Blog author: Alex Stojanovic
Before the sands of time run out for 2017, why don't we take one more trip back in time. This time we'll go back to 1992 and I'll share with you my favourite albums that celebrated 25 years this year.
What was going on in 1992? Well for me, it is the year of my birth, but in the metal scene, things were already beginning to look troublesome for many of the bands, especially the thrash bands and the glam bands with the grunge scene already starting to become the new musical trend at this point with Alice In Chains, Nirvana, Soundgarden. At the same time though, death metal was also already on the rise with Cannibal Corpse, Deicide, Morbid Angel, Obituary, Death, Immolation and so on, all a couple of records into their respective careers at that point. However, Pantera was the only band that was able to be achieve any mainstream success in the 90s without conforming to commercialism.
With that said, the 90s were a bit of a double-edged sword for the metal scene as several bands didn't survive the grunge invasion, but 1992 still had great releases. Here are my ten favourite albums that celebrated 25 years this year.
What was going on in 1992? Well for me, it is the year of my birth, but in the metal scene, things were already beginning to look troublesome for many of the bands, especially the thrash bands and the glam bands with the grunge scene already starting to become the new musical trend at this point with Alice In Chains, Nirvana, Soundgarden. At the same time though, death metal was also already on the rise with Cannibal Corpse, Deicide, Morbid Angel, Obituary, Death, Immolation and so on, all a couple of records into their respective careers at that point. However, Pantera was the only band that was able to be achieve any mainstream success in the 90s without conforming to commercialism.
With that said, the 90s were a bit of a double-edged sword for the metal scene as several bands didn't survive the grunge invasion, but 1992 still had great releases. Here are my ten favourite albums that celebrated 25 years this year.
10. DEF LEPPARD - Adrenalize
"Do you wanna get rocked?!" I remember the first time hearing that opening line, I had a bit of a chuckle. That was around in 2004 around the time I turned 12. After the mass success of Hysteria, there was an immense amount of pressure on Def Leppard when it came time to write Adrenalize. Obviously this album is nowhere near the ranks of High 'N Dry, Pyromania and Hysteria, but there's some real enjoyable songs on here like "Heaven Is", "Make Love Like A Man", "I Wanna Touch U" and "White Lightning". Even though Hysteria was the last album to feature the late great Steve Clark, he does have some writing credits on a majority of the songs on Adrenalize. The first two lines in the chorus to "Heaven Is" are pretty clever: "Heaven is a girl I know so well / She makes me feel good when I feel like hell." This album is also one of the few albums my dad had on cassette.
"Do you wanna get rocked?!" I remember the first time hearing that opening line, I had a bit of a chuckle. That was around in 2004 around the time I turned 12. After the mass success of Hysteria, there was an immense amount of pressure on Def Leppard when it came time to write Adrenalize. Obviously this album is nowhere near the ranks of High 'N Dry, Pyromania and Hysteria, but there's some real enjoyable songs on here like "Heaven Is", "Make Love Like A Man", "I Wanna Touch U" and "White Lightning". Even though Hysteria was the last album to feature the late great Steve Clark, he does have some writing credits on a majority of the songs on Adrenalize. The first two lines in the chorus to "Heaven Is" are pretty clever: "Heaven is a girl I know so well / She makes me feel good when I feel like hell." This album is also one of the few albums my dad had on cassette.
09. OBITUARY - The End Complete
The End Complete was where I first discovered Obituary. It was right around the time I was getting into death metal. However, the way I discovered them was by hearing the title track played by Roadrunner United on the Roadrunner United live DVD. It was Glen Benton on vocals, Andreas Kisser and Dino Cazares on guitars, Paul Gray on bass and Joey Jordison on drums. Right after seeing that video, I immediately went to hear the original recording of the song, then I heard "I'm In Pain", "In The End Of Life", "Killing Time" and so on, and that was it, I was hooked. Despite being Obituary's best-selling album, The End Complete is also one of their best. John Tardy's vocals were unlike nothing I ever heard and totally unique. Fantastic album! R.I.P. Frank Watkins.
The End Complete was where I first discovered Obituary. It was right around the time I was getting into death metal. However, the way I discovered them was by hearing the title track played by Roadrunner United on the Roadrunner United live DVD. It was Glen Benton on vocals, Andreas Kisser and Dino Cazares on guitars, Paul Gray on bass and Joey Jordison on drums. Right after seeing that video, I immediately went to hear the original recording of the song, then I heard "I'm In Pain", "In The End Of Life", "Killing Time" and so on, and that was it, I was hooked. Despite being Obituary's best-selling album, The End Complete is also one of their best. John Tardy's vocals were unlike nothing I ever heard and totally unique. Fantastic album! R.I.P. Frank Watkins.
