arcane-beautiful (This album is a lot like the new Cannibal Corpse album…not in style, just in the way I feel about it)

Why I haven't gotten round to reviewing one of these guys albums yet is a mystery to me...cause I really do love this band. But sure, I'm reviewing all the new stuff now, so I might as well give my opinion about this knew one.

Now Epica have been a band I have really loved for quite a long time now. Ever since The Divine Conspiracy (which is definitely one of the best symphonic metal albums ever made) I have been a fan. Now their last album Design Your Universe I haven’t really gotten around to listening too, and I don’t physically own a copy of their first 2 albums (although I do know they are 2 amazing albums). So I was excited to actually sit down and listen to this one.

Now, I was slightly disappointed with this one…but it’s still not a bad album.

There is a definite slight change in direction with this album, but with good intentions. Usually the choirs and orchestration are really over the top in Epica albums, but with this one, they’ve taken a slight backseat. They are still there, don’t get me wrong…just not as in the limelight as they where. The guitar sound has improved as well, and the guitar playing (I think someone has been listening to Dream Theater in my opinion).

The vocals as usual from Simone are amazing as always (she really is one of the best female metal vocalists, and she is always underlooked). But the biggest surprise from me is that Marks vocals really are improving, and in my opinon are becoming a real highlight of the band. Also the drummer is doing some grunts now as well, which is pretty cool.

As usual, Epica’s lyrics are always a little bit better than most metal bands, whether they’re singing about mental health, politics, philosophy or just life in general. Both Simone and Mark are great lyric writers.

The only problem I can see with the album is that there are only moments that really grab my attention. Usually with an Epica album, every song is stuck in my head after listening to it, but with this one, at the most 2 have really became Epica classics.

But…that’s my opinion really.

1. Karma – A nice little intro. 6/10

2. Monopoly Of Truth – Ok, now this is the way you start an album. Such a kick ass song. This song seems to show Epica’s more proggier approach, which I have to admit, sounds amazing. There is also a riff in this song which Epica stole from me…now I have proof I wrote it 4 years ago…but I’ll let them have it this time. 10/10

3. Storm The Sorrow – Ok, this is the single from the album, and I can see why. I really didn’t expect this song to be that good. Love the choir arrangements. Such an epic ending. 10/10

4. Delirium – Beautiful vocal intro. I love the choir arrangements in the song. There is some really beautiful moments in this song. 8/10

5. Internal Warfare – The verse melody reminds me of Alladin, for some odd reason. There is some really dark moments in this song. Great lyrics. 7/10

6. Requiem For The Indifferent – Nice middle eastern sounding intro to the song. Mark’s vocals are pretty killer in this song. Nice chorus. The lyrics are the best part of the song in my opinion, and really bring up some pretty cool topics like recession and the current economic climate. 9/10

7. Anima – A nice piano interlude. 5/10

8. Guilty Demeanor – Pretty kick ass song, and it’s pretty quick too. Some nice lyrics too. 8/10

9. Deep Water Horizon – The changes throughout this song are pretty odd, but interesting nonetheless. The instrumental section in this song is epic as hell. 8/10

10. Stay The Course – Killer vocals from Mark. Pretty epic at times. 8/10

11. Deter The Tyrant – The use of the choir is pretty epic. Kick ass song with a pretty cool chorus. 8/10

12. Avalanche – Great use of vocals in this song, especially from Simone. Cool chorus too. 8/10

13. Serenade Of Self-Destruction – Ok, for those that don't know, there was a total cock up in the mixing and distribution of this album. For some odd unfathomable reason, the vocal tracks for this song where taken out...which really is like taking the cake out of a birthday cake. So no mark for this one. I blame Nuclear Blast. The only time they've done me wrong.

14. Nostalgia – I can see why this wasn’t on the album. It’s alright I guess. The vocals are the highlight really. 6/10

CONCLUSION: This is their weakest album in my opinion. It’s still pretty great, but comparing it to there others, it’s their weakest. I would recommend this album to a metal fan, but if someone really wants to get into Epica, I would suggest something else.

7.2/10

arcane-beautiful Since Evisceration Plague, I've been waiting for a new Cannibal Corpse album for a whilst now. These guys havent disapointed me in the past 10 years, and I wasn't really expecting them to.

Now to try and say that these guys do the same thing over and over again is a bit of an overstatement. These guys are the biggest death metal band in the world, and if they didn't deliver there standard sound, then people would be upset. But these guys are sneakily able to add a little something else to the music now and then.

Musically, the album is a little different than their last 3 albums. It's a lot heavier in my opinion and a lot of modern influences and experimentation is heard in this album, with flirts of groove metal, tech death and if you open your ears, tiny seeds of djent can be heard throughout. Corpsegrinder's vocals are also better than I've ever heard them. And the guitar sound is one of the most bone crunching guitar sounds I've heard in ages (I'm guessing that's thanks to Eric Rutans producing).

I think the material at times is their best I've heard in years. I mean it, there are some real anthems on this album that I will be hearing in my head for a whilst. My brother told me before listening to it that he thought this was their catchiest album to date, and in a way I kind of agree with him. But If I'm honest...this is their weakiest album in a long string of albums.

