It's Only a Paper Moon

M83 - M83 [CD/2001] 8/10=A curious and interesting French band, using layered synthscapes, beats and droning, melodic guitars to create a whirlwind of uplifting and oftentimes mellow sound. The potential is, of course, enormous.
M83 - Dead Cities, Red Seas and Lost Ghosts [CD/2003] 7/10=Heavier and darker than the previous album, and in truth I didn't like it as much, but it still has moments and makes for a quality background listen while washing the car.
M83 - Before the Dawn Heals Us [CD/2005]
M83 - Digital Shades Volume 1 [CD/2007]
M83 - Saturday = Youth [CD/2008] 10/10=An aural masterpiece, destroys their previous albums, luscious shoegazer pop with a post-rock appeal. Remarkable and extremely memorable.

M87 - Noctilucent Threnody [CD/1999] 10/10=There may not be sound in space, but M87 makes me wish there were. Beautiful interstellar ambience, often menacing, often beautiful. Perfect art.

MADDER MORTEM - Misty Sleep [CD/1997] 3/10=I'm not a huge fan of this demo, but it did showcase some of this bizarre Norwegian metal band's roots.
MADDER MORTEM - Mercury [CD/1999] 6/10=It's a decent album, but it often relies on the all-too-typical fairy metal stylings, the female vocalist will get a lot more interesting on future releases.
MADDER MORTEM - All Flesh is Grass [CD/2001] 7/10=A unique Norwegian band, depressing and intense at the same time, with a nonfairy female vocalist. Hard to describe fully. Gothic aesthetics with a nice sense of dynamics, recommended.
MADDER MORTEM - Deadlands [CD/2002] 8/10=A great fucking record, this is some twisted, emotional shit here, I'd have given it a further point if it didn't rely on a few nu-metallic segments. Still, really interesting.
MADDER MORTEM - Desiderata [CD/2006] 8/10=As difficult to describe as ever, I like this as much as Deadlands, the nu-metal tone of the guitars can be distracting but they still have a unique, tortured sound going here.

MALICE MIZER - Memoire DX [CD/1994] 8/10=Crossdressing Japanese legends, truly an amazing and unique band incorporating theatric, goth rock elements into quality, songwriting. Plus Mana is one hot x-dresser, does that make me gay?
MALICE MIZER - Uruwashiki no sha taija [CD/1995] 4/10=A single with two new tracks and then, in true Japanese karaoke fashion, their instrumental counterparts.
MALICE MIZER - Voyage [CD/1996] 9/10=Their first album with the mighty Gackt on lead vocals, a slight improvement in that area, they had gotten even more theatrical at this point and even more bizarre, LOVE THAT BASS PLAYING!
MALICE MIZER - Ma Cherie [CD/1996] 5/10=Two really good new songs, and an instrumental of the title track. A nice single that I enjoyed.
MALICE MIZER - Au Revoir [CD/1997] 3/10=Three version of "Au Revoir", not my favorite Mizer tune but decent enough value for the fans.
MALICE MIZER - Merveilles [CD/1998] 10/10=The perfect Malice Mizer album, it was all here: diverse and excellent songs, the unmistakable presence of Gackt on vocals, and a wonderful, bold production to compliment the rest.
MALICE MIZER - Illuminati [CD/1998] 4/10=Pumping electronic versions of two tracks, the title and 'No Pains No Gains'. Nothing terrible, and something new for the fans, but nothing great.
MALICE MIZER - Le Ciel [CD/1998] 4/10=Excellent Mizer tune and the instrumental thereof, 2 points each because its good stuff, but still so little of it...
MALICE MIZER - Gekka no yasukyoku [CD/1998] 3/10=Couple versions of another Mizer song, and if you ask me, all these singles must be quite a ripoff for those who actually pay for them.
MALICE MIZER - Saika no chi to bara [CD/1999] 2/10=One song, ONE FUCKING SONG, but a good song...so I'm giving it two points, just for the SINGLE SONG.
MALICE MIZER - Bara no seidou [CD/2000] 9/10=Gackt is gone, but backup vocalist Klaha steps up and does a fine job in his wake. This is perhaps a more conceptual, sweeping, epic album than its predecessors, but still amazing.
MALICE MIZER - Kami's Memorial Box [CD/2000] 5/10=Three tunes here, a memorial for their member who passed away, all instrumental stuff but quite good although limited in appeal.
MALICE MIZER - Kyomu no naka de no yuugi [CD/2000] 4/10=Another new track and instrumental version thereof...they are usually a pretty quality band, but this commercial bullshit is tiring for anyone to have to deal with.
MALICE MIZER - Gardenia [CD/2001] 5/10=Another single, this with a prologue, two tracks, and two instrumental versions of said tracks.
MALICE MIZER - Beast of Blood [CD/2001] 5/10=Two more new cuts, an instrumental, and a cool secret track, this is one of their heavier singles overall.
MALICE MIZER - Garnet kindan no sono e [CD/2001] 4/10=Sadly, their final release was this two-tracker with two instrumental cuts. Good songs here though, including their heaviest track ever 'Gensou Rakuen'.

MANIAC BUTCHER - Immortal Death [DVD99/1993] 3/5=A decent demo, their earlier material here was far more of a death/doom style than their later black metal phase. Sometimes this reminded me of early Tiamat.
MANIAC BUTCHER - The Incapable Carrion [DVD77/1994] 4/5=Pretty killer demo from these Czech psychos, crunchy production, very evil atmosphere.
MANIAC BUTCHER - Barbarisn [DVD40/1995] 8/10=Brutal oldschool mother fucking Czech kvlt warfare. Hail Satan.
MANIAC BUTCHER - Lukan-Antikrist [DVD40/1996] 8/10=The second full-length is even more savage, the production is a little less boxy, and this might just be my favorite Maniac Butcher, though most of the old ones were great.
MANIAC BUTCHER - Krvestreb [DVD40/1997] 6/10=This is imo where the downward slide started, it's not a bad record but most of the riffs are passable and the primal grimness is just lost on me.
MANIAC BUTCHER - Cerna Krev [DVD40/1998] 6/10=They leveled off here, while this isn't as good as their first two albums, it's no worse than the previous, there are one or two really good tunes here. Grim Czech darkness.
MANIAC BUTCHER - Invaze [CD/1999]
MANIAC BUTCHER - Epitaph [CD/2000] 4/10=This is completely mundane compared to some of their earlier albums. Mundane is not a good thing for Maniac Butcher.
MANIAC BUTCHER - The Beast [CD/2001]

