The idea is simple, I want metal fans to create/ design a greatest metal hits album. There are a number of rules you need to follow. Discuss reasons why a song is number 1 on the album, or why number 6 is number 6, ect. This is an album you would give to someone interested in metal but hasn't ever really heard much more metal than the slightly poppy bands and metalcore stuff that goes around.
Rules
1 - No more than 2 songs from one band
2 - 11 songs on the album
3 - Have a bit of fun with this.

*************

Ok I'll start...

1 - Iron Maiden - Wildest Dreams (I love the sart of this song, "1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4..." Then straight into it."
2 - Painkiller - Judas Priest (This is one of the excellent follow up songs with a great beat and catchy rhythm)
3 - Equilibrium - Tristania (This is a great ballad, one of my favorites and it breaks off from that very heavy introduction.)
4 - The Obsesive Devotion - Epica (To introduce a more feminine sound to the album, and this is a great example of what Simone Simons can do)
5 - Blood Tears - Blind Guardian (This is one of my favorite BG songs, I love the lyrics and intense emotive sound in Hansi's vocals.)
6 - DNR - Testament (This is one of those brilliant metal riffs, you can't help but like this song)
7 - Master of Puppets - Metallica (This is one of those classics that you just can't leave out of a metal album)
8 - The Lake of Ghosts - My Dying Bride (This one of MDB's more unforgettable songs, the atmosphere and lyric combine to create one of the darkest song i have ever heard.)
9 - Adrenaline - The Gathering (I love this song, and i think it makes a good break as a more uplifting song.)
10 - Destroyer - Candlemass (Another song just to change it up again. A catchy song that describes metal to a T.)
11 - A Question of Heaven - Iced Earth (I love this as the last songs to finnish off, Its a great farewell song)

In no particular order :


1. Mechanix ( Megadeth )
2. Fucking Hostile ( Pantera )
3. Damage Inc. ( Metallica )
4. Overkill ( Motörhead )
5. Hell Awaits ( Slayer )
6. Pleasure To Kill ( Kreator )
7. Piranha ( Exodus )
8. Addicted to Mosh ( Violator )
9. Painkiller ( Priest )
10. Refuse/Resist ( Sepultura )
11. Black Metal ( Venom )


Like it or not, just some of my personal all time favorites

@Cliff 'em All, please xplain WHY you would put those songs on such a compilation and you saying that they are favourites of yours is not really a valid reason.

Here is my seIection for my Greatest Metal Album! I hope you will enjoy it too!


1. Axxis - Shadows Of The Light
A little bit repetitive but very catchy... And a little Power Metal cannot be bad for a metal compilation.

2. Metallica - The Day That Never Comes
What better than a little ballad to be in my album first songs.

3. Iron Maiden - 2 Minutes To Midnight
The riff is very cool and it makes me listen to the song almost every day!

4. Black Tide - Shockwave
A little hard rock/heavy metal song fits perfectly in this metal compilation... And I get a big rock n' roll feeling when I listen to them!

5. Pantera - Walk
What an amazing song! The lyrics are pretty good and the riff is awesome! It deserves to be in my album!

6. Children Of Bodom - Are You Dead Yet?
The song has a great rhythm! It is very catchy and the solo is amazing.

7. Sonata Arctica - 8th Commandment
Another Power Metal song! But this one is heavier. It is a great song and the lyrics are awesome.

8. Disturbed - Down With The Sickness
Probably the best song from Disturbed. The song is brilliant.

9. Helloween - The Dark Ride
A catchy, heavy and awesome song! I never get tired of it!

10. In Flames - Episode 666
An incredible song that I can listen to every day! The guitar section is awesome and the voice fits perfectly.

11. Avenged Sevenfold - Sidewinder
The song is very good. The bridge is incredible! With an excellent solo! Thanks A7X for this awesome song!

01. In Flames - The Quiet Place
02. Anathema - Flying
03. Slayer - Seasons In The Abyss
04. Dark Tranquillity - Auctioned
05. Riverside - Second Life Syndrome
06. Samael - Moongate
07. The Haunted - The Drowning
08. In Flames - The Jester's Dance
09. Summoning - Long Lost to Where No Pathway Goes
10. Judas Priest - Night Crawler
11. Death - Voice Of The Soul

@ms68 can you please have some explainations why you have chosen these songs. I don't want this to end up being an 11 favorite songs list otherwise I would have put this in the Arena

Good topic :-)

1. Dalriada - Igaz Hittel <this is one of my favourite song of my favourite band. It's got power, buetifull lyrics, and everything, that a Metal song needs>

2. Amon Amarth - Twilight of the Thunder God <simply a GREAT song! I'm listening to it at this moment:) >

3. Iron Maiden - Two minutes to midnight < I think it's a kind of metal songs that every metalhead knows, Its a principle song>

4. Blind Guardian - Imaginations from the other side <the first 'Guardian song I ever heard. So it's got some emotional reasons, for being here..>

5. Steel Panther - Death To all but Metal <a song about metal. a song about "fuck" and giving a "fuck" to all but metal >

6. Hammerfall - Hearts on fire < "hearts on fire, hearts on fire, burning, burning with desire" everyone likes it >

7. Bleeding Through - Kill to believe < I know, It's metalcore...;) >

8. Manowar - Kings of metal <Manowar is true! >

9. Metallica - Nothing else matters < basic song... >

10. Mors Principium Est - Cleasing rain < very good song from the finnish melodic death metallers. I like it much, good melodies with some "hadware" >

