Well we aren’t done just yet taking a look back at all things metal in 2017. Though we usually cover albums, I thought I would put out another list that focuses on the best songs on 2017.
Tag: arch enemy
Fern’s Top 13 Albums of 2017
Another year gone by and in my eyes it has been the most metal year compared to the past few years. Without a doubt this was the hardest list to compose thus far into my writing gig.
Arch Enemy – Will to Power
Ever since the torch was passed on, metal titans, Arch Enemy have been rising exceedingly fast. Though they’ve been around for many years, we have yet to see it all from the metal masterminds. Continue reading “Arch Enemy – Will to Power”
Elemental Fridays: A Decade Ago…
As most of us know, or should know, it’s pretty crazy how long heavy metal has been in existence. It’s never too late to metal out and whether you’re an up and coming youngster or an old headbanger at heart, let’s travel back a decade and see what were some of the highlights from a decade ago. Continue reading “Elemental Fridays: A Decade Ago…”
Elemental Fridays: The DVD Edition
Albums, albums, albums are what we are about…well most of the time. Whenever a band releases a DVD, I don’t know about you but I get pretty stoked and for several reasons. Continue reading “Elemental Fridays: The DVD Edition”
My Top 10 Anticipations for 2017
Already more than a week into the new year and the obvious question looms: who will be releasing a new album in 2017? Well, there are plenty of new albums headed our way so without further ado, the top 10 albums I personally am looking forward to! Continue reading “My Top 10 Anticipations for 2017”
Six Pack Friday – Thirsty For Some Blood?
Greetings. It’s a new year, new attitude and another new Six Pack Friday for you all. Like most of us, Friday’s are something to look forward to, unwind, kick back, grab a drink and let loose with us here at We Love Metal. This week had some rather odd events happen in the media so there’s nothing like a big ole’ dose of metal to inject yourself with and restore your energy. Today we bring you some sick and killer tunes to add to your playlist or to prepare you for the weekend.
Hopefully you all have been enjoying the run Six Pack Friday has been having since we launched it a few weeks ago and hopefully that mancave or fridge is stocked with quality beer and you can have some ME time to metal out. I know if I didn’t get my daily dose of metal, I really don’t know what I would do. Anyway if you haven’t noticed, today’s theme is all about the source of life, the thing the creatures of the night lust and crave for. That’s right, time to prepare for some blood. You might need a bloody mary by the time this is all over. HA.
CRADLE OF FILTH – Blackest Magick In Practice
A dark yet intoxicating spell has been cast. Don’t let the tragic melancholy deter you away from it’s full potential. This one might be even better paired with a glass of blood red wine? The scenes of sacrificial blood are very artistic. Whatever your elixir is for this one, the magick has only just begun.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hIsAEH6f5c[/tube]
PRODUCT OF HATE – Blood Coated Concrete
On the trail of blood, this track gets extremely intense. Although I don’t condone violence, it might satisfy some of you to fantasize your bosses blood on the concrete. Seriously, we don’t encourage you to do it, just use this track as a way to relieve those urges. Brutality at it’s most metal finesse.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGw2Da84b40[/tube]
ARCH ENEMY – Bloodstained Cross
Devilishly stimulating and all manners sinister and evil, this track presses unholy buttons. Continuing this path of destruction, the track surely will make heads turn and have those straight edge folk running. Some might say this track is telling it like it is others might say it’s metal up your arse, I say, why not both?
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bwi5SJG3K5M[/tube]
CARNAL FORGE – Blood War
After having discovered this group years ago with this track specifically, it was disappointing to hear their lineup and sound changed. Groovy and brutally heavy, this track will win you over. As wild as this video is, one cannot imagine what this lineup would be live.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQVQgcMfjOA[/tube]
AVATAR – Bloody Angel
A world where a man cannot escape that which is haunting him, the “Bloody Angel” in this series stalks him in his dreams only to realize the angel has been waiting for him all this time. The video itself is almost a mini-horror movie, worth it to check out, not to mention the anger this track brings along with it.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h71NBBbOjmw[/tube]
SLAYER – Raining Blood
What? You didn’t think we could leave out the best song about blood could we? This is the best and greatest song about blood. Nothing else can compete. Period.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDk6fvkEp2k[/tube]
If you made it this far, ok you can keep your blood. If not, there’s plenty of creatures here that would be more than willing to aid you with that. Kidding, of course. It doesn’t help that I wrote this during the peak night hours….hmm perhaps my instincts are kicking in…..stay tuned next week where we continue with more havok and terrifyingly brutal assaults of metal for the masses.
