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Metalunderground.com's Best of 2005 Awards
Band Photo: Slayer (?)
Having just wrapped up another year, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on what made this year a great year in metal.
Like last year, I've polled the entire staff here at metalunderground.com about their favorite albums of 2005. This year we've also added a few more categories as well. At the end of announcing the winners of all of the categories, the entire ordered list of nominees will be presented, because there was simply so much good metal to check out.
So without further ado, I'll present Metalunderground.com's staff picks for the following categories: Best Metal Album of 2005, Best Metal Newcomer of 2005, Best Live Act of 2005, and Most Anticipated Release for 2006.
Best Metal Album of 2005
There were some great metal albums released in 2005, although dare I say not many landmark albums. Still, a few great releases rise to the top of 2005 and the nod for Best Metal of 2005 goes to:
Nevermore's "This Godless Endeavor"
Runners-up:
Chimaira's "Chimaira"
Behemoth's "Demigod"
Dark Tranquillity's "Character"
Strapping Young Lad's "Alien"
Rammstein's "Rosenrot"
Best Metal Newcomer of 2005
Bands eligible for "Best Metal Newcomer of 2005" included bands who have released their first full length album or released their first album on a somewhat major metal label, or even have no formal release at all. This is a tough category to get consensus on, since we all have different tastes in metal and will hear of only a relatively few new bands each year. The band who rose to the top should be no surprise, however, as they've made waves and generated loads of press for being such a young band. Metalunderground.com's Best Metal Newcomer of 2005 is:
Trivium
Despite there being many great new bands coming out in 2005, only one other band got multiple nominations from the staff at metalunderground.com in this category.
Runner-up:
3 Inches of Blood
Best Live Act of 2005
Best Live Act was by far the most competitive category we voted on, since it was not restricted to releases from this year. The winner may not be expected by many metal heads, but at the same time may come as no surprise to those who have seen them live. Metalunderground.com's Best Live Act of 2005 is:
Apocalyptica
Apocalyptica embarked on their first full-fledged headlining US tour in 2005, and won the top votes from two of our staff (including myself) - enough to ensure victory. While the band plays cellos, their performance is as heavy and intense as any true metal band's you'll ever see.
As I mentioned, the competition was tight in this category, and we had seven more bands get multiple nominations and were right on the heels of Apocalyptica when the votes were counted.
Runners-up:
Megadeth
Anthrax
Mudvayne
Children of Bodom
Therion
Amon Amarth
Killswitch Engage
Most Anticipated Release for 2006
Most Anticipated release for 2006 as a category also generated a wide range of nominations due to the complete difference in people's tastes in metal. However, the few bands that got multiple nominations were really no surprise. The Most Anticipated Release for 2006 is:
Slayer
Slayer is well overdue for an album. Between their parent label being bought up and touring heavily, Slayer has delayed putting out an album since 2001's "God Hates Us All." Still, several other bands are garnering a lot of anticipation for new releases, including these:
Runners-up:
In Flames - Come Clarity
Metallica
Vader
Looking back, 2005 was a great year in metal despite there being few or no landmark releases. Nu-metal was all but nonexistent with the exception of its few top remaining bands such as Disturbed, Korn (who have moved away from metal once again) and System of a Down. Metalcore seemed less of a huge trend than the previous year, as the good bands have risen above the label and hardcore/metalcore elements have found their way into other styles of metal.
Last year was a huge year for many newer and up and coming bands putting out albums. But it was an even bigger year for many seasoned bands and old school metal bands - some recently reunited - on the tour circuit. 2006 looks to be even bigger with a slew of big releases by big name bands slated for release and more headlining tours by many of last year's up and comers as well as those bands reunited in 2005.
Finally, here is the entire list of nominations for the 2005 categories voted on, because all of these bands are worth looking into:
Best Metal Album of 2005:
Winner:
Nevermore's "This Godless Endeavor"
Runners Up:
Chimaira's "Chimaira"
Behemoth's "Demigod"
Dark Tranquillity, Character
Strapping Young Lad- Alien
Rammstein's "Rosenrot"
Also Nominated:
Trivium - Ascendancy
Arcturus - "Sideshow Symphonies"
Cryptopsy - Once was Not
Devildriver - Fury of the Maker's Hand
Kreator - Enemy of God
Novembers Doom - The Pale Haunt Departure
Sentenced - The Funeral Album
Soilwork - Stabbing The Drama
1349 - Hellfire
Black Harvest - White Light Came Down
Children of Bodom, Are You Dead Yet?
Exodus - Shovel Headed Kill Machine
Through The Eyes of the Dead - Bloodlust
Aborted - The Archaic Abattoir
Arch Enemy - Doomsday Machine
Hate Eternal - I, Monarch
Immolation - Harnessing Ruin
Living Sacrifice - In Memoriam
Roadrunner United - The Allstar Sessions
Suspyre - The Silvery Image
Demon Hunter - The Triptych
Destruction - Inventor of Evil
Dew Scented - Issue VI
Paradise Lost - Paradise Lost
Symphorce - Godspeed
Best Metal Newcomer of 2005
Winner:
Trivium
Runner Up:
3 Inches of Blood
Also Nominated:
Divinity Destroyed
Through The Eyes Of The Dead
Eternity Void
Sonic Syndicate
Still Remains
A Dozen Furies
Distorted Mind
Helrunar
Communic
Gojira
Jacknife
Sol Asunder
10 Years
Beyond the Flesh
Bloodsimple
Burn Your Wishes
Tyranny
Best Live Act of 2005
Winner:
Apocalyptica
Runners Up:
Megadeth
Anthrax
Mudvayne
Children of Bodom
Therion
Amon Amarth
Killswitch Engage
Also Nominated:
Into Eternity
Strapping Young Lad
Behemoth
Orphaned Land
Testament
Trivium
Beyond the Flesh
Chimaira
Nevermore
Rhapsody
Beyond the Embrace
Corrosion of Conformity
Exodus
Iron Maiden
Vader
Cold
Cryptopsy
Divinity Destroyed
Gwar
Immolation
Obituary
Sevendust
Most Anticipated Release for 2006
Winner:
Slayer
Runners-up:
In Flames - Come Clarity
Metallica
Vader
Also Nominated:
Into Eternity
Nothingface
Orphaned Land
Cryptopsy
Immolation
Sol Asunder
Testament
Trivium
Evil Adam
Hate Eternal
Kalmah - The Black Waltz
Lacuna Coil
Machine Head
Silent Civilian
Agathodaimon
Atreyu
Distorted Mind
Lamb of God
Vital Remains
Godsmack
Grey Skies Fallen
Madder Mortem
Norther, Till Death Unites Us
Skinless
Strapping Young Lad
What's Next?
