JBaker

Shouldn't make a difference. I usually like a whiskey when I'm a bit sick. I've been into this beer lately, Lagunitas' "Nighttime" black IPA. They really got this one right, roasty and malty without tasting like a porter, and a slightly resinous hop profile that's assertive, yet fits right in. These guys aren't my absolute favorite brewery, but they're up there; everything I've had from them is eminently drinkable and well-crafted.

I have a cold but I reeeally fancy some scotch. Anyone know if this would be a good decision or a shitty one? Would beer be better or worse?

Deathspell Omega - Paracletus Techy, nasty as fuck black metal from France! Definitely been rediscovering the heavier side of my tastes recently.

I love both of those albums' date=' but I hear zero nu-metal influence in their music. It's a horrendous slander. You take it back immediately. [/quote'] It is very faint and I wouldn't call it a 'nu metal influence'; but there is occasionally that simple, slightly bouncy, riff which, combined with the ethereal nature of the music, at least reminds me a bit of Deftones. I'm also aware Aaron claims to be influenced by hip hop in the way he constructs his songs, so it doesn't feel that far of a stretch. NP: Swans - Soundtracks for the Blind This album still kind of terrifies me in a way no record has ever done. An absolute headfuck.

Burns aside, that Acid Bath album definitely deserves a place here. Good call. 15: Queensrÿche - Operation Mindcrime (1988) Queensrÿche developed pretty quickly from fairly generic heavy metal roots in early 80s Seattle, building a unique sound combining soaring harmonized vocal and guitar melodies with unusual but seamless chord choices and a dynamic, accessible approach to song structure. By their second album, they were finding their own "voice". This, their third album, showcases them for the first time as fully mature songwriters, making full use of their technical proficiency, and highlighting Geoff Tate's wide range and expressive (if melodramatic) voice. If that was all there was to this, it wouldn't be more than a period piece, but this album transcends the genre and stands apart from everything else in their catalog. It's a "concept" album presenting a classic (though somewhat juvenile) tale of love and betrayal against the backdrop of a gritty, drug-laced crime underworld, seen through the eyes of the anti-hero protagonist as he reflects on his misdeeds. For this one album, in this context, Geoff Tate's lyrics, full of philosophical pontifications and saccharine, lovelorn maunderings, make sense. The narrative is held together by several interludes featuring environmental noises and voice actors; they conjure up a rainy, gothic, cinematic feeling that persists through the entire album. Michael Kamen's rich and tasteful orchestration adds even more sonic depth, as well as providing connective tissue that further unifies the album. There are several single-worthy tracks here, but the narrative structure frees each song from having to stand on its own merit, allowing the band to explore soft atmospheres and jagged textures outside of the rock-song formula. It's a level of consistency and dynamic freedom that few bands achieve; Queensrÿche would go on to greater commercial success, but never with the album-length clarity of purpose they had here. Nearly thirty years on, this is the pinnacle of their career, and a classic that has wide appeal and influence even among people who aren't into the genre as a whole. FTqv59JXMUk

Isis - Panopticon This downbeat chilled heaviness is really hitting the spot today.

Isis - Oceanic Floaty heaviness perfected. Almost hear a nu metal bounce on this thing, actually, which is odd but quite welcome.

Aphex Twin - ...I Care Because You Do One of those artists who really sends me to another place whenever I listen to them.

Neurosis are most likely influenced by Godflesh' date=' but if not, they're definitely influenced by Swans, so some similarities can be drawn. I knew that you were already familiar with them though, which is why I didn't mention them.[/quote'] I was mainly familiar with Neurosis' last album, Honor Found in Decay, which, whilst in my opinion an incredible album, doesn't capture the same grinding depravity of their earlier material. I've since got Through Blood in Silver and now I get it; it's like a different band.

Yeah' date=' Altered States is great, check it out. Also be sure to check out Godflesh's other early work, like the self-titled EP, Slavestate, and Pure. I'm not sure of much else that sounds like them though, other than Swans. You could try Red Harvest, one of my other favorites from the industrial metal field, but they're much more death metal oriented.[/quote'] Will do. The idea of industrial-tinged death metal is pretty appealing. I think Neurosis have a similar vibe to Godflesh as well. NP: 36 Crazyfists - Time and Trauma Going down nicely after all the desolate nihilism of yesterday. I'm guessing there's very little love for these guys on here, but I'd place this above any other so-called mallcore I've heard. This album is surprisingly quite heavy, but I've not identified any instant anthems yet. Final track is killer, though. Always love Brock's vocals, though I get why people don't.

Ya'll should check out some Killing Joke. They come from a post-punk background' date=' so a lot of their stuff isn't metal, but with some of their albums, especially [i']Pandemonium, their second self-titled, and Hosannas from Hell, they could play some nasty industrial metal, even if they're still an art rock band at heart. _Y-a7T7S9eE

Godflesh was directly inspired by Swans. I like Streetcleaner and Pure, but I tend to prefer early Swans if I'm in the mood for that sort of thing. I personally don't enjoy most of Godflesh's stuff aside from those two albums, but make up your own mind.

The artwork comes from a trip that John Hurt's character had in a movie called Altered States' date=' which was a really bizarre and cool movie overall. If you're into surreal drug movies, I think you would enjoy it.[/quote'] I've never watched a surreal drug movie, but I've definitely heard of Altered States. Will check it out, if you recommend it. Either way, the artwork fits the vibe of the album perfectly. Are there any albums with a similar vibe that are worth a listen, and is the rest of Godflesh's discography this awesome? NP: Swans - Cop This is actually pretty close. come to think of it. Less metal, so has more of a weird other-wordly feel, but still plenty heavy and scary.

That album brings it' date=' but not with the guitar, it's the bass and the weight of the atmosphere that you feel crushing your soul.[/quote'] Yeah, this is definitely the flat out nastiest thing I've heard in a long time; impressive, considering when it was released. And like you say, it's not even that 'heavy' in the sense that people often use the word, but the thudding bass just absolutely destroys everything in its path and the general atmosphere is just so fucking oppressive and terrifying. Cool artwork, too.

Godflesh - Streetcleaner Been craving the heavy shit today.

Seen Gone Girl last night and I strongly recommend it.

Angels of Light - How I Loved You And thus my Michael Gira obsession continues.

Deathspell Omega - Paracletus

Deftones - Around the Fur This album's been really growing on me as of late. The aggression of Adrenaline, with much better production, and you can hear their more left-field tendencies beginning to play a bigger role in their sound.

Converge - No Heroes I've come to view this as one of their crowning achievements. Everything you could possibly love about Converge is on this disc. Criminally underrated stuff!

Flavour is indeed the main thing but I've been enjoying a little bit of scotch lately and 8.5% is quite the jump backwards.

Pfft I laugh at your 8.5%

Meshuggah - Chaosphere About time I posted some metal in here...

Ra do you call my name

Have A Nice Life - Deathconsciousness My listening habits have definitely taken a turn for the dark and depressing as of late.