Metal Mayhem's Top 100 Bands of All-Time, 7: Dio

7. Dio

Today's installment of Metal Mayhem's Top Metal Bands of All-Time brings us to Dio at number 7.

Dio was an American heavy metal band that formed in 1982 by Ronnie James Dio and Vinnie Appice after the two had quit Black Sabbath. The band had released ten studio albums with Ronnie James Dio being the only member throughout. The band officially ended in 2010 with the death of RJD from stomach cancer; however, the remaining band members formed The Dio Disciples to honor the legacy of RJD.

The thing that I enjoy about anything that RJD attaches himself to is his voice. He had an incredible talent. While he always surrounded himself with fine musicians, the greatest asset of the band Dio was, in fact, Dio.

In my opinion, his albums, Holy Diver,  The Last in Line, Dream Evil, and Magica are all classics. While some of his other albums aren't regarded as highly, I love the music and concept of Angry Machines and Master of the Moon.

Dio was truly one of the most under-appreciated metal bands in the history of metal, and should be recognized for the greatness of their singer, Ronnie James Dio.

Here is "Rainbow in the Dark."

"Don't Talk to Strangers"

"Sunset Superman."

"Institutional Man."

"Metal Will Never Die."

Thanks for reading,
MS

Metal Mayhem's Top 100 Bands of All-Time, 8: Megadeth

8. Megadeth

Megadeth is an American metal band formed in 1983 by former Metallica guitarist Dave Mustaine and Dave Ellefson. While Megadeth is often regarded as one of the pioneering bands of the American thrash metal movement, with other great bands such as Metallica, Anthrax, and Slayer, their sound has evolved over the years into a hybrid of thrash and progressive metal. In this way, they are similar to Metallica, but they were never quite able to completely abandon their thrash roots quite like Metallica did beginning in the 1990s.

Over the years, the band has consisted of roughly 20 members with Dave Mustaine being the only constant. Their first two albums, Killing is My Business . . . and Business is Good (1985), and Peace Sells . . . but Who's Buying (1986) are both classics in the thrash genre, but are both incredibly raw due to the small production budgets.

In my opinion, their best albums were Rust in Peace (1990) and Countdown to Extinction (1992) where you can virtually hear the increased production budget, and it sounds good. For my money, there aren't too many thrash-progressive metal albums that can compete with these two records. Their new progressive style, in my view, made Megadeth a more complete band unlike, say . . . Exodus.

They have released 8 more albums since Countdown with varying levels of success. I enjoy Youthanasia, Cryptic Writings, and Thirteen. 

Megadeth is, without a doubt, one of my favorite metal bands!

Here is "Mechanix."

"Holy Wars... The Punishment Due"

"Symphony of Destruction"

"99 Ways to Die"

Thanks for reading,
MS

Metal Mayhem's Top 100 Bands of All-Time, 9: Dream Theater

9. Dream Theater

Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band that formed in 1985 by John Petrucci, John Myung, and Mike Portnoy under the name Majesty. The band was forced to change their name in 1986 due to a possible lawsuit by a band in Las Vegas who also called themselves Majesty. The band decided on Dream Theater and the rest is history. Along with Queensryche and perhaps Fates Warning, they are the prominent progressive metal band from the United States.

The band is known for being technically proficient with their instruments. Each member is considered a master of his instrument while lead vocalist James LaBrie is one of the best metal singers in the business. They are also known for their huge live shows with extended cuts of their songs . . . many of which are already pretty long.

While their first album, Image and Words, has been their best selling record to date due to the popularity and MTV play of their only hit single "Pull Me Under," they have released a number of classic progressive concept albums. Their most famous album is Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From a Memory which many people consider the single greatest concept album of all-time. My personal favorite Dream Theater album is Train of Thought which I consider to be their best  due to it being a more straight-forward metal album full of great songs like "Endless Sacrifice, "In the Name of God," and "As I Am." Their 2008 album Black Clouds & Silver Linings is also a significant album, but I don't believe that they have ever released a bad record.

Here are a few tracks. While some of these songs are long, I encourage you to give them all a listen, then go out and buy these albums.

Here is "Pull Me Under."

"Endless Sacrifice."

"Through Her Eyes."

"In the Name of God."

"A Nightmare to Remember."

Thanks for reading,
MS

Metal Mayhem's Top 100 Bands of All-Time, 10: Scorpions

10. Scorpions

Today's installment of Metal Mayhem's Top 100 Bands of All-Time takes us to #10 Germany's own, The Scorpions.

The Scorpions are a German power metal band that formed in 1965 by guitarist Rudolf Schenker (only constant member). They are the greatest selling German band in history with over 150 million units sold throughout their epic career.

