing battle between the two bands has left many people on either side of the feud. I lean towards the Metallica side but still enjoy some of the music that Dave Mustaine writes. As you may or may not have heard Megadeth will be on tour. No tour dates have been released yet but I hope that they do make a stop here in Iowa. I think I like enough of their songs to be able to enjoy myself there. Not to mention I think they'd put on a good show.

The point is this. I didn't get to see Metallica when they were in Moline. So I suppose the next best eighties thrash metal band would have to be Megadeth. The only thing that would be bad about them in concert would be Musaine's voice, but I could live with it. They have good songs, not great, but good. They have cool guitar riffs and solos, with Mustaine's very unique style so that would be awesome. And I love the song Peace sells.

The band will be coming out with a new album this year. Not so sure if I'll pick that up or not, but I'm sure I'll be hearing new songs on the radio sooner or later, but I am looking forward to the tour. The constant arguing between Metallica and Megadeth is getting way to old anyway.

The Nine come Home

And if you don't know who I mean by the nine then you're probably not from Iowa. Slipknot of course, and fan or not everyone living in Iowa knows who they are. Now they are on tour for their latest CD 'All Hope is Gone'. The band will be making a stop in Iowa, more than once I'm sure. And on one of those stops they'll be at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids. The concert is May 14th and I really want to go to it. They say that bands always put on their best shows at home so what better band to see than these guys in Iowa.

There are a total of nine, count em', nine members in Slipknot all with an important job to do. Sid Wilson-DJ, Joey Jordison-Drums, Paul Gray-Bass, Chris Fehn-Percussions, James Root-Rhythm Guitar, Craig Jones-Sampler/Synth, Shawn Crahan-Percussions, Mick Thomson-Lead Guitar, Corey Taylor-Vocals. They all have a number 0-8 in the order I have them. In most songs you'll find that three of the members don't even play an instrument. They typically put on a show for the crowd. Breaking things, fist fighting, etc.

I've heard a lot about the band and their live shows. I heard even if they aren't your first choice to go see them anyway, it's worth it. And with nine people up on stage in their home state of Iowa, how could it possibly be boring?

Alice In Chains: First Album in 14 Years

Alright we're talking about another nineties band...Alice In Chains! Ever since the legendary frontman Lane Staley died in 2002 the hasn't had much luck. But with new lead singer William Duvall the band will release a new CD in September. According to guitarist Jerry Cantrell the band finished recording the the album March 18. This is Cantrell's b-day, and the day that Duvall's son was born so good luck so far. Now they're mixing it, and preparing for release.

Alice in Chains was one of the most popular and successful band's from the nineties and sold over 14 million copies in the U.S. alone. They topped the charts twice, and had many hit-singles. Alice in Chains will also be one of many bands at the third annual Rock on the Range Festival alone side Slipknot, Motley Crue, and Avenged Sevenfold.

Pearl Jam: Ten

So as you might have heard by now, nineties grunge band Pearl Jam has re-released their debut album Ten. The CD features many popular songs by the band such as; Alive, Jeremy, Even Flo, and Black. They have also released a deluxe package that has the CD, a CD with all the unreleased material, and their MTV Unplugged performance on DVD. I only have one thing to say. Buy it. This is an amazing deal, especially if you're a Pearl Jam fan.

The new songs are all pretty much good. You may have heard one called Brother on the radio latley, so if you like that you'll like the other ones as well. I think the best part the release is the DVD. Some people might say that and acoustic sound wouldn't work for such a grungy band but you'd be suprised. Songs like 'Black' and 'State of Love and Trust' are still very entertaining, and Eddie Vedder is still one hell of a performer. And if you still don't believe this clean sound works just think back to the Nirvana Unplugged concert.

Pearl Jam will be touring this summer, with Vedder also taking a 14 day break in between to tour on his own.

Slash goes solo

Well this could be promising. Slash former guitarist for Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver is now recording his first solo ablum. Of course he'll be on guitar, but he has a solid line up for the other instruments. On drums Slash has Josh Freese (A perfect Circle and NIN), Chris Chaney (Jane's Addiction) on bass, and Eric Valentine as producer. As for a singer Slash says he will have different singers for every song. Ozzy Osbourne and Fergie will be making apperances on the new album.

