Originally Posted by Alfred 10. Refused "The Shape Of Punk To Come" (1998) What it is: Loud and epic post-hardcore Favorite Track: Liberation Frequency

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Originally Posted by Stu I wont lie, i think this is a hugely overrated album considering other bands that were doing the same thing but a lot better around the same time. I'm interested to see what your 'favourite' album is though so dont keep me waiting.

Originally Posted by Stu I'm interested to see what your 'favourite' album is though so dont keep me waiting.

Originally Posted by Stu I wont lie, i think this is a hugely overrated album considering other bands that were doing the same thing but a lot better around the same time.

9. 16 Horsepower "Low Estate" (1997)

What it is: Alternative Country (not boring indie rock)
Favorite Track: Fire Spirit

You don't need to resort to the old Johnny Cash line the next time you go to defend the horrible genre that is country, a new saviour has arrived... er... fifteen years ago. That saviour is 16 Horsepower, and this album is proof that even in the cheesiest, blandest, most uninspired genres, there are gems to be found.

I mentioned in the description that this is alt. country, but if you are expecting something like that borefest band Wilco, you will be sorely dissapointed. This is more country than anything else, but there's reasons that this won't put you off like the hick pop that floods the radio.

16 Horsepower blends traditional country elements (fiddles, banjo, southern accents) but adds their own modern twist. The end result is a (as far as country music goes) quite eclectic album. You have the softer, folk-esque songs such as Brimstone Rock as well as the almost straight rock of Fire Spirit. Relaxing or exciting, it's all enjoyable and accessible, whether you like folk, country, or rock. You'll find some odd elements thrown in here, such as the use of accordion in a rather Irish-sounding song, and French lyrics.

David Eugene Edward's lyrics commonly include Christian themes with many biblical references, but not in a preachy way. Some of the topics he covers include finding God, living in sin, and other topics not related to Christianity. Don't let the themes put you off, because he's not praising the Lord or telling you to read your Bible, not to mention his lyrics are excellent.

16 Horsepower are definitely a band worth listening to, even if you're convinced that you'll hate country. Give this album a listen, let it surprise you.

8. Cancer Bats "Hail Destroyer" (2008)

What it is: Heavy Metal with a punk rock attitude
Favorite Track: Deathsmarch

In 2008 Cancer Bats returned with a louder, darker, and heavier take on their metallic hardcore punk sound. This time the Bats showed off their headbanger sides with sharper riffs, screaming vocals, and pure rock 'n roll rage. May I present Hail Destroyer.

Even from the opening riffs of the title track, it is clearly evident that Hail Destroyer is not a repeat of the hardcore punk craziness that was Birthing The Giant. That said, it's still Cancer Bats. There's still a southern-fried punk rock aesthetic, and they're still all about energy.

While you won't find random and purposely cheesy lines such as "Let's do this!", everything you loved about Liam Cormier is back and better than ever, and this time he even brought a few friends along. Harem Of Scorpions features an intense duet with Rise Against's Tim Mcllrath, and as much as I dislike Rise Against, the guy does a fantastic job. Deathsmarch features Alexisonfire backing vocalist and lead guitarist Wade MacNeil, while Smiling Politely has the amazing screams of Ben from Billy Talent. Oh, and there's still tons of "HEY!"'s.

Here's a favorite selection of mine:
Birthing The Giant felt like the kind of album you play when you want to jump around and go crazy. This one feels like the kind of album you play when you're angry and want to beat the crap out of someone. It's not angry as in the Five Finger Death Punch way, but more in a sleazy, drunken punk rock kind of way. A lot of this has to do with the rhythm and pacing of the songs. Many of the songs are considerably slower than we've heard before, some even sound like sludge metal. However, Pray For Darkness sounds like it could be a pissed off Converge song.

I have often found myself asking which is the better of the two Cancer Bats albums, but as the placements suggest, it is Hail Destroyer. This album feels a lot more complete than Birthing The Giant, and the Bats seem to have done what they wanted. They've got some bluesy stoner rock songs, some hardcore punk, and their straight-up fist-pumping metal. One of the best releases of 2008, and one of my favorites for sure.

7. The Mars Volta "The Bedlam In Goliath (2008)

What it is: Wild progressive rock
Favorite Track: Goliath

You can always count on them pretentious afrospaniards Cedric and Omar.

Very rarely do I see Mars Volta fans call this their favorite album from the band and it is really surprising to me. The Bedlam In Goliath sticks to me like superglue, and how other people don't get this same effect is inconceivable. The Bedlam In Goliath is the group's craziest, most technical, and overall most enjoyable album to me. The layout makes the album an enjoyable listen start to finish and the quality of individual songs makes it worth listening to even in sections.

The Bedlam In Goliath has been one of my most played albums since, well, I grapsed the concept of listening to entire albums. De-Loused In The Comatorium may catch your ears on first listen, but it is The Bedlam In Goliath that has longevity.

One of the most important things about The Mars Volta is the talent of the musicians, and Bedlam certainly showcases both their individual talents and the talents of the band as a group. As always, Omar's guitar is crazy good and Cedric's high-pitched voice is as up there as ever, but one of the things that I really enjoyed about this album was their new drummer, Thomas Pridgen. Wax Simulacra is solid proof that that dude has mad skills.

Even more than De-Loused, Bedlam has tons of hooks, and that's what makes the album so memorable. Cedric of course, provides the catchiness with his high pitched voice (a technique he uses even more than usual in this case), but the insane drum fills on Wax Simulacra, the melodic guitars on Goliath, and the odd sounds here and there are great touches.

The Bedlam In Goliath is a very addictive album to listen to. The Mars Volta did exactly what I wanted them to do with this album, they made something wild, catchy, but still progressive and experimental. I eagerly await what they will do next.

Originally Posted by sleepy jack Quote: Originally Posted by antonio classical music isn't exactly religious, you know? um