11. Rammstein - Ich Will < One of Rammstein's best songs. And "the 'Stein" is good:D>

Written by Jan Destiny on 18.04.2009 at 19:49

Good topic :-)

1. Dalriada - Igaz Hittel <this is one of my favourite song of my favourite band. It's got power, buetifull lyrics, and everything, that a Metal song needs>

2. Amon Amarth - Twilight of the Thunder God <simply a GREAT song! I'm listening to it at this moment:) >

3. Iron Maiden - Two minutes to midnight < I think it's a kind of metal songs that every metalhead knows, Its a principle song>

4. Blind Guardian - Imaginations from the other side <the first 'Guardian song I ever heard. So it's got some emotional reasons, for being here..>

5. Steel Panther - Death To all but Metal <a song about metal. a song about "fuck" and giving a "fuck" to all but metal >

6. Hammerfall - Hearts on fire < "hearts on fire, hearts on fire, burning, burning with desire" everyone likes it >

7. Bleeding Through - Kill to believe < I know, It's metalcore...;) >

8. Manowar - Kings of metal <Manowar is true! >

9. Metallica - Nothing else matters < basic song... >

10. Mors Principium Est - Cleasing rain < very good song from the finnish melodic death metallers. I like it much, good melodies with some "hadware" >

11. Rammstein - Ich Will < One of Rammstein's best songs. And "the 'Stein" is good:D>

Good list! I forgot about "Hearts On Fire"! I would have probably put it in my album if only I had thought about it...

This is too goddamn hard. picking fav 5 or fav 10 of anything is incredibly hard, specially when, like in this case, there's so much you can choose from. having this, i don't think i'd be able to chose 11 songs and be happy with the result, 'cause i know i'll always end up leaving out some great songs. besides, this is reeeaaally subjective, 'cause everyone is going to choose their personal favs, and if i get it right, the idea of the thread is choosing the greatest, not your favorites.
in any case, i believe that there should be 1 song from b. sabbath, 1 from maiden and 1 from metallica. even thoug those 3 are not part of my fav bands (doesn't mean i don't like them, it's ust that i don't like them as much as i like other bands), on would have to choose them simply because they have been or were, incredibly influential

Written by tulkas on 19.04.2009 at 02:31

This is too goddamn hard. picking fav 5 or fav 10 of anything is incredibly hard, specially when, like in this case, there's so much you can choose from. having this, i don't think i'd be able to chose 11 songs and be happy with the result, 'cause i know i'll always end up leaving out some great songs. besides, this is reeeaaally subjective, 'cause everyone is going to choose their personal favs, and if i get it right, the idea of the thread is choosing the greatest, not your favorites.
in any case, i believe that there should be 1 song from b. sabbath, 1 from maiden and 1 from metallica. even thoug those 3 are not part of my fav bands (doesn't mean i don't like them, it's ust that i don't like them as much as i like other bands), on would have to choose them simply because they have been or were, incredibly influential

You can include your favorite if you wish, as long as you can justify their inclusion with an explanation. The idea is to design an album that you would be happy to make and market as a greatest metal album.
Yes it is subjective to individual opinion, that is kind of the point, otherwise everyone would chose the same or a similar list. The idea is to include something different not just 11 of the most popular songs.

Well...it was really hard for me to come up with a list of only 11 songs, but here it is:

1. Amon Amarth - Asator
-I love the opening riff, and this song is a great way to open up an album with speed and aggression.

2. Scar Symmetry - Slaves to the Subliminal
-I just love the vocals, and it's got a good rhythm.

3. Kamelot - The Haunting (Somewhere In Time)
-This is a slow song that contrasts the first two. Khan and Simone's voices compliment each other so well in this song!

4. Kreator - Enemy of God
-Any song from Kreator has killer riffs...and this song is no exception.

5. Cellador - Leaving All Behind
-The guitars in the song are pretty good, and the singer sounds a lot like Bruce Dickinson.

6. Deathstars - Cyanide
-Throwing a little industrial metal in the album...the singer insanely deep voice sounds very evil on this track.

7. Into Eternity - Timeless Winter
-This band is just great. Into Eternity has the perfect mix of singing and screaming/growling.

8. Meshuggah - Bleed
-I just love this song, especially the drums.

9. Samael - Slavocracy
-It's a very catchy song, in my opinion, and just awesome all around.

10. Children of Bodom - Sixpounder
-The guitar parts in this song are some of my favorites by CoB, and I love the lyrics.

11. Symphony X - The Odyssey
-This is one of my favorites by SX. It's got everything, such as an epic overture, aggressive riffing, and the ending is a great finish to the album.

I hope you guys enjoyed it.

1. Blind Guardian - Born in a Mourning Hall
-The song that got me into metal, and I think it's a great opener.

2. Judas Priest - The Hellion/Electric Eye
I absolutely love the intro that The Hellion provides, and Electric Eye is simply one of my favorite songs of all time.

3. Metallica - Creeping Death
Simply an awesome thrasher that should follow up Electric Eye

4. Iced Earth - Dante's Inferno
One of my favorite long songs, and it's got so much power that just continues this great hypothetical album.

5. Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath
It has great ominous atmosphere, and it slows things down a bit after the last few aggressive songs.

