Jonathan “Sealey” Seale can already be called a permanent guest on the Epic Metal Blog. Last year, my colleague Aidan interviewed his doom metal band Iron Void. A few months later, he answered my questions as part of our big Manilla Road Special. Today, the British bassist/vocalist introduces us to his five favourite albums of all time.
1. Black Sabbath – Master of Reality
My favourite Sabbath album and my favourite album of all time! It’s definitely the heaviest Sabbath album and still a massive influence on the way I write music and certainly a primary influence for Iron Void. Geezer’s bass playing is something else on this record and I never tire of listening to it. I’d like “Sweet Leaf” to be played at my funeral! This album also sounds “stoned”! It’s hard to describe but this is absolute perfection from start to finish.
2. Judas Priest – Sad Wings of Destiny
Being born and bred in Birmingham, Sabbath and Priest are my favourite bands and I feel very proud of the musical heritage and contribution of my hometown to the world of Heavy Metal. This is my favourite Priest album although I love them all but I’m not so keen on the Ripper albums if I’m being honest, just could never really get into them for some reason. Some killer songs on here including “Victim of Changes”, “Dreamer Deceiver” and “Tyrant”! Pure (Stained) class!
3. The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Axis: Bold As Love
My Father got me into Hendrix when I was around 12 years old. I bought him a Hendrix compilation cassette tape for his birthday and I sneakily listened to it before wrapping it up and Hendrix blew my mind! It was at that moment I knew I wanted to play music, so to say he is an influence is a massive understatement. After Hendrix I discovered bands like Metallica, Slayer and then progressed to Death Metal and latterly Doom Metal. I absolutely adore all his music but this is probably my favourite album overall. I remember seeing the gatefold sleeve for the first time in my Dad’s vinyl collection and being absolutely mesmerized by the amazing artwork. Hendrix is God!
4. Saint Vitus – Born Too Late
The ultimate Doom Metal album featuring THE Doom anthem, of course, the title track! I relate to the lyrics so much and again this is another song I would like played at my funeral! I love all their albums but this is top of the list for me. Wino is my favourite singer and his tortured wail complements Dave Chandler’s agonised guitar torture so well! Again, a massive influence on me and Iron Void.
5. Autopsy – Mental Funeral
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve listened to this record but let me assure you, it’s a lot of times! Ha, ha! “Severed Survival” is also ace but this album has such a dark and dank atmosphere, a combination of twisted Slayer influenced fast riffs and Trouble influenced slow, Doom laden riffs topped with Chris Reifert’s sickening growl and some insane guitar leads! I grew up listening to old school Death Metal in the early ’90’s before I got into Doom Metal and this is the absolute pinnacle for me, a Godly album which will never be surpassed!