Various Artists - Roadrunner United CD/DVD

A unique compilation and a true all star team of metal musicians. The CD on its own is excellent, and the DVD is icing on the cake.

To mark their 25th anniversary, Roadrunner Records selected four "team captains" to assemble musicians and write songs for the compilation. The captains are Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison, former Fear Factory guitarist Dino Cazares, Machine Head guitarist Robert Flynn and Trivium vocalist/guitarist Matt Heafy.

The resulting 18 songs are a collection of some of the best metal musicians on the planet. Of course not all the songs are gems, but the majority are very good. Here's a sampling of some of the artists that participated on the album: Mikael Akerfeldt (Opeth), Glen Benton (Deicide), Max Cavalera (Soulfly), Dez Fafara (DevilDriver), Dani Filth (Cradle Of Filth), Howard Jones (Killswitch Engage), King Diamond, Daryl Palumbo (Glassjaw), Acey Slade (Murderdolls), Corey Taylor (Slipknot) and Jeff Waters (Annihilator).

Included in the package is a DVD containing footage from all four sessions and some other goodies. This has definitely been a worthwhile project for the label and the musicians involved. Instead of repackaging old hits, they came up with the unique idea of an album of all-star collaborations.