Well since a band with Axl Rose won't work out, why not try going solo right? But I don't think that he'll be nearly as successful as GNR, but maybe as successful as Velvet Revolver. This day in age Slash is a really well known guitarist. Since being featured in Guitar Hero III it seems that there isn't a single person that doesn't know who he is. Slash has been caught in the mainstream, and for him, this might be a good thing.

GnR and a new guitarist

So Guns N' Roses is getting a new guitarists named Dj Ashba. The name might sound familiar if you're a fan of Sixx a.m. and/or Motley Crue. He co-produced Saints of Los Angeles, and Heroin Diaries. Ashba says he's really looking foward to working with a band that he has long been a fan of. He also states that he is excited to work with Axl Rose, saying that he is one of the better frontmen of his generation and a true artist...hmm.

Axl maybe a great frontman, I won't lie he can sing. But I think that Ashba should maybe retthink who Axl Rose is as a person. I mean you've never heard any bad stories about his relationships with previous bandmates? Even if he is a great singer, this isn't Guns N' Roses anymore. Axl is the only original member! There's no Slash, no Izzy. How can you be excited to play in band that you've admired for so long...when there arn't even the same anymore. The GnR now and the GnR in the past sound completly different.

I don't know. Maybe I'm looking at this the wrong way. Maybe it will work out for Ashba and the rest of the band. It's not like Axl has ever ended a show for no reason, started a riot, blamed things on other people, sued a company, or beat his wife. So what do I know? Maybe this Dj guy should rethink his dission.

The end of Heartache

So as you know I recently went to the Music as a Weapon tour when it paid a visit to the Mcelroy Auditorium in Waterloo. The main reason I went was for the band Killswitch Engage. After the show I was blown away. I already had one of there albums before I went to the concert but I had to have more. So the next day I went out to Best Buy and purchased, The end of Heartache. This is the first album I ever listened to due to my cousin introducing the band to me. I really liked it but never got around to buying it for myself. Well, I'm glad I finally did.

The whole album is done really well. The vocals, as always, are good, the guitar riffs are amazing, and everything else just fits. The best songs on this album are definantly the title track and Breathe Life.

The title track, The end of Heartache is melodic but still has that hardcore/metalcore sound that Killswitch does so well. By far one of the best songs they've wrote. Another really good one is Breathe Life. A hardcore song with a melodic chorus, and a pretty sweet guitar solo which you don't get to hear a lot from a band like this. All in all this is a great album. It has won awards and has been cerified gold.

Killswitch Engage is the best metalcore band out there right now. They aren't too screamo and they sound original. I can't wait to get the new CD, which should be out pretty soon. Sometime this spring. They were awesome in concert, and I'd love to see them again.

Audioslave to Reunite

Adioslave is said to have a third album coming out soon. The band's career was short lived due to frontman, Chris Cornell quiting and going solo. Now they're back together and Cornell says he's a little bit nervous. But I suppose anyone in a band that has broken up before would be on edge about getting back together. The band played a recent show in Madison Square Garden, were they played a new song that was still untitled. Cornell even had to have a copy of the lyrics on stage just so he wouldn't forget them.

I for one like Audioslave. Maybe not as much as Soundgarden (Cornell's previous band) but Audioslave has some pretty good tracks. Not to mention they have Rage against the Machine's old guitarist Tom Morello.

American Idiot: The Musical

It's been about five years since punk band, Green Day put out there album American Idiot. Everyone was instantly in love with it and had to have it. I went and saw them in concert twice because of it. Green Day was on top of the world. Now years later as most cd's do American Idiot has cooled off or died out in some people's eyes. Well now it's back. And this isn't just some remastered version. There isn't anything new about it in fact, it isn't even a cd, it's a musical.

A musical? Alright maybe it's just me but this doesn't make any sense. Not saying it would be bad, I still like Green Day, but this just doesn't seem like it would fit in with the theater. I mean are the actual band members going to be in it or are they only going to be playing the songs? I would certainly hope that they would only play the songs. I can't imagine those guys in costume acting out songs and what not. The show might be good for a laugh, but all in all, it sounds like Green Day is selling out.

The first show will be in the bands hometown of Berkely, California. The director, Michael Mayer says that if the show in Berkely is successful, then a run at Broadway is likely.