- Previous Article:
Aborted Part Ways With Two Members - Next Article:
Dark Tranquillity To Open For Opeth On U.S. Tour
127 Comments on "Metalunderground.com's Best of 2005 Awards"
Founder, owner & programmer
3. writes:
That's interesting, but it always happens - some good band just doesn't make anyone's list. Opeth's new album is love-hate for me. There are some great songs and others I just don't care for at all. I am surprised they didn't make anyone's list now that you point it out.
Member
Founder, owner & programmer
8. writes:
Former Contributor
10. writes:
Opeth, Trivium, SYL and Devildriver were in top form, among the many albums I bought this years those four were among the best newly released albums that are very much in keeping with metal....I for one wasn't so impressed with the Nevermore album but I've spent very little time with it....I thought the new BDM was pretty good even if the band are a bunch of a$$holes.
I'm stunned that Tool wasn't nominated for most anticipated album of '06, and while they aren't the heaviest band, metal is very much a part of their sound....Kinda let down that Mastadon, Deftones and Shadows Fall didn't make it either....
There should have been a Worst (faux) Metal category!!!!!!!!
That would have really gotten the embers going around here. With Korn transforming into the biggest steaming pile of puppy sh** this year they would have run away with that trophy....Not they haven't been sh**ty since 1998, but they've really hit an ultimate low w/ "Otherside".
Member
Founder, owner & programmer
Member
18. writes:
How in the Hell is TOOL not the most anticipated release for 2006??? Look at the record sales when it hits the stores, it will be far and away better than all the other bands combined. Don't kid yourself. Slayer won't even sell a million copies of anything and TOOL will be platinum in the first week of release.
20. writes:
f*** trivium i cant stand their little emo with metal act they do and number 18 slayer shuts tool down. all tool fans are p***ys slayer will have more success with their album cause they tour their asses off and tool do like 10 dates and then go their seperate ways because their singer is a faget and he thinks hes to good for the band. slayer is a solid bad a$$ thrash band, tool is a p***y a$$ mtv metal band.
Member
Former Contributor
23. writes:
to post 20
Yes, of course all Tool fans are p***ies....such an informed and accurate opinion...
You are an outlandishly stupid bastard.....You can't honestly tell me that Slayer havent turned in some sh**ty albums.
Tool aren't all about the heavy, theres more layers than just aggression......
As much as I like Slayer, there are better bands and much heavier ones.
Member
29. writes:
a) Opeth's Ghost Reverires should've made the list for best album, but i think Chimaira should've taken that cake
b) Tool were really, REALLY anticipated maybe a month ago, but the hype seems to have died down a bit (probably because there has been no progression of rumour, hearsay, or actual report of their upcoming release - to keep the anticipation up, they've gotta keep that pending album in the forefront of our minds, by giving us a few details every now and then). Perhaps In Flames deserved this one.
c) Soulfly's Dark Ages needed a mention at least. It was probably their best since Primitive.
d) personally, I'm glad neither COF nor Ill Nino made the cut.
e) should Damageplan have appeared somewhere, or is that just my personal preferances coming through?
f) Apocalyptica definitely deserved the Best Live Act title.
Member
30. writes:
Let me help u morons get something straight although I myself didnt have time to vote, these picks are the opinoins of the prestiged staff here at metalunderground. Who took time out of their busy schedule (well most of us did) to entertain you people with what we thought was the best of the best, considering we listen to everything with open minds and hold no biased toward certain bands.
We give everything a listen and base our own opinoins no different then what you guys do, but we hold open minds to every genre, and dont classify, or de-classify a band without just cause. Whereas the better part of you dispise a band for being genre-specific, mainstream specific, or just because you dont like the way they look. If you cant open your mind to the metal, and think your opinoin doesnt stink because its yours, well my friend I must say that is why people like me, hate being associated as a metalhead with people like you, and is the main reason I quit posting and adding columns to this site a long time ago
Member
31. writes:
Not saying everyone of you do, but I can point out post #'s - 11, 16,18,20
However there are a few comments worth noting actually add something to the fray, instead of making us metalheads look like idiots. Those posts are - 9,10. Even the constructive criticism in 22 was decent, 23,27 and 29.
Founder, owner & programmer
32. writes:
Like I tried to point out earlier, not every band can make everyone's list. It's often hard to narrow down picks to a handful of good bands and releases. Even good bands and releases may get overlooked simply because they didn't do something groundbreaking that year or even because not everyone has time to check out every band and release. Additionally, I've picked the staff here at metalunderground.com partially for their diverse tastes in order to bring our readers the best overall coverage. This also means that there is not a lot of consensus when it comes time to vote on something like this. But it also means that the overlap probably means those bands and releases were overall of very high quality.
