FIST TO THE SKY- 2 Shows This Weekend!

Post #238

Need a show to go to this weekend?!? HappyHeadbanger's Independent Band of the Year, FIST TO THE SKY have 2 shows for you!

First, on Friday the 29th at the Aloha Lounge in Libertyville, see FIST TO THE SKY, along with HappyHeadbanger's I.B.O.Y. runner-up INDOLENT and She Loves Seven. Show starts at 9pm!

Then, on Sunday the 31st, FTTS travel to the south Chicago 'burbs, for a show in Steger, IL at Another Hole in the Wall, opening for Hell or Highwater (featuring former drummer/singer of Atreyu). Showtime: 6pm!!

Don't miss your chance to see FIST TO THE SKY in action!

Celtachor-Nine Waves from the Shore

Post #237
In these times, heavy metal music is constantly evolving: creating new sounds or combinations of sounds, pairing elements of music from across various genres and subgenres of rock and metal. When I discovered Celtachor, who describe their genre as "Irish Blackened Folk Metal" I was immediately intrigued to hear what they sound like.

Their debut CD is titled Nine Waves From The Shore, and can be purchased through http://www.celtachor.com/ or find them on facebook. True to their description, they clearly have a strong black-metal influence. Add to this the traditional Celtic-style susato whistle, some acoustic guitars, and abundant references to Irish Mythology and you can't call this music anything other than 'Irish Blackened Folk Metal'.

The black-metal style is the first impression you get as you begin listening to the first track: 'The Landing: Amergin's Conquest'. After a fade-in sound of waves crashing into the shore, heavy thrash-style riffs bombard you along with thundering bass-drumming. The lyrics tell the story of Amergin's conquest of Ireland, part of the Invasion Cycles of Ireland's Mythology. Specifically this epic, ten-minute song recants the the tale of how Amergin, The Druid of the Gael, leads his people to claim the land from the Tuatha, avenging the death of Ith in the process. Each successive song proceeds to bring light to other tales from the same era.

Vocals are shrieked or screamed throughout, clinging close to the known style of black-metal. It is when the susato whistle enters the mix, providing Celtic folk-style melodies, that Celtachor set themselves apart from the crowd. The music of Celtachor has an ebb and flow to it, as aggressive elements intensify then periodically subside to allow the softer, melodic side of the music to rise to the surface. Just when you think you've heard all that Celtachor have to offer, they reveal something new.

More tales from the mythology are told through the lyrics of each successive song. Plights, of characters such as Dobd, Annan, and the Dagda are brought to life with a soundtrack of furious thrash riffs and a menacing voice. If you are an open-minded fan of extreme styles of  metal music, then you will want to give Celtachor a listen!

Tracks I recommend from Nine Waves From The Shore:
-The Landing: Amergin's Conquest
-The Battle of Tailtin (Another thrashing tune that interprets the epic battle)
-The Kingship of Bodb Dearg (An acoustic intro for this one, then a slower tempo thrasher for much of the song)
-Sorrow of the Dagda (Another epic song, over ten minutes in length, tells a bit of the tale of the Dagda- a father-figure god of Irish mythology. This song focuses on a curse that fell on the Dagda, reflected in the song's melancholic tone. Acoustic intro at the start, the song progresses to heavy tones, then subsides for a breakdown segment about halfway through.)
-Conn of the Hundred Battles (More of a straight forward thrasher as far as musical structure, but still an informative song regarding the myth of Conn Cetchathach, one of the ancient High Kings of Ireland.)

Green Day-iUno!, iDos!, and iTre!

Post #236
Following the unprecedented success of back-to-back concept albums American Idiot and 21st Century Breakdown, Green Day returned to a more standard style of punk/pop-punk rock with their new material. However, when they got around to releasing that material, they did something pretty unique. They had enough new material for three albums, which they spread the release dates across a period of 4 months at the end of 2012. Cleverly titled 'Uno', 'Dos', and 'Tre', each band member graced the cover of one album. Critics were quick to draw comparisons to their classic album Dookie, but I believe Green Day fans will find  these 3 releases to provide more than just a throw-back sound. Although they may revert to more juvenile themes for the subject matter of many of these new songs, there are still plenty of socially conscious tunes peppered throughout these 3 discs. I feel these songs find the band letting loose with some nostalgia for their early days, while maintaining the mature execution and creativity they've developed over their whole career

