See Mike Mangini’s Statement After First Show With Godsmack
Freshly appointed Godsmack drummer Mike Mangini reflected on his new gig in an Instagram post on Sunday, following his first show with the band.
Mangini made his live debut with the “Voodoo” rockers on Friday at the Morton Amphitheater in Riverside, Missouri, performing alongside Stone Temple Pilots and Dorothy as part of the Rise of Rock tour.
The drummer, who previously played with Dream Theater for more than a decade, thanked the rest of Godsmack for the opportunity and noted that he played the gig with no rehearsal. You can see his post below.
Mike Mangini’s Statement About Playing With Godsmack
“Taking this all in today with show 1 done,” Mangini wrote. “And just like that, I finally get to play these dream venues in the USA with my Boston brothers in Godsmack. I need to thank a lot of people for putting this together so quickly. I can’t even express how grateful I am to Sully [Erna], Robbie [Merrill], Sam [Koltun] and the entire organization for trusting me with no rehearsal. My gear companies performed nothing short of a miracle and my family, friends & fans never stopped praying for and supporting me. Thank you.”
What Happened To Godsmack’s Previous Drummer?
Godsmack have undergone several personnel changes in recent years. Following the departures of longtime guitarist Tony Rombola and drummer Shannon Larkin in 2024, the band soldiered on with guitarist Sam Koltun and Evanescence drummer Will Hunt for touring.
Hunt ceded his drum throne to Wade Murff, who had to bow out of Godsmack’s ongoing tour last week to fill in for Black Veil Brides drummer Christian “CC” Coma as he deals with an “unfortunate personal and private matter.”
Godsmack’s tour continues on Tuesday in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Watch Godsmack Play Their First Show With Mike Mangini
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See Godsmack on our list of the Top 90 Hard Rock + Metal Albums of the ’90s:
Top 90 Hard Rock + Metal Albums of the 1990s
90. Gwar, Scumdogs of the Universe
Master Records
90. Gwar, ‘Scumdogs of the Universe’
(Master Records, 1990) The Scumdog overlords from Antarctica made their first big impact with the release of ‘Scumdogs of the Universe.’ Gwar refined their songwriting skills, employing a playful balance between skate punk and feel-good rhythms, setting the musical background for firebrand frontman Oderus Urungus to spew his comedic and controversial lyrics. The band netted their biggest hit with the ever-catchy “Sick of You.” They took a shot at N.W.A. on the opener “Salamanizer” and had fun with the game show theme of “Slaughterama,” providing much-needed comedic relief as the grunge began to pick up steam.
89. White Zombie, La Sexorcisto
Geffen
89. White Zombie, ‘La Sexorcisto’
(Geffen, 1992) Though they had been around for several years, 1992 was the year that the music world caught up to what White Zombie had been laying down. Their third album, ‘La Sexorcisto: Devil Music Volume One,’ was different from just about everything out there. Blending metal riffs with a dark and danceable groove, White Zombie burst on the scene with the standout single “Thunder Kiss ’65.” Songs like “Black Sunshine,” “Soul Crusher” and “Spiderbaby” let fans know exactly what they were getting and ‘La Sexorcisto’ proved to be a great introduction for many fans of what Rob Zombie would provide over the next couple of decades.
88. Melvins, Houdini
Atlantic
88. Melvins, ‘Houdini’
(Atlantic, 1993) The Melvins are cited as being one of Nirvana mastermind Kurt Cobain’s biggest influences. The Nirvana frontman co-produced ‘Houdini,’ one of the Melvin’s most commercially viable records, though their oddball fingerprints are still everywhere to be found on songs like “Hag Me” and “Sky Pup.” “Joan of Arc” and album opener “Hooch” represent the more stable and riff-heavy aspect of the band, wallowing in slow tempos, making the speedy “Honey Bucket” even more intense.
87. Incubus, Make Yourself
Epic/Immortal
87. Incubus, ‘Make Yourself’
(Epic/Immortal, 1999) If the third time is a charm, then Incubus were primed for some good vibes with their third disc ‘Make Yourself.’ Coming hard out of the gate, Incubus fit right in with the nu metal movement as “Pardon Me” commanded the airwaves. But other tracks on the disc showed they were more than just the latest nu metal band. “Stellar” proved to be a more hypnotic rock track, while “Drive” showed a softer side. And tracks like the album opener “Privilege,” “I Miss You,” “The Warmth” and the title cut made ‘Make Yourself’ a must-listen.
86. Helmet, Meantime
Interscope
86. Helmet, ‘Meantime’
(Interscope, 1992) Making the jump to a major label, Helmet earned the best reviews of their career with 1992’s sophomore set, ‘Meantime.’ With Page Hamilton’s aggressive vocals, Henry Bogdan’s thunderous bass, John Stanier’s power drumming and Peter Mengede’s hard rocking guitar, Helmet’s ‘Meantime’ became a critical favorite. “Unsung” proved to be the band’s breakout single, while the tracks “In the Meantime” and “Give It” also received attention.
85. Eyehategod, Take as Needed for Pain
Century Media
85. Eyehategod, ‘Take as Needed for Pain’
(Century Media, 1993) Eyehategod improved on the blueprint laid down on their ‘In the Name of Suffering’ debut. Fusing metallic hardcore with sludge, the New Orleans group came out swinging on ‘Take as Needed for Pain,’ man-handling listeners with swinging tempos on “Blank.” Mike IX Williams, known for his insightfully bitter and destructive lyrics, wretches forth his strung out voice on controversial songs like “Sister F—ker (Part I and II).” Tracks like “Shop Lift” and “30$ Bag” highlight the strong-arm riffing present on the masterful sophomore effort.
84. Godsmack, Godsmack
Universal/Republic
84. Godsmack, ‘Godsmack’
(Universal/Republic, 1997) After years of kicking around the Boston music scene, onetime drummer Sully Erna stepped up to the mic with a solid core of guitarist Tony Rombola and bassist Robbie Merrill and thus Godsmack was born. The band’s self-titled 1998 debut exploded out of the gate thanks to the heavy sounds of lead single “Whatever” and its follow-up “Keep Away.” The haunting third single “Voodoo” also struck a chord with listeners, and “Bad Religion” rounded out the singles from the disc.
83. Suffocation, Effigy of the Forgotten
Roadrunner
83. Suffocation, ‘Effigy of the Forgotten’
(Roadrunner, 1991) Suffocation’s mission statement is to lay down the heaviest death metal album that can be crafted. ‘Effigy of the Forgotten’ cements the meaning of both brutal and technical death metal without no questions asked. From the gripping opener “Liege of Inveracity” to the closing crusher, “Jesus Wept,” Suffocation traversed serpentine twists and turns along complex song structures, employing both technicality and slamming rhythms that served as the blueprint for both respective sub-genres in the ensuing decades.
82. Deftones, Around the Fur
Maverick/Warner Bros.
82. Deftones, ‘Around the Fur’
(Maverick/Warner Bros, 1997) Deftones served up an impressive debut with 1995’s ‘Adrenaline,’ but not only did they avoid the idea of a sophomore slump, they obliterated it. The group’s 1997 effort ‘Around the Fur’ proved to be a breakthrough for the band as “My Own Summer (Shove It)” and “Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)” got solid MTV play, breaking the band to a bigger audience. The band also brought in Max Cavalera for a guest turn on the song “Headup.”