So those are our combined staff picks, like em or not. Thanks for the constructive feedback that has been posted by many, and you're all welcome to post your own "lists".
On a side note, I have to admit I still haven't checked out Nevermore's winning album myself - just not enough time in the day to listen to all the good albums out there, or see all the shows.
33. writes:
While you boys have your arguments on whether TOOL is a metal band or not, the fact remains, TOOL have 4 albums (Opiate included) and have sold over 8 million copies and all 4 of them are platinum. Slayer has 16 releases and has been around for 10 more years and have sold half of what TOOL has. Slayer has never had a top 10 record nor have they ever charted a top 200 single. Lateralus Debuted at #1 on the charts and Aenema was #2.
My statement was not who was a better or harder band but merely the most anticipated. I think that the numbers reiterate my point. If you couch jockies would ever leave your mother's basement, perhaps you would see the light of day and realize you are still wrong about who is most anticipated. And if any of you would care to place a wager on the total record sales, I would be happy to accommodate you.
Oh, and your resorting to chidish vulgarity and name calling only makes you look as dumb as your mis-information. Thanks.
Member
34. writes:
i think Negatyve_One is right on. this is a list a the people who work here, and just as every list is, its all opinion. and i do hate it when people decide to hate certain bands because the he genre they are listed in, f that. like what you like because you like it, hate what you hate because you hate it. dont give in to the BS of the people here who are all high and mighty sitting atop their thrones in their mom's basements. ignorant fools. ps i believe god forbid shouldave made the list
Founder, owner & programmer
36. writes:
Wait, wait. Since when are record sales an indicator of who should win ANY award on Metal Underground.com? I like Tool as much as the next guy, but the hell if I'm looking forward to them as much as Slayer, Testament, Vader, Lamb of God, etc. They don't make my top 5 list, much less top 10. It still comes down to personal preference. You can argue for your favorite band, but sales figures don't mean jack. Otherwise System of A Down would have won best album, etc. Tool may be loved, but do you think maybe not all of the people who buy their albums are metalheads? I bet they aren't. We are not catering to all of them. Enough said.
Member
37. writes:
Very good point. I think of Tool as more of a Industrial or alternative band moreso over then metal. And just how underground is Tool ? Granted slayer is no more underground then tool is slayer is still part of the founding fathers of what the new wave of american heavy metal is today. Whereas Tool is its own project. I own 2 Tool Cd's and a few APC cd's. So dont come bashing me saying I dislike or am biased towards them. But like deathbringer says. Id much rather hear new slayer, and im DAMN sure awaiting the new Lamb of God cd like theres no tomorrow. I believe they have the most "raw" talent of any band out there right now.
Also deathbringer says :
Tool may be loved, but do you think maybe not all of the people who buy their albums are metalheads? I bet they aren't. We are not catering to all of them.
This is terribly, TERRIBLY true. I have a brother in law who is a wigger. His most rotated cd's are Tupac, CHingy, and Eminem. However when I look into his small section of rock I found : System of a Down (4 albums). Nickelback (2 albums). Seether (1 album). Nirvana (3 Albums). Tool (3 Albums), A Perfect Circle (1 album). Good Charlotte (1 album). Simple Plan (1 album).
And do you want a guy whose musical taste include the forementioned telling you what Metal is ? I sure as hell dont, and I doubt the consensus here does. Thats why this site is MetalUnderground.
Member
38. writes:
I took the time to make my own picks. I know deathbringer will be p***ed because I was supposed to do this like a month ago.
Best Album of 05
Devildriver - The Fury of Our Makers Hand
Trivium - Ascendancy
Darkest Hour - Undoing Ruin
As I Lay Dying - Shadows Are Security
God Forbid - IV : Constitution of Treason
-----------------------------------------
Metal Newcommer of 05
Trivium
Bloodsimple
A Dozen Furies
-----------------------------------------
Best Live Act in 05
Lamb of God
Shadows Fall
Mastodon
As I Lay Dying
Devildriver
-----------------------------------------
Most Anticipated in 06
Lamb of God
Slayer
Nothingface
Unearth
Bloodsimple (Maybe)
------------------------------------------
Former Contributor
39. writes:
I agree w/ Deathbringer on the sales angle.
We're discussing the anticipation level of a communitty of metal fans, more to the point a metal website staff. Metal is and has been a minority genre, in that at only weird and rare times has metal been in the mainstream.
Tool is a multi-genre force loved by both rock radio fans and music elitists.
Of course Tool are going to be the winner of a sales contest. But they aren't as "metal" as Slayer.
My arguement as to why they are so anticipated lies in the level of quality.
In general: I'm more impressed with the musicianship (not guitars so much), lyrics, vocals and song structures of Tool over Slayer ----By a longshot---- Tool are just more interesting to listen to.
I listen to Slayer when I want raw thrashy aggression, and nothing else. You don't get much in the way of surprises. Slayer are fairly consistant in their sound...even if the quality ebbs and flows.
