Metal Thread V - Defenders of the Faith

[Decoy Lockbox]

Just started listening to metal recently (specifically, since I played Brutal Legend last year and it planted the germ of metal fever into my brain and allowed it to slowly spread). Is there any good best of metal collection to get, so I don't have to catch up group by group? It seems those sorts of compilations are a lot less frequent with metal than genres like standard rock or country.

I have a cursory guide to metal in my sig, give the songs a listen, figure out which specific "sounds", bands or genres you like, then return here and we can give you more recommendations. Its a 40 year old musical genre with countless subgenres, so you're about to dive into the deep end, in the best possible way

I'm really glad that there aren't compilations like "Now thats what I call metal! Volume 1", because part of being a metalhead is questing for new and exciting bands to listen to. I'd go ahead and acquaint yourself with the history of the genre as well (metalology), reading about its history and the way in which it has interacted with other musical genres throughout the years is rather fascinating.

[shiram]

I used to get metal samplers when I bought metal cd's, but those seem to be a thing of the past.
Anyways, as for Brutal Legend, well the wiki entry on it lists the soundtrack, and you could go from there.
I'll list a few albums to help out

Motorhead - Ace of Spades
Ozzy Osbourne - Blizzard of Ozz
Black Sabbath - Paranoid
Manowar - Battle Hymns
Judas Priest - British Steel
Anthrax- Among the living

I feel heavy metal, power metal and the likes are the best to start on a journey towards metal, so thats what I picked from the list, mostly, and some classics in there too, so thats a start.
Also to note not all the Brutal Legend soundtrack is metal either, but still some good songs on there.

[FlashRah]

May I add

Iron Maiden - Powerslave
Metallica - Ride the Lightning

[shiram]

I definately wanted to put Iron Maiden - Powerslave.
Dont know why it slipped my mind.
Metallica also, but they dont need the publicity as much!

[ex cathedra]

Yo peeps. Any of you know of Kvelertak?

The spirit of rock 'n' roll lives in black metal. Wait... what?

God, they're so catchy. I really like Sjøhyenar (Havets Herrer).

@hustlertwo: Anyways, if you enjoyed Brutal Legend's soundtrack then those suggestions will probably please you. I'm not really fond of anything on that soundtrack, personally. The genre's too diverse to easily populate a single list of metal by a large group of bands with roughly the same popularity.

[zeratul]

Well Hustler, if you're interested I recently formulated what I've dubbed my "metal conversion" tool when I was helping a friend get into metal so I would recommend listening to this

Spoiler

Show

1.Mirror Mirror~ Blind Guardian (Power Metal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MBrEPUZh-U
2.Hate Crew Deathroll~ Children of Bodom (Melodic Death Metal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSlTJ9YHdr0
3.The Fire Burns Forever ~ Hammerfall (Power Metal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87V5oryRGdU
4.Over The Seas ~ Alestorm (Folk Metal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBW7MZhhLc4
5.Vengeance is Mine ~ Sentenced (Gothic Metal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwzcVzU7jxg
6.Rotten Roll ~ Goathorn (Doom Metal / Classic Metal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2i_Z24p2uw
7.Tornado Of Souls ~ Megadeth (Thrash Metal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cxlpFSCUYc
8.Her Ghost in The Fog ~ Cradle of Filth (Gothic Black Metal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzV1jBAf4Xs
9. Inis Mona ~ Eluveitie (Folk Metal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPOYvC79H-8
10. Cyanide ~ Deathstars (Gothic/Industrial Metal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly-jMFFjIbM
11. Run To The Hills ~ Iron Maiden (New Wave of Brittish Heavy Metal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UNR3s51Zc4
12. Rus Iznachalnaya~ Arkona (Folk Metal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFqsd19W-RA
13. Black Metal ~ Venom (Black/Thrash Metal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHmzFVDjVnM
14. Metal Warriors ~ Manowar (power Metal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyOy5YnE8G4
15. One Shot at Glory ~ Judas Preist (Classic Metal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhvUpykF7OM
16. The Chair ~ The 69 Eyes (Gothic Metal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxQmY95T6EA
17. Too Old Too Cold ~ Darkthrone (Black Metal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TARcUdiwRpQ
18. The Illusive Consensus ~ Epica (Symphonic Metal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yTUaji8Ai8
19. Nemo ~ Nightwish (Symphonic Metal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUTTA2X74N4
20. Angel Witch ~ Angel Witch (New Wave of Brittish Heavy Metal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXZc9-mtFDk
21.The Serpentine Offering ~ Dimmu Borgir (Symphonic Black Metal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOxlRrr74X0
22. Wooden Pints ~ Korpiklaani (Folk Metal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIc4VHxU7iM
23. Slave To The Grind ~ Skid Row (Hair Metal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkKXR...eature=related
24. Mindtraveler ~ Falconer (Power Metal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7c2BsuETGE
25. Under Bergets Rot ~ Finntroll ( Folk Metal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtE6cpaqkCc