6. Iron Maiden - The Legacy
Simply, it's a very powerful song that carries a lot of energy with it.

7. Iron Maiden - Out of the Silent Planet
Just another great Iron Maiden song.

8. Blind Guardian - Blood Tears
Just a beautiful and emotional song.

9. Iced Earth - Birth of the Wicked
No album made by me would be complete without a Matt Barlow song (I'm a big fan), and I consider this to be one of his best.

10. Death - To Forgive Is To Suffer
An incredible song, with some of the best extreme vocals I've ever heard.

11. Judas Priest - Painkiller
An insanely awesome song is simply needed for a closer.

Written by ToMegaTherion on 20.04.2009 at 02:54

You can include your favorite if you wish, as long as you can justify their inclusion with an explanation. The idea is to design an album that you would be happy to make and market as a greatest metal album.
Yes it is subjective to individual opinion, that is kind of the point, otherwise everyone would chose the same or a similar list. The idea is to include something different not just 11 of the most popular songs.

yeah, i thought about it, but like i said, it is really hard. at least for me, and i know that whatevr i may choose i'm not gonna be completly happy with what i put. still, i guess it would be a really varied record, containing songs from Amon Amarth, Dream Theater, Sonata Arctica, Nocte Obducta and prbably Novermbers Doom. but, if i ever have the time to choose an come up with something i can be happy about, i'll post it

Currently it would be an all doom compilation, but it will consist of very new songs with the oldest from 2006. See it as what is currently keeping the doom scene interesting. The newest are three songs which have been released this month (April 2009)

1. Procession - The Funeral Of An Age (just gotta love the speeding up of the song at around 07:30 by a great Chilean band)

2. Griftegard - Charles Taze Russell (a brilliant song about the Jehovah's Witnesses with an extremely memorable chorus by one of the most promising new doom bands around.)

3. Candlemass - Hammer Of Doom (an instant classic of their latest album with melody lines to die for)

4. Forsaken - Aidenn Falls (anyone who has read my review of the album would know why I would pick this, just gotta love the guitar lines and soloing on this song)

5. Warning - Footprints (have to slow down the album a bit after the two faster songs, acutally it could have been any song off Watching From A Distance but chose this one cause it is my favourite off the album and the emotional vocals send shivers down my spine every time I listen to it)

6. Esoteric - Circles (time for some funeral doom after all that epic doom metal, and what better way to start with some narcotic brain shattering stuff by these Englishmen)

7. Mourning Beloveth - Trace Decay (moving into death doom territory here but with probably what is in my opinion their most narcotic song so it fits well behind Circles, really dark stuff like everything on an album about substance abuse)

8. Mar De Grises - Kilomètres De Nada (some doom that is almost progressive in nature but still has its roots in death doom)

9. Ataraxie - Silence Of Death (going into extreme death doom here with twisted vocals and also passages that could have been written by dISEMBOWELMENT)

10. Indesinence - Flooding In Red (more extreme death doom with hint of dISEMBOWELMENT just to pummel the listener into total submission)

11. Officium Triste - No Hope (a song title that totally sums up the feeling the listener would have by now, but since this is a much lighter song than the previous two and a lot shorter as well (previous two clocking in at 35 minutes together) a perfect closer and also the newest song of the bunch.)

1) Black Sabbath - Paranoid
2) Grinder - Judas Priest
3) Foolin' - Def Lepard
4) Invaders - Iron Maiden
5) Power And The Glory - Saxon
6) Welcome To Hell - Venom
7) Death Penalty - Witchfinder General
8) The Four Horsemen - Metallica
9) Practice What You Preach - Testament
10) Caught In A Mosh - Anthrax

The reasoning is because I picked some landmark metal bands in chronological order and took what I thought was one of their real first hit songs or something on one of their earlier albums that really stood out as an important song in their discography...

Written by [user id=2084] on 21.04.2009 at 00:47

1) Black Sabbath - Paranoid
2) Grinder - Judas Priest
3) Foolin' - Def Lepard
4) Invaders - Iron Maiden
5) Power And The Glory - Saxon
6) Welcome To Hell - Venom
7) Death Penalty - Witchfinder General
8) The Four Horsemen - Metallica
9) Practice What You Preach - Testament
10) Caught In A Mosh - Anthrax

The reasoning is because I picked some landmark metal bands in chronological order and took what I thought was one of their real first hit songs or something on one of their earlier albums that really stood out as an important song in their discography...

Wow I never knew a band called Paranoid recorded a song called Black Sabbath (okay just being a prick here of course)

ALthough I like you choices I disagree with Power & The Glory and Practice What Your Preach being the hit songs/ stand-out tracks of those bands and aren't imoa good example of what those bands stood for at their peak.

Oh, these threads were most fun in old Metal Storm... as long as people explain their choices! A "best of <metal genre>" like Marcel's list would be nice too, instead of all metal in general.
I am a sucker for Melodic Metal, so here I go:

01. (The opener) Dark Tranquillity - Punish My Heaven (The Gallery)
This song has the most energetic and powerful intro I know in Melodeath, and is best suited as our starter. However, the same goes for Exposure by the same band, although the latter is less representative as it is considered a b-side, and I don't even know if it has ever been chosen in one of their live setlists. Personally Damage Done is my favourite album by Dark Tranquillity, but Punish My Heaven is their signature song without a doubt.