MANILLA ROAD - Invasion [CD/1981] 5/10=Jesus, this was like hippie metal or some shit, and despite the low sound quality and brevity of this release, it is quite groovy and has a certain rustic charm.
MANILLA ROAD - Metal [CD/1982] 6/10=Starting to take on a darker vibe with this record, but it's still got this doomy, hippy thing going on. The lyrics on 'Defender' are fucking hilarious and worth this alone, trust me.
MANILLA ROAD - Crystal Logic [CD/1983] 7/10=A lot better than their previous albums, in sound quality and songcraft, Mark Shelton's voice takes getting used to but at least he was pretty original sounding. Catchy, simpler times.
MANILLA ROAD - Open the Gates [CD/1985] 7/10=Still very rough around the edges, even on this their 5th album, but there is a particular promise starting to shine through with their dark, organic heavy metal.
MANILLA ROAD - The Deluge [CD/1986] 8/10=Kerplowww! Kansas metal hath finally struck gold! Thrashier, speedier tones in the sound, way better vocals, and excellent songs with a Lovecraftian vibe. Hell yes. Hell yes is right!
MANILLA ROAD - Mystification [CD/1987] 9/10=Recommended for when listening to Manilla Road's great mid-career releases...mass amounts of hallucinogens, hemp and some clay Cthulhu's. This album FUCKING RULES YOU FUCKING FUCKS!
MANILLA ROAD - Live Roadkill [CD/1987] 4/10=Nice vibe for an old live metal album, but it's still just an old live metal album.
MANILLA ROAD - Out of the Abyss [CD/1988] 8/10=I tend to venerate shit like this a lot, for the same reason I venerate Slayer's Hell Awaits or Hallow's Eve's Tales of Terror. Dirty thrash/speed metal with no pretention whatsoever.
MANILLA ROAD - The Courts of Chaos [CD/1990] 7/10=Heheh, nice album, they even cover 'D.O.A.' by Bloodrock. But not as good as the past two.
MANILLA ROAD - The Circus Maximus [CD/1992] 7/10=Originally supposed to be a new band called Circus Maximus, but released under the Manilla Road moniker, and hell it sounds similar with some prog elements, more vintage Mark Shelton.
MANILLA ROAD - Atlantis Rising [CD/2001] 5/10=Right...the inevitable comeback album, primarily a concept about...yeah, Atlantis. It's okay but nothing like their glory days of olde.
MANILLA ROAD - Mark of the Beast [CD/2002] 5/10=This was originally their 2nd album, but not released finally until 2002, the band I guess hated the way it sounded originally, it's okay and even trippy in places.
MANILLA ROAD - Spiral Castle [CD/2002] 6/10=The last comeback record may not have caught their original vibe to my satisfaction, but this one at least succeeds that far, with some decent songwriting.
MANILLA ROAD - Gates of Fire [CD/2005] 5/10=Manilla Road can still rock, but their riffs just don't sound so innovative anymore and the entire concept of this album is beyond gay. Disappointing, especially the vocals.
MANILLA ROAD - Voyager [DVD112/2008] 6/10=It's an okay retro style dirty American thrash heavy metal album, better than their last. There are some rpetty familiar riffs here though, if you know what I mean.

MANOWAR - Battle Hymns [DVD21/1982] 7/10=This was a pretty balls to the wall NWOBHM-inspired record, as much hard rock as it was metal. Their whole schtick was novel at the time, it was a pretty good time.
MANOWAR - Into Glory Ride [DVD21/1983] 7/10=It's a bit more 'metal' than the first album, and this album reminds me a lot of Judas Priest from the same time period. You'll hear more of that Viking Metal Warrior schtick on this.
MANOWAR - Hail to England [DVD21/1984] 8/10=This is probably my favorite Manowar record ever, it just had this badass proto power-metal sound to it, totally theatric and great.
MANOWAR - Sign of the Hammer [DVD21/1984] 7/10=I'd rank this record just below Hail to England, pure NWOBHM-derived Viking power metal bliss.
MANOWAR - Fighting the World [DVD21/1987] 6/10=This record was HUGE when I was in high school, it has a lot of their anthemic tunes like "Carry On", crazy bass/guitar playing, and was pretty influential on modern epic power metal.
MANOWAR - Kings of Metal [DVD21/1988] 6/10=The first track "Wheels of Fire" is the heaviest Manowar song ever, "Hail and Kill" is pretty fucking good, this is the last Manowar record that was worth hearing until recently.
MANOWAR - The Triumph of Steel [DVD21/1992] 4/10=This is where they really lost me, they had a lot of goofy fun lyrics and 'epic' songs, but I could not have been more bored with this record.
MANOWAR - Louder Than Hell [DVD21/1996] 4/10=It does have "The Gods Made Heavy Metal", and I liked that song, otherwise this bored me just as much as Triumph of Steel. Pure metal posturing for the Manowar diehards.
MANOWAR - Hell On Wheels [DVD21/1997] 4/5=A double live-album, sounded pretty good, at least you were getting two discs.
MANOWAR - Hell On Stage [DVD21/1999] 3/5=And then ANOTHER double live-album, get out your wallets kids and support the gods of metal! Yeah right.
MANOWAR - Warriors of the World [DVD21/2002] 6/10=There are some good riffs and tunes here, at least it is better than the last two albums and breaks the live album monotony of the previous six years of Manowar's career.
MANOWAR - Sons of Odin [DVD21/2006] 2/5=An EP with tunes from the forthcoming record Gods of War, plus some lives. Eh, Manowar fans only.
MANOWAR - Gods of War [CD/2007] 7/10=Still the same old Manowar, but this time I'll eat my foot and admit they've delivered a pretty good album with some catchy tunes. Just wish they'd favor riffs over pompous narrative.

MANTICORA - Roots of Eternity [CD/1999] 7/10=Better in every way than their previous EP, this album shows a lot of promise, and here you first really grasp their clever mixture of technical thrash and power metal.
MANTICORA - Darkness With Tales to Tell [CD/2001] 6/10=I didn't like this one so much, it had too much prog/power influence and a lot of typical riffs I have already heard better.
MANTICORA - Hyperion [CD/2002] 7/10=One of my favorite Danish bands doing a concept album based on one of my favorite sci-fi book series...too bad Simmons wouldn't clear them to use the real character names. Their 2nd best record.
MANTICORA - 8 Deadly Sins [CD/2004] 9/10=Possibly the most improved band ever...holy shit! Excellent and original melodic power metal concept album, just the right balance of aggression, songcraft, and musicianship.
MANTICORA - The Black Circus, Part I: Letters [CD/2006] 7/10=After that last amazing album, I probably expected too much. Thus, I find myself disappointed ever so slightly by this record, even though it's still good.
MANTICORA - The Black Circus, Part II: Disclosure [CD/2007] 8/10=I'm happy to report this is an improvement over the first half of the concept record pair.

MARDUK - Fuck Me Jesus [CD/1991] 3/10=Controversial because of that sample and the title, otherwise quite forgettable.
MARDUK - Dark Endless [CD/1992] 5/10=This was possibly the first big Swedish black metal band, after maybe Bathory if you count those founders...but they screamed mediocrity on this album I'm afraid.
MARDUK - Those of the Unlight [CD/1993] 7/10=I was never the biggest Marduk fan, I found them lacking in comparison to the other 'big' black metal groups. This is one of their stronger albums by far.
MARDUK - Heaven Shall Burn...When We Are Gathered [CD/1996] 6/10=Not much to love or hate...a solid, tight album of very generic black metal. Nothing is bad on this, but nothing stands out either.
MARDUK - Glorification [DVD57/1996] 4/5=Cool EP with a remix tune and some savage covers of Destruction, Piledriver and Bathory. Me like.
MARDUK - Nightwing [DVD57/1998] 8/10=It did take me some time to appreciate this album, but now I fully appreciate it and I'd say it's one of their best.
MARDUK - Panzer Division Marduk [CD/1999] 9/10=This one was quite brutal and had excellent song titles like 'Fistfucking God's Planet' and 'Christraping Black Metal'. It is really an insane record and in my opinion their best.
MARDUK - Infernal Eternal [CD/2000] 2/5=Just what I needed, a very boring live album.
MARDUK - La Grande Danse Macabre [DVD57/2001] 7/10=Like Nightwing, took me some time to appreciate it, and I do like it, but not as much as the last two albums.
MARDUK - Hearse [CD/2003] 1/3=Oh, and a single! Singles are VERY black metal. Heading for the top of the pops!
MARDUK - World Funeral [CD/2003] 6/10=Perfect execution, great sound, but unfortunately, not a memorable song in the bunch.
MARDUK - Deathmarch [DVD67/2004] 2/5=A tour EP with some alternate versions of songs, etc. For the diehard fan only, otherwise pretty worthless.
MARDUK - Plague Angel [CD/2004] 7/10=It's pretty good material, but not as good as Nightwing or Panzer Division Marduk.
MARDUK - Dark Endless [CD/2006] 6/10=This is a reissue of the debut record with some bonus live tracks which do actually enhance the value somewhat.
MARDUK - Opus Nocturne [CD/2006] 7/10=A reissue of their 3rd album which I did not previously have, this is one of their better works along with Panzer Division Marduk and Those of the Unlight. Bonus rehearsal tracks too.
MARDUK - Rom 5:12 [CD/2007] 8/10=One of the tightest Marduk records yet, not as aggressive as Panzer Division Marduk but the quality is comparable.

