1. Fugazi – Repeater (1990)

Repeater was a record that was meant to be performed. And no band put on a better show then Fugazi. It was their live show that literally drove an underground punk band based on specific ethics and values to almost mainstream success.

2. Mahavishnu Orchestra – Birds of Fire (1973)

This album was so ahead of its time it's not even funny. It really inspired me to want to make a band like Dillinger. A band that incorporated all of my influences without prejudice or concern for what was popular or typical.

3. Dazzling Killmen – Face of Collapse (1994)

Not many people I know ever heard these guys. But most of the great progressive underground bands of the 90s would not exist if it weren't for them.

4. Alice in Chains – Facelift (1990)

I first heard Alice in Chains when I saw the video for Man in the Box on MTV Headbangers Ball. There was something so soulful about this song. It was heavy blues. At the time I was playing primarily blues guitar so it was really inspiring to see this kind of thing.

5. Deadguy – Fixation on a Co-Worker (1995)

When this record came out, Deadguy were the only band who could truly take what Black Flag had done to the next level. This record was not only a huge inspiration to me musically, but the lyrics really helped me realise that I never want to conform to the norm of society, that I should always look for more and never be complacent.

6. King Crimson – In the Court of the Crimson King (1969)

This band represented a time when music truly had no boundaries When this came out it was the equivalent of Calculating Infinity being on pop radio and in the top 10.

7. Today is the Day – Willpower (1994)

I was almost certain that the singer/guitar player Steve Austin was chewing on and swallowing glass while performing when I first hear this record. These guys were obviously indie rock-meets-jazz players making metal. And it was beautiful.

8. Radiohead – OK Computer (1997)

When Radiohead put out this record, music was simply changed forever. If it wasn't for OK Computer there would be zero worth to popular music right now. It influenced absolutely everything that people are hearing in the music of the moment.

9. Neurosis – Times of Grace (1999)

Times of Grace came out the same year as our first full length, Calculating Infinity, and was also on Relapse Records. It was the soundtrack to my life during that time. After making our album I was completely drained and my life would be forever changed. Everytime I hear this record I'm immediately brought back to that time.

10. Soundgarden – Badmotorfinger (1991)

Soundgarden was that band that led me down a rabbit hole of interesting music. Badmotorfinger was directly responsible for the first odd meter riff I ever wrote.

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