02. (The floorfiller) Sonata Arctica - San Sebastian (Silence)
Another legendary song, this time in Power Metal style. It was one of the very first metal songs I listened to and have been enjoying it ever since. I adore the harmonies, how they modulate between modes and tonality with the listener not even noticing. Truly one of the greatest Power Metal songs ever.

03. (The anthem) Metallica - For Whom the Bell Tolls (Ride the Lightning)
What can I say? This is the best song from the best Thrash Metal album in history. The epitome of everything Metallica has been. A breathtaking intro, perfectly executed, a must in every metalhead's singles collection. Great solos that should be memorized by anybody who wants to learn music. How would you describe the feelings in "Take a look to the sky just before you die - it's the last time you will"?

04. (The introspective ballad) Therion - The Perennial Sophia (Gothic Kabbalah)
I felt I had to save place for some Therion here or there, one of these bands, like Opeth or Finntroll, that define a genre by themselves. I liked their latest release a lot, and especially this slow-tempo monument to Sophia, the personification of wisdom. The duet between male and female clean voices is great as well.

05. (The gratuitous Iron Maiden reference) Iron Maiden - The Trooper (Piece of Mind)
Come on, we all know a "best of Metal" compilation must have at least one Iron Maiden song. I chose The Trooper because of its importance in Iron Maiden concerts, the many times it has been covered by well-known bands such as Sentenced and the fact that it belongs to one of the milestones of orthodox Heavy Metal, Piece of Mind.

06. (The neck-masturbating-but-awesome-indeed song) Opeth - Serenity Painted Death (Still Life)
This choice may be controversial because I know most Metalstormers who are Opeth fans (I am not particularly fond of their music) might have other songs in mind, such as The Drapery Falls or April Ethereal, but I am addicted to Serenity Painted Death. Its solos are complicated and well-structured and its lyrics are best suited for this kind of weird harmonies (example: "Clenched fist from her, the beautiful pain" before an arpeggio A - C - D - F - (E) - B, modulations anyone?).

07. (The purely personal choice) Mägo De Oz - Hasta Que El Cuerpo Aguante (Finisterra)
You don't expect me to write a "best of" compilation without mentioning my favourite song from the album that got me into metal, do you? It's good to include some Folk Metal and/or a song in some language other than English, to be honest.

08. ("That one that goes wah-wah-dennng and then that dude sings 'home where I beloooong' and then the bass and it's amazing dude") Dream Theater - Scene Six: Home (Metropolis Pt. II: Scenes From A Memory)
This has always been, and will probably always be, my favourite song in Progressive Metal. Catchy chorus, breathtaking solos by Petrucci and Rudess, and overall an impression that the song is structured perfectly, from the beginning to the end. In addition, James LaBrie may not be my favourite singer, but I cannot think of a voice that is better suited for this song, as far as technique, register and power are concerned.

09. (The classic) Rammstein - Feuer Frei! (Mutter)
I have had a hard time deciding this one. At first I thought that Kamelot - Center of the Universe, Nightwish - Ever Dream or Blind Guardian - Into the Storm would fit in here, but then I found that it would mean too much Power Metal (although there is no such thing as 'too much Power Metal' for me, lol) and too much English language. Actually, I have no idea about what to include as 'the classic'. Something memorable by Sepultura, Anorexia Nervosa, Hypocrisy and so on would be fine, just for the sake of variety.

10. (The instrumental) Lykathea Aflame - Walking In The Garden Of Ma'at (Elvenefris)
Does this masterpiece even need an explanation?

11. (The grand finale) Nightwish - Ghost Love Score (Once)
And finally, the 10-minute ending song which is my favourite metal song as well. Tuomas Holopainen ranks second only to Nobuo Uematsu as my contemporary idol as a composer, and godlike creations such as Ghost Love Score are why.

I liked Jan Destiny's compilation as well. Two Minutes to Midnight and Ich Will were serious candidates for mine. Igaz Hittel is my favourite song by Dalriada, too!

Written by tulkas on 20.04.2009 at 20:55

Written by ToMegaTherion on 20.04.2009 at 02:54

You can include your favorite if you wish, as long as you can justify their inclusion with an explanation. The idea is to design an album that you would be happy to make and market as a greatest metal album.
Yes it is subjective to individual opinion, that is kind of the point, otherwise everyone would chose the same or a similar list. The idea is to include something different not just 11 of the most popular songs.

yeah, i thought about it, but like i said, it is really hard. at least for me, and i know that whatevr i may choose i'm not gonna be completly happy with what i put. still, i guess it would be a really varied record, containing songs from Amon Amarth, Dream Theater, Sonata Arctica, Nocte Obducta and prbably Novermbers Doom. but, if i ever have the time to choose an come up with something i can be happy about, i'll post it

Thats fair enough, your ideas will always be welcome if and when you do decide to create such an album.

@Marcel H.: They were just songs that stood out for me personally I guess...

1.- Opeth - Moonlapse Vertigo (Heavy intro alternating between mellow parts and stuff, I think it's a good starter)
2.- Orphaned Land - The Kiss of Babylon (Love this one, love the riffs and male and female vocals section, I think it's a great follow up)
3.- Symphony X - Death of Balance / Lacrymosa (The instrumental one)
4.- Pain of Salvation - A Trace of Blood (The most emotional song from the album maybe, every album needs the emotional section)
5.- Iron Maiden - Infinite Dreams (Continuing the emotional section, but now with a more ballad-like song)
6.- Disillusion - Back to Times of Splendor (The epic one, I think it just fits perfect having the epic one after the emotional section)
7.- Blind Guardian - Bright Eyes (A good follow up I think)
8.- Dan Swanö - Creating Illusions (To keep the listeners attention)
9.- Fates Warning - At Fates Hands (A "mini epic", I don't know if this fits well here, but I love this song)
10.- Savatage - Prelude to Madness (Another instrumental before the album ends)
11.- Queensrÿche - Eyes of A Stranger (The farewell song, this song is one of those songs that give you the "movie ending" feel, at least for me.

