Metal Mixology for November 17th!

The latest edition comes for Wheel of Time!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4I2YK1UU437S48EsERVb57?si=FaxPl41NSwiQxdWVEBceRQ

1. Master of Puppets - Metallica (Master of Puppets, S&M)

This is THE best Metallica song, no doubt. It has a very distinct song structure compared to then-contemporary thrash metal bands’ musical works. I think at least half of the contribution should be credited to Cliff Burton, who was truly a loss to the band. 

I actually like the S&M (1999) version of this song. By performing together with San Francisco Symphony, which gives a much grand and vast texture to the song, Master of Puppets sounds more epic and in a heroic manner. It feels like something deep down in the layer and nature of this song was activated. 

2. Scene Seven: I. The Dance of Eternity - Dream Theater (Metropolic, Pt.2: Scenes from the Memory)

This is one of the most challenging progressive metal songs ever written. It took me quite some time to fully digest its content, structure, and even the guitar tone, simply because it is so unique. 

For me, this song was a turning point—it was the first time I realized how diversified progressive metal could be. Within a single piece, Dream Theater seamlessly shifts between jazz fusion elements, classical motifs, metal intensity, and even playful, almost theatrical interludes. It opened my eyes to the idea that heavy music could be limitless, refusing to stay within the boundaries of a single style or mood.

3. The Alien - Dream Theater (A View from the Top of the World)

This is my favorite Dream Theater song in the post-Portnoy era. This is truly the song (and album) that shows a very good status of all members of DT during the writing of the songs and recording of this album - at least it sounds like that to me. I tried to analyze this song and figure out how DT put their minds in different parts and the details. What struck me the most was the intelligence behind the composition—every detail, from the riffs to the transitions, feels carefully designed but still full of energy with elaborate thought. It’s a song that reminds me why Dream Theater continues to define progressive metal decades into their career.

4. Evolution (The Grand Design) - Symphony X (V: The New Mythology Suite)

If I had to choose one song that best represents Symphony X, it would be Evolution (The Grand Design). This track captures every defining aspect of the band: it’s complex in structure, symphonic in texture, melodic in its themes, and powerful in execution. Within just a few minutes, it demonstrates how Symphony X blends classical influences with modern progressive metal, creating a sound that is emotionally overwhelming.

5. World On Fire - Stratovarius (Survive)

This is the latest full studio album from Stratovarius, and probably my top 1 Stratovarius simply because I can just keep looping playing all the songs. Among them, World On Fire is my favorite. Jens Johansson, as always, won't disappoint us —his synth tones are crafted with such precision that they elevate the track, weaving perfectly with the guitars and vocals to create a powerful and cinematic atmosphere. It’s a song that feels both classic Stratovarius and forward-looking at the same time.

6. I’ll Wait - Van Halen (1984)

I know there are a bunch of hit songs from this album: Jump, Panama etc. And I’ll Wait is the special one. Everytime if I am listening to it, it just feels like back to the 1980s, with memories of the golden years. Maybe it is because of the Oberheim synth tone, or the guitar solo with blended effects from chorus or phase. But I just want to be nostalgic by turning on my phonograph, opening a can of coke or beer, and lying on a sofa, and letting it flow. 

7. Dreamlike - Kiko Loureiro (Open Source)

I started to have many business travels because of my daily work since 2024. When I took those flights, I’d always like listening to my mentor Kiko’s 2020 album Open Source. Actually I can’t tell which song I like the most from the album. The reason for picking Dreamlike is probably because it is the only “ballad” song from Open Source. It is not easy to write a melodic, medium tempo song, especially when you want to take rock vibes, technical difficulties and melody into consideration. Nowadays it is not hard to find a song with fast playing, but a truly deep, artistic and warm song becomes so rare. 

8. Hypersonic - Liquid Tension Experiment (Liquid Tension Experiment 3)

When I first listened to this song back in 2021, I was just shocked. Not only because of LTE suddenly released their 3rd studio album but also the back of their signature hyper high technical playing and performance. The interplay between John Petrucci, Jordan Rudess, Tony Levin, and Mike Portnoy is just breathtaking. I’m not sure if this is the fastest song of LTE, but it feels like every member pushes the limits of their instrument with impossible riffs and solos. 

9. The Secret, Pt.1 & 2 - DGM (The Passage)

      DGM is one of the most underrated progressive metal bands. I personally like two albums from them: The Passage (2016) and Tragic Separation (2020). Guitarist Simone Mularoni’s playing is just a phenomenon. I don’t know how did he create his sound, what amp and pickups he is using (from the MV it looks like he uses a Fender telecaster with double humbuckers) in studio, but I indeed particularly like the guitar tone in the album and live gigs - heavy, solid and punchy. The Secret, Pt.1 & 2 are from the album The Passage in the format of suite. Unlike and un-following the mainstream metalcore or djent genres, The Secret Pt.1 & 2 have their own charming characteristics - while you may still hear a little bit of vibe from Symphony X, which is totally understandable since Michael Romeo contributed a guest guitar solo on another song Dogma from this album. 

10. Voice - Hiromi (Voice)

I understand that Toxic Metal Zine - MetalMixology is mainly for metal or hard rock music. But this song is a must-to-listen. You can definitely hear the drums performance by Simon Phillips (Derek Sherinian, Sherinian/Philips, Gary Moore, Camel, Joe Satriani, Judas Priest, Jon Lord, Toto…). Plus there is a strong punch from Hiromi’s piano sound. So it is very hard to give a definition to the song and the same titled album: is it a jazz album? - yes it is. Does it come with a rock music spirit? Absolutely. So I just picked this one as the last track of this list, and hope you would like it as I do.