Member
41. writes:
I just had to jump in here for a bit since everyone seems to be debating TOOL. While TOOL is easily my favorite band, I listen to a variety of styles. According to some of you, if that list includes anyone "non-metal" then I have no right to place an opinion here...because then I would be "telling you what METAL is." My opinion is mine alone, and it has been bashed on this site a few times and has been agreed with at other times. RM?, as usual, has the most enlightened viewpoint here. TOOL are head, shoulders, and anything else you want to mention above SLAYER. I own every SLAYER record and every TOOL record so don't tell me I don't know what I'm talking about. I've also seen both bands live on more than one occasion. TOOL is an experience, their music is a motivator for people to grow and change and branch out. Remember..."Spiral Out" (taken from a comment made by the dead shaman Bill Hicks referring to the fact that comedians take circles and make them into spirals...allowing the audience to see more levels and seek more truth). TOOL's music is infinitely smarter than SLAYER's, but that does not discredit SLAYER. Although, I believe that TOOL stands for all things that SLAYER does not. SLAYER is not a voice for anything but raw aggression. That is fine. I listen to them, just as RM? said, when I need to feel that aggression. But aggression is not the only emotion that exists. TOOL taps into several layers of emotion in the course of a record. You can always count on SLAYER for a fairly consistent record (although Live Undead is terrible). They delve into the conscience of evil people and express ideas from that perspective, an good way to find material to write about, but not groundbreaking in the least. Look, all in all, I will always listen to both bands...but SLAYER is a band that gives me very little in the way of evolving as a person. I am sure that many people here don't care to evolve as people, so that may mean nothing to them. Music is a vehicle for personal growth, and in that respect TOOL will stand as one of the greatest bands of all time. SLAYER has its place in "metal" history, but simply does not rise to the same level as TOOL. My opinion, take it for what it's worth. This is my first post of the new year...so Happy New Year everyone.
Member
Member
Member
47. writes:
Dude,where is Six Feet Under and Nile?,What about Rob Zombie for most anticipated 2006 release what about a Special You suck A$$ catagory for Korn and Sh#tKnot!,and screw Tool the last good cd tool made was Enima and Maynerd is a Fag all the way, Trent reznor of Nine Inch Nails is straighter than Mayner James keenan and those fags in Black Dihala Murder,they give Death metal a bad name, what happend to good death metal like Deicide and Cannible Corpse or GoatWhore?, and Trivium isnt "EMO METAL"they are Metalcore so if trivium is EMO METAL than so is my favorite bands Killswitch Engaged and Blood has been shed who are both fronted by Howard Jones, He is the king of F**king MetalCore!
Former Contributor
48. writes:
Trivium aren't so much "Emo-metal" as they are a metal band that has a very young singer, who can *gasp* sing....
I can hear where people are going with the emo angle, my first reaction was the same, but Triviums singer isn't wailing (see also crying) like Thursday, Weezer, MyChem etc. He just happens to be gifted with a great deal of mid and high range, and being young vs say...heh....Glenn Benton just means theres some time for touring to take a toll on his voice....
Use will make his voice more man-ish so the squeemish can listen to Trivium without worrying what their black metal homeboys think.
People need to get over this narrow minded sh** in metal.
Whats metal today IS NOT what was metal yesterday and it sure as sh** won't be the same in 2015. Lets move the f*** on.
49. writes:
Why is there so much people b****ing about this, I wasnt p***ed that Opeth didnt make it because judgeing by the new Terriozer magazine Opeths new album has got all the reconisation it deserves. its all down to a matter of opinion, and if people here get p***ed off at Metal Undergrounds opinion then just f*** off and make your own poll, the staff here should not have to explain their opinions to p***ed of teens of why there little favourite band didnt get into the poll. And I am far from a fan of trivium but they do know their stuff about metal music, and by the looks of there music taste theres nothing emo about them (apart from the lead singers voice sometimes)
52. writes:
I tried to resist commenting on the Tool issue, but could not.
I've been a metal fan since birth but I listen to everything. Tool's "Undertow" is the only CD I've worn out from playing. Slayer is still at the top of my list. So what if Lateralus sold all those records. It sucked. Maynard dosen't even write his own lyrics anymore. He just wants to stand on stage for a few months and collect his paycheck. I'm glad they didn't make the list and I don't care if they ever make another album. Tool should have picked up Chris Cornell when they had the chance. Maynard is still a great singer but he should stay in APC, there's more people in that band willing to bend over for him.
Member
53. writes:
once again RememberMetal? is the voice of reason. he always seems to be right. so listen up b****es. just because a siger actually sings does not mean emo. grow up. dave mustaine, james hetfeild dont growl, but they are undeniably metal. same with ozzy. so grow up, actually listen, and dont be b****es that are slaves to genre names. make your own opinion.
horns
\m/
54. writes:
GP, Dude I respect your opinion but why the hell would Tool get Chris Cornell? I think he is a great singer but when it comes to the music style of Tool he just would not fit in, and Maynard like him or not is Fantastic live, and Cornell sounds f***ing terrible live, expecially on the live in cuba DVD, if Tool could go on without maynard they would not of waited this long to make the album.
Supporter
Former Contributor
59. writes:
He's a far cry from greatness, but there are a million less capable/interesting metal vocalists out there. I'm not about to star championing Trivium, they're good (especially for their age, as many have stated) but they have a long way to go as far as I'm concerned.
Most metal bands in that age group play like Kittie or worse.
I find it refreshing to hear something coming from a kid who is six years younger than myself and paying homage to some of his metal forefathers who were in their prime when he was a curled up, blind, fetus parasite thing.
Member
Member
63. writes:
Here you f***ers go, the complete Best of 2005, according to me.
It's a bit of reading for you. I'd .like to see what else people would put into the categories
I added. Enjoy.
Best Metal Album of 2005:
-Dark Tranquility: Character
Runner ups:
Behemoth: Demigod
Suspyre- The Silvery Image
Fear Factory- Transgression
Children of Bodom- Are You Dead Yet?
Strapping Young Lad- Alien
-----------------------------------------------
Best Metal Newcomer of 2005:
-Suspyre
-Through the Eyes of the Dead(tie)
Runner ups:
Trivium
Divinity Destroyed
Bloodsimple
3 Inches of Blood
------------------------------------------------
Best Live Act of 2005:
Strapping Young Lad
Runner ups:
Slipknot
Six Feet Under
Lamb of God
Fear Factory
Children of Bodom
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Most Anticipated Release for 2006:
-Gotta agree with the MU staff on this one. SLAYER!!!