MASSIVE ATTACK - Blue Lines [CD/1992] 8/10=England's best triphop vocal band, they use both female vox and sultry, cool raps.
MASSIVE ATTACK - Protection [CD/1994] 8/10=This one has 'Karmacoma', a great song. Tricky was a member of this band, if I'm not mistaken. Good stuff again.
MASSIVE ATTACK - Mezzanine [CD/1998] 9/10=A dark UK triphop album by these celebrated MCs and DJ. Really good stuff on this, especially 'Risingson' which is just too cool for words.

MASTER'S HAMMER - Ritual [CD/1990] 8/10=I love this band because they just offer me an experience...dynamic doom/death metal with all manner of orchestration and sick, often funny female vocals, very original, even moreso when it was released.
MASTER'S HAMMER - Klavierstuck [CD/1992]
MASTER'S HAMMER - The Jilemnice Occultist [CD/1992] 9/10=Even better than their debut album, I love the sparse pianos and great riffs, some of the guitar tones here reminded me of what Sigh would do later.
MASTER'S HAMMER - Slagry [CD/1995] 8/10=Wow...it took me some time to track this down but this is yet another excellent album from Master's Hammer, there is less metal present as this is heavily experimental and avant-garde.

MASTODON - Demo [CD/2001] 8/10=This is like an album-length demo, and a great sounding one at that...many of these songs would appear again later, but on its own an outstanding demo.
MASTODON - Lifesblood [CD/2001] 8/10=Mastodon is a great band...a mixture of heavy rock, metal, hardcore, and even some southern rock.
MASTODON - Remission [CD/2002] 9/10=This is an excellent album, love the way the drummer does his fills and haven't really heard that before in this type of music.
MASTODON - Leviathan [CD/2004] 6/10=I was actually quite disappointed with this album, pretty laid back and boring in contrast to their earlier work.
MASTODON - Crystal Skull [CD/2006] 4/10=Two new Mastodon songs on this vinyl EP rip, the songs are more than decent, completely Mastodon and if the new is full of such songs then I imagine they will continue their success.
MASTODON - Blood Mountain [CD/2006] 10/10=And holy shit did they continue their success...this album is a perfect hybrid of stoner/doom and technical metal, one of the best records this year. Mastodon will buy Microsoft in 5 years.

MAYHEM - De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas [CD/1993] 7/10=They've never been a personal favorite of mine, but I do appreciate this album for its atmosphere and obvious influence on the black metal genre, I also loved the vocals.
MAYHEM - Deathcrush [CD/1993] 7/10=Simple, raw, and quite menacing, this is Mayhem's core in the truest sense, and this brief album certainly succeeds in capturing those elements.
MAYHEM - Wolf's Lair Abyss [CD/1997] 6/10=There isn't a lot here but what there is, is your requisite primal Mayhem with a slightly different production than usual.
MAYHEM - A Grand Declaration of War [CD/1998] 6/10=Mayhem were going for something completely different here, and to that end they succeeded, unfortunately the bizarre urban poetry and spoken word just made me want to hear the decent black metal sections of this album even more.
MAYHEM/THE MEADS OF ASPHODEL - Freezing Moon/Jihad [DVD53/2002] 4/5=Two raw tracks from Mayhem, and about six from Meads of Asphodel, good bands and nice split EP.
MAYHEM - Chimera [CD/2004] 8/10=This is strong material that will undoubtedly bring many back into the Mayhem fold, who wanted to abandon them after their last, experimental album.
MAYHEM - Orda ad Chao [CD/2007] 9/10=Attila returns on vocals, and this is a great re-invention, primal and barbaric but atmospheric, kvlties might crucify me but I like this more than anything they've done in the past.

MAZE OF TORMENT - Faster Disaster [CD/1998] 8/10=These guys were always badass, total black thrashing madness, go fucking crazy, snap your spinal column.
MAZE OF TORMENT - Death Strikes [CD/2000]
MAZE OF TORMENT - The Unmarked Graves [CD/2003] 8/10=Badass Swedish thrashing death metal, loaded with killer riffs but still lacking that extra something which could make it a masterpiece. Still, worth owning.
MAZE OF TORMENT - Hammers of Mayhem [CD/2005] 9/10=Excellent death/thrash, as always from this Swedish band, one of the early contenders for best album of 2005, at least so far.
MAZE OF TORMENT - Hidden Cruelty [CD/2007] 8/10=Maze of Torment attempt to channel Slayer A LOT on this record, particularly Reign in Blood. What results is a great classic sound but the album is not as good as Hammers.

MEGADETH - Killing is My Business...and Business is Good [CD/1985] 7/10=The raw and rocking introduction to Megadeth, some great songs.
MEGADETH - Peace Sells...But Who's Buying [CD/1986] 8/10=I don't think I really need to say much about this one.
MEGADETH - So Far, So Good, So What! [CD/1987] 8/10=Or this one.
MEGADETH - Rust in Peace [CD/1990] 9/10=Certainly not this one, for many this is the best metal album of all time, I don't think it's that good but it's definitely good.
MEGADETH - Countdown to Extinction [CD/1992] 4/10=There are a few great songs here, but they are ruined by the presence of retarded tracks like 'Sweating Bullets'.
MEGADETH - Youthanasia [CD/1994] 8/10=People hate this album, I personally enjoy their slower pace here, some excellent fucking songs, fuck the masses.
MEGADETH - Hidden Treasures [CD/1995] 2/10=Package some b-sides, and sell 8 of them on one disc at full price. Where's my rape insurance?
MEGADETH - The System Has Failed [CD/2004] 6/10=Okay, what we have here is a real attempt at a return to form, which succeeds to some degree. Here's hoping the future is bright for 'Deth.
MEGADETH - United Abominations [CD/2007] 7/10=It's their best album since Youthanasia, the first three songs kick major ass, after that there are some weak songs like the Tout Le Monde remake with Cristina Scabbia :(

MEGAPTERA - Deep Inside [CD/1997]
MEGAPTERA - Electronic Underground [DVD64/2000] 8/10=Superb noise, one of the best in this style, or at least one of my favorites in this style. Cataclysmic, frightening, eye opening.
MEGAPTERA - Beyond the Massive Darkness [CDx2/2001] 8/10=A re-issue of their first LP with other material from their cassette days, this is quite a retrospect, a phenomenal band who have released one of my favorite dark ambient/ritual records in history.
MEGAPTERA - The Curse of the Scarecrow [CD/2002] 10/10=One of my favorite ambient/dark ritual/industrial style bands, this one broods at you from every corner of the record, flawless and perfect disaster awaits.

