Yes, I have previously posted my top 5 metal albums, but it seemed like a good time to post them again. And so , here they are, in no particular order:
- Metallica -
Master of Puppets
Ok, I was not completely honest when I said "in no particular order". As far as I'm concerned this is the greatest metal album that has ever graced the earth with its existence. It successfully melds thrash metal speed and aggression with complex and dynamic arrangements. I'm still unable to reconcile that this is the same band who would go on to record Load and Re-Load, and, *shudder*, St. Anger.
- Queensryche -
Operation: Mindcrime
This was the pinnacle of Queensryche as a progressive metal band; a concept album revolving around the story of a man who is turned into an assassin through mind control. Much like Metallica with Master of Puppets, QR has not reached this height since. While 2006's Operation: Mindcrime II was an improvement over the albums released since Empire, it did not live up to its predecessor.
- Slayer -
Seasons In The Abyss
This is simply a masterpiece of fast, brutal thrash metal. Reign In Blood is always cited as the seminal thrash album, but I much prefer Seasons. Its tempos may not be quite as break-neck as Reign In Blood, but the songs are stronger and more refined.
- Iron Maiden -
Seven Son of a Seventh Son
Another concept album of sorts, with epic, fantasy-inspired songs. After this album Maiden started a slump that they didn't climb out of until 2000's Brave New World (and the return of Bruce Dickinson).
- Demons & Wizards -
Touched By the Crimson King
This is a new addition to the top 5. I'm too lazy to go back and check my previous Top 5 post, but I believe it is replacing Megadeth's Rush In Peace. Anyway, most of the songs on this album are inspired by Stephen King's epic The Dark Tower. Demons & Wizards combine modern thrash metal speed with old school Maiden-style power metal. Very good stuff; especially appealing to the D&D nerd set, I'm sure.
Well there you have it. YMMV, of course. But if you disagree with any of my choices, you are probably wrong!
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