Stay Metal m/
Featured Video: Arch Enemy – Stolen Life
If you haven’t realized yet, Swedish Giants Arch Enemy recently released their latest single/video titled Stolen Life. Taken from their monstrous and phenomenal album, War Eternal, the track brings in a rather intriguing theme. Hopefully you’ve had the chance to listen to the album as its been out for almost a year now, if not it’s about time you get on that, seriously! Also it’s great to see the band is still touring heavily in support of War Eternal as well. I really admire this track as it tests us in terms of trustworthiness with the people we associate themselves with. As the lyrics scream, “Do you ever really know someone until you look away? Misplaced my trust, only to learn, Honesty is just a word.” Of course the instrumentals do not disappoint at all with heavy riffs, killer shred, headbanging rhythms and light symphonics, it’s a perfect track. Since the release of the album, the group parted ways with short-time guitarist Nick Cordle who was with the group for around 2 years only and recruited ex-Nevermore guitarist, Jeff Loomis to the ranks. He looks to be a prominent and promising addition to the group. Overall, some brutal metal to adrenalize you, turn the volume up for this one, be prepared to go ballistic! Stay Metal m/
More information can be found on their Official Website as well as Facebook and Twitter Pages. Don’t forget to follow links to our social media pages at the top left!
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gB4uhCqOH2k[/tube]
Fernando’s Top 13 Albums of 2014
What an EXPLOSIVE year for metal it was. My goodness there were amazing releases from every genre this year, this was too sick of a year for metal. Some of my favorite big name metal artists released phenomenal material in addition to being introduced to some amazing unknown and emerging talent worldwide. All the lists this year are rich in energy, passion and are just metal to the core dude. While ten is a well rounded but overused number, let go with the lucky 13 and list my 13 favorite albums of the year. Save the best list for last right? As I was writing this my body almost took a hit from the overwhelming metal I’ve been trying to place on this list. I’m surprised I wasn’t rushed to the ER for an overdose on metal! In all seriousness though, this list was the hardest thing I have had to do in my life as a writer, screw school thats for wimps, this is where it’s at. As I look back over the year, which flew by fast by the way, 2014 was a remarkable year, one I won’t forget and not only were these albums explosive in tenacity but the memorable concerts that come through town were an experience to behold and the interviews that I had the pleasure to conduct were a worthwhile experience and honor. This is just too metal man. Let’s take a look at album number 13 and make our way down to my number one album, the list may surprise you.
Insomnium – Shadows Of The Dying Sun: Coming in and starting the list with lucky number 13 is Insomnium. The pure essence of melodeath that they bring on Shadows Of The Dying Sun is eargasmic with melodic solos and harsh raspy vocals. The album is not technical at all which sometimes can make the strongest of impacts. The album also comes with fresh blood in the form of a new member which I think made this album better. From aggression to speed, doom and darkness this album brings their best elements together as one entitiy.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DjmQXtZUx4[/tube]
Liv Kristine – Vervain: The Queen of Goth metal herself, Liv Kristine comes in at number 12 with her fifth solo album,
Vervain. Already establishing her name and presence among the metal scene for many years now, the album gives us her best qualities of musicianship in a variety of ways. Her harmonious vocals pivot this album in an interesting direction as well as her darker side appearing at many moments. The album is a balance of dark and light with darkness being the original matter that started it all. I enjoyed the lyrical content of many of the tracks, check this one out.
