Slaves and masters

SABBAT (J) - Sabbat [DVD109/1985] 5/5=Their very first EP, just two tracks but they are perfect examples of this band's raw-roots style, an obvious Venom influence but it was great.
SABBAT (J) - Born By Evil Blood [CD/1987] 4/10=An early EP from these sick Japanese fucks, the songs are primal crossover thrash/punk, perhaps not as metal as they would become but still quite fun.
SABBAT (J) - The Seven Deadly Sins [DVD109/1990] 4/5=The two tracks on this EP were fucking incredible, truly thrashy and brutal.
SABBAT (J) - Envenom [CD/1991] 8/10=Proof of how awesome this band has always been, they were writing awesome albums as far back as 1991.
SABBAT (J) - Evoke [CD/1992] 9/10=This band could basically do no wrong, and they really still can't, fucking intense old school occult metal.
SABBAT (J) - Disembody [CD/1993] 9/10=Possibly my favorite Sabbat album of the entire early phase of their career, metal up the ass.
SABBAT (J) - Fetishism [CD/1994] 9/10=Pure Celtic Frost worshiping filth, but fuck it if these guys aren't just as good as early Celtic Frost. What a record.
SABBAT (J) - Black Up Your Soul [CD/1994] 8/10=Some of the tracks are from previous releases but there was a bunch of unreleased tracks. A lot of high quality here as you come to expect from the Japanese legends.
SABBAT (J) - For Satan and Sacrifice [CD/1995] 7/10=Probably not my favorite Sabbat record, but this is still filthy, raw, and punishing, and I will beat you senseless if you claim otherwise.
SABBAT (J) - The Dwelling [CD/1996] 10/10=Just because the original Sabbat was such a great band, don't write off the Japanese outfit of the same name. Unique and excellent black/thrash crossover. One song, one hour long.
SABBAT (J) - Karisma [CD/1999] 10/10=This is brilliant evil black metal here, fucking excellence. Tortured vocals mixed with more traditional black, great guitar work, and even managing to work in Japanese cultural influence.
SABBAT (J) - Satanasword [CD/2000] 9/10=Another amazing record by these Japanese sick fucks, the higher vocals can get a little tiring so that is the only reason for a point off of this. Track this the fuck down.
SABBAT (J) - Karmagmassacre [CD/2003] 9/10=This band is simply incredible, with their excellent hybrid of raw classic speed and black metal. Point off only for some of the more annoying high vocals, otherwise a goddamned legend.
SABBAT (J) - To Praise the Sabbatical Queen [CD/2004]
SABBAT (J) - Temis Osmonslaught [DVD109/2004] 3/5=Love the tunes but the vocals are a bit too ridiculous here on this EP.
SABBAT (J) - Sabbatical Satanichrist Slaughter [DVD105/2004] 4/5=Triple EP collection from the venerable Japanese Sabbat. Raw and hellish.
SABBAT (J)/GOAT SEMEN - Sabbatical Goat Semen [DVD144/2006] 3/5=The Sabbat side is very raw live set, Goat Semen is a band from Peru doing decent raw death/thrash metal.

SABBAT (UK) - Magick in Theory and Practice [CD/1985] 2/10=A great fucking band, one of the greatest, don't get me wrong...but you don't need their demos, skip right to their LPs.
SABBAT (UK) - Fragments of a Faith Forgotten [CD/1986] 2/10=Again, you can hear this band in wonderful form on their first two full-length albums, so don't bother with the demos.
SABBAT (UK) - History of a Time to Come [CD/1988] 9/10=Hell yes, witty occult speed/thrash metal legends out of the UK, this was one of my favorite albums at the time and it's only lost a little of its sheen since then...
SABBAT (UK) - Dreamweaver [CD/1989] 10/10=...whereas this album lost nothing over the decades, fucking excellent stuff here and all highly memorable, with Martin Walkyier's penchant for great lyrics and dark occult/historic themes.

SACRIFICE (CAN) - The Exorcism [CD/1985] 5/10=An album-length demo, worth having for all fans, since the sound quality was comparable to their first two albums.
SACRIFICE (CAN) - Torment in Fire [CD/1986] 6/10=Okay, they were Canada's 2nd best thrash band after Razor, of course, this album has that same dirty, fast sound as Razor but just isn't quite up to snuff.
SACRIFICE (CAN) - Forward to Termination [CD/1987] 8/10=Much better than the previous album, this is some kickass speed/thrash and I'd say they were Canada's answer to the mighty Sodom by this point. One of the great thrash album titles.
SACRIFICE (CAN) - Soldiers of Misfortune [CD/1990] 8/10=Another tight thrash album from this Canadian group, forgotten in the annals of metal history, perhaps, but not forgotten by me.
SACRIFICE (CAN) - Apocalypse Inside [CD/1993] 8/10=Actually their 4th album, and every bit as good as their previous work although not quite eclipsing it, but this is their most unique work and worth hearing/owning for thrash buffs.

SADUS - Chemical Exposure [CD/1988] 7/10=This one was known as 'Illusions' when the band released it as a promotional item, it's pretty damn good and the bass, while prominent, hasn't completely taken over their sound.
SADUS - Swallowed in Black [CD/1990] 8/10=Perhaps their most vicious album, and my favorite by them, the bass is great but subdued in the mix so it doesn't ruin the overall sound.
SADUS - A Vision of Misery [CD/1992] 6/10=A skin shredding Bay Area thrash band, no doubt, but for all his prowess on the bass, I do not like how DiGiorgio has it all trebly and popping out in the mix, sounds like crap.
SADUS - Chronicles of Chaos [CD/1997] 2/10=Compilation....compiiiilllaaaattttiiionn....selling back what you got with a few extra spots...commppiiiilllllaaaation. (ed. forgive me, I was drunk at the time).
SADUS - Elements of Anger [CD/1997] 6/10=Steve DiGiorgio is a great bass player but I've never liked how he's so prominent in the mix, it really weakens their sound...otherwise a good speed/thrash album with a lot of prog elements.
SADUS - Death to Posers [CD/2003] 4/10=A re-issue of their demo with some extra material, I really just didn't care.
SADUS - Out for Blood [CDx2/2006] 8/10=Now THIS is what I am talking about, a great return to form, the best Sadus since Swallowed in Black. 16 years was a while to wait, but worth it, DiGirgio all over the place.

SAMAEL - Into the Infernal Storm of Evil [CD/1987] 3/10=A demo in their early black/death style, which would obviously improve on their actual albums.
SAMAEL - Medieval Prophecy [CD/1988] 1/10=What do I say? It's Samael but you'll hear better versions of these songs later, pretty worthless.
SAMAEL - Worship Him/Blood Ritual [CDx2/1991-92] 7/10=This is their two earlier albums, classic Swiss black metal in a style all their own.
SAMAEL - Ceremony of Opposites [CD/1994] 7/10=I enjoyed this but unlike many I don't think it's their best, not by a longshot. Clearly shows the dawn of their transition.
SAMAEL - Rebellion [CD/1995] 5/10=Decent EP with some okay songs.
SAMAEL - Passage/Xytras Passage [CDx2/1996] 10/10=Passage is absolutely brilliant atmospheric black metal, one of my favorite records ever...the instrumental version is okay as background music. Did I mention I love this?
SAMAEL - Exodus [CD/1998] 5/10=EP with some Samael songs, but pretty forgettable.
SAMAEL - Eternal [CD/1999] 9/10=I get a lot of slack for this. It has a washy production and the songs are 'pretty', so many of the elite hate it. Fuck you elite, it's a great album with great songs.
SAMAEL - Telepath [CD/2004] 1/10=Just not much to recommend, a single with a karaoke track, non-album track, and album tracks, guess which one gets the point.
SAMAEL - Reign of Light [CD/2004] 8/10=Don't be offset by the tribal rapping vocals, or the peace/love lyrics, or the Rammstein-ism in some tracks...this is another killer in the vein of Passage or Eternal yet they continue to expand, five years was worth the wait!
SAMAEL - On Earth [CD/2005] 3/10=A little EP from Samael, one track from Reign of Light, a Depeche Mode cover, a remix of 'On Earth' and the German version. If you liked Reign of Light pick it up if it's cheap.
SAMAEL - Era One/Lesson in Magic #1 [CD/2006] 7/10=Two discs, not quite a new album as these have been sitting around for a few years, this is almost completely electronic material, though you might expect such a shift.
SAMAEL - Solar Soul [CD/2007] 9/10=Excellent new record, and thank the stars, this is better than Reign of Light and almost on par with Eternal. There is life yet in Samael.