Now prepare yourself for a toxic blend of pop-punk mayhem, and angsty revolution-rock that is perhaps similar to what you may have heard before, yet still totally new!

iUno!- My first dose of this album was the lead single 'Oh Love', which I honestly found to be a mediocre song, and did little to pique my interest in this album, but after hearing the rest of it, I am glad I did not write it off completely. In fact, a couple songs on this volume ('Nuclear Family' and 'Carpe Diem') have become, arguably, my favorite Green Day songs ever.
My picks from iUno!
-Nuclear Family
-Stay the Night
-Carpe Diem
-Let Yourself Go
-Angel Blue
-Sweet 16

iDos! starts off with a little different feel. The first track, 'See You Tonight', is a subdued acoustic number recorded in mono. It actually reminds me of the way 'Song of the Century' introduced 21st Century Breakdown. Most of this CD sounds very consistent with the 1st, but the track 'Nightlife' really brings something new, as Green Day incorporate some elements of hip-hop. The closing number, 'Amy', winds the album down gently, as Billy Joe plays this one on his own: no drums or bass, just him and his guitar as he sings this gentle ballad.
My picks from iDos!
-See You Tonight
-Stop When the Red Lights Flash
-Stray Heart
-Ashley
-Baby Eyes
-Nightlife
-Amy

iTre! is perhaps the most unique of these three releases. Overall I find it to be more laid-back and mellow than the first two. There are still songs of classic punk-rock brilliance, as we've come to expect from Green Day, but they seemed to have saved several ballads for this one. I might point to the song 'X-Kid' as the most memorable offering on this album. It is a slower-tempo, coming-of-age rock song. The kind of song where we realize part of Green Day has grown up and are letting us know who they are and where they came from. We get a heavy dose of socially conscious commentary with '99 Revolutions', whose lyrics read like a play-by-play breakdown of the recent financial crisis and economic recession.
My picks from iTre!
-8th Avenue Serenade
-X-Kid
-Sex, Drugs, and Violence
-Dirty Rotten Bastards
-99 Revolutions
-The Forgotten (A soft, piano-driven ballad to close the album...)

Overall I find these albums to be on par with Green Day's previous couple of albums, just without the concentrated focus that was necessary for their last 2 concept albums. This may be a good thing though, as it gives them more freedom to just write songs that rock without worrying about them fitting in with a specific concept. So go in with an open mind, and you'll have hours' worth of great listening in store...

Judas Beast, Heaven & Hell, and Lights Out at Reggie's Rock Club, 3-15-13

Post #235
Calling all fans of Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, and UFO! This Friday, March 15th, at 8pm three great tribute bands will be playing at Reggie's Rock Club in Chicago's south loop: Judas Beast, Heaven & Hell, and Lights Out! Tickets are just $10. For more info visit the event-page on Facebook.

Watch for a review of the show here within a few days after the show...

Happy Headbanging!

Schoolcraft-Rushing Through the Sky (2012)

Post #234
Since hearing her music for the first time at Dame-Nation 2011, I have been eagerly anticipating the first solo-release from Lindsay Schoolcraft (AKA Lindz Riot, formerly of Mary and the Black Lamb). In late 2012 she released that debut, Rushing Through The Sky.

This EP is a collection of ballads that blend classical music with mainstream rock. Schoolcraft primarily composes on piano, and as such, most of these songs are piano-driven with some light percussion. Backing elements of choirs and strings may be synthetic, but help to enhance the songs' emotions and give them a fuller sound. There is one song, 'Darkness Falls', that is played on the harp, and is more of a stripped-down composition, as about 90% of the song is only the harp and Lindsay's light, lyrical soprano voice. It is rewarding for it not only shows Lindsay is a talented, multi-instrumental musician and songwriter, but it also adds a key element of variety to make this EP more interesting.

Lyrically, many songs portray the struggles of finding one's self in life. 'Masquerade' is one song I find especially moving. The lyrics weave a tale of the compromising nature of maintaining a relationship, while asking the question of when personal sacrifices become too much. The crux of the song is perhaps best summed up in the line, "For you, I'd give anything, but not the last of me..." That is the true challenge in music: conveying the emotion felt by the composer through the music they write. In that regard, Rushing Through The Sky is a shining success. Each composition is a tiny window into another facet of the musician's soul. It is impossible to listen to these songs and not feel like you know and understand Schoolcraft as a person, at least a little.

