I thought I'd share with you a bit of wisdom on metal. Metal is not just epic thrash riffs, or guttural vocals, or chugging breakdowns (which is often quite un-metal, imo). So, in order to expand some awareness on good, non-traditional metal, here are some recommended, but little known (relatively) metal bands from opposing and interesting sub-genres.


Progressive Traditional Metal --

Band: Hammers of Misfortune
Album: The Locust Years

A weird, eclectic band coming out of California, USA that plays a mix of thrash, folk, power and classical metal. The guitars are thick, heavy and strangely catchy. The melodies are a strange mix of Rush and Pink Floyd with a dash of folk and a heavy, but strange, power metal vocal.

http://www.myspace.com/hammersofmisfortune



Technical Death Metal --

Band: Necrophagist
Album: Onset of Putrefaction

Death Metal is known for it's overbearing, thick distorted melodies and rattling double peddling. This band coming out of Germany plays extraordinary guitar licks with crystal clear sound. Not only is the melodies rich and packed with technicality, but they're also written by one man! When recording the album, the entire process was written and programmed by Muhammed Suiçmez with no prior recording experience! He managed to create an album with a pristine, unique sound. Particularly nice listen for guitar players!

www.myspace.com/necrophagistde