Sunn O))) - Oracle

There is really no justifiable reason why anyone should ever think of working out to Sunn O))). The same goes for drone metal as a whole really. As you can tell from the title, though, I did.

Oracle is a 35 minute EP. Sonically, it is quite interesting. Its dark ambient noise and distant gasping whispers provide a sinister feel that is really compelling. The first track contains sounds almost reminiscent to the clacks of a roller coaster ascending a lift hill. The second track is much more subdued and contains really hard-edged bass drones.

I could see this being nice hiking music, or maybe just walking in the forest. Honestly, even in the setting I workout in, it was not nearly as unfit as I thought it would be. Considering it is drone metal though, I cannot recommend it for intense workouts.

Calories: 250.6
Distance: 2.00mi

The Dillinger Escape Plan - Ire Works

This album, while on the exterior may seem very brutal to anyone with no knowledge of metal, upon closer inspection actually presents a compelling argument for anyone who does't normally listen to metal. The way this album glitches out sometimes and sounds very isolating but still rough around the edges is very engaging. Occasionally the screaming is toned down for more melodically sung portions, which are nice, but surprisingly left me wanting to hear more of the screaming. There is something about the vocals on this album that I just really liked.

As far as a workout is concerned, this album is fantastic. The unrelentingly fast tempo gave me a lot of time to sprint to my heart's content. To anyone with a passing interest in metal, I would highly suggest this album. I would go as far as to say it's a perfect metal album for working out.

Calories: 345.7
Distance: 2.70mi

Converge - You Fail Me

ARE YOU READY FOR METAL WEEK?!

Yes, I've decided to take the plunge into metal for the first time pretty much ever. The first metal album I decided to listen to is Converge's You Fail Me. Since I knew absolutely nothing about how Converge sounded like before going in, I chose You Fail Me based off the fact it was under 40 minutes. So what did I think of it?

I enjoyed it for the most part. When the bass gets heavy it makes me pretty pumped for whats to come. Occasionally, the riffs would loop and provide for a nice groove for me to fall into. That's actually what I feared most about working out to metal; not being able to find a good groove. I especially enjoyed how at one point in the middle of the album it turns into almost a dark, gradually building folk tune. This album overall treated me well.

My only gripe is the vocals for the most part tend to be shrieking. While I understand that seems to be what a lot of metal is (as far as I've ascertained), I just liked the occasional moments where the vocals would be about an octave lower and were more traditional. Maybe the screams are just something I'll have to get used to.

Calories: 307.0
Distance: 2.39mi

Japandroids - Post-Nothing

This may come as no surprise to anyone who has heard Post-Nothing, but its a really good  noise/garage rock album. It's melodies are not all that complex and it's hooks are easy to belt out, which translates well to the goal of workouts. The lead vocalist maintains moderate control but is still drowned out by instrumentation, which is what you should expect from garage rock. Not all that much else to say other than it was fun.

Calories: 310.1
Distance: 2.37mi

PS I Love You - Meet Me At The Muster Station

What surprised me about Meet Me At The Muster Station was while it was very loud and noisy, it was still a blast to work out to. The garage rock feel is very strong on this one, but it comes off more poppy than most. The distorted guitars are almost always drowning out the lead singer, which honestly works a lot better than one would think.

I don't have much else to say about this album. In short, it's fun garage rock that stays under thirty minutes and doesn't overstay its welcome.

Calories: 264.9
Distance: 2.06mi

They Might Be Giants - Lincoln

After listening to Lincoln, there wass absolutely no way I could give it anything but a perfect score. It's consistently delightful and constantly morphing into other genres in ways that just put a smile on my face. Some songs sound like your more typical (but still amazing) alternative rock while others sound like almost accordion-laced sea shanties. The shorter song structures make the album have fly by at break-neck speed whilst keeping it fresh and highly entertaining.

I went all out on this album. I started strong and never slowed. This album is so far the album to beat.

Calories: 381.3
Distance: 3.00mi

The Sea And Cake - Oui

Oui is a beautiful album. A beautiful album that doesn't translate very well to working out. The mix of jazz and indie rock is an interesting combination that I absolutely love on this album. The instrumentation is top-notch with it's mix of guitars, woodwinds, and sometimes jazz fusion-esque  drumming. I can't say there is much I don't like about the album sonically.

Athletically, though, is a bit different. I find that the downtempo songs really slow down my pace and don't motivate me in the way I want it to. There are three songs that definitely work though, and for that I can give this album a pass.

Calories: 347.9
Distance: 2.70mi

Wolf Parade - Apologies To The Queen Mary

Musically, Apologies To The Queen Mary is not all too dissimilar to something you'd hear from an earlier Modest Mouse. This is not surprising, due to the fact Isaac Brock produced this album. The vocal delivery is reminiscent of him as well, but not to the point where I'd feel like I'd rather be listening to a Modest Mouse album. The album's strength comes down to its instrumentation. The guitars are fast and heavy, making for an album that never drags and never really restrains itself.

I think this album is a perfect workout album. Its perfection comes down to the fact that it gives me exactly what I wanted. When I wanted a fast song, it delivered. When I wanted a cool down song, it delivered. It left me yearning for more even at its fairly long length.

Calories: 427.9
Distance: 3.34mi