Hardcore, Punk & Heavy Metal > D Hardcore, Punk & Heavy Metal > Black Metal > 2006 onwards

Advantages: good production and sound, catchy songs
Disadvantages: different from the older albums

This release was something totally unexpected (except the fact that the full-length album was preceded by a EP "Too Old Too Cold" which gave people a decent surprise) and came like rain from clear sky. With this release Darkthrone have evolved from good old norwegian black metal to motörheadesque and quite heavily punk influenced thrash metal band and I absolutely adore it. Actually the change is rather small, it could be considered big only because ...
...band, but considering that Darkthrone started as a death metal band (their first album is basically a death metal release) turning into black metal after their first release "Soulside Journey". So it's not that big surprise. Compared to their previous full-length "Sardonic Wrath" this release is much more listener-friendly. The vocals, done by Nocturno Culto, are somewhat less harsh, not so much screech as in more like harsh singing familiar to ... Read review

Advantages: Exellent album extremely well packaged.
Disadvantages: Some may not like the vocal style

...Nowadays that's all changed. In Sorte Diaboli has a truly bombastic sound. The production is fantastic, and the musicianship is technically stunning. It's all a bit like Wagner goes metal, and it's stunning. This album is a bit of a rarity these days, as it's a concept album. The story is set in the middle ages about a man who tries to follow the new religion sweeping through Europe (Christianity), but has a lapse of faith due to what he sees as ...
...he will be tried and in all probability burned at the stake as a heritic. The songs tell his story, from the lapse of faith to his eventual execution, the final track ending with the sounds of flames. The album is consistently good, with no single track falling below par. There is a strong orchestral sound and you feel that this album would sound stunning live if the keyboards were replace with an actual orchestra. The packaging for the limited ... Read review

Advantages: Kirk's Solos back, songs more varied and better than St Anger, a couple of epics.
Disadvantages: Not as good as some over-the-top reviewers have said.

...also a stand-out song on Death Magnetic, in some ways, it's sad to see them take such a move away from the old Unforgivens, however what they have created is outstanding. Despite some good quality songs on this record, there are a few that aren't bad, but turn into a drag when your listening to them. Songs like Broken, Beat and Scarred take a while to get into after the somewhat slow start. As a guitar player myself its a blessing to hear Kirk back ...
...most fans would agree that the absence of the guitar solos was a key reason for the disappointment of St Anger. Despite all these positives, we shouldn't be too optimistic. There has been a lot of speculation that this album would be a 'Neo-Master of Puppets.' In my opinion, this album is a good piece of work that shouldn't be judged in that way, as that will only let down a lot of hyped Metallica fans. The Metallica sound has evolved too much to ... Read review

Advantages: Innovative, hard hitting and ferocious
Disadvantages: Unrelenting

...heaviness and political punch. RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE 'Bombtrack' 'Landlords and power whores On my people they took turns Dispute the suits I ignite And watch 'em burn' The album opens on a great introduction to RATM. The composition, innovation and mood of the track hint at what is to come, but is relatively simple and easy going compared to later tracks. The track opens with a heavy riff from the guitar and angst ridden drums, but it ...
...bridge is formed of a simple guitar riff interrupted by muted guitar slides. 'Killing in The Name' 'Those who died are justified for wearing the badge, they're the chosen whites You justified those that died by wearing the badge, they're the chosen whites' Opening with an explosive guitar riff with short sharp chords, before launching into their most infamous riff. This straight forward and anthemic rock track is instantly recognisable to just ... Read review

Advantages: Catchy melodies
Disadvantages: --

Pornograffiti is one of extremes defining albums the musicmanship that went in to the album is amazong, the Cd fratures the Guitar stylings of Nuno Bettencourt who some consider to be on of the greates guitar player of the modern day, the Cd if filled with amazing 80s content catchy riffs and melodies that are the defining features of Extreme but incorporating them in a fun fasion, the Album is good from start to finnish a good listen for anyone ... Read review