SAMHAIN - Initium [CD/1984] 8/10=Over the years I have gained a great appreciation for the original Misfits work with Danzig. This was his follow-up band, far more goth sounding, but also great. A killer record.
SAMHAIN - Unholy Passion [CD/1985] 6/10=An EP, so six points for six songs. Damn, Danzig will NOT let up until the later solo albums, I swear. Almost everything he did kicked major ass.
SAMHAIN - November Coming Fire [CD/1986] 9/10=Excellent Samhain record, my favorite of their work. This is pure goth/punk evil, with Danzig's Elvis crooning and great lyrics front and center.
SAMHAIN - Final Descent [CD/1990] 7/10=It had been a few years but they came back blazing, they still sound great here and I like this only marginally less than Initium and November Coming Fire.
SAMHAIN - Live '85-'86 [CD/2002] 4/10=It sounds like Samhain, playing live...

SANCTUARY - Refuge Denied [CD/1988] 9/10=Mighty, mighty album, only docked a point because it has a few tracks weaker than the rest, better than anything Nevermore ever did later.
SANCTUARY - Into the Mirror Black [CD/1990] 8/10=This was almost as mighty as the first album, but I didn't get into it as much until a few listens.

SANDERS, KARL - Saurian Meditation [CD/????]

SATANIC WARMASTER - Bloody Ritual [CD/1999] 8/10=Filthy, vile, and evil black metal, what the more do you fucking want? Satanic Warmaster delivers.
SATANIC WARMASTER - Strength & Honour [CD/2001] 8/10=Sounds a lot better than Bloody Ritual, but the music is of the same quality. This is one of the more consistent underground kvlt black metal acts.
SATANIC WARMASTER - Black Katharsis [DVD53/2002] 4/5=Great EP of primal Finnish black metal from one of the best in the field.
SATANIC WARMASTER - Opferblut [CD/2003] 8/10=Another solid slab of disdain for humanity and general evil all around, Satanic Warmaster live up to their name and their reputation for no nonsense, grim black metal.
SATANIC WARMASTER - ...of the Night [DVD53/2004] 4/5=Another great EP, two tracks at around 20 minutes.
SATANIC WARMASTER - Carelian Satanist Madness [CD/2005] 8/10=Punishing but glorious Finnish evil here, your typical Darkthrone sound but done with excellence and conviction. Purist necro BM fans rejoice.
SATANIC WARMASTER - Black Metal Massacre [DVD33/2007] 3/5=Live vinyl, sounds crappy but sounds like they are fun to see live.
SATANIC WARMASTER - Revelations [DVD80/2007] 4/5=The Sign of Fighters' Storm! Hail Satan!

SATYRICON - All Evil demo [CD/1992] 4/10=Their original demo, and quite an evil one as the title implies. Sounds pretty terrible but that doesn't hinder the charm of the songwriting.
SATYRICON - Dark Medieval Times [CD/1994] 7/10=A kvlt classic, and a pretty sweet album, though it simple alternates between acoustic folk passages and your friendly neighborhood, typical Norwegian black metal.
SATYRICON - The Shadowthrone [CD/1995] 8/10=Somewhat darker, somewhat more epic than Dark Medieval Times (if that is possible), and better in my opinion.
SATYRICON - The Forest is My Throne [CD/1995] 6/10=Yeah, I have a separate rip of this with just the Satyricon tracks, pretty good, grim stuff and about 20+ minutes of it.
SATYRICON - Nemesis Divina [CD/1996] 9/10=For years, I never quite got this album, always had it around but never truly enjoyed it. Not long ago, it finally struck me. This is fucking sick, with some great evil riffs and production.
SATYRICON - Intermezzo II [CD/1999] 4/10=This is the EP where the elite suddenly lost their hard-on for Satyricon. One track from upcoming album, a remix of 'Nemesis Divina', and two other cuts. Not as bad as they told you.
SATYRICON - Rebel Extravaganza [CD/1999] 9/10=Fuck, I really love this one too...I cannot see the problem everyone had with it. What, because it's different and dynamic and Satyr wants to explore sound a little? Fuck off.
SATYRICON - Protect the Wealth of the Elite [CD/2000] 0/10=Limited vinyl RIPOFF. Just because your recent albums rule doesn't give you a right to do this shit you fuckers.
SATYRICON - Ten Horns Ten Diadems [CD/2002] 0/10=Someone is getting a wee bit corporate, do you think? I stick with you guys in your musical choices, but I will not look past this type of bullshit.
SATYRICON - Volcano [CD/2002] 9/10=They slow down quite a bit for this, but it's still Satyricon despite the Celtic Frost/Darkthrone influence, and it is still an excellent album I've listened to dozens of times with no regret.
SATYRICON - Now Diabolical [CD/2006] 7/10=Still maintains that simple style of Volcano, but even slower and more simplified. Still interesting, but I just didn't find the wealth of riffs and atmosphere of the last record.
SATYRICON - My Skin is Cold [DVD126/2008] 3/5=You get three new tracks that sound like Now Diabolical outtakes, and two live tunes with a symphony.

SAURON (HOL) - True Hate Embodiment [DVD56/2000] 4/5=Badass EP, a great sampler for what would come in the years ahead.
SAURON (HOL) - Universe of Filth [DVD56/2003] 8/10=Killer debut album from one of the very best of the Dutch black metal bands.
SAURON (HOL) - For a Dead Race [DVD56/2004] 8/10=Second album and it does not disappoint, great Dutch black metal.
SAURON (HOL) - The Channeling Void [CD/2007] 9/10=A fantastic album, probably the best Dutch black metal I've ever heard. Searing, scathing songs that are each distinct and memorable, primal but clear production. Awesome.

SAVAGE CIRCUS - The Dreamland Manor [CD/2005] 8/10=Thomen the ex-drummer from Blind Guardian teams up with Piet Sielk of Iron Savior and two guys from Persuader, to completely clone mid-era Blind Guardian...but not bad!

SAVATAGE - Sirens [CD/1983] 9/10=Killer early metal album by this band from Florida, with a sound and tone all their own.
SAVATAGE - The Dungeons are Calling [CD/1984] 7/10=A great EP because it has songs not on other albums and actual good songs that aren't on other albums.
SAVATAGE - Power of the Night [CD/1985] 7/10=They got a bit more commercial here by signing to Atlantic and played a more hard rock style, but still Savatage and still a good album.
SAVATAGE - Fight for the Rock [CD/1986] 5/10=Same style as Power of the Night, but not as good song-wise.
SAVATAGE - Hall of the Mountain King [CD/1987] 9/10=The closest they've ever come to perfect, an album everyone should know and own.
SAVATAGE - Gutter Ballet [CD/1989] 7/10=This would set the tone for their following album, some nice heavy songs here but the ballads are forgettable.
SAVATAGE - Streets: A Rock Opera [CD/1991] 7/10=I'm reviewing this as the rock opera it is...and it's quite good, same style as the previous album but perhaps more polished. Jon gets goofy at times, but not enough to ruin the album.