Also, Happy Death metal Day one and all! \m/

[hustlertwo]

I should specify that while I'm new to metal in general, I've been a major league fan of Ozzy/Sabbath (or at least Ozzy-era Sabbath, although there were a couple good tracks from the Dio brand of Sabbath) for about nine or ten years. So no suggestions really needed there, though I appreciate the thought. I also snagged a Motorhead collection a couple months back (based in part on my fondness for the two songs of theirs I knew, Ace of Spades and the Roadcrew one from BL), and just a few days ago The Very Beast of Dio. The latter purchase being what motivated me to make this post; I realized I didn't really want to satisfy my burgeoning metal lust one group at a time.

And yeah, the Brutal Legend soundtrack is good stuff in general. I listened to the Youtube playlist of it a fair amount. Of all the tracks on there I liked that I didn't already have on one disc or another, the two I have probably listened to the most were Tag Team by Anvil (who I know have had a resurgence of late thanks to that doc) and Serpentine Crave by Bishop of Hexen. Probably start looking into something along those lines next.

I'm definitely gonna check out some of these links next time I get time. Thanks, y'all.

[Marillion]

I should specify that while I'm new to metal in general, I've been a major league fan of Ozzy/Sabbath (or at least Ozzy-era Sabbath, although there were a couple good tracks from the Dio brand of Sabbath) for about nine or ten years.

Based on that, I will recommend:

Witchcraft [2]

The Sword [2]

Accept [2]

And general recommendations:

Ayreon [2] [3]

Pain of Salvation [2]

Nevermore [2]

Kamelot [2]

[bloodlover]

Tbh the albums from Black Sabbath with Ozzy were not that "metal". There were bands at the time singing stuff that sounded more like metal. Just listen to "Immigrant Song" for ex. Or Motorhead. I always thought that the real metal era started after 1980. After that all the bands in the genre that made history were born.

ps : I consider Immigrant Song to be the first viking metal song ever.

[Klose_the_Sith]

Tbh the albums from Black Sabbath with Ozzy were not that "metal". There were bands at the time singing stuff that sounded more like metal. Just listen to "Immigrant Song" for ex. Or Motorhead. I always thought that the real metal era started after 1980. After that all the bands in the genre that made history were born.

Electric Funeral is as metal as that time gets, barbarian.

[Nameless]

Seeing as Sabbath and Zeppelin were pretty much the creators of Metal, it's expected that they didn't exactly sound like the Metal we know and love today. It's the same with a lot of things really, I suppose you could call them "Proto Metal" if you realy wanted to, but all the elements for Metal were there.

[bloodlover]

That's one exception. Just like Snowblind and Iron Man probably are. But listen to songs like Gypsy or Laguna Sunrise. Or Solitude etc. Those are definetly not metal by standards (unike every song after 1980 made by Sabbath).

Now look at Saxon's self intitled album from 1979 or Motorhead's "Bomber" from 1979 or Judas Priest's "Diamonds and Rust" from 1977. Imo those are closer to metal. I also never liked Ozzy's voice from the early albums. His voice was not special compared to other great artists at the time like Dio, Plant or Halford.

But ofc even considering all this, Black Sabbath after 1980 became a true awesome/epic/godlike heavy metal band (even if Tony Martin is underrated as hell...)

[Nameless]

Now look at Saxon's self intitled album from 1979 or Motorhead's "Bomber" from 1979 or Judas Priest's "Diamonds and Rust" from 1977. Imo those are closer to metal. I also never liked Ozzy's voice from the early albums. His voice was not special compared to other great artists at the time like Dio, Plant or Halford.

Well, of course. Bands like Saxon came along after Sabbath and Zeppelin and perfected the Heavy Metal sound That Sabbath and Zeppeling created. It may not sound like Heavy Metal to us these days because we have bands like Saxon, Motorhead and Iron Maiden to listen to.

[bloodlover]

We'll I've been into metal/rock since I was 12 but now I am just 23. I never lived the 70's or 80's so I can say it;s fair to judge the music from my conception of what metal is today. I have no doubt that Led Zep and Sabbath were "heavy" in the 70's.

[Marillion]

Considering that Jethro Tull won a Heavy Metal Grammy for Crest of a Knave, beating out Metallica's ...And Justice For All, I'd say the definition of metal has changed greatly over the past 20 years.

