My father passed away this afternoon. My mother had found him, and it was only when my boyfriend and I had returned home from an errand that several kindly police officers stationed at the scene informed us of his death. He would have been 59 this coming December...

My father had a serious problem with alcohol, and would consume half a gallon of vodka in a period of two days. That is not why I need your help, friends. What I need is a means to commemorate the man who was my father, the loving and good-humored man who was always there for me before his body finally failed him.

My father loved metal, especially Finnish and German metal. For his memorial service, I want to honor his love for music by burning a compilation CD filled with powerful and insightful lyrics, and of course, the heavier, the better. To quote my old man, "If it ain't metal, it's shit."

If anyone would be so kind as to recommend some pieces by your favorite metal artists that strike you as appropriate for this tragic situation, I would be in your debt.

I would also like to create a piece of artwork to pay tribute to him. I'm not thinking a portrait, but rather a representation of life through heavy metal. My thoughts are running amok, and I will most likely be absent from classes next week, so any suggestions would also be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance, friends. Your help is greatly needed.