Runner ups:
Dimmu Borgir
Lamb of God
Lacuna Coil
Strapping Young Lad
Godsmack
==========================
And a few of my own categories...
Best Soundtrack of 2005:
-Alone In The Dark
I didn't like any other soundtracks,
although there were some with 3 or 4 decent songs,
such as Resident Evil 2.
-----------------------------------------------
Best Metal DVD of 2005:
-Lamb of God Killadelphia
Runner ups:
Ozzfest 10th Anniversary
Cradle of Filth: Peace through Superior Firepower
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Best Summer Festival/Tour of 2005:
-Sounds of the Underground
Runner ups:
-Ozzfest
-GIgantour
Member
64. writes:
Ill give u the best DVD and Tour of 2005. Those are both good picks (at least the winners), and good ideas for categories. Although if we did tours, Id like to see a small bill and big bill tours. (IE) The difference between say Ozzfest and a tour like the Strhess tour. We almost did a best soundtrack, but thats far to narrow to pick from. I did enjoy Saw's though. And there was another one but I cant remember now.
Member
68. writes:
Alright, where should we start GP? First of all, I want to make it very clear that I DO NOT care whether you are TOOL fan or not. My comments here are not intended to sway you in one way or another. They are simply a reaction to what you have posted. So, with that said, please tell me exactly where you got the information that MJK does not write his own lyrics anymore? It's a great little statement you make, but it is completely unsubstantiated. Do you just think he doesn't write them? Did someone tell you that? Just let me know. Also, you rip the band for not touring enough...but they toured 2 straight years in support of Lateralus. I agree, they do less dates than other bands normally do on a tour...but that is hardly a bad thing. In fact, it makes them more valuable. Have you ever been to a TOOL show? It is, as I have said before, an experience. You are the kind of person (I think) who would be disappointed by the live show...MJK stands in the back, Adam and Justin hardly move, and the drummer is a major focus...you would probably complain the whole time...because you are not the kind of person that likes an artistic, unconventional approach. If you want to make some changes in that mentality, I suggest that you take time out of your day and watch Pink Floyd's "Live at Pompeii." If you want to watch artists practice their craft...that is a good place to start. Then maybe you might respect what TOOL is trying to accomplish. They produce so little in comparison to other bands…but that lack of “supply” makes the amount that does surface infinitely valuable. There is so little TOOL experience that can be had…album or live…and that has intrinsic value unto itself. A band that just pumps out an album every year and tours incessantly will undoubtedly decrease the value of their product…such is the nature of the market. Also, you negate your own point by claiming that MJK is only out for his paycheck…if that were true…wouldn’t that mean more shows? You cannot have it both ways. I am sorry that you didn’t like Lateralus…or any other album other than Undertow…that is too bad because there is so much on the other records. However, I find it odd that you claim to love Undertow so much. Well, having been the great fan of Undertow that you claim to be you may remember a track entitled “4 Degrees.” Do you know what 4 degrees is referencing??? I’ll tell you…it’s the temperature difference between the vagina and the anus. The song uses anal sex as a metaphor for personal growth. “Let’s go digging.” You claim to love this album…yet you exhibit no ability to dig a little further…to leave yourself in a state of vulnerable open-mindedness. Doesn’t seem quite consistent to me. Well, there is much more to say on the point…but it’s 4 in the morning and time to go to bed.
69. writes:
You sure did waste alot of time for not knowing what you're talking about (Me). Yes I have been to see Tool live and it was the second best show I have seen in 10 years. I also listen to Pink Floyd and have seen them live which was the best show I saw in the previous ten years. I love what Tool did musically, they brought back the extention of the mind into the music when no one even cared that it was missing. I just don't think they can duplicate what Floyd did, even on a smaller scale. Lateralus was uninspired and was totally written while APC was on tour. Do some digging of your own. But back to the original point. This whole thing started in reference to them not makeing the list for highly anticipated albums of 2006. If you can't rock in one band why should I believe that you're going to rock in another. It's hard to keep your fans interested with an album every five years, or a good one every ten. Maybe if they did an album of covers like APC.
Oh ya. You can have it both ways. If your album goes platinum before you tour, you don't have to tour as much ie. sit back and collect a paycheck!
70. writes:
Winner:
Nevermore's "This Godless Endeavor"
Runners Up:
Chimaira's "Chimaira"
Behemoth's "Demigod"
Dark Tranquillity, Character
Strapping Young Lad- Alien
Rammstein's "Rosenrot"
Also Nominated:
Trivium - Ascendancy
Arcturus - "Sideshow Symphonies"
Cryptopsy - Once was Not
Devildriver - Fury of the Maker's Hand
Kreator - Enemy of God
Novembers Doom - The Pale Haunt Departure
Sentenced - The Funeral Album
Soilwork - Stabbing The Drama
1349 - Hellfire
Black Harvest - White Light Came Down
Children of Bodom, Are You Dead Yet?
