Manilla Road - Mark of the Beast

This album was officially released in 2002, but it is actually Manilla Road's secret second album. Originally supposed to be released in 1981, the material on this album was written in between Invasion and Metal. This was back when the Road was still more influenced by 60's and 70's acid/prog rock. As such, it is not nearly as heavy as any of their later albums, and tends to be a bit more meandering and fuzzy. The production isn't all that great, either. However, the atmosphere created by this album is pretty awesome. I don't think Manilla Road have put out any other material that does such a great job of creating their fantasy worlds through music. This is more enjoyable for people who are already fans of the Road, but if you're into the genres that influenced this album, you might find something to like. "Avatar" is my favorite track.

Mark of the Beast (2002 ((but really 1981)) )

Exitus - Statutum est Hominibus Mori

Exitus was a cult Finnish doom band from the early 90's, with only one demo to their name. It consists of two songs, both right around the seven minute mark, that mostly follow the epic doom style with some faster, thrashy sections. Apparently they were fairly influential in the Finnish scene (Reverend Bizarre names them in the role call in "Goddess of Doom"). It's a quality release with good production, and a nice collectible for doomsters that want to increase their metal penis. The title is a Bible reference - something about man dying but once. I think it's meant to emphasize the futility of life when taken as a phrase. Doom bands love that Christian theme.

Statutum est Hominibus Mori (1990)

Griffin - Flight of the Griffin

Griffin is a pretty unknown American power metal band. This debut album was released in the mid-80's, right about on target for its sound. There's really nothing all that groundbreaking about it, but it's an enjoyable release for people who like good riffs, kickin' solos and SCREEEEEEEEEAMS. If you like USPM, you will like this album. Simple as that.

Flight of the Griffin (1984)

AMERICAN HEAVY POWER SPEED FUCK

HOLY SHITTING FUCK LOOK AT HOW FUCKING SWEET THAT IS

Steve Vai has nothing to do with this post, but LOOK AT THAT THREE NECKS FUCKING SWEET YEAH

What this post is about is FOUR FUCKING BANDS (FOUR DIFFERENT FUCKING BANDS) that play SWEET FUCKING HEAVY METAL FUCK YEAH

SHIT ON A FUCK THESE BANDS ARE SWEET

Liege Lord, Tyrant, Cauldron Born and Crimson Glory are all American bands that were REALLY FUCKING FUCK but never got popular. BUT NOW YOU CAN MAKE THEM POPULAR ON THE GAIA METAL FORUMS YEAH

SHIT THESE RIFFS FUCK SOLOS HOLY SHIT SCREEEEEEAAAAAM

HEAR NO EVIL, SEE NO EVIL, SPEAK NO EEEEEEVIIIILLLL!

Listen to them you cunts.

Tyrant - Too Late to Pray (1987)
Crimson Glory - Transcendence (1988)
Liege Lord - Master Control (1988)
Cauldron Born - Born of the Cauldron (1997)