In summing up, Rushing Through The Sky is a great collection of symphonic-rock ballads, and highly recommended for those who enjoy the softer side of acts like Evanescence, Within Temptation or Nightwish.
It is available for purchase through several outlets found on her facebook page, including: itunes, twitter, reverbnation, soundcloud and more!

The track list (my personal favorites in bold):
-Into The Night
-Your Mind
-December Rain
-You Forever
-Masquerade
-Darkness Falls
-December Rain (Instrumental mix)

You can also stream the album here: 

Metallica-Beyond Magnetic

Post #233

In the aftermath of Metallica's Death Magnetic album and tour, they released an EP titled Beyond Magnetic. This was a collection of 4 songs from the Death Magnetic sessions, and an essential addition to the collection of any die-hard Metallica fan!

I first listened to this EP after finding it in my library's audio-visual collection. I'm so glad I checked it out... I didn't know what I was missing! In a similar vein as they did on Death Magnetic, Metallica deliver more of their classic formula of contrasting heavy thrash riffs with clean, minor-key melodic passages. Don't let the fact that it's only 4 tracks fool you, though. This EP is still a good half-hour's worth of classic thrash metal. Every song is at least 7 minutes long! Let me break them down for you...

Hate Train- This song is a straight forward thrasher for the verses, and changes things up with melodic bridges featuring some clean guitars (no real chorus). Metallica get creative with some riff progressions towards the end of the song. One of the main riffs of this song strongly reminds me of the primary riff from 'Fuel'.

Just a Bullet Away- A chugging, mid-tempo, heavy song... until the clean breakdown segment emerges at about the 5 minute mark. From there it builds back up again, eventually returning to the original heavy riff.

Hell and Back- Starts off with a clean and haunting intro. Moves on to a faster, heavy riff that is reminiscent of 'Broken, Beat and Scarred'. I wonder if this similarity is perhaps the reason if was left off of Death Magnetic? Throughout this song the band goes back and forth between these clean and heavy elements. Oh, and some great guitar soloing from Kirk Hammett can be heard here also!

Rebel of Babylon- Another song with a clean intro... soon to be subjugated by another thrashy, heavy riff. At this point, it becomes the most intense song on this EP. When the chorus hits you, you get a very catchy hook that satisfies the fans from the 'Black Album' era. The lyrics are full of religious symbolism, as James Hetfield sings about the Stigmata, the crucifixion and redemption. However, this song would not be complete without another killer guitar solo from Kirk. This is my favorite track on this EP. I seriously wonder why it didn't make the Death Magnetic cut. It would have made an already great album even better!

FIST TO THE SKY- DOWN INTO HELL (EP Review)

Post #232

Fist To The Sky are the new Independent Band of the Year here at www.HappyHeadbanger.com, and as is traditional, I kick off the new year by reviewing their music. To start off with, I'll take a look at their 2-track EP, Down Into Hell.

For only 2 songs, this CD packs a lot of punch! The first track, 'Another Lesson Learned', shows off plenty of lead guitars and a key-changing breakdown segment. The vocal delivery is melodic singing with a slight hint of some high-pitch screams. I am reminded of Avenged Sevenfold's M. Shadows with regards to the singing style. Heavy power chords and scaled guitar riffs take turns driving the rhythm of the song.

The other song is the title track, and it steps up the intensity a bit more. The lyrics are sung much quicker during the verses on this one, and guitar leads are sometimes delivered in tandem by both guitarists, creating a layered effect. All in all, a very solid effort by a young and promising band.

Fist To The Sky will continue to be a focal point for this blog throughout 2013. They have already begun work on their next EP, and if Down Into Hell in any indication of their true potential, then we will be in for a pleasant surprise before too long! Keep checking back and watch for more content about them!

Killswitch Engage-The Howard Jones Era (2003-2012)

Post #231

Killswitch Engage are perhaps the most influential band of the metalcore/melodic metalcore genre, in part due to guitarist/producer Adam Dutkiewicz's prolific involvement as a producer for several other bands within this genre. In spite of his numerous efforts behind the production board, his top priority remains Killswitch Engage, and over the years this band has grown into an essential corner-stone for the metalcore sud-genre within heavy metal.