Exodus - Shovel Headed Kill Machine
Through The Eyes of the Dead - Bloodlust
Aborted - The Archaic Abattoir
Arch Enemy - Doomsday Machine
Hate Eternal - I, Monarch
Immolation - Harnessing Ruin
Living Sacrifice - In Memoriam
Roadrunner United - The Allstar Sessions
Suspyre - The Silvery Image
Demon Hunter - The Triptych
Destruction - Inventor of Evil
Dew Scented - Issue VI
Paradise Lost - Paradise Lost
Symphorce - Godspeed
Best Metal Newcomer of 2005
Winner:
Trivium
Runner Up:
3 Inches of Blood
Also Nominated:
Divinity Destroyed
Through The Eyes Of The Dead
Eternity Void
Sonic Syndicate
Still Remains
A Dozen Furies
Distorted Mind
Helrunar
Communic
Gojira
Jacknife
Sol Asunder
10 Years
Beyond the Flesh
Bloodsimple
Burn Your Wishes
Tyranny
Best Live Act of 2005
Winner:
Apocalyptica
Runners Up:
Megadeth
Anthrax
Mudvayne
Children of Bodom
Therion
Amon Amarth
Killswitch Engage
Also Nominated:
Into Eternity
Strapping Young Lad
Behemoth
Orphaned Land
Testament
Trivium
Beyond the Flesh
Chimaira
Nevermore
Rhapsody
Beyond the Embrace
Corrosion of Conformity
Exodus
Iron Maiden
Vader
Cold
Cryptopsy
Divinity Destroyed
Gwar
Immolation
Obituary
Sevendust
Most Anticipated Release for 2006
Winner:
Slayer
Runners-up:
In Flames - Come Clarity
Metallica
Vader
Also Nominated:
Into Eternity
Nothingface
Orphaned Land
Cryptopsy
Immolation
Sol Asunder
Testament
Trivium
Evil Adam
Hate Eternal
Kalmah - The Black Waltz
Lacuna Coil
Machine Head
Silent Civilian
Agathodaimon
Atreyu
Distorted Mind
Lamb of God
Vital Remains
Godsmack
Grey Skies Fallen
Madder Mortem
Norther, Till Death Unites Us
Skinless
Strapping Young Lad
Member
71. writes:
Again, I have no delusions that I can convince you to appreciate what TOOL did and still does...just discussion here. I should have stayed away from assuming things about you...sorry for that. Back to the discussion though. The music for Lateralus was written while MJK was away from the band...but the lyrics and arrangement were worked on after APC had wrapped up all of the Mer de Noms activities. Again, I ask you...where did you get the info that MJK doesn't write his own lyrics? I think it is common knowledge that he writes the lyrics for TOOL...however on all of the albums the entire band is credited for the effort. Just wondering where that info came from. Also, let me expand here a bit...we have been discussing Undertow and Lateralus...but Aenima was in there too...and here is why that is important to the discussion about "most anticipated album." The band has put out records that are a journey as a whole. Undertow really starts the journey (even though Opiate came first...the band never intended that to be their first release). Undertow, as you well know is very dark and tormented. It delves into painful emotions and is quite personal. Next, Aenima...the most political and outward looking album they have written. Anger and frustration are more prevalent on this record...but it closes with Third Eye (a song about Bill Hicks...and one that focuses on changing yourself...opening yourself up). There are also personal songs on there about abuse and drug use...but the focus is more outward..."what the world has done" type of feel. But with the close being Third Eye...there is some sense of growth...and a possible shift to understanding things in a new way. Then there was Lateralus...uninspired is how you describe the record. However, if one looks at the progression the message is consistent and thoughtful. The band now turned its focus back to exploring within...understanding yourself and where you exist in the world (including some commentary on relationships). There is far less aggression on Lateralus and the album wanders more. I have heard from several people that this was not their favorite TOOL record (although they usually like "Ticks" leading me to believe that they just want more aggression). So I don't think you are alone there...but absent the message that the band is trying to promulgate, one would be hard-pressed to claim that the music wasn't amazing. So here we are...awaiting the next step on this journey that TOOL has taken (along with their fans...if they are willing to use the music to grow). The world has completely changed since TOOL released Lateralus...there has been an attack on this country...the beginning of a seemingly endless war...and tragedies all over the globe. Why am I interested in the next TOOL record? Because this whole journey has been about evolving as a person...topics inspired by the world around us and from within us. I want to hear what it is that TOOL has to say about where we are. For anyone that has delved into the music...the next step is always highly anticipated. That is why I would have at least nominated it as a most anticipated record. Again, that is a TOOL fan perspective...but I would venture to say that any fan of any band would think that the next album should be "most anticipated." My opinion is extremely biased...but it is what it is. Quickly, I want to address a few other things you mentioned. TOOL doing a cover record would be difficult. As I have explained...I think that they have a very detailed and precise message that they want to deliver...and that would be hard to do with an album of covers. I think that is why MJK being in APC is a good thing...he can explore outside of what TOOL does. Also, bands do not make their money on record sales...they get only a small fraction of that amount. It is in touring and other forms of promotion that bands make the bulk of their money. So even with a platinum record...a band interested only in making money would have to tour like mad and make sure they get all royalty payments from the use of their music. Well, I guess that is about all. Sorry about the lengthy post. I look forward to discussing more topics with you in the future. I will continue digging in the meantime.
Former Contributor
72. writes:
I'm beside myself. Very well said JT, very informed grasp of the band.
A band that has been among my favorites since the ripe old age of 13 (now 25)...I too am curious about what subject matters Tool will be covering.
I do get abit more childish glee from Tools raw aggression.....but how someone can be completely lost on perfection of the epic soundscape "songs" is beyond me. And if someone can't appreciate the melancholic and contemplative beauty of songs like "H", "Parabol" and "The Patient" then thats purely their loss.
The whole issue of why they weren't nominated on this site (while semi-perplexing) doesn't bother me. Tool aren't by any means the purest essence of metal, and while I'm crossing my fingers for an aggressive record(all rumors, even some murmurs from the band seem to confirm it) I'll be thrilled with whatever form of album Tool plan on delivering.