Now I'm not saying it's a bad album, in fact it's a pretty great album, but comparing this album to Kill, Evisceration Plague, or even The Wretched Spawn, which I think is one of the best death metal albums ever made...is a bit of a challenge. The album is great, but there are a lot of weaker moments on the album, which drag it down a little.

But hey...it's death metal...you get what you expect...which is some of the heaviest stuff you will ever hear in your life

1. Demented Aggression – These guys are always able to get your attention by starting off the album with an incredibly kick as song. Some earth shattering riffs. 10/10

2. Sarcophagic Frenzy – One of the most kick ass songs on the album. Some really killer riffs on this song. Amazing chorus in the song too. 10/10

3. Scourge Of Iron - A slower song, but mammothly heavy. I love the changes in tempo throughout. One of the most interesting and best songs on the album. 10/10

4. Encased In Concrete – Fast and brutal. I really love the lyrics on this song, especially cause the thought of being buried alive in concrete...is a bit of a fear of mine. The music video for this song is pretty killer too, and I advise people to check it out.8/10

5. As Deep As The Knife Will Go – One of the best chorus' on the album. I literally thought this was a melodic death metal song for these guys, but it's heavy and brutal enough to confuse you. This is the band's new anthem for this decade. 10/10

6. Intestinal Crank – Great lyrics. Love how the song changes in the middle and becomes something completely different. 9/10

7. Followed Home Then Killed – Great tempo changes throughout. Pretty heavy moments and a killer chorus. 8/10

8. The Strangulation Chair – These guys most technical song in my opinion. If it weren't for the technical musicianship, this song would be pretty standard. There's also a killer bass solo on this song. 8/10

9. Caged...Contorted – One of the most grooviest songs on the album, so the riffs are the main focus. Rather than that, it's pretty standard. 7/10

10. Crucifier Aveneged – I love the storytelling element of this song. Other than that, it's pretty standard. 7/10

11. Rabid – This song would be better if it was quicker and shorter. It's a bit drawn out to be honest. 6/10

12. Torn Through – Love the lyrics in this song. The discordant riffs and the fast paced narrative really helps the evilness of the song. 8/10

CONCLUSION: By far there best, but still...these guys do death metal better than most bands, especially in today's metal society. LONG LIVE DEATH METAL!!!

7.2/10

arcane-beautiful TIM RIPPER OWENS!

Yes this name does make me excited like a little boy at times…cause in my opinion Tim Ripper Owens is one of the best metal vocalists we may ever have (I think his curse is over, now that he found a band he can front that just isn’t trying to replace their lead singer…unless Chuck Schulinder comes back from the dead).

Now their last album kind of flew over my head. It didn’t leave much an impact because it wasn’t as interesting as I though it was…and I’m glad they made a second one…in fact, it seems that this album seems to be the album I wanted them to make…well kind of.

The album does have some really belters on it, especially the first few songs and some of the others. But some aren’t as strong, but to be honest, you expect some slight filler on albums. It isn’t that the songs are bad, they’re just not the best. The album is pretty strong, and does maintain a similar sound throughout, but at times the sound can be a bit too similar.

As usual, the vocals are amazing. Instrumentally the band really blend and play in a way that metal bands should really admire and be jealous of. And especially because they have Richard Christy on drums, one of the best metal drummers…ever! The blend of styles throughout is really cool as well, especially when more extreme genres like black and death metal are heard. And Blastbeats with clean vocals I think has always been a rare and cool thing to hear.

And hey…there is passion behind all of this.

1. Timeless Days – This is what I’ve been looking for in this band. A really amazing epic start to an album. This song has one killer chorus. Tim really sings his heart on this song (as usual) and musically it’s just as good. To be honest, it even has a Dream Theater vibe to it at times. The twists and turns are really killer as well. One of the best songs from last year in my opinion. 10/10

2. Ashes Falling Upon Us – Ok…this song is kick ass. But you have to admit…it is hilarious when he says ashes…cause it sounds like he’s saying asses. Brilliant chorus (despite the funny side to it). Just a decent killer metal song really. Lyrics are pretty cool too. 9/10

3. Zerospan – Blastbeats in a power metal song? Yes this is what I’m hearing. I was really surprised at what this song had in store of me. At times, it’s a quite dark song, with melodic black metal tinges to it, and then all of a sudden it turns into a really catchy power metal song. The chorus is actually quite uplifting, and the lyrics are cool too. 9/10

4. Cold Winds – It’s a short little song, but it does pack quite a punch. Tim really wails on this one. 8/10

5. Lead The Way – When I heard the intro, I thought it was Arch Enemy haha. Pretty killer riffs in this song. I love how the song builds up so epicly to a pretty killer chorus (this album does this a lot actually). 9/10

6. Forever Marching On – The groove influenced song haha. Despite the killer riffs. It does seem to be a bit filler. 7/10

7. Guiding Me – This intro sounds like an intro to a Death song (I wonder why…). Pretty epic chorus, and Tim really does wail like a beast on this song. Pretty cool chorus in the song. And some interesting lyrics. Although I hate the way this song ends…because it does sound like it could have had a pretty cool ending, instead of a very awkward fade out. 8/10

8. The Beast Outside My Window – A ballad? What is this? The 80’s. And yes…the acoustic intro does end and turn into a pretty epic power metal intro…WITH BLASTBEATS! This is a pretty interesting song, and I love the Avenged Sevenfold backing vocals in the chorus. The lead up and the chorus itself is pretty cool. 8/10