Even though the band formed in 1965, they are more widely known for their string of hits during the 1980s. While many misinformed people lump the Scorpions in the category of "Butt-Rock," Scorpions clearly fits better in the power metal sub-category along with contemporaries Accept.

Their albums Blackout and Love at First Sting are considered the band's landmark albums. For me, their best album was Animal Magnetism with the sole reason being that "The Zoo" is on it.

In my humble opinion (I can't back this up), without the success of Scorpions many of the great German metal bands may not have even picked up a guitar. Bands like Rammstein, Kreator, Sodom, and the like may be singing David Hasselhoff tunes. I hear he is very popular in Germany. jk

Here is "The Zoo."

And "No One Like You."

And "Rock You Like A Hurricane."

And "Wind of Change."

Thanks for reading!
MS

Metal Mayhem's Top 100 Bands of All-Time, 11: Danzig

11. Danzig

Today's installment of Metal Mayhem's Top 100 Metal Bands of All-Time takes us to Danzig.

Glenn Danzig was the founder of classic punk band The Misfits, but due to a lacking work ethic, Danzig decided to leave the group in 1983. After the breakup of The Misfits, he started a new band called Samhain which was originally envisioned as a punk rock super group. They had a much darker theme than The Misfits as they blended aspects of horror punk, metal, and gothic metal. After receiving endorsements from Metallica's Cliff Burton and James Hetfield, they were signed to a major label and changed the band's name to Danzig.

The band recorded their first album in 1987 under the guidance of super producer Rick Rubin. The result was their classic album Danzig. The followups, Danzig II: Lucifage and Danzig III: How the Gods Kill are both equally as good as their first release. The band, in various forms, has recorded nine albums. In my humble opinion, they are all gems due to the powerful, bluesy voice of Glenn Danzig.

Simply put, I love Danzig!

Here is "Mother."

 And "Not of This World."

And "Long Way Back From Hell."

And "Dirty Black Summer."

And "Cantspeak."

Thanks for reading!
Marty Sabin

Metal Mayhem's Top 100 Bands of All-Time, 12: Motörhead

12. Motörhead

This installment of Metal Mayhem's Top Metal Bands of All-Time takes us to the number 12 band on the list:
Motörhead.

Motörhead is an English heavy metal band that formed in 1975 by bassist and singer Fraser "Lemmy" Kilmister. Often included as one of the earliest members of The New Wave of British Metal, Motörhead has influenced countless bands throughout their nearly 40 years of making music.

The signature sound of Motörhead is a hybridization of the power and heaviness of metal with the speed and social awareness of punk. This was typically the case with most of the New Wave bands, but Motörhead was one of the best.

Their signature album, Ace of Spades, should be part of every metal fans collection. Period!

The coolest thing about Motörhead is their front man Lemmy. He is a badass! You get gems like this.

Question: "Who would win in an arm wrestling match, Lemmy or God?"
Answer: "Trick Question. Lemmy is God!"

Anyway, Here is "Ace of Spades."

And "Orgasmatron"

And "Born to Raise Hell."

And "Iron Fist."

Thanks for reading!
Marty Sabin

Metal Mayhem's Top 100 Bands of All-Time, 13: Tool

13. Tool

On this installment of Metal Mayhem's Top 100 Metal Bands of All-Time, we are looking at the 13th greatest metal band, Tool. I should probably write a more extensive post about this band, but I'm gonna make this quick and dirty . . . just like Maynard would want.

Tool is an American progressive rock/metal band from Los Angeles that formed in 1990 by singer Maynard James Keenan, guitarist Adam Jones, drummer Danny Carey, and bassist Paul D'Amour (who was replaced by Justin Chancellor in 1995). They released their impressive debut album Undertow in 1993 which is one of the best progressive metal albums of all-time. I can honestly state that Tool has never released a bad album.

One thing that differentiates Tool from other metal bands is that they are a thinking man's metal band. I like to  describe them as the modern-day and heavier version of Pink Floyd. I also really enjoy the vocal work of lead singer Maynard James Keenan. There aren't too many singers as good as Keenan.

Here is "Prison Sex."

And "Stinkfist."

And "Schism."

And "Rosetta Stoned."

Thanks for reading!
Marty Sabin

The Five Best Metal Albums of 2012

Hello everyone,

This has been an exciting year for Metal Mayhem, and I have had a blast. While the heavy metal genre has been less popular than in recent years, there were several strong releases. Bands like Kreator, Sybreed, Coheed and Cambria, Marilyn Manson, Soundgarden, Epica, Delain, Testament, Iced Earth, Slipknot, Kamelot, AxeWound, Dragonforce, In This Moment, Down, Steve Harris, Geoff Tate, and even a live album by Iron Maiden. I have listed what I feel were the best metal albums of the year.