Their first album with Howard Jones as their lead vocalist was The End Of Heartache, and this, in my opinion, is one of the greatest defining works of the melodic metalcore sub-genre. Released in 2004, it truly displays mastery of a signature sound that other bands would come to emulate. Killswitch really took their sound to a higher level with the addition of Jones on lead vocals. His ability to sing clean melodies while maintaining a powerful vocal element, then switching to hardcore screams when the song calls for it, is a testament to the level of his talent. Few singers display as much control of both vocal styles as Howard Jones. Musically the band also expands their boundaries a bit on this album. There are still many songs based on heavy riffs, and catchy rhythms, similar to those on their previous album, Alive or Just Breathing, but this time around the musicianship seems of a higher quality. Softer, acoustic elements are a little more prominent too, and though they are used sparingly, they serve to enhance the listening experience and add a critical dimension to this album.

Favorite Tracks:
-A Bid Farewell
-When Darkness Falls
-Rose of Sharyn
-Breathe Life
-The End Of Heartache
-World Ablaze
-Wasted Sacrifice

KsE's next release, As Daylight Dies (2006), was a strong effort again. Following the breakthrough success from 'Heartache', this album proves Killswitch were at the top of their game in the mid 2000s. This album features KsE's best ballad, 'My Curse', a concert favorite and successful single. As the band again flex their muscle with heavy riffs, and hardcore vocals, they keep the balance of soft and clean elements as even as they did on Heartache, if not more so.

If 'Heartache' was a cornerstone for the genre, then As Daylight Dies is the cornerstone for Killswitch themselves. I keep looking over the track list for this album, and I can't find a bad song. This is probably a snapshot of KsE at their creative apex. The title-track and 'This Is Absolution' have always been two of my all-time favorites from Killswitch. The special edition version of this album includes 4 bonus tracks and a DVD with 3 music videos (2 of which include 'the making-of' features). One of those bonus tracks is KsE's studio version of Dio's classic 'Holy Diver'...

Favorite Tracks:
-Daylight Dies
-This Is Absolution
-The Arms of Sorrow
-My Curse
-Still Beats Your Name
BONUS TRACKS:
-Let The Bridges Burn
-This Fire
-Holy Diver

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE (2009)

Their second self-titled album is one that came at a time when KsE had reached a plateau in their stylistic evolution. This album maintains a precise balance of their well-established melodic metalcore style. I cannot necessarily say this album brings any new elements to their sound that were not present on the previous two releases, but that is not to say this isn't a quality metal album- it is! Killswitch Engage was released with a special edition too, which included 4 bonus tracks and a DVD of interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.

This is a nice touch, and a good collector's piece for die-hard fans, especially since Howard Jones has since left the band, on good terms, citing medical issues combined with loss of enthusiasm. The DVD provides a snapshot of what the guys in the band are like off the stage, and how their personalities blend together. A nice way to see them together, still at the peak of their career.

Favorite Tracks:
-Never Again
-Starting Over
-Reckoning
-The Return
-A Light in a Darkened World
-I Would Do Anything
BONUS LIVE TRACKS:
-Rose of Sharyn
-My Curse
-Holy Diver

Sutured Psyche say Farewell...

Post #230

In the world of independent, D.I.Y., home-grown music, local bands come and go in the blink of an eye. Sometimes they are quickly forgotten, sometimes their members move on to new projects and re-form another band with a new formula, new line-up, new direction; other times they leave a lasting impression...

In the case of SUTURED PSYCHE, I feel they've left that impression upon their faithful following. For a band whose line-up went through a few changes over their 3 and a half years performing shows, they maintained a core of creativity and a consistent vibe and attitude that lived up to the motto for their music: "Music for Bastards".

On October 19th, 2012, the faithful of Bastard Nation gathered one last time, for one final show. The venue: Chicago's Elbo Room on the north side. Sutured Psyche: a band in flux, as the paths of life had pulled some members away, while other local musicians filled in, picking up the proverbial sword and carrying it into one final battle. A familiar face in Troll (former bassist for Deadmanswake), had rehearsed with the band on guitar, to compensate for original guitarist Adrian Mann, who had recently moved out of state. However, as fate would have it, Adrian managed to swing a trip back to his homeland, just in time to play this final show. The result was a truly one-of-a-kind line-up for Sutured Psyche. On this night they were armed with 3 guitarists (Adrian, Ryan, and Troll), plus the usual suspects of William Piamon (vocals), Brian O'Callaghan (bass), and Michael T Signal (drums).