9. On Unclean Ground – Pretty killer bass work on this song. Would be a weaker song if the instrumental bits weren’t as interesting. 7/10

10. Bloodworm – Such a killer name for a song. This song has a doomy almost Candlemass vibe to it. Love the melodic death metal riffs that decorate the song. Has a great melodic feel to it, and the slower tempo does add to the atmosphere. 8/10

11. Admire The Heroes – To be honest, when you hear a song title like this you already thing “oh, I bet its one of those stupid ass licking then American troops song”. But it wasn’t…thank God. In fact, a lot of sense was put into this song, as an attack on war itself. I’m really glad these guys were able to craft a song like this. Pretty killer song too by the way. 9/10

12. Avoid The Light – Love the dark twists and turns in this song, and the black metal influence is pretty cool too. The lyrics are really cool too. Pretty cool chorus as well. 8/10

CONCLUSION: Overall it’s a pretty decent killer metal album. There is some real anthems on this album, but some of the songs can sound too similar at times sadly. But, the sound these guys make is amazing. I think these guys are slowly getting better, and I think that they still have their best album to make. But this will do for now.

7.2/10

arcane-beautiful Now I’ve been a fan of Cave In for a whilst, but when they disappeared…and then came back, I wasn’t even aware of their reunion. So in their return, I decided to give this album a go, due to the fact it’s a bit of a return to form and…it’s a new Cave In album basically…and I’m a little debated…

The sound these guys make on this album is a bit different to their previous efforts, and is a very dramatic step away from my favourite album of theirs, “Antenna.” There is a very noisy atmosphere to this album, which hasn’t really been heard on their previous albums in this amount of detail. Yes, they are known for using their instruments at times in very interesting ways, but there is a very noisy texture behind all these songs.

I did enjoy this album a good bit, but to be honest, it’s not Cave In’s strongest in my opinion, and I know Cave In fans will slit my throat for this, but I do prefer these guys as a very interesting melodic rock band rather than just a common post hardcore noisy metalcore band. Antenna really had to be one of the most interesting rock albums of the last decade, because the songs where really well put together…but there was something else behind it. This album, has been done before, and it’s been done better.

This album to me is very similar to The Flaming Lips most recent album Embryonic. A big step in the next direction, incorporating a massive experimental side to the band, and bringing noise rock and other influences into the mould, and really experimenting with sound. Now I didn’t get the album when I first album when I first heard it, but now it’s grown on me (maybe this is what this album will do to me).

This album has the exact same formula. There is seeds of their own sound, but now there is a very noisy wall around it. The production is done in a very odd way, where sometimes the noise element can overshadow the songs themselves. Now in The Flaming Lips Embryonic it was interesting to hear this because the noise was rather beautiful at times. But in this album, the noise can at times can be almost overpowering (not too Merzbow, but enough to take away from the actual songs). I also feel that the album seems to get weaker as you listen to it.

Now I’m not going to lampoon this album completely. I did really like it, and would say it’s a great release from the band, and there are some real amazing moments on this album. But I’m afraid that this band that I once loved might end up becoming some obscure hipster feeding machine, where all songwriting ability has been lost in order to entertain the hipsters with beeps and noises rather than actual songs. At times I did feel like I was listening to some pish Pitchfork recommended generic indie band. I do respect this album a lot, because it does have a real album feel to it. The songs run into each other very well and do have grea atmospheres at times. The fact that it’s just over half an hour is a bonus as well.

1. White Silence – I love how this song is almost anthemic in its’ approach. A very odd way to start an album, but great nonetheless. 9/10

2. Serpents – Great riff in this song. Love the hardcore punk feel to it. Great vocals in the song. Best song on the album in my opinion 9/10

3. Sing My Loves – Pretty cool noisy intro. I love the Mastodon feel of the song, reminds me of the song Seabeast. I love the build ups throughout. The only problem I have with this song is that I can barely make out the clean vocals. It’s not that the vocals aren’t there; it’s just that I can’t really make out what Stephen is saying. The song also is a bit too long I feel. I love Calebs vocals in the song though. The noise rock elements are really interesting too. 8/10

4. Vicious Circles – This song does have a pretty killer chorus. The crazy guitar noises in this song are the real marvel to behold in this song. 7/10

5. Centered – The instrumentation and timing of this song is pretty killer. Great vocals and a killer chorus. I also love how the song ends and fades into the next track. 7/10

6. Summit Fever – There is a pretty killer groove in this song. Nice use of vocals. The production really does add to the gigantic sound of the song. 7/10

7. Heartbreaks, Earthquakes – Sounds a bit like a Beatles song on acid and ketamine. The song is pretty trippy, but it does sound like a nightmare of a trip. The only flaw I have with this song is that it does at time sound a bit like a “hipster” indie band trying to be all arty and noisy…but if you consider that it sounds like Panic At The Disco played by Lightning Bolt is a positive thing, then you may enjoy this song just a little more. 7/10

8. Iron Decibels – I do like how minimalistic this song is. Some of the instrumental sections are pretty interesting in the song, but the vocals let it down a bet to be honest. 6/10