Lyriel – Skin & Bones: Though they’ve had a few albums out already in their native Germany, Lyriel made it onto my list at number 11. Their Folk metal sound is what initially drove me to listen to them more. I became a fan of their as of this year, where have they been all these years they’ve been in existence? Well that shows they are truly underground and though that is the case, they have the talent to become mainstream abroad. In regards to the album, it is catchy, melodic, memorable, bold and wondrous. It is truly hard to get their songs out of my mind, congrats to them for making it on my list with these other competitive names.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmAwV41NufE[/tube]
Diabulus In Musica – Argia: This is one of the most intense metal acts from the Latin/Hispanic 
community. Coming in at number 10, from Spain, Diabulus In Musica do a mesmerizing job of showcasing their Symphonic side as well as their heavy and intense Thrashy side in their album, Argia. With lots of double bass, female vocals as well as evil male vocals, they bring the listener to another realm full of epic atmospheres. Many of their songs are for the headbangers so if you haven’t yet, go check these guys and gal out!
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzPESD5GGig[/tube]
Deathstars – The Perfect Cult: Aside from wearing paint and bringing a large presence, their album, The Perfect Cult pushes their genre and continues to prove why they are one of the leaders of the Goth metal scene right now. The songs are impactful, bold and send eye-opening messages that many can relate to. Another memorable album to go down, once you hit the Play button, it will be hard to turn off the metal. Each track is fresh and original and very dark with hints of eerieness latched on. Pump those metal fists.
Within Temptation – Hydra: This is the biggest turn around for me out of all the albums I’ve ever 
heard. This album was released in January and never made it onto my mid-year list and it is on the list now. Why, do you ask? Did I forget? No I didn’t, in fact it was the power of seeing them live that made me want to go back and listen to the album again. After seeing them live, I was invigorated to the power this album has. I couldn’t believe it wasn’t on my list before. It is heavy, it’s Symphonic, it’s morals have deep meaning and as the legend says the Hydra emblazons many heads with it’s own personality. Just like this album, each track did not sound like another and came to the listener in a totally new way. Originality at it’s finest.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAiV8RpqzME[/tube]
Amaranthe – Massive Addictive: Coincidently, they were in town over the Fall with the previous artist on this list. Amaranthe’s third album, Massive Addictive, is perfectly described as so….addictive. This album is also their most electronically oriented album, giving their sound new regions and areas to expand upon. The catchy tracks are hard to evade one’s mind, I went the longest time listening to this album after it was intitially released. I do not want to get sick of this talented album and group so I refrain from listening to them as much as possible for fear of wearing out their music. I can get sick of anything if I’m around it too much, trust me. Nonetheless, this album is bold and energetic, not to mention the groups lyrical content is inspiring and uplifiting.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6PYAkXO-bU[/tube]
Delain – The Human Contradiction: Another artist to have tenacious lyrics, Delain come in at number 
6 with their album, The Human Contradiction. Released waaay back in April, it is no surprise the album has remained in my top list for the end of the year. Most of the tracks on thsi album, I found myself indulging in them immediately while a song here and there, I listened to a few more times before giving in, but overall the album is outstanding. We can all learn some things from their lyrics and open our eyes and minds a little more thanks to them. It is melodic, it is symphonic, the composition of The Human Contradiction is superb. While the album is not technical whatsoever, they make their own impact efficiently and have gained my attention ever since. The album is also heavy in many ways, don’t underestimate what you see till you hear it.
Epica – The Quantum Enigma: This was no shocker the album would be on my list. I picked this album up in stores the day it came out and also listened to it almost everyday since its release. Being the most symphonic oriented band on this list, that doesn’t compromise the cataclysmic heaviness that the group can muster. The Quantum Enigma is a creative gem that makes me feel like I’m in another realm when I listen to this album. Theres insance double bass, lots of thrash and heaviness, there’s shred, keyboard atmospheres that are wondrous, it’s an album that is for that select audience that is lucky to embrace it. Check it out.
Edguy – Space Police: Defenders Of The Crown: Power Metal at it’s finest. Speed and Melody 
power the senses in a Euphoric way. The musicianship hits me intimately and emotionally and vocals raise the adrenaline through the roof. This is one of their best albums, if not their best of all time. The lasting impact this album gives me is beyond words and the talented diversity is powerful. Edguy continue to defend their own crown as well!
