Earth - There is a Serpent Coming 5/10
Not sure I get all the hate for this one. It's nothing special but it's far from horrible. Not my style. Also, didn't Kurt Cobain play with this band or something back in the day?
Omen - Dragon's Breath 8/10
What a fucking classic! It's been a while since I blasted any Omen. This is a great song on a great fucking album. My favorite track is still probably The Axeman because of dat riff but this is great too.
Tyrant - Take it to the Dragon 8/10
There's too many fucking bands named Tyrant my GOD. Man, I really love the mixture of Dio's harsher side vocals and the more clean style. Definitely might have to check out this band. Excellent old school production and sweet fucking artwork on the compilation. This might be a hair too long for it's own good, but I love long songs so whatever.
Amon Amarth - The Dragon's Flight Across the Waves 7/10
The only Amon Amarth I've heard was their 2009 "Twilight of the Thunder God" which is a guilty pleasure for me. Fuck, that album is too fucking fun but stupid. If I cared more I'd check out their earlier work since I've heard that it's pretty good, but I'd rather listen to Bathory or something. Anyway, this is fun and far less poppy than the former, but I fucking hate that stupid breakdown in the song, but the solo towards the end with the keys in the background are just great.
The Black Dahlia Murder - Vlad, Son of the Dragon 4/10
See, where Amon Amarth can pull of that bullshit cheesy viking death metal whatever and make it entertaining this band doesn't. "Melodic death metal" is already, generally, pretty lame and this is the same. Also, fuck that breakdown. I've heard worse though.
Bewitched - Dragonflight 8/10
Shit, this is weirdly awesome. With the intro I was expecting some really cheesy KeyDragon-esque stuff but then that riff kicks in. It might be a tad too weedley-weedley at times but I can get down to this shit. I love those vocals. Reminds me of Quicksand Dream and my own shitty vocals. He's fucking trying and it's not quite there but nobody really gives a fuck either because it rules too hard. Wait,
@V.V.V.V.V. this reminds me of your vocals on the first Olórin demo.
Dream Evil - Chasing the Dragon 7/10
Another new band for me. I convulsed in my chair and started headbanging as soon as this song started. This is the type of cheese that I can get down to. Honestly, this sounds a lot like Visigoth, whom I dig pretty damn hard. It's nothing special here, but some pretty fucking fun headbanging jams.
Dark Millennium - Beyond the Dragon's Eye 6/10
Either I own this album or had a digital copy of it at one point. I bet I fucking loved it back in 2007, but now the mixture of the doom and the death metal sounds forced. They should just stick with the clean vocals, then it would be some really cool Solitude Aeturnus stuff. Bands that try to blend the genres have to make that synthesis seamless, or just be a slow death metal band or something. But still, not offensive but I wouldn't listen to it again.
Saint Vitus - Dragon Time 10/10
Do I have to fucking say it? This band can do no fucking wrong in my book. Also, the addition of Wino on guitars during the chorus and the solos adds a different layer to the Vitus sound that was not found previously (or since, as far as I know). There is live evidence of this too. It's a small change, but it changes the mood and dynamic of the band. Not that they really needed it, but given that this is a song about a dragon (or probably a metaphor for something) instead of their usual themes it gives the song it's own distinct sound.
The Wizards - Dragon Slayers 3/10
Already well versed with The Wizards. It's a comedic rap group. Some of their lines are fucking fire, but this song is definitely not one of their best.
Crimson Glory - Where Dragons Rule 7/10
RIP Midnight. Amazing fucking vocalist. I think I like their first album more than Transcendence but I'd be lying if I didn't love this record as well. His voice is so fucking ridiculous it's awesome. This whole song is ridiculous and awesome. Not much sure what else I can say about it. The appeal is all in the vocals for me.
Heir Apparent - Dragon's Lair 8/10
I've heard this name dropped a lot but never checked em out. This is totally up my fucking alley. My only complaint is that the song is too short for my tastes.
Nocternity - Valyrian Steel (Blood of the Dragon) 9/10
I never realized that this song was about the Targaryens until now. A classic Greek BM album that stands tall and proud next to the greatest from that country. Reminds me that I need to listen to their new album again. I fucking love those kind of subtle strings that play in the background. I'm a sucker for that shit in black metal and stuff.
Therion - Ho Drakon Ho Megas 4/10
I'm with Slayed Necros on this one. Only the first 2 are real. This kinda fucking sucks. Too much industrial drumming and stupid folkish stuff from a band that I recognize as some great death metal. No thanks.
Maveth - Dragon of the Continuum 7/10
I've heard about this band. Dark Descent puts out nothing but respectable and great acts, but I just can't put myself to really listen to them. I'm a big fan of the old Finnish cavernous-sounding DM bands like Demigod and Rippikoulu but I feel like this is just another run of the mill band of that style. Nothing that docks them, but I'd rather put on Dead Congregation.
Helcaraxe - Red Dragon 5/10
Hell yeah! A fucking Hobbit themed band! Unfortunately, that's the only thing I like about this song. Too much technical string-skipping stuff for me to stay interested for over 8 minutes. I skipped around a little and didn't hear anything that would change my mind.