Next Friday (19), one-man progressive metal machine Ryan Duke’s project, Fortis Amor, will be releasing a self-titled album. Following two EP’s, Fortis Amor consists of earlier material from Ryan. The 10-track album will appeal to fans of Between the Buried and Me and Nevermore, and while Ryan created almost everything on the album, it does feature guest solos from Jack Daniels (War of Ages, Hope for the Dying) and Zack Uidl (formerly of 7 Horns 7 Eyes).
Duke curated a Spotify playlist of songs that inspire him, and gave us a sentence or two about each. Listen to it below, and if you feel so inspired, follow both it and Metal Insider on Spotify. Fortis Amor will be released next Friday (19) and can be pre-ordered here.
The Ocean, “Bathyalpelagic I: Impasses”
Another very underrated band, this song really shows some excellent songwriting.
Chelsea Wolfe, “Iron Moon”
If you haven’t heard this song then listen now!
Gojira, “The Axe”
One of the best metal albums ever written. The Axe is a song which really gives you plenty of the heavy and the melodic.
Eleven, “No Ground”
Eleven is one of the most underrated bands ever. No Ground is led by the late Natasha Shneider’s haunting howls and groans. By the end of it I can’t not be moved. It’s a chill song for the most part, but I want to go crazy dancing every time I hear it.
Dredg, “Of The Room”
This is a simple song, but is absolutely beautify, yet quirky, and heavy. The change two minutes into it is perfection. Plus I can never get enough of Gavin Hayes crooning and belting.
Faith No More, “Cuckoo For Caca”
One of FNM’s heaviest song, if not the heaviest. And it is one of my favorite songs of all time. Top 5 at least. Mostly due to the energy and Mike Patton ridiculously screaming gibberish like a Banshee.
Meshuggah, “Dancers To A Discordant System”
9.5 minutes of the heaviest groove ever. My favorite Meshuggah song, if I had to choose one.
Smashing Pumpkins, “Soma”
This song has been a favorite of mine since its release in 1993. It’s dynamics really take you to another place as great songs do, and the movement of melody is captivating.
Timbre, “I Am In The Garden”
Mesmerizing. Timbre is unbelievably talented in performance and songwriting.
Isis, “20 Minutes/40 Years”
I have been listening to this album regularly since its release in 2009. This song might be the masterpiece of everything that Isis has done.
