Official METAL Thread

**Ixion** · 10-20-2012

Originally Posted by DarkVincent07

wow. is it wierd ive been listening to arch enemy for like 5 years and didnt know the singer was female hahah

Haha wow. I can't believe you never looked them up or watched a video. She's fuckin hot too!

**DarkVincent07** · 10-20-2012

Originally Posted by Ixion

Haha wow. I can't believe you never looked them up or watched a video. She's fuckin hot too!

yeah some bands i like ive just never taken the time

Who are the hot redheads on the poster, far left and right, I'd watch their videos

**btbam** · 10-20-2012

Album Review: Parallax II: Future Sequence, Between the Buried and Me

I decided to write up a little review for you guys to hopefully entice a few of you into giving this behemoth of an album a listen. Review is a bit long so i spoiled it.

Parallax II: Future Sequence is the the sixth full length album from the North Carolina prog metal group and proves to be one of the most substantial albums to be released in 2012. This album continues their oddball style ranging from headbanging metalcore, progressive rock, infusions of jazz, and gypsy music, but this album offers some of the most inspired music to come from this band. This album could prove to be the magnum opus of the band

Clocking in just over 72 minutes, this album is truly a leviathan in the music world. It is 72 minutes packed full of incredible heavy riffage, smooth jazzy sections and progressive rock moments that will be difficult to wrap your head around. Despite having 12 track listed, the bulk of the album is condensed into 7 tracks with the others working as 1-2 minutes interludes. What this means is the songs reach the 10+ minutes. For the causal listener or new listeners to Between the Buried and Me may feel overwhelmed by length of the songs and the length of the album itself, but Between the Buried and Me does include one thing in this album many metal bands neglect: Pacing. The album starts a little slower with several moments of reprieve which portion out the brutal moments into more palatable sizes. Although it starts slow, by the second half of Parallax II, the album has a full head of steam on it and is almost impossible to stop.

The most stand out performance on this album has to be from vocalists and keyboardists Tommy Rogers. His brutal vocals sound the most guttural they have in his career. The verbosity of his brutal vocals really make those heavy moments that much stronger. His clean vocals also show significant improvement. Ever since his solo album, Tommy seems to be experimenting with vocal melodies with incredible success. He has some of the most interesting and innovative clean vocal melodies to be released this year of any band let alone in his career. His keyboards also play a more important role than ever before. This album travels into experimental phases much more frequently and often these transitions are facilitated by a simple phrase on his keys.

The rest of the band also shows incredible talent in the song writing. The guitars are strong in brutal and non brutal sections. The brutal sections show innovative riffing that the band has been missing since the Silent Circus. Although the riffs were never uninteresting in former releases, the guitar parts show genuine complexity. The bass and drums are more solid than ever and overall the band has released its most cohesive and interesting album to date. Hardcore fans will be well at home in Parallax II with songs like Telos, and Extremeophile Elite. The bulk of the album will bludgeon you over the head with its strong riffage, complex compositions and just brutal nature.

Despite their experimental nature, Parallax II is the first foray into the "concept album" territory. This album serves as a sequel to the 2011 EP, Parallax Hypersleep Dialogues, which introduced the characters to listeners. This album picks up on that effort and the action of the story takes place. This concept is complex and ventures into crazy sci fi arenas. Although the meaning of this story is obfuscated in vague lyrics, the general concepts follows Prospect I and Prospect II who were born on opposite sides of the universe ( and who share the same soul). The story eventually brings them together and bring about the end of existence. It touches on personal reflection and philosophy. The lyrics were written in a "stream of consciousness" style which has both drawbacks and advantages. On one hand it gives the characters a more raw connotation and allows the emotions to bleed through more clearly, but at times the lyrics can be vague and a bit excessive at times to convey a specific point in too many words.

Overall this album is a must have for metalhead kids like myself but it could be completely overwhelming for casual or new listeners. The songs are long and brutal and the band shows increased innovation with their experimental parts. If you listen with an open mind, this album has the potential to blow you away, but is not for the feint of heart.

For a good cross section of this album check out this video and buy the album!

**Metal Warrior** · 10-21-2012

Originally Posted by DarkVincent07

yeah some bands i like ive just never taken the time

Who are the hot redheads on the poster, far left and right, I'd watch their videos

Far left is Simone Simons, Dutch singer of Epica. Don't know the other one. I've seen Epica several times and I can confirm she always looks tasty! Interesting wardrobe as well.

**R_Mac_1** · 10-31-2012

Originally Posted by btbam

Album Review: Parallax II: Future Sequence, Between the Buried and Me

I decided to write up a little review for you guys to hopefully entice a few of you into giving this behemoth of an album a listen. Review is a bit long so i spoiled it.

