ORIGINAL: batmura
Porcupine Tree- In Absentia:
Killer album, perhaps my favourite Porcupine Tree. This is by far their most challenging work and I really love how they added those heavier riffs to their music. The riff at the beginning of the first song is slightly Tool-ish and I love it. Also the production is beyond excellent.
Iron Maiden- A Matter of Life and Death:
Just heard it for the first time last night myself. I think it captures the darkness of The X Factor and injects it with the melodic sensibilities of Brave New World. Also, there are some cool folky vocal lines on some of the songs that aren't too different from the sutff on Blackmore's Night albums.
Mastodon- Blood Mountian:
Have yet to pick it up. This band is immensely creative.
Nevermore- This Godless Endevor:
When Dreaming Neon Black came out, I deemed it impossible to match its brilliance. It was one of the darkest and most perfectly written albums ever. While This Godless Endeavor does not achieve the same level of atmosphere, it is easily one of the greatest Nevermore albums ever. It is a lot heavier, with a great emphasis on rif****e and Warrel Dane's vocal melodies are gold. The vocal melody on the first tune was by far my favourite melody of 2005. Essential release if you can handle heavy material. By the way, Jeff Loomis is the greatest metal guitarist alive for me.
OSI-Free:
Another majestic release. I tend to favour this one over their debut; this is more electronic and pushes the form of envelope like no other. Matheos' Tool-inspired riffery on the first two songs is then replaced by waves of guitar distortion and textured synth sounds. Portnoy's restraint playing on the album is stunning.
Death- The Sound of Persaverance:
Quite possibly the most amazing swansong release of the 90's. You have truly bought some of the most essential discs ever my friend. Chuck plays with heart and soul through and through. The writing is flawless and musicianship top level.
Type of Negitive- The Best of
Never heard this one. I tend to like their Bloody Kisses only. The recent material is way too goth-poppy for my tastes.
King's X- The Best of
I love King's X, but am not a fan of best of compilations. Their recent disc Ogre Tones was quite good, bu then, this band has hardly disappointed me. Dogman is still one of their best.
Protest The Hero-Kezia:
Never heard this band. What are they like?
This is a great haul. It will be interesting to read your thoughts once you go through these albums. Enjoy.
NP: Psychotic Waltz - A Social Grace
I've heard a lot about them, I gotta check these guys out.
Here's my thoughts so far...
Porcupine Tree- In Absentia
Such an amazing album. I wish I would have picked this up a long time ago.
Iron Maiden- A Matter of Life and Death
This is my favorite IM album, aside form Bruce's voice, sounds like he is trying to hard. Other then that every song is perfect.
Mastodon- Blood Mountian Some parts are dissappointing like the dolphin sounding vocals on one of the song (forget the name, I think it's track 6), but the other parts make up for it greatly.
Nevermore- This Godless Endevor
My first Nevermore album, won't be the last.
OSI-Free
Its definitely diffrent stuff, I like Kevin Moore's voice on it, very expierimental.
Death- The Sound of Persaverance
Dare I say the perfect Death Metal album???
Type of Negitive- The Best of
I thought I was gonna like it more then I did. More Goth sounding then I was expecting. But I honestly think that TON is to goth as to Strapping Young Lad is to Extreme Metal, very very funny.
King's X- The Best of
I Love these guys. I only have Orge Tones besides this, but I ill get the whole cataloge.
Protest The Hero-Kezia
One of this year's best albums. Excellent.
Everyone needs to check these guys out.