The article highlights four metal releases from 1997 that it presents as influential or enjoyable choices for fans exploring heavier music. It frames them through a playful ‘cool uncle’ nostalgia, while emphasising their distinct contributions to doom, symphonic black and melodic death metal.

– Electric Wizard, *Come My Fanatics…*: described as a landmark doom-metal record, with a loose, heavy and gritty sound that helped establish the band’s influence.
– Dimmu Borgir, *Enthrone Darkness Triumphant*: praised as symphonic black metal at its peak and noted as the Norwegian band’s first release with English lyrics.
– Acid King, *Down with the Crown*: technically an EP, but included for its downtuned, fuzz-heavy sound and frontwoman Lori S.’s distinctive vocals.
– In Flames, *Whoracle*: presented as an accessible introduction to melodic death metal, praised for its guitar work and blend of growled yet approachable vocals.