81. Death, The Sound of Perseverance
Nuclear Blast/Relapse
81. Death, ‘The Sound of Perseverance’
(Nuclear Blast/Relapse, 1998) Death’s final album was another leap in the band’s progression over the last decade. From genre-defining to genre-expanding, ‘The Sound of Perseverance’ saw mastermind Chuck Schuldiner employ another all-star lineup and orchestrated his most musically ambitious album yet. Marrying gorgeous yet biting melodies with jagged rhythm playing, the record impresses on all fronts. Richard Christy’s drumming is mind-boggling, anchoring Schuldiner’s most challenging work on songs like “Scavenger of Human Sorrow” and “A Story to Tell.” The cover of Judas Priest’s “Painkiller” is alarmingly powerful, possibly matching the greatness of the original.
80. Green Day, Insomniac
Reprise
80. Green Day, ‘Insomniac’
(Reprise, 1995) Green Day made their mark on the music scene with ‘Dookie,’ but proved they’d have a long-lasting career with their follow-up. 1995’s ‘Insomniac’ found the trio reuniting with producer Rob Cavallo and keeping the momentum going. The singles “Geek Stink Breath” and the tied together cuts “Brain Stew” and “Jaded” were earworms, infinitely catchy tracks that fit perfectly in the band’s growing catalog. “Walking Contradiction” also enjoyed some radio play, and the album as a whole went on to reach double platinum sales in the U.S.
79. Cynic, Focus
Roadrunner
79. Cynic, ‘Focus’
(Roadrunner, 1993) The Hunter S. Thompson quote, “Too weird to live, too rare to die,” applies perfectly to Cynic’s technical death metal masterwork ‘Focus.’ ‘Focus’ was so before its time that a large majority of death metal fans simply weren’t ready for it, even booing Cynic offstage at live performances. It even led to Cynic’s original dissolution the year after ‘Focus’ was released. Over two decades later, ‘Focus’ remains the blueprint for a brand of tech-death which welcomes beauty, bombastic effects and clean vocal styles.
78. Soundgarden, Down on the Upside
A&M
78. Soundgarden, ‘Down on the Upside’
(A&M, 1996) Little did fans know, but Soundgarden were making their final musical statement (at the time) with 1996’s ‘Down on the Upside.’ Tensions in the band were building due to increased outside influence, but the band managed to power through with a solid record. “Pretty Noose” was a cautionary tale that worked well as a hard-hitting song, while pangs of regret also weave their way into “Burden in My Hand.” The bluesy “Blow Up the Outside World” was their last major hit, while tracks like “Ty Cobb” and “Rhinosaur” also stood out on the disc.
77. Cannibal Corpse, Tomb of the Mutilated
Metal Blade
77. Cannibal Corpse, ‘Tomb of the Mutilated’
(Metal Blade, 1992) With a growing reputation, Cannibal Corpse unleashed their finest record both visually (censored artwork shown) and sonically with ‘Tomb of the Mutilated.’ Album opener “Hammer Smashed Face” is a leading candidate for the best death metal song ever written, not that “I Cum Blood” and “The Cryptic Stench” slouch by any stretch. The lyrics from vocalist Chris Barnes are among his most deplorable, taking listeners through an array of violence and brutality.
76. Emperor, In the Nightside Eclipse
Candlelight
76. Emperor, ‘In the Nightside Eclipse’
(Candlelight, 1994) Emperor’s debut record ‘In the Nightside Eclipse’ was the most ambitious black metal record laid down to date. While most others were waist-deep in raw and abrasive recordings and Satan, Emperor’s Ihsahn was crafting a symphonic release with serpentine song structures and a brand new take of the genre. For those not immediately spellbound, the opening riff to “Cosmic Keys to My Creations and Times” boasts an all-time riff from the group and a continued listen will reach one of Emperor’s greatest songs, “I Am the Black Wizards.”
75. The Dillinger Escape Plan, Calculating Infinity
Relapse/Hydra Head
75. The Dillinger Escape Plan, ‘Calculating Infinity’
(Relapse/Hydra Head, 1999) There will never be another album like the Dillinger Escape Plan’s debut, ‘Calculating Infinity.’ It’s understandably hard to stomach, as it’s heavily atonal, fires at a ridiculous pace and remains completely unpredictable. Some full albums don’t cram as many notes into it as Dillinger do in the first two seconds of “Sugar Coated Sour,” while “43% Burnt” is the greatest use of extreme dissonance in hardcore history.
74. Immortal, Pure Holocaust
Osmose
74. Immortal, ‘Pure Holocaust’
(Osmose, 1993) As the second wave of black metal was fully underway, there was no band colder than Immortal. The grim and frostbitten kings took a relentless approach to their evolving black metal style on ‘Pure Holocaust,’ assaulting the genre with “The Sun No Longer Rises” and the indomitable riffs found in “Unsilent Storms in the North Abyss” and “As the Eternity Opens.” Frontman Abbath’s croaking voice was welcome difference in a genre that had yet to explore surprisingly boundless territory.
73. Guns N Roses, Use Your Illusion I
Geffen
73. Guns N’ Roses, ‘Use Your Illusion I’
(Geffen, 1991) In 1991, Guns N’ Roses ambitiously released two ‘Use Your Illusion’ albums, and while not quite as successful as ‘Appetite for Destruction,’ the discs marked a musical evolution for GN’R. The first portion, ‘Use Your Illusion I,’ showed the band incorporating more sounds to their musical palette. As far as singles, “Don’t Cry” became a GN’R classic, their cover of Paul McCartney and Wings’ “Live and Let Die” skyrocketed and the epic “November Rain” proved to be a sweeping piece with fully backing orchestra. The eclectic disc also featured “The Garden,” “Dead Horse” and “Coma.”
72. Darkthrone, Transilvanian Hunger
Peaceville
72. Darkthrone, ‘Transilvanian Hunger’
(Peaceville, 1994) Darkthrone kept the streak alive, following up two unquestionably legendary records with one of black metal’s most defining moments in ‘Transilvanian Hunger.’ Without a tempo change until Side B of the record, Darkthrone lived the anti- ethos of the genre, with another lo-fi production to boot. The title track and “Skald Av Satans Sol” highlight the band’s love affair with simplicity, yielding ear-fetching songs and another uncontested gem of a record.
71. Alice in Chains, Alice in Chains
Columbia
71. Alice in Chains, ‘Alice in Chains’
(Columbia, 1995) It was a trying time for Alice in Chains, with Layne Staley entering rehab and the rest of the band working independent of the singer, but by the spring of 1995, Staley was invited back and by the fall of the year they released their self-titled third album. Despite the upheaval, the band still generated a stellar effort. The heavy rocker “Grind” and the more dark and melodic “Heaven Beside You” both enjoyed solid airplay. Though not released as a single, “Over Now” also did well for the band and “Again” finished out the releases for the band.
70. Sepultura, Roots
Roadrunner
70. Sepultura, ‘Roots’
(Roadrunner, 1996) ‘Roots’ is one of the most polarizing releases in the history of heavy metal. Sepultura had quickly become the gold standard of thrash after ‘Beneath the Remains’ and ‘Arise,’ but found their affinity for groove on the following ‘Chaos A.D.’ The Brazilian outfit took things into new territory by downtuning their guitars and slinging riffs drowned in a muddy tone. “Roots Bloody Roots,” “Spit” and “Straighthate” are sterling examples of the sound that helped spawn nu-metal, but also presented raw and visceral emotions which were always at the core of the band’s music.