Fans of the band filed in over the course of a couple opening acts, and by the time Sutured Psyche were ready to take the stage, there was precious little elbow-room to be had! It was showtime. They kicked off their set with 'Ma Gavte La Nata', an up tempo crowd charger for sure! The band was so pumped for this show that 2 of the guitarists collided on-stage after striking the first cord. They played on, barely missing a beat, regaining their balance and composure in a split second. And that was simply a precursor to the kind of mayhem that was in store this evening!

From that point there was no stopping. The fans latched onto the conduit of energy the band provided with their music.They thrummed along with the tempo for song after song. The audience was a cross-section of music lovers from all walks of life. Everyone there was living for the moment. Hell, there was even a guy in the crowd in a Spider-Man costume!

Said William Piamon of the webbed wonder's presence: "Go figure! We're the only Chicago band with a super-hero in residence."

The band delivered so many of their classic songs, many of which can be found on their CD Bastard Nation, or their live DVD None The Wiser. 'Codependent', 'Invocation' and 'Steven' come to mind as some personal  favorites. However, the guys had even more in store for us on this night, as they played an unexpected cover of Alanis Morissette's 'You Oughta Know'! Adding more power and energy to the vocal delivery, and making the song's heavy rhythm even heavier, these guys made this song their own!

The evening's biggest highlight had to be when they invited all their fans on-stage with them to jam along with the band. Easily half a dozen people joined the 6-member line-up on stage, playing chords and notes as best they could. It was such chaos, but at the same time so indicative of the relationship this band has with their fans: "We're one of you. You are one of us."

This evening was more than just a local rock band playing a set at a local venue. It was a celebration of three-plus years of camaraderie mixed with mayhem; celebration and tribute; a fraternity's family reunion; a reluctant coda mixed with an unending pride... Musicians. Rock Stars. Followers. Fans. Friends. A Nation. (and one Super Hero!)

So, until one of these bastards rises again, in another place or time, this is Sutured Psyche saying farewell...

-Ma Gavte la Nata

-Codependent

-Blood From a Stone

-Mike T. Signal's Drum Solo

-Invocation

-Belbo's Stomp

-You Oughta Know (Alanis Morrisette cover)

-Steven (w/ Henry Van Loon from Grandma vs Grandpa)

-Trickster Pt 1 (Jake Sherin on drums)

-Inherit the Earth

-Clarity

-Crecy

-The Leap

Encore:

-Anything

-I Ran

Lacuna Coil-Dark Adrenaline

Post #229

Lacuna Coil released their latest album, Dark Adrenaline, on 1-23-12, and having enjoyed their last two albums I was eager to hear this one as well. As was the case with their last album, Shallow Life, this release is also an essential addition to the music collection of any fan of female-fronted heavy metal music.

With Dark Adrenaline, Lacuna Coil establish a heavier, darker vibe than they have in quite a while. Not so much so that you cannot tell it's Lacuna Coil. The essential formula is still there. In fact, this album is quite consistent with their previous one. Any changes to their sound are subtle ones. Fans of Shallow Life will easily take to this album, as it is filled with similar heavy riffs and dynamic vocal melodies traded off between Andrea Ferro and Cristina Scabbia, very much as LC fans are accustomed to. If anything, the most difference may be that this album is a bit less 'pop', and more purely metal than Shallow Life was.

The first single, 'Trip The Darkness', is classic Lacuna Coil from the get-go. Choruses are mainly handled by Andrea, with his scratchy, alt-metal voice, and the bridges and choruses are sung in Cristina's captivating contralto voice. This number is melodic heavy metal, driven by rhythmic, heavy guitars and complimented by subtle synthetic effects.

As with many of the band's previous albums, the mood from song to song ebbs and flows between near-thrash heaviness, and operatic soft melodies. There are some notable highlights, and unique songs that stand out. One of my favorites being 'End of Time', where we hear Cristina dwell in the lowest ranges of her vocal ability for most of the song. In atypical fashion, this is perhaps the most I've heard her push herself in mastering the limits of her vocal range. My other favorite song is 'Intoxicated' where, if anything, Cristina does the opposite. Some of the lines are delivered with true vocal acrobatics that retain melodies you're repeating in your head hours after listening to this song. It keeps pulling you back to play it again!