Parallax II: Future Sequence is the the sixth full length album from the North Carolina prog metal group and proves to be one of the most substantial albums to be released in 2012. This album continues their oddball style ranging from headbanging metalcore, progressive rock, infusions of jazz, and gypsy music, but this album offers some of the most inspired music to come from this band. This album could prove to be the magnum opus of the band

Clocking in just over 72 minutes, this album is truly a leviathan in the music world. It is 72 minutes packed full of incredible heavy riffage, smooth jazzy sections and progressive rock moments that will be difficult to wrap your head around. Despite having 12 track listed, the bulk of the album is condensed into 7 tracks with the others working as 1-2 minutes interludes. What this means is the songs reach the 10+ minutes. For the causal listener or new listeners to Between the Buried and Me may feel overwhelmed by length of the songs and the length of the album itself, but Between the Buried and Me does include one thing in this album many metal bands neglect: Pacing. The album starts a little slower with several moments of reprieve which portion out the brutal moments into more palatable sizes. Although it starts slow, by the second half of Parallax II, the album has a full head of steam on it and is almost impossible to stop.

The most stand out performance on this album has to be from vocalists and keyboardists Tommy Rogers. His brutal vocals sound the most guttural they have in his career. The verbosity of his brutal vocals really make those heavy moments that much stronger. His clean vocals also show significant improvement. Ever since his solo album, Tommy seems to be experimenting with vocal melodies with incredible success. He has some of the most interesting and innovative clean vocal melodies to be released this year of any band let alone in his career. His keyboards also play a more important role than ever before. This album travels into experimental phases much more frequently and often these transitions are facilitated by a simple phrase on his keys.

The rest of the band also shows incredible talent in the song writing. The guitars are strong in brutal and non brutal sections. The brutal sections show innovative riffing that the band has been missing since the Silent Circus. Although the riffs were never uninteresting in former releases, the guitar parts show genuine complexity. The bass and drums are more solid than ever and overall the band has released its most cohesive and interesting album to date. Hardcore fans will be well at home in Parallax II with songs like Telos, and Extremeophile Elite. The bulk of the album will bludgeon you over the head with its strong riffage, complex compositions and just brutal nature.

Despite their experimental nature, Parallax II is the first foray into the "concept album" territory. This album serves as a sequel to the 2011 EP, Parallax Hypersleep Dialogues, which introduced the characters to listeners. This album picks up on that effort and the action of the story takes place. This concept is complex and ventures into crazy sci fi arenas. Although the meaning of this story is obfuscated in vague lyrics, the general concepts follows Prospect I and Prospect II who were born on opposite sides of the universe ( and who share the same soul). The story eventually brings them together and bring about the end of existence. It touches on personal reflection and philosophy. The lyrics were written in a "stream of consciousness" style which has both drawbacks and advantages. On one hand it gives the characters a more raw connotation and allows the emotions to bleed through more clearly, but at times the lyrics can be vague and a bit excessive at times to convey a specific point in too many words.

Overall this album is a must have for metalhead kids like myself but it could be completely overwhelming for casual or new listeners. The songs are long and brutal and the band shows increased innovation with their experimental parts. If you listen with an open mind, this album has the potential to blow you away, but is not for the feint of heart.

For a good cross section of this album check out this video and buy the album!

I've been listening to this album a shit ton. It's awesome. I like this video a lot because it shows the whole band playing simultaneously which I really enjoy watching.

**RaY_210** · 11-13-2012

Anyone picking up Koi No Yokan today? 2 days until Deftones come to town!!! Can't wait!

**btbam** · 11-14-2012

Originally Posted by RaY_210

Anyone picking up Koi No Yokan today? 2 days until Deftones come to town!!! Can't wait!

Nope not really a Deftones fan. If it gets stellar reviews I'll give it a listen but otherwise I'll pass

**Ixion** · 11-15-2012

The Deftones are one of my favorite bands, but I haven't gotten the chance to listen to it. It's being considered as one of their best albums.

I listened to Wintersun's new album though, Time I. I love four of the songs, but the 8 minute song in the middle is passable.

**RaY_210** · 11-15-2012

Originally Posted by Ixion

The Deftones are one of my favorite bands, but I haven't gotten the chance to listen to it. It's being considered as one of their best albums.

I listened to Wintersun's new album though, Time I. I love four of the songs, but the 8 minute song in the middle is passable.

It's a great album! I love it. And fuck yeah! Gonna go see them tonight!!!!

**Tyrannicide** · 11-15-2012

I'm stoked that Tobias decided he still needs more Avantasia! For all its epicness and cheesyness....it is awesome! God knows how long til the album drops, although they have started recording it.

**Sylar** · 02-11-2013

*Uses Phoenix Down*

errmaahhgerrd.

love this tune

**Ixion** · 02-11-2013

I would be contributing a lot more to this thread if my ears weren't still fucked up. I still have sound sensitivity due to that concert in September.

I'll listen to an album here and there anyway though.

In fact, I finally listened to the new Deftones and Dethklok albums the other day. Both are very good albums.

**Sylar** · 02-11-2013

Man that must be so annoying :/ how did it happen? Dyou get headaches because of it too? I'd hate not being able to listen to music

**Ixion** · 02-11-2013

Originally Posted by Sylar

Man that must be so annoying :/ how did it happen? Dyou get headaches because of it too? I'd hate not being able to listen to music

Was in the third row of a Coheed & Cambria concert, right in front of the speakers. It was insanely loud compared to every other concert I've been to, but I had too much pride to move to the back or leave.