69. Ministry, Psalm 69
Sire/Warner Bros.
69. Ministry, ‘Psalm 69’
(Sire/Warner Bros., 1992) Coming off the marvelous ‘The Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Taste,’ Al Jourgensen took full advantage of Mike Scaccia’s metal background and thrust Ministry over the electronic hill and into the metal world. “Jesus Built My Hotrod” often gets most of the attention for its goofiness courtesy of Butthole Surfers’ singer Gibby Haynes. Opening the album, “N.W.O.” and “Just One Fix” are sterling indicators of the band’s new sound and one of the genre-defining industrial metal records.
68. Rage Against the Machine, The Battle of Los Angeles
Epic
68. Rage Against the Machine, ‘The Battle of Los Angeles’
(Epic, 1999) Was it a case of pre-millennium tension? Rage Against the Machine took a growing interest in governmental invasion for their 1999 effort ‘The Battle of Los Angeles.’ The Grammy-winning “Guerrilla Radio” kicked things off with the band’s trademark aggression. “Sleep Now in the Fire” dug into themes of greed with heavy results. And the anthemic “Testify” enjoyed radio love as well. The track “Calm Like a Bomb” also got some extra play thanks to its inclusion on ‘The Matrix’ soundtrack.
67. Suffocation, Pierced From Within
Roadrunner
67. Suffocation, ‘Pierced From Within’
(Roadrunner, 1995) Suffocation’s brutal death metal opus came in 1995 with ‘Pierced From Within.’ Over two decades later, the album is still one of the heaviest pieces of music ever released and when played live, it’ll crush any modern act under its weight. “Thrones of Blood” and the album’s title track are perfectly crafted death metal songs and the inclusion of rerecorded works “Synthetically Revived” and “Breeding the Spawn” both fit perfectly within the album.
66. Pantera, The Great Southern Trendkill
EastWest
66. Pantera, ‘The Great Southern Trendkill’
(EastWest, 1996) ‘The Great Southern Trendkill’ is where Pantera found new depths of heavy as the band was reaching critical mass, fully entrenched in substance abuse. The reckless quartet laid down knuckle-draggers in “Drag the Waters” and “War Nerve” complete with Philip Anselmo’s scathing lyrics. “10s” is a perfect representation of the Texas heat where the band hails from, evoking the feeling of staring into the sun as it bathes the landscape in the same hue of the album’s cover.
65. Stone Temple Pilots, Core
Atlantic
65. Stone Temple Pilots, ‘Core’
(Atlantic, 1992) With grunge in full swing, a second wave started to arrive in 1992 with Stone Temple Pilots leading the way. Songs like the hard rocking “Wicked Garden” and the aggressive “Sex Type Thing” put them right in the middle of it all in 1992 when STP’s debut disc ‘Core’ arrived on the scene. But it was more melodic fare like “Plush” and “Creep” that showed they had more than a few tricks up their sleeves. Tracks like “Dead & Bloated” and “Crackerman” were also frequent fan favorites in the band’s early sets as well.
64. Alice in Chains, Facelift
Columbia
64. Alice in Chains, ‘Facelift’
(Columbia, 1990) In a pre-grunge explosion world, Alice in Chains delivered a true gem with their 1990 debut ‘Facelift.’ It was a slow burn build, with “We Die Young” sparking some attention during the summer of ’90 before “Man in the Box” knocked down the proverbial door at radio. Vocalist Layne Staley and guitarist Jerry Cantrell laid the groundwork for what would become an identifiable melodic yet heavy vocal sound. Tracks like “Sea of Sorrow,” “Bleed the Freak” and the powerful groove of “It Ain’t Like That” help fill what was an impressive debut.
63. Foo Fighters, Foo Fighters
Roswell/Capitol
63. Foo Fighters, ‘Foo Fighters’
(Capitol/Roswell, 1995) After the death of Kurt Cobain, drummer Dave Grohl struggled with what to do next. In solitude, he began to demo new music, threw the name “Foo Fighters” on it to keep his identity somewhat hidden and began to see what response it got. As it turned out, one of his tapes made it to a label, who hopped on what would become the first Foo Fighters disc, the self-titled 1995 album. Despite not even having a full band, fans soon became well aware of such tracks as the anthemic “This Is a Call,” the aggressive “I’ll Stick Around” and the melodic curveballs “For All the Cows” and “Big Me.” Add in cuts like “Alone + Easy Target,” “X-Static” and “Exhausted” and the initial ‘Foo Fighters’ disc became a welcome surprise and solid success.
62. At the Gates, Slaughter of the Soul
Earache
62. At the Gates, ‘Slaughter of the Soul’
(Earache, 1995) The birth of metalcore can all be attributed to Swedish legends At the Gates and their neck-wrecking release, ‘Slaughter of the Soul.’ Employing heavy alternate picking in their melody backed by slugging rhythms and frenetic drumming, the force is felt on songs like “Under a Serpent Sun” and “Cold.” Frontman Tomas Lindberg barks like a man possessed, emphasizing every lyrics he spews forth across this legendary record.
61. Kid Rock, Devil Without a Cause
Lava/Atlantic
61. Kid Rock, ‘Devil Without a Cause’
(Lava/Atlantic, 1998) By the time 1998 rolled around, Kid Rock’s music mirrored what was coming to the forefront musically at the time. Rock had rap roots with a heavier sound to them, and the ‘Devil Without a Cause’ disc explored those two sides to the fullest. After a modest start with the single “I Am the Bullgod,” the album truly exploded when “Bawitdaba” reached the ears of listeners. The rap-meets-metal track was an instant earworm and concert favorite. Even though this was Rock’s fourth album, it felt like an introduction to what the rocker could do, with songs like “Cowboy,” “Only God Knows Why,” “Wasting Time” and “Welcome 2 the Party (Ode 2 the Old School)” making for an eclectic disc.
60. Soundgarden, Badmotorfinger
A&M
60. Soundgarden, ‘Badmotorfinger’
(A&M, 1991) Just as grunge was about to take over the musical landscape, Soundgarden dropped their third studio album — 1991’s ‘Badmotorfinger.’ Showing more metal influences than some of their peers, Soundgarden’s heaviness connected right out of the gate with the single “Outshined.” The frenetic guitar play from the follow-up single “Rusty Cage” also pulled in plenty of ears, while tracks like “Jesus Christ Pose,” “Room a Thousand Years Wide” and live favorite “Slaves & Bulldozers” made for a disc that truly packed a punch and only began to show the promise of music to come.
59. Carcass, Necroticism – Descanting the Insalubrious
Earache/Relativity
59. Carcass, ‘Necroticism – Descanting the Insalubrious’
(Earache/Relativity, 1991) After initially turning down the opportunity to join Carcass before ‘Symphonies of Sickness,’ axeman Michael Amott realized his mistake and teamed up with Bill Steer, Jeff Walker and Ken Owen to craft yet another game-changing album. ‘Necroticism – Descanting the Insalubrious’ leaves the blast and fill, delightfully slipshod riffing behind in favor of more focused songwriting and an exploration of the slower side of their gore-loving craft. “Corporal Jigsore Quandary” boasts one of the most famous drum intros in all of metal, only to give way to one of the band’s most devastating riffs. Amott’s presence is felt with an injection of melody on songs like “Incarnated Solvent Abuse,” working in brutal harmony with Steer’s visceral guitar playing.