Written by Taktsekte on 21.04.2009 at 01:08

(... long list ...)

Well, looks like somebody did his homework!
I like the way you open, shocking, hard, in your face, and makes you want to listen to it. Aslo, I like the order, it's pretty well balanced, so it's not like half the cd haedbanging your head off, and then relaxing... it's varied, so that's cool, it makes it bearable and good to listen. I would definetly change Mago de Oz's song, but it's personal, since I've never liked them, so there's actually no 'reasonable' reason for it, just taste Ending with Ghost Love Score, pretty nice: good long epic, orchestra like closing. Very nice album, my man!

Written by Taktsekte on 21.04.2009 at 01:08

Oh, these threads were most fun in old Metal Storm... as long as people explain their choices! A "best of <metal genre>" like Marcel's list would be nice too, instead of all metal in general.
I am a sucker for Melodic Metal, so here I go:

01. (The opener) Dark Tranquillity - Punish My Heaven (The Gallery)
This song has the most energetic and powerful intro I know in Melodeath, and is best suited as our starter. However, the same goes for Exposure by the same band, although the latter is less representative as it is considered a b-side, and I don't even know if it has ever been chosen in one of their live setlists. Personally Damage Done is my favourite album by Dark Tranquillity, but Punish My Heaven is their signature song without a doubt.

02. (The floorfiller) Sonata Arctica - San Sebastian (Silence)
Another legendary song, this time in Power Metal style. It was one of the very first metal songs I listened to and have been enjoying it ever since. I adore the harmonies, how they modulate between modes and tonality with the listener not even noticing. Truly one of the greatest Power Metal songs ever.

03. (The anthem) Metallica - For Whom the Bell Tolls (Ride the Lightning)
What can I say? This is the best song from the best Thrash Metal album in history. The epitome of everything Metallica has been. A breathtaking intro, perfectly executed, a must in every metalhead's singles collection. Great solos that should be memorized by anybody who wants to learn music. How would you describe the feelings in "Take a look to the sky just before you die - it's the last time you will"?

04. (The introspective ballad) Therion - The Perennial Sophia (Gothic Kabbalah)
I felt I had to save place for some Therion here or there, one of these bands, like Opeth or Finntroll, that define a genre by themselves. I liked their latest release a lot, and especially this slow-tempo monument to Sophia, the personification of wisdom. The duet between male and female clean voices is great as well.

05. (The gratuitous Iron Maiden reference) Iron Maiden - The Trooper (Piece of Mind)
Come on, we all know a "best of Metal" compilation must have at least one Iron Maiden song. I chose The Trooper because of its importance in Iron Maiden concerts, the many times it has been covered by well-known bands such as Sentenced and the fact that it belongs to one of the milestones of orthodox Heavy Metal, Piece of Mind.

06. (The neck-masturbating-but-awesome-indeed song) Opeth - Serenity Painted Death (Still Life)
This choice may be controversial because I know most Metalstormers who are Opeth fans (I am not particularly fond of their music) might have other songs in mind, such as The Drapery Falls or April Ethereal, but I am addicted to Serenity Painted Death. Its solos are complicated and well-structured and its lyrics are best suited for this kind of weird harmonies (example: "Clenched fist from her, the beautiful pain" before an arpeggio A - C - D - F - (E) - B, modulations anyone?).

07. (The purely personal choice) Mägo De Oz - Hasta Que El Cuerpo Aguante (Finisterra)
You don't expect me to write a "best of" compilation without mentioning my favourite song from the album that got me into metal, do you? It's good to include some Folk Metal and/or a song in some language other than English, to be honest.

08. ("That one that goes wah-wah-dennng and then that dude sings 'home where I beloooong' and then the bass and it's amazing dude") Dream Theater - Scene Six: Home (Metropolis Pt. II: Scenes From A Memory)
This has always been, and will probably always be, my favourite song in Progressive Metal. Catchy chorus, breathtaking solos by Petrucci and Rudess, and overall an impression that the song is structured perfectly, from the beginning to the end. In addition, James LaBrie may not be my favourite singer, but I cannot think of a voice that is better suited for this song, as far as technique, register and power are concerned.

09. (The classic) Rammstein - Feuer Frei! (Mutter)
I have had a hard time deciding this one. At first I thought that Kamelot - Center of the Universe, Nightwish - Ever Dream or Blind Guardian - Into the Storm would fit in here, but then I found that it would mean too much Power Metal (although there is no such thing as 'too much Power Metal' for me, lol) and too much English language. Actually, I have no idea about what to include as 'the classic'. Something memorable by Sepultura, Anorexia Nervosa, Hypocrisy and so on would be fine, just for the sake of variety.

10. (The instrumental) Lykathea Aflame - Walking In The Garden Of Ma'at (Elvenefris)
Does this masterpiece even need an explanation?

