06) Manes, Ned I Stillheten (Demo)
Like the artist behind our next pick, the pioneering Manes is one of the very-very few black metal bands that you absolutely need to know. Although Manes is no longer black metal in the traditional sense, the group is still black metal in spirit… except, again, they are better than the rest. Manes released three historic demos before their debut album, Under Ein Blodraud Maane (1999). Their stylistic shift can be heard on their next triumph, Vilosophe (2003).
Ned I Stillheten became the outfit’s second demo, showcasing Sargatanas on vocals and Cernunnus on all instruments. Two of the songs, one of which had already been featured on the first demo, were included on Under Ein Blodraud Maane, and another was re-recorded by Cern an Sargatanas for the Manii EP Skuggeheimen, which we ranked as one of the best. I could literally sing the praises of the genius of these two men until someone knocks me unconscious.
07) Ved Buens Ende, Those Who Caress the Pale (Demo)
Those Who Caress the Pale is one of the greatest black metal offerings of all time. The unsurpassed Vicotnik provides guitars and harsh vocals, Carl-Michael Eide handles drums and clean vocals, and Skoll kills on bass and keyboards. Romantic, poetic, dark, and full of lament, Those Who Caress the Pale is a masterpiece that anyone should be able to appreciate. This gem may have been technically released as a demo originally, but it is absolutely perfect in its own right. It was later issued as an EP in 1997, and two of its songs ended up on VBE’s debut album, Written in Waters (1995).
08) Pantera, Far Beyond Driven
Pantera’s fourth record with frontman Phil Anselmo and their seventh counting from the start of their journey onward, Far Beyond Driven is one of the very best metal offerings ever to have been crafted on American soil. Eternal respect to Phil, the departed brothers Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul, and finally Rex Brown for their superiority as artists. A beautiful monument of strength, Far Beyond Driven ends with a heart-rending and unforgettable cover of Black Sabbath’s “Planet Caravan.” If you don’t like this knockout album, you are hereby challenged to “5 Minutes Alone.”
09) Stone Temple Pilots, Purple
Frontman Scott Weiland (R.I.P.) was truly a generational talent. Without a doubt and by far, this chameleon of a vocalist and wordsmith of a lyricist was the best part of Stone Temple Pilots, a group that has sadly degenerated into a joke without him. A totally different album than STP’s outrageously excellent debut, Core (1992), Purple will always be remembered as STP’s equally sensational sophomore effort. Although each track on Purple is a winner, regardless of its level of fame, it is worth noting that the album spawned commercial hits like “Vasoline,” “Big Empty,” and “Interstate Love Song.” Weiland fans will furthermore be celebrating the 20th anniversary of Velvet Revolver’s Contraband on June 8, the day after Purple’s anniversary.
10) Gorefest, Erase
Erase stands as the third full-length offering by the now defunct, influential Dutch outfit Gorefest. The album is, of course, named after the record’ s second track, which became a successful single. Although Erase is a death metal effort, the band’s transition into death n’ roll can be heard here.
