I heard the handful of guys that still play with wooden sticks called "Woodies" by other players. Is that tru?

I think you hit the nail on the head with this one. All too many bands tend to rigorously follow their "signature" formula beyond any semblance of diversity or originality. I'm gonna bore you with my rant on Death metal so beware!

=P I've seen this happening a lot in Death Metal, particularly with Old School Swedish Death metal bands (First Wave). Death metal was still in it's infancy when Entombed's debut "Left Hand Path" came roaring straight out of Stockholm's infamous Sunlight Studio. The guitars had a trademark scuzzy "buzzsaw" sound and the album was very crunchy and raw, production wise.

Many other bands were soon to follow, spearheading a new direction in Death metal. Faster, heavier, more cavernous sound which took the scene by a storm. The music was characterized by a heavy nod for brutality and percussion but very little emphasis on songwriting.

Sure Death is not about flair, virtuosity or technicality, just electrifying drums, spine snapping riffs and booming bass. If you listen to the debuts of those bands (Entombed, Dismember, Grave, Edge of Sanity and Unleashed among others) you'd notice there's a general lack of direction. Although there are nice streaks of melody present it never erupts into full blown melody like Metallica's classic releases, the dynamics are weak and most albums sport rather poor songwriting.

Like you say though, some bands are so ridiculously consistent, pumping out fabulous releases year after year - they're sure to never disappoint their fans. Good examples would be Bolt Thrower and Amon Amarth. So many fukcing good releases, just to sit back and enjoy!

Have a look http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-ssrpexU... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhwHH9zim... But at other releases I mentioned I just grew BORED! Those albums were painfully one-dimensional and whilst enjoyable, present little inspiration. Exciting musical journeys they're not.

Music sheets... that's where the true genius lies! However I can't fault them since were only High Schoolers and some tracks DO have stunning song structures despite the featurelss oatmeal that is the rest of the album. However I'm always forced tag onto the end of every sentence "except Therion".

Even in their earlier releases, you can see layers intricately layered melodies, CLEAN (verging on operatic) vocals, synths and KEYBOARDS in traditional Death metal! The experimentation, nuances and facets (and even Middle Eastern flavours!) is truly astounding. Therion - The Way (that part with the bass was pure orgasm) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykdgeO3pg...

Definitely a combination. Although I hate it when bands totally keep changing their sound especially when I liked their old sound. But I do like it when bands experiment and venture out of their comfort zone now and then- just to surprise us :) MQ2: All Time Low's new album is really amazing but it is much more dance and pop than their old releases.

Paramore on the other hand has stuck with their sound constantly and you know it's a Paramore song when yo hear it. BQ: Spending time with family I haven't seen in ages! BQ2: Yay and nay depending on my mood BQ3: Yay.

:) BQ4: Barefoot! BQ5: What's your favourite song right now?

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.