11. (The grand finale) Nightwish - Ghost Love Score (Once)
And finally, the 10-minute ending song which is my favourite metal song as well. Tuomas Holopainen ranks second only to Nobuo Uematsu as my contemporary idol as a composer, and godlike creations such as Ghost Love Score are why.

I liked Jan Destiny's compilation as well. Two Minutes to Midnight and Ich Will were serious candidates for mine. Igaz Hittel is my favourite song by Dalriada, too!

It's a great compilation.
Sonata's San Sebastian and 'Stein's Feuer Frei! were in my mind too when I created my own compilation.

Written by Jan Destiny on 25.04.2009 at 14:47

Written by Taktsekte on 21.04.2009 at 01:08

Oh, these threads were most fun in old Metal Storm... as long as people explain their choices! A "best of <metal genre>" like Marcel's list would be nice too, instead of all metal in general.
I am a sucker for Melodic Metal, so here I go:

01. (The opener) Dark Tranquillity - Punish My Heaven (The Gallery)
This song has the most energetic and powerful intro I know in Melodeath, and is best suited as our starter. However, the same goes for Exposure by the same band, although the latter is less representative as it is considered a b-side, and I don't even know if it has ever been chosen in one of their live setlists. Personally Damage Done is my favourite album by Dark Tranquillity, but Punish My Heaven is their signature song without a doubt.

02. (The floorfiller) Sonata Arctica - San Sebastian (Silence)
Another legendary song, this time in Power Metal style. It was one of the very first metal songs I listened to and have been enjoying it ever since. I adore the harmonies, how they modulate between modes and tonality with the listener not even noticing. Truly one of the greatest Power Metal songs ever.

03. (The anthem) Metallica - For Whom the Bell Tolls (Ride the Lightning)
What can I say? This is the best song from the best Thrash Metal album in history. The epitome of everything Metallica has been. A breathtaking intro, perfectly executed, a must in every metalhead's singles collection. Great solos that should be memorized by anybody who wants to learn music. How would you describe the feelings in "Take a look to the sky just before you die - it's the last time you will"?

04. (The introspective ballad) Therion - The Perennial Sophia (Gothic Kabbalah)
I felt I had to save place for some Therion here or there, one of these bands, like Opeth or Finntroll, that define a genre by themselves. I liked their latest release a lot, and especially this slow-tempo monument to Sophia, the personification of wisdom. The duet between male and female clean voices is great as well.

05. (The gratuitous Iron Maiden reference) Iron Maiden - The Trooper (Piece of Mind)
Come on, we all know a "best of Metal" compilation must have at least one Iron Maiden song. I chose The Trooper because of its importance in Iron Maiden concerts, the many times it has been covered by well-known bands such as Sentenced and the fact that it belongs to one of the milestones of orthodox Heavy Metal, Piece of Mind.

06. (The neck-masturbating-but-awesome-indeed song) Opeth - Serenity Painted Death (Still Life)
This choice may be controversial because I know most Metalstormers who are Opeth fans (I am not particularly fond of their music) might have other songs in mind, such as The Drapery Falls or April Ethereal, but I am addicted to Serenity Painted Death. Its solos are complicated and well-structured and its lyrics are best suited for this kind of weird harmonies (example: "Clenched fist from her, the beautiful pain" before an arpeggio A - C - D - F - (E) - B, modulations anyone?).

07. (The purely personal choice) Mägo De Oz - Hasta Que El Cuerpo Aguante (Finisterra)
You don't expect me to write a "best of" compilation without mentioning my favourite song from the album that got me into metal, do you? It's good to include some Folk Metal and/or a song in some language other than English, to be honest.

08. ("That one that goes wah-wah-dennng and then that dude sings 'home where I beloooong' and then the bass and it's amazing dude") Dream Theater - Scene Six: Home (Metropolis Pt. II: Scenes From A Memory)
This has always been, and will probably always be, my favourite song in Progressive Metal. Catchy chorus, breathtaking solos by Petrucci and Rudess, and overall an impression that the song is structured perfectly, from the beginning to the end. In addition, James LaBrie may not be my favourite singer, but I cannot think of a voice that is better suited for this song, as far as technique, register and power are concerned.

09. (The classic) Rammstein - Feuer Frei! (Mutter)
I have had a hard time deciding this one. At first I thought that Kamelot - Center of the Universe, Nightwish - Ever Dream or Blind Guardian - Into the Storm would fit in here, but then I found that it would mean too much Power Metal (although there is no such thing as 'too much Power Metal' for me, lol) and too much English language. Actually, I have no idea about what to include as 'the classic'. Something memorable by Sepultura, Anorexia Nervosa, Hypocrisy and so on would be fine, just for the sake of variety.

10. (The instrumental) Lykathea Aflame - Walking In The Garden Of Ma'at (Elvenefris)
Does this masterpiece even need an explanation?

11. (The grand finale) Nightwish - Ghost Love Score (Once)
And finally, the 10-minute ending song which is my favourite metal song as well. Tuomas Holopainen ranks second only to Nobuo Uematsu as my contemporary idol as a composer, and godlike creations such as Ghost Love Score are why.

I liked Jan Destiny's compilation as well. Two Minutes to Midnight and Ich Will were serious candidates for mine. Igaz Hittel is my favourite song by Dalriada, too!

It's a great compilation.
Sonata's San Sebastian and 'Stein's Feuer Frei! were in my mind too when I created my own compilation.

