Ask any metal purist and they’ll probably insist that their genre was barely breathing once “Smells Like Teen Spirit” hit the air. The reality, though, is that many heavy bands embraced the sea change, creating a fertile period where at any moment you might catch a dude with dreadlocks, a girl with a shaved head, and a gorilla with an MPC sampler all on the same stage. Here are 30 records released in 1994 that showcase the smorgasbord of musical flavors that arise when metal and alternative rock are thrown in the same pot.
King’s X “Dogman”
Hot off the heels of their successful 1992 self-titled album, Texas power trio Kings X decided to give their longtime producer Sam Taylor the boot in favor of grunge luminary Brendan O’Brien. You can sense a quiet wink and nod to the listener because these guys know they’re way too talented for grunge, with ultra-tight grooves and vocal harmonies to make Crosby Stills & Nash take a knee.
Prong “Cleansing”
On their fourth offering, NYC heavyweights Prong employed superproducer Terry Date and two ex-members of Killing Joke (Paul Raven and John Bechdel) to revolutionize their sound. The result is a satisfying slab of borderline industrial metal so tight and clean you can set every clock in the house to it, with lead single “Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck” getting love bombed by Headbanger’s Ball.
Alice In Chains “Jar of Flies”
Essentially an audition tape for newly minted bassist Mike Inez, “Jar of Flies” bears the distinction of being the first EP ever to top the Billboard charts. Due to all the acoustic guitars we’re leaning much more “alt” on this one, but if you search “early Alice In Chains” on Google images you’ll know that these guys have always been metal to the bone.
P.O.D. “Snuff the Punk”
Long before they made your local rock station feel so “alive,” San Diego nü-metal crew Payable On Death dropped their debut LP on the very first day of 1994. What you get is basically what you expect from a band of this ilk just finding their bearings: bouncy metallic riffs, hip-hop flavored vocals, and enough slap bass to send Flea to the nearest restroom.
Therapy? “Troublegum”
If asked to choose a perfect example of the marriage between “alternative” and metal to shoot into space for future angsty teen extraterrestrials to enjoy, the lead single “Screamager” off this Irish band’s most commercially successful release would be the one. Sugary pop hooks soar over Helmet style stop/start riffage, and the goatee game is bulletproof.
Animal Bag “Offering”
The only reference point any normal person would have for Animal Bag is a scene of them performing their funked out ode to country livin’, “Everybody” on the pilot episode of “My So Called Life.” These North Cackalacka natives take a more laid-back, folky approach on their next LP, and also win the blue ribbon for band member with the coolest name in drummer Boo Duckworth, who unfortunately passed away in 2002. Rest easy, Boo.
Stabbing Westward “Ungod”
These Macomb, Illinois (wherever the hell that is) industrial rockers came out of the gates swinging with their major label debut, spawning the pinch harmonic-laden single “Nothing” and earning them opening slots with both Depeche Mode and Killing Joke the same year. 10,000 chain smoking goth girls sighed in approval.
Nailbomb “Point Blank”
A one-off collab between Sepultura’s Max Cavalera and Fudge Tunnel frontman Alex Newport, “Point Blank” is the musical equivalent of a Sawzall entering your skull, in the best way. While Cavalera revisited this record on tour with Soulfly in 2017, the one and only proper Nailbomb gig was at the Dynamo Festival in 1995. Do yourself a favor and go watch that set on YouTube right now. It’s damn near therapeutic.
Powerman 5000 “True Force”
Michael Cummings aka Spider One never managed to reach the height of success that his big brother Rob Zombie achieved, but that’s a lot for anyone to live up to, so let’s go easy on the fella. On his second EP, Spider serves up that distinct brand of sample-heavy proto-metal that seems frozen in the carbonite of the early ‘90s. It’s something a twenty-something with Ableton Live and a Depop account will never recreate.
downset. s/t
For all intents and purposes, Downset are an LA hardcore band, but they always seemed to exist on the periphery of said genre. One could also draw a line from their lack of commercial success to the fact that lead single “Anger” contains a not-so-subtle dig at superstar Zach De La Rocha’s street cred: “Fake motherfucker never even seen a nine.” In the interest of our physical health, we’ll leave it at that.