58. Korn, Korn
Immortal/Epic
58. Korn, ‘Korn’
(Immortal/Epic, 1991) Here’s another debut album that cracked listeners in the face with its release. ‘Korn’ didn’t just introduce the California act to the world, it basically became the blueprint of nu-metal. 1994 was a time when darkness was welcomed in mainstream music, so Korn arrived at the exact right time with unsettling groove-driven anthems like “Blind,” “Clown” and the hidden “Daddy.”
57. Faith No More, Angel Dust
Slash
57. Faith No More, ‘Angel Dust’
(Slash, 1992) It’s hard to put a finger on Faith No More, as the band evolved their sound musically from disc to disc. After seemingly paving the way for rap/rock with “Epic” off their previous effort ‘The Real Thing,’ Faith No More returned with the eclectic ‘Angel Dust’ disc in 1992. “Midlife Crisis” served as the lead single, mixing elements of prog rock and hip hop. “A Small Victory” had more of a groove to it and soon followed at radio. And a totally unexpected cover of the Commodores’ “Easy” went on to become a big MTV favorite. The songs “Land of Sunshine,” “Everything’s Ruined” and “Jizzlobber” also garnered some attention, making for one of the band’s deeper recordings.
56. Sepultura, Arise
Roadrunner
56. Sepultura, ‘Arise’
(Roadrunner, 1991) Sepultura were tasked with following up their massively successful, genre-defining album, ‘Beneath the Remains.’ The result was ‘Arise,’ an exercise in the signature thrashing style they had pioneered, mixed with stronger hints of melody and a sense of groove that hinted at the new direction they would later take. “Dead Embryonic Cells,” “Desperate Cry” and “Altered State” are counted among the band’s best work.
55. Rancid, …And Out Come the Wolves
Epitaph
55. Rancid, ‘…And Out Come the Wolves’
(Epitaph, 1995) While not at the mega-selling level of Green Day, Rancid helped carry the torch for punk rock in the ’90s. While comparisons to The Clash were inevitable, Tim Armstrong and company carved out their own sound with ska-like verses and catchy-as-hell choruses. ‘…And Out Come the Wolves’ is all killer, no filler with hits like ‘Ruby Soho’ and ‘Timebomb’ and favorites like ‘Roots Radicals’ and ‘Olympia WA.’
54. Opeth, Still Life
Peaceville
54. Opeth, ‘Still Life’
(Peaceville, 1999) Progressive death metal luminaries Opeth closed out the decade with their strongest album yet in ‘Still Life.’ After truly coming into their own on ‘My Arms, Your Hearse,’ Mikael Akerfeldt and co. presented what became their hallmark sound blending catchy leadwork into their death metal foundation. Representing their collective affinity for ‘70s prog, they saunter into more somber realms exclusively on “Face of Melinda” with Akerfeldt’s increasingly effective soft croon leading the way. Be it “The Moor,” “Serenity Painted Death” or really any other track here, Opeth cemented their status in metal history with ‘Still Life.’
53. Offspring, Smash
Epitaph
53. Offspring, ‘Smash’
(Epitaph, 1994) Bubbling under for a few years, the Offspring exploded in a big way with 1994’s ‘Smash’ album. With a percussive opening, an Arabian-sounding guitar lick and Dexter Holland’s command to “keep ’em separated,” the single “Come Out and Play” quickly took over radio and knocked down doors for the band. The humorously sad single “Self Esteem” followed with great success. Then came straight up rocker “Gotta Get Away” and the energetic moshpit favorite “Bad Habit.” ‘Smash’ became Epitaph Records’ first gold and platinum selling disc and went on to become the best-selling album released by an indie label of all-time.
52. AC/DC, The Razors Edge
Atco
52. AC/DC, ‘The Razor’s Edge’
(Atco, 1990) After a bit of a dip with ‘Blow Up Your Video,’ AC/DC were back on their game with 1990’s ‘The Razor’s Edge.’ Led by the future stadium anthem “Thunderstruck,” AC/DC reclaimed the power and energy that drove some of their earlier work. The second single “Moneytalks” also felt as if it were made for rock radio success and it too thrived. Other standout cuts included “Are You Ready,” “Shot of Love” and the cleverly titled “Mistress for Christmas.”
51. Queensryche, Empire
EMI
51. Queensryche, ‘Empire’
(EMI, 1990) After crafting the brilliant ‘Operation: Mindcrime,’ it seemed Queensryche were at the top of the metal world with little room left above them. Capitalizing on their success, they leapt forward into the ‘90s with the more commercially viable ‘Empire.’ Songs like “The Thin Line” and “Another Rainy Night Without You” retained the signature leadwork the band was known for, but with simpler song structures focused around sweeping choral hooks. “Silent Lucidity” did the best to thrust Queensryche into the spotlight at the height of the power ballad trend keeping metal alive as grunge crept in and took over.
50. Mayhem, De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas
Deathlike Silence
50. Mayhem, ‘De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas’
(Deathlike Silence, 1994) Mayhem’s debut album is entrenched in black metal history. In short, Burzum mainman Varg Vikernes murdered guitarist Euronymous and Euronymous’ parents insisted Varg’s bass tracks be removed from ‘De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas.’ Mayhem did not meet these demands, leaving an especially haunting presence on an already eerie record. From the shadows and gloomy hue of the album’s cover to the bone-chilling voice of frontman Attila Csihar, songs like “Freezing Moon,” “Funeral Fog” and “Buried By Time and Dust” still sound just as dangerous as they did in 1994.
49. Emperor, Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk
Candlelight/Century Media
49. Emperor, ‘Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk’
(Candlelight/Century Media, 1997) Emperor mastermind Ihsahn can easily fall into the category of musicians who were “before their time.” While black metal was embracing raw, lo-fi recordings and rough-around-the-edges guitar playing, Ihsahn was slaving away at complex song arrangements backed by dazzling symphonic elements. The maelstrom begins after a lengthy introduction and “Ye Entrancemperium” kicks down the door with an unforgettable riff and a blast beat frenzy. The guitar work is leagues above the stellar debut, trading off with the keyboards in a perfectly terrifying symphony.
48. Guns N Roses, Use Your Illusion II
Geffen
48. Guns N’ Roses, ‘Use Your Illusion II’
(Geffen, 1991) How do you follow ‘Appetite for Destruction’? If you’re Guns N’ Roses you go to work and deliver a double album filled with a variety of styles. In September of 1991, we got ‘Use Your Illusion I and II,’ but one disc was a little more stacked than the other. ‘Use Your Illusion II’ was a little more aggressive and political in nature, led by the ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ soundtrack song “You Could Be Mine” serving as the first overall single. The band’s cover of Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” got a lot of love, while tracks like “Yesterdays, “Civil War,” “Estranged” and “Get in the Ring” solidified its status as the better of the two releases.
47. Stone Temple Pilots, Purple
Atlantic
47. Stone Temple Pilots, ‘Purple’
(Atlantic, 1994) Coming off the success of ‘Core,’ Stone Temple Pilots didn’t miss a step. The band rolled right from the somber sounds of their final ‘Core’ single “Creep” into “Big Empty,” a song that would appear on ‘The Crow’ soundtrack, that felt like the natural next step. The track would also give the release of the band’s ‘Purple’ album a big boost in 1994, as songs like “Vasoline” and “Interstate Love Song” picked right up and made Stone Temple Pilots one of the biggest bands going. Tracks like “Lounge Fly,” “Pretty Penny,” “Silvergun Superman” and “Unglued” made ‘Purple’ a true top-to-bottom listening experience.
