andconham's Diary

Crazy that 25 years later, System are still a one of a kind band. Toxicity would be the peak of their fairly short discography, before they traded blunt-yet-creative songwriting for kooky novelty songs. Mileage may vary with the vocals, but i can't imagine it any other way. Favourite Tracks: - Pris…

Crushing riffs and brooding vocals make up this juggernaut of a sludge metal album. It all hits hard, with the sound sitting somewhere between Korn and Swans(?). It works so well, looking forward to the new album coming out this year. Favourite Tracks: - I Am Dog Now - Frown Land - Funny Man - Camc…

Another essential album In a discography full of them. For better or worse, you can of tell this album doesn't bear the weight of expectation that their later releases would. There's a focus on moving past the sound of their debut, but doesn't feel like they are aiming for 'masterpiece'. I dig it.…

A great display of anger and depression that sits on the heavier end of Grunge music. Instrumentally it hits hard, great riffs with some tasty almost serpentine sounding bass lines throughout. All this paired with powerful vocals from Layne harmonizing well with Jerry. Not every song is a winner for…

It's darker than their debut, and better off for it. Essential goth music that keeps if fairly minimal while still holding you attention, even through the instrumental tracks. Favourite Tracks: - Play For Today - In Your House - A Forest - M

Huge album, a near-perfect debut. Timeless songs all over this, not sure what I can say that hasn't already been said 1000 times. Essential listen for rock and guitar fans. Favourite Tracks: - Babe I'm Gonna Leave You - You Shook Me - Dazed and Confused - Your Time Is Gonna Come - Communication Bre…

Classic Thrash album that sits comfortably in second place in Metallica's discography for me (behind Puppets). Great pace on all of these songs, with great reprieve in Fade to Black. Great riffs, great solos, the only thing for me that could be improved is the vocals. Not so much the performance, bu…

God damn, this album came out of nowhere. First time listener to these guys, and they may have just put out my favourite album of the year so far. Hints of 2000s rock and metalcore, but still sounds very modern. Aggressive and abrasive in parts, but the slower sections work just as well. Favourite…

A near flawless combination of Prog Opeth, and Death Metal Opeth. It's epic, it's depressing, and its all performed perfectly. The songs are long but they are a journey and never overstay their welcome. The understated section where you can hear every note, culminate well into clean Death Metal, wit…

A near perfect pop-punk record. Like Williams herself, Paramore's music is aging like fine wine which I guess is why they are finding a new crowd with TikTok. Alternating between upbeat rock tunes and powerful ballads, this album doesn't really dip in quality throughout its runtime. Favourite Track…

Dillinger's most accessible album in their discography here, pairing abrasive math-rock riffs with catchy hooks and chunky breakdowns. It's a combination that works well. Favourite Tracks: - When I Lost My Bet - One of Us is the Killer - Hero of the Societ Union - Paranoia Shields - Crossburner

Man it's a shame how hard these guys fell off, because their first two albums are genuinely great. Great modern blues rock, with great riffs, good vocals, and catchy songwriting. Favourite Tracks: - Lydia - Bath Salts - Mom - Bloodfeather - Claudeland

Deftones best album since Koi No Yokan in my opinion. That great juxtaposition of heavy riffs and soft vocals still sounds as good as it ever did. Production is great. After a few more listens this grade might be bumped up a bit, great stuff. 19.04.2026 Edit - Having listened through this multiple…

An excellent collab here between Trent Reznor and Boys Noize. Classic and lesser known track from the Nine Inch Nails catalogue are reporposed with dark, heavy, synth to create an awesome Industrial bass album. Wish I could've seen this set at Coachella, hopefully they do a world tour. Also here's h…

Has there ever been another discography that is 'all killer no filler'? If not, I think this might be the first. RTJ reduce the posturing and dick jokes, and cone through with probably their most lyrically potent album yet. Praying for a follow up because if there was ever a time for a new RTJ album…

RTJ sound settled into their groove here. Less 'kicking in the door', but rather sounding like have been doing this forever and can do it easily. It's maybe a bit less cheeky than RTJ2, with the political state of things at the time influencing a more serious tone for the most part. Great beats, gre…

Improves on the already great RTJ1 in every way. Great production, great flows, great lyricism. Alternates between tongue-in-cheek, and earnest perfectly. Still sounds fresh and relevant today. Favourite Tracks: - Oh my Darling - Blockbuster Night Pt 1 - Close Your Eyes - Lie Cheat Steal - Love Aga…

Somehow The Strokes managed to make their final album their best. Retaining some of the energy from their first few albums, while coming through with a more mature sound overall. Favourite Tracks: - The Adults Are Talking - Selfless - Bad Decision - Not The Same Anymore - Ode To The Mets

A near perfect neo-soul album. Brimming with personality, perfectly produced, well written, and sung beautifully. A bittersweet reminder of what could have been one of the defining voices of the century. Favourite Tracks: - You Know I'm No Good - Back To Black - Love Is A Losing Game - Tears Dry In…

This album rips, maybe their best album since Ashes of the Wake? LoG sound revitalized here and are as aggressive and groovy as ever. The riffs are tight, the breakdowns groovy, and the vocals are visceral. My top album of the year so far, for sure. Favourite Tracks: - Into Oblivion - Sepsis - St C…

I mean, it's a bonfied classic for a reason. Prince laying down jams, as only Prince can. Combining funk, soul, disco, rock and everything else he's made a near perfect album that is capped by one of the best songs of all time. Classic/10 Favourite Tracks: - Take Me With U - Computer Blue - When Do…

This album rips so hard. Abrasive hardcore, punk, and hip hop combine to make a one of a kind listen. I can't wait to see what these guys do next. Favourite Tracks: - Gold Chain Punk - Coming Correct Is Cheaper - Jump!! - John J - GODBLESSYALLREALGOOD - Spiritual Level Of Gang Shit

Dire Straits killed it with this one. Front loaded with poppier tunes and getting more progressive as the album goes on, and concluding with one of my favourite songs from their catalogue. Favourite Tracks: - So Far Away - Money For Nothing - Walk Of Life - Your Latest Trick - Why Worry - Brothers…

An excellent follow up to their debut. Strokes continue with their timeless brand of indie rock. Short, snappy catchy tunes carry the album along. A brief, but never outstanding it's welcome. Favourite Tracks: - Reptilia - Automatic Stop - 12:51 - You Talk Way Too Much - Meet Me In The Bathroom - U…

All killer no filler (almost). LP picks up where they left off with another set of killer tracks, providing another short sprint of an album featuring clean, heavy nu-metal at its best. The scream/rap combo sounds as good as it did previously over some tasty riffs and sweet breakdowns. Favourite Tr…