SAXON - Saxon [CD/1979] 7/10=Here is a band that rocked from the start, this might sound primitive by today's standards but there is no doubt, 100% pure heavy fucking metal.
SAXON - Wheels of Steel [CD/1980] 8/10=Better than the debut, this one's the first with the real catchy, memorable tunes like the title track, 'Motorcycle Man', and '747'.
SAXON - Strong Arm of the Law [CD/1980] 8/10=Dirtier than the first two records, and knee deep in heavy metal thunder, man, and of course it's got that classic title track.
SAXON - Denim and Leather [CD/1981] 8/10=Four albums deep now and really coming into their own, their NWOBHM sound is undeniable and unforgettable for fans of true classic metal.
SAXON - The Eagle Has Landed [CD/1982] 5/10=If you're going to buy a live album, it might as well be from someone like Saxon, but that doesn't make it okay to sell your fans live albums.
SAXON - Power and the Glory [CD/1983] 8/10=Of course they're not the most impressive band in the world musically, but they do what they do and they never fail to deliver a quality album, and another title track legend.
SAXON - Crusader [CD/1984] 7/10=This wasn't a personal favorite for me, but it's still a good Saxon album, songs like 'Set Me Free' rocked out pretty well.
SAXON - Innocence is No Excuse [CD/1985] 8/10=Hahaha...I've always been amused by how many Saxon songs have the word 'rock' in them...but to be honest, it's fitting, because they really do rock.
SAXON - Rock the Nations [CD/1986] 7/10=HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHahahahah....touche, motherfuckers, touche.
SAXON - Destiny [CD/1988] 9/10=Fans and critics alike seemed to slag this album...it might be more commercial but every song on this one is excellent, memorable, and emotionally charged, one of my very favorite Saxon records.
SAXON - Rock'n'Roll Gypsies [CD/1989] 5/10=One of the many Saxon live albums...with a similar selection of songs to the others, but still, the band sounds good in the stage setting, and it has 'rock' in the title again.
SAXON - Solid Ball of Rock [CD/1991] 8/10=HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAAHAHHAHAAhahahahhaha....life might get my goose once in awhile, but I'll always have my Saxon :)
SAXON - Forever Free [CD/1993] 7/10=Well into the 90s and their brand of straightforward hard rock/heavy metal is somehow still fun and relevant, another good album just not a favorite.
SAXON - Dogs of War [CD/1995] 8/10=Here I think the band has started to modernize the sound a bit, the songs have more depth and show Saxon have a lot of vitality left.
SAXON - The Eagle Has Landed Pt. II [CDx2/1996] 4/10=Alright, I know they've been around for awhile but it doesn't excuse all the fucking live albums, especially when one has to import most of them...and come on, a SEQUEL live album?
SAXON - Unleash the Beast [CD/1997] 9/10=Heaviest Saxon yet, very modern and the songwriting is excellent, this is almost perfect.
SAXON - Metalhead [CD/1999] 9/10=A new classic title track and the rest of the album is pretty fucking good too, and heavy.
SAXON - Killing Ground [CDx2/2001] 7/10=For some reason I wasn't as impressed with this as the last three...it's a strong record but has little of the hookline catchiness of their more recent material, the bonus disc with rerecorded classics is nice though.
SAXON - Lionheart [CD/2004] 8/10=And right back with a stronger effort, you go, Saxon, you go. I like this album and have spun it many times.
SAXON - The Eagle Has Landed Pt. III [CDx2/2006] 5/10=Another two disc live set in this series from Saxon. Sounds great, that's about all I can say.
SAXON - The Inner Sanctum [CD/2007] 10/10=It's 2007 and Saxon is FUCKING PERFECT. Every song on this album is pure bliss for any NWOBHM fan or diehard Saxonite. Be ashamed if you don't like this, for you are NOT metal.

SCANNER - Hypertrace [CD/1988] 9/10=Their first and best album, sci-fi themed German power metal, with riff after riff of great melodies and killer shrieking vocals.
SCANNER - Terminal Earth [CD/1990] 8/10=Great melodic German metal, I love almost every song here.
SCANNER - Mental Reservation [CD/1995] 6/10=Quality stuff but not as good as their earlier albums, perhaps due to lineup change.
SCANNER - Ball of the Damned [CD/1997] 6/10=About the same quality as Mental Reservation, passable not not that good.
SCANNER - Scantropolis [CD/2002] 6/10=Another almost totally different lineup, this is a lame album that manages to have memorable songs...and that's the bottom line. Girl vocals too, but they sound Scanner.

SCARVE - Translucence [CD/2000] 8/10=These guys are an intriguing band from France who play a sort of progressive melodic death metal, really sounds like few other bands except maybe SYL. This is their best record.
SCARVE - Luminiferous [CD/2002] 7/10=A more brutal attack than the debut album, but I didn't enjoy the songs quite so much. Still intriguing though.
SCARVE - Irradiant [CD/2004] 7/10=French band playing an interesting blend of Messhugah, Strapping Young Land, and other contemporary cyber/math metal, but they are in fact quite heavy and this is a noteworthy album.
SCARVE - The Undercurrent [CD/2007] 8/10=Although it is arguably their strongest album yet, I'm afraid it's not the masterpiece I was expecting. Lawrence MacKrory (ex-Darkane) does some guest vocals. Really good stuff.

SCYTHE - On My Way Home [CD/2002] 6/10=A bludgeoning Teutonic hybrid of death and thrash, this is certainly not a bad band but they need some tightening up somewhere. Still, entertaining for a listen or too, and pretty oldschool.
SCYTHE - Poetry of Illusions [CD/2003] 7/10=Mellower at points, many more guitar melodies on this record than the first, kind of a poor man's Opeth but still retaining all that thrash/death creaminess. Good record.
SCYTHE - The Process of Rotting [CD/2004] 7/10=German thrash/death metal with a nice thick guitar tone that reminds me of, but is different than the classic Swedish sound. This is a pretty good album, with some catchy riffing and should attract a lot of quality death metal fans.
SCYTHE - Decay [CD/2006] 8/10=Wow...this was quite a surprise...the band have shifted in a more melancholic direction, lots of melodies and acoustics but still keeping their death metal base. Quite a nice listen.

SEIKIMA-II - Akuma Ga Kitarite Heavy Metal [CD/1985] 8/10=A truly lost gem here, one has to wonder why this excellent cult Japanese metal band wasn't fucking huge? There is no excuse.
SEIKIMA-II - End of the Century [CD/1986] 9/10=Fucking excellent as usual, this album plays out like the Japanese equivalent to Abigail. I must re-iterate what a damn shame it was that noone caught onto these guys.
SEIKIMA-II - From Hell With Love [CD/1986] 8/10=Not as great as the other album which came out this same year (End of the Century), but still pretty fucking great shit. Seikima-II ruled.
SEIKIMA-II - Big Time Changes [CD/1987] 7/10=I didn't enjoy this as much as their previous albums, it is still worthwhile melodic 80s power metal from Japan's most underrated metal band, ever.
SEIKIMA-II - The Outer Mission [CD/1988]
SEIKIMA-II - Ai-to-Gyakusatsu no Hibi [CD/1991]
SEIKIMA-II - Frightful Restaurant [CD/1992] 8/10=Awesome record, a bit more laid back than their previous material, but in a very spooky and Japanese way...also has some kickass orchestral parts.
SEIKIMA-II - Ponk! [CD/1994] 4/10=Aside from the occasional shred or rockin' riff, there is very little 'metal' here, Seikima-II had officially bitched out.
SEIKIMA-II - News [CD/1997]
SEIKIMA-II - Living Legend [CD/1999]

SENMUTH - Bark of Ra [DVD23/2007] 7/10=Russian ethnic world music with slightly metallic elements, one can't help that without those elements it would be stronger. Pretty cool, multi-ethnic style ala Dead Can Dance.
SENMUTH - Evolution: Exodus [CD/2007] 9/10=A more psychedelic, laid back record, like a slow trance, pretty fucking excellent.
SENMUTH - Internal Images [CD/2007] 7/10=It's another decent album, probably just under the quality of Bark of Ra.
SENMUTH - Morning Depth of the Sunlight & Emptiness Inside Reason [CD/2007] 7/10=An 'acoustic' album from Senmuth, still pretty fascinating.
SENMUTH - Rain Eclipse [CD/2007] 10/10=Works so fucking well that I can't believe a human being can create so many albums in a short period of time, especially masterpieces of world music ethnic doom like this one...
SENMUTH - Ra Dhi [CD/2007] 8/10=Some of the songs bring back the industrial roots of Senmuth, but they still incorporate some ethnic stuff. Great music, but not one of his best.
SENMUTH - Ancalimon [DVD116/2007] 6/10=The downside to releasing so much work is that many of his albums are bound to be mediocre, or in the case of Senmuth slightly above mediocre.
SENMUTH - Calendar Complex [DVD116/2007] 7/10=A cool concept for a Senmuth album, it was probably inevitable, and the music here is decent too.
SENMUTH - Nature [DVD116/2007] 6/10=Loved the cover and was also hoping to love the album, unfortunately it's not one of the better Senmuth works.
SENMUTH - Planetary Dust [DVD116/2007] 7/10=I enjoyed it, again it feels like many of his works are starting to lose their individual identity since he releases so many, but this is a good one.
SENMUTH - Sthana Ekanta [DVD116/2008] 8/10=This is probably the best Senmuth record since Rain Eclipse last year...and that's impressive considering he's done about 10-15 since then.
SENMUTH - Aethiopia [DVD131/2008] 8/10=It's a very cool album with an African concept. The man Senmuth continues his proliferation.
SENMUTH - Rezonans [DVD132/2008] 7/10=This is one of his more techno-metal focused albums, it's still got some great moments and it is entertaining for what it is.
SENMUTH - Intiutana [DVD132/2008] 8/10=Another of his more tribal works, and another fantastic album.
SENMUTH - Aeonica Monumentarium [DVD132/2008] 7/10=Senmuth is pretty much the master of world ethnic music, the sheer volume and comparative quality is hard to beat, this is a good album but not one of the best.
SENMUTH - Light, Sound, Sacral Geometry and Energy [DVD132/2008] 8/10=Another fantastic record by the prolific Russian master of ethnic ambient industrial whatever. One of his best lately. Triumphant.

