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Lacks uptempo songs? I don’t agree at all, Slipknot always had different pacing - although maybe a bit less on ST/Iowa. But the most important thing is that I enjoy the songs far more than anything since Vol.3, no matter the tempo. :-)

Haven - Kamelot 9.5/10

I want to kick myself for waiting so long to get this one.

Big Wreck - But For the Sun. 10/10

Co-worker convinced me to try the new Slipknot album. I've never been a big fan, and unfortunately, this album didn't really sway me. Maybe a 4/10

Tool Fear Inoculum, 9/10. Awesome return for Tool. Gave the fans exactly what they want. Doesn't sound like it was written over a month between tours.
Also mixing and sound production is top notch. Thank You Tool

Poppy Am I a Girl? 7/10

As I Lay Dying - Shaped By Fire 7,5/10

Cold - The Things We Can't Stop (2019)

Solid 7/10

Kiss - Crazy Nights (1987) 6.2/10

In the last year I have been delving into Kiss, because at almost five years into playing guitar, most of thier catalogue falls in my skill set. Also, their End of The Road Your comes through here in February. It kills me, but going to choose it (never seen them live) over a couple of other bands that month.

As per usual, I like most of the Paul Stanley songs. At this point, Gene was all about Hollywood, and Paul was carrying the band on his shoulders.

As per usual, I rolled my eyes at three out of the four Gene songs. Very formulaic. Very sex driven. No musical evolution.

Best songs on the record for me are...

- Turn On The Night
- Reason To Live
- Crazy Nights

Definitely near the bottom of thier 80's efforts. But a few good songs spread throughout. And Bruce Kulicks leads are maybe his best.

Coheed and Cambria - No World For Tomorrow (2007)

8/10

Really enjoyed the musicianship on this one. Not a bad song to be found. Gravediggers and Gunslingers (and the title track) are probably my favorites.

I've actually been getting into Candlebox lately. Into the Sun and Self-titled are straight 10s for me. Great stuff there

Starset's Divisions album - 10/10. A wonderful mixture of light/poppy/heavy/programming/vocal styles/instrumentation.

I'm a big fan of the 80's metal/NWOBHM style, as a lot of you know. I recently found a channel with all kinds of obscure bands from that era. A lot of which I had never heard of. Going to post a few good ones as I hear them. Lots of cheese there, but some amazing hidden gems as well.

Cutty Sark - Die Tonight (1984) 7.8/10

I had never heard of this German band before discovering this album back in the summer. The singer is admittedly an acquired taste. At times his screams at the end of lines go out of tune, but it still works with the frenetic pace of the music. He also does a lot of spoken vocals like in the title track and Vultures In The Air. I've never been a fan of that style, but it works great here.

Some amazing riffs here from the simplicity of Die Tonight to the speed of Hands Up and Stupid Lies. Vultures and Burn To Ashes are the slow burners, but very grinding and subdued.

Can't go on enough about the musicianship. If you like Tight 80's style riffs, and some adventurous vocal stylings, you might just enjoy this as much as I did.

Best Songs: Vultures In The Air, Die Tonight, Stupid Lies, Hands Up

Motorhead - Another Perfect Day

6.5/10

Had never heard this one. "Fast" Eddie had just left the band, and Lemmy brought in Thin Lizzy's former guitarist, which made for an interesting dynamic... Harmonic lead playing on a speed style Motorhead album. A couple of decent tunes, but nothing truly standout.

I will say the album artwork on this one is stunning.

Perdida by Stone Temple Pilots is easily one of the best albums I've heard in my entire existence. Regarding that top ten of the decade thread, I know Perdida is easily gonna be on that list for me and its barely February. Straight 10, and its a shame its performing so badly financially.

Airbag - A Day at the Beach 8.5/10

A nice addition of electronics to their atmospheric sound. It sounds great. Good album, great production.

Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood - Volbeat (10/10)

This has been my favorite album of all time for years. I'll never run out of good things to say about it.

Dum Dum Girls - Too True 10/10