Portrait - Portrait [2008]

Okay, so this is very, very similar to King Diamond/Mercyful Fate. In fact, it's probably the best rip-off of the old-school heavy metal resurgence, and they get it absolutely right, including the schizophrenic vocals.

320 kbps

Megaupload

Miles Davis - Amandla [1989]

This will be my last Miles Davis upload for a while - I promise! - and whilst it's not quite up to the standard of much of his catalogue, it's still worth a listen. After all, Miles Davis couldn't make a bad album if he tried.

160 kbps

Megaupload

Mayhem - Ordo Ad Chao [2007]

This is often overlooked, even in Mayhem's shallow back catalogue, but it's one of the most haunting pieces of music I've ever heard. Atilla's vocals are even more deranged than on 'De Mysteriis...', and the instruments create a background of a slowly growing sense of tension.

320 kbps

Megaupload

Mayhem - De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas [1994]

Somewhat overshadowed by the events that surrounded it (Euronymous' murder, church burnings etc.), this is still seen commonly as THE best black metal album. The riffing is haunting, and Atilla's vocals are incredible.

192 kbps

Megaupload

Mayhem - Deathcrush EP [1987]

If you want necro, this is it. A very sloppy, simplistic approach at black metal (but nowhere near to the same extent as the Pure Fucking Armageddon demo, which is nigh-on unlistenable), that has Maniac on vocals. A nice mid-point between said demo and 'De Mysteriis...'.

192 kbps

Megaupload

Pestilence - Consuming Impulse [1989]

The Dutch do death metal. Fact. For anyone who was disappointed with 'Spheres' (I'm undecided myself), this is the perfect solace. The outrageous, ridiculous artwork belies some top-quality death/thrash.

320 kbps

Megaupload

Akercocke - Antichrist [2007]

I'm probably going to be clearing out the shed today, as it were: I've got 7 or 8 albums already uploaded to post. This is Akercocke's most recent (last?) album, and it is awesome. A perfect combination of black, death and progressive metal elements.

192 kbps

Megaupload

Sorrow - Hatred And Disgust [1992]

Unfortunately, this was the only album released by Sorrow, along with an EP that's not on the same standard. Signed by Roadrunner when Roadrunner was a death metal label, Sorrow's death/doom is hugely emotional, and the vocals are some of the most intelligible you'll hear in the style.

192 kbps

Megaupload

Amesoeurs - Ruines Humaines EP [2006]

From the astounding artwork to the music inside, this EP is a great package. Drawing on shoegaze and black metal, this perhaps originated the in-vogue post-black metal movement - some of the artists of which have already been posted here (Fen, Alcest, Dornenreich).

160 kbps

Megaupload

Miles Davis - Tutu [1986]

Another Miles Davis album, this one is more jazzy than the other two already posted. It's another one of his classics, and is certainly worth both downloading and listening to. He was one of the only artists who could produce classics in the twilight of his career.

160 kbps

Megaupload

Miles Davis - Doo-Bop [1992]

This is underappreciated in Davis' vast catalogue, but as his last studio album, it's not only worth a listen for that alone, but it's also astoundingly good. The integration of rap stylings into it is surprisingly effective.

160 kbps

Megaupload

Altar Of Plagues - White Tomb [2009]

Altar Of Plagues are an Irish band, and are one of the best bands from that country. There appears to be a fair amount of influence from their countrymen Primordial, but also from the Burzumic axis.

320 kbps

Megaupload

Mütiilation - Hail Satanas We Are The Black Legions EP [1994]

One of the infamous Les Legiones Noires, Mütiilation created some spectacular black metal art over the years. This debut EP of theirs (although I think the files label it as a demo) is some of their most riff-based work; 'Desecrate Jesus Name' is spectacular.

192 kbps

Megaupload

Black Sabbath - Heaven And Hell [1980]

Black Sabbath's first album with Ronnie James Dio, and it's one of their best. This marked a solid move away from doomy sounds and more into the area of classic heavy metal; this is still much loved today.

192 kbps

Megaupload

Modern Life Is War - Witness [2005]

Modern Life Is War are the band that got me into melodic hardcore, and also the band that I always turn to for the genre after realising how shit most of it is. This is incredibly emotional, particularly by way of the vocals. Essential.

~220 kbps VBR

Megaupload

Shitlickers - Cracked Cop Skulls EP [1982]

Well, this isn't quite a continuation of the grind theme, but it's supremely punky nonetheless. This is a short EP, and the first track ('War System') was covered by my beloved Atomski Rat. It's a cracking EP. I should also add that this is an Anti Cimex side project, if that means anything to you.

128/192 kbps (varies)

Megaupload

Terrorizer - World Downfall [1989]

Continuing with the grindcore theme of the last few days, this is an undisputed classic. This is pretty much a perfect album - a fantastic, sumptuous blend of grindcore and death metal that everyone needs to hear.

