Title Tracks: Fear Factory- Demanufacture

The year is 1995 and an album is about to be released that changes the heavy metal game for the future. This landmark album would not only put the band on the map but it would go on to be one of the most influential and inspirational albums of the 90’s metal scene and beyond. I’m talking about Fear Factory and their undeniable masterpiece, Demanufacture. There is one story I love about the making of this album that I have to share. The album was recorded at Bearsville Studios in rural New York. Also in residence at the studio was New Jersey rockers, Bon Jovi who were in the studio recording their album These Days (which is actually a really good album in the Bon Jovi catalog and quite dark too). Anyways the story goes that Fear Factory were in the studio next door and one of Bon Jovi’s engineers asked them to turn the sound down, as it was bleeding into Bon Jovi’s drum mics, during Bon Jovi’s recording sessions. But that’s a whole other story for another time. What I want is to focus on the title track of the album. The concept for the album is about a man’s struggles against a machine-controlled government, with each song a chapter in his life. The first song on the album is the title track “Demanufacture” and as a tone setter, WOW. This song is blistering. The riffs are pummeling and the drums blast like Thor’s hammer. Then when you add Burton C. Bell’s vocals of clean singing to heavier vocals, you just can’t beat it. What a way to start off an album and a classic one at best. This song has gone on to live in infamy as one of the best title tracks but also as a track one!

Fear Factory- Demanufacture:

Title Tracks: Slayer- Seasons In The Abyss

Slayer’s Seasons In The Abyss is my favorite album of theirs. As much as I love Reign In Blood, there is just something more intriguing about Seasons. There’s a complexity to this album and also a different vibe than their other albums. From the moment “War Ensemble” starts all the way through to the closing title track “Seasons In The Abyss” there’s no denying that this album is beyond impactful. The title track is quite a departure. It’s a slowed down song with Tom Araya almost singing. The lyrics too are a bit different as well since Tom Araya wrote them and not Jeff Hanneman or Kerry King. This album is a classic through and through. Even though Reign gets all the rah rah acclaim, I still think Seasons is better.

Slayer- Seasons In The Abyss:

Title Tracks: Black Map- And We Explode

Since I first heard about Black Map, I’ve been super stoked about them. I’ve had the pleasure to see them a few times as well as sit down with Ben and Mark for an interview. They are one of the best rock bands out there today and continue to impress and get better with each release. Their debut album has one of my favorite title tracks I’ve ever heard in “And We Explode Parts 1 & 2.” This song (let’s just call it one song), packs so much passion and awesomeness in it. The melody that accompanies the riffs and rhythms are pristine and are smooth as butter. It’s really a great showcase for how good of songwriters Black Map are along with players. If you haven’t heard Black Map before, you should definitely change that! Also, if you are in the Los Angeles area at the end of September (Sept 28 to be exact), Black Map is playing at The Whisky with my homies in Centershift.

Black Map- And We Explode Part I:

Black Map- And We Explode Part II:

Title Tracks: Pantera- The Great Southern Trendkill

I’m probably in a very small minority with what I’m about to say. To me, the best Pantera album is, The Great Southern Trendkill. This album emits a level of heavy that I think even surprised everyone involved in the making of it. I’ve always been very fond of the vocal production on this one too (courtesy of the masterful Sean Beavan working out of Trent Reznor’s studio in New Orleans). There’s something a bit more powerful and in your face about Philip’s delivery on this album. One thing is for certain, the first song on the album, the title track, “The Great Southern Trendkill” is one of the best title tracks. Everything about this song is badass. This is one of those title tracks that stands out amongst them all!

Pantera- The Great Southern Trendkill:

Title Tracks: Oasis- Morning Glory

There are so many albums celebrating monumental anniversaries this year. One of those albums is the Oasis album, (What’s The Story) Morning Glory. I remember when this album was released and I couldn’t wait to buy it. I played the hell out of it. I got so engrossed with this album, that I knew all the words and would constantly sing along to it with my best friend at the time. One of the songs that always stood out to me was the title track, “Morning Glory.” This song has a great rock sound to it with huge guitars, bombastic rhythms and great melodies. Oh, and the little guitar solo is subtle yet perfect. The intro to the song is one of my favorites of all time. And, the moment Liam Gallagher’s vocals come it, you just know it’s going to be one of “those songs.” This is one of the best title tracks of all time, in my opinion.

Oasis- Morning Glory:

Title Tracks: Metallica

Metallica are one of those bands whose title track songs are among the best in their catalog. There is no denying the power of a song like “Master Of Puppets” or even “And Justice For All.” I’ve said it many times and I’ll continue to say it, James Hetfield is one of the best songwriters and lyricists. Even the song “St. Anger,” though the production and tones are all terrible, there is a certain something about that particular song that just sums up that album perfectly. With all that being said, here’s Metallica’s title tracks for you to enjoy!

 

Metallica- Ride The Lightning:

 

 
Metallica- Master Of Puppets:

 

 

 

Metallica- And Justice For All:

 

 
Metallica- St. Anger:

 

 

Metallica- Hardwired…:

 

Title Tracks: Nine Inch Nails

The “title track” topic is quite fun. The title track is one of those songs that has always left a mark with me. I’m sure many of you out there, like myself, like to really delve into the “why” part of albums. As I mentioned before, these songs seem to have a certain vibe that brings the whole album together. Check out these songs by Nine Inch Nails and then go back and listen to the albums as a whole.

 

The Downward Spiral:

 

 

The Fragile:

 

 

With Teeth: