Modern Music is good guys-Part One 10-6

The idea that music is not good anymore is a sentiment thrown around all over the place, especially in the rock/metal/alt community where to some people there is still nothing better than Slayer.

These five albums released over the past 10 years is evidence to the contrary. This is the rankings from 10-6, and are simply my opinion (which I changed countless times while writing this)

Enjoy.

Number 10- The Silver Scream 2:Welcome to Horrorwood-Ice Nine Kills-2021“Do you like Ice Nine Kills? Not really, their early work was a little too scene for me, but when The Silver Scream came out I think they really came into their own.”

That lyric is the perfect explanation for this band, although they have released great songs over the years like ‘Me, Myself and Hyde’ they were another band in a ‘scene’ where everything was similar. This album captured a niche and a different approach to other bands, leaning into the fact that bands from the ‘70s-‘80s all had a unique sound.

The references in the lyrics are natural, the vocals and guitar are heavy enough for die hard metal heads but can still have the fabled metal mainstream appeal.

Highlight of this album would be ‘Ex-Mortis’ there is alot of power in this song, I imagine hearing this live with a crowd chanting along will be a moment to remember.

Number 9- When Legends Rise-Godsmack-2018

I would say on this list, this album is the most underrated. Each song has different styles, more hardcore and a bit more on the chilled ballad side.

The vocals of Sully Erna have never sounded better. This album does not have a bad song, with tracks like ‘Take It To The Edge’ and ‘When Legends Rise’ are perfect for a pumped up gym session.

However the highlight song of this album is ‘Under Your Scars’, the easiest and best way to describe this song is powerful. Purely powerful, and can bring a tear to your eyes, well worth a listen.

Number 8- Hail to the King-Avenged Sevenfold-2013

For success and increased popularity of something seen as a ‘niche’ group is mainstream appeal. ‘Shepard of Fire’ is on this album, and was used for the opening cinematic for the Origins map on Black Ops 2 Zombies. Call of Duty near enough every year breaks sales records, and at this point the Zombies mode was at it’s height. There were countless youtubers and streamers playing this map and spreading this track around, as it is largely seen as the best map ever (watch this space for that list).

The title song ‘Hail to the King’ harkens back to the loud raw sound of a band like ‘Iron Maiden’, with M. Shadows voice being so clear and harsh at the same time. Helping cement him as a generational talent.

There is no question to what the highlight of this album is. It has got to be ‘Shepard of Fire’ the vocals, lyrics, beat and guitar riffs have never been better for this band. Theres no question that Avenged will be remembered for decades to come.

Number 7- Patient Number 9-Ozzy Osbourne-2022

Now arguing that new music is as good as the old classics doesn’t make sense with The Prince of Darkness on this list but hear me out. Ozzy is just getting better and better with age, and managing to keep that original style and sound that people worship, but being able to make enough changed to keep it fresh.

A who’s who of artists feature on this record, each one a legend with Eric Clapton, Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready, Zakk Wylde, the late great Jeff Beck and the guitarist who started it all Tony Iommi.

You only have to look at the history and successes of Black Sabbath to know how great Iommi and Osbourne are together.

This albums highlights are between two songs. The title song ‘Patient Number 9’ the music video using Ozzy’s artwork is mesmorising with a large theatrical feeling throughout the song. The other highlight is ‘No Escape From Now feat. Tony Iommi’, this track captures all the best parts and sound of Ozzy when performing solo or as part of Sabbath

Number 6- Language-The Contortionist-2014

To describe this album in two words would be “an experience”. I can’t imagine anyone not having that feeling where you know your are listening to something life changing. For me it recreated the feeling I got when I first heard Black Sabbath.

The opening riff of ‘Intuition’ scratches that internal itch, and takes me back to my first listen (admittedly I didn’t hear this album till 2017). Annoyingly this album is difficult to describe, to understand it, it needs to be listened to and it will be made clear.

The stand out song from this has got to be ‘Ebb and Flow’. Every part of the band, guitarist, vocalist, bass and drums is showing just how well they can do it.

Part 2 will be out soon with 5-1.