46. Dream Theater, Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From a Memory
Elektra
46. Dream Theater, ‘Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From a Memory’
(Elektra, 1999) Dream Theater approached their follow-up to the relatively straightforward ‘Falling Into infinity’ by unleashing a concept album upon their dedicated fans. ‘Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From a Memory’ follows up Pt. 1 of the song off ‘Images and Words’ and tells the story of a man undergoing regression therapy to uncover a past life. The album is anchored by three progressive epics, “Scene Four: Beyond This Life,” “Scene Six: Home” and “Scene Nine: Finally Free.” Clocking in at just under 80 minutes, Dream Theater make it feel like almost no time has passed at all with their songwriting mastery.
45. Children of Bodom, Hatebreeder
Spinefarm/Nuclear Blast
45. Children of Bodom, ‘Hatebreeder’
(Spinefarm/Nuclear Blast, 1999) Children of Bodom’s ‘Hatebreeder’ is a standalone record in the subgenre of neoclassical death metal. The band’s sophomore effort is unrelenting from beginning to end with both its technical assault and refined musicianship. If the ‘Amadeus’ intro to “Warheart” didn’t tip you off, the rest of ‘Hatebreeder’ blatantly boasts its classical influence, which is incorporated throughout the record in a way never popularized before.
44. Rammstein, Sehnsucht
Motor Music/Slash
44. Rammstein, ‘Sehnsucht’
(motor Music/Slash, 1997) In 1997, Rammstein achieved most improbable success in the United States with the release of ‘Sehnsucht.’ The album is sung entirely in German, the band’s native tongue, and the industrial outfit landed the only album of its kind to be certified platinum stateside by the RIAA. The breakout song is undoubtedly the timeless “Du Hast,” but the rest of the album plays to similar strengths. Mechanized rhythms collide with the baritone voice of hulking singer Till Lindemann on songs like “Engel” and “Bestrafe Mich” to net one of the most surprising success stories of the decade.
43. Rob Zombie, Hellbilly Deluxe
Geffen
43. Rob Zombie, ‘Hellbilly Deluxe’
(Geffen, 1998) Breaking free from White Zombie and going under his stage moniker as a solo artist, Rob Zombie was back in the spotlight with ‘Hellbilly Deluxe.’ The record ascended to No. 5 on the ‘Billboard’ 200 chart and was eventually certified triple platinum by the RIAA. “Superbeast,” “Dragula” and “Living Dead Girl” kick off the album after an introduction, making for one of the best 10 minutes to ever begin an album. The band’s sound retained some groove from White Zombie, but was presented through a more industrial filter.
42. Type O Negative, Bloody Kisses
Roadrunner
42. Type O Negative, ‘Bloody Kisses’
(Roadrunner, 1993) After shaking off what was left of the spillover from the Carnivore sound, Type O Negative took a turn in the other direction on ‘Bloody Kisses.’ Arguably the finest gothic metal album committed to tape, Peter Steele and his sarcastic Brooklyn crew carved a niche for themselves with the help of the tongue-in-cheek goth anthem, “Black No. 1.” Other lengthy and brooding standouts include “Christian Woman” and “Bloody Kisses (A Death in the Family).” It’s not all dark as “Too Late: Frozen” is rather uplifting with its airy keyboard overtones and the ethereal croon of the backing vocals. With one album, Type O Negative were sitting at the top of their self-made musical world.
41. Pearl Jam, Vs.
Epic
41. Pearl Jam, ‘Vs.’
(Epic, 1993) Pearl Jam’s ‘Ten’ album found the band enjoying a meteoric rise with plenty of pitfalls that come with fame. But rather than fall prey, the band took control of their career and became a tighter unit than ever by the time they released their sophomore set ‘Vs.’ in 1993. The disc was an even more raw and aggressive effort led by such raucous fare as “Go,” “Animal” and “Rearviewmirror.” The hard was offset with melodic tracks like the huge single “Daughter,” “Glorified G” and “Dissident” as well as the more introspective “Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town” and “Indifference.” The disc would reach No. 1 and would go on to be certified seven times platinum.
40. Red Hot Chili Peppers, Californication
Warner Bros.
40. Red Hot Chili Peppers, ‘Californication’
(Warner Bros. 1999) After a creative dip in their career following the exit of guitarist John Frusciante, the Red Hot Chili Peppers rebounded in a major way when Frusciante returned for their 1999 release ‘Californication.’ The album proved a key turning point in the band’s career as they generated such melodic rock tracks as “Scar Tissue,” “Around the World,” “Otherside” and the title cut. Along with songs like “Road Trippin'” and “Parallel Universe,” the ‘Californication’ disc stands right alongside ‘Blood Sugar Sex Magik’ as the band’s biggest releases.
39. Marilyn Manson, Mechanical Animals
Nothing/Interscope
39. Marilyn Manson, ‘Mechanical Animals’
(Nothing/Interscope, 1998) Marilyn Manson proved himself a musical chameleon, channeling a new androgynous look and a heavy glam rock sound with the release of 1998’s ‘Mechanical Animals.’ The second chapter in his musical trilogy, ‘Mechanical Animals’ gave us arguably the deepest disc of his career. Led by the slow grooving single “The Dope Show,” Manson got off to a solid start. “I Don’t Like the Drugs (But the Drugs Like Me)” “Rock Is Dead” and “Coma White” all got plenty of attention as well from the effort.
38. Janes Addiction, Ritual de lo Habitual
Warner Bros.
38. Jane’s Addiction, ‘Ritual de lo Habitual’
(Warner Bros., 1990) Jane’s Addiction sounded like no other band at the time when they released their debut disc ‘Nothing’s Shocking’ in 1988, and they continued to stand out among the other acts in the alt-rock scene with ‘Ritual de lo Habitual.’ The disc features classics like ‘Stop!’ and ‘Been Caught Stealing’ along with favorites like ‘Ain’t No Right’ and ‘Three Days.’
37. Tool, Undertow
Zoo Entertainment
37. Tool, ‘Undertow’
(Zoo Entertainment, 1993) Tool’s 1993 full-length, ‘Undertow,’ is one of those rare benchmark albums which defined a band’s greatness from the day of its release. When alternative rock was the biggest music on earth, Tool came from an even darker and angrier place than their contemporaries. Few bands have ever purified sonic emotion like Tool and focused it with such skill. Fans can still hear those powerful dynamics in tracks like “Prison Sex,” “Intolerance” and “Sober.”
36. Pantera, Far Beyond Driven
EastWest
36. Pantera, ‘Far Beyond Driven’
(EastWest, 1994) Pantera kept their streak going in 1994 with ‘Far Beyond Driven.’ With an ever-increasing focus on groove, the quartet laid down their sonically hardest-hitting album yet, leading the charge with the ferocious “Strength Beyond Strength.” Philip Anselmo was still as venomous as ever on songs like “5 Minutes Alone” and “Use My Third Arm.” The savage riffing wrestles the listener with sudden tempo changes, most noticeably on “Hard Lines, Sunken Cheeks” and the bluesy “I’m Broken.” To let the dust settle, Pantera cap the album with a mesmerizing cover of Black Sabbath’s “Planet Caravan.”
