Alright, so after posting one of my recent journals about how much modern music sucked, I got a lot of "you suck, modern music doesn't suck, you just aren't looking in the right place!" Well this is true, but I think that I need to clarify that I simply prefer songs with talen behind their creation, so I've compiled a list of bands and songs that I think you guys should ALL check out.
Now, I know not everyone likes growly vocals or 20+ minute epics, so I'm trying to keep each of these sample-examples relatively short and mellow compared to what I'm used to. Of this entire list, only one song is over 10 minutes (4-song medley of sorts), and not one of them has aggressive growling vocals. Keep in mind, none of these songs are my favorites from each prospective band, most of my favorites are epic songs (almost all my favorites are 10+ minutes long), so they can wait for another post.
There's a lot of metal, but it's a pretty versatile list if I do say so myself. Just keep in mind that practically everything here is either high energy or something with a focus on instrumental technique, so make sure you have your high-quality headphones on becuase almost all of these drop the bass in a way only Geddy Lee can.
Also, I generally tried to avoid super popular bands like Metallica, Black Sabbath, Queen, Zeppelin, etc...becuase really, EVERYONE knows ALL of their songs. yeah, I have Maiden and Megadeth in here, but with lesser known songs. so tell me what ones you listened to, which ones you like, and PLEASE feel free to leave me any suggestions you can that fit in with this theme, becuase I ADORE learning new bands and new music.
As an aside, I simply think these songs are good starting points for each band; every song here gives a good example of what to expect and the style each band has without giving away the best or most impressive they have to offer. With any luck, this will be a stepping stone to finding a new favorite band. I tried to pick songs on youtube that linked to other songs by the same band for ease of exploration.
Andromeda - Inner Circle
Progressive Metal, 7:03
It's got an oddly smoothe, catchy main guitar riff.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZM3-7EraWI
Andrew WK - Ready to Die
Hard Rock, 2:53
High energy, awesomeness. forgive the video (I promise this is the only one like this)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20e4AP6qpkI&feature=fvst
Avantasia - Another Angel Down
Symphonic Metal, 5:42
Fast paced awesomeness, trust me. Great riff and everything.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIMaPzGnMy4
Avenged Sevenfold - A Little Piece of Heaven
Metal, 8:02
Probably more popular than most on here, but it's a lesser known song by a well known band.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VurhzANQ_B0&ob=av2e
Bang Camaro - Rock of Ages
Arena Rock, 6:04
In my opinion, Bang Camaro's best song. you might know them from Harmonix Games.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMiqIK0xg14
Barenaked Ladies - Falling For the First Time
Alternative Rock, 3:40
Good band, good song. No, they didn't just do the "One Week" song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibsxpihjKmE&ob=av2e
Blind guardian - Time Stands Still
Melodic Folk Metal - 4:54
It's like the music that Sauron would rock out to.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=320Te91vWnY
coheed and Cambria - Guns of Summer
Progressive Rock, 4:48
It's kind of in your face, but all sorts of awesome. Give it a shot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUV-L9e1jHE
Dream Theater - Regression/Overture 1928/Strange Deja-Vu/Through Her Words
Progressive Metal, 11:57
**Note** This one is actually 4 tracks comprising the entire first 3 scenes off the concept album "Metropolis Pt II: scenes from a Memory", Listen to the whole
thing, it's epic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKN-uCyBYfM&feature=related
Edguy - King of Fools
Power Metal, 3:35
I have no idea what this is? symphonic progressive power metal? It's pretty awesome
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgfgFpFaxgw
Elvenking - Another Haven
Folk Power Metal, 5:06
really beautiful sounding, seemingly taken right from Tolkiens world. fantasy metal at its best.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mqp2d_Cot_o
flogging Molly - Black Friday Rule
Ska-Punk, 7:00
It's pretty good.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaFzuiVVCrU
focus - Hocus Pocus
Progressive, 6:41
It's...so much energy! Awesome!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGaVUApDVuY
Iron Maiden - Age of Innocence
Metal, 6:10
Another epic band with a song you've probably never heard before. Awesome!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9J3rHHVk94
Kamelot - March of Mephisto
Power Metal, 5:28
I dare you to put this on and not immediately place it alongside any fantasy epic battle scene ever.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AV_94f3CsPQ
Liquid Tension Experiment - Paradigm shift
Progressive Metal, 8:56
9 minute long instrumental showing some of the best Portnoy, Petrucci, Myung, and rudess have to offer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pofqHfSvy_8
Ludo - Love Me Dead
Alternative Rock, 3:36
Cute, quirky song. Have fun!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XH3oMNKApI&ob=av2e
MEgadeth - She-Wolf
Live Metal, 8:46
Mustaine kinda sucks in this one, but the song is epic. Seriously. 3-way solo battle for 5 minutes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USiBoja76yo
Molly Hatchet - Gator Country
Southern Rock, 6:17
If nothing else, pay attention to the solo at the 'end' ('end' being the entire second half of the song)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlnfhl8auY4
Nightwish - 10th Man Down
Symphonic Metal, 5:19
Everyone knows Nightwish, most even probably know this song, but listen to it anyway, it's epic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaEY7Z3QsOA
Owl City - The Saltwater Room
Pop-Electronica, 4:55
Little something to lighten the mood after all that hardcore super fast metal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usR7mMHUhlY
Pantera - The Art of Shredding
Metal, 4:17
Everyone knows Pantera, but listen anyway!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXGKJxKj0WM
Rhapsody - Rage of the Winter
Folk Metal, 6:11
Not the best song, but I don't want to introduce you to their 10+minute epics yet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UG6ztRsh0iw
Rufio - White Lights
Straight-Edge Punk, 2:xx
Again, something to calm down
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCkEj-6dpQw
Rush - Red Barchetta
Progressive Rock, 6:09
Seriously, any prog fan knows this, but to all those who don't, do.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAvQSkK8Z8U
Soilwork - Light The Torch
Metal, 3:24
Just listen to it, ignore the video (I didn't even know they were popular enough to do videos...)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGp8kQcsWEU&feature=related
Sonata Arctica - My Dream is But a Drop of Fuel for a Nightmare
Symphonic Progressive Power Metal?, 6:13
There's an intrumental version as well, but I like the one with lyrics much more.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5P53ozwaec
Streetlight Manifesto - Point/counterpoint
Ska-Punk, 5:27
Some Ska-Punk for you all! Great instrumentals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiY-SgAFUUY
Sum 41 - angels with Dirty Faces
Punk-Metal, 2:46
Popular band, not so well-known song. Pretty hardcore for a punk band.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7e5ppj5ylo
Sybreed - Doomsday Party
Progressive Power Metal, 4:19
Really awesome, high energy, speedy progressive power metal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kbb0slYezOE&feature=fvst
Symphony X - Accolade II
Symphonic PRogressive Metal, 7:53
Great song, not even my favorite song from them, but they have so many good songs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3HBM9ZAd1c
Valient Thorr - I am the Law
Alternative Metal, 4:02
Lots of energy, very unique
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a68g-5atPkM
Zebrahead - I'm Money
Punk, just a fun song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPQFahXDOvY
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