Top Ten Metal Bands Ever

Top Ten Metal Bands (In my opinion)




1. Metallica

2. Black Sabbath

3. Iron Maiden

4. Megadeth

5. Slayer

6. Judas Priest

7. Pantera

8. Ozzy

9. Avenged Sevenfold

10. Motorhead

Wherever I may Roam

Metallica. not a new subject on this blog of mine, but what is new is the fact that I'm talking about Black album Metallica. Once again, this is not my favorite Metallica album...not even close, but, I was listening to the radio yesterday and the song One came on KRNA while Wherever I may Roam came on Rock 108. Normally I would've chosen One over anything on the Black album, but I had heard that song the previous day so I settled for Roam. As I listened I got more and more into it. I hadn't heard the song in a really long time, and was really enjoying it. This is one song from that CD that I actually enjoy listening to. I'm not about to say that it sounds like old school Metallica, but it is aggressive. I couldn't believe I hadn't learned this song yet. James' voice sounds great on the track, and Kirk has an amazing solo. For me, that's all you need. The only other songs I truly enjoy are Sad But True, and Unforgiven. I really don't like Entersandman. Can you say 'Over played'. And the other songs juat don't spark my interest.

Done for the term

Well our second term is almost here which means we have one more term left, yes! It also means no more blogging...for school anyway. I still plan on blogging even though I don't have to anymore. It's weird. I came into this thinking it would be incredibly boring, and more or a less a waste of my time. Turns out, it's a great way spend time waiting for the bell to ring in the morning, opposed to sharing the hallways with hundreds of people and feeling claustrophobic. I'll still be sticking to music for the most part, but possibly blog about things in recent news that interest me, I don't know.

Student Blogging

Well as you may or mat not know, this is a school blog for AP Lang/Comp. We have to blog every week with a specific word count and number of blogs. Sometimes I hear people complain about the blog, but for the most part I like doing it a lot. I don't have a computer at home so sometimes it's difficult to meet the necessary requirements, but it gives me a good reason to come to school a little earlier, and let's me give my opinion on the topics that interest me most. Mostly stuff about music. Bands, Cd's, instruments, games, etc.


Lately, I've been coming in to school early every morning in order to work on and/or try to stay ahead on the blog. Most of the time I think I'm meeting the word count, but if not I know I'm at least meeting the number of blogs needed for that week. This started out as a blog completely dedicated to Metallica. but after a while you start to realize that one band isn't nearly enough to blog about all the time. So I expanded it to every rock/metal band. Regardless if I liked them or not. And eventually I just said I'll blog about anything music related.

But all in all I think blogging is a great thing for students to do. Most kids are on the computer more than writing in a notebook anyway and some were probably blogging before it was part of our grade, so why not? I think people have a lot of opinions and a lot to say about a wide variety of topics. Politics, music, games, books, cats, dogs, life, death...anything. So it's not like it's all that hard to find somethings to blog about. Just pick something and move on.

The only thing I don't like about blogging for school is, there's a limit for what you can say or talk about without getting offending people. I'm not saying I want to insult anyone for any reason, but sometimes, and I know it's true for everyone, I want to really let out what I have to say and use the vocabulary I choose. But I can't do that due to censorship and the possiblility of people being offended. But I guess with my topic being music I can't really get too many people mad enough to where it would be a big deal. But some people's blogs are all about expressing their opinion on things that can get really ridiculed. Subjects like politics and religion can get really heated really fast. That's why I chose to do something that no one should get to upset with. But other than that, I like to blog. It's an easier way to help your grade in AP Lang/Comp. while being somewhat entertained.

Killswitch Engage in Waterloo

I'm always looking for upcoming concerts in my area. Whether it be here in Cedar Rapids or Waterloo, if a band comes to town that I somewhat enjoy, I'm trying to get a ticket. The best concert I've been to so far was at the McElroy Auditorium in Waterloo. It featured five bands including; One, Social burn, Wicked Wisdom, Non point, and Sevendust. It was an awesome show. I got to meet every band and get autographs, except for Sevendust. I guess they think it necessary to charge 60 bucks to meet them, whatever. Anyway, on March 21, 2009 Killswitch Engage is coming to the McElroy and I'm dying to go. The headliner is actually Disturbed. They're okay but I like Killswitch more.

Usually I'm not a huge fan of bands that like to scream rather than sing, as you may have guessed in my Trivium post. But these guys are an exception. There's a nice even amount of both sing and scream. Enough anger but also harmony, and all that stuff. Their vocals are killer and their instruments will blow you away! i'm not sure who else will be there, but I'm sure it will be an amazing show either way.

