10. Slash Of Guns N' Roses

9. Kerry King of Slayer

8. Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society

7. Kirk Hammett and James Hetfield of Metallica

6. Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin

5. Eddie Van Halen of Van Halen

4. "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott of Pantera

3. Randy Rhoads of Ozzy

2. Angus and Malcolm Young of AC/DC

1. Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath

That's it.  Tell me what you think of this list and if you agree with it or not

And then it happened.

I found my revolution, my breakthrough. 

A small glimmer of hope.

It came in a form of an anime [Japanese animation].  An odd way to discover music, but nonetheless, successful.  I watched "Gravitation" and fell in love with the upbeat music.  Granted, I couldn't understand a single word, but it was still something new.  From there on, I went online to check out other artists and here's what I found.

If you're more into pop-ish music, if you've seen animes and thought to yourself "This is a catchy theme song!", these artists are for you:

• Gackt [Moon Child, which is a Japanese movie about vampires, he is the main character]
• L'arc~en~Ciel [Blood +, Full Metal Alchemist, etc]
• Hyde [lead singer of L'arc~en~Ciel]
• Abingdon School Boys
• Nightmare [despite the name, they have good music.  Death Note]
• GLAY
• Luna Sea

For all you soft rock lovers, here's another few artists which are sure to rock you out of your socks:

• Alice Nine
• Plastic Tree
• TM Revolution
• An Cafe
• Ayabie
• Kagrra
• Vidoll
• Psycho le Cemu

For a more hard rock sound, check these guys out:

• X Japan [end theme song of Saw IV]
• Duel Jewel
• Gazette
• Kirito
• Pierrot
• MUCC
• Vistlip
• Phantasmagoria
• Psycho le Cemu [they cover both the softer and the harder sound of rock]
• Malice Mizer [considered more visual rock than regular rock.  If you watch one of their videos you'll understand why.]

As for all you metal heads, you should definitely look into these:

• Dir en Grey [THE most successful Japanese band in America.  They are all over the music scene.  They've done everything from pop to hard rock to downright death metal.  Once you've heard them, you'll never be the same.]
• Versailles [considered more symphonic metal.  Their music is absolutely gorgeous.]
• X Japan [I had to put them in here as well.  More of old school metal.  This band has been around since 1982.  The lead singer now owns his own record company.  You will be one lucky musician if you get signed by him.  However, unfortunately, their lead guitarist passed away 10 years ago.  Hideto Matsumoto was incredibly talented.]

There are many more bands out there, but this is just a start for you to go out there and explore other music. 

But just be aware of the culture shock!  Many guys tend to look like girls.  Don't be confused.  They are ALL guys!  It's just the fashion in Japan.  That is why they call it visual rock.

ENJOY!

PS: if you really get into it, check out the online radio JSHOXX!! you can find it on live365.com

Following Moonspell was Sweden's Dimmu Borgir. Now, I've seen these guys once before at the 2004 Ozzfest, and I just don't get their appeal. They're good at what they do, but to be honest their music just plain bores me. And last but not least on the bill was the mighty Danzig. This was the third time for me seeing them, and as usual, I was not let down. Even though singer Glen Danzig did seem a bit tired this time, I got to hand it to him for still going at 53 years of age. This time around, members of Ministry, Type O Negative, and Glen's old band Samhain, rounded out the lineup. Classic numbers such as “Am I Demon”, “Twist Of Cain”, “Her Black Wings”, “How The Gods Kill”, “Brand New God”, “Mother”, “Dirty Black Summer” and “Black Angel, White Angel” could all be heard, as well as some rarities like “Tired of Being Alive”, “Devil's Plaything”, “Killer Wolf”, “Left Hand Black” and “Invocation”. One thing I've always enjoyed about seeing Danzig live is you never hear the same set list twice. Of course it didn't hurt that this time I was watching them with the band Moonspell.

After the show, I had some problems getting backstage even with the pass I had. Luckily, one of the members of Moonspell recognized me and gave security the “ok” for me to go back. I felt like the kid in “Almost Famous”, trying to get backstage to interview Black Sabbath but getting the opening act instead. Upon my arrival to the backstage lounge, various members of Moonspell, Dimmu Borgir, and Danzig could be found, but Mr. Danzig himself was absent. Shortly after, the staff at Hard Rock asked everyone to leave the building. That's when Danzig drummer Johnny Kelly decided to take the party outside, which is where I was able to briefly speak with him and Danzig bassist Steve Zing, amidst the chaos of roadies loading trucks all around us. I got the chance to ask Mr. Zing what it was like playing with Glen again after all these years (the two had played together in Samhain in the mid- 80's) and he simply grinned while lighting his cigarette and said, “As good as it ever was”. Then he went off on a tangent and began to say, “I couldn't see myself doing anything else man. I strap on my guitar and do my thing on stage, and that's where it's at for me”. Spoken like a true rock star. Just as he was about to say some more (at this point he was pretending to put a guitar around my neck), someone from his crew nabbed him. Unfortunately, I didn't get to speak much with drummer Kelly, nor guitarist Tommy Victor for that matter. Although I would've liked to have got more out of Mr. Zing (and about everyone else there), I was satisfied to get what I did. Really, I was just happy to be there in the first place. As a fan, you really can't ask for much more than that.

