Michael Tyler

I have been a Max Cavalera fan ever since his days in Sepultura, so naturally I have followed his other projects since he left Sepultura in 1996. This band has been his longest tenured project, and while I liked the first two Soulfly albums, I feel like they really didn't find their niche until guitarist Marc Rizzo joined the band with 2004's Prophecy. He took what Max was doing on another level. To my ears, he is one of the most underrated guitarist in Metal today and in my eyes he is to Max what Randy Rhoads was to Ozzy or Vivian Campbell was to Ronnie James Dio. I really do feel that comparison is valid. They are both aided and abetted by the thunderous rhythm section of bassist Tony Campos and drummer Zyon Cavalera (Max's son) This album, released in 2015 is all killer and no filler! From the opening track "We Sold Our Souls to Metal" to the closing track "Mother of Dragons" which you would assume is Max paying homage to Game of Thrones but it is actually about his wife/manager Gloria, there isn't a dull moment on the album! There are definitely some religious and mythological overtones on this record with tracks such as "Sodomites" (Which is about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in the Old Testament) "Ishtar Rising" Which is about Ishtar who is the Assyro-Babylonian goddess of Fertility, Love, Storms, and War. Then there's "Bethlehem's Blood", "Titans" and of course the killer title track! This whole album is a serious stomp to the dick and should be a part of any Hard Rock/Heavy Metal enthusiasts collection!

I have been a Havok fan for a number of years, I discovered them years ago surfing the internet and have been a fan ever since. This album, Unnatural Selection released in 2013 is the Denver Colorado quartet's third LP in their discography and is my personal favorite which is why I made it my Thursday Thrash Metal edition of AOTD. In my opinion Havok are one the premiere bands in this New Wave of Thrash Metal Movement that has been going on for a decade plus. The line-up for this album, consisting of vocalist/rhythm guitarist David Sanchez and lead guitarist/backing vocalist Reece Scruggs, aided and abetted by the pummeling rhythm section of bassist Mike Leon and phenomenal drummer Pete Webber! Their musicianship is stellar and the songwriting is top-notch! This whole album is just a blistering attack on your ear holes from start to finish with fast and furious riffs and incendiary leads that will melt your face! If you are a fan of Thrash Metal, then check out this Thrashtastic band! You won't be disappointed!

I was already a Queensryche fan when this album was released, on May 3rd, 1988 and it blew me away! I love everything about this album, there is not one clunker on this as far as I'm concerned. As you can probably already tell, this isn't just one of my favorite Queensryche albums, it's one of my all-time favorites ever! The musicianship is top-notch, (Which one can expect no less from this band.) but because it is a concept album and a rock opera, the story it tells is totally compelling! The story follows Nikki, a recovering drug addict who becomes disillusioned with the corrupt society of his time and reluctantly becomes involved with a revolutionary underground group who brainwashes him into becoming an assassin of political leaders. This was the bands breakthrough album and paved the way for even more success when they released Empire in 1990. This album is perfect in my humble opinion and while I have liked a lot of the band's subsequent releases. This is their absolute apex! An absolute masterpiece!

Burn exemplifies how a band can change members and deliver amazing music. The new blood that Hughes and Coverdale provide is a perfect combination of Soul and Blues that combined with Blackmore’s emotive guitar playing making this an astounding album. About the only track that doesn’t really grab me is the instrumental "'A' 200". Not that it’s a bad track, I just think it’s kind of clunky as the closing track. They should have made “Mistreated” the closing track. However, the title track might possibly be the best Deep Purple song ever written. Don’t agree? Just put this song on and feel the BURN!

Succulently put, this album completely kills. There is no other way to say it. Each album before it is a progression from the previous one. The musicianship in this band is mind-blowing and every member sonically pulls their own weight. The band consists of Aaron Akin on vocals and guitar, which combined with guitarist Trevor Johanson make a killer twin guitar attack with soloing showcasing the perfect balance of melody and technical precision. Amazing riffs within riffs within riffs that are accompanied by the pummeling rhythm section of bass player Ryan Thompson and drummer Ross Burnett obtaining total supremacy!