Underrated F*cking Albums: Vol. 4 featuring Army of Anyone, Megadeth, Across Tundras

Underrated F*cking Albums is a series we’re running on, well, albums we think are fucking underrated. Sure, some of you might totally disagree with us, in fact, you might think we’re absolutely retarded for thinking these releases merit even a smidgen of your precious time. Well we don’t care. These are our opinions and we’re entitled to them, plus we’re big and bearded and are willing to fist fight to the death to honour the music we love… well, maybe 1 or 2 of us. The rest of us are kinda wimpy, so please be nice and don’t pound us. Either way, check this shit from: Army of Anyone, Megadeth, Across Tundras.

01. Army of Anyone – “Army of Anyone”
Released: Nov. 14, 2006 // Genre: Rock, Hard Rock, Post-Grunge
by: Charlie Steffens

The Skinny: A supergroup with “unsuper” staying power, Army of Anyone, released a self-titled album in 2006. The band featured Filter singer Richard Patrick, guitarist Dean DeLeo and bassist Robert DeLeo from Stone Temple Pilots, and drummer Ray Luzier from Korn.

Produced by Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, KISS, Alice Cooper), Army of Anyone had originality. Not a Filter/Stone Temple Pilots knockoff, by any means. Playing with passion, emotion, and intensity, the chemistry between the musicians was undeniable. While only a few of the album’s tracks might call you back for more.

For more information, please visit: myspace.com/armyofanyone.

Check out the song “Goodbye”

02. Megadeth – “Youthanasia”
Released: November 1, 1994 // Genre: Heavy Metal, Thrash Metal
by: Curtis Dewar

The Skinny: At the time of it’s release Youthanasia was almost universally hated by critics and fans. Despite the fact that the band’s sound was not much different than their previous album, Countdown to Extinction, accusations of “sell-out” were rife. I honestly cannot think of very many Megadeth fans back in 1994 who would’ve admitted to liking this album and the metal press at the time were similarly apathetic about the recording.

Today, while the album isn’t considered to be one of Megadeth’s worst albums (that title seems to now be taken by Risk and Supercollider), it’s still never pointed out as being one of ‘Deth’s standout albums.

However, while i would agree Youthanasia isn’t one of the band’s best albums, in my mind it is certainly the best release that came out of the “Deth camp between 1991-2004. While many derided the band for having formulaic hooky songs, the actual fact is that the songs themselves are quite good. I dare anyone who owns this album to tell me that they haven’t nodded their head or sang along to songs such as “Addicted to Chaos,” “Blood of Heroes,” or “I Thought I Knew It All”. In addition to these songs, Megadeth also managed to put out one of the best songs of their ’90s era with the catchy “Train of Consequences”.

I know many people will try and say that “the album isn’t very good,” but I strongly recommend people give this album a re-listen as it’s got some great songs.

For more information, please visit: www.megadeth.com.

Check out full ‘Youthanasia’ album here.

03. Across Tundras – “Electric Relics”
Released: April 18, 2013 // Genre: Heavy Rock, Psychedelic, Americana
by: Curtis Dewar

The Skinny: Across Tundras has not got too much praise for their debut album, Electric Relics, but it merits a bit more. Maybe it just didn’t get enough ears, but the way they did their metal infusion is something I appreciated.

Electric Relics is underrated because it hasn’t been rated that much. A few random sites have ranted and raved, however, it didn’t get as much buzz as it should have. Now that the two year anniversary of its release is approaching, it could use a tiny boost of praise in celebration.

Across Tundras deserves a little more attention because of the way they have successfully infused blues and metal. The music has a bluesy kind of feel to it mixed with the raw edges of metal. The blues part invokes feelings of relaxation while the infusion of metal adds that nice edge – like a strong drink while watching the sun go down. Each song is unique and they managed to get the blend right, but I know it’s not perfect.

Alone, each song can seem to drone on forever, in a sad, sad, way, but together they support each other and create a decent album, especially if you’re in the mood to chill out and space out.

For more information, please visit: acrosstundras.bandcamp.com.

Check out the album ‘Electric Relics’

*Be sure to check out Underrated F*cking Albums: Vol 2. featuring Archaios, Faster Pussycat, Edguy!
*Be sure to check out Underrated F*cking Albums: Vol 3. featuring Iron Maiden, Vacant Stare, Winger!