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5TfvbePk_w[/tube]
DragonForce – Maximum Overload: Coming in at number 3, speed and power metal kings, DragonForce unleash their most diverse, dynamic and strongest album to date and that may be an understatement. While the speed and force they summon is legend to their name, the album has harmonic aspects that took me by surprise. Each track has addictive and eargamsic components that are hard to escape one’s mind. From the energetic ‘The Game’ to their cover of Johnny Cash’s “Ring Of Fire”, each track made it’s own impact on me, one that I could not get enough of. If you’ve never listened to them or have fallen out of touch with them, now would be the time to get back on the fast lane with speed metallers, DragonForce.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIa5XsIKrJA[/tube]
Arch Enemy – War Eternal: Coming in at number two, Swedish Melodeath pioneers, Arch Enemy drop in with their legendary album, War Eternal. The album comes with pinnacles of melody, sheer aggression and doom and gloom atmospheres. Punch the dashboard why don’t you? Certainly. One of the few albums to bring out the metal monster in me lately, the journey this album brings will bring you to your knees and wreak havoc and scare those around you. The lyrics on this album are also supercharging and I think can relate to many metalheads, I certainly found myself clenching my fists and getting adrenaline rushes throughout the album. Arch Enemy, Pure F*cking Metal.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y-J7sBT_no[/tube]
Eluveitie – Origins: Who would have thought this would be my number one album of the year? At the time when this album came out, I knew I would fall in love with it but didn’t think it would be my number one album. While the previous album on this list is ravage and wild, this album also brings wild to the table but also bring Folk elements and deeply connecting lyrical content as well. Most of the tracks on this album are intense and heavy, as well as others being rich in Folk instrumentals. There is lots of variety on this album and new blood as well. Also to mention, they were amazing live so that only adds to the strength of the album as a whole. The perfect blend of female vocals and harsh male vocals also give this album the perfect score it deserves as well as ranked as number one in my list. Perfection.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AawUSC6hGY[/tube]
Again, this was one of the best years for metal and aside from great albums this year, there have been many other news in the metal world that surely made this one of the most eventful years for us in a while. Some other worthy mentions this year include Behemoth, Babymetal, Avatar, Gus G, Work Of Art, Enviktas, Holy Shire, Xandria, Van Canto and the awesome compilation, We Are Louder Than You 2.0, in which many young emerging artists from around the world input into an album that supports the fight against bullying everywhere. My other top categories include:
Top Interview of the year: Exo from Noctem
Top Live Show of the year: Within Temptation/Amaranthe
2015 looks to be another promising year for us metalheads and while a few artists promised us new material in 2014 and didn’t deliver, I know 2015 will be their year to shine. Are there any albums you’re looking forward to this year? Let us know and get them exposed!
Here’s to another metal year, salutes my metal friends. Happy New Year. Stay Metal m/
My Mid-Year Top 10 of 2014
The first half of 2014 has passed and gone and there has been an overwhelming amount of metal that has been released. We’ve seen major releases from just about every genre of metal out there. Some average and so so, to outstanding and explosive. Several of the other writers here at WLM have composed their Top 10 Mid-Year lists and so far have been really impressive. This was the toughest thing I have had to do as a writer, so many albums to choose from, so many good tracks that each make their own impact on me. That’s the power that Metal has over oneself. Coincidentally and interestingly, after looking at my list, I noticed half my list includes female fronted bands and the other half all males, adding on to the strength of the list, each artist switches off between both male and female leads. I had not intended for that to happen at all, a rush of adrenaline and goosebumps just went through my body. The rest of the year still looks strong and promising for us metalheads, some sick releases are coming our way. Let’s see if any of these albums remain on the list by the end of the year, I am eager to see what my list will look like by then. I think this list is pretty diverse, wouldn’t you say? Click on the Artist/Album Title to read my review on each album.