The headliner is the more popular band, Disturbed. I'm sure a lot more people recognize this name. Now I'm not a huge fan, or hardly a fan at all but I think they'll put on a good show. i just hope they don't play they're new song Indestructible. I know it's no use hoping they won't but God I hate that song. I can't understand a word he's saying. All he does in that song is call himself indestructible, and mumble. I can't quite grasp it. Oh well, they have other songs that are listenable. Down with the Sickness, Prayer, Remember, and I guess Stricken are all pretty good in my eyes.

The ticket price is something that I can't really complain about. There will be something like four bands there, two of which are big time names, and the tickets are around 35 dollars. I'd say that's a pretty fair price for a four band concert. Anyway I'm sure it'll be awesome. If you're looking to get the anger out I'd suggest some Killswitch Engage!

I HATE TRIVIUM!

Alright all you Trivium fans, I know how you think Trivium is one of the best metal bands out there right now, and they might be, but the truth is there not that good. Don't get me wrong I love the music. The guitar, drums, even the bass but I cannot stand the "singing." Notice the quotes there around singing, yeah more like screaming to me. And I know what you're going to say and you can save it. Yeah, I'm not the biggest fan of bands that yell but I do like Killswitch Engage and Slipknot, so you can't say I hate it. But with Trivium it all sounds the same to me. Almost like he's repeating the same lyrics over and over and over again without change the tone or anything. It drags on. I do however, enjoy the parts of the songs where he's actually singing. I don't understand why he would ruin his voice like that, it's great! Maybe it's just my taste in music. Maybe it isn't...oh what's that word...hardcore enough I don't know. Overall I'd give the instruments somewhere around a 9 or maybe even a 10, but for the singing/screaming until I throw up, about a 1 maybe a 2.

My friend was the one that recommend the band to me. I was looking to check out some stuff that I'd never heard before, and he told me Trivium was a good band. We have similar taste in music, but apparently not similar enough. So instead of throwing the CD away like I probably should have, I gave the CD to my friend. maybe he'll enjoy it a little more than I did.

Riff By Riff

In all my two and a half years of playing guitar I've put most of my focus on one band, Metallica. They were the ones who got me into playing in the first place. I heard Master of Puppets and decided what I wanted to do. Now years later I'm able to play Master and a bunch of other Metallica songs all the way through. But it wasn't the easiest thing in the world. We're talking about the best band ever. The ones who revolutionized thrash metal, and inspired thousands of people to play the guitar, drums, bass, or sing.

A lot of people will tell you that playing a Metallica song is easy to do, and I will say they aren't that hard, for the most part, but that's what makes the band great, simplicity. The challenge is nailing the riff without error, and matching the break-neck speeds of either James or Kirk, depending on what style you play, rhythm or lead.

When it comes down to it for me lead is harder than rhythm. This is especially true when talking about Kirk Hammett. His soloing technique is amazing, and can't be matched by anyone else no matter how hard they try. A lot of these newer bands try to copy his style but aren't all that successful. He combines blues into metal and gets that sound that could almost knock you over. At the same time Hammett can have really passionate solos, that show his true love for the instrument, and that he isn't just a guy that can pick fast and use a lot of effects. He is the meaning of metal guitar. Pure, raw, technical, passionate, etc.

When we talk about James on the other hand, it isn't as much speed as it is power and rage. James is an amazing player, and he can sing while playing songs like Battery, Blackened, and Damage Inc. to name a few. He's like the driving force behind the band. Without those heart-stopping riffs their wouldn't be a Metallica. Just another metal band in the mix.

By far the best band ever, with the possibility of having the best guitar duo ever, Metallica's Kirk and James, are what makes the unique. Not trying to take anything away from Lars, who is a killer drummer, but guitar is usually what stands out for most bands, and for the metal gods that are Metallica it's takes them to the top.

Top ten metal albums

Here is the list of the top ten metal albums of all time according to Metal-Rules.com, and there are some very good bands on the list, check it out and tell be what you think!

10. Judas Priest- Screaming For Vengeance

This is the one Judas Priest album that you have to have according to most metal heads. Priest is one of the leading bands in the metal movement, and by far one of the greatest bands in music history. They're hell bent for leather, and they kick off our list at number 10.

