Recent content by Under The Oak

Currently jamming the debut by Misþyrming, which is pretty damn kickass black metal. Fans of Svartidaudi, Deathspell Omega, and Blut Aus Nord will probably find a lot to enjoy.

Digging that song. I'll have to check them out.

Nah, I just have enough taste to admit that that kind of crap doesn't compensate for good songwriting. I didn't say I dislike all symphonic power metal or neoclassical stuff, I only implied that it's often used to mask a lack of talent, which it is.

I've really been digging Tales of Mystery and Imagination by Nocturnal Rites lately, and Defenders of the Crown by Human Fortress. I'd take humble by-the-numbers power metal with great songwriting over flashy neoclassical solos and bombastic orchestral arrangements any day.

Anybody else?

Yeah, I'll second that, their older stuff is better. Songs like "White Hot Fire", "Endless Slut", "Lord in Chains", and "Take You to Hell", are outstanding.

What are your favorite power metal albums from the 90's? Some of mine: Labyrinth - Return to Heaven Denied Hammerfall - Glory to the Brave Blind Guardian - Somewhere Far Beyond Stratovarius - Destiny

Nice, I wasn't aware they had released a new album. I'll have to check out Esoteric too.

So I'm working a job where I have loads of time to listen to music and I'm wondering what some good 2-disc albums are. I'll start things off with a few: Ayreon - The Human Equation Dream Theater - Six Degrees Horna - Sanojesi Äärelle

Glad to see some mention of Loss finally. One of the best doom albums of 2011, imo.

I thought it was good, but I'll need to give additional listens to it, just because it seems like I haven't paid much attention the couple times I first heard it. I'll definitely be seeing them on the 28th though.

Is anyone else a fan of Prevalent Resistance? They're not the most unique black metal band, but I just find their songs to be so infectious.

Is Christian music really hopeful? A bunch of people fantasizing about a world yet to come, while ours slides into the gutter, often at the hands of Christians themselves - that's hopeful? I must be crazy to listen to music that denounces such things to be lies. Even so, Christian worship is...

Pre-19th century, I would agree.

I'd rather listen to Christian worship music (aka 'ear rape') than Converge.