10. Avatar – Hail The Apocalypse: Recently released, this album I had underestimated. Commercially available and playing on my local Hard Rock and Metal radio Station, Swedes’, Avatar, deliver us an album with strenuously heavy tunes full of groove and anger. The unique tones and melodies found on this album were a first for me, but that shows that they are innovators in their own class. The whole album from start to end, is a delectable feast that tames my appetite for metal.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h71NBBbOjmw[/tube]
9. Babymetal – Babymetal: What can be said about three Japanese girls and their monstrous band? For one, they are a creation unlike any other out there. In addition to being beyond heavy, they can dish out other bits of music like dub step and some pop and rap. Though I am not favorable of those other types of music, you have to give them credit. They are in their own league of heaviness, after all, Metal is praised and almost another Religion in Japan. Sometimes I wonder if Babymetal is too good to be true. I am the utmost eager for their next album, I wonder how long it took to create their debut jewel? Bow down to Babymetal! I still get goosebumps watching this video. Outstanding.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6cC01au1RY[/tube]
8. Gus G – I Am The Fire: Gus G. has proven that he can exceed on his own. This album traverses through many metal and musical genres from classic metal, hard rock, thrash, and progressive, this diverse album brings out the best in this guitar god. Hey why not throw a sentimental song or two in there to prove his worthiness. Whether he be with Firewind, Ozzy Osbourne or on his own, he is a force of all kinds, watch out for his time has begun.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBPpyzL65qM[/tube]
7. Diabulus In Musica – Argia: The first Spanish Metal Band I have ever heard and another underestimated album. The Symphonic glory mix strongly with the epic atmospheres. The female and male vocals play off of each other. A highly recommended album in my opinion, it blends many elements of metal. If anything, this album is easily heavier and more true to their metal side as opposed to their symphonic side. Bits of technicality are thrown in the mix to showcase their potential, and the only album on my list with bass drops at random points, I personally like that, but not with the core bands. Many of the songs on the album are for the headbangers. Seriously check out this album. The trailer does not focus enough on the heaviness this album explodes with. Mind blowing.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfYCjBo2BgA[/tube]
6. Insomnium – Shadows Of The Dying Sun: Doomier Melodeath, this is where melodeath comes in its purest form. Eargasmic guitar melodies and raspy harsh vocals bring even more eargasms. An album not needing to be technical to achieve major results. The addition of fresh blood also made this album even better than expected. The guitar melodies are extremely favorable. From aggression and speed to doom and darkness, this album brings the Swedish elements together as one entity.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DjmQXtZUx4[/tube]
5. Delain – The Human Contradiction: In addition to being lyrically tenacious, all the tracks clicked the first time. Melodically and symphonically catchy, this album I play many a time in the car. Bursts of Delain heaviness are found throughout the album. As simple as this album gets, I find it to be composed amazingly. Technicality is not always the best, that’s if you can flow with it, sometimes the simplest of details can make all the difference. Some of the best morals and messages are found on this album, more than the other albums I have heard thus far.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9eTztxn3l4[/tube]
4. Behemoth – The Satanist: In addition to being in my top albums of the mid-year, the album recently won Best Album at the Metal Hammer Awards show. Fury and Terror are what describe ‘The Satanist’. This album is a huge comeback for the Blackened Death Metal Giants. Nergal and gang channeled all their furious hate into one album, that is remarkable and unforgettable. A bombardment and barrage of all their talents and elements hurl the listener into another dimension, one where darkness and devious stimulation lurk just about everywhere.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yosDDDAmE2g[/tube]
3. Epica – The Quantum Enigma: Bow down to Symphonic Glory. Everything from speed to harmonious melodies, symphony and keys/piano, heavy riffs, blast beats and rigorous double bass back the Opera vocals brought upon the listener. Lyrically, this album I would count as my #1 album. I went the longest time listening to this album after it was released, and I still get into one of my many modes when I hear this album.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fmj_Z906Wwg[/tube]
2. Edguy – Space Police: Defenders Of The Crown: Power Metal at it’s finest. Speed and melody overpower the senses in a euphoric way. The dubbed “Happy Metal” gets at me intimately and emotional instrumentals and vocals raise my adrenaline through the roof, especially when the group vocals become one. This is one of their best albums, if not their best of all time. The lasting impact this album has given me is beyond words, the diversity is obvious. Edguy continues to defend their crown. Turn those speakers to 11!
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LweQ3a41Kks[/tube]
1. Arch Enemy – War Eternal: The only album I have rated 10/10 since I joined WeLoveMetal, no surprise here, their recent release still keeps me in Arch Enemy mode. Overall, the album came with pinnacles of melody, sheer aggression and doom and gloom atmospheres at times. Punch the dashboard why don’t you? Certainly. The only album thus far to bring out the inner metal monster in me with attunement to melodic elements, the trip down Arch Enemy Ave, will bring you to your knees and make you wreak havoc and scare those around you.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y-J7sBT_no[/tube]
The Metal Alchemy 