Now I have mild/moderate tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and hyperacusis (sound sensitivity), which causes sharp inner ear pain.

The good news is that there's a sound therapy I can do that works most of the time, but it's expensive and takes at least six months to work.

I fucking love music, but I haven't been able to enjoy it much since then. I have to play it at a low volume and it still hurts a bit. So I really need to start that therapy soon.

**Sylar** · 02-12-2013

Originally Posted by Ixion

Was in the third row of a Coheed & Cambria concert, right in front of the speakers. It was insanely loud compared to every other concert I've been to, but I had too much pride to move to the back or leave.

Now I have mild/moderate tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and hyperacusis (sound sensitivity), which causes sharp inner ear pain.

The good news is that there's a sound therapy I can do that works most of the time, but it's expensive and takes at least six months to work.

I fucking love music, but I haven't been able to enjoy it much since then. I have to play it at a low volume and it still hurts a bit. So I really need to start that therapy soon.

that's crazy man hope it gets sorted out soon though, that must of been tough to stick near the speakers lol i couldn't manage it when i was stood next to the speaker when i saw funeral for a friend, it was painful then and i doubt it was as loud either!

**Ixion** · 02-12-2013

Originally Posted by Sylar

that's crazy man hope it gets sorted out soon though, that must of been tough to stick near the speakers lol i couldn't manage it when i was stood next to the speaker when i saw funeral for a friend, it was painful then and i doubt it was as loud either!

Yeah, I would recommend wearing earplugs to concerts from now on.

I went to my ENT and bought those $150 musician's earplugs, which are clear, custom-fitted, and don't muffle the sound. Instead you hear all the ranges, but they're just heard at a lower volume.

**Sylar** · 02-12-2013

Originally Posted by Ixion

Yeah, I would recommend wearing earplugs to concerts from now on.

I went to my ENT and bought those $150 musician's earplugs, which are clear, custom-fitted, and don't muffle the sound. Instead you hear all the ranges, but they're just heard at a lower volume.

they sound great, would expect it too with that price, no doubt a good investment though

think i might check out that new-ish Dethklok album by the way, used to love watching metalocalypse and listening to the dethalbum

**Ixion** · 02-12-2013

Originally Posted by Sylar

they sound great, would expect it too with that price, no doubt a good investment though

think i might check out that new-ish Dethklok album by the way, used to love watching metalocalypse and listening to the dethalbum

If you haven't listened to the second album too, then check that out as well. The second and third albums have more complex songwriting than the first album.

**DarkVincent07** · 02-12-2013

Good luck with the hearing Ix, sorry to hear it but I'm going to definitely take your advice and try to look after my ears better. The new Deftones album is rather good though.

And a new Killswitch Engage album this year. Soooo keeennnnnnnnnn

Via Tapatalk

**Nick_Scryer** · 02-14-2013

Can't wait for new Killswitch either ^

But coming sooner is Soilwork's new album which sounds amazing and is getting great buzz from press. Sounds fucking amazing in my opinion. Bring it on!

**Sylar** · 02-16-2013

I think this is quite an underrated Slipknot song

**DarkVincent07** · 02-16-2013

Originally Posted by Nick_Scryer

Can't wait for new Killswitch either ^

But coming sooner is Soilwork's new album which sounds amazing and is getting great buzz from press. Sounds fucking amazing in my opinion. Bring it on!

Yep, love Soilwork, every album so far has been different but awesome.

That's a day 1 from me as well

**DeadCrow** · 02-16-2013

Originally Posted by Nick_Scryer

Can't wait for new Killswitch either ^

But coming sooner is Soilwork's new album which sounds amazing and is getting great buzz from press. Sounds fucking amazing in my opinion. Bring it on!

I'm a big KsE fan, but I don't think I'm getting their new album. Ever since Howard took over, I've gotten so use to his voice that i can't really listen to them without him being vocals. Don't get me wrong, Jesse is awesome vocalist and their new single is heavy, but I can't listen to them. It feels weird.

**Nick_Scryer** · 02-16-2013

Originally Posted by DeadCrow

I'm a big KsE fan, but I don't think I'm getting their new album. Ever since Howard took over, I've gotten so use to his voice that i can't really listen to them without him being vocals. Don't get me wrong, Jesse is awesome vocalist and their new single is heavy, but I can't listen to them. It feels weird.

I thought the exact same at first hearing Jesse's vocals again after so long but after a few listens I've gotten super excited about new KSE again. Still though that's not out until April so I'm more focused on new Soilwork and Amaranthe first

The new album sounds like a contender for Album of the year even from the brief snippets. This vid makes me wet.

**DeadCrow** · 02-16-2013

Originally Posted by Nick_Scryer

I thought the exact same at first hearing Jesse's vocals again after so long but after a few listens I've gotten super excited about new KSE again. Still though that's not out until April so I'm more focused on new Soilwork and Amaranthe first

The new album sounds like a contender for Album of the year even from the brief snippets. This vid makes me wet.

I may change my mind, if I able to hear the entire album before it comes out, I'll think about getting it. Personally for me KsE best album is As Daylight Dies.