MEKONG DELTA - Mekong Delta [CD/1987] 9/10=The undecorated titans of German thrash metal, always dynamic, always interesting, and fuck, they involved members of Living Death and Peavy from Rage at one point...
MEKONG DELTA - The Music of Erich Zann [CD/1988] 9/10=The one thing holding this back from a perfect score is the vocals, which I didn't enjoy as much as the first full-length, otherwise, another act of brilliance by Mekong.
MEKONG DELTA - The Principle of Doubt [CD/1989] 8/10=We didn't pay this attention much because Coroner and Deathrow had just come out with their career albums, and this was great, but only a distant third at the time...
MEKONG DELTA - Toccata [CD/1989] 2/10=Kinda sucks, classical tune, cover tune, and a 2nd version to an album track. Skip it.
MEKONG DELTA - Dances of Death [CD/1990] 6/10=Their most worthy EP, not only because its 4 tracks clock in at about 40 minutes, but because there is some great material here like the 19 minute long title track.
MEKONG DELTA - Classics [CD/1993] 2/10=This features the various classical compositions the thrash band covered throughout their career, I'm giving it 2 points because it's Mekong but it's all been released before.
MEKONG DELTA - Visions Fugitive [CD/1994] 7/10=Takes a few spins before you can really get into this one, sound is not as cool as previous albums but great riffs and experimentation are still firmly in place. Very cool.
MEKONG DELTA - Pictures at an Exhibition [CD/1997] 7/10=The final Mekong Delta, an instrumental affair with a lot of baroque and classical influence, still quite progressive.
MEKONG DELTA - Lurking Fear [CD/2007] 9/10=Hell fucking yes, Mekong Delta return after a decade and k'pow they have released an album on par with their debut. Quintessential technical German thrash ala Deathrow and...Mekong Delta!

MELECHESH - As Jerusalem Burns...Al'Intisar [CD/1996] 7/10=It's sick, Israeli black metal, but the band have not come close to developing into their style for Djinn, still it passes on primal sick energy and regional novelty alone.
MELECHESH - Djinn [CD/2001] 8/10=Hard not to like this Israeli band, who truly tout the Middle East influence in their black metal, and they do it quite well. And they were basically excommunicated from Jerusalem! Yes!
MELECHESH - Sphinx [CD/2003] 9/10=Sick...now, I like Nile, and these guys aren't quite Egyptian in tone but rather Sumerian and Mesopotamian, but I think these guys are far better at blending the Middle East influence with metal.
MELECHESH - Emissaries [CD/2006] 10/10=Everything this band does is worth the wait, there is a somewhat thrashier black edge to this record, but it is perfection and I mean 100% PERFECT SUMERIAN METAL.

MEMENTO MORI - Rhymes of Lunacy [CD/1993] 8/10=So...Messiah leaves Candlemass to join a band that basically sounds like Candlemass with some Hexenhaus guys...fortunately we get a pretty damn good record.
MEMENTO MORI - Life, Death, and Other Morbid Tales [CD/1994] 8/10=A more diverse sound present on this one, more synth work and dynamic riffs, just as strong as the last album.
MEMENTO MORI - La Danse Macabre [CD/1996]
MEMENTO MORI - Songs for the Apocalypse Vol. IV [CD/1997] 7/10=Messiah rejoined the band for this fourth album, the only downside is it sounds redundant of the first two.

MEMORY GARDEN - Forever [CD/1995]
MEMORY GARDEN - Tides [CD/1996] 8/10=Pretty killer Swedish record, they totally take after Candlemass, playing slow doom-paced thrash riffs, with a lot of melody and some great vocals from Stefan Berglund.
MEMORY GARDEN - Verdict of Posterity [CD/1998]
MEMORY GARDEN - Mirage [CD/2000] 7/10=Third record from the Swedish group, I'd say they still have it here though it's not as catchy overall as 'Tides'.
MEMORY GARDEN - Carnage Carnival [CD/2008] 8/10=Back after a pretty long hiatus with another good quality album, melodic metal with crunch and a little bit of a doom influence, lesser here than on previous albums. Great.

MENHIR - Barditus [DVD39/1995] 4/5=The demo was actually pretty sweet as far as folkish Viking metal in 1995.
MENHIR - Die Ewigen Steine [CD/1997]
MENHIR - Buchonia [DVD39/1997] 3/5=This EP is not their strong point, primarily because of the shitty female vocals, otherwise it would have been good.
MENHIR - Thuringia [CD/1999] 9/10=An amazing folk metal record, it appears all full lengths after their debut have been quite good quality!
MENHIR - Ziuwari [DVD39/2001] 8/10=Great album, this is a band who has constantly evolved throughout their career, the high point thus far being the latest Hildebrandslied, but this album Ziuwari is quite epic as well.
MENHIR - Hildebrandslied [CD/2007] 10/10=Amazing pagan viking epic metal, simply amazing. I am astounded, I have not heard them in years and they were certainly nowhere near this good. Flawless.

MERCENARY - First Breath [CD/1998] 8/10=I remember loving this when I first got the promo, and many other metal critics slagged it. Well, look at them now...and look at the reviews those hataz are giving 'em now! Who is your daddy!?!
MERCENARY - Everblack [CD/2002] 8/10=Imagine In Flames had Hypocrisy's children...well, this is what you would hear, except in a way, Mercenary's output is far better than anything recent by either of those bands.
MERCENARY - 11 Dreams [CD/2004] 8/10=Again, look to Mercenary if you want Hypocrisy 100x better, with some In Flames/Dark Tranquility influence. Other than that, I can't say they stick out much in my mind.
MERCENARY - The Hours That Remain [CD/2006] 7/10=I didn't like this as much as the last album, there are some great songs but occasionally the chug riffs are boring and the metalcore-like vocals along with the cleans are annoying.
MERCENARY - Architect of Lies [CD/2008] 8/10=I really enjoyed this album aside from a few of the metalcore melodeath vocal parts, but I like this guy's clean vocals here. Hey, it kicks the new In Flames album's ass, right?!

MERCYFUL FATE - Melissa/In the Beginning [CD/1983-87] 9/10=After countless demos conquered the underground, their first album 'Melissa' was quite welcome. 'In the Beginning' is a nice bonus, but just reissued stuff.
MERCYFUL FATE - Don't Break the Oath [CD/1984] 10/10=Easily the best Fate album, and the best stuff King Diamond has done outside King Diamond, and many purists are shocked that I prefer that stuff (Andy LaRocque rules...sorry).
MERCYFUL FATE - Return of the Vampire [CD/1992] 5/10=Collection of rarities and sort of a compilation, with nice touches like Lars Ulrich playing drums on the title track, etc. For Fate fans, this is a pretty good deal.
MERCYFUL FATE - In the Shadows [CD/1993] 10/10=Damn, what a comeback. It may not be their very best, but it is certainly the best album they ever did after reforming in the 90s, none of the later work even comes close. Great record.
MERCYFUL FATE - The Bell Witch [CS/1993] 3/10=A single with some live tunes, and that really sums up this almost worthless release, except it's King Diamond with Mercyful Fate...
MERCYFUL FATE - T.I.M.E. [CD/1994] 8/10=Overall this isn't anywhere near as good as In the Shadows, but it has some choice cuts like the opener 'Nightmare Be Thy Name' and the happy 'Witches' Dance', and was certainly better than...
MERCYFUL FATE - Into the Unknown [CD/1996] 6/10=Okay, I would never say that anything the King is involved with doesn't warrant listening, except The Graveyard, but maybe he should have spread out his 90s releases more.
MERCYFUL FATE - Dead Again [CD/1998] 6/10=Again, this is definitely Mercyful Fate, and has some choice Fate moments, but between this and King Diamond, King was taxing himself and this is only slightly better than mediocre.
MERCYFUL FATE - 9 [CD/1999] 7/10=Better than the last two albums, but again, he's on the edge of burnout here (2 albums in '98), and fortunately after this one they took another long hiatus which is still in effect today.