So in summing up, Dark Adrenaline may not be dramatically different from Shallow Life, but different enough that you need to hear it for yourself. Lacuna Coil may have mastered their craft, and niche, in metal music years ago, but that's all the more reason you need to hear what they've been up to lately. Personally, I can't wait for their next album already!

My top picks from Dark Adrenaline:
-Trip the Darkness
-Kill the Light
-Upsidedown
-End of Time
-Intoxicated
-Losing My Religion (A cover of R.E.M.'s classic. As Lacuna Coil did with 'Enjoy The Silence' a few years ago, they put their unique stamp on this one too. They truly make it their own. If you wouldn't have known the song before, it would be hard to tell it is a cover!)

Metallica Inauguration 2013

Post #228

As winners in the Heavy Metal Madness tournament of 2012, Metallica also have won the title of this blog's symbolic president. Now it is time for their inauguration.

For 2012, Metallica enjoyed a mix of current success and nostalgia for some of their past releases. Beyond Magnetic, an EP of some left-over songs from the Death Magnetic sessions were finished up and released in early 2012. In the summer, they headlined their own music festival: Orion Music + More. Over 30 bands in 2 nights, Metallica headlined both nights, playing the entire 'Black Album' on one night, and Ride the Lightning on the other. These performances can be downloaded through the livemetallica.com catalog page. They are the June 23 and 24 dates in Atlantic City, NJ.

They have also begun work on their next full-length album, to follow-up Death Magnetic. No release date is set, but with the direction they've been heading recently, it should not disappoint fans, new or old.

So Metallica will take the lead in the world of metal music again in 2013. Orion Music + More will return, this time in Detroit, MI. WWW.HAPPYHEADBANGER.COM will follow them here as well. Their 2-year term begins now! So dig your way to something better, get back which used to be, sell your soul to me- I will set you free- pacify your demons, when we start to rock we will never stop again!

Enjoy some music from Metallica!
-Hit the Lights
-Escape
-Disposable Heroes
-The Frayed Ends of Sanity
-Holier Than Thou
-The Outlaw Torn
-Slither
-Whiskey in the Jar
- (-) Human
-The Unnamed Feeling
-All Nightmare Long
-Hate Train

Happy Headbanging!

Heavy Metal Madness Contest Winners Are...

Post #227
As many of you have been voting in the Heavy Metal Madness polls throughout 2012, now that it's over it is time to announce those who have won prizes in the pool. 73 contestants entered, by filling out their predictions of which bands would win the tournament, way back in the Fall of 2011! The contest rules were laid out in Post #166, and these winners have the highest scores based on that 'scoring system'.

Ironically, my wife has won the overall top-score! (I invited my close family to join this contest, just for fun. Myself included!) Luckily for the rest of the field, she has declined to accept the grand-prize package, so I will still be sending the goods out to 7 lucky winners.

Congratulations to these contestants:
1st place with a score of 355: Heather B (Mrs. 'Happy Headbanger' herself!)
2nd place with a score of 326: Lisa R
3rd place with a score of 312: Kitty K
4th place with a score of 279: Sam T
5th place with a score of 275: Dawn K
6th place with a score of 268: Dani G
7th place with a score of 264: Steve G
8th place with a score of 262: Kevin S

...and there will be a futility prize (for the contestant who finished last): in 73rd place with a score of 120: JP!!

Thank you to all my friends, family, followers, collaborators, and of course my HMM selection committee (you are not forgotten!) for participating, month after month, in the massive contest!

Selection Committee members:
Stygian
Rocky The Rockett
foxymophandlematt
Franthrax
Wolf
and Jeremy.

Metallica Wins Heavy Metal Madness 2012; Led Zeppelin is Runner-Up.

Post #226
The Heavy Metal Madness tournament of 2012 has come to its long-awaited conclusion. It may have been a 1000 mile journey, but it began with a single step, and lots of voting! A field of 68 bands was here at this time last year, and now there is only one metal band left standing: METALLICA!!!

The final poll saw Metallica win first place with 36 votes, Led Zeppelin was runner-up with 31, while System Of A Down (18 votes) and Alice In Chains (10 votes) finished 3rd and 4th respectively.

Along with winning this tournament, Metallica will also take over the blog's 'President' title, coming later this month...

Thank you to all who have voted!

One last song from each band eliminated:
Led Zeppelin-Black Dog

System of a Down-B.Y.O.B.

Alice In Chains-Your Decision