50 Rock And Metal Albums You Need To Hear Before You Die

41. Turisas - Battle Metal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcF908XFxng An often overlooked band by the metal elitists, Battle Metal is one of the most densely packed albums ever made. Sprawling, folk-ified arrangements blend with a hard rock sensibility and choruses that are designed to get you to wave your sword in the air while you down your beer and prepare to dance a jig, it's rousing stuff. Try listening to Once More and not feel the need to strap some armour on and ride into a battle - it's impossible.

40. Xternals - Fistful Of Infinity

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_d1t5K0PlNY Xternals are likely to have flown under your radar, but their debut album is an absolute gem. The Italian five piece sit somewhere between Nine Inch Nails and Linkin Park with their synth-heavy, slightly groove-laden rock. For a debut album, the production values are off the chart and the songs are just phenomenal. While they gear up for their second album to be released, you really should get on board with this superb band.

39. Machine Head - The Blackening

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqf9HdGQpGU Something of an aberration in Machine Head's back catalogue, The Blackening is one of the few albums they've released where every track is gold. Despite the fact that the songs were increased in length, Robb Flynn and co. added huge instrumental passages, epic guitar solos and memorable choruses. It's still loud, shouty and somewhat arrogant, but it's the finest album Machine Head have put out to date.