SENTENCED - Shadows of the Past [CD/1991] 6/10=Sentenced in their early days...aaah...quality death metal but nothing great.
SENTENCED - North From Here [CD/1993] 7/10=This album is greatly bolstered by its unique production which adds atmosphere to the melodic death riffs.
SENTENCED - Amok/Love and Death [CD/1995] 9/10=Amok is better than the EP here, but both represent Sentenced at their artistic peak, a mixture of groovy death rock and melodic classic metal.

SEPHIROTH - Cathedron [CD/1999] 9/10=Moody, kickass dark ambient/industrial music on Cold Meat Industries, one of that label's better outputs.
SEPHIROTH - Draconian Poetry [CD/1999] 9/10=Sephiroth are an incredible dark ambient band, they make great use of both percussion and atmosphere and are worth checking out for just about anyone.

SEPTIC FLESH - Temple of the Lost Race [DVD46/1991] 4/5=The debut EP from probably my favorite Greek death metal band, already showed their excellent potential. Good creepy bass, atmospheric death.
SEPTIC FLESH - Mystic Places of Dawn [CD/1994] 9/10=Many consider this the best by this Greek band, and it's hard to disagree...despite the subdued production it's great, the Hellenic answer to Tales from the Thousand Lakes.
SEPTIC FLESH - Esoptron [CD/1995] 8/10=They continue to forge some great melodic death/doom metal, with somber pianos and depressing atmosphere.
SEPTIC FLESH - Ophidian Wheel [CD/1997] 9/10=The band might not release landmark records, but they continue to release amazing records. This is arguably their best.
SEPTIC FLESH - A Fallen Temple [CD/1998] 8/10=Another solid chunk of depressive, doomy death metal laden with melodies and atmosphere.
SEPTIC FLESH - The Eldest Cosmonaut [CD/1998] 4/5=Single EP release with a couple tracks not found on A Fallen Temple, worth having for fans.
SEPTIC FLESH - Revolution DNA [CD/1999] 8/10=A different beast here than their other work...lighter, melodic death metal, but still quite good with some minor experimentation.
SEPTIC FLESH - Sumerian Daemons [CD/2003] 9/10=Brutality hath returned to this Greek band, it is a return to their early form, but without neglecting the more recent divergence found on Revolution DNA.
SEPTIC FLESH - Communion [CD/2008] 8/10=Five years and they return again...this album isn't as strong as Sumerian Daemons but it's still quite a trip.

SEPULTURA - Morbid Visions + Bestial Devastation [CD/1986] 5/10=I will often listen to this for its nostalgic purposes but it's not my favorite.
SEPULTURA - Schizophrenia [CD/1987] 5/10=This is the birth of the Sepultura we know and love, but still not a memorable album.
SEPULTURA - Beneath the Remains [CD/1989] 8/10=A great thrash album, this is Sepultura hitting their prime in stride.
SEPULTURA - Arise [CD/1991] 6/10=I don't like this as much as everyone else does, it is decent but doesn't have the killer songs like Beneath the Remains.
SEPULTURA - Under Siege [CD/1991] 1/10=Crap EP, don't waste your time.
SEPULTURA - Chaos A.D. [CD/1993] 9/10=My favorite Sepultura album, slower than Beneath the Remains but very effective and memorable, and influential.

SEVERE TORTURE - Feasting on Blood [CD/2000] 8/10=The debut album, quite sick and straightforward death metal assault from the Netherlands. This band has gotten quite huge in the underground, and justly so.
SEVERE TORTURE - Misanthropic Carnage [CD/2002] 9/10=Excellent album, in my opinion their best, all the songs are brutal but chock full of catchy riffs, superb Dutch death metal.
SEVERE TORTURE - Blood Letting [CD/2005] 5/10=Fan package from this uncompromising Dutch death metal group, with some demos tracks, a Pestilence cover (yay) and a live show.
SEVERE TORTURE - Fall of the Despised [CD/2005] 7/10=The third full-length from these Dutch death mavens, and yet another good one.
SEVERE TORTURE - Sworn Vengeance [DVD82/2007] 7/10=ANother good album from the Dutch death squad, still can't come close to their classic Misanthropic Carnage, but it is exciting and I was never bored listening to it.

SHINING - Submit to Self-Destruction [CD/1998] 3/10=Not a bad 7", but not especially good, I'll give three points for the two songs.
SHINING - Within Deep Dark Chambers [CD/2000] 7/10=First full-length by Shining, a depressing trip into the themes of suicide and self-mutilation, and in a way, encouraging of such.
SHINING - Livets Andhallplats [CD/2001] 7/10=Somewhat more subdued than the last album but probably my favorite overall.
SHINING - III Angst Sjalvdestruktiviteten Emissarie [CD/2002] 6/10=More of that suicidal black metal, there are passages here that oft remind me of the band Bethlehem, some grim stuff and not bad, Hellhammer adds the band to his resume here.
SHINING - The Darkroom Sessions [DVD106/2004] 3/5=A fan package of outtakes and rehearsals that haven't been released, sounds pretty raw and evil as you'd expect.
SHINING - IV The Eerie Cold [CD/2005] 9/10=Their most impressive record yet, urgent and suicidal depression awaits you, and some damn fine music. Highly recommended to fill that black metal void seemingly out there.
SHINING - V Halmstad [CD/2007] 8/10=The most accessible album of Shining yet, they are undergoing an evolution similar to what bands like Katatonia and Wyrd have done before. Still great though.

SIGH - Tragedies [CD/1990] 5/10=Very interesting demo...after all, how many demos can make you laugh? The keys are really cheesy here but won't they always be cheesy and interesting in Sigh?
SIGH - Requiem for the Fools [CD/1992] 5/10=Excellent 3-track EP, this was put out on Wild Rags and if I'm not mistaken, got them in the loop with Deathlike Silent productions, Mayhem, and all that Norwegian scene.
SIGH - Scorn Defeat [CD/1993] 7/10=The earlier, doomier Sigh, but much beloved.
SIGH - Infidel Art [CD/1995] 7/10=This band is incapable of doing any wrong, their style is starting to come together better here.
SIGH - Ghastly Funeral Theatre [CD/1997] 7/10=An EP, but at least its interesting and has non-album tracks.
SIGH - Hail Horror Hail [CD/1997] 8/10=Their first foray into what would be their current style, if you can even call it a style. Very melodic album here by Sigh, lot of rockin' 70s guitar solos over the great thrash riffs.
SIGH - Scenario IV: Dread Dreams [CD/1999] 9/10=This band is so damn strange, the choices they make for their music are both hilarious and brilliant. And you must love the intentionally bad thrash lyrics to go along with it.
SIGH - Imaginary Sonicscape [CD/2001] 10/10=One of the greatest, most bizarre metal bands in the world. There is not a moment of this album that is not in some capacity a work of genius.
SIGH - Gallows Gallery [CD/2005] 8/10=They have adopted a bizarre new dual vocal style and the production is a bit on the crunchy side, but Sigh have delivered yet another bizarre evolution and I'm thinking this one may grow on me.
SIGH - Hangman's Hymn [CD/2007] 9/10=It's not a masterpiece like Imaginary Sonicscape, but it's a step up from the last album. Blackened thrash metal crossbred with sweeping symphonic and spooky choral elements.
SIGH - A Tribute to Venom [DVD144/2008] 4/5=Keep in mind I could probably listen to Sigh covered Venom all day, so I may just be a little biased here.