9. Reanimation – One of the best songs on the album. I love the nice acoustic sound throughout. I hate how the song (and the album itself) ends with no real warning or care. 8/10

CONCLUSION: All in all, this is a great album. I’m really torn with it at times, and giving the score I’m giving is a bit of a push forward, but to be honest, I do fear these guys might end up embracing a style which really doesn’t belong to them. I love experimentation in music, but that doesn’t mean that your songwriting ability has to suffer due to it. These guys can still write songs, but there are moments on this album which do sound lie

6.9/10

arcane-beautiful (By the way...these guys aren't doom metal)

I have known about this band for a while, and have always had a soft spot for them. Now post metal to me can be a bit of a grey area. It can either be done ok or just bore me to tears. Now these guys do it pretty right for me. They’re not perfect…but no one is. But the thing that really attracted me to the band was the incorporation of post hardcore and screamo. Now with post hardcore, I have a massive soft spot for…but with scream…hmmm…

Ok…the first Bring Me The Horizon ep I actually like (which pains me to say so), but these guys do it pretty well. In fact, the best vocals on the album are the screams, which really add to the haunting atmosphere of the music. But the real negative of the band’s sound is the clean singing. It’s ok at times, but now and then it can be a bit whiney and reminds me of Poison The Well, who I really don’t like.

Musically the ep is brilliant, especially in the production. I’m surprised that these songs weren’t saved for their first album (although, when you listen to their first album, you really have t acknowledge that it is an “album”). The music blends well and every detail and guitar riff is heard, with precision detail in the production. I also love the fact that each guitar is in a separate ear, which is a very unique way of recording guitars.

Lyrically the album is pretty whiney…but in a philosophical stance. The songs don’t deal with ex girlfriends, but rather than quite universal situations that anyone can be in. To be honest, they’re a lot smarter than some of the bands who try and pull of this lyrical style.

1. Darkness Prevails – Great way to start off the ep...and their career. Probably my favourite song from these guys. Great twists, turns and atmospheric moments. Nice vocals. 9/10

2. Some Friend – Some really killer riffs and moments in this song. One of the most atmospheric moments on the ep. Great build ups throughout. 8/10

3. Clouds – One of the most straightforward songs on the ep. Some pretty cool vocals. 7/10

4. Liyl – It’s songs like this that makes me come back to this band and genre. A beautiful instrumental interlude. 8/10

5. Like It's Your Last – Wow, what a way to end an album. I love how this song is based around a simple pattern, but builds up and breaks down throughout. Great emotional vocals, and amaing instrumentation. An epic of a song. 10/10

CONCLUSION: This doesn’t seem to good…until the end. Yes this ep really does seem a lot better, especially after the last song and you have time to digest it. This band really do have a talent of surprising you, and because this is a debut

7.1/10

arcane-beautiful Death metal I thought was dying. So many silly sub genres coming from it, tech death, deathcore, screamo, scream core, gump core...all that shit. The basics of death metal were fading away. It was always the older bands, like Deicide, Carcass, Death, Napalm Death, Cainnibal Corpse, which made me go "this is death metal" as I listened to their music and embraced their cold embrace. It's very rare when a new death metal band comes out and really intrigues me. This is one of those bands.

I literally had never heard of these guys until this album came along. From reading magazines like Metal Hammer and Total Guitar, I saw that this album was getting alot of positive feedback, which to be honest, in today's metal climate, isnt the easiest thing to do. I saw this album in my local HMV, so I thought, "meh, whats the worst that could happen". And this album is an example of a risk that brings forth only the greatest positives.

I think the reason why I like this band, and love this album so much is because "THEIR IS ACTUAL SONGS ON IT." The one thing that annoys me about modern death metal is that the actual art of songwriting seems to be gone. It justs seems to be a big penis envy competition to see how heavy a band could get, yet most bands lack the actual depth to write songs. Luckily these guys can actually do that.

In their last album I reviewed "The Concealers" (2009), I was pondering why these guys are considered a "prog" death band, and now I can kind of see why, especially with this album. These guys are able to craft quite complicated and intricate songs without them being too lengthy, too disfragmented and to the point. These guys are able to do that, and also they can make each song as unique as possible, which is a very hard thing for bands to do these days.

The sound these guys make is pretty epic. The album is produced incredibly well, in fact, if your looking for an example of a wee produced album, this is it. The album was produced by James Murphy, who you may remember from such bands as DEATH! and OBITUARY! (classic death metal bands), and he even does a guitar solo on the album. The album was also on Roadrunner...and I do admit, they may not handle bands too well, but when it comes to producing an album, they'll make sure it sounds as perfect as it should be.

Musically, it really is a marvel. It takes the death metal sound, adds the proggy edges, adds a heap load of darkness and gloom, and cuts it down to such a easily listenable album (well it's death metal...it's not exactly Simply Red). Their is also alot of experimentation within the album, like industrial influences, electronica and prog influences. Other than that, its an extreme metal fest. The songs themselves are some of the catchiest and most kick ass death metal songs I have heard in a very long time.

The vocals are also the best death metal vocals I have heard in a long time. Why Sean Farber left the band I'll never know, but whatever he;s doing now, and if he's in a band...I want to find out what he's up too. Lyrically the album is really interesting, dealing with existentionalism topics and some really dark and interesting philosphies. Overall, the lyrics add a dark and dank skin over this egg of absolute murky epicness.

