I jones for metal in the summer. Something about the heat brings it out. Some folks get into that 'Margaritaville' junk as the summer rolls, but the hotter it gets, the more I want thrashing guitars, jackhammer double kick drums, and ferocious screaming vocals.

I'm in the midst of an all encompassing metal binge right now. The only way to appropriately represent what's going through the CD player is with the first ever epic double length Soundtrack. Check the rotation section for ten, count 'em ten, blistering albums essential to any metal collection.

This is the first in what will be a series of themed Soundtrack entries. It's definitely not for everyone, but I know a couple of you will dig it.

Next month “Soundtrack: City to City” kicks off with my dear, little, crappy home town.