MERRIMACK - Horns Before Thorns [DVD104/2001] 3/5=Third demo from the French black metal band, the material sounds fairly evil and dense here, but it's not great.
MERRIMACK - Ashes of Purification [CD/2002]
MERRIMACK - Hellgium Raped [CD/2003] 4/10=Judging by the fact that I actually live in the Merrimack Valley region, I was not impressed by this noisy French black metal band. They achieved the live effect they wanted, I'm sure.
MERRIMACK - Of Entropy and Life Denial [CD/2006] 9/10=What...the...fuck...talking about an improvement, this is a simplistic yet nearly PERFECT black metal record, with a lot of replay value.

MESHUGGAH - Contradictions Collapse & None [CD/1991-94] 6/10=The debut album isn't that hot, but the None EP is, so most of the points come from that.
MESHUGGAH - Destroy Erase Improve [CD/1995] 9/10=I always used to denounce this album, and I was quite wrong. It is in fact amazing and one of their best.
MESHUGGAH - The True Human Design [CD/1997] 3/10=An EP with some decent tunes but it's really just more bullshit to turn a buck.
MESHUGGAH - Chaosphere [CD/1998] 9/10=My personal favorite album by them, brutal and inventive and chuggah chuggah.
MESHUGGAH - Raretrax [CD/2001] 6/10=At least this cash cow compilation has a bunch of songs I didn't already have.
MESHUGGAH - Nothing [CD/2002] 6/10=It's okay but pretty boring compared to their two really good albums.
MESHUGGAH - I [CD/2004] 4/10=A single song EP, that goes on, and on, and on...
MESHUGGAH - Catch 33 [CD/2005] 9/10=Another 'single song' record, this time broken into 13 digestible parts. This is extremely strong material, although I prefer Chaosphere and Destroy Erase Improve to this.
MESHUGGAH - Nothing [CD/2006] 6/10=This is a re-release of the 2002 record with a shiny new mix. While I think this mix is better, it still does little to improve the music, and it remains one of the weakest Meshuggah records.
MESHUGGAH - ObZen [CD/2008] 9/10=I fucking love Meshuggah, what can I say, especially when they are up on their game as they are here. Every bit as strong as Catch 33, and just trailing Chaosphere.

METAL CHURCH - Metal Church [CD/1985] 7/10=Quite a good heavy metal album, they didn't sound like anyone else at the time...and this rocks pretty hard with David Wayne's vocals.
METAL CHURCH - The Dark [CD/1987] 8/10=The Rev. Wayne and crew return for another album, and in my opinion their most memorable, tons of singalongs, just seems a bit dated is all.

METALIUM - Chapter I: Millenium Metal [CD/1999] 7/10=A solid, dynamic power metal record from this German outfit with Mike Terrana, Jack Frost, Chris Caffery, and a host of other power metal celebrities.
METALIUM - Chapter II: State of Triumph [CD/2000] 8/10=Okay, first off, Henning Basse is a vocal madman. Secondly, 'Steel Avenger' is probably the greatest modern power metal song ever put to tape. Five points for that track alone.
METALIUM - Chapter III: Hero Nation [CD/2002] 7/10=I didn't like this one as much as the first two, it's a concept about various mythological, national heroes. Sounds good, but nothing that struck me like 'Steel Avenger'.
METALIUM - Chapter IV: As One [CD/2003] 8/10=They've never done a bad album, and this is no exception. Liked it a wee bit better than Chapter III, has some sick songs that thoroughly thrash most other power metal bands in existence.
METALIUM - Chapter V: Demons of Insanity [CD/2005] 7/10=Took me a few listens before I started to get into this, almost sounds 'reserved' compared to their past work. Still pretty good.
METALIUM - Chapter VI: Nothing to Undo [CD/2007] 8/10=Every song is distinct and catchy, Metalium has yet to carve a true masterpiece but they're always good, this is among their better records.
METALIUM - Chapter VII: Incubus [CD/2008] 7/10=Metalium deliver yet another set of power metal anthems under the cutting vocals of Henning Bass. Not a great album, but as good as others they've done.

METALLICA - Kill 'Em All [CD/1983] 9/10=One of the most influential speed/thrash metal albums, certainly, but the best was yet to come.
METALLICA - Ride the Lightning [CD/1984] 9/10=Nearly perfect, there are a few boring moments but this one is right up there.
METALLICA - Master of Puppets [CD/1986] 10/10=A perfect metal album, and a speed/thrash metal milestone. I listened to it for ages upon ages.
METALLICA - ...And Justice for All [CD/1988] 8/10=A bit different atmosphere here, but still crushes for the most part, got a little boring due to the radio hit singles.
METALLICA - The Black Album [CD/1991] 7/10=I'd give this a higher rating if it hadn't been overplayed and drilled to death inside my lobes. This was the last tolerable album by Metallica.
METALLICA - Death Magnetic [CD/2008] 8/10=Well I'll be damned, if it's not the best Metallica album in 17 years...having returned to actually being METALLICA, the band may now continue.

MEW - A Triumph for Man [DVD107/1997] 9/10=One of the most dreamy shoegaze bands to arrive in the past decade, Denmark's Mew deliver shimmering, gossamer compositions of art rock beauty. Killer debut album.
MEW - Half the World is Watching Me [DVD107/2000] 8/10=It's got a bit more of a prog rock/Brit rock feel thrown in, but after a few spins it quickly wins one over much like the debut. Gorgeous, limp-wristed rock.
MEW - Frengers [DVD107/2003] 8/10=About the only downside here is that a lot of the tracks appeared on the previous albums, but have been re-recorded and sound even more gorgeous on this album.
MEW - And the Glass Handed Kites [CD/2005] 10/10=An amazing hybrid of prog rock and their shoegazing style...this is their most fascinating album and a wonder to behold. Truly awe-inspiring.

MIDAS TOUCH - Presage of Disaster [CD/1989] 8/10=Great old Swedish thrash record, kind of technical but not by today's standards, has a certain timeless charm and it's a shame this was all they were good for.

MIDNIGHT OIL - Midnight Oil [CD/1978] 6/10=This is one of my favorite pop groups of all time, make no mistake, but their earlier work was not as accessible, neither was it as good as the later albums.
MIDNIGHT OIL - Bird Noises [CD/1980] 5/10=An early EP by this Australian legend, nothing special though but worth checking out for fans.
MIDNIGHT OIL - 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 [CD/1983] 6/10=Some of the songs rule, but others are a little on the boring side. Still, first real modern Midnight Oil record in my opinion.
MIDNIGHT OIL - Diesel and Dust [CD/1988] 10/10=Fucking brilliant record. Never have I heard a band with such conviction as this, Peter Garrett rules and so do his lyrics, and so does the rest of the band. Perfect, original album.
MIDNIGHT OIL - Blue Sky Mining [CD/1990] 8/10=A bit of a letdown after Diesel and Dust, but that's a tough act to follow. The album will grow on you with repeated listens though, and the title track is great.
MIDNIGHT OIL - Earth and Sun and Moon [CD/1993] 8/10=Another killer album, though there is some filler here and there.
MIDNIGHT OIL - Breathe [CD/1996] 6/10=One of my least favorite Midnight Oil records, that isn't to say there aren't a few standout tracks, but as a whole, not as inspiring as their other work.
MIDNIGHT OIL - Redneck Wonderland [CD/1998] 7/10=Wow, their 'heavy' album, and quite good. Lot of nice songs like 'Concrete', and it is nice to see these guys experiment in a heavier direction. Rock.
MIDNIGHT OIL - Capricornia [CD/2001] 9/10=2nd best Midnight Oil album ever, sadly their last since Pete is in politics now down in Australia, kind of what he belongs doing after such a conscious, aware music career...