[shiram]

I would not take the Grammy's definition of metal all too seriously either...
Tool and Nine inch nails won it twice
Rage against the machine, Korn and Deftones also won it.

And beyond those, we have Metallica, Slayer, Ozzy Osbourne, Soundgarden, Black Sabbath, Motorhead, Slipknot, Slayer, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden.

So there is definately metal in there, but there are also non-metal acts, winning the metal awards

[ex cathedra]

I would not take the Grammy's definition of metal all too seriously either...
Tool and Nine inch nails won it twice
Rage against the machine, Korn and Deftones also won it.

And beyond those, we have Metallica, Slayer, Ozzy Osbourne, Soundgarden, Black Sabbath, Motorhead, Slipknot, Slayer, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden.

So there is definately metal in there, but there are also non-metal acts, winning the metal awards

See, you're implying that some of those bands aren't metal, but I honestly can't tell which. I mean, it stands to reason that you're pointing out the top 5, but all of them are deserving of the genre on one album or another. The weird thing is that you put Soundgarden in the list with well-known* metal artists, while Soundgarden is no more metal than any band previously listed...
*Even though they suck.
Edit: To clarify, I think you're just being elitist. Now, that's not unexpected, but I felt a need to call it out.

[bloodlover]

Happy B day Quorthon, grandfather of black metal and viking metal!!

ALL HAIL !!

[hustlertwo]

Buddy Holly and Elvis don't sound a lot like Alice Cooper or Mountain, but they all fall under the rock and roll banner. I'd say the same works for early metal bands like Sabbath and the more modern variety.

[Zocelot]

I was on TvTropes, under Guilty Pleasure, looking to see if my guiltiest pleasure of all time band (Simple Plan) was there. Under music, in terms of metal, there was Dragonforce, who I would consider a guilty pleasure, Manowar, who I do not feel guilty about liking at all despite their cheesiness, and the Deathstars, who I have never thought would be considered a guilty pleasure. Anyone here who can explain to me why Deathstars would be a guilty pleasure? And anyone willing to share their guilty pleasures?

[toasty]

I was on TvTropes, under Guilty Pleasure, looking to see if my guiltiest pleasure of all time band (Simple Plan) was there. Under music, in terms of metal, there was Dragonforce, who I would consider a guilty pleasure, Manowar, who I do not feel guilty about liking at all despite their cheesiness, and the Deathstars, who I have never thought would be considered a guilty pleasure. Anyone here who can explain to me why Deathstars would be a guilty pleasure? And anyone willing to share their guilty pleasures?

A few thoughts:
DragonFarce is hilarious and thus awesome. I really like their albums when I'm feeling like I need something stupid. Would never pay to see them live or anything though.

Metalcore in general. I like Times of Grace, KSE, As I Lay Dying, Demon Hunter (DEMON HUNTER!) and War of Ages

... is Disturbed a guilty pleasure? I suppose they are.

I'm listening to Linkin Park right now, I'm not a fan of them, I think that likely their only good song is "numb" and I'm laughing because I realize this music was "heavy" in my small mind a few years ago (well... more like 5 years ago). Hahahahaha. *listens to death metal*

[shiram]

See, you're implying that some of those bands aren't metal, but I honestly can't tell which. I mean, it stands to reason that you're pointing out the top 5, but all of them are deserving of the genre on one album or another. The weird thing is that you put Soundgarden in the list with well-known* metal artists, while Soundgarden is no more metal than any band previously listed...
*Even though they suck.
Edit: To clarify, I think you're just being elitist. Now, that's not unexpected, but I felt a need to call it out.

I didnt qualify which we're metal or not, because it's mainly a futile exercise, as opinion will differ, but I thought I presented enough bands that one would find at least one they would consider non-metal, for you it seems it was Soundgarden, more so you said, though hidden, that they suck.

My opinion is that Nine Inch Nails, Tool, Ratm, Korn, Deftones, Soundgarden and maybe Slipknot (but i have not heard much from them) are not metal.

And also I do like some of those bands.

They also had White Zombie and Rob Zombie in nominations, and I would not qualify him as metal either.

I guess for the sake of simplicity, they fit all of them in metal, and its not a big deal really. My point remains that I would not look at the Grammy's as a source of information on metal bands.

[Killer Angel]

My opinion is that Nine Inch Nails, Tool, Ratm, Korn, Deftones, Soundgarden and maybe Slipknot (but i have not heard much from them) are not metal.

Well, some of them are indeed metal. Only, nu metal is a very alternative and borderline subgenre of metal. I suppose.

