For every Velvet Darkness They Fear or Something Wicked This Way Comes or Blackwater Park or Nightfall in Middle-Earth there is a Theatre of Tragedy or Iced Earth or Orchid or Blind Guardian – records mediocre compared to the things that would come (or even just straight up mediocre). I’ve been thinking about this a lot, and I wanted to put together some of my personal favorite debut albums. Records that kicked ass out of the gates, and in some cases were really the best material that the band ever even produced. So here, filling up the July lull in releases, is another Top 5 list. Now it’s true that I’ve left off some records that I thought of adding (it would probably be a Top 10[ish] list that’s needed), so don’t get your panties in a bunch when you don’t see Cynic or Entombed on here. ‘Cause those are great records, but they’re not my favorites.
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Turisas Release New Song “For Your Own Good”
You’re probably aware that I don’t “do” news over here at AMG. News is a never-ending cycle of press releases and free advertising for labels that don’t give me nearly enough shit to justify it. But, as I am a big fan of Turisas, I thought this was of some interest. As you’re all probably aware, Turisas will be releasing their next record in 2013 with the absolutely shitty title of Turisas2013. This is not only the stupidest name for a record ever, but it’s also probably the most uncreative thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life. “How fucking lazy are these guys?” I wondered angrily, “do they take us for fools?” When they released the name on their official Facebook page, some manly and charming fellow even wrote “Please tell me that “Turisas2013” is not the name of this record,” which has since garnered 117 likes and is the top comment on that post. Still, I’m a big fan, and I’ve yet to dislike a Turisas record, so I figure it deserves a chance.
Angry Metal Mail
We don’t get a lot of hate mail here at Angry Metal Guy. As I said in the previous incarnation of Angry Metal Mail, “Because we have a good system for commenting, most of the venting, whining, and misdirected anger at childhood traumas and inability to perform in bed gets left in our comment boxes where we can respond to the person directly or where others can respond (with public shaming).” However, in this case, the person didn’t send the mail to me in regards to a post I’d made, but instead a comment I made at Blabbermouth. Here, I’ll let you read it.
Clive Burr Dies
So Clive Burr, the drummer who graced Iron Maiden’s first three records, died yesterday. He’d been in a wheel chair for some time because of MS. I’m sure you’re all aware that he was sick and that the band had been helping him out. Maiden apparently released some statements about it that I’m just going to post verbatim here below. But I just want to take a minute to say that without the drums of Clive Burr Iron Maiden would never have been the same band. Whatever is said about the comparison between Nicko and Clive, it should be noted that Clive’s feel was damned good and really special. Need I link “Run to the Hills”? Of course not. But I will anyway ’cause it’s a great song. Those first three records are better because of him.
Angry Metal Guy Speaks: On Capitalization
It is not often that I feel the need to write a screed. Indeed, since the famous “On Objectivity” I have been remarkably quiet. Only Steel Druhm has weighed in with his angry opinion on a few things. But something has been growing in me. A seething blackness, a deep, dark, hatred of something that I simply cannot hold my tongue about any longer.
Angry Metal Guy’s Top 10(ish) Songs of 2012
In our first of many lists, we will focus on the greatest songs from the year 2012. I started this last year because I thought it was important to point out that just ’cause a whole record isn’t amazing doesn’t mean there aren’t moments of brilliance even on the most banal of records. This year, I’m happy to say many of the best songs are from very good records, but that’s not true across the board. Instead, I’ve compiled songs that have forced me back to them again and again, like some sort of Angry Metal Obsessive Compulsive. Over and over I have listened to these songs and I’ve narrowed it down to the 10(ish) that I think really stand out from the year 2012. I’m assuming no one will agree with me. But hey, who has the eponymous website? Yeah, that’s motherfucking right, bitches.
Angry Metal Guy Speaks: On Ratings, Subjectivity and Diversity
Here at Angry Metal Guy, you probably have noticed some changes lately. It has been coming up most for those who have been reading for a long time and these people have been expressing concerns about certain aspects of this website’s continued expansion and change. So I’m here to give you guys some real talk about exactly what’s up around here, how things are changing and why things are changing in the way that they are changing.
Record(s) o’ the Month – August 2012
August’s Record(s) o’ the Month are here! Read it and purchase, purchase, purchase!
Steel Druhm Comments: On the Trials, Tribulations and Temptations of the Metal Music Reviewer
Steel Druhm takes you behind the curtain (despite the restraining order) and gives a rare glimpse into the glamorous world of unpaid blog writing. Be afraid.
Angry Metal Guy Speaks: On Internet Popularity
I normally don’t spend a lot of time thinking about our statistics anymore. The reality is that with our “model” of doing business, we’re never going to be Metal Sucks – and nor do I think that we should be. But today we hit a teeny, tiny little milestone in that we now have 3,000+ likes on Facebook. “Ack,” you say, “Facebook!” Indeed. One can feel that way about it, but I choose to see this in a different light.