35. Dissection, Storm of the Lights Bane
Nuclear Blast
35. Dissection, ‘Storm of the Light’s Bane’
(Nuclear Blast, 1995) Dissection perfected the marriage of melody and black metal on ‘Storm of the Light’s Bane’ 1995, conveying the icy tones felt on the monochromatic art courtesy of the infamous album artist Necrolord. “Night’s Blood” opens the record after the introductory instrumental “At the Fathomless Depths.” The drum fill sets the atmosphere with the heavy reverb and a few quick chord strikes give way to fearless melodies and Jon Nodtveidt’s cold, raspy voice. Each track is a hit, but songs like “Thorns of Crimson Death” are composed so masterfully it manages to stand head and shoulders above already untouchable material laid down in tracks like “Unhallowed” and “Soulreaper.”
34. Korn, Follow the Leader
Immortal/Epic
34. Korn, ‘Follow the Leader’
(Immortal/Epic, 1998) Korn grabbed the band’s greatest success to date with ‘Follow the Leader’ in 1998. Korn’s third studio album turned the nu-metallers into the biggest band in the world at the time, moving seven million copies in the U.S. alone. ‘Follow the Leader’ brought fan favorites like “Got the Life,” “Children of the Korn” and possibly the act’s magnum opus, “Freak on a Leash.”
33. Soundgarden, Superunknown
A&M
33. Soundgarden, ‘Superunknown’
(A&M, 1994) With grunge at its peak, Soundgraden dropped their ‘Superunknown’ album in 1994 and like many of their peers during the same time period, they reached new heights. The Michael Beinhorn-produced effort got off the ground with the heavy and percussive favorite “Spoonman.” Over the summer of 1994, the poetic “Black Hole Sun” became a major hit as well. Meanwhile, tracks like “The Day I Tried to Live,” “My Wave” and “Fell on Black Days” became standards in the band’s catalog and helped complete a truly rocking album.
32. Foo Fighters, The Colour and the Shape
Roswell/Capitol
32. Foo Fighters, ‘The Colour and the Shape’
(Roswell/Capitol, 1997) Foo Fighters’ self-titled debut was essentially a Dave Grohl solo set with a band added later. So with 1997’s sophomore set, ‘The Colour and the Shape,’ there were some recording growing pains. Despite splitting with drummer William Goldsmith, Grohl, Nate Mendel and Pat Smear worked together to deliver one of the band’s most beloved releases. The full throttle rocker “Monkey Wrench” led the way, while the contemplative “Everlong” offered a change of pace that would become one of the band’s most beloved tracks. The anthemic “My Hero” and “Walking After You” would also get plenty of play off the Grammy nominated Best Rock Album.
31. Social Distortion, Social Distortion
Epic
31. Social Distortion, ‘Social Distortion’
(Epic, 1990) After toiling away for more than a decade, Social Distortion broke through with their self-titled punk masterpiece in 1990. The album features one sing-along classic after another such as “Ball & Chain,” “Story of My Life,” “Sick Boys” and a blistering cover of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.”
30. Megadeth, Countdown to Exctinction
Capitol
30. Megadeth, ‘Countdown to Exctinction’
(Capitol, 1992) Megadeth had a tough task in following up the massively successful and innovative, ‘Rust in Peace.’ Rather than trying to up the ante, Dave Mustaine switched gears and focused on a more song-oriented album instead of dizzying guitar lines and face-melting solos. ‘Countdown to Extinction’ features the suicidal “Skin O’ My Teeth” which showcases the strongest vocal melodies of any material yet. “High Speed Dirt” is among the fastest work here, often left in the shadows of “Symphony of Destruction” and the conflicting inner monologue of “Sweating Bullets.”
29. Death, Human
Relativity/Relapse
29. Death, ‘Human’
(Relativity/Relapse, 1991) By 1991, Death had not only pioneered the death metal genre, but were already reinventing it before many of their contemporaries even put out their first record. ‘Human’ quickly became the gold standard of death metal, clocking in at just under 35 minutes but packing enough into its span to be heralded as one of the finest releases in the genre’s ever-widening canon. Technicality met brutality with deft balance on songs like “Together as One” and “Suicide Machine.” Mastermind Chuck Schuldiner’s lyrics were venturing away from aimless gore, favoring the horrors of reality when pen met paper and his visceral voice conveyed their ugly message.
28. Smashing Pumpkins, Siamese Dream
Virgin
28. Smashing Pumpkins, ‘Siamese Dream’
(Virgin, 1993) Smashing Pumpkins received plenty of praise as indie artists on their debut ‘Gish,’ enough so that Virgin came calling for their second album ‘Siamese Dream,’ and they did not disappoint. The Midwestern foursome thrived under pressure, delivering the aggressive “Cherub Rock,” the instantly catchy “Today” and the somber and personal “Disarm,” each becoming radio favorites. But fans will tell you there are more than the hits there, as cuts like “Rocket,” “Soma,” “Mayonnaise,” “Geek U.S.A.” and “Silverf–k” help make ‘Siamese Dream’ one of those top-to-bottom must-listens for music fans.
27. System of a Down, System of a Down
American
27. System of a Down, ‘System of a Down’
(American, 1998) Enter the modern masters of metal weirdness. System of a Down’s self-titled record managed to reach a massive audience after its 1998 release, developing SOAD’s cult following into perhaps the most rabid since Tool’s debut. Almost 20 years later, ‘System of a Down’ is still weird… uncomfortably so at times. Completely uninhibited, the album blows through bizarre cuts like “Suite-Pee” and “Sugar” all the way to “P.L.U.C.K.”
26. Hole, Live Through This
DGC
26. Hole, ‘Live Through This’
(DGC, 1994) Released just after the death of Courtney Love’s husband, Kurt Cobain, in 1994, a lot of attention was initially heaped upon Hole’s ‘Live Through This.’ But over time, Hole began to emerge out of the Cobain shadow with a disc that truly solidified them as a force in the music industry. With Love’s raw and uninhibited delivery, songs like “Miss World,” “Doll Parts” and “Violet” cut through, connecting with listeners. Other songs like “Softer, Softest” and “Asking for It” also remained fan favorites over the years.
25. Anthrax, Persistence Of Time
Island/Megaforce
25. Anthrax, ‘Persistence Of Time’
(Island/Megaforce, 1990) New York thrash legends Anthrax were one of the most electrifying acts to emerge from the scene, giving their own spin on a sound dominated by the West Coast. In 1990, they incorporated a heavier sense of groove in their sliding rhythms, which let singer Joey Belladonna breathe more and employ even stronger melodies. From “Keep it in the Family” to “Belly of the Beast,” ‘Persistence of Time’ saw the band grow into more complex songwriting, but still proved they were as quick and energetic as ever with their bouncy cover of Joe Jackson’s “Time.”
24. Rage Against the Machine, Evil Empire
Epic
24. Rage Against the Machine, ‘Evil Empire’
(Epic, 1996) Sophomore slump? Not when it comes to Rage Against the Machine. Still enjoying the slow burn ascent of their debut disc, the band kept the momentum going with 1996’s ‘Evil Empire’ album. Led by Tom Morello’s scratchy solo and Zack de la Rocha’s no holds barred vocals, “Bulls on Parade” got the band off to a solid start. The follow-up single “People of the Sun” was also a big success, with both tracks receiving Grammy nominations. But it was their deeper album cut “Tire Me” that actually won them Grammy gold for Best Metal Performance. Other standouts included “Year of tha Boomerang,” “Down Rodeo” and “Vietnow.”