EGEN18

Ok i know, its a signature model. But Herman Li's EGEN18 is a brilliant guitar. So first off, the technical info:

Neck: 5pc Wizard Maple/Walnut Neck

Body: Flamed Maple top/Mahogany body

Fret: Jumbo frets

Neck pu: DiMarzio HLM (H) neck pu

Middle pu: DiMarzio (s) mid pu

Bridge pu: DiMarzio HLM (H) bridge pu

Ok so sure, that might not mean alot to you. So lets speak in laymans language and about some of the modifications made to the guitar. Firstly the deeper cut horn, this was modeled using herman li's hand and the E-Gens unique scoop at the back of the body allows much easier access to the high frets at any angle, thus making solos a hell of a lot easier. That, coupled with the scalloped frets in that area makes scales extremely easy. Perfect for that mind blowing solo.

Impressed already? Im only just getting started. On the upper horn the E-Gen has herman li's custom "Kung Fu" grip which he says is "essential" for his performances on stage. The low profile mid pickup setting is there to make sure it doesn't get in the way of some extreme strumming from alternative picking to heavy rythmn.

Lastly, the Edge-Zero bridge and the DiMarzio Herman Li Custom Pickups (quote from Ibanez.com):

The most stable and versatile locking bridge. Customised Edge-Zero bridge with specially designed springs for Herman's preferred tremolo bar feel; smoother with increased sensitivity. Deeply routed tremolo cavity makes the E-Gen capable of an extremely wide range of whammy bar tones and applications. From the most screamingly high harmonics to guttural dive-bombs, this tremolo system does it all! The Edge-Zero E-Gen Custom also includes 'locking studs' bridge posts as an optional installation.

So there is Herman Li's Custom... More soon.

Most people don't think like this and are opposed to a type of music because of peer pressure or something like that. If you don't like death metal and have never heard it, go listen to duality by Slipknot, or Psychosocial. Go check it out and write what you think back. If you don't actually like it that's fine, but you can say that with meaning. Also, tell me exactly what you don't like about it so I can take that into consideration when debating with someone at my school.

Thanks for reading,

Galen Forrest

So I pre-ordered it back in July and I got it August 23, the day it came out. Right from the post office I put it into my CD player and went about my way. I got home and listened to it more indepth and found that it was unlike anything they or anyone else has released. The songs have a nice flow, high energy at some points and extremely low at other points.

They cover everything from the world today to basic human emotions. The intro track, ".execute.", sets the stage for the coming storm of emotions. From the bitter "Gematria (The Killing Name)" to the loss and rememberance of love in "Snuff", this album is by for they're best work yet. The music is arrange flawlessly and nothing is out of place. Their blistering title track, "All Hope is Gone" for those of you not paying attention, leaves you crying in the fetal position at the hopelessness of the people of the world today and we won't change it until our hope is gone.

They are currently promoting their newest endevour on the Rockstar Mayhem Festival.

During my adolescent years, I was introduced to Glam Metal by my classmates. Arists like Bon Jovi, Guns n' Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers and a lot more popular bands during that time. Back then i always question myself why these kids listen to these bands and try to play their music as if it was a need than doing it for rebellion, expression, or simply having fun. The approach was technical and mechanical as well. It made me question or think if this is rock, why the hell is it so dull? So with my musical driven passion, I tend to discover new things from older people that usually hangs around our village. That was the first time that I encountered and was introduced to the most dangerous band "Sex Pistols". During those times, we traded cassettes and thank god I had a disco non-stop of Sybil, original tape that the misfit liked, and asked me if i wanted to trade it over to a banned tape of Sex Pistols. Without hesitation I said yes and there it was. It all started from there. In the past, we did not have internet to search on these artist so we go out a lot and talk to people who have been to other countries like London and Germany. Our research was soo keen and it even lead me to ordering tapes from my parents who usually travelled a lot.

