Metal Mayhem's Top 100 Metal Bands of All-Time, 65-61

Hello everyone,

Here is the latest installment of Metal Mayhem's Top 100 Metal Bands of All-Time, number 65-61. In this portion of the countdown, we have a power metal bands, two progressive metal bands, Halestorm and Primus.

65. Halestorm

Halestorm is an American metal band from Red Lion, Pennsylvania that formed around 2003 by siblings Lzzy and Arejay Hale. They have released two excellent albums, Halestorm and The Strange Case of . What I like most about Halestorm (other than Lzzy Hale is a total babe) is that they don't feel the need to fit a particular mold. They make music that can be considered hard rock, pop, alternative, and metal. While Halestorm probably fits best in the hard rock, they clearly have the metal attitude . . . good enough for me. Also, bands with a kick-ass female lead singer that play guitar are always going to catch my attention.
Here is "I Get Off."

64. Dragonland

Dragonland is a Swedish power metal band that formed in 1999. They are known for basing three albums on the Dragonland Chronicles fantasy saga which is based on some weird PC game. Despite the nerdy premise for albums, these guys are damn good. They are power metal at its best. Their guitar combo of Olof Mörck and Jesse Lindskog play some of the most epic guitar spots that I have ever heard, and their singer Jonas Heidgert is one of the best power metal vocalists today. I have read many comparisons to Dragonforce, but you would have to be deaf and dumb to make that connection. Dragonforce is all about speed while Dragonland is about melody. Great band! I owe this choice to my friend "The Infidel."
Here is "Beethoven's Nightmare."

63. Fates Warning

Fates Warning is an American progressive metal band from Hartford, Connecticut that formed in 1982 by lead singer John Arch, guitarists Jim Matheos and Victor Arduini, bassist Joe DiBiase, and drummer Steve Zimmerman. In 1987, Arch was replaced by current singer Ray Alder. While not quite on par with fellow progressive metal pioneers Dream Theater and Queensrÿche, they were an important part of the growing popularity of the genre. There album, Awaken the Guardian, is one of prog metal's best albums.
Here is "The Sorceress."

62. A Perfect Circle

A Perfect Circle is a progressive metal supergroup that formed in 1999 by Maynard James Keenan of Tool and Billy Howerdel of Ashes Devine. On a personal note, this band could have been rated higher if they were more active, but I simply love this band! I especially enjoy the vocals of Keenan . . . always have. Every album they have released is glorious and powerful, but different from the previous albums.
Here is "The Outsider (Renholder Apocalypse Mix)."

61. Primus

Primus is an American metal band from San Francisco that formed in 1984 by Les Claypool. What can I say about Primus that can possibly explain their greatness. There is simply no band quite like them, in fact, Claypool once describes their sound as "psychedelic polka." I really enjoy this band because they simply have never taken themselves too seriously, and genuinely have fun. Their albums Sailing the Seas of Cheese, Pork Soda, Tales from the Punchbowl, and The Brown Album were all huge parts of my youth. I was able to witness their greatness at Ozzfest several years ago, and they are just as great live. While they don't fit nicely into the metal genre, they don't really fit in any genre, so . . . why not here?
Here are two tracks, first "My Name is Mud."

and, "Wynona's Big Brown Beaver."

Thanks for reading!
Marty Sabin