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The Best Alternative Metal Album
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Imagine a post-hardcore version of sludge and alternative metal played by some guys high on Prozac, and you'll have an idea of what ÆGES sounds like. Add to the fact that the riffs are a hyper-charged melodic affair but still heavier than a whale's nuts, you'd be forgiven if you're hitting your mother in the face just for more.
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From heavy hitters that will seize control over your neck muscles to lava-like, almost doomy riffs; from the harshest growls and double bass attacks to sultry power ballads; from groove metal and grunge to sweet pop rock hymns. On 69 Chambers' sophomore album Nina Vetterli-Treml's sometimes raucous, sometimes sweet, always sensual vocals and Tommy Vetterli's (Coroner, ex-Kreator) rugged riffs fuse to create a record that offers a lot to discover and a lot to enjoy.
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The enigmatic Aluk Todolo became known to the world through their noise-encrusted, blackened krautrock compositions and earned them a place amongst many a metaller. Occult Rock however displays an entirely new echelon of refinement which will undoubtedly garner them many more. Expansive and droning noise-rock constructions, reminiscent of early Skullflower, provide floating, psychedelic trips unlike anything that can be found in metal.
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Perhaps more so than any of their peers, Deftones continue to defy the ill-fated reputation of their Nu-Metal heritage. With Koi No Yokan they strive on, further maturing their post-tinged alternative sound, quite possibly producing their best work since the acclaimed White Pony. Any preconceptions you may have toward this band should be left at the door, because Deftones are an entity worthy of your attention.
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Never ones to rush to the studio, Gojira return after four years with L'Enfant Sauvage ("The Wild Child"). To the delight of fans, this highly anticipated release continues with their trademark technical and structured sound. The usual tight drumming and groove-based guitar work are heard here in more concise form, a sign of their gradual maturation as musicians. With the contemplation of freedom as a main concept, we see that these French legends are not afraid show restraint and stay on the path that has garnered them droves of fans over the years.
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How does a mix of symphonic and female fronted nu metal sound? Well, kind of like French band Kells. Anachromie, already their 3rd album to date, is an effort trying to balance delicately on the edge between beauty and aggression. And succeeding rather well at it. The impressive vocal range of Virginie Goncalves is well matched by the backing instrumental wall of sound. We think this album has what it takes. Do you?
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When you combine a voice that is as unique as Yann Ligner's with a creative/experimental musical approach, something like The Dreamer's Hideaway is born. The sheer intensity of the large-scale riffs is enough to blow you away, but Klone comes into their own and adds layer after layer of suffocating rhythms and grandiose bursts. The sophisticated progressive intricacies and elaborated transitions are just an added bonus. In the end, this album takes over because you can't beat it, it's just too good.
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Serenity Broken certainly has a flavour of their own and for a band to come up with something so unique without compromising it's quite a feat. Mixing hard rock with grunge and alternative might sound insane to some but they do it in a way that is irresistible. It will take you back to old times and make you look into future at the same time with creativity. With such a varied set of songs and in-your-face attitude, Commercial Suicide is bound to be your next addiction. Warning: it will cause dependency and immediate gratification.
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While the previous two records were both fun and perplexing, it's taken Serj until the third record to create something truly worthy of his work in System Of A Down. Harakiri is a direct and confident album and one totally free of filler. This showcases his brilliant melody driven song writing to its fullest, his voice is as charming as ever while his lyrics provoke thought like few bands ever could.
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Northern Ireland's finest are enjoying quite the creative renaissance with their new album A Brief Crack Of Light. While dubstep is still very much an audible influence, Therapy? are able to take these elements and manipulate them in such a way that the result is a completely unique take on electronica-inspired rock. Intelligent yet still very heavy, Therapy? remains the alternative to the alternative.
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