And then came the local scene. We had this store called Khumbela botique back in the 80's and it sells mostly bags and band shirts. My cousin and I went there with our grandpa and saw this tapes that's under the "Twisted Red Cross" label.  Knowing grandpas, they're pretty much not open to these kind of stuff but surprisingly when we asked him to purchase some, he did bought a quite handful for us. To be exact, we purchased 5 cassettes each and a shirt. Since then, it moulded my principles and attitude towards life. Punk taught me how to really be an individual. The genre's rawness just makes you feel saved from mediocrity of pop culture. Until now, I still use this as a tool of broadening my scope especially towards music. A lot of people don't know that "Punk" is the most widerange of music there is. Kinda like the abstract and impressionist artists. It makes you think and judge the book by its cover if you are not much of a thinker.

1. Okay so the band that has made it all the way up to number one would have to be Avenged Sevenfold. This band has it all, from the amazing vocals of M. Shadows all the way to the melodic guitar solos of Synster Gates, this band has been around for years and still manages to be number one. Avenged Sevenfold is originally from Huntington Beach, California. Avenged Sevenfold has been around since 1999 and is still at the top of the charts today. They really didn't catch a big record break until their City Of Evil record, which was officially released to the public June 7th, 2005. This album houses songs such as, Bat Country, Seize The Day, Beast And The Harlort, and so many more. All in all i give Avenged Sevenfold a rating of a 9.5 on a scale of 1-10. They have it all, you should check them out, you wont be disappointed.
2. The band that has made it to my number two would have to be Enter Shikari. Enter Shikari has a different, more distinctive sound to them than say Avenged Sevenfold. This band has been rocking out since 2003. All of the members of Enter Shikari are from St. Albans, Hertfordshire. The best way to describe the sound of these guys would have to be old school nintendo beats. They have more of a techno sound to them but their lyrics are amazing. Their debut album, Take The Skies was released on March 19th, 2007 and reached #4 in the Official UK Album Chart. Some of the best songs by Enter Shikari would have to be Anything Can Happen Within The Next Half Hour, Mothership, Labrynth, Ok Time For Plan B, and Sorry Your Not A Winner. All of their songs are amazing but those would have to be my favorites. All in all i give Enter Shikari an 8.8 on a scale of 1-10, 1 being bad, and 10 being amazing! Listen to Enter Shikari, you will love them!
3. The Band that has made it all the way up to my number three would have to be Silverstein. Silverstein is more of an emotional screamo band but they are still amazing none the less. Silverstein has been around since 2000 and is still rocking out today. Silverstein is originally from Burlington, Ontario. The best way to describe the sound of Silverstein would have to be they have more of a harcore emoness to them. Silversteins Lyrics are all in all amazing though, and they are what make this band so good. Silverstein got their name from the children's author Shel Silverstein. Silverstein signed with Victory Records in 2002 and has been with them ever since. Some of Silverstein's best song would have to be Giving Up, Smashed Into Pieces, Bleeds No More, Smile In Your Sleep, If You Could See Into My Soul, and Still Dreaming. In conclusions, Silverstein is one of the best bands out there as well as the other 2. You should check them out. I give Silverstein a 9.7 on the scale of 1-10. That's almost perfect! Go check them out!

Thanks for reading and hopefully learning some things about 3 amazing bands. I also hope that you take the time to listen to them and some of the songs listed. Thanks again.

 

What started out as Metalcore/Hardcore band with only one calm song (ironically their calmest- "Warmness on the Soul"), with songs like "Darkness Surrounding”, evolved into a more mature, half screaming in "Waking the Fallen", with songs such as "Unholy Confessions" and "Chapter Four" which feature both screams and singing, and later into "City of Evil" with almost no screaming, only on very few songs for a little (such as "Beast and the Harlot", which features a long growl in the intro), allegedly because of a broken blood-vessel in lead-singer Matt Shadow's neck, which affected the quality of his singing.

"Beast and the Harlot", the first and arguably the most famous track in "City of Evil", is no doubt a varying and exciting extension of "Waking the Fallen". Featuring a straight-to-the-point intro, a heavy riff and a catchy chorus, not to mention the gut-spilling solo, there's no question of why it was chosen to feature in "Guitar-Hero II". With the bonus attribution of joining the next track, "Burn it Down" it is considered by many to be their best.

"Burn it Down" though, takes the album into a different direction, with drummer The Rev leading the song when lead guitarist Synyster Gates and rhythm Zacky Vengeance have stopped harmonizing or soloing.

"Blinded in Chains" (Track 3) and "Trashed and Scattered" (Track 5) feature the same content as most of Avenged Sevenfold's songs up to this album, only missing the screaming and growling featured in earlier songs. They're not very special.

"Bat Country" (Track 4) features a quote of Dr Johnson: "He who makes a beast out of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man". The lyrics focus on Hunter S. Thompson's "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" accompanied by a shredding guitar riff and ripping solo with a guitar duel at the end.

