Five Albums That Changed My Life: R. Loren of Pyramids

Pyramids is the brainchild of Texas multi-instrumentalist R. Loren. One of the most prolific artists working within the underground music community today, Lorn also records under the names White Moth and Sailors With Wax Wings, and has contributed to many other projects in the past few years. If that weren't already enough, he also runs a boutique label called Handmade Birds that released both older and current cutting-edge artists like Blut Aus Nord and Sutekh Hexen. Pyramids recently issued 'A Throne Without a King,' a collaboration album with Horseback, that is a must-have for any fan of experimental metal and post-rock. Loren has taken time out of his insane schedule to become the latest musician to take part in Noisecreep's 'Five Albums That Changed My Life' series.

'Eazy-Duz-It,' Eazy-E (1988)

"As a pre-teen, my first real exposure to angst came from Eazy E, whose affinity for curse words was at once fascinating and empowering. I would take my Walkman, and case the local park feeling like I was unstoppable, all due to Eazy's ability to assault through language."

'Slave to the Grind,' Skid Row (1991)

"I heart Slayer. I also make no apologies for my attraction to melody, which is what ultimately lead me to a longstanding appreciation for the music of Skid Row. All stigma aside, the vocals of Sebastian Bach are some of the strongest, pitch-perfect hooks ever put to tape. Despite the timeless nature of the first album, it is the raw- and dare I say it, PUNK- tendencies of the second album that really hooked me."

'The Shape of Punk to Come,' Refused (1998)

"This album opened new musical possibilities for me, and raised the bar on countless fronts, not the least of which was production. The drum machine that four out of five bands tried (and still try) to integrate into hardcore music, only to fail miserably, was executed masterfully on this album, and coated with the best scream vox since Iggy Pop. Yes, I went there."

'Burning From the Inside,' Bauhaus (1983)

"Hands down one of the best bands of all time. I am convinced every indie band that has come after has either directly or indirectly stole from them, and since so many people dismiss Bauhaus as a goth band, nobody thinks to pinpoint their music as the source of indie band thievery. If anything, Bauhaus shares far more in common with dub artists than goth artists. Every album is amazing, and this is my favorite."

'Daydream Nation,' Sonic Youth (1988)

"As predictable as Joy Division's 'Closer,' but even more undeniable, no list like this could exclude the cornerstone piece of experimental rock music 'Daydream Nation.' This is something that needs no introduction, except to say that for me, the doorway to endless musical imagination was blown off its hinges the first time I heard it. After this album, I was ruined for good."

Pyramids' 2008 debut album will be reissued on vinyl via Hydrahead on Feb. 21. Their split with Horseback is available now.