MINISTRY - The Land of Rape and Honey [CD/1988] 7/10=One of the first really dark industrial albums, from a former synth pop band.
MINISTRY - The Mind is a Terrible Thing to Taste [CD/1989] 10/10=I must have listened to this a million times, impressive, dark, amazing, far ahead of its time.
MINISTRY - Jesus Built My Hotrod [CD/1991] 3/10=A single, and its not that good.
MINISTRY - Psalm 69 [CD/1992] 8/10=Most people hail this as their best, but I actually found some of the songs pretty boring. Some great ones too, and overall it's a great album.
MINISTRY - Filth Pig [CD/1996] 7/10=Not as bad as you'd think, this was certainly an interesting record and a departure from the past two.
MINISTRY - Dark Side of the Spoon [CD/1999] 7/10=Really grating and heavy, I'm surprised this didn't do better than it did, it's certainly a good record.
MINISTRY - Animositisomina [CD/2003] 6/10=It's okay but the really tinny distortion gets unnerving after awhile, and the Fear Factory choruses don't belong here.
MINISTRY - Houses of the Mole [CD/2004] 6/10=I'm perplexed. On one hand, this is a good album, but on the other, they already did this in the early 90s, and people are just praising it because it's a return to a familiar form.
MINISTRY - Rantology [CD/2005] 4/10=Fan package, fortunately instead of just being greatest hits it has a lot of new mixes of songs and some unreleased material. For Ministry rivetheads only.
MINISTRY - Rio Grande Blood [CD/2006] 9/10=They've always been consistent, but with this album, Ministry have come out of nowhere to once again kick some serious ass. Best Ministry album in 17 fucking years!
MINISTRY - Rio Grande Dub [CD/2007] 6/10=It's a decent album of remixes from Rio Grande Blood, though I prefer the original tunes in all cases, it's done well and worth checking out.
MINISTRY - The Last Sucker [CD/2007] 8/10=Supposedly this is the swansong for Ministry, I think I've heard that line before, but we shall see, it's pretty damn good, almost as good as Rio Grande Blood.
MINISTRY - Cover Up [DVD112/2008] 7/10=You know it's going to be good just because you want to hear what Ministry does to cover a song...and they take some real classics here and spice them up with industrial metal cheese.

MISFITS - Coffin Boxed Set [CDx4/1996] 3/10=It's the Misfits, just about everything they ever did...well, with the old lineup. Mostly stuff that has been previously released, but some rarities get it a few points.

MITHRAS - Forever Advancing Legions [CD/2002] 7/10=Sick British death metal, a more brutal Morbid Angel but with some ambient elements. Not as good as the next album will be, but still ferocious.
MITHRAS - Worlds Beyond the Veil [CD/2003] 8/10=This is some pretty intense stuff...has the feel of a more sci-fi Morbid Angel. Blasting UK death metal with unique production and many synth and synth guitar, tripped out elements.
MITHRAS - Beyond the Shadows Lie Madness [CD/2007] 9/10=Totally fucking awesome, Mithras trump themselves once again, the Old...err New Gods of British death metal.

MOI DIX MOIS - Dialogue Symphonie [CD/2002] 3/10=The first single for Mana's new outfit, much gothier and more metallic than Malice Mizer, but they are in pretty good form here. Three points for three tunes.
MOI DIX MOIS - Dix Infernal [CD/2003] 7/10=This is a decent album of quirky goth schlock with symphonic elements, and this is also a better album than the followup Nocturnal Opera.
MOI DIX MOIS - Nocturnal Opera [CD/2004] 5/10=It's the great Mana from Malice Mizer in his new band, neoclassical goth rock as one might expect, and unfortunately, nowhere even remotely close to the quality of Malice.
MOI DIX MOIS - Beyond the Gate [CD/2006] 7/10=Mana returns with his bizarre, gothic video game metal, and this is another good record, much better than Nocturnal Opera.
MOI DIX MOIS - Dixanadu [CD/2007] 8/10=Better than the first two records, Castlevania goth metal j-pop visual kei is still the phrase of the day.

MOONSORROW - Tama Ikuinen Talvi [CD/1999] 6/10=This was a great demo, and already showed so much promise. Has nearly the running length of their albums, and frankly I enjoyed this as much as their most recent album.
MOONSORROW - Suden Uni [CD/2001] 8/10=Synth-laden Finnish Viking metal, with obvious roots in black metal. This is a strong album, but can get boring if you're not in the mood for epic Viking atmosphere.
MOONSORROW - Voimasta Ja Kunniasta [CD/2001] 8/10=I'm not as impressed with this band as some other people, but I still enjoy their music. This is slightly more interesting than Suden Uni, but not the perfect album critics told you.
MOONSORROW - Kivenkantaja [CD/2003] 9/10=Excellent, this is so much better than the first two albums...all the tracks are memorable and the production isn't as flat and bland, here it is brighter and more majestic.
MOONSORROW - Verisaekeet [CD/2005] 6/10=Good riffs scattered in these songs, but they are just too long (14-19 minutes each) and did not succeed in holding my interest like their past albums have. For viking epic metal buffs only.
MOONSORROW - V: Havitetty [CD/2007] 9/10=These two epic length tracks comprise what is likely my favorite Moonsorrow record yet, seriously awesome record to get lost in...great melodies that are never cheap
MOONSORROW - Tulimyrksy [CD/2008] 8/10=Basically an album-length EP, with a 30 minute new track, Metallica and Merciless covers, and two remakes of older Moonsorrow tunes. Fantastic as always.

MOONSPELL - Anno Satanae [CD/1993] 5/10=Raw early stuff, pretty goofy.
MOONSPELL - Goat on Fire [CD/1994] 5/10=It's called Goat on Fire...raw, goofy, early Moonspell.
MOONSPELL - Under the Moonspell [CD/1994] 6/10=Their first album, but a short one, with their patented ritual black metal.
MOONSPELL - Wolfheart [CD/1995] 8/10=Moonspell's first real album is a great one, with memorable songs and only a few goofy parts.
MOONSPELL - Irreligious [CD/1996] 8/10=More melodic and goth than the previous stuff, but I enjoyed a lot of the songs on this album.
MOONSPELL - Sin/Pecado [CD/1998] 7/10=Takes a lot of spins to get into this one, but it's pretty good overall, this was their Sisters of Mercy phase for sure.
MOONSPELL - The Butterfly Effect [CD/1999] 9/10=I do not care what anyone says, it's a visionary album and Moonspell's best, combining their various past styles into a cohesive masterpiece.
MOONSPELL - Darkness and Hope [CD/2001] 7/10=Another one requiring multiple spins before it settles in, solid.
MOONSPELL - The Antidote [CD/2003] 7/10=Getting back to their heavier roots, but that's entirely a good thing. Still, an album worth having or at least hearing.
MOONSPELL - Memorial [CD/2006] 8/10=Moonspell make an unexpected return to their roots, well not exactly, but this is the heaviest Moonspell album in years and it is superior to their last two efforts, which were still good.
MOONSPELL - The Great Silver Eye [DVD61/2007] 0/5=I love my Moonspell, but don't waste any money on this, all the tracks are previously released on albums and this is a cheap cash-in compilation.
MOONSPELL - Under Satanae [CD/2007] 8/10=Great album, they re-recorded their demo tunes and original mini-album and it sounds great with their current level of production, very cool.
MOONSPELL - Night Eternal [CD/2008] 9/10=An amazing new offering from the Portuguese goth metal gods, loaded with atmosphere and like their past few albums, heavy like their roots, without lacking melody.