SIGUR ROS - Agatis Lyrjun [CD/2001] 9/10=Fantastic Icelandic band, very moody music, but also tranquil, the guy invents his own fucking language to sing in! Come on now, that rules.
SIGUR ROS - Hlemmur [DVD64/2002] 7/10=This is the swelling soundtrack Sigur Ros wrote to accompany a documentary about a bus station in Iceland's capital city...
SIGUR ROS - ( ) [CD/2002] 8/10=A really good record, but takes many spins to finally succumb to it. It seems a bit softer than Agatis Lyrjun.
SIGUR ROS - Von [CD/2004] 10/10=Amazing album, amazing experience, remains my favorite from this band.
SIGUR ROS - Hvarf-Heim [DVD102/2007] 4/5=Dual compilation with unreleased studio tracks, it's a must-have for the diehard Sigur Ros fan.

SIGUR ROS - Takk [CD/2005] 7/10=A lot more of a vocal presence here, still a pretty tranquil and hypnotic band that will every now and then intensify, I enjoy this but not as much as their past few albums.
SIGUR ROS - Me� su� � eyrum vi� spilum endalaust [DVD135/2008] 8/10=It's probably their best album in some time.

SINISTER - Putrefying Remains & Spiritual Immolation [DVD46/1990] 3/5=Two track EP from the Dutch death legends, my rip sounds like its from a 7". Brutal though for 1990.
SINISTER/MONASTERY - Split [DVD46/1991] 2/5=Two tracks from each band, Sinister was decent but Monastery kind of sucked b/c of the vocals.
SINISTER - Cross the Styx [CD/1992] 7/10=A promising death metal record from these upstarts out of Holland, they need a little work but this was certainly some of the beter death metal at the time.
SINISTER - Diabolical Summoning [CD/1993] 9/10=Perhaps it's the Dutch pride in me...perhaps it's the fact that this is one of the greatest brutal death metal albums ever conceived by species homo sapiens. Groovy as all hell.
SINISTER - Hate [CD/1995] 6/10=Some of this I hate, some I love. It was a different album than the first two, and at the very least, interesting riff structures were abundant.
SINISTER - Bastard Saints [CD/1996] 5/10=A dainty little EP here from Sinister, not much more to say.
SINISTER - Aggressive Measures [CD/1998] 8/10=Excellent, punishing record, possibly the most technical yet from these Dutch veterans.
SINISTER - Creative Killings [CD/2001] 7/10=A competent and blasting Dutch death metal record, quite solid, I think this is their last record before a very brief split and now they are back once more.
SINISTER - Savage or Grace [CDx2/2003] 8/10=Rachel growls the fuck out of this slab of relentless battery of Dutch death metal, much better than Angela Gossow.
SINISTER - Afterburner [CD/2006] 8/10=Somebody...get...the...plate numbers...from...that..........truck....
SINISTER - The Silent Howling [CD/2008] 8/10=Another great effort from Sinister, par for the course you say? One of Holland's most consistent bands of this genre.

SINNER - Wild'n'Evil [CD/1982] 6/10=The debut from this German NWOBHM band was slightly kickin', I actually prefer their early records and their more modern material to that 80s hard rock w/a synth phase they do in the middle.
SKINNY PUPPY - Cleanse, Fold, and Manipulate [CD/1987] 8/10=Filthy. Sloppy. Creative. These three words come to mind with Skinny Puppy's industrial assault on all good sense and pop music. Fantastic.
SKINNY PUPPY - VIVISectVI [CD/1988] 7/10=There was always something incoherent to their music, as if they made it up as they want along after programming some rudimentary beats. This isn't one of my faves, but still good.
SKINNY PUPPY - Mind: The Perpetual Intercourse [CD/1988] 8/10=In my opinion though, they actually almost single-handedly created EBM, it's just that all the more modern bands use a more pop influence, whereas this was like anti-pop.
SKINNY PUPPY - Rabies [CD/1989] 4/10=This album sucked. Doesn't sound much different than the others, but most of the beats are just crap and only a few tunes had that great atmosphere.
SKINNY PUPPY - Testure [CD/1989] 5/10=Four track EP, sounds pretty good, I enjoyed this more than Rabies as a whole...believe it or not.
SKINNY PUPPY - Tin Omen [CD/1989] 4/10=True, a single from Rabies, but it has that 16 minute epic track at the end to balance it out. Weird.
SKINNY PUPPY - 12" Anthology [CD/1989] 5/10=A collection of 12" singles, just like the title implies. Some are okay, some suck.
SKINNY PUPPY - Too Dark Park [CD/1990] 9/10=Their best record, from everything to the title to the chaos of these ten quite insane compositions. This is also their most difficult, obscure work. Totally fucked up.
SKINNY PUPPY - Last Rights [CD/1992] 7/10=I did not enjoy this as much as the last album, but it still has its moments.
SKINNY PUPPY - The Process [CD/1996] 8/10=A slightly more focused Skinny Puppy, with metal guitars in check. This is a great album, and probably their 2nd best, though I still prefer the insanity of Too Dark Park.
SKINNY PUPPY - The Greater Wrong of the Right [CD/2004] 5/10=I did not like this comeback album very much. Some nice beats, but some guitars and lyrics that are as crappy as the very worst KMFDM material. Some stupid songs.
SKINNY PUPPY - Mythmaker [DVD21/2007] 7/10=Though it does strike me as more accessible than some of their earlier work, this is probably the best Skinny Puppy record...well it [i]is[/i] the best in like a decade.

SKYCLAD - Wayward Sons of Mother Earth [CD/1991] 6/10=Was eager for this as I was a huge fan of Sabbat, it's a pretty damn good, original folk/speed metal album, just doesn't have longevity.
SKYCLAD - A Burnt Offering for the Bone Idol [CD/1992] 6/10=Again, chalk full of quality folk metal but quickly discarded for some of the later releases.
SKYCLAD - Jonah's Ark [CD/1993] 6/10=Strike three, but I'll let this walk because again, good quality album that just got lost in the shuffle.
SKYCLAD - Prince of the Poverty Line [CD/1995] 8/10=Alrighty, Skyclad have developed into something pretty sweet here, this is a very good album with a lot of classics like 'Gammadion Seed' and 'Cardboard City'. Probably the peak for Skyclad.
SKYCLAD - Silent Whales of Lunar Sea [CD/1995] 8/10=The production on this album wasn't quite as good as Prince of the Poverty Line, but it has a bunch of extremely catchy songs like the excellent 'A Stranger in the Garden'.
SKYCLAD - Irrational Anthems [CD/1996] 5/10=One of the weaker Skyclad 'heavy' albums, I didn't like the production much nor the songs. A pun alone in a song title isn't enough to make a good song...it needs music too.
SKYCLAD - Oui Avant-Garde a Chance [CD/1996] 5/10=I don't honestly like the acoustic jigs of Skyclad, I prefer their metal material, but if they wanted to play in pubs, this would have gotten them there...
SKYCLAD - The Answer Machine [CD/1997] 6/10=This is one of their albums that is almost purely folk jigs, there are a few metal guitars coming in here and there, I enjoyed it but not very much.
SKYCLAD - Vintage Whine [CD/1999] 6/10=This one is pretty good too, but nothing special. Nice balance here of the metal and folk elements, though their best days are years behind now and getting further away.
SKYCLAD - Another Fine Mess [DVD94/2001] 4/5=Live set from Skyclad with Martin singing, it's a decent sounding live set but too much hiss and treble I'd say.
SKYCLAD - Folkemon [DVD94/2001] 6/10=The title is retarded, the album is okay though and it's Walkyier's final with Skyclad.
SKYCLAD - No Daylights Nor Heeltaps [CD/2002] 5/10=Songs remade with Kevin Ridley singing, now that Martin Walkyier has left. Sabbat fell apart after he left, Skyclad, do you think you can pull it off still? We shall see.
SKYCLAD - A Semblance of Normality [CD/2004] 7/10=Alright, you did a good job. I don't like Ridley's voice as much as Walkyier's, granted, but it is not bad, and the music here is the best since the earlier records. Kudos, bastards.