[shiram]

Again, the point is to show that non-metal acts have won or have been nominated for a metal Grammy.
Since you say only "some of them" are indeed metal, I still think my point remains valid.

Anyways, we can all agree that This is Metal :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLTm7ezMexM

But this is a slippery conversation, and I will try to point it elsewhere...

Any of you guys heard the 2 new tracks from the upcoming Amon Amarth album? Pretty decent stuff, but no reinvention of the wheel, it seems to me they continue with their trademark sound and themes. Good stuff, and looking forward to the tour.

[toasty]

I'm probably gonna miss the tour. No Car = you gotta come to my city.

[ex cathedra]

My opinion is that Nine Inch Nails, Tool, Ratm, Korn, Deftones, Soundgarden and maybe Slipknot (but i have not heard much from them) are not metal.

I think that all of those bands have made metal at one point or the other. The least convincing entry is NIN, whose metal output is limited to a handful of songs on a handful of albums and EPs, but everything else is more-or-less metal.

[zeratul]

I didnt qualify which we're metal or not, because it's mainly a futile exercise, as opinion will differ, but I thought I presented enough bands that one would find at least one they would consider non-metal, for you it seems it was Soundgarden, more so you said, though hidden, that they suck.

My opinion is that Nine Inch Nails, Tool, Ratm, Korn, Deftones, Soundgarden and maybe Slipknot (but i have not heard much from them) are not metal.

And also I do like some of those bands.

They also had White Zombie and Rob Zombie in nominations, and I would not qualify him as metal either.

I guess for the sake of simplicity, they fit all of them in metal, and its not a big deal really. My point remains that I would not look at the Grammy's as a source of information on metal bands.

Slpiknot and Korn are metal they're just bad metal. NIN are indeed not a metal band, pretty much straight industrial rock. Soundgarden are grunge/hard rock but have some heavy metal influences, RATM and Tool are both non metal bands with metal aspects. Zombie is pretty clearly industrial metal

As for the black sabbath thing somone mentioned earlier, I would qualify much of their early work as heavy metal. There is no denying that "Black Sabbat" "Iron Man" "War Pigs" "Paranoid" "Never Say Die" "Children of The Grave" "Symptom of The Universe" or "Electric Funeral" aren't metal. Led Zepplin were deffinitely a big influence as well, but they were missing that sinister aspect of black sabbath that really established the genre.

[shiram]

See I dont see what would separate NIN as a rock/industrial band, while White Zombie would be metal/industrial.
Of course that refers to a small part of NIN's catalogue, mostly the Broken ep, as the vast majority of his catalogue is mostly rock based.

But really it's not a big issue.
You say metal, I say rock, but if the music is good, I dont mind which genre its associated too.

[Nameless]

As for the black sabbath thing somone mentioned earlier, I would qualify much of their early work as heavy metal. There is no denying that "Black Sabbat" "Iron Man" "War Pigs" "Paranoid" "Never Say Die" "Children of The Grave" "Symptom of The Universe" or "Electric Funeral" aren't metal. Led Zepplin were deffinitely a big influence as well, but they were missing that sinister aspect of black sabbath that really established the genre.

Actually, Zeppelin were the first band to be labeled as "Heavy Metal". I would say that while Sabbath gave Metal the whole dark and sinister feel, Zeppelin gave it the fun Rock 'n' Roll attitude. every band after them pretty much went down one of these two roads, or mixed them both togethor.
Of course, you wouldn't really be wrong calling them a Rock band either.

[toasty]

Slpiknot and Korn are metal they're just bad metal.

Slipknot, yes, Korn... in my experience are really... not entirely metal. Freak on a Leash isn't metal, and that's pretty much their #1 hit. Some of their songs sound metalish, some of them don't at all. I realize that's not a fair argument since very metal bands like Epica and Nightwish have enough softy ballads mixed in with their real metal songs to really kinda mess with that.

I think the bottom line is that a lot of Heavy Music is really hard to pin down. Is Linkin Park metal? Kinda. Are they a good band? THat's arguable (they have some good music, I hold, I haven't listen to their new stuff much but I think its good music, not metal, but good music). Is Korn Metal? Probably not. Are they a good band? In my opinion no.

This is one of the reasons I like to say its how a band presents itself and who they tour with and how they think of other metal bands to prove how "metal" a band is. So a band like Demon Hunter, a "metalcore" band that tours mostly with Hardcore/Metalcore bands might not really be considered "metal" by a lot of people, but a band like Eluveitie which tours with Three Inches of Blood, Amon Amarth, and other obviously metal bands, has the entire metal vibe really down and has never been anything but metal really can't be considered anything but metal.

Of course, that's my opinion.