160 kbps

Megaupload

Agoraphobic Nosebleed - Agorapocalypse [2009]

I'm skipping out 'Honky Reduction' for now because I'm not too fond of that album, but this is ANb's most recent full-length, and although it's not as good as the debut (it's a little slow at times), the sheer quality of the lyrics makes up for it.

192 kbps

Megaupload

Agoraphobic Nosebleed - Altered States Of America [2003]

Right, I'm definitely not uploading a tracklist for this one! This is the release with the second shortest average track length (of roughly 12 seconds) that I know. 100 tracks in 20 minutes. Insane. Get it.

192 kbps

Megaupload

Agoraphobic Nosebleed - Frozen Corpse Stuffed With Dope [2002]

Agoraphobic Nosebleed, along with all of Scott Hull's projects, are batshit insane. This debut of theirs is some of the most manical, aggressive drum-machine grindcore you will ever hear. 38 songs in 33 minutes - FUCK YES.

128 kbps

Megaupload

Alcest - Écailles De Lune [2010]

Artist: Alcest
Album: Écailles De Lune
Year: 2010
Label: Prophecy Productions
Origin: France
Tracklist:
1) Écailles De Lune Part I [Scales Of The Moon Part I]
2) Écailles De Lune Part II [Scales Of The Moon Part II
3) Percées de Lumière [Breakthrough Of The Light]
4) Abysses [Abyss]
5) Solar Song
6) Sur L'Océan Couleur de Fer [On The Iron-Coloured Ocean]

320 kbps

Megaupload

Alcest - Souvenirs D'un Autre Monde [2007]

Artist: Alcest
Album: Souvenirs D'un Autre Monde [memories of Another World]
Year: 2007
Label: Prophecy Productions
Origin: France
Tracklist:
1) Printemps Émeraude [Emerald Spring]
2) Souvenirs d'un Autre Monde [Memories of Another World]
3) Les Iris [The Irises]
4) Ciel Errant [Wandering Sky]
5) Sur L'autre Rive Je T'attendrai [On the Other Shore I'll Wait For You]
6) Tir Nan Og

256 kbps

Megaupload

Patti Smith - Radio Ethiopia [1976]

Artist: Patti Smith (Group)
Album: Radio Ethiopia
Year: 1976
Label: Arista Records
Origin: USA
Tracklist:
1) Ask The Angels
2) Ain't It Strange
3) Poppies
4) Pissing In A River
5) Pumping (My Heart)
6) Distant Fingers
7) Radio Ethiopia/Abyssinia

128 kbps

Megaupload

Patti Smith - Horses [1975]

N.B. I'm trying a new format, tell me if you like it on the poll on the right.

Artist: Patti Smith
Album: Horses
Year: 1975
Label: Arista Records
Origin: USA
Tracklist:
1) Gloria
2) Redondo Beach
3) Birdland
4) Free Money
5) Kimberly
6) Break It Up
7) Land
8) Elegie
9) My Generation (live) (The Who cover) (bonus)

160 kbps

Megaupload

Alvacast - Inocente... Hasta Que Se Demuestre Lo Contrario [1989]

If anything, this proves that metal truly is a universal language. I haven't a clue what any of their lyrics mean, or indeed song titles, but their heavy Maiden stylings make me enjoy this album immensely. Missing last two tracks.

128 kbps

Megaupload

Slayer - Seasons In The Abyss [1990]

I never really got into this one like I got into Slayer's other 'golden era' albums. It's all well and good, and it has some fantastic songs, but it didn't seem as cohesive as a whole to me. Still, bang your head to 'War Ensemble'.

256 kbps

Megaupload

Slayer - South Of Heaven [1988]

This was the first Slayer album I heard, at the tender age of 12, and whilst I dismissed it as dad-rock the first time (really!), I kept coming back and back again, particularly to 'Silent Scream'. This great album was a turning point for me.

160 kbps

Megaupload

Slayer - Reign In Blood [1986]

There isn't much to say about this, the next installation in Slayer's discography that hasn't already been said. Lauded as the 'best thrash album ever' - personally, I can think of three or four I prefer, but it's still excellent, and one that every metal fan should know intimately.

Bit rate varies between tracks.

Megaupload

Slayer - Live Undead EP [1985]

Slayer's live album offers a fascinating take on tracks previously recorded for Show No Mercy. Any Slayer fan should not pass this opportunity up. Plus, 'The Antichrist' has more batshit-ness on this than any other Slayer release.

192 kbps

Megaupload

Slayer - Show No Mercy [1983]

This is Slayer's debut, pretty much at the dawn of thrash, and although it incorporates heavy doses of speed metal, it's easy to see why this is considered a heavy influence on the black metal scene. Araya has not sounded so demonic since.

192 kbps

Megaupload

Phobia - 22 Acts Of Random Violence [2008]

N.B. The last two tracks (of 22) are missing here, but it doesn't make much difference.

