National Album Day: The Top Rock and Metal Albums, Chosen by Your Favorite Bands

      National Album Day has returned, with organizers coordinating events nationwide. This celebration of long-format music projects recently announced partnerships with various specially selected album advocates, including Nova Twins, Architects, Wolf Alice, and Iron Maiden.

      Surrounding ourselves with some of our favorite albums next to the Clash record player, we took the time to connect with a few of these advocates – and others – to discover their perfect albums.

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      “Made in Japan” was likely the second Deep Purple album I listened to after “Made in Rock,” and it transformed my life…it left me in awe! I wanted to emulate everyone in that band… I really cranked up the speakers on my parents' stereo playing that record. I knew every note; I'd even jump on the sofas with a cheap guitar trying to mimic Richie Blackmore and his stage presence. It's an incredible revelation; I believe it's the greatest live album – the best rock live album ever produced, and still holds that title! I also had the privilege of working with Martin Birch, who shared all the stories about its production…but that’s a different tale! (Bruce Dickinson, Iron Maiden)

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      One of our favorite rock albums is “Nevermind” by Nirvana. We are completely obsessed with “Come As You Are” – whenever we're out at night, we play it and lose ourselves in it. We adore this album because of its raw live energy – from the drums to the guitars to the vocals. It’s incredibly melancholy in the best way. (Amy Love and Georgia South, Nova Twins)

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      I often choose a Beatles album in situations like this, but this time I wanted to select something different since there’s music beyond the Beatles. I decided on “déjà vu” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, which I discovered through the Beatles. My dad almost certainly played this record while I was growing up, so when I finally listened to it, I was already familiar with many of the tracks. However, hearing it with more mature ears was astonishing; the depth of the harmonies, the songwriting, everything about it is just flawless.

      I think I came across the song “almost cut my hair” on a playlist, which led me to the album, and since then, it’s been on constant rotation at home.

      Tracks like “our house” and “teach your children well” are timeless classics; this album truly is a classic in its own right. I highly recommend it if you enjoy 70s hippie Americana and brilliant songwriting. (Sam Carter, Architects)

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      One of my all-time favorite metal albums is “Ashes of the Wake” by Lamb of God. Throughout the years, this has been an album I frequently return to without ever tiring of it. The groove throughout AOTW is undeniable, and songs like “Now You’ve Got Something to Die For” and “Hourglass” showcase some of Lamb of God’s best breakdowns. The title track, “Ashes of the Wake,” features insane guitar leads that I’ve spent most of my life trying to learn (with little success!). (Debbie Gough, Heriot)

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      Hearing that album not only defined the music I loved but also the kind of music I aspired to create. It has a vast and expansive sonic nature. The sound of the guitars resonated deeply with me, and the production is simply outstanding. (Grace Kelly, VENUS GRRRLS)

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      I grew up immersed in the various sounds of this record; its eclectic nature illustrates just how much “rock” can encompass – gigantic riffs, grooves, mellow acoustic melodies, unconventional techniques, gestural songs, and experimental compositions. It has everything and still feels fresh today. (Eliza Lee, VENUS GRRRLS)

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      The sonic landscape of this album is unparalleled, in my view. There’s so much happening; it brims with diverse textures, and I love where the vocals are situated throughout. The entire soundscape is so expansive that it allows for personal interpretation, whether you’re listening and daydreaming or using it as the soundtrack for a drive. (Grace Stubbings, VENUS GRRRLS)

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      It has to be “Songs For The Deaf” by QOTSA. The entire album is a concept piece about traversing a desert, which resonates with us due to the time spent on the road while touring or traveling for recordings, given our geographical distances. It maintains a fantastic flow. Featuring legends of grunge like Dave Grohl and Mark Lanegan, each track is packed with energy, perfect for those moments when you’re trying to stay awake behind the wheel. (Hannah Barraclough, VENUS GRRRLS)

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      This album sit comfortably between modern rock and classic rock while also exuding a nice 80s vibe. I appreciate the aesthetic and themes woven throughout the record; it’s simply a really cool album. (Alannagh Doherty, VENUS GRRRLS)

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