23. Dream Theater, Images and Words
Atco
23. Dream Theater, ‘Images and Words’
(Atco, 1992) With just one album out, Dream Theater shook up their ‘80s lineup, exchanging Charlie Dominici for James Labrie to front the band. “Images and Words” in an improvement on its already impressive predecessor and instantly made a cannonball-sized splash in the sea of progressive metal that was just beginning to gain attention in the early ‘90s. Marked with timeless cuts like “Pull Me Under” and “Take the Time,” the album set the bar high for an ambitious band that would only continue to raise it over the next quarter century.
22. Ozzy Osbourne, No More Tears
Epic/CBS
22. Ozzy Osbourne, ‘No More Tears’
(Epic/CBS, 1991) The Prince of Darkness entered what would be his third different decade since getting his start with Black Sabbath in 1970. ‘No More Tears’ was the second Ozzy Osbourne to feature the talents of Zakk Wylde, keeping Ozzy’s streak of finding mind-bending guitar players hot. Opening with “Mr. Tinkertrain,” the album starts off with a fun and positive mood. Like most of the Ozzman’s albums, things get softer on the following two songs, “I Don’t Wanna Change the World” and the radio hit “Mama I’m Coming Home”, both of which featured lyrics written by Motorhead’s Lemmy Kilmister.
21. Marilyn Manson, Antichrist Superstar
Interscope
21. Marilyn Manson, ‘Antichrist Superstar’
(Interscope, 1996) Marilyn Manson turned a few heads with their ‘Smells Like Children’ disc, but by the time ‘Antichrist Superstar’ arrived in 1996, Manson was in full button-pushing mode. Led by such standout cuts as “The Beautiful People” and “Tourniquet,” the disc found the controversial rocker thrust into the mainstream. Though two singles broke through, the album as a whole was more ambitious in scope as Manson envisioned it as the final chapter of a trilogy that would play out over his next two discs. With a team of Trent Reznor, Sean Beavan and Dave Ogilvie joining the singer behind the boards, ‘Antichrist Superstar’ remains as one of Manson’s most musically stellar releases.
20. Fugazi, Repeater
Dischord
20. Fugazi, ‘Repeater’
(Dischord, 1990) Fugazi didn’t need a major label to bring their post-hardcore greatness to the masses. The band built an underground following that helped them sell over a million copies of ‘Repeater.’ The album features standout anthems like “Turnover” and “Blueprint,” plus favorites like “Repeater” and “Sieve-Fisted Find.”
19. Nirvana, In Utero
DGC
19. Nirvana, ‘In Utero’
(DGC, 1993) How could Nirvana follow up the monstrous success of ‘Nevermind’? As it turns out, 1993’s ‘In Utero’ album did about as well as you could expect. Leaning toward a more abrasive style, Nirvana challenged listeners with songs like “Heart-Shaped Box,” “Rape Me” and “All Apologies.” Tracks like “Dumb,” “Pennyroyal Tea” and “Scentless Apprentice” also got some attention. The album was viewed as a departure from ‘Nevermind,’ but still landed at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 Album Chart and went on to be critically praised while being certified five times platinum by the RIAA.
18. Pantera, Cowboys From Hell
Atco
18. Pantera, ‘Cowboys From Hell’
(Atco, 1990) Completely abandoning their pre-fame glam metal days and flat out acting like they never even had four albums under their belts, Pantera underwent an extreme makeover and came out as the ‘Cowboys From Hell.’ The riffing attack from Dimebag Darrell carried over the energy lying underneath their earlier days, but with a honed and lethal precision. Philip Anselmo left his falsetto behind for the most part, and started employing his chip-on-the-shoulder shrieks that made songs like the title track, “Domination” and “Cemetery Gates” felt and not just heard.
17. Slipknot, Slipknot
Roadrunner
17. Slipknot, ‘Slipknot’
(Roadrunner, 1999) Few metal bands have debuted as strong as Slipknot. Released in 1999, Slipknot’s self-titled album is proven to be a modern classic while launching the nine into metal’s highest realm. Tracks like “Wait and Bleed” and “Spit it Out” remain fan favorites and perhaps no Slipknot album showcases the individual influences from each member like ‘Slipknot’ does, as it’s wrapped up like one chaotic work spiked with dynamic offshoots.
16. Morbid Angel, Covenant
Earache/Giant
16. Morbid Angel, ‘Covenant’
(Earache/Giant, 1993) As death metal was still trying to find its ceiling, Morbid Angel landed the first major label record deal with Giant, who partnered with Warner Bros. ‘Covenant’ showed almost no signs of a band who inked a mainstream deal, save for the clean vocals on the slimey and crawling “God of Emptiness.” David Vincent’s barks are more intelligible than the last two, but the riffing found in “Rapture” and “Lion’s Den” proved there was nothing soft about this album. ‘Covenant’ was the best-selling death metal record until Dethklok, the band based off the animated cartoon of the same name, released their debut.
15. Red Hot Chili Peppers, Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Warner Bros.
15. Red Hot Chili Peppers, ‘Blood Sugar Sex Magik’
(Warner Bros., 1991) Red Hot Chili Peppers started to reach the masses with their previous effort ‘Mother’s Milk,’ but in 1991, they reached new heights of success with their Rick Rubin-produced effort, ‘Blood Sugar Sex Magik.’ The funky rhythms and tongue-twisty vocal delivery of “Give It Away” stuck with listeners. Then came the deeply personal Anthony Kiedis testimonial about his drug days on “Under the Bridge.” Other tunes garnering attention included “Suck My Kiss,” “Breaking the Girl” and “If You Have to Ask,” making the album the band’s biggest success of their career at the time.
14. Sublime, Sublime
MCA
14. Sublime, ‘Sublime’
(MCA, 1996) Sublime’s biggest success was tempered with the loss of singer Bradley Nowell, who died prior to the release of the band’s self-titled 1996 album. A chaotic recording session with producers Paul Leary and David Kahne yielded some of the band’s best work. “What I Got” proved to be the band’s breakout track, while the songs “Santeria,” “Wrong Way” and “Doin’ Time” all enjoyed radio success as singles. Two other songs not officially released as singles — “April 29, 1992” and “Caress Me Down” also enjoyed radio play, thus cementing Sublime’s self-titled album as one of the true standout discs of the decade.
13. Smashing Pumpkins, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
Virgin
13. Smashing Pumpkins, ‘Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness’
(Virgin, 1995) Smashing Pumpkins typically set the bar high and perhaps their most ambitious work was 1995’s double album, ‘Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.’ Produced by Billy Corgan with the help of Alan Moulder and Flood, the set got off to a hot start with the angst-ridden rocker “Bullet With Butterfly Wings.” Finding a song that truly connects, they followed with the nostalgic “1979.” Meanwhile, “Tonight, Tonight,” “Zero” and “Thirty-Three” all enjoyed radio play as well and the double disc is widely regarded as a masterpiece.