Ah, grindcore. This, Phobia's 5th album, is a piece of supreme fucking grind. It's got it all; brilliant samples, aggression, blasting, d-beats, fantastic riffs, and great vocals. Makes a change from the Opeth I just posted, certainly.

192 kbps

Megaupload

Opeth - My Arms, Your Hearse [1998]

This is Opeth's best album. It shows the seeds of their later progressive tendencies, but not in the overblown proportions that they would be found later on, often to the detriment of the listenability. Contains the monumental 'Demon Of The Fall'.

~200 kbps VBR

Link was taken down. Comment on this if you would like to see a reupload.

Opeth - Blackwater Park [2001]

Although opinions on Opeth within the extreme metal community are divided to say the least, I personally feel them to be entertaining in moderation, and this is one of their better albums. It could do to be a bit shorter, but it's a good listen.

320 kbps

DMCA came calling.

Metallica - Kill 'Em All [1983]

Debatably the album that started the thrash scene off (depending on whether Venom are thrash or not), I'm not going to directly post a link to this in the post for fear of Ulrich's minions. Post your email address as a comment and I'll send you the link.

192 kbps

POST YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS FOR A LINK

Vreid - Milorg [2009]

Seeing as Vreid are essentially Windir v2, there was always going to be pressure on them to produce; their first three are good, especially 'I Krig', but this is where they are at their best. Some of the catchiest black metal around.

128 kbps

Megaupload

The Ocean - Heliocentric [2010]

Whilst Mastodon brought the idea of progressive sludge into vogue, others do it just as well, if not better. This, The Ocean's fourth album, is a departure from their earlier, more aggressive material. The closing one-two 'The Origin Of Species'/'The Origin Of God' is a joy.

192 kbps

Megaupload

The Chasm - Deathcult For Eternity: The Triumph [1998]

This was the album that projected The Chasm (from Mexico) onto the international death metal scene. Showing the beginnings of progressive tendencies, as opposed to the doomy death of their first two albums, and indeed their work under the moniker Cenotaph, this is great.

192 kbps

Megaupload

Sadomator - Goatblood Panspermia [2010]

Denmark, aside from Mercyful Fate/King Diamond, has never really had that much of an impact on the metal world, especially when compared to the rest of Scandinavia. This is, however, goat-obsessed metal that helps put Denmark up with the rest of them.

~215 kbps VBR

Megaupload

Whitehouse - Asceticists [2006]

I believe that this is the first noise album I've posted, and I know relatively little about the genre, so apologies for any mistakes. Whitehouse were one of the first power electronics groups, and are still going strong with their mixture of 'social commentary' and harsh noise. This is fun.

~180 kbps

Megaupload

Spoonful Of Vicodin - Bursts Of Rage At The Speed Of Hate [2009]

This is modern powerviolence at its best. Somewhat unusual for the genre in that it omits the slower parts, this CD is unrelenting for its duration of 27 tracks in 13 minutes. Awesome stuff. Go for it.

160 kbps

Megaupload

Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones + Shatter EP [2010]

I have added these together as the Shatter EP was intended as an accompaniment to Eparistera Daimones. This is a continuation from Celtic Frost's final spectacular album, Monotheist, and is nearly as good, which says a lot. It's a combination of black metal, doom metal and a tendency to oddity, and is a must-hear.

192 kbps (Eparistera Daimones), 320 kbps (Shatter)

Link was taken down. Comment on this if you would like to see a reupload.

Bonesaw - Sawtopsy [2009]

Given the band's name, and indeed the punny album title, it's probably little surprise that the Scottish Bonesaw are an Autopsy worship band, perhaps a little punkier than those legends, but nonetheless hugely derivative and therefore hugely enjoyable. This is the album Autopsy should have made instead of 'Shitfun'.

192 kbps

Megaupload

Fukpig - Belief Is The Death Of Intelligence [2010]

This, Fukpig's sophomore effort (although the word 'sophomore' sounds too posh for music as primal as theirs) is to me, their best so far, and the obvious rip-offs of 'De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas' in the title track and 'Angel Of Death' in 'This Is The News?' made me smile. There are probably more that I haven't noticed too, but it takes sheer audacity to rip off two of the most iconic riffs in metal.

~215 kbps VBR

Megaupload

Fukpig - Spewings From A Selfish Nation [2009]

Fukpig, featuring the entire Mistress lineup, as well as the Anaal Nathrakh lineup when playing live, call their style, which mixes black metal and grindcore 'necropunk' (indeed, they have a song named after it), but that's yet another pretentious tag I refuse to use.

320 kbps

Megaupload

Ramlord - Stench Of Fallacy EP [2011]

As you can probably tell by the shape of the artwork, this was originally released on tape, but in my eyes, it deserves a wider, better distribution (although their Communist ideas may conflict with that), as their blend of crust punk and grindcore with a dollop of black metal on the side is some of the best music of this year so far.

128 kbps

Megaupload