Also, if your needing something to look forward to in 2013, then how about this. Both Black Sabbath and Coheed and Cambria will have new albums at the beginning of the year. Looks like metal music will have a strong start to 2013.

Without further ado, here are the five best metal albums released in 2012.

5. Kreator, Phantom Antichrist

4. Epica, Requiem for the Indifferent

3. Testament, Dark Roots of Earth

2. Coheed and Cambria, The Aftermath: Ascension

1. Marilyn Manson, Born Villain

What are your favorite metal albums of 2012? Let me know!

Thanks for reading, and have a great new year!
Martin Sabin

Metal Mayhem's Top 100 Bands of All-Time, 14: Queensrÿche

14. Queensrÿche 

For today's installment of Metal Mayhem's Top 100 Metal Bands of All-Time, we have Queensrÿche at number 14.

Queensrÿche is an American progressive metal band that formed in 1981 near Seattle, Washington. Their classic lineup included singer Geoff Tate, guitarists Chris DeGarmo and Michael Wilton, bassist Eddie Jackson, and drummer Scott Rockenfield. Along with Dream Theater, they can be considered one of the greatest progressive metal bands in history.

One of the things that makes Queensrÿche great is the vocals of Geoff Tate. He is possibly the most versatile singer in all of metal. His use of low pitched singing with high pitched screams are incredible. I also love the guitar work of Chris DeGarmo and Michael Wilton especially on Operation Mindcrime.

Over the years, the driving force behind the band were Tate and DeGarmo. During this period, they released some of the best progressive metal albums of all-time: Queensrÿche, Operation Mindcrime, Empire, Promised Land, The Warning, and Rage for Order.

However, DeGarmo left the band in 1997 leaving a creative void in the band. Over the last fifteen years, they have released six albums with varying levels of success. I have really enjoyed the albums: Tribe, Q2K, and Operation Mindcrime II, but their last two albums, American Soldier and Dedicated to Chaos were terrible albums.

During the summer of 2012, the band voted to fired Geoff Tate which led to much confusion and lawsuits. What ended up happening was that Tate released a solo album in early November that was pretty good, but before the release, he announced a "new" Queensrÿche. But wait, what about the band that fired him? They have their version of Queensrÿche as well.

The Tate led lineup features himself as lead singer, Kelly Gray (former member) on guitar, Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot) on bass, Bobby Blotzer (Ratt) on drums, and Randy Gane (Myth) on keyboards.

The other version of Queensrÿche includes Todd La Torre (Crimson Glory) on vocals, Michael Wilton on lead guitar, Parker Lundgren on rhythm guitar, Eddie Jackson on bass, and Scott Rockenfield on drums.

Despite the weirdness of their current situation, the classic Queensrÿche was one of the greatest metal bands to ever take the stage!

Here is "Queen of the Reich."

And "Spreading the Disease."

And "The Thin Line."

And "I Am I."

And "Open."

Thanks for reading!
Martin Sabin

Sybreed, God is an Automaton (2012)

Hello everyone,

Today, you are in for a treat. We have a guest post by fellow blogger and music enthusiast, Brad Mathews. He and his wife, Kristy, have a great music blog that explores multiple genres. I am a fan of their blog, and you should definitely check it out at Think Musik. 

Here is Brad's review on Sybreed's latest effort, God is an Automaton. 

I hope that you all enjoy it as much as I do,

Marty Sabin

Sybreed-God is an Automaton

Some bands adhere to rigid standards created within the confines of a musical genre they choose to perform.  Others take such guidelines and bend them to create a fresh perspective on said genre.  A precious few throw out all conventions of said genre(s) and build a style of music that is exclusive to them alone.

Swiss extreme metal group Sybreed fit the latter category.  They have coined the term ‘deathwave’ which is said to combine elements from new wave and death metal.  The result is an exciting sound that is so easy to enjoy that you can’t help nod your head to the rhythm.  This music straddles an imaginary line between extreme metal and new wave.  It is less extreme than most typical melodeath bands, but much wilder than your average new wave artist. 

Sybreed brings a heavy low-end bass sound to meet with sweeping synths that range between atmospherics and all-out symphonic moments while chugging complex riffs and blast beats permeate the foreground. 