I love Opiate, Undertow, AEnima, Salival and Lateralus for what they are respectively and I'm not even concerned about being let down.....Each album is a journey unto itself...
74. writes:
Where is it written that MJK writes his own lyrics? You're siting you source "common knowledge". That seems a little naive. I heard that efforts were made to involve MJK in writing the lyrics for Lateralus but he consistantly left songs unfinished and put it off until it was to late. Since they are under contract and needed the record to be finished at a certain time, they finished the lyrics without him. My source is almost five years old so I don't remember, but I believe it. Opiate, Undertow, and AEnima are all similar in vibe. Dismal, poetic, aggression, that left you thinking they were onto somthing and you yourself were the key to success. All Lateralus did was leave a bad taste in my mouth.
Member
75. writes:
The "common knowledge" I CITED is referring to what I have read on toolshed.down.net. That website is contributed to by MJK himself. There are also several articles that came out around the time of the release of Lateralus...let's see...MTV did an online article with reference to the writing process...Spin had an article discussing the same topic. The band itself gave updates through their website during the off-time talking about writing the music...awaiting MJK's lyrical addition. MJK stated that he writes lyrics as a feeble attempt to interpret what the music is already saying. I guess I don't have any hard proof for you...I never video taped MJK actually writing the lyrics down...but I have never encountered any story/article that says anything close to what you claim. But maybe your "sources" are far more informed than mine.
79. writes:
So can someone give me an answer to that AC/DC album. Last I heard, they did have one coming out this year... or is everyone hear for some reason anti- AC/DC?
few albums im excited for are Slayer, Trivium, Unearth, Tool, AC/DC (if it drops) In Flames, and Metallica. But I heard they postponed again all the way to 2007.. lame. I'm sure there are more, but those are some. Album of the year in my opinion was Trivium - Ascendancy
80. writes:
I'm REALLY looking forward to getting the new Grey Skies Fallen when it comes out!!! That Nomination is well deserved!! They have new songs posted on their Myspace page. From what I heard so far it's really awesome, especially if you're into Porcupine Tree, Floyd or Opeth's mellower sounds. I heard a radio interview with them a couple of months ago and they said that they have already began writting really heavy s**t like their previous albums . So hopfully they'll put out two albums this year!!
Member
81. writes:
I have written so much on TOOL I forgot to actually put my picks on here...well here we go:
Top Albums of the Year (in no particular order): 1. Opeth - "Ghost Reveries" 2. Pelican - "The Fire in Our Throats Will Beckon the Thaw" 3. DevilDriver - "The Fury of Our Maker's Hand" 4. Judas Priest - "Angel of Retribution" 5. Crematorium - "The Process of Endtime"
Worst Album: Didn't Limp Bizkit put something out this year??? If yes, that answers the question...if no, then...didn't Korn put out a record this year?
Best Newcomers: I have to agree with the staff here...Trivium and 3 Inches of Blood
Most Anticipated (in no particular order): 1. TOOL 2. Goatwhore 3. Mushroomhead 4. Decapitated 5. NOW Vol. 2,872
That's all I got.
Member
Member
84. writes:
I got into Pelican quite a while ago. I have run into quite a few people who feel the same way as you...I saw 'em live for the first time just about a month ago and I was thoroughly impressed with their musicianship. However, I think I do hold them up a little bit just because they were one of those bands I thought I knew about before everyone else. So I think I'm a little blinded by that...but I still think the new record is pretty interesting. Anyway, the Mushroomhead record should be good. Waylon is a completely different type of vocalist than JMann and I think it will allow the band to go in a completely new direction. Also, the record is supposed to come out with 8 different covers designed by the different members. Supposed to come out in early summer...should be exciting.
Member
89. writes:
wow i had no idea there were this many grey skies fallen fans here. they are certainly a band i look up to. i nominated them cause it is something i'm highly looking forward to. glad i'm not alone there.
i too am surprised opeth didn't show up. i didn't like the new album much, but i know A LOT of people that do and i thought a bunch of staffers here would vote for them. the nevermore is amazing. a great album to get into them.
suspyre (power/progish) and divinity destroyed (prog-death) rule as well.
of all the bands talked about (through 88 posts i just read most of), i'm surprised there isn't so much talk about into eternity. they've been touring like crazy lately, new album out soon, and are great live. another prog-death band that really does it right. i'm eager to hear the new stuff cause their previous efforts had improved recording quality and songwriting talent grow each album. their last album was great, though production was a bit iffy, so me and my friends are excited for the new stuff.
if you want to get into metal, you have to have an open mind. if not you'll be stuck in one genre or set of bands forever. eventually you'll get bored and want to move on but realize you have no other band to go to. it's happened to me plenty of times, but since i keep an open mind the transition is easy. for ex: i got bored with power metal a few years back so i checked out some swedish melodic death metal (early in flames, dark tranquillity, opeth, etc) as not really liking growls in the first place, this was a hard transition. music is something that grows on you. i've learned (recently) that you have to give something many listens before really deciding if you like it or not. i got about 30 albums sent to me/i downloaded that i have to go through. i tend to listen to about 3 albums at once. so it is a timely process. hehe and getting 2 myspace bands adding me a day doesn't help either. it takes up a lot of time and energy. this is why most people choose to have a closed mind about things (aka pop music and such). metal isn't really about this though, it is about enjoying music and appreciating it in whatever ritual you prefer (moshing, headbanging, jumping, air guitar, etc). in the end, enjoy the music you have, don't look down upon something you haven't fully experienced, and don't curse people out or dis a band because you think it is lesser than you.
said more than enough for a sitting, so get up and refill that beer/soda and grab another bag of chips or go do whatever you do.