"Seize the Day" (Track 6), A7X's most famous ballad, inspired (both in the music and the video) by Guns N' Roses, is one of their calmest songs, with only soft distortion in the chorus and after the solo, and perhaps their only song not using the Dropped-D tuning. The solo, inspired by Guns N' Roses lead guitarist Slash, features (in the video) Synyster elevating out of a coffin with his electric guitar in hand.

"Sidewinder" (Track 7), is my favorite song by A7X. With a catchy riff/chorus, and ever changing verses, it features the most of Avenged. Including a lead part filled in by Synyster's dad, Brian Haner, and a solo in the end played by him (right before Synyster's solo), it has heavy riffs, catchy riffs, clean parts, solos, sweeps and harmonizing. A7X's best.

With verses similar to Beast and the Harlot's, "The Wicked End" (Track 8) is perhaps the weirdest of Avenged Sevenfold's songs (not including "Avenged Sevenfold" or any future albums). It starts out with an intimidating siren sound accompanied with a paranoid bass riff and then continues with the verses, strange chorus and wicked solo, followed by the weirdest, almost "Lord of the Rings" bridge, with a keyboard choir, tinkling guitar, and a legato cello. Then it returns to the main riff.

Songs like "Strength of the World" (Track 9) and "M.I.A" (Track 11) introduce a new sound (although already suggested in songs such as "And All Things Must End") to Avenged's songs, with clean intros and outros and heavy riffs and bring up the old subject of classic music in Metal, as seen in songs such as Metallica's "Master of Puppets" (first solo), with "Strength of the World" featuring an orchestra.

"Betrayed" (Track 10) is supposedly a song about Pantera guitarist Dimebag's murder. With a very nice intro riff, cool verse guitar part, weird harmonizing chords in the chorus, and a Latino bridge, it is definitely worth a listening, except for the singing (which I have to admit, sounds a bit gay).

Lyrics and Singing: A lot of the lyrics in the album, like a big part of their songs, have to do with faith and the Bible, and some political views are pointed out, and there's a love song, so the lyrics are varied throughout the album. The lyrics and the singing go very well with the music (except on "Betrayed"), especially in "Sidewinder" and "Bat Country", which are very awesome. Although a bit harmed after the blood-vessel incident, Shadow's voice is still very recognizable and quite good, although not as good as once. I, for one, think that his Screaming was much better in songs like "Unholy Confessions". You decide.

Impression: Personally, I think this album is their best up to now (July 2008), because of it being a type of crossing between the amateur hardcore band and the over-mature, if not a bit pompous band in "Avenged Sevenfold". The best in the album, I think, is "Sidewinder", followed by runner ups "Strength of the World" and "Bat Country", and bronze medal "Burn it Down" and "M.I.A.".

They have explored astonishing areas of humanities and politics through outstanding lyrics that just reach directly your soul and mind.

For those who don't know the band, SOAD consists of John Dolmayan the drummer, Shavao Odadjian the bassist, Daron Malkian the guitarist also the composer and songwriter and finally Serj Tankian the lead vocal and the keyboardist. Of course he writes and composes songs too.

SOAD has got tons of successful songs that really can't be forgotten. Nevertheless, they have some remarkable lyrics that everyone should know about and understand.

Here are 11 songs of the best they wrote:

Album: System of a down

Song title: War

This song is about the real purposes behind wars.

Album: Toxicity

Song title: Chop Suey

This song is so spiritual yet it has a hidden political meaning behind. It is one of the best that made the name of SOAD.

Album: Toxicity

Song title: ATWA

A great manifestation of inner human struggle described in very touching lyrics.

Album: Toxicity

Song title: Aerials

One of my favourites and has one of the most famous quotes that states the truth of humanity.

Album: Toxicity

Song title: Prison song

*This one I should list the whole lyrics of it because it's awesome but I won't  because it might be considered offensive!!

Album: Toxicity

Song title: Toxicity

This song is about the corruption of society and the toxicity we live in daily that only get worse.

Album: Steal this album

Song title: Hey Mr. Jack

An intense song that is full of figures of speech and many metaphors that needs real understanding.

Album: Steal this album

Song title: Inner vision

This one talks about the importance of seeing inner vision inside of you.

Album: Hypnotize

Song title: Hypnotize

This song is clear about the hypnosis done by the government and media. It has simple words that are straight to the point with no meaning confusions.

Album: Hypnotize

Song title: Soldier side

An anti-war song that really states the brutality and inhumanity actions that happen in war and because of it.

Album: Mesmerize

Song title: Sad statue

A well written song that is again anti-war and against using other nations for the sake of America's greed.

So enjoy your senses with these awesome songs and comment if you care.