I became interested in Sybreed when their first album, “Antares” was released.  That album blew me away by how heavy and catchy it was at the same time.  The vocalist of this group switches from furious screams to angry bellows to amazing cleans all in the same song in most tracks.  The band’s next release, “The Pulse of Awakening”, was powerful, but incorporated much more clean singing.  “God is an Automaton is the third full-length disc from this band.  It marks a return to darker, more savage landscapes hinted at with “Antares”.  The synths are just as powerful and as uplifting as ever, while the heavier aspects of the music are unrelentingly brutal. 

This is a band which has to be experienced to be appreciated.  They are criminally underrated in my opinion and deserve every helping of love bestowed upon them.  The music is progressive-styled alternative metal with occasional blast beats and synths that most other bands can only dream of producing. 

The cover art, depicted above, is darker than previous albums and was created by Seth Siro Anton of the symphonic death metal band SepticFlesh.  This man’s artwork is incredible, which deserves special props. 

If you like your metal with extreme passages and progressive synths, then you will enjoy Sybreed’s latest offering.  Check out a couple of choice tracks from “God is an Automaton” below.  Thanks for reading and enjoy –brad mathews. 

P.S. please visit us at ThinkMusic.blogspot.com  where we cover various genres of music and offer up generous helpings of new music, less famous artists, and links to free downloads.

Metal Mayhem's Top 100 Bands of All-Time, 15: Ozzy Osbourne

15. Ozzy Osbourne

Today's installment of Metal Mayhem's Top 100 Metal Bands of All-Time takes us to the "Godfather of Heavy Metal," John "Ozzy" Osbourne. As most people know, he was the original lead singer of the iconic metal band Black Sabbath until drugs forced the band to replace him. After encouragement from his soon-to-be wife Sharon, he began his solo career after discovering his musical soul mate, guitarist Randy Rhoads.

In 1981, Osbourne released his classic album Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman. The duo of Ozzy and Rhoads was metal magic . . . albeit brief. While they only released two albums together, they will always be considered Ozzy's two greatest solo efforts. Unfortunately, on March 19, 1982, Randy Rhoads was killed in a plane crash.

Despite the loss of Rhoads, Ozzy moved on releasing some decent albums in Speak of the Devil, Bark at the Moon, The Ultimate Sin, and No Rest For the Wicked. The later of these albums featured the debut of Zakk Wylde. With Wylde as his lead guitarist, Ozzy recorded the best music since the Randy Rhoads' era with the albums: No More Tears, Ozzmosis, and Black Rain. 

On a personal note, I have always been a huge fan of Ozzy ever since I first heard "Crazy Train." In my opinion, there has never been another metal artist who has transitioned into a solo career as flawlessly as Ozzy. If there was one individual that epitomizes the metal genre, it's Ozzy Osbourne.

I love Ozzy! There I said it! I have seen him in concert on three occasions, and he was amazing each time. He is and always will be one of my favorite singers.

Here is "Crazy Train."

And "Over the Mountains."

And "No More Tears."

And "Perry Mason."

And "Not Going Away."

As always,

thanks for reading!

Marty Sabin

Metal Mayhem's Top 100 Bands of All-Time, 16: Marilyn Manson

16. Marilyn Manson

Today's installment of Metal Mayhem's Top 100 Metal Bands of All-Time brings us to shock rocker Marilyn Manson, and his eponymous band. Originally named Marilyn Manson & The Spooky Kids, they formed in 1989 by Marilyn Manson (Brian Warner) and Daisy Berkowitz (Scott Putesky). The band has underwent many lineup changes, but Manson has been the only constant.

There wasn't a band more controversial during the 1990's than Marilyn Manson, yet controversy sells. They were incredibly popular during this period. Manson was often criticized for themes including anti-religion, sex, drug use, and violence. He was a huge target for the religious right during this period often picketing his shows throughout the country.

I witnessed this first hand when I saw the band at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium in 1996. While he was known for incredibly vulgar and outlandish shows, I thought the show was nowhere near as bad as I was informed. There was no defecation, body dismembering, or acts of violence. That said, I imagine the misinformation probably helped sell albums and concerts tickets.

In my opinion, Manson has released four stellar albums: Mechanical Animals, Holy Wood, Born Villain, and, one of the best concept albums of all-time, Antichrist Superstar.

What I like about Manson, is that he not only creates controversy, but embraces the fact that he is a rock star. He lives the rock and roll lifestyle to the fullest without apology. Without Manson, the world would be pretty damn boring. The music world could use more Marilyn Manson and less Nickleback if you ask me.







Here is "Wrapped in Plastic."

And "The Beautiful People."

And "The Dope Show."

And "The Nobodies."

And "Children of Cain."

Thanks for reading!

Marty Sabin