MORBID ANGEL - The Beginning [CD/1985] 5/10=You can't quite hear the drums on this demo, but this is fucking sick and bizarre. A great start for a great fucking band.
MORBID ANGEL - Bleed for the Devil [CD/1986] 5/10=Another sick demo from this Florida nightmare, this is far closer to the abrupt death/thrash of their debut album. Trey is sick!
MORBID ANGEL - Scream Forth Blasphemies [CD/1986] 5/10=Another Morbid Angel demo, but wait, some of these songs sound familiar :)~
MORBID ANGEL - Altars of Madness [CD/1989] 9/10=When I say the words 'Chapel of Ghouls', you should get a precise image of why this album was so sick, revolutionary, and amazing.
MORBID ANGEL - Blessed Are the Sick [CD/1991] 5/10=Contrary to popular belief, I am not an asshole, I just didn't dig this album much.
MORBID ANGEL - Covenant [CD/1993] 6/10=Blastbeats aside, this is a good album to spin if you're angry at humanity but not much else.
MORBID ANGEL - Laibach Remixes [CD/1994] 5/10=This is odd...Laibach...remixes...two Morbid Angel tracks...and the original versions are also present.
MORBID ANGEL - Domination [CD/1995] 7/10=I liked it, it had this swampy production that made it interesting and I still spin it from time to time.
MORBID ANGEL - Entangled in Chaos [CD/1996] 5/10=Amazing as far as live albums go, they manage such a clear and loud sound with all Trey's trademark insane guitars and a nice mix of vocals, drum and bass.
MORBID ANGEL - Formulas Fatal to the Flesh [CD/1997] 2/10=Worst Morbid Angel ever, hyped up so much but so absolutely filthy and terrible.
MORBID ANGEL - Gateways to Annihilation [CD/2000] 8/10=Wow...the best album since the debut, their bizarre experimentation has blossomed into some beautiful, bizarre death metal.
MORBID ANGEL - Heretic [CDx2/2003] 8/10=Again with that beautiful, bizarre, death metal.

MORDRED - Fool's Game [CD/1989] 9/10=Flawless Bay Area thrash album, before all the funk elements came into play...okay maybe not flawless, as 'Superfreak' cover does not stand up to time.
MORDRED - In This Life [CD/1991] 8/10=A great album, but there are a lot of funk elements in here which don't really stand up to time, although it was quite cool then.

MORK GRYNING - Tusen Ar Har Gatt [CD/1995] 9/10=They have always been one of my favorite black metal bands, the fact they were this good on their debut album is a pretty good indicator of why.
MORK GRYNING - Return Fire [CD/1997]
MORK GRYNING - Maelstrom Chaos [CD/2001] 9/10=Perhaps my favorite Swedish black metal band, I love all their albums, this has much to offer in the form of quality crafted melodic but dark black hymns.
MORK GRYNING - Pieces of Primal Expressionism [CD/2003] 9/10=This band have certainly come a long way since their early days. A hypnotic Swedish black metal masterpiece, unique and extremely captivating.
MORK GRYNING - Mork Gryning [CD/2005] 10/10=The last record was great, but this is....absolutely PERFECT....uncompromising, brutal, and tons of amazing riffs, it's their last album and they have officially gone out with a bang.

MORRIGAN - Plague, Waste and Death [CD/2001] 7/10=Risen from the ashes of Mayhemic Truth, this is yet more Bathory inspired, savage barbarian black metal. Vicious and uncompromising, and rocks pretty hard.
MORRIGAN - Enter the Sea of Flames [CD/2002] 7/10=Another pretty good album, there are more clean vocals and atmospheric segments here, almost like an evolution from early to latter day Bathory.
MORRIGAN - Celts [CD/2003] 8/10=Damn, the perfect Celtic myth counterpart to the Norse epic Blood Fire Death by Bathory. This is easily Morrigan's best album, the atmosphere seemlessly blends with the savage snarling black metal.
MORRIGAN - Headcult [CD/2005] 7/10=Hehehe, the opening track "Morrigans Flight Over Celtland" tells it all, complete Bathory worship with a lot of atmosphere, not quite as good as the last record, but still worthwhile.
MORRIGAN - Welcome to Samhain [CD/2006] 8/10=Morrigan return with perhaps their most unique record yet, the Bathory impressions are still there but what has manifested here is some truly unique Celtic metal.
MORRIGAN - The Damned [CD/2007] 9/10=Excellent new album, in my opinion their best yet, great glorious folklore/history inspired atmospheric black metal.

MORTHOND - This Crying Age [CD/1991] 8/10=One of the best of the early releases from Cold Meat Industry, this is swelling, dark, moody ambience, a beautify portrait, recalls the dark aspects of Tolkien's fantasy extremely well.
MORTHOND - Spindrift [CD/1992] 8/10=They have left some of the Tolkien aspect behind, but that by means takes away from this fantastic fucking band. One of the best to ever emerge from the Cold Meat Industry brand.
MORTHOND - The Goddess Who Could Make the Ugly World Beautiful [CD/1995] 9/10=A swirlier record with more guitars, probably my most memorable experience from Morthond, a fantastic act on all surfaces.

MORTIIS - Son of a Long Forgotten Ghost [DVD56/1993] 5/5=Amazing demo, man once Mortiis used to really, really rule, didn't he?
MORTIIS - Fodt Til a Herske [CD/1993] 8/10=Yes, Mortiis started off doing quite well, this is excellent and simplistic medeival ambience with a trace of glory among the doomed conjured atmospheres. Two epic length tracks.
MORTIIS - Anden Som Gjorde Oppror [CD/1994] 8/10=Possibly the Mortiis record I listened to most, two more epic length tracks here and a similar tone to the debut album.
MORTIIS - Keiser av en Dimension Ukjent [CD/1995] 8/10=Rinse and repeat. Yet two MORE excellent medeival synth pieces, this stuff is perfect for backdrops in your D&D game if you don't want to get too technical.
MORTIIS - Crypt of the Wizard [CD/1996] 9/10=Truly awe-inspiring, the best and mightiest and most grim medeival pieces by Mortiis ever. This one is worth owning, even if you agree that the guy is a major sociopath.

MORTUALIA - Mortualia [CD/2007] 10/10=Fucking amazingly despairing new solo project from Shatraug of Horna, this is extremely grim, extremely sad, and extremely beautiful atmospheric black metal. Flawless.