1. Subterfuge - Great start to the album. Such an amazing song, with a killer chorus. The wists and turns really add to the atmosphere of the song. 10/10

2. From The Blind - Has quite a Carcass vibe to it. Love the instrumental section in the middle. How Sean dictates his vocals really is an amazing triumph. 10/10

3. Comsuc Forge - Love the use of keyboards in this song. The odd dark melodic chorus is really killer. A dark dank mother of a song. 10/10

4. Sightless - Has such a killer riff in the song. The chorus is pretty cool too. The vocals as usual are amazing. Their is also a pretty cool Alien like music video to this song. 10/10

5. Under A Somber Sign - One of the most melodic songs on the album. Still incredibly dark and breathtaking. 10/10

6. Ovum - My favourite song on the album. Jesus I love this song so much. The vocals give me chills every time I hear it. Such an amazing chorus. If you haven't heard this song, please listen to it, it really is an underlooked death metal classic. 10/10

7. Festival Mass Soulform - Great chorus. Such a dark epic song. Love the lyrics too. 10/10

8. Above Lucium - Some incredibly heavy riffs in this song. A very heavy mother of a song. Great arrangement. This also has one of the best chorus' on the album. 10/10

9. Who Will Take The Blame? - Love the use of electronics and keyboards on this song. Grea diverse vocals. Their is also a pretty cool guitar solo from James Murphy (DEATH METALLLLL) - 10/10

10. War Born (Tri-adverserenade) - Such a fast, brutal and quick song. It's gone in the blink of an eye, and you really will end up missing it. 9/10

11. Dead On The Dance Floor - I love how this song, which you may think is a dance song, turns into an epic death metal song. The 2 styles are mixed incredibly well and don't really feel forced. The lyrics are funny too. Great chorus as well. 10/10

12. Blessed Through Misery - Love the raspy vocals. A very doomy and gloomy song. 7/10

13. The Hinderers - Love the intro to this song. Such an epic way to end the album. Great use of atmosphere and the ending with the timpani and keys really adds to the epic feel of the song. 9/10

CONCLUSION: This album reminds me of another album released around the same time this album was release, which is Scar Symmetry's Pitch Black Progress. It came from nowhere, I got it as a dare, and now the album has become one of my all time favourites. This is probabbly one of the best death metal albums released in a long time and really is one of the best metal albums to really blow me away and stay in my memory for such a long time. I really suggest you listen to this album, because it really is bringing back great death metal. I LOVE THIS ALBUM.

9.2/10

arcane-beautiful Nu metal can either be complete and utter joke, or at times it can be all right. To be honest, I like at least one song from most nu metal bands.

I was aware of these guys, and I vaguely remember one of their songs, but to be honest I had never heard any more of their stuff. I do like Dez's new band Devildriver...and to be honest...I hadn't completely given these guys any recognition or attention, so I thought, “hey, why not, what’s the worst that can happen?” Plus, the CD was only £1.

So was it any good? Well it's not bad...but it isn't good either.

The album does have a lot of filler and moments where I'm thinking “what the hell are you's doing” there are some great songs and great moments on the album, don't get me wrong, but its just the rest that puts it down, which is a shame to be honest.

The album is typical nu metal at times. Drop tuned riffs that sound like Korn, that weird bass slappy sound that sounds like Korn, and the tight as hell bass drum sound that Korn has. In fact, instrumentaly, the band sound a lot like Korn, although to be honest, everyone sounded like Korn in the 90s. The riffs are good at times, and the seeds of groove metal are still heard. The songs are simple, yet mostly effective.

Dez's vocals on the album at times are great. When he's rambling like a toad on acid, he is at his best. But at times, he can attempt some clean vocals, and they're not bad, but his vocals are better when he keeps to his strengths. His lyrics are very simple, and very monosyllabic at times, and to be honest, their might be some meaning in these lyrics that not even we know.

I also love the cover of the album as well. For some odd reason.

1. Loco – This was the song I had vague memories of when I was younger. I think it had a music video, and from what I remember it was a good one, but it was the hook of the song that I really can remember. I love this song, and it's their best in my opinion. 10/10

2. Bradley – The main riff is really good, but the song is ruined by the attempted clean vocals. The rest of the vocals I love though. 7/10

3. Oddity – Great chorus. There is some amazing riffs in this song. Dez's rambling vocals are a real highlight as well. 8/10

4. Unspoiled – Pretty good build up throughout. Love the screams in the chorus. The vocals really make these songs at times. 9/10

5. Big Truck – there is something funny about this song. Good chorus and some cool time changes. 7/10

6. Sway – I love the intro of the song but to be honest, it gets pretty generic after that. Chorus is good but it does go on a bit. Although I did find it funny at the end, because it sounds like he's shouting Flava Flav at the end. 6/10

7. First – Pretty boring. Trying to be Tool at times. This is the bands attempt at a song like System Of A Downs Mind, but it just doesn't work. Some cool moments at times though, especially the riff after the chorus.5/10

8. Maricon Puto – Cool odd intro. 6/10

9. I – Love the rambling in the verses. The chorus isn't the best. I do like the quite middle bit of the song. Build up at end is good. 6/10

