Made Me Do It

Released in 2000, 'Made Me Do It' serves as the definitive bridge between old-school thrash and the burgeoning melodic death metal movement of the turn of the millennium. Following the departure of original vocalist Peter Dolving, Marco Aro stepped in to provide a more abrasive, rhythmic vocal style that perfectly complemented the Jensen/Björler guitar duo's increasingly complex riffing. The album was recorded at Studio Fredman, the epicenter of the Swedish metal sound, resulting in a production that is punchy, clear, and immensely heavy. It won a Swedish Grammy for Best Metal Album, solidifying The Haunted as leaders of the genre. Sonically, it is leaner and more focused than their debut, trading some of the chaotic speed for groove-oriented songwriting that would influence a decade of metalcore and modern thrash bands. It remains a high-water mark for the band's 'Aro-era' lineup.