A very good compilation. Someone really has done his homework. I really like your choice of songs though, a very good list.

Another forum game, but I won't miss any chance to promote the best of metal.

Here it goes:

1. Atheist - Mother Man. The first track from Unquestionable Presence. Very thrashy, complex, technical and enjoyable.

2. Deicide - In Hell I Burn. We are staying in Florida. 1992 classic, less based on headbanging unlike the other greats but that doesn't mean that it is inferior.

3. Morbid Angel - Abominations. The most accessible and probably the best track from their second album, Blessed are the Sick. So we are done with Florida.

4. Therion - Symphony of the Dead. Beyond Sanctorum is probably the best Swedish death metal album ever and this song is a proof. Starts slowly but after 2-3 minutes gets faster and starts kicking ass.

5. At the Gates - All Life Ends. Their demo, Gardens of Grief is, in fact, better than The Red in the Sky is Ours. Production fucked it all. This band represents how the melody and the rhytm can work wonders together.

6. Slayer - Angel of Death. I think that there is no better candidate for No. 6. Can't wait for June 6!

7. Sacramentum - Travel with the Northern Winds. Taken from their EP Finis Malorum(which is better than Far Away From the Sun cause of the same reasons why the GoG is better than TRITSIO. Sacramentum is the best Swedish black metal band ever and this song explains this statement(actually fact)

8. Ildjarn - Natt og tåke. Taken from his 1993 EP(which can be found on his compilation Det Frysende Nordariket. I describe Ildjarn's music as "black metal Slayer"

9. Burzum - My Journey to the Stars. This is IMO his best track, I don't know if some song from DSEV for even Filosofem would be a better choice but nvm. This song is what I would call "garage metal"

10. Immortal - Pure Holocaust. The track from the outstanding Pure Holocaust, one of the best 1993 albums.

11. Beherit - Demon Advance. The revival of the black metal.

I was make this CD to the car, few years ago and still like it:

01. Blind Guardian.........Mirror,Mirror (Live) /Live/ this song have great energy in live verse
02. Judas Priest............Hellrider /Angel of Retribution/ with this song Judas shows who is the Metal Gods
03. Iron Savior.............Titans of our Time /Condition Red/ Awesome Heavy Metal song with catchy refrain
04. Grave Digger..........The Last Supper /The Last Supper/ Good melody and lyrics, very good refrain
05. Nightwish...............She Is My Sin /Wishmaster/ Tarja singin´ very awesome in this song, my first of Nightwish
06. Wizard..................The Prophecy /Odin/ simply a great song
07. Halford..................Silent Scream /Resurrection/ This is Rob Halford´s masterpiece, his absolute best song
08. Running Wild.........Riding the Storm /Death or Glory/ Classic Heavy metal with hard blow up´s melody
09. Iced Earth.............Waterloo /Glorious Burden/ Good song, good guitars ang good singin´
10. HammerFall...........HammerFall /Glory To Brave/ Best HF song
11. Sabaton................Primo Victoria /Primo Victoria/ Everything on this song is awesome

...and just like a bonus adds:
12. Amon Amarth........Twilight of the Thunder Gods /TotTG/ This is a metal "heaven"
13. Eluveitie................Inis Mona /Slania/ ...and this is metal "heaven" too

My greatest metal album would be a compilation of the best songs of each genre (at least the ones I think are the best )

01. Summoning - Long Lost To Where No Pathway Goes: Imo a good opener, because it starts very slow and epic and I think it's a good Black Metal pick because raw Black Metal would scare many non metalheads I think
02. Haggard - Per Aspery Ad Astra: After Summoning I would place somehting not so dark on the album, that no one stops listening because the songs are to "extreme". Also I think that Haggard is the best choice for Symphonic Metal.
03. Vicious Crusade - Let It Burn: Folk metal as it's best. Simple, catchy and you have to sing along that song if you hear it. That was imo the toughest choice because I'm a big Folk Metal fan and there are many other great songs!
04. Estatic Fear - Somnium Obmutum: Ok, that song wouldn't fit on a 11 track CD because it lasts over 30 minutes, but imo it's the greatest Doom song ever, so it should be on that album
05. Rammstein - Küss Mich (Fellfrosch): Rammstein is a band that is also well known outside the metalheads, but it's simply the best Industrial band out there and at least I've choosen non of there most famous songs (and I think it's their best one!)
06. Tool - Schism: Tool should be on such an album simply to show how diverse the metal genre could be! It was a hard choice which song of Tool I put on the album, but in the end I've simply chosen the most famous and my favourite one .
07. Metallica - Battery: I'm not a fan of Metallica, but I don't know any thrash band that would fit better on a "best of metal" album. Of course I had to take a song of one of there early works, but which song exactly is pretty hard.
08. Sabaton - Metal Machine: My pick for the Power Metal section, simply because I think they are the best power metal band out there! This song is a song that deserves the term "Power Metal"
09. Amon Amarth - Asator: I put Amon Amarth on that album because I'm not a fan of death metal, and therefore I have no idea what would be a good choice in that section, so I've chosen a Melodic Death band instead.
10. Diablo Swing Orchestra - Balrog Boogie: Again a band that prooves the diversity of metal in general. It shows that metal can be easily mixed with other genres.
11. Lacuna Coil - The Secret...: And last but not least something a little bit softer to end the album (and imo that's by far the best song of Lacuna Coil, the only one I really like!). There are some Gothic bands that would have deserved that spot, but I think Lacuna Coil is a good example.