SLAYER - Show No Mercy/Haunting the Chapel [CD/1983-84] 9/10=This is what metal is all about, and the dawn of probably the most influential speed/thrash band in history.
SLAYER - Hell Awaits [CD/1985] 9/10=Pure, evil speed metal, with great, memorable songs. I would listen to this over, and over, and over.
SLAYER - Reign in Blood [CD/1986] 10/10=A perfect album, clocking in at a very short period of time. It rocks thoroughly, and is one of the most influential metal albums ever, if not THE most influential.
SLAYER - South of Heaven [CD/1988] 9/10=Slower stuff with a real evil vibe, but Slayer nonetheless, and thoroughly excellent.
SLAYER - Seasons in the Abyss [CD/1990] 9/10=An oft underrated album, this one had some groovy stuff that would hint at the bleak future of the band, but its still amazing, with songs like 'Skeletons of Society' and 'Dead Skin Mask'.

SLEEPYTIME GORILLA MUSEUM - Grand Opening and Closing [CD/2001] 9/10=An amazing fusion of experimental metal which stutters or glides along with grace. Fans of bands like Mr. Bungle will worship this, trust me. Awesome.
SLEEPYTIME GORILLA MUSEUM - of Natural History [CD/2004] 10/10=A fucking massive record, the kind that rarely comes around, the band have truly mastered their bizarre goth metal funk monolith and now you can revel in the wonder.
SLEEPYTIME GORILLA MUSEUM - In Glorious Times [CD/2007] 9/10=Another impressive, wholly original work of modern avant-garde what the fuck.

SODOM - In the Sign of Evil/Obsessed by Cruelty [CD/1984-86] 7/10=The stuff of fucking legend this is? Right? Well, not yet. A great EP and album, but there are far better kvlt German thrash legends.
SODOM - Persecution Mania/Expurse of Sodomy [CD/1987] 9/10=Here is where they picked shit up, total acceleration into one of the better classic Thrash bands in memory. I love the EP that came with this as a bonus, too.
SODOM - Agent Orange [CD/1989] 8/10=Pure Teutonic thrash, this band never impressed me as much as Kreator, Destruction, or Tankard, but they are quite good all the same and there was room enough for all of them.
SODOM - Better Off Dead [CD/1990] 7/10=The Saw is the Law, motherfuckers.
SODOM - Tapping the Vein [CD/1992] 7/10=I liked this one too, because it is fast and furious, and unrelenting, during an age when thrash is mighty dead, Destruction is nowhere to be found, and Kreator is getting weird.
SODOM - Aber Bitte Mit Sahne [CD/1993] 4/10=A fun four track EP, though this marks the beginning of their punk/thrash years.
SODOM - Marooned Live [CD/1994] 4/10=Live CD, guess it's what you expect from Sodom live, sounds like a lot of fun, now come over here and play.
SODOM - Get What You Deserve [CD/1994] 7/10=I actually liked the band during their punkier phase. Still very 'thrash' but with that loud bass plodding and a fuck ton of punk riffs tossed in there at hyper speed. Rocks.
SODOM - Masquerade in Blood [CD/1995] 8/10=Raw and repulsive, fucking hail all fucking warthrash! One of two straight ass-kickings Sodom would deliver in the mid-90s. Profound Motorhead influence here, too. Never a bad thing.
SODOM - 'Til Death Do Us Unite [CD/1997] 8/10=Just absolutely furious, this is what I want to hear when I throw on a Sodom record. THIS makes me want to smash bottles and cut people with the broken glass.
SODOM - Code Red [CD/1999] 6/10=Another tight record, but probably my least favorite Sodom full-length. Or rather, it was...
SODOM - M-16 [CD/2001] 6/10=Until this one, which I enjoyed slightly less than Code Red. It's not bad, but I've just heard it all, and I know this band can do better.
SODOM - Sodom [CD/2006] 8/10=Five year wait until a new Sodom album, well it was somewhat worth it as it's far better than the last two, with a more laid back style, some more melody, and some nice vocal dynamics.
SODOM - The Final Signs of Evil [DVD74/2007] 7/10=The original album re-recorded the way it was 'meant to be', I'm not sure there's enough of a difference, I may still prefer the original to be honest.

SOILWORK - Steel Bath Suicide [CD/1998] 7/10=The best At the Gates clone ever, but wait, it gets better...
SOILWORK - The Chainheart Machine [CD/1999] 8/10=This album actually adds depth to the At the Gates clone, and prog elements. The birth of their true style and identity, and a good album.
SOILWORK - A Predator's Portrait [CD/2000] 6/10=Continuing to evolve, but the songs just didn't do much for me here. It's still cool, but not memorable.
SOILWORK - Natural Born Chaos [CD/2002] 10/10=Boom. Their masterpiece, this album does not sound like anyone else, and has a killer production, killer riffs, not really a straggler in the bunch. I listened to this album 1,000 times. Exciting and unforgettable.
SOILWORK - Figure Number Five [CDx2/2003] 7/10=Still solid, but the singer is starting to sound too much like Phil Anselmo, and unlike the past, they fail to progress here, it sounds exactly like the previous album, without all the great songs. This was a rushed album, and that's probably the reason.
SOILWORK - Stabbing the Drama [CD/2005] 5/10=Fuck...this album isn't even as good as Figure Number Five. People aren't lying when they compare this to Slipknot, either...but there ARE a few decent cuts on the album.
SOILWORK - Sworn to a Great Divide [CD/2007] 7/10=Although it's not much heavier than Stabbing the Drama, the songs are somewhat better here, it's a move back in the right direction from whence they came.

SOLEFALD - The Linear Scaffold [CD/1997] 8/10=Excellent, bizarre symphonic black metal, a band like no other, as one can't even compare Arcturus or Ephel Duath to this shit. I like it a lot.
SOLEFALD - Neonism [CD/1999] 8/10=I've been listening to metal so fucking long that when a band comes along as different as this one...I pay attention. Quirky, bizarre, progressive, artsy black metal...and supposedly this is their most accessible album!
SOLEFALD - Pills Against the Ageless Ills [CD/2002] 8/10=Another excursion into the blender-like brains of these avant-garde, progressive Norwegian black metallers, and it is another excellent ride.
SOLEFALD - In Harmonia Universali [CD/2003] 7/10=A strong album with a lot of decent music, the downside is they seem to be opting for more melodic, mainstream metal sounds rather than taking their experimental streak into darker, more fitting territories.
SOLEFALD - Red For Fire: An Icelandic Odyssey Party I [CD/2005] 7/10=Do not be alarmed, though the concept for this album is perhaps a bit more traditional, the execution is still wondrous, multi-faceted, and strange.
SOLEFALD - Black for Death: An Icelandic Odyssey Part II [CD/2006] 8/10=The conclusion to the duology is even stronger material than the first record, and returns to the strength of earlier albums like Neonism.
SOLEFALD - The Circular Drain [DVD109/2007] 3/5=A decent collection of Solefald's material featuring a re-issued demo and some remixed tracks. For the hardcore Solefald fan only.

