1) Marilyn Manson – Mechanical Animals
In my opinion the best album they’ve released. I remember buying it when it came out and the effect it had on the music scene at the time and on me personally. Everything about this era in Manson’s career was awesome, the tour, the videos. The album itself is flawless. If I had to only recommend one album it would be this one.

2) Depeche Mode – Songs of Faith And Devotion
Dave Gahan at his best. Powerful and moving tracks. You can feel the tension between the band in the tracks but it isn’t detrimental to the sound, it just works. Another flawless album.

3) Nine Inch Nails – Pretty Hate Machine
NIN before the noise. Flawless.

4) Motley Crue – Dr Feelgood
This is M**’s favourite Motley Crue album, and the one that got me into them as well. Tattooed rockstars making kickass music, what more would you want?

5) Ministry – Rio Grande Blood
A band that’s not scared to say what it thinks. This isn’t a nice album, it doesn’t simply suggest towards its views, it slams them home into your head.

6) Cradle of Filth – Cruelty and the Beast
Another album I remember coming out. The last good Cradle album in my opinion. M** and I had a debate over whether it should be this album or Dusk and Her Embrace. Both are strong albums, the only reason this one wins is because we both went to see the band when they toured it. Outstanding tracks, I remember the anticipation for it after hearing ‘Lustmord and Wargasm’ on a Metal Hammer CD.

7) Sepultura – Roots
Put simply, an amazing album. Nothing more needs to be said.

8) Soulfly – Soulfly
Probably the strongest of Max’s solo efforts barring Dark Days.

9) Rammstein – Mutter
I love this album, it’s awesome. Catchy, heavy guitar riffs, big drum sound. Not a single track worth skipping.

10) Burzum – Hvis Lyset Tar Oss
The title means ‘when the light takes us’ and it’s often been referred to as a ‘unique album of pain’. 4 tracks over 44mins, the first track alone is 16 minutes. Simplistic yet at the same time complex. The album finishes with the minimalist yet beautiful instrumental song ‘Tomhet’.