Select Recordings

Here you will find a selection of metal recordings. The selection is not made to cover absolutely every single sub-genre or era, but to give you a list that, if listened to, will give you a great idea of the vast spectrum of metal music out there.

Black Sabbath - Paranoid (1971)

(Classic/Early Metal)

You may have heard a few of the songs off of this album before, but a good listen through really opens this disc up and shows the dark foundation upon which metal was built.

Dio - Holy Diver (1983)

(Early Heavy Metal)

The voice of metal. Ronnie James Dio portrays his vocal abilities best here on this classic metal album. This is one of those albums that will leave you with a good feeling. Every song is both catchy, powerful and always extremely enjoyable.

Slayer - Reign in Blood (1986)

(Extreme Thrash Metal)

A sonic punch in the face. This album pushed the limits of speed and thrash metal and helped spawn the entire genre of death metal. Nothing ever goes on for too long or too short, you can't possibly be relaxed while listening to this album.

Iron Maiden - The Number of the Beast (1982)

(NWOBHM)

This was the end of the gritty punk-influenced metal of their past and the start of their very refined sound which has carried through to today. The musicianship was superb and the songwriting was beautiful.

Megadeth - Peace Sells... But Who's Buyin'? (1986)

(Complex Speed/Thrash Metal)

Some could argue that Rust in Peace was actually their best album, but none can argue that "Peace Sells" was the most agressive and perfect combination of technical prowess and pure thrash.

Death - Symbolic (1995)

(Progressive Death Metal)

Never judge a book by its cover. With a name like Death, one would never see this coming. Although they started out as your typical thrash/death band, they evolved into a highly progressive and experimental group of virtuouso musicians. This album was the pinacle, truly masterful.

Dream Theater - Awake (1994)

(Progressive Metal)

One of the most brilliant prog. albums to come out of the progressive-metal movement. It combines all the best elements of the genre: beautiful instrumental passages, songs that flow together, and epic-length songs. Not a single dull moment.

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Last Updated 3/1/06

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