NAME: Through The Ashes of Empire
ARTIST:Machine Head
RATING:

REVIEW: I will be very blunt in saying that TTASOE is a masterpiece of modern metal. Machine Head as a band doesn't fit into any particular genre. Though the album finds roots in thrash, groove, and even metalcore, as a whole it's a completely original creation. I found myself completely hooked until the very end from the first track. The vocals range from screams of pure fist-pumping rage to some surprisingly good clean singing. Guitars are appropriately heavy, and the drumming is as always fantastic. Highlights on the album are "Imperium," a great choice for an opening track and one of the best songs. The reason for that is mainly because it changes focus quite a few times, going from an acoustic intro to a thrashy main riff, metalcore-inspired bridge, and a chorus I would most definitely find myself chanting at a concert. "Hear me now/words I vow/no fucking regrets/fuck these chains/you goddamn slave/I will be different." Say what you will, but I can't think of anything to call that other than god damned awesome. Also check out "Days Turn Blue To Gray," "All Fall Down," and the incredibly good closing track "Descend the Shades of Night." Do yourself a favor and pick this album up if you like metal. - Nick

MegaDeath

NAME: Peace Sells...but Who's Buying?
ARTIST:Megadeath
RATING:

REVIEW: This was one of Megadeth's best albums. It was ran on a pretty low budget, and still grossed over 1 million sales in the US alone. It was classed as one of the best thrash albums of it's time. Some songs to check out are Peace Sells, Wake up Dead and Bad Omen. Peace Sells has a badass rhythm to it that usually isn't seen in thrash. So if you have some spare cash, i'd seriously think about investing in a new album ;) - Werewolf

Meshuggah

NAME: ObZen
ARTIST:Meshuggah
RATING:

REVIEW: ObZen is absurdly heavy. That's probably the best way for me to describe it. Essentially it's a mashup of death and groove metal. The vocals are fairly standard death fare, but the guitars are so crushingly heavy I couldn't believe it the first time I listened. Besides some interludes, expect nothing but downtuned, groovy, chugging riffing from start to finish. I honestly wish I could give it a higher score. That 3 star rating comes from the fact that it all blends together after a while. The riffing follows a similar pattern, the drummer plugs away with some admittedly great technicality, and the vocalist doesn't show any range at all. It's all honestly very good, but it can definitely get a little monotonous by the end. I'd advise listening to it in parts, do that and you'll love it. Be sure to check out "Bleed" and "Lethargica." Those are probably the best two tracks. If you like the formula Meshuggah follows, you'll enjoy the rest of ObZen. Others maybe not so much, the repetition can really hurt the enjoyment. - Nick