10. Clock – There is something quite Metallica about this song. The chorus is a bit silly tho (a bit like Big Truck). Some cool riffs though. 6/10

11. My Frustration -A really generic boring song. 4/10

12. Amir of the Desert – I'm glad these guys have a sense of humour. 9/10

13. Dreamtime – Another generic song. Good way to put these at the end. 4/10

14. Pig – So they go out on a high. Why the album isn't more like songs like these I don't know. Love Dez's vocals in this song. 7/10

CONCLUSION: I will be honest, if your wanting to get a nu metal album, this is probably one of the best ones to get (along with Drowning Pool, System Of A Down, Linking Park and Korn's first albums). This album isn't terrible, their are good moments, and the band can play, it's just that at times they try and either copy other bands, or try and do something very different, which really isn't what they should be doing, especially for a first album. The sound these guys have most of the time is a good sound, and should have been used and experimented to its potential. As single songs, the album can work, and to be honest, they would work better on a compilation.

5.3/10

arcane-beautiful These guys are a bit of a guilty pleasure.

I have reviewed these guys before, with favourable comments as well, and I'm glad I haven't seen any backlash, because to be honest, I don't think people care about why these guys where popular once (and even then, having the brother of a Jackass member in your band will only get you so far).

The reason these guys have survived and are still making music, is because their fans (and people like me) still like them, and to be honest, thats the most decent way to go.

It seems to be this is the album where the mass atention of the band seemed to die down, and Bam's career was going into a more sleepy mode (he was getting married and all that) as did attention to this band. So what did CKY do? They made a more relaxing album to add to the calmness of the time.

Yea this album can be quite calm alot of the time. Everything is kind of relaxing. All the songs dont jump out at you. Theirs no real fast songs or confusing moments to make you wake up from sleep. It's just relaxing. In fact, this is almost the anti skater album at time. This album is great relaxing music, or background music.

It also has some really poppy moments on it at times. And it says theirs no keyboards on it, but I think I can detect a moog now and then (could just be effects pedals to the max). I think this is the album where they matured. I also think that comparing it to their last album (Carver City), it's a real showing of progression. In fact this seems to be the more calmer side to CKY, whilst Carver City was their more experimental side.

This album also saw the band working as a 3 piece, which to be honest, is mainly what the band is anyway (bass isn't really a prominent figure). The instrumental work on the album is as its always...very underlooked and underated. The way these guys compose and play their songs really is a wonder. I don't think these guys have ever used power chords ever. Everything is to do with melodic riffs. The album is drenched in a melodic 4/4 style, with harmony lacing through out it. Their is some hidden complications going on behind this band...so really listen with open ears. The guitar work on the album is also pretty fantastic, and Kirk Hammet should listen to these guys so he can learn how to use a wah pedal right.

Derons vocals really are shown to their full capactiy. This guy is a real underlooked vocalist. With lyrics in CKY songs, I never really dwell on the lyrics too much, because to be honest, it seems to be that the lyrics are only their to accompany the amazing vocal melodies. Although I do admit, their lyrics are really good. Whatever they are singing about...good on them.

1. Suddenly Tragic - Great start to the album. Great chorus. The whole song is a melodic thrill ride. Pretty cool vocals as well. 9/10

2. The Way You Lived - Like many songs on the album, this song has quite a soulful aproach. I really mean it, all I could think about during this song was how Stevie Wonder it sounded at like times. Love the guitar work. A very nice relaxing song. 7/10

3. Dressed In Decay - Again, a very relxing song...and another soul influenced song. The chorus is a very nice soul influenced chorus. 8/10

4. Familiar Realm - The single from the album. Yes this was the first song I heard from it, mainly cause it had a video. Probabbly one of my favourite CKY songs. The riffs in this song are really to be marvelled at. The guitar solos are pretty killer as well. Great chorus too. 9/10

5. All Power To Slaves - One of the best songs on the album. A beautiful composition with amazing guitar work throughout. Love the use of synths (or are they synths :D). The odd changes throughout do make the song more enjoyable. 9/10

6. Tripled Manic State - One of the most rocking and poppy songs on the album. Great catchy chorus. 9/10

7. Behind The Screams - A nice spanish acoustic instrumental. 6/10

8. Deceit Is Striking Gold - Some pretty killer riffs in the song. Great chorus and some interesting lyrics too. 7/10

9. As The Tables Turn - A filler song. Pretty standard CKY to be honest (well their had to be one) 5/10

10. Sniped - One of the best and most interesting songs on the album. Derons vocals are incredibly diverse on this song. I love the chorus on this song. 9/10

11. Don't Hold Your Breath - A cheesy ballad to end the album? Well it's not really a ballad, but its still a nice way to end the album. Very calm and pretty. 7/10

CONCLUSION: This isn't their best album, and to be honest, it's probabbly one of their weakest, but even then, it's still CKY. They aren't trying to be someone they're not. I wouldn't even say this album is weak, I just prefer the others to it really. This is still a great album, and it is an interesting listen, whilst also being very enjoyable as well.

7.1/10

arcane-beautiful This guy is cursed...

Tim Ripper Ownes is one of the best metal vocalists ever. We all know that...ok we don't.