Of course there are some genres missing, but I tried to pick the ones that are the most important for me (and where I have an idea what is good and what is bad ).

Okay.....

Track 1:
Ministry:"Let's Go" - It is a great "kick off" track and it just works.

Track 2:
Amon Amarth:"Triumph of the Thunder God" - It's just a lovely track

Track 3:
Berzerker:"compromise" - (aside from this being the best song by them ever!) it sits well as an intensity pick up track. Doesn't take up much space.

Track 4:
Napalm Death:"Next on the List" - One more drop before the spike

Track 4:
Hypocrisy:"Warpath" - Let's kick 'em in the face a bit. The drum work horgh puts into this also leaves it open to throw the tracks around a bit to let something else in.

Track 5:
Immortal:"Sons of Northern Darkness" - THe beating continues!

Track 6:
Mayhem:"Crystalized Pain in Deconstruction" - Aside formthe fact that this track is a virtual drum solo the entire way through it allows me to change up tone a bit more. I still am not gonna.

Track 7:
Emperor:"Nonus Equilibrium" - Damn amazing track, it fly's right and keeps the intensity rolling thru.

Track 8:
Dark Funeral: "Enriched by Evil" - After the whole deal of hearing how "I'm unconquerable, made for worship" from emperor, hearing "For you I raise my sword" from Dark Funeral works nicely in keeping up the invincable feel.

Track 9:
Dimmu Borgir:"Embrace of Death" - Taking it down a notch but the song is still damn good!

Track 10:
Motorhead:"Burner" - This song is to keep it in line and still give a palce to a band that's just been straight up amazing.

Track 11:
Cradle of Filth:"Haunted Shores" - Goes through the right amount of extremes for the CD, decant recap song.

JAPANESE BONUS TRACKS!!!
(YEah, I figure I might as well account for the Japanese listening audience)
Track 12:
Judas Priest:"Night Crawler" - It sits well followinig some cradle of filth.

Track 13:
Iron Maiden:'Fear of the Dark" - Do I really have to explain why?

Written by Taktsekte on 21.04.2009 at 01:08

08. ("That one that goes wah-wah-dennng and then that dude sings 'home where I beloooong' and then the bass and it's amazing dude")

Hands down the funniest thing I have read all day!

So I've chosen 11 tracks, even listened to them in this order to make sure it sounded cool. I've not based it on favorites, seeing as it is meant to be a compilation designed to introduce someone to metal, I've basically gone for metal icons and legends whilst also introducing a couple of modern bands:

1- Slayer - Die By the Sword (it kick starts the album at a very good tempo and allows me to direct myself towards heavy metal rather than the more extreme or thrashy tracks other Slayer songs might have obliged)

2- Judas Priest - Rapid Fire (follows Slayer pretty well and introduces the listener to the heavy metal scene and a legend of a band)

3- Iron Maiden - Two Minutes to Midnight (when one says Priest, Maiden always seems to follow and vice versa, this track has a similar tempo to the previos Rapid Fire and fits in well)

4- In Flames - Metaphor (well what have all Metallica albums (besides Kill 'Em All) got in common, a slower fourth track. Metaphor introduces the listener to an entirely different scene to the previous but also a more modern band, I was scared the song wouldn't sound right after Maiden but it passes of ok)

5- Metallica - Creeping Death (after the softer fourth track, it's time to get things back on track, it must get intense again and Creeping Death is an excellent song to accomplish this)

6- Dark Tranquillity - The Treason Wall (well one of my all time favorite metal songs, The Treason Wall introduces outstanding guitar riffs and melodies with a more recent band to complete to modern edge of the compilation with In Flames)

7- Venom -Black Metal (what better than following up a modern classic with one of the forefathers of modern metal, a must know song to any wanting to be introduced to metal)

8- Testament - Alone in the Dark (it completes the 80s thrash with Slayer and Metallica and shows how thrash metal can be mixed with brilliant melodies)

9- Motorhead - Orgasmatron (no metal compliation would be complete without the God, Lemmi himself. Everyone knows Ace of Spades whether they listen to metal or not so introducing the listener to a different tempoed Motorhead song is an excellent idea, plus Orgasmatron really rocks)

10- White Zombie - Super Charger Heaven (well the compilation hasn't shown anything from the 90s yet so White Zombie comes across as a good choice and what better way to introduce White Zombie than the sublime Super Charger Heaven)

11- Sepultura - Territory (another track from the 90s to bring the compillation to an end. Excellent song which to me characterises Sepultura best as it has both elements of old and later)

So there you have it.

01- Iron Maiden Hallowed be Thy Name (the greatest metal song of all time)
02- Metallica Fade To Black (Great lyrics and the solo is magnificent)
03- Black Sabbath the sign of the southern cross (Sabbath's best song)
04- Iced Earth A Question Of Heaven (beautiful ballad)
05- Agalloch Fire Above, Ice Below (a 10 min epic)
06- Therion Lemuria (my favorite symphonic metal songs)
07- Death Voice Of The Soul (instrumental songs don't get better than this one)
08- Dream Theater Finally free (insane druming great lyrics)
09- Orphaned land The Storm Still Rages Insid (I love the middle eastern touch)
10- Anathema One Last Goodbye (this song makes me cry)
11- Ensiferum hero in a dream (this song got me into Ensiferum one of my favorite bands)