GWAR “This Toilet Earth”
The fourth album by Antarctica’s interplanetary metal ambassadors, “This Toilet Earth” was also their first to have its artwork and tracklist censored in stores due to the band’s rising popularity. This was in no small part thanks to frequent MTV spins, and their feature in the storyline of the Beavis and Butt-Head video game. Also, blood. Buckets and buckets of blood.
Rollins Band “Weight”
Everyone’s favorite fourth Black Flag frontman returned this year with another serving of that muscular, groovy post-hardcore we’d come to expect. He also, albeit maybe accidentally, endeared himself to the metal crowd with the music video for “Liar,” which is basically five kickass minutes of Hank screaming into the camera in cool makeup while shit is on fire all around him. Hell yeah.
Meshuggah “None”
Progenitors of the über technical, yet moshy flavor of metal now affectionately referred to as “djent,” this Swedish band’s fourth release might not be something you’d want playing in the car on a first date if you’re trying to get some, but it’s DEFINITELY something you’d want to blast on the way home if the night ends well. Remember kids, djent responsibly!
Killing Joke “Pandemonium”
On their ninth full-length, these British post-punk legends put the pedal to the metal and deliver a punishing collection of tracks that are as forward-thinking as they are true to the Killing Joke formula. It’s kind of like a family dinner. You don’t know why, but it’s just better when the old folks do the cooking.
Front Line Assembly “Millenium”
There was quite an obsession with the oncoming new millennium amongst industrial bands around this time. To be fair, all of their post-Y2K paranoias proved to be true and then some. On their seventh studio album, Canadian synth beaters Front Line Assembly pour on enough distorted guitars and apocalyptic samples to keep the fishnet and pleather crowd partying like it’s 2099.
Corrosion of Conformity “Deliverance”
On their fourth full length, these North Carolina metal mainstays eschew their crossover thrash roots in favor of some Southern fried stoner groove, with guitarist Pepper Keenan fully in place as lead singer and songwriter. This creative shift earned them a gold record, and you can even embarrass yourself trying to play “Albatross” on Guitar Hero.
Helmet “Betty”
The flagship outfit of the crew cut and stripey t-shirt generation of heavy music, NYC’s Helmet scored some generous MTV rotation and a spot on “The Crow” soundtrack with lead single “Milquetoast.” By generous I mean that shit was played ad nauseum every day, but can you imagine a time when a band this awesome was on TV enough to make you sick of them? The early ‘90s were magic like that.
Widowmaker “Stand By For Pain”
Somewhere in the murk between MTV superstardom fronting Twisted Sister and box office floppery in writing 1998’s torture porn “Strangeland,” Dee Snider assembled some of his most able-bodied rocker pals to form Widowmaker. The result sounds like a bunch of highly competent metal musicians attempting grunge, which honestly could be a lot worse, ya know?
Kyuss “Welcome to Sky Valley”
The third full-length by future stone age queen Josh Homme and crew serves up another helping of the desert-grown Sabbath-worshiping stoner rock they put the trademark on. Ten tracks clocking in at just under an hour might rub your punk rock ADD the wrong way but, like, maybe just rip a bong and chill out, man.
Drown “Hold On to the Hollow”
As per Amazon’s product description: “Corrosive industrial metal with all the requisite torment on the lyrical front marks this debut from a Los Angeles quartet.” Amazon might be the only place you can snag a hard copy of this obscurity, too, but at least your lyrical torment comes with next-day shipping.
Infectious Grooves “Groove Family Cyco”
The third installment by Suicidal Tendencies frontman Mike Muir’s funk metal supergroup boasts a murderous rhythm section in future Metallica bassist Rob Trujillo and future Avenged Sevenfold drummer Brooks Wackerman. It also turns out to be the second album on our list with a diss track against Rage Against the Machine: “Now you’re makin’ your political statement, or are you tryin’ to add to your financial statement?” Sick burn, bro.
