Slipknot helped propel Nu-Metal into the stratosphere with their own blend of Heavy Metal, Thrash, and Speed Metal baked into their foundation. This was uncommon for the genre at the time, but it allowed Slipknot to carve out a niche in the genre that Mudvayne would later join them in (to no surprise since Shawn of Slipknot executive produced, as well as Steve Richards, Slipknot’s manager at the time). This record (and band in general) would influence some of the biggest names in modern Metal; Knocked Loose, Upon a Burning Body, Suicide Silence, Of Mice & Men, Trivium, Whitechapel, and many more. Hell, Slipknot was a major inspiration for me when I used to write Metal music with buddies back in high school!

The Beautiful Dark of Life sees Atreyu return to their classic sound in many ways, while also modernizing it and moving in a new, mature direction (which I expect from a band that has been at it for almost 30 years - a statement that makes me feel ancient to say). The songs are catchy, heavy, intimate, and at times soft. The album easily contains the best vocals and guitar writing I have heard from the band, with much of the credit going to Brandon Saller.

Sleep Token is a once-in-a-generation band that takes the genres you have known for ages and finds new ways to flip them on their heads and blend them in a way that feels so natural. Take Me Back to Eden is further proof of this, and is easily their most polished and balanced record yet. Vessel, the band’s leader, and singer, has such a unique sound to his voice, being able to float from soulful R&B to rage-filled Metal, and finally powerful modern Pop styles. The band around him is able to keep up, specifically their drummer II (the only other permanent member alongside Vessel), with II citing his influences as Joey Jordison from Slipknot, Matthew McDonough of Mudvayne, and the UK Electronic and Hip Hop scene. These influences are especially evident when you focus on the drumwriting of the album and help with the believability of the genre-bending taking place throughout. Sleep Token has quickly become not only one of the biggest bands of the 2020s (earning the rightful place of opening for Linkin Park as part of their return tour) but one of my top bands from the past decade.