Top 5 Best Metal Albums Ever Part I:

This Power/Progressive Metal album from ANGRA demonstrates their versatility and mastery of blending different musical genres. From bossa nova to classical and Brazilian folk influences, “Temple of Shadows” delivers a brilliant fusion of styles with a Metal base. The album’s orchestral introduction and conclusion, along with recurring melodies throughout, create a cohesive listening experience. The intricate guitar work by Rafael Bittencourt and Kiko Loureiro, combined with Eduardo Falaschi’s dynamic vocals, result in memorable moments that captivate the listener. “Temple of Shadows” also tells a compelling narrative, following the struggles of the Shadow Hunter and his journey of faith and inner conflicts. While some may find the abundance of ballads on the album too “soft,” it remains an album worth revisiting for its richness and depth.

The French band underwent a redefinition of their style with the release of “Magma”, an album that could be classified as a blend of Post Metal and Progressive Metal. However, categorizing this eclectic band proves to be a challenging task. Gojira, despite their roots in Technical Death Metal, managed to infuse their sound with raw power and intensity in Magma, even though there are fewer growls and a slower yet strong rhythmic approach, evident in tracks like “Stranded” and “Only Pain.” The shift in their sound is closely intertwined with the personal grief experienced by the Duplantier brothers, who tragically lost their mother during the album’s creation. This profound loss compelled them to confront their emotions and revisit their material, often grappling with tears during the recording sessions.
The pain they endured is palpable to listeners, making Magma an exceptionally harsh and distinctive album.

In Flames, the trailblazers of Melodic Death Metal, crafted numerous masterpieces during their early days, and “Colony” stands out as one of those highly addictive albums. Bursting with an array of catchy and powerful riffs, “Colony” delivers the perfect dose of energy and strength. The lyrics hit hard, exploring profound themes such as human existence, sadness, and societal issues. Admittedly, the production quality is somewhat lacking, but I view this as an integral part of the album’s raw atmosphere. The self titled track and “Ordinary Story” are my favourites from this album.

Here we have a recent album that, in my opinion, stands as one of the best releases of 2023. The moment this masterpiece garners the attention it deserves, Dawn of Ouroboros will undoubtedly become a reference in this realm. According to them, it is correct to categorize their music as Progressive Black Metal. “Velvet Incandescense” skillfully combines clean vocals and shivering growls that leave a lasting impact. The band’s adept use of immersive and dreamlike sound effects, particularly in tracks like “Velvet Moon,” “Levitating Pacifics,” and “Healing Grounds,” effectively captivates the listeners. As a fervent enthusiast of original bands, Dawn of Ouroboros is a perfect example of what I admire. I eagerly anticipate their future releases.