Melt-Banana “Squeak Squeak Creak”
Attempting to put into words Japanese noise rock unit Melt-Banana’s sound is a tall order, but let’s give it a try: Imagine suffering a grand mal seizure while a group of children in animal masks smash a pinata full of colorful broken glass all over you. It’s both as uncomfortable and fun as it sounds, and it only lasts half an hour.
Warrior Soul “The Space Age Playboys”
Legend has it that Warrior Soul frontman Kory Clarke started the band on a bet, and within months scored himself a multi-album deal with Geffen. By “legend” I mean Wikipedia, because nobody is actually talking about this band in 2024. Apparently Lars Ulrich really took a liking to this album, though, inviting the band to open for Metallica at Donington. Suffice to say, Kory won the hell out of that bet.
Marilyn Manson “Portrait of an American Family”
Legendary edgelord Brian Warner aka Marilyn Manson dropped his debut full-length this year, sparking a generation of bad fashion decisions and… possibly even worse behavior. “Portrait of an American Family” does contain some bangers, though, particularly the bass heavy anti-bullying anthem “Lunch Box” and the stompy, b-movie horror inspired “Dope Hat.” Just don’t lose a rib over it.
Danzig “Danzig 4”
Original Misfits front ghoul Glenn Danzig described his fourth solo offering as “A very challenging record, philosophically, vocally and musically.” Maybe for him, but for us it’s more of that good bluesy, devil worshiping rock ‘n roll we’ve grown to love him for. No need for hyperbole, Glenn. We’re here for it.
Tiamat “Wildhoney”
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a Scandinavian death metal band discovers psychedelic drugs, this Swedish group’s fourth release is a pretty good case study. Spoiler alert: there are keyboards, acoustic guitars and… rain sound effects? Also, you can rest assured at least one of these guys was rocking a hemp poncho at the time.
Melvins “Prick” & “Stoner Witch”
It’s no surprise that the most prolific band in all of heavy music would drop two releases this year, “Prick” being an intentionally inaccessible clusterfuck on underground noise rock label “Amphetamine Reptile,” and “Stoner Witch” being their most commercially palatable offering, released on the very major Atlantic Records. Proof positive that even a maniac like Buzz Osbourne enjoys a little balance in life.
The Jesus Lizard “Down”
Both their final release on Touch & Go Records and their last to be produced by Steve Albini, “Down” continues this Chicago band’s legacy of bottom-heavy, stompy noise rock. A fun music video for “Destroy Before Reading” accompanied the release, depicting singer David Yow’s severed head being tinkered with by children in a laboratory. It’s the kind of tongue-in-cheek nightmare fuel that Gen X couldn’t get enough of.
Body Count “Born Dead”
With the smoke still simmering from their controversial 1992 ode to law enforcement “Cop Killer”, the second studio album by Ice-T’s metal project Body Count experienced a much quieter release. A pretty competent rendition of “Hey Joe” (which also appeared on the Jimi Hendrix tribute album “Stone Free”) serves as the standout here, proving that Ice is as multi-talented as he is utterly terrifying.
Cop Shoot Cop “Release”
Ok, this is gonna be a tough sell, but hear me out… This band didn’t have a guitarist. Are you still there? Good. Now what if I told you that instead of a guitarist, they had TWO bassists? Please don’t run away, because Cop Shoot Cop was legitimately awesome. Like, should have sold a million records awesome. Listen to Cop Shoot Cop. Stream them until they’re rich.
I thought the spicy, cheesy aroma emanating from my beard this week was due to all of the ass I’ve been eating. Turns out there was a tiny splotch of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Dust tucked under my mustache! This was a tasty surprise but it’s not much food when you compare it to a hearty tossed salad. Sorry Chester Cheetah. I have to rank this dead last.