9. Slayer- Seasons in the Abyss

Considered to be Slayer's last classic album, Seasons in the Abyss is one of the ultimate speed metal albums. Kerry King on lead guitar never stops the action and with songs like War Ensable, and the title track it's easy to see why it made the list at number 9.

8. Dio- Holy Diver

Alright, if you don't know this album, or at least this song you're not a true metal fan. Ronnie James Dio, and Holy Diver are two elements that without, the metal world wouldn't be the same. put up your devil horns it's Dio!

7. Iron Maiden- Peace of Mind

Ah Iron Maiden, a true die hard metal band till the end. These guys are so metal they make up three songs on this list! Not hard to see why when you have a voice like Bruce Dickinson in the band.

6. Iron Maiden- Powerslave

Yes, two times in a row. I told you these guys were the real deal. After Number of the Beast and Piece of Mind, Iron Maiden was looking for more and they got what they needed with Powerslave.

5. Slayer- Reign in Blood

No not Raining Blood, although a common misconception, the album is called Reign in Blood. Perhaps the definitive Slayer album with "godly" songs like Raining Blood and Angel of Death.

4. AC/DC- Back In Black

This is an album everyone knows, metal fan or not. If you listen to music at all or have ever been to a party you've heard this CD. AC/DC's first CD without singer Bon Scott who had died previously. The band thought they were finished but Brian Johnson saved the band and did a great job at keeping them a float with Back in Black.

3. Metallica- Ride the Lightning

Finally some recognition! Metallica's second album Ride the Lightning is nothing but metal. Considered the bridge between Kill Em' All and Master of Puppets, with songs like Fade to Black and Creeping Death

2. Iron Maiden- Number of the Beast

Okay, they have to stop doing this. On the list once again and with the number two spot! Number of the Beast. There's no doubt about it, Iron Maiden are true innovators at what they do, and are one of the most recognizable bands out there.

1. Metallica- Master of Puppets

Can you believe it? Who knew Metallica was metal enough to top the list of most metal albums of all time? *Sarcasm Well if you don't believe it than you obviously haven't heard this album. Considered by thousands to be the best Metallica album Master of Puppets is pure anger, rage, and hate. True metal.

Heavy Metal Box Set

This past Christmas all I really asked for were CD's. When I opened this gift I was suprised at what it was. A box in the shape of a Marshall amp that held four metal albums. This is a great collection of artists, mostly from the eighties. Bands like Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, Diamond Head, and Motorhead. There's also the more glam metal bands that I don't want to mention, but I know some people like. Bands like Posion, Ratt, Whitesnake, and other people. There is something in here for everyone.

Like I said before I'm not a fan of the glam metal. Guys dressing like girls, and wearing make-up isn't exactly appealing to me, but there's a lot more to this box set than that. Everything from, speed metal, thrash metal, death metal, etc is on here.

The set also comes with a booklet containg all the bands, and there songs that make up these cd's. The book describes what the songs mean, and how they made them successful.

Kill Em' All

This is the first ever album by Metallica. I'd describe it as thrash or speed metal, and raw. Released in 1983 it's easy to see why the quality isn't the best, but defiantly gets the job done. All ten tracks have that thrashy raw tone, with the exception of Cliff Burton's bass solo "(Anesthesia) Pulling Teeth" with some drums towards the end.

The hit single is called, "Jump in the Fire" written by James Hetfield, it's about his home and how it's more of a hell than anything else. But, in my opinion the hit song should have been "Seek and Destroy." You have to listen to this one. This is track number nine, and by far the best song on the album. It's more or less about starting up a fight and killing people off. hetfield's voice is great, awesome riffs, good drumming, and Hammett has a great solo.

Another great track from Kill Em' All is none other than "Whiplash." If you're looking to throw yourself around your room this is the song for you. It's fast, simple, and it just flat out thrashes. I think it's about acting crazy or going insane at a Metallica concert or anywhere for that matter.

This may not be Metallica's best album but it's defiantly falls into the top four. A great way to start. Kill Em' All doesn't slow down, and shows that Metallica is here to stay.

...And Justice For All

Not only is it considered a progressive album, it is also Metallica's most political. It's right there in the title, ...And Justice For All. A lot of this CD has to deal with the way that Metallica sees our Justice System, corrupt.