SONIC YOUTH - Sonic Youth/Early Live [CD/1982] 7/10=The birth of Sonic Youth's expressive, dissonant, and wholly unique sound on this EP, the live tracks are cool like "Cosmopolitan Girl" which still wrecks me in 2006.
SONIC YOUTH - Confusion is Sex/Kill Yr. Idols [CD/1983] 8/10=Their first full length album was dark, atmospheric, moody, and an insight into the capabilities of this brilliant and abstract band. Added EP is a great bonus.
SONIC YOUTH - Bad Moon Rising [CD/1985] 9/10=The densest and deepest material they had released yet, layer upon layer of sonic architecture, remains a hallmark and one of their greatest albums.
SONIC YOUTH - Evol [CD/1986] 8/10=Perhaps not the best Sonic Youth record, but Evol is one of the more atmospheric, the first few songs are killer but there is a lull in the middle of the album.
SONIC YOUTH - Sister [CD/1986] 7/10=Maybe they spread themselves too thin in 1986, this is a solid record but not one of their better ones.
SONIC YOUTH - Daydream Nation [CD/1988] 8/10=It's better than the last two albums and stylistically it sets up Goo very nicely. There are some excellent tunes on the latter half of the record.
SONIC YOUTH - Goo [CDx2/1990] 10/10=The crowning achievement of this fantastic band, and one of the greatest pieces of music in American history. Abso fucking SMASHING perfect, the comic strip on the cover really says it all.
SONIC YOUTH - Dirty [CDx2/1992] 9/10=How to follow up perfection? With something nearly as perfect. And that is Dirty in a nutshell, another thorough ass kicking with might tunes like "Drunken Butterfly". Bonus disc = KILLER.
SONIC YOUTH - Experimental Jet Set, Trash and No Star [CD/1994] 8/10=There are some great numbers on this one like "Bull in the Heather", "Skink" and "Screaming Skull".
SONIC YOUTH - Washing Machine [CD/1995] 5/10=Pretty much all bands have their slumps, and for Sonic Youth, this was it.
SONIC YOUTH - A Thousand Leaves [CD/1998] 7/10=I was expecting more disappointment but this turned out to be a decent album, and interesting.
SONIC YOUTH - NYC Ghosts & Flowers [CD/2000] 6/10=There is a haunting quality to the album, I'm sure that was the intent, though songs aren't all that memorable and a Thousand Leaves was better overall.
SONIC YOUTH - Murray Street [CD/2002] 6/10=This is probably more of an EP than an album, it's got 7 tunes, a few of them lengthy, and the quality is about the same as NYC Ghosts & Flowers. Not some of their best music.
SONIC YOUTH - Sonic Nurse [CD/2004] 7/10=Another good Sonic Youth album with some quality songwriting, they remain a relevant force in alternative music.
SONIC YOUTH - Rather Ripped [CD/2006] 8/10=While this record plays it marginally 'safer' than previous works, it's still a damn good listen, just about all the songs are catchy.

SOPOR AETERNUS & THE ENSEMBLE OF SHADOWS - Ich Tote Mich Jedesmal Aufs Neu, Doch Ich Bin Unsterblich, Und [CD/1994]
SOPOR AETERNUS & THE ENSEMBLE OF SHADOWS - Todeswunsch: Sous le Soleil de Saturne [CD/1995]
SOPOR AETERNUS & THE ENSEMBLE OF SHADOWS - The Inexperienced Spiral Traveller [DVD97/1997] 8/10=Most people see 'Anna Varney' as a freak, but that's quite alright as he/she has always produced dark music of vision and integrity. Great earlier album.
SOPOR AETERNUS & THE ENSEMBLE OF SHADOWS - Voyager: The Jugglers of Jusa [CD/1997]
SOPOR AETERNUS & THE ENSEMBLE OF SHADOWS - Dead Lovers Sarabande: Face One [CD/1999]
SOPOR AETERNUS & THE ENSEMBLE OF SHADOWS - Dead Lovers Sarabande: Face Two [CD/2000]
SOPOR AETERNUS & THE ENSEMBLE OF SHADOWS - Songs from the Inverted Womb [CD/2001]
SOPOR AETERNUS & THE ENSEMBLE OF SHADOWS - Nenia C'alladhan [CD/2002]
SOPOR AETERNUS & THE ENSEMBLE OF SHADOWS - Es Reiten Die Toten So Scnhell or the Vampire Sucking At His Own Vein [CD/2003]
SOPOR AETERNUS & THE ENSEMBLE OF SHADOWS - Flowers in Formaldehyde [CD/2004] 9/10=When has anything this individual has ever done not been 100% compelling and excellent? The most underrated musician in the world? Possibly.
SOPOR AETERNUS & THE ENSEMBLE OF SHADOWS - La Chambre d'Echo: Where the Dead Birds Sing [CD/2004]
SOPOR AETERNUS & THE ENSEMBLE OF SHADOWS - Les Fleurs du Mal [CD/2007] 10/10=Beyond amazing new record from this unique gothic transgendered artist, one of the most impressive records I've heard in the entire goth overarching genre in years.
SOPOR AETERNUS & THE ENSEMBLE OF SHADOWS - Sanatorium Altrosa: Musical Therapy for Spiritual Dysfunction [CD/2008]

SOULREAPER - Written in Blood [DVD54/2000] 7/10=Good post-Dissection project for some of the members, quality death/black metal, very evil. But wait...there's more...
SOULREAPER - Life Erazer [CD/2003] 9/10=Excellent melodic black/death, ex-Dissection members, technical, brutal and evil, an amazing sophomore album, and better than Dissection.

SOUNDGARDEN - Ultramega OK [CD/1988] 8/10=Certainly their grungiest album, but all the roots are here for an amazing band, and how can you not like songs like 'Nazi Driver'?
SOUNDGARDEN - Louder Than Love [CD/1989] 9/10=I only docked this a point because it seems a bit dated now...but it's a fantastic album.
SOUNDGARDEN - Screaming Life/Fopp [CD/1990] 4/10=Some EPs compiled onto an album, nothing special here, their worst material.
SOUNDGARDEN - Badmotorfinger [CD/1991] 10/10=Come on man...who in the world did not like this?
SOUNDGARDEN - Superunknown [CD/1994] 10/10=Not many bands have managed to continuously evolve yet stay the same.
SOUNDGARDEN - Down on the Upside [CD/1996] 8/10=Not as strong as the last two, but still loaded with good tunes, like 'Pretty Noose' and 'An Unkind'.
SOUNDGARDEN - A-Sides [CD/1997] 1/10=It's a good compilation but when you already have 99% of the songs...

SPAWN OF POSSESSION - The Forbidden [CD/2000] 5/10=Quiet a good demo from this talented Swedish band. Four tracks, they've already cultivated their interesting style here.
SPAWN OF POSSESSION - Church of Deviance [CD/2001] 5/10=Yet another quality demo from these Swedes.
SPAWN OF POSSESSION - Cabinet [CD/2003] 8/10=Crazy Swedish death metal, in the US brutality style but with some technical aspects thrown in that will remind you of bands like Theory in Practice, Watchtower, and Deathrow.
SPAWN OF POSSESSION - Noctambulant [CD/2006] 8/10=Another blistering record of technical death metal, I do find their guitar tone a bit weak, and only minor quips like that prevent this from a greater score.

SPITE EXTREME WING - Magnificat [DVD53/2003] 8/10=One of Italy's very best black metal bands, superb craftsmanship of black arts.
SPITE EXTREME WING - Non Dvcor, Dvco [CD/2004] 8/10=Sophomore album from this Italian black metal outfit, I really enjoyed the atmosphere on this album, meaty and pulverizing and well worth any BM fan's time to check out.
SPITE EXTREME WING - Kosmokrator [CD/2005]
SPITE EXTREME WING - Vltra [DVD132/2008] 8/10=Once again they kick ass in a very laid back way.

SPORTLOV - Snoballskrieg [CD/2002] 5/10=Winter sports black metal in Swedish! It fucking had to happen, right? This EP is a lot of fun, has members of Dark Funeral like the insane Matte Modin (Fjallhammer) on drums.
SPORTLOV - Offerblod I Vallabod [CD/2003] 8/10=Again, this is a blast, so fucking funny and insane. Fucking winter sport black metal...hahah. I'm still laughing. And I also love how they broke up afterwards! Kvlt.

