Anyway,this monster album thing is quite simple.
Youve got the chart toppers that get a large amount of radio time and sell millions of albums(eg.Black album).
then youve got albums like 'Reign In Blood'(slayer)that get no airtime or exposure to the masses and sell hunderds of thousands.
And then youve got the bands that have a cult following,but are obscure(exhorder),get no airtime,exposure and sell maybe just a few thousnd+ albums.
They ALL have impact,but on different levels(with exeptions).
The Black album made heavier music more accesible to the listener...not sure how influencial it was as a guitarist.
Reign In Blood set the standard for thrash/speed metal and influenced millions.
Exhorder created a style of thier own and influenced many including pantera(I wont get into that).
Lots of bands fall in between these three levels of 'monsterness'.
Thats my outlook on it all.
If you rely on radio or eMTyV to bring you the latest in chart busting monsters then your only getting one piece of the pie.The same goes for the other levels of monster albums.
Personally,I stay away from mainstream like the plague since its fueled by money and sales,not talent or musical impact.I dont think that makes me an elitist...I just prefer integrity in music.Mainstream is just one big sad bandwagon...
Well thats a different debate all together.
Later! \m/
Try once,fail twice...