This is shown in the title track, ...And Justice For All. This epic 9 minute something song shows their pure hatred towards politics and the people who run them. I really like this song and the message but it is an extremely long song. That's saying a lot for Metallica considering most of their songs are around 7 minutes long. But for the 9 plus minutes they play they never show mercy.

Away from the politics but still in relation is the song, One. Many of you who play Guitar Hero may have seen it on GH III. The is about a man in war who steps on a landmine and is basically blow up. He has no arms or legs, he can't see, hear or talk. He just lies in a hospital bed waiting for death to come, praying someone will pull the plug. This song is really depressing, and impressing, not trying to rhyme on purpose. Anyway, this is also a song that goes from slow to fast or hard. Similar to Fade to Black and Sanitarium.

Kirk Hammett, lead guitar, has a series of guitar...fiddles, as I like to call them. Working up and down the fretboard at a nice smooth pace, while James plays the verses in the background. Lars is playing what sounds like a harder beat, but really flows with the song. It melts together, and they're in sync. Of course like Metallica always does they ease their way into a heavy, fast section that makes you want to get up and throw yourself around. During this section of One they put you in the mind of the wounded soldier, James sings, " Landmines, have taken my sight, taken my speech, taken my hearing! Taken my arms, taken my legs, taken my soul, left me with life in hell!" Suddenly Lars throughs down a series of snare hits, bring Hammett into a solo that you won't soon forget.

The whole album is furious. One of their best, and the last great CD Metallica has put out other that their latest comeback, Death Magnetic, which is good, but nothing like Justice.

Ride the Lightning

This is Metallica's second CD and is my favorite one of all time. Changing the pace a little bit from the raw tones of Kill Em' All, Ride the Lightning is considered the bridge from playing in the clubs of LA and small gigs in the early eighties, to big stages and arenas all over the world in the mid-eighties. This album holds Metallica's first instrumental 'Call of the Ktulu', and their first so called ballad 'Fade to Black.'

I'd like to talk about Fade to Black first of all. This is one of the best Metallica songs ever released. James Heitfield, lead singer and rhythm guitarist wrote this song shortly after the bands equipment was stolen out of their bus. He was depressed from this and possibly other things and was able to write a great song with poetic lyrics, a blasting chorus, and awesome guitar solos.

Another song that stands out on the album and is significantly heavier than Kill Em' All is Fight Fire with Fire. The song talks of the world ending, nuclear warfare or apocalypse. Metallica would soon find themselves writing about this topic a lot more in the epic 'Master of Puppets.'

This song is fast, but they keep it simple. This is one of the main reasons I like Metallica so much, simplicity. The opening isn't really anything like the song. They start out with a sort of acoustic riff reminding you of the days of knights and dragons. They play this a few times then go into absolute chaos. With a series of pulse pounding open E strings and a downward progression, Lars banging on the drums, this song makes you want to scream.

A lot of people will argue that the Black album or Master is better than anything else Metallica has put out. But in my opinion this album is the start of Metallica's career. This is where people see the heavier side of them for the first time. The bridge between a bar band, and and metal gods.

Master of Puppets

Considered to be a revolutionizing thrash metal album, Metallica's 'Master of Puppets' was anything but glam metal. During the mid-eighties bands like Van Halen and Motley Crue were taking over the party scene and the charts. Enraged with this Metallica sought revenge with an album more or less about death. With James' stunning vocals, Lars' in your face drumming, and the cry of Kirk's guitar, this album is heavy metal at it's best.

The title track, "Master of Puppets" is the driving force behind the whole CD. The song is about a drug addiction, possibly cocaine or heroin, and it controlling your life, taking you down, all the way to the end.

The song is fast, very fast. But does slow down into a more melodic rhythm. While James plays a the acoustic progression, Kirk comes in with a slow but passionate solo, that I imagine symbolizes the start of a downfall for the abuser. After that the band goes back into the heavy stuff with a chant singing, " Master, Master, where's the dreams that I've been after?" " Master, Master, Promised only lies." And so on, before the second solo where Hammett unleashes his fury. In my eyes I see the abuser completely falling apart. After that they go back into the verses until the end. They hit and hold an open chord while James laughs evilly at the man the drugs ended up killing.

This is by far one of my favorite Metallica songs, and albums. They don't mess around and do exactly what they're best at, thrash. Other songs on the CD are Battery, Sanatarium, Orion, and Damage Inc. All of which are good heavy metal.