This guy got a lot of attention when he was asked to front Judas Priest, and even though the 2 albums he made with the band may not be their strongest...their are still people who really like them. Mainly for this guys voice. Even when he fronted Iced Earth, their was a lot of attention...and can you blame him. In my opinion, the 2 albums and ep he did with the band where probabbly 2 of their best, even in their heavily Matt Barlow tinged catalgoue. This guy just has just been able to take the world by the balls, and head voice scream in your face....but having said that...he really is cursed.

Look at this pattern, Judas Priest loose their lead singer, in comes Tim Ripper Owens, does an amazing job, fans want their old lead singer back. Iced Earth loose their lead singer, in comes Ripper again, does an AMAZING! Job, fans want their old lead singer back....SPOT A PATTERN!

Having said that, even though he lost 2 great vocal duties, he has been kept in word. Now fronting Charred Walls Of The Damned, HAIL!, doing some vocal duties in Beyond Fear, lending his amazing voice on an Avantasia song...the guy has been a bit busy since his cursed past...and this is something he did in his spare time.

To be honest, when this album came out, I was interested to hear it. I love this guys voice and would listen to him singing the phonebook...if possible. Having said that...this album MAJORLY disappoints.

I think even the silly cover art was a give away, but yea, this is pretty boring. I was expecting amazing proggy power metal epics, with his voice reaching ultimate highs, giving me tingles and orgasms over my body...but all I got was this.

I think the main criticisms with the album are the sound and the songs (which to be honest is a big thing in em....MUSIC!) The sound of the album is basically just watered down rocky metal songs, with no real passion or gusto. The lyrics are typical rock metal things that most people sing about, and it just gets boring (Jeesy Creezy, this guy used to sing about war and aliens and stuff).Although, there is an interesting song about Roswell & Hangar 18 which isnt too bad.

The songs aren't memorable either. Usually I'm humming one of his tunes in my head now and then, but I really can't remember a single one. In fact I can't even remember a single note from this album. I remember listening to it...and then it ending...and then me being happy that it ended.

There are also some special guests on this album, e.g. Jeff Loomis...and even then they can't save the album.

CONCLUSION: This guy needs better help. Whoever his band and co songwriters where need to be replaced. I would listen to another one of his solo outings again...but only if someone good was helping him. Disagree...well here's an example of why I'm right...compare any song of this album to Ten Thousand Strong off of Iced Earth's Framing Armageddon...SEE! I'M RIGHT!

0.7/10

arcane-beautiful To be honest, I wasn't really aware of this so called supergroup. I only had 2 Helloween albums, and they were all either very new or very old, and at the time I wasn't aware of the amazing power of Masterplan. But they had features that had attracted me, they were European, they were power metal and progressive metal. That's enough for me. My brother had heard the song A Smile From Heavens Eye, and showed me the video on You Tube. I loved the song automatically. So when I heard of the album, I automatically wanted to purchase it, and was it any good?

Yes, it was quite good, but to be honest, I expected a little bit more and even though this album has some amazing songs, it does get watered down by a lot of filler stuff. There are some phenomenal songs on this album though.

I was sad to hear that these guys disbanded, because they showed real potential, and maybe even a second album would have been a better accomplishment. Hopefully this isn't the last we here from them and maybe a reunion could be announced.

Basically, these guys weren't accepted as well as they should have been.

1. New Protection - What a way to start off an album. Amazing song with amazing vocals from Bjorn. The chorus is infectious to say the least. The guitar solo is also amazing. The symphonic cuts also add a very epic edge to this song. The video for this song is quite cool as well, with the obvious rip off to Lego's Bioncles.

2. A Smile From Heaven's Eye - What song. Very catchy and powerful. This song always puts me in a good mood.

3. Silent War - Interesting chorus. Very filler to be honest. I do like the very metal elements of the song.

4. The Prince Of Darkness - Very kick ass. Sounds like a crazy Dream Theater song. Amazing chorus with amazing instrumental work throughout. The ending reminds me of Symphony X.

5. Break The Chain - I like all the psychopathic shifts in tones. Pretty cool chorus with a very weird middle section.

6. Corroded Dreams - Very interesting chorus with very interesting vocals. I love the keychange at the end. The fadeout is also very cheesy.

7. The End Of Days - I love the main keyboard riff. Very Ayreon. I love the weird musical and time changes.

8. Far Beyond The Stars - Another great chorus. Very anthemic. The key change that leads to the end is very random though.

9. Black Cloud - Wow, what a heavy intro. The chorus is a bit weak. This song does have an amazing instrumental section.

10. Endless - The intro sounds like pop punk. Another filler song, really.

11. Heaven Only Knows - Very cheesy chorus. Again wee bit filler.

12. A Crack In The Wall - I like the symphonic intro. The bridge is better than the chorus, and is a lot more memorable. Good way to end the album.

CONCLUSION: A good album. There are some amazing songs on this album, but there is also a lot of filler stuff as well, sadly. But, the good songs are amazing, nonetheless.

arcane-beautiful Now when it comes to guitar players, I really think that Steve is the best in the world. Now, some people are tearing their hair out, screaming out names like Hendrix, Clapton, Satriani (who are very over rated in my opinion), but when I see a good guitar player, it is someone who can pour their heart and soul into their instrument, without the use of fiddling with notes and how many you can play a second.