08. BLACK SABBATH - Dehumanizer
When it comes to Black Sabbath, I'm a Dio guy, with all respect to the Ozzy era, but the Dio material is just superior. If I had to rank the Dio era albums, Heaven & Hell is my favourite, Mob Rules would be second and Dehumanizer would be third. While I do put Dehumanizer in third place, that's not saying that's it's not a great album because it is a great album in its own right, especially with epic tracks like "Computer God", "After All (The Dead)", "Buried Alive", "I" and "Letters From Earth", but it just can't compete with Heaven & Hell and Mob Rules. This was also the first album to feature Geezer Butler back on bass since Born Again. Initially, the drums were going to be played by Cozy Powell, but he suffered an injury, then Simon Wright got rejected by Geezer and Tony Iommi, then Vinny Appice came back into the picture. I sometimes wonder what the album would've sounded like had Cozy had played on it. Either way, great album! R.I.P. Ronnie.
When it comes to Black Sabbath, I'm a Dio guy, with all respect to the Ozzy era, but the Dio material is just superior. If I had to rank the Dio era albums, Heaven & Hell is my favourite, Mob Rules would be second and Dehumanizer would be third. While I do put Dehumanizer in third place, that's not saying that's it's not a great album because it is a great album in its own right, especially with epic tracks like "Computer God", "After All (The Dead)", "Buried Alive", "I" and "Letters From Earth", but it just can't compete with Heaven & Hell and Mob Rules. This was also the first album to feature Geezer Butler back on bass since Born Again. Initially, the drums were going to be played by Cozy Powell, but he suffered an injury, then Simon Wright got rejected by Geezer and Tony Iommi, then Vinny Appice came back into the picture. I sometimes wonder what the album would've sounded like had Cozy had played on it. Either way, great album! R.I.P. Ronnie.
07. CANNIBAL CORPSE - Tomb Of The Mutilated
If you were alive when Cannibal Corpse's Tomb Of The Mutilated came out and you bought it the first day or whenever, I can only imagine what your parents thought when they saw the cover and the song titles, especially "I Cum Blood", "Entrails Ripped From A Virgin's Cunt", "Post Mortal Ejaculation" and "Addicted To Vaginal Skin". I'm sure they were happy with it, right? This is a death metal classic, and it has some of their best songs. It would also be the last time anyone heard Bob Rusay on guitar before being dismissed from the band and checking out of the music business. The album itself helped push Cannibal into the spotlight a bit more due to their appearance in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, and "Hammer Smashed Face" is one of the biggest songs, not only in death metal, but metal in general. Going back to the album, it's without a doubt my favourite album of the Barnes era. The only thing that's not right about the cover is that the "Parental Advisory" logo is bigger than the Cannibal logo.
If you were alive when Cannibal Corpse's Tomb Of The Mutilated came out and you bought it the first day or whenever, I can only imagine what your parents thought when they saw the cover and the song titles, especially "I Cum Blood", "Entrails Ripped From A Virgin's Cunt", "Post Mortal Ejaculation" and "Addicted To Vaginal Skin". I'm sure they were happy with it, right? This is a death metal classic, and it has some of their best songs. It would also be the last time anyone heard Bob Rusay on guitar before being dismissed from the band and checking out of the music business. The album itself helped push Cannibal into the spotlight a bit more due to their appearance in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, and "Hammer Smashed Face" is one of the biggest songs, not only in death metal, but metal in general. Going back to the album, it's without a doubt my favourite album of the Barnes era. The only thing that's not right about the cover is that the "Parental Advisory" logo is bigger than the Cannibal logo.
06. BLIND GUARDIAN - Somewhere Far Beyond
Arriving at album #3 with Somewhere Far Beyond, Blind Guardian were already coming into what would become their trademark power metal sound, while still clinging on to their early speed metal roots. This record also gave birth to one of the band's trademark songs, which is "The Bard's Song - In The Forest". Anyone who's a Blind Guardian fan and has been to a show can't wait for this moment where the entire audience sings along. When I saw the band live, I certainly couldn't wait for that moment. Besides that track, how could you ignore the other great tracks like "Time What Is Time", "Journey Through The Dark", "Somewhere Far Beyond" and "Ashes To Ashes"? Classic record!
Arriving at album #3 with Somewhere Far Beyond, Blind Guardian were already coming into what would become their trademark power metal sound, while still clinging on to their early speed metal roots. This record also gave birth to one of the band's trademark songs, which is "The Bard's Song - In The Forest". Anyone who's a Blind Guardian fan and has been to a show can't wait for this moment where the entire audience sings along. When I saw the band live, I certainly couldn't wait for that moment. Besides that track, how could you ignore the other great tracks like "Time What Is Time", "Journey Through The Dark", "Somewhere Far Beyond" and "Ashes To Ashes"? Classic record!