ESP Iron Cross

Metallica, Run DMC, Jeff Beck in the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame

Finally it's happened. After a long career of being one of metal's greatest bands, Metallica is being inducted into the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame. Other musicians like Run DMC, Jeff Beck, and The Imperials will be there with them. I really think the band deserves this. They were the revolutionizers of thrash metal and influenced thousands of bands to follow in they're foot steps. The ceremony will be held April 4th, 2009 in Cleavland, OH instead of the usual New York City. This will also be the first time that tickets are being sold to the general public.

Like I said before Metallica really deserve this kind of recognition. They've been around for a long time and it hasn't been a smooth ride all 25 years. They lost there bassist, Cliff Burton, in a bus accident, and almost quit. But, the band kept rolling, in my opinion it was the right thing to do. They've also been sued by Napster, and got a lot of criticism for the Black album. But, nothing could take the band down.

Now after a long career they will be honored, and all the haters really can't say anything. This happens to the best bands, the greatest bands, bands like Metallica.

I can't say, however, that Run DMC is all that worthy of of this honor. It's called the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, not rap. Since when is Run DMC rock? Other bands should be in there way before them, Blue Oyster Cult, Deep Purple, Cheap Trick, etc. Not Run DMC. I'm not trying to put the Hall of Fame down by any means, but this is a little ridiculous. Why don't they just build a Rap Hall of Fame? So they have somewhere else to go, where they fit in. The only exception to this would a band like the Beastie Boys. A lot of their songs feature guitar, drum, bass, and all that stuff. Kerry King from slayer plays the guitar in "No Sleep till Brooklyn" so I'd consider them to be Rock-Rap.

Metallica at Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame

The KH-2 Ouija

Jackson Kelly Pro

I couldn't find my exact Jackson, but this one is close enough. This is by far my most expensive guitar. It's a little backwords actually. Usually people get cheap guitars for their first guitar. But, this was my first guitar. It's really nice, but it's complicating. Even after two to three years of playing, i still have a hard time with it. it's a lot different from other guitars I have, especially when it comes to restringing it. There are a lot of things you need to undo or loosen, and you have to go one string at a time. I'm not trying to complain, even though it sounds like I am, It just isn't a guitar I was prepared for.

Other than it's complexity, it plays great, the best of all my guitars. but, if you are on a budget I wouldn't recommend this one. I got it for Christmas, and it was used, but a brand new one will cost you up to $2,000.00. But it's worth every penny.

The action on this guitar is amazing, and the neck plays fast. This is defiantly a metal guitar. Equip with EMG pickups, and a Floyd Rose this guitar rocks. I've heard a lot of people with Gibson's say that this guitar sounds as good or better. It also plays good sitting or standing. Some people may think that because of it's awkward shape, it might be difficult to play, but it isn't a problem. Weather you're having a lazy day at home or tearing it up on stage, this guitar is a great one.

Ibanez RG2EX2

Now that I'm blogging about musical instruments, and not just bands I'm going to tell you a little bit more about me. You might have guessed that I play the guitar, which is true. I have four guitars, but this is the one I play the most. My Ibanez. It's white, with a basewood body, three piece maple neck, 24 jumbo frets, rosewood fingerboard, dot inlays, fixed bridge, IBZ Humbuckers, and a three way pick up switch. I've had this guitar for just over a year, and it still plays like it did the first time I played it. It holds up really well too. Even through tough conditions like hitting, and banging it on things, there's hardly a scratch.

This is also a great guitar for a really low price. When I was looking around at Guitar Center for a guitar I saw a lot of Ibanez that were well over my budget. Some even reached the $800.00 limit. I got this guitar for $200.00, and it was money well spent.

The guitar is great for any genre of music from blues to metal. The neck is smooth and it plays fast. I pickups scream, and the harmonics are great. Anyone who wants to play the electric guitar, and has been playing for years and wanting a new one, this is a great buy.

Update

As we get further and further into our blogs, I find it a little difficult to keep finding topics to talk about. So I've decided to not only talk about bands, but anything music related. I'll keep Metallica as my main topic but it gets difficult talking about the people over and over again. They only do so much, and I've already talked about their new album more than once. So now I'll write about bands, Cd's, instruments, video games (having to do with music), and so on. Hopefully I'll get more people interested in my blog.