Money is always cool, but the economy is a smoldering dumpster fire and a few bucks won’t get me very far. Plus it’s mostly pennies, so now I have to choose between rolling these coins up for my bank or getting fucked over by Coinstar fees. Wonderful.
I may need to comb my beard more thoroughly because I haven’t worn this mask since the beginning of COVID. Yeah, yeah, I know I should be wearing one when I’m sick. But waterboarding myself with my own snot and beard hair kinda sucks. Still, this is a cool little memento. A tangible reminder that I survived another global crisis and remain unkillable.
I always wanted one of these things growing up. But after wearing it all week I can safely say mood rings are a piece of junk. Why? Because according to this ring I’ve been teetering between nervous and horny all week. That’s a lie. I have one mood. And it’s a rude, crude mood.
While brushing out my beard I caught a glimpse of my very own chin. It was nice seeing that little guy, but he knows damn well why he rarely sees the light of day. He’s weak, he’s puny, and he disgusts me. I told him goodbye forever and this time I mean it.
Why do these things always disappear? Once you put ‘em down they’re impossible to find. If you’re bearded like me though, I highly recommend checking your facial hair. That’s where they wind up 90% of the time. Good thing too! Because I can’t shred without a pick. I’ll do just about anything to become a rock star but callused fingers are where I draw the line.
Uh… I have no idea how this got here. This brush is NOT mine, because I do NOT dye my beard. I have ZERO gray hairs and anyone who tells you otherwise is a dirty liar. I’m going to keep this because it’s a nice brush and NOT because I’ll dye my beard with it. Capiche?
My missing budgie ParaKeeth Morris has been found in my beard and he is alive and well. I’m used to him flying off and doing his own thing, but I thought he might be gone for good this time. I’m thrilled he’s okay but now I have to buy more bird food. This is a mixed bag.
The beautiful thing about a butterfly knife is that you almost never have to actually stab someone with it. Any criminal dumb enough to attack a badass twirling this thing will get what’s coming to them. As soon as I figure out how to open it without cutting myself I’ll get around to the badass twirling part.
Too cool! No matter how many times I smash the big end with a hammer it doesn’t break! I watched a long YouTube video that explains how this scientific miracle is possible, but honestly I’d prefer a tutorial on how to finagle this bad boy into a pipe.
People say these things are unhealthy but I’ve been eating them for 35 years and I’m still alive. This unfortunately is the inferior ham and American cracker stackers variety. If this was the pizza & treatza kind where you get to slather chocolate sauce and M&M’s on a pizza crust? This would have easily been top 10. Oh well.
We all know sunglasses are cool. Tom Cruise taught us that in “Top Gun.” But sunglasses look extra cool on a guy with a big beard. When people can’t see the lower half of your face or your eyes, you become a stoic man of mystery. Throw in a big hat and everyone thinks you’re the guy from ZZ Top. What’s not to love?
To the untrained eye this might just look like an acrylic contact juggling ball. Well this is way different. This is Fushigi. It’s magic. It’s intimate. It defies gravity. This isn’t just cool, it’s a lifestyle. So why isn’t this higher up on the list? Because I dropped it on my foot and this thing weighs like 10 pounds for some reason. I’m in so much pain.
Without a doubt, Spencer’s is the go-to place for all things that are cool and classy. And this black light poster of a forest full of mushrooms will be a delightfully trippy addition to my room. I’ve decided I’ll hang it up right next to my beaded curtain and directly across from my tie-dye water bed. Goddamn I’m cool.
For an aging cool person like myself, tech decks are a lifesaver. The harsh reality I face is that I can no longer shred without fear of shattering both kneecaps. A tiny finger skateboard is the only realistic option I have left. These things are fucking rad though, and I’d like to think everyone at the skate park thinks I’m rad too when I crawl alongside them doing finger ollies.