05. ICED EARTH - Night Of The Stormrider
Even though Iced Earth's Night Of The Stormrider was actually released in 1991, it was released in 1992 in North America, so that's why it's featured on this list. This record is without a doubt one of Iced Earth's most underrated records. This is when they were still in their thrash realm, but you could hear little hints of their trademark epic sound. The concept is a really strong concept as well. Watching some of the guitar covers of the title track has my wrists in pain, even though I'm not a guitarist. It looks like it's a real pain in the ass to play with the constant galloping riffs. I think it would be nice if the band played some songs from this record a bit more often.
Even though Iced Earth's Night Of The Stormrider was actually released in 1991, it was released in 1992 in North America, so that's why it's featured on this list. This record is without a doubt one of Iced Earth's most underrated records. This is when they were still in their thrash realm, but you could hear little hints of their trademark epic sound. The concept is a really strong concept as well. Watching some of the guitar covers of the title track has my wrists in pain, even though I'm not a guitarist. It looks like it's a real pain in the ass to play with the constant galloping riffs. I think it would be nice if the band played some songs from this record a bit more often.
04. ALICE IN CHAINS - Dirt
Alice In Chains have always released great music, except for their self-titled third album, which wasn't quite as good as the other albums. The new stuff they're currently doing with William DuVall is amazing, but there's no touching those first two records. Dirt was the band's breakthrough record and it's also heavier than Facelift. With a great collection of masterpiece songs like "Them Bones", "Dam That River", "Down In A Hole", "Rain When I Die", "Angry Chair", "Junkhead", "Rooster" and "Would?" just to name a few, it's no wonder why this one of 1992's best albums, let alone one of the best albums in hard rock and metal. 2017 also marked the 15th anniversary of Layne's passing. R.I.P to one of the best voices that ever lived, and while we're on the subject, R.I.P. also to Mike Starr.
Alice In Chains have always released great music, except for their self-titled third album, which wasn't quite as good as the other albums. The new stuff they're currently doing with William DuVall is amazing, but there's no touching those first two records. Dirt was the band's breakthrough record and it's also heavier than Facelift. With a great collection of masterpiece songs like "Them Bones", "Dam That River", "Down In A Hole", "Rain When I Die", "Angry Chair", "Junkhead", "Rooster" and "Would?" just to name a few, it's no wonder why this one of 1992's best albums, let alone one of the best albums in hard rock and metal. 2017 also marked the 15th anniversary of Layne's passing. R.I.P to one of the best voices that ever lived, and while we're on the subject, R.I.P. also to Mike Starr.
03. TESTAMENT - The Ritual
Following a steady trajectory of amazing thrash albums, Testament headed down the path many metal bands went down in the early 90s. It was referred to as the band's Black Album at the time. To this day, The Ritual remains a criminally underrated album, but "Electric Crown" became one of the band's biggest songs and goes over incredibly well in the live set. "Return To Serenity" is not only a great ballad, but you can slow dance to it. Aside from these songs, some of my other favourites include "The Sermon", "Let Go Of My World", "Deadline" and "As The Seasons Grey". There were a couple of "lasts" with The Ritual. It would be the last album to feature the original lineup and it's the last album that Louie Clemente appeared on before going out of music. It would also be the last to feature Alex Skolnick before his return to the band in 2005. In terms of sales, it's one of Testament's best sellers.
Following a steady trajectory of amazing thrash albums, Testament headed down the path many metal bands went down in the early 90s. It was referred to as the band's Black Album at the time. To this day, The Ritual remains a criminally underrated album, but "Electric Crown" became one of the band's biggest songs and goes over incredibly well in the live set. "Return To Serenity" is not only a great ballad, but you can slow dance to it. Aside from these songs, some of my other favourites include "The Sermon", "Let Go Of My World", "Deadline" and "As The Seasons Grey". There were a couple of "lasts" with The Ritual. It would be the last album to feature the original lineup and it's the last album that Louie Clemente appeared on before going out of music. It would also be the last to feature Alex Skolnick before his return to the band in 2005. In terms of sales, it's one of Testament's best sellers.