SQUAREPUSHER - Burning'n'Tree [CD/1997] 6/10=This is an enjoyable, bizarre record, and perhaps a nice introduction to Squarepusher but not even a fraction as remarkable as some of his later work.
SQUAREPUSHER - Big Loada [CD/1997] 7/10=Probably his most chaotic work, this is like an endless stream of flabbergasting electronic energy. That said, it is still not Squarepusher at his creative, brilliant peak.
SQUAREPUSHER - Music is Rotted One Note [CD/1998] 7/10=The beginning of the phase of what I consider 'Squarepusher prime', the years of his best work. However, though you should consider it the kickoff, it is not the goal...
SQUAREPUSHER - Maximum Priest EP [CD/1999] 7/10=It's an EP, and a great one, really captures his frantic mutation of beats, background music, light jazz and funk elements, and a variety of well rendered noise.
SQUAREPUSHER - Budakhan Mindphone [CD/1999] 9/10=Yes, another EP, with only 7 tracks, but this is one of the most important pieces of music in my entire collection, this is absolutely fucking excellent and among his best work.
SQUAREPUSHER - Selection Sixteen [CD/1999] 10/10=And it is my firm belief that this IS his best. Works of genius like this are a rarity within the realm of musical entertainment. Fucking unbelievably fucking good electro.
SQUAREPUSHER - Hard Normal Daddy [CD/2001] 10/10=Almost as good as Selection Sixteen, just falling shy of the mark, an essential purchase for all fans of avant-garde electronic music, or rather, genius.
SQUAREPUSHER - Go Plastic [CD/2001] 8/10=As usual, he is all over the place, and this is back to mostly crazier style like the older album Big Loada. I honestly prefer his more mellow albums, but this is really great for what it is.
SQUAREPUSHER - Ultravisitor [CD/2004] 9/10=Excellent stuff, glad he got most of the chaos out of his system on Go Plastic (I hope). This is nearly as good as the two albums before that, and worth hunting down.
SQUAREPUSHER - Squarewindow [CD/2004] 3/10=A single with a couple new cuts on it, not really worth the asking price. Download it.
SQUAREPUSHER - Venus No.17 [CD/2004] 4/10=Another single/EP thing but the music on here is pretty good.
SQUAREPUSHER - Hello Everything [CD/2006] 10/10=This is an amazing album...my god...it seems so reined in at first compared to his older work, but then you get it, and you will not be the same.
SQUAREPUSHER - Just a Souvenir [DVD135/2008] 7/10=I admit to not being fully on board here, it's a good album but pales in comparison to many of his previous.

STINY PLAMENU - Blackmetalov Peklo ve Spine Kanalizacni Vody [CD/1999]
STINY PLAMENU - Polkes do Temnot Kanalizacnich Hlubin [CD/2000]
STINY PLAMENU - Ve Spine Je Pravda [CD/2001]
STINY PLAMENU - Rany Cernym Kovem [CD/2002]
STINY PLAMENU - Dive into the Wastewater [CD/2004] 5/10=A compilation from this Czech 'sewer black metal band', they are going for the lo-fi black sound with drum machine...works to some extent but I need more sewer in this sewer.
STINY PLAMENU - Zelezo Krvaci [CD/2005] 7/10=This album is much better than the material on the comp, this really sounds a lot more reverbed and 'sewer' elite. Check it out for a fun alt. take on primal black metal.
STINY PLAMENU - Phantoms of the Pilsen's Underground [CD/2007]
STIMY PLAMENU - Odpadni Galerie [CD/2007] 9/10=Excellence, their best album yet, catapulting sewerblackmetal to the entire next level. I would like for some more sewery sound in the mix though.

STORMLORD - Under the Sign of the Sword [DVD45/1997] 2/5=They deserve credit for being one of the first bands to mix the harsh vocals and then the epic power metal aesthetic. This is their first EP, it's pretty weak.
STORMLORD - Where My Spirit Shall Forever Be [DVD45/1998] 3/5=Their second EP was an improvement as they really hit the stride they were aiming for.
STORMLORD - Supreme Art of War [DVD45/1999] 6/10=Their first full-length was successful at merging the two styles, but it didn't make for a very interesting listen.
STORMLORD - At the Gates of Utopia [DVD45/2001] 7/10=Better here, this would rank just below The Gorgon Cult as their 2nd best record.
STORMLORD - The Gorgon Cult [DVD42/2004] 7/10=Symphonic black/death metal from Italy, with very epic fantasy based lyrics, this is probably their best album, I didn't really care for any of the others.
STORMLORD - Mare Nostrum [CD/2008] 8/10=Like a fine wine, Stormlord continue to develop with age and this is their best output yet, a catchy and atmospheric hybrid of gothic and melodic death metal.
STORMLORD - The Legacy of Medusa: 17 Years of Extreme Epic Metal [CDx2/2008]

STORMWARRIOR - Spikes and Leather [CD/2002] 5/10=An EP with three tracks, but this is Stormwarrior, and they kickass. Has a raw sound to it, not like the full-length albums, but it's captivating anyway.
STORMWARRIOR - Stormwarrior [CD/2002] 9/10=Kickass debut album by this German band, one of the very best power/speed metal bands coming out of Europe today, there is nothing to dislike here, they execute their style perfectly.
STORMWARRIOR - Heavy Metal Fire [CD/2003] 6/10=Another EP, this with four tracks, totally kickass if corny lyrically.
STORMWARRIOR - Northern Rage [CDx2/2005] 9/10=A truly entertaining German power metal record, no frills, just straight up aggressive oldschool speed metal with the proper solos and a fuck ton of good energy. Fucking awesome.
STORMWARRIOR - At Foreign Shores: Live in Japan [CD/2006] 6/10=A really good live record from this melodic German speed metal band, and you know how I feel about live albums...this one sounds and feels great.
STORMWARRIOR - Heading Northe [CD/2008] 9/10=Another killer album, and it's much better than the latest Gamma Ray though Gamma Ray is always a great comparison for this band. Essential, hook-laden, awesome power metal.

STURMGEIST - Meister Mephisto [CD/2005] 8/10=A fascinating album from Cornelius of Solefald, this is like thrash and black metal with electro and symphonic elements and a Germanic myth concept...very strong stuff on this.
STURMGEIST - Uber [CD/2006] 7/10=It's every bit as interesting as Meister Mephisto, but musically not as inspired. Still, Cornelius is a character and you will not find anyone else like him nor his musical vision.

SUMMONING - Dark Age I [DVD74/1993] 2/5=Hilarious demo, let's just agree that they've come a long way.
SUMMONING - Mortiri Domini 1959 [DVD74/1994] 2/5=I love my Summoning, but this demo sounds awful...however, it is EXTREMELY funny, especially the vocals.
SUMMONING - Lugburz [CD/1995] 7/10=This is a band you'll either love or hate...I am of the former opinion. Medieval atmospheric black metal, Tolkien influence, sloppy production, members of Abigor.
SUMMONING - Minas Morgul [CD/1995] 8/10=For the most part, this band would continue to slow down the music throughout their career...but it has never stopped them from ruling the Tolkien metal world.
SUMMONING - Dol Guldur [CD/1996] 8/10=Another strong album of Tolkien-inspired medieval atmospheric black metal, moving at a slow, glorious pace. I put this kind of stuff on and go out among the trees in the winter...no, really...(ducks).
SUMMONING - Nightshade Forests [CD/1997] 8/10=Although named for a track from Dol Guldur, this is all new songs, and their sharpest sounding stuff yet...don't be fooled, for an EP, this is over a half-hour of new music, and worth acquiring.
SUMMONING - Stronghold [CD/1999] 9/10=The might of Summoning is fully realized here...and it is glorious. I enjoyed the production and all the songs here...and 'Long Lost to Where No Pathway Goes' is one of the best song titles ever.
SUMMONING - Let Mortal Heroes Sing Your Fame [CD/2001] 8/10=All Tolkien, with Tolkien samples and such, this one was inevitable, and quite good, but it's no Stronghold.
SUMMONING - Lost Tales [CD/2003] 2/10=The asking price for this was just too much, two unreleased tracks and it must have been $10. The only time I've been disappointed or felt like I was being raped by Summoning.
SUMMONING - Oath Bound [CD/2006] 10/10=I've been half a decade without a new Summoning full-length, and they have delivered on ALL FUCKING COUNTS, the greatest album of their career and one of the best of 2006, hands down.

SWANO, DAN - Moontower [CD/1998] 9/10=This is killer, Dan Swano doing a death metal meets prog meets 70s space synth vibe album. Nearly flawless and I wish there had been more.

SWORDMASTER - Wraths of Time [CD/1995] 4/10=Credit where credit is due...this is one of the first bands to ride the black/thrash wave, which at the time I would not consider retro. Only 3 real tunes here, not bad at all.
SWORDMASTER - Postmortem Tales [CD/1997] 8/10=Killer retro thrash/speed metal attack from these Swedes who were among the first to 'reinvent' the genre.
SWORDMASTER - Deathraider [DVD125/1998] 4/5=This is my rip from a picture disc EP they put out, good stuff, total retro villainy.
SWORDMASTER - Moribund Transgoria [CD/1998]