The phrase “I expect better from WWE Studios” sounds inherently stupid until you watch this garbage. Whoever wrote this thing (we won’t even dignify them with a check on IMDB,) has clearly never seen a Leprechaun movie or maybe even heard of the mythological creature. If you’ve ever watched the Boston Celtics on television you have officially done more research than the writer of “Leprechaun: Origins.” The Leprechaun is not a naked Golem with sharper teeth, he doesn’t have Predator vision, he is not mute, and he doesn’t kill people just for having gold on their person. He’s from Ireland. They got that right. That’s about it.
2003 just wasn’t a good year for, well, anything. Not even historically accurate to the first “Leprechaun in the Hood” movie. This is basically a made-for-cable melodrama morality play with the Leprechaun sort of sprinkled in. It does get a few things right. According to lore, Leprechauns do bleed tiny CGI yellow bubbles. Leprechauns and psychics are fierce adversaries. You can make a lot of money selling just weed at basketball courts, like enough to warrant armed security. Outside of that, wildly inaccurate.
Though ignoring the events of “Leprechaun 2” through “Leprechaun in the Hood,” which scholars now maintain to be mostly accurate, this movie makes an earnest attempt to capture the spirit of the real-life Leprechaun. Despite the absence of noted Leprechaun reenactor Warwick Davis, it’s quite possibly the most historically accurate Sci-Fi Original Movie since “Swamp Shark,” and we do not say that lightly.
The first attempt to bring the story of the Leprechaun to the big screen was a bit uneven, but there’s a lot they got right. The Leprechaun really did spend ten years trapped in a wooden box, though it was oak, not cedar as shown in the film. The Leprechaun’s penchant for quickly assembling little murder gocarts comes directly from Celtic folklore, and he is indeed a foot fetishist. Scholars now believe there really was a Jennifer Aniston, though speculate that she could act better than what we see in the film.
The sequel showcases a far more accurate depiction of Ireland’s favorite murderous imp than its predecessor. It reflects our modern understanding that the Leprechaun’s magic can pretty much do anything as long as it’s funny and/or bloody, provided that it keeps the plot moving. His gocart-building abilities, which were depicted as rudimentary in the first film, are more accurately shown to be advanced. There are flame decals, skull adornments over the headlights, and even a little crossed-out clover on the hood.
In this ambitious straight-to-video offering, filmmaker Rob Spera attempts to answer the burning question “Where do the origins of LA gangster rap and the mythos of the Leprechaun intersect?” The result is one of the most true-to-life depictions of both subjects ever captured on film. The golden flute Ice-T used to make “Cop Killer” a hit is featured prominently, as is the Leprechaun’s penchant for cannabis and fly girls. Though a controversial view at the time, modern biblical scholars are now, for the most part, in consensus that Jesus’s disciples were indeed some bad mofos’. There really was a Coolio, and from time to time he would just randomly show up places and not say anything.
How can a film set in the future be historically accurate? When it perfectly extrapolates our modern culture and predicts things that are sure to pass. Everything about our modern times, our environmental crisis, our global political conflict, and our dwindling resources, all of it brings us closer and closer to Leprechaun in space every day. If we don’t act now, eventually we will all be space marines like in “Aliens,” except our spaceships will be crude CGI and below escape room quality sets. If we can’t find a way to heal the divide in our own country, how will we prevent the Leprechaun from abducting and marrying a space princess who takes her top off for no reason?
The Leprechaun has had a long and storied life, and encapsulating it fully into a single 90-minute film just isn’t possible. When covering a subject so prolific, sometimes it’s best to focus on a single period of their lives rather than the whole picture, and that’s exactly what the makers of “Leprechaun 3” did. The film focuses exclusively on the Leprechaun’s infamous Vegas period. It’s all here. His competitive friendship with Elvis, his proclivity for making asses so big they explode, his tendency to get drunk and turn other people into leprechauns by biting them, this unflinching portrait pulls no punches. Even the set design is period perfect, right down to the 1st gen desktop computers that came loaded with animated slideshows about leprechauns and how to destroy them.