02. PANTERA - Vulgar Display Of Power
Having a list of the best albums of 1992 without including Pantera's Vulgar Display Of Power would just not be right. One of the most important and greatest records of all time, and my favourite Pantera record. Even though I was still in the womb when this record came out, I can only imagine listening to Cowboys From Hell back then, and then hearing the heaviness go up a few more notches on Vulgar, especially with "Walk", "Mouth For War", "Fucking Hostile", "A New Level", "Rise" and "Regular People (Conceit)". My first exposure to this record was hearing "Walk" on daytime rock radio. Yeah, daytime rock radio. Somebody called in to request it and they played it. I remember 5 years ago when the 20th anniversary edition of the album was coming out, there was so much hype about the release of the "Piss" bonus track, and it premiered at the 2012 Revolver Golden Gods Awards, and I was one of the many people watching the live stream just to hear the world premiere of the track. With Dimebag being the master of riffs he is, he crafted amazing riffs on every Pantera record, but he really created his best on Vulgar. The verse riff in "Mouth For War" is one of my favourite riffs ever. The feeling I get when I hear that riff is indescribable because it's so menacing and crushing, as are all the riffs, but that one in particular is quite possibly the angriest riff Dime has written.
Having a list of the best albums of 1992 without including Pantera's Vulgar Display Of Power would just not be right. One of the most important and greatest records of all time, and my favourite Pantera record. Even though I was still in the womb when this record came out, I can only imagine listening to Cowboys From Hell back then, and then hearing the heaviness go up a few more notches on Vulgar, especially with "Walk", "Mouth For War", "Fucking Hostile", "A New Level", "Rise" and "Regular People (Conceit)". My first exposure to this record was hearing "Walk" on daytime rock radio. Yeah, daytime rock radio. Somebody called in to request it and they played it. I remember 5 years ago when the 20th anniversary edition of the album was coming out, there was so much hype about the release of the "Piss" bonus track, and it premiered at the 2012 Revolver Golden Gods Awards, and I was one of the many people watching the live stream just to hear the world premiere of the track. With Dimebag being the master of riffs he is, he crafted amazing riffs on every Pantera record, but he really created his best on Vulgar. The verse riff in "Mouth For War" is one of my favourite riffs ever. The feeling I get when I hear that riff is indescribable because it's so menacing and crushing, as are all the riffs, but that one in particular is quite possibly the angriest riff Dime has written.
01. MEGADETH - Countdown To Extinction
What else can I say about Megadeth's Countdown To Extinction that I haven't said already? It's where I discovered Megadeth and I think just because of the impact this record had on me, and with the strength of the songs, it deserves to be #1 on my list of 1992 albums. Although it didn't grab me fully at first listen, it did sometime later. Nowadays, I don't listen to "Symphony Of Destruction" all that much. Not that it's a bad song, I love the song, but I've heard it so much that I can pretty much take it only in limited doses now. Being a big fan of the Megadeth deep cuts, "Architecture Of Aggression" is in my top 3 favourite Megadeth songs, and I wish that they would include that song a bit more in the live set. Countdown To Extinction serves as the perfect middle ground between their thrash roots from the previous four records and the more straightforward, melodic direction they would go in with Youthanasia and Cryptic Writings. In terms of songwriting contributions, this would also be the first Megadeth album that had contributions from all four members, as opposed to just Dave Mustaine and one or two from David Ellefson. It would've also been cool if the band brought the 20th anniversary tour of the album in 2012 to Toronto because I would've loved to see the band play the album in full. Then I could've heard "Architecture".
What else can I say about Megadeth's Countdown To Extinction that I haven't said already? It's where I discovered Megadeth and I think just because of the impact this record had on me, and with the strength of the songs, it deserves to be #1 on my list of 1992 albums. Although it didn't grab me fully at first listen, it did sometime later. Nowadays, I don't listen to "Symphony Of Destruction" all that much. Not that it's a bad song, I love the song, but I've heard it so much that I can pretty much take it only in limited doses now. Being a big fan of the Megadeth deep cuts, "Architecture Of Aggression" is in my top 3 favourite Megadeth songs, and I wish that they would include that song a bit more in the live set. Countdown To Extinction serves as the perfect middle ground between their thrash roots from the previous four records and the more straightforward, melodic direction they would go in with Youthanasia and Cryptic Writings. In terms of songwriting contributions, this would also be the first Megadeth album that had contributions from all four members, as opposed to just Dave Mustaine and one or two from David Ellefson. It would've also been cool if the band brought the 20th anniversary tour of the album in 2012 to Toronto because I would've loved to see the band play the album in full. Then I could've heard "Architecture".
HONOURABLE MENTIONS (No Order)
| DEICIDE Legion  | MOTORHEAD March Or Die  | IRON MAIDEN Fear Of The Dark  |
There you go folks! My favourite albums of 1992! More trips back in time to come in 2018! Happy Holidays!
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