MOTORHEAD - On Parole [CD/1976] 6/10=Some of this shit was amazing for its time, but they still had a lot of rhythm-n-blues influence, and I wouldn't call fully label them a heavy metal band quite yet.
MOTORHEAD - Motorhead [CD/1977] 7/10=Basically the same as On Parole but in its 'proper' release, some tracks are different and this is better and heavier overall.
MOTORHEAD - Louie Louie EP [CD/1978] 3/10=This single sounds great for its day, with a cover song and an original.
MOTORHEAD - Overkill EP [CD/1978] 2/10=Another single...sounds good but not worth tracking down considering the age.
MOTORHEAD - Overkill [CD/1979] 8/10=Whoah...no turning back now this thing is pretty raging, punk-inflected heavy fucking metal, with classics like 'Metropolis' and of course the title track.
MOTORHEAD - No Class EP [CD/1979] 2/10=Must have been a top notch single for its day, right? At least back then 7" were piss cheap.
MOTORHEAD - Bomber [CD/1979] 9/10=Excellent album, not really a weak one in the bunch, of course the title track would be the big hit.
MOTORHEAD - Ace of Spades EP [CD/1980] 2/10=I guess popularity has its price.
MOTORHEAD - Ace of Spades [CD/1980] 10/10=Few hard rock or heavy metal albums in history have ever captured the entire spirit of that medium in such purity...if you can't dig this then you need to get over yourself or just die already.
MOTORHEAD - Bomber/Over the Top EP [CD/1980] 1/10=Songs you already got on a single...one point because it's Motorhead.
MOTORHEAD - St. Valentine's Day Massacre EP [CD/1980] 5/10=I really enjoyed the duet here with the band Girlschool, and that alone wins the points.
MOTORHEAD - The Golden Years EP [CD/1980] 3/10=I was going to give this a 4/10 score for 4 songs, but they are just live songs so...yeah.
MOTORHEAD - No Sleep 'til Hammersmith [CD/1981] 5/10=If you want a live album, you'd might as well get this one and Iron Maiden's Live After Death, they are probably two of the best, Motorhead is a live band and it translates well.
MOTORHEAD - Over the Top EP [CD/1981] 0/10=Continuing their recent trend of live releases, a live SINGLE, of a song that's already been ON a single. Lemmy, get the corporate dick out of your throat and light another cancer-stick.
MOTORHEAD - Iron Fist EP [CD/1982] 1/10=Don't choke on it going down, Lemmy.
MOTORHEAD - Iron Fist [CD/1982] 8/10=Finally we get back to what is important, more excellent heavy metal from the best in the biz. I think I like every song on this album.
MOTORHEAD - I Got Mine EP [CD/1983] 1/10=One song not on Another Perfect Day, and two that are.
MOTORHEAD - Another Perfect Day [CD/1983] 9/10=This is a yet another great Motorhead album, the only one with Brian Robertson on the guitar, and there isn't really a weak tune to be found.
MOTORHEAD - No Remorse [CDx2/1985] 8/10=The eight points are for the four new tracks including 'Killed by Death', arguably my Motorhead fave. The rest is a compilation of tracks chosen by Lemmy.
MOTORHEAD - Orgasmatron [CD/1986] 9/10=Another smokin' Motorhead album, tracks like 'Mean Machine' and 'Doctor Rock' kick some fanny. I love that they crank out such simple metal in the wake of Master of Puppets and Somewhere in Time. Haha!
MOTORHEAD - Rock'n'Roll [CD/1987] 9/10=Give me a reason why I shouldn't love this album and I'll give you a gunshot wound to the privates.
MOTORHEAD - No Sleep At All [CD/1988] 5/10=Mightly be somewhat less epic than its chart topping predecessor, but still a good live album.
MOTORHEAD - 1916 [CD/1991] 9/10=Another top notch effort, this one is quite bluesy, from beginning to end there is just not one weak track, I love the tribute song 'R.A.M.O.N.E.S.'
MOTORHEAD - March or Die [CD/1992] 9/10=Jesus yes....they fucking did it...AGAIN. You gotta love Lemmy barking the lyrics "I need no Gods or Devils" on 'Bad Religion', but it's not a tribute to that punk band :)~
MOTORHEAD - Bastards [CD/1993] 10/10=One of their most 'metal' albums, and perfect in every way possible, it's been almost two decades and the band is not even remotely finished delivering us some punishing rock and fucking roll.
MOTORHEAD - Sacrifice [CD/1995] 9/10=Another in a string of their heavier works, I didn't like this as much as Bastards because a weak track or two drags it slightly beneath perfect.
MOTORHEAD - Overnight Sensation [CD/1996] 10/10=Motorhead is probably the greatest heavy metal band ever, they stand alone, doing their own thing while wave after wave of new metal genres come and go. Fucking fantastic.
MOTORHEAD - Snake Bite Love [CD/1998] 8/10=It's another strong record, but not one of my favorites, although I'll still spin the title track, 'Night Side' and a few others here and there.
MOTORHEAD - Everything Louder Than Everyone Else [CDx2/1999] 5/10=Another incredible double live record from a band that is really just meant to be experienced in that setting...
MOTORHEAD - We Are Motorhead [CD/2000] 10/10=At this point I'm almost annoyed by how this band can be so perfect, so good, and so timeless...fuck you Motorhead.
MOTORHEAD - Hammered [CDx2/2002] 9/10=The opening track shows a more melodic Motorhead, still quite good, fortunately most of the album is heavier and at the end of the day...you get what you pay for. Thank you.
MOTORHEAD - Inferno [CD/2004] 9/10=Excellent songs like 'Terminal Show' and 'In the Name of Tragedy', but a few that just aren't as good so again, just slightly under this band's perfect par.
MOTORHEAD - Kiss of Death [CD/2006] 10/10=This is one solid and mighty fucking album, rarely has never disappointed me and this is certainly no exception, complete ass kicking, every song is great.
MOTORHEAD - Stage Fright [CDx2/2006] 6/10=It's a double Motorhead live album, so...why are you still here?
MOTORHEAD - Motorizer [CD/2008] 9/10=About the only negative thing I could say is that the idea of a new, still fucking awesome Motorhead record is simply redundant.

MOUTH OF THE ARCHITECT - Time and Withering [CD/2004] 10/10=Absolutely brilliant, an Ohio band playing psychedelic sludge doom, there is not a spot on this record where I wasn't fully engaged and intrigued. Buy this.
MOUTH OF THE ARCHITECT/KENOMA - Split [CD/2006] 6/10=Hearing a new Mouth of the Architect track is never a bad thing, and now I have discovered Kenoma too...this is a great split, for only three songs.
MOUTH OF THE ARCHITECT - The Ties That Blind [CD/2006] 8/10=Time and Withering was one of the best post-rock/drone-core albums I have ever heard, there was little chance for this to live up to, though this is still quite good.
MOUTH OF THE ARCHITECT - Quietly [DVD132/2008] 7/10=Perhaps my taste is changing? Another good Mouth record, but it's not at the level of their debut or even the previous record.

MR. BUNGLE - Mr. Bungle [CD/1991] 9/10=My only gripe with this one is the carnival elements and metal riffs don't hold up to time, otherwise this is a hilarious adventure of an album.
MR. BUNGLE - Disco Volante [CD/1995] 10/10=Spotless, perfect, absolutely fucking weird and unforgettable, Patton and crew strike again.
MR. BUNGLE - California [CD/1999] 8/10=This isn't as good maybe because it's a more focused sound, but it still has some amazing songs and is a fine album overall.

MUSE - Showbiz [DVD57/1999] 7/10=Debut from the UK rock darlings, a pretty unique sound that does recall a bit of Radiohead, Blur, etc.
MUSE - Origin of Symmetry [DVD57/2001] 7/10=More of the slick, introspective modern rock which can get mellow or rock the hell out when necessary, another good but not great album.
MUSE - Absolution [DVD57/2003] 7/10=At first I loved this but there are definitely some filler tunes and even the catchier hit tunes can dull up after a dozen listens or so. Still, good while it lasts.
MUSE - Black Holes & Revelations [DVD57/2006] 7/10=Again, it has some astounding songs like "Knights of Cydonia" but then has its filler.

MYSTIC PROPHECY - Vengeance [CD/2001] 6/10=Another band of the notorious Gus G. playing modernized old school power/speed metal, perhaps a little thrash influence. Not bad, but the guy spreads himself way too thin.
MYSTIC PROPHECY - Regressus [CD/2003] 7/10=A noted improvement, this one has a few songs worth remembering. Still not that ambitious, just rehashing old ideas with good production and energy.
MYSTIC PROPHECY - Never-Ending [CD/2004] 8/10=Gus G. is a great and prolific guitar player, but he spreads himself thin over multiple bands that all sound similar, however, I think Mystic Prophecy may be his best work.
MYSTIC PROPHECY - Savage Souls [CD/2006] 8/10=More solid as hell metal from Gus G. and his straightforward power metal band, with some hints at thrash in the guitar play. Riff-tastical.
MYSTIC PROPHECY - Satanic Curses [CD/2007] 8/10=Can mother fucking Gus G do any wrong? I really don't think so.