Fear Of God: Within The Veil - Internal discord and forays into poetry make this a true piece of original art in the metal genre.

Fates Warning: Perfect Symmetry - This one changed my thinking and my life. What more can I say?

Psychotic Waltz: Bleeding & Into The Everflow - Strange, beautiful and complex. These guys were way ahead of their time and I wish more people could hear them.

Demilich: Nespithe - These guys are the elite in Rubik's Cube death metal.

Opeth: Blackwater Park - Contrapuntal layering and inspiring arrangements. I would call this impressionistic death/prog. This one stands shoulder with any of the greats and that includes my next choice…

Metallica: Master Of Puppets - This really raised the bar in making metal more progressive than your standard pedal tone with alternating chords. Its influence is all over modern metal today. Truly groundbreaking.

Nevermore: This Godless Endeavor - Modern classics are hard to come by, but this one is in. Let the seed awakening begin!

Black Sabbath: Heaven & Hell - The whole production is outstanding. Monumental recording and some of Tony's best soloing ever. I would love to have one of those Japanese mini lp cds of this. Money would be no object!

Type O Negative: Any of em - Self deprecation and keen humor keeps me coming to their concerts every time they roll though. I always spend too much cash on their merch. as well.

Pink Floyd: Animals - I always have play this hypnotizing opus all the way through. Did you ever notice how many people have ripped off Gilmore's strumming pattern on the acoustic? Great lyrical commentary from Waters. I think Warrel Dane loved the idea of the "pigs" even more than I do!

The Cure: Disintegration - A reprieve from all the death metal that frequents my stereo of late. Moody, intimate and relaxing. Nice mix of elements.