Fan Poll: Top 5 EPs In Heavymusic History
In music history, EPs are generally considered inferior to albums. And in many cases this is true. With the exception of subgenres like hardcore, where the seven-inch format predominates, many artists see EPs as containers for B-sides or low-end platforms to try out new sounds before making a full album.
But not always. Sometimes the music that ends up on an EP is amazing. Sometimes it's the best work of a band's career.
We asked our readers what they voted for as the best EP in music history, and naturally, the top five picks were on the heavy side. From industrial metal masochism to grunge ballads, Revolver readers pick the best EPs of all time.
5. The Devil Wears Prada - Zombie EP
Zombie fandom took off in the early 2010s with shows like The Walking Dead and movies like Zombieland , and The Devil Wears Prada with 2010's metalcore comic Zombie EP . The five-track release is full of flashy zombie apocalypse concepts. Chains, talking cinematic bits, and lots of carnivorous cripples.
Coming out of an era of scratch dance and cheap techno beats, TDWP made a huge artistic statement, proving that metalcore could be heavy, thematic and a lot of fun.
2. Nine inch nails - broken
There's something about the brevity of Broken that makes it tighter than the album itself. All the raw angst and over-the-top sexuality packed into a short dance playlist makes it a visual listen from start to finish.
The highlight is of course "Desire", but the screams of "The Last" and the thunderous screams of "The Joy of Slavery" are some of the best displays of Trent Reasonor's industrial metal skills.
1. Alice in Chains - Flycatcher
Jar of Flies is literally a record-breaking release, the first EP to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 . However, as a business it is a creative triumph.
The semi-acoustic follow-up to 1992's Sap EP captured Layne Staley's AIC era. If "Nutshell" hadn't been prettier and more moving, "Rotten Apple" might have been the band's best song.
Ultimately, subtle dynamics, tasteful guitar work, and a stunning vocal performance from Staley showcase his smooth yet equally expressive range of power, adding up to AIC's most sustained, non- dirty release yet. . Our readers think this is the best EP of all time. We support it.
