Blood of the Tyrant

Mystlyfe's genre-blender packs return after quite a hiatus.

Take one serving Mastodon. Add one half-cup of distorted sludge metal guitar. Strain out clean vocals. Mix in a handful of Baroness. Stir well. Garnish with a splash of Pantera's southern kick. Congratulations, you've made Blood of the Tyrant.

The Chicago four-piece is part of a trend of progressive sludge-like bands that is dominating a large chunk of musical real estate these days. While closest to Sludge, Blood of the Tyrant incorporates elements of thrash, doom, prog, and hardcore to form their own brand of metal.

BotT displays very impressive and developed song-writing for an unsigned band, penning flowing epics that move naturally from verse-to-verse and create a powerful impact. Some tricks and techniques are tried and true, but the ultimate product doesn't sound stale, and keeps the listener engaged.

Flaw of the Sentient Being 7:08
Gunslinger 4:51
Helena 10:44
Meteors (Extinction) 8:45

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Atheist

Atheist was among the elite of the Tampa Bay death metal scene. Generally mentioned in the same breath as Death and Cynic, they still manage to remain one of the most unique metal acts ever. Featuring a particularly strong rhythm section, Atheist managed to incorporate elements of jazz and even latin music into their death metal outfit. After splitting up for around 15 years, they have finally reformed and plan to release a new album featuring a cover of Rush's "YYZ".

1. Unholy War
2. Room With A View
3. Mother Man
4. And The Psychic Saw
5. Samba Briza
6. Air
7. Earth

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Believer Mix, Believer

Believer was/is a crossover thrash and progressive metal band. Here's a mix:

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?mnimn5mmjng

YZBL's Symphonic Metal Playlist #1

Fresh off the presses.

Symphonic metal or opera metal is a term used to describe heavy metal music that has symphonic elements; that is, elements that sound similar to a classical symphony. Symphonic metal is both a genre of metal and a name given to several subgenres of other metal genres, and as such, both forms of usage have slightly varying definitions. The genre refers to bands that combine aspects of varying metal genres, with signature female-led vocals and operatic/classical themes to give the music a feeling of being a symphony.

Most of the list fits that description. Lots of pretentious dutch women, keyboards, melodic guitar riffs and fast drums to make Richard Wagner proud.

Symphonic Metal #1
1. Midnattsol - Konkylie
2. Within Temptation - Our Solemn Hour
3. Together - Lunatica
4. Leaves Eyes - New Found Land
5. After Forever - Evoke
6. Nightwish - Kinslayer
7. Stream of Passion - Passion
8. Tarja Tarnunnen - Damned and Divine
9. The Gathering - Mirror Waters (Semi-acoustic)
10. Therion - Three Treasures

Symphonic Metal #2
1. Autumn NL - Angel of Desire
2. Draconian - Morphine Cloud
3. Fairyland - On the Path to Fury
4. Edenbridge - Fallen from Grace
5. Angtoria - Do you See me now
6. Atrocity - Forever Young (LOL, not necessarily symphonic metal, but hilarious)
7. Battlelore - House of Heroes
8. Elis - Phoenix from the Ashes
9. Epica - Fools of Damnation
10. Apocalyptica - Harvester of Sorrow

a21schizoidman's Progressive Metal Mix

Summerland - King's X
Under A Glass Moon - Dream Theater
The Obsessive Devotion - Epica
Exodus - Fate's Warning
Harvest - Opeth
The Needle Lies - Queensryche
Inferno (Into the Fire) - Symphony X
Drunkship of Lanterns - The Mars Volta

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Uriah Heep

Uriah Heep was one of the earliest Progressive Metal bands. Their debut Very 'Eavy, Very 'Umble was released in 1970, and would continue throughout the 70s with fantasy themes on their albums. Their biggest success would come in 1972 when the albums Demons & Wizards and The Magician's Birthday would be released.

Uriah Heep has only kept one consistent member throughout their lineup, Mick Box, who is the lead guitarists. Though from 1986-2007 their lineup did remain unchanged. Their latest release was Wake The Sleeper in 2008.

Though they generally keep a heavier sound, some of their songs are lighter and some even acoustic, such as Lady In Black, The Wizard, and July Morning. Their biggest hits are Easy Livin' and Stealin'.

Gyspy
Lady In Black
Look At Yourself
Tears In My Eyes
The Wizard
Sweet Lorraine
Stealin'
Seven Stars
Book of Lies

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