12. Judas Priest, Painkiller
Columbia
12. Judas Priest, ‘Painkiller’
(Columbia, 1990) After steering in a sonically different direction on their last two albums, Judas Priest roared back as the cover implies. ‘Painkiller’ is one of the most consistently punishing and anthemic albums you’ll ever find in heavy metal. Rob Halford is remarkable at 40 years old, executing one of his finest performances in his already impressive career. From the devastating title track to the banner waving “One Shot at Glory” stacked in between are “Hell Patrol” “Night Crawler” and “A Touch of Evil.”
11. Slayer, Seasons in the Abyss
Def American
11. Slayer, ‘Seasons in the Abyss’
(Def American, 1990) After slowing down Slayer’s style with ‘South of Heaven,’ the thrash legends came back in 1990 with the unforgiving ‘Seasons in the Abyss.’ Held in the same regard as ‘Reign in Blood,’ ‘Seasons in the Abyss’ is essentially a perfect album. There’s simply no weakness throughout the full 42 minutes. Starting off with the blood-drenched “War Ensemble,” Slayer relents not one bit as “Dead Skin Mask,” “Hallowed Point” and “Born of Fire” soak the eardrums.
10. Pearl Jam, Ten
Epic
10. Pearl Jam, ‘Ten’
(Epic, 1991) Nirvana may have knocked down the wall for grunge music, but a fellow Seattle favorite named Pearl Jam made sure that the genre remained all the rage. With the release of Pearl Jam’s ‘Ten’ in 1991, the group started to climb the charts with the ebb-and-flow rocker “Alive.” The chaotic “Even Flow” followed, then the band became MTV superstars with “Jeremy.” The album also included such standout tracks as “Once,” “Porch,” “Oceans” and the live favorite “Black.” This diamond-selling disc became the band’s calling card and the start to a two decade-plus career.
9. Megadeth, Rust in Peace
Capitol
9. Megadeth, ‘Rust in Peace’
(Capitol, 1990) Dave Mustaine and Marty Friedman traded some of the most memorable and mind-bending guitar licks on the famed ‘Rust in Peace’ album. Both technically challenging and catchy, Megadeth committed one of the most innovative albums in metal history, propelled by the opening combination of “Holy Wars… the Punishment Due” and “Hangar 18.” Songs like “Tornado of Souls” and the title highlight the second half and nothing has been the same since.
8. Alice in Chains, Dirt
Columbia
8. Alice in Chains, ‘Dirt’
(Columbia, 1992) Alice in Chains saw positive returns with their debut disc ‘Facelift,’ which for the most part preceded the explosion of grunge. But in 1992, the band was able to truly reach their audience. Buoyed by the inclusion of the song “Would?” on the ‘Singles’ soundtrack, the ‘Dirt’ album got off to a hot start. But there was plenty more to follow as songs like “Them Bones,” “Angry Chair,” “Rooster” and “Down in a Hole” would all become standards in the band’s catalog, while tracks like “God Smack,” “Sickman” and “Dam That River” made this a truly deep album from top to bottom.
7. Rage Against the Machine, Rage Against the Machine
Epic
7. Rage Against the Machine, ‘Rage Against the Machine’
(Epic, 1992) Rage Against the Machine’s 1992 debut disc didn’t exactly blow up out of the gate. In fact, it was almost two years before MTV picked up on the song “Freedom,” the fourth single from the disc. But once they did, fans began to embrace the album as a whole. Songs like the blistering anthem “Killing in the Name,” the hard-hitting “Bullet in My Head” and the powerful “Bombtrack” helped make the band’s self-titled debut a true masterpiece that influenced other acts for years to come.
6. Tool, Ænema
Zoo Entertainment
6. Tool, ‘Ænema’
(Zoo Entertainment, 1996) As an album, ‘Ænima’ was a true game-changer for Tool. Already masters of focusing anger and comedic residue into the band’s music, Tool used ‘Ænima’ to begin exploring a type of spirituality which came to define the act’s later works. Each member boasted a state of musical evolution on ‘Ænima,’ while new bassist Justin Chancellor brought a smoother, riff-based approach to Tool’s low end. ‘Ænima’ is damn near perfect and tracks like “Forty-Six & 2,” “Pushit” and “Ænema” have transcended the rust of time 20 years after being put to tape.
5. Green Day, Dookie
Reprise
5. Green Day, ‘Dookie’
(Reprise, 1994) After ‘Kerplunk,’ Green Day were in hot demand and signed to Warner’s Reprise Records. The pairing with producer Rob Cavallo was like catching lightning in a bottle as the inspired rockers powered through a quick recording session that yielded one of the biggest albums of their career. By the time ‘Dookie’ arrived in 1994, the single “Longview” was starting to take hold at radio. With tracks like “Welcome to Paradise,” “Basket Case,” “When I Come Around” and “She,” Green Day became a household name and helped further a punk revival in the ’90s.
4. Metallica, Metallica
Elektra
4. Metallica, ‘Metallica’
(Elektra, 1991) Metallica’s 1991 self-titled disc (aka ‘The Black Album’ ) helped bring metal to the masses and beyond. Though some fans disparaged the mainstream’s newfound love affair with Metallica, the full-length undeniably changed the face of heavy music forever. Debuting at No. 1, the ‘Black Album’ went on to sell over 16 million copies in the U.S. alone and is the highest-selling album of the Soundscan era. Forever iconic, ’The Black Album’ features undeniable classics like “Enter Sandman,’ “Sad but True” and “Nothing Else Matters.”
3. Nine Inch Nails, The Downward Spiral
Interscope
3. Nine Inch Nails, ‘The Downward Spiral’
(Interscope, 1994) How would Nine Inch Nails follow their stellar debut ‘Pretty Hate Machine’? With the sensational album ‘The Downward Spiral,’ which truly brought the Trent Reznor-led act to new heights. It was a modest start in 1994 for the album as the thrashy “March of the Pigs” stood out at MTV, but didn’t really catch hold at radio. However, during the summer of ’94, the funky single “Closer” was virtually impossible to escape. The disc also featured the sinister sounding “Piggy,” the dark and somber “Hurt” and the aggressive rocker “Mr. Self Destruct.”
2. Pantera, Vulgar Display of Power
Atco
2. Pantera, ‘Vulgar Display of Power’
(Atco, 1992) ‘Vulgar Display of Power’ honed in on the most aggressive elements of Pantera’s ‘Cowboys in Hell’ debut, funneling pure angst and rebellion into songs like “A New Level,” “Mouth for War” and the reckless “F–king Hostile.” The production lets the razor-sharp tone from Dimebag Darrell’s amp and Vinnie Paul’s lockstep, accented drumming take the album art to sonic heights. Beating their chests, Pantera changed the game with fist-raising anthem “Walk.”
1. Nirvana, Nevermind
DGC
1. Nirvana, ‘Nevermind’
(DGC, 1991) In 1991, Nirvana singlehandedly changed the face of rock music with the release of ‘Nevermind.’ The band’s Butch Vig-produced album found the band exploring the “loud/quiet” dynamics mined by the Pixies with great success. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was the breakout track, reaching enormous heights, while “Come as You Are,” “Lithium” and “In Bloom” all followed as hit singles. ‘Nevermind’ brought the grunge sound to the mainstream, quickly wiping out the hair metal dominance at rock radio at the time. Rarely has an album had such an impact on the music world, and chances are we’ll never see the phenomenon of an album like ‘Nevermind’ again.
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