Member
96. writes:
ha ha ha i,m just playing, i love metal of any kind thrash metal, death metal, brutal death metal, funeral doom, neo-classical metal,viking metal even nu-metal because of korn,system of a down, disturbed and a couple of more.
also isn't black sabbath or iron maiden or grand funk railroad the gods of metal due to their early debuts
Member
Supporter
99. writes:
I'm glad TRIVIUM was included not to mention came out on top.Other band's that I love that were listed KILL SWITCH ENGAGED & LAMB OF GOD . I only just recently in the last 6 or 7 month's got turned on to OPETH and all I can say is NNNNNOOOOOWWWWW TTTTTHHHHHAAAAATTTTT'''''SSSSS FFFFFUUUUUCCCCCKKKKKIIIIINNNNNGGGGG RRRRREEEEEAAAAALLLLL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nothing short of INf***INGCREDIBLE ! Lastly I'm a fan of both but how is it MANSON is METAL but The DEFTONES are not ?
Supporter
Member
101. writes:
The live band catagory .... is how the bands sound live or how good of a show they put on .... cause if it's how good of a show im a bit supprised Gwar, Rammstein, and other gimmic bands ... so im guessing it's based on talent.
Glad to see devildriver, killswitch, L.O.G., And trivium were mentioned.
But i would have to agree ... i'm a bit supprised tool did'nt make the cut for most anticipated .... But i think L.O.G is more anticipated than metallica after their last album fiasco and probably more so than vader .... Rhandy said that the next album is gonna be a bit melodic ... that should be interesting.
Best album should have gone to SYL or Devildriver ... but then i don't care much for Nevermore.
Member
103. writes:
36 crazyfists is the only decent band you named. Thats why they arent on the f***ing list. Cradle of Filth is possibly the worst band in the history of "Metal". I find them talentless, easy to rip off, gimmicky, and the poster boys for the mall goth crowd which I loathe being associated with.
And yes,Mourning Star, its based on pure talent.
Former Contributor
104. writes:
Type O aren't the best, but "October Rust" is probably one of the 50 best metal records ever.
It redefined Sabbath style metal and perhaps for the first time since NIN's debut showed that gothic nuances can be used tastefully.....What sucks is Type O havent put out a record of that quality ever since.
And in my humble but honest opinion CoF dose infact suck. I can't fault them for trying to push the boundaries of their chosen genre, but they seem kind of clownish (Dani Filth in specific) next to true black metal acts....Hell even Dimmu Borgir come off as a higher calibur and more true to their roots.
Member
105. writes:
I hate CoF with a f***ing passion ... Dani Filth is so whiny ... i think i've only heard one decent song from them .... every mall core homo i have ever come across has said their fav band is CoF ... Dimmu Borgir although in my opinion are'nt that great are much better than CoF.
I like 36 crazy fists the lead singers vocals are unique.
106. writes:
to the guy who thinks matt heafy is a poser, dude if you had half as much talent as he does then you wouldnt be sitting around winging like a b**** about how you think they are an "emo" act with a bit of metl thrown in!!!! have a listen properly dude!!!! He screams, so what c***s have been screaming in metal music since the begining, and it aint no gay emo scream either, wake up and smell the roses, do you know anything about music at all, but yeah i agree emo sucks but its wrong that you label a talented metal band such as trivium as emo, f***in c'mon dude!!!! Its an insult to metal music!!!
As for the awards thanks for taking the time dudes
Member
108. writes:
Maynard is a champ. my favourite album at the moment is APC's Thirteenth Step. it jolly rocks. and whoever it was asking about AC/DC - i'm on their email newsletter list type thing, and i THINK i do remember something about a new album, but i'm not too sure. it couldv been that dvd theyv just released that i'm thinking of.
GP and JT; congratulations on being some of the few on this site that can have an intellectual, reasonable conversation expressing opposing viewpoints without resorting to personal attacks and all that other BS. my respect.
Member
Supporter
Former Contributor
112. writes:
"Bloodykisses" is f***ing fantastic Brad (was my intro to the band actually) but, I was so much more blown away when October Rust came out.
"October Rust" is a very glossy record but that extra polish really makes the keys, drums and vocal harmonies resonate.....In my opinion they havent surpassed that album, but I hold "BK" in nearly the same regard as "OR"...
Supporter
114. writes:
if you have bloody kisses just get october rust. most people think those are the two best albums with people being evenly split over october rust or bloody kisses being the best....
The early stuff is indeed, very good....but I would strongly suggest October Rust first....You can't be let down because it's more of the same with cleaner production.
If you get it post here and let me know what you think Blackdog.
ImI O o ImI
Member
117. writes:
opeth are so f***in overated its not funny really its not when us metal heads no better than to believe hype seeing as nearly every band that is overrated and turns out to suck like: metallica (the most overated band in history) sucks. opeth (long sh**y songs that drag on and on and on and on...)mostly sucks d***. korn(the worst band in history) sucks sucks sucks gay gay gay!!
119. writes:
All you Opeth fans can kiss my ass!!! I don't give a sh!t what you say about them. There good musicians playing sh**ty a$$ music. Don't make 8 minutes long songs! And in concert there even more boring because they stand there and play there instruments and don't even move around. And the singer is just like "Hi. How are you doing. Thanks for having us. okay this song is..." It's spoken in a very boring voice. I hate this band!!!
Supporter
122. writes:
Why don't you eat sh**. Because I don't like one band I'm a waste of life? Well then you need to burn in hell you little piece of crap. Sorry for having an opinion, and you can go back to living in the dumpster you white trash piece of crap! I didn't say that they were bad musicians, I just don't like that like every song has a couple songs in each one and have every song be 8 minutes long!!!
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1. hvymetal writes:
TRIVIUM!!!!!!