Now, Vai has alot of dexterity, but he has a great sense of melody, and using his instrument to move away from the norm, being experimental, because if you stick with the same old routine, you'll never achieve anything. The evolution of man didn't happen over night.

The first time I came into contact with this album was on tape (I'm a dinosaur, haha) out of my local library. I wasn't too fussy on the first side, but I did play the second side over and over again, and I have nothing against the first side, but I am going to say this, and hopefully I won't get syphillus by saying it...but...

I think Steve is a better singer than a guitar player.

Now, I'm not dissing him as a guitar player, but I just love his voice,I think he is one of the greatest singers I have ever heard. He just has an amazing timbre and his voice is so passionate.

Yes, I also love the first side as well,but the second side does topple over the first.

1. There's A Fire In The House - A frantic display of Steve's skill. Amazing composition and great sound effects. 9/10

2. The Crying Machine - This has some incredibly beautifull guitar work. Fantastically put together. Amazing instrumental. 9/10

3. Dyin' Day - Apparently this was co written by Ozzy Osbourne. Nontheless another great song. 8/10

4. Whookam - Yea, Devin! I love Devin Townsend. Anything he makes is amazing, even if it is just werid noises.His vocals are great on this song. 10/10

5. Blowfish - A bit too Joe Satriani for me. Too structured in my opinion. Although it's better than anything that that bald hypocrite puts out. 7/10

6. The Mysterious Murder Of Christian Tiera's Lover - A bit random, but meh, pretty cool, nontheless. 9/10

7. Hand On Heart - Nice and beautifull. What more would you want. 9/10

8. Bangkok - This was written by the 2 weirdos from Abba? Actually, I do love Abba, and this piece is amazing (I think it's from Chess). Amazing instrumental work and some nice middle eastern like vibes. The fly noises at the start creep me out. 10/10

9. Fire Garden Suite - Ok, wow. The greatest instrumental ever. Yes, even though this song is near 10 minutes, it doesn't bore me one bit. This song also has Mike Manginni playing drums on it (the fastest hands in the world, must be great in the bedroom). This song not only shows off Steve as a guitarist, but as an amazing key player as well. I thought it was Jordan Rudess, but I was wrong. This song is also amazingly produced. It is a whole bag of emotions and one of the greatest things this man has ever made. 10/10

10. Deepness - Basically an intro to Phase 2. 9/10

11. Little Alligator - A wee bit cheesy, but pulled off very well. The lyrics don't make one bit of sense either. 7/10

12. All About Eve - One of the greatest songs ever made, in my opinion. This song is just so beautiful and Steve sounds like a God in this song, his voice and his fretwork. Could the studio version be bettered. Yes, in his new DVD, Where The Wild Things Are, he plays this song acoustically, and the guitar solo, which was originally amazing on guitar, was replaced with violin, and never have I thought that a violin could beat a guitar. It has to be checked out. You Tube it now! 10/10

13. Aching Hunger - Prince! Yes, this song is obviosuly influenced by Prince, but it is amazing. Guitar work is excelletnt, Steve's vocals are orgasmic and the lyircs are fandabbydoisy. Very catchy. 10/10

14. Brother - Very chessy and very emotional. Great song. 9/10

15. Damn You - Pretty damn catchy. Also great vocals from Steve. 8/10

16. When I Was A Little Boy - This things always makes me laugh. A story about masterbation basically. 10/10

17. Genocide - I don't really get it. It's ok, I guess. 6/10

18. Warm Regards - Nice mellow way to end the album. 9/10

CONCLUSION: The cracks are easily cemented by it's greatness. This has to be his best album.

arcane-beautiful I remember my first encounter with Children Of Bodom. I wanted to get into the band, so getting their newest album at the time, Are You Dead Yet?, I put on the first song and went, “wow...probabbly one of the best metal songs I have ever heard.” And the rest of the album had a similar vein. It was just good song after good song.

Now Children Of Bodom never have really been a band to go crazy over in my opinion. But I have to admit, that Are You Dead Yet? Is a perfect album. So the rest of their stuff is a bit touch and go to be honest. Now I will admit that Hatebreeder & Hatecrew Death Roll are great albums. But after Blooddrunk, the band kind of made me loose interest. Bloodrunk wasn't too bad, it was a disappointment, but I just didn't really care about them much anymore. In fact I thought of them more as a novelty (covering Britney Spears songs and all that).

So when this album came out, I forgot about it really. I knew it was out, but I was like “meh”. So when I was getting a bunch of “new albums,” I thought, “meh what's the worst that could happen with this one.” And to be honest, I should have just forgotten it.

This is their 2nd disappointment in a row, and its an even bigger disappointment than the latter. I think Children Of Bodom have really lost their identity with this release, because it seems that all their uniqueness has been drained, and what is left is just the sounds of all the modern metal bands (I think this album prooves that fine line between Melodic Death Metal and Metaclore). In fact, this album reminds me of when you hear an unsigned band and think “meh”

The album is bad, but its not terrible. This isn't going on the worst albums list either, but it's close. What saves this album is that now and then, there are songs which have some pretty good moments, and make them slightly more interesting. But the rest is just filler. The perfect way to describe this album is that the good songs sound like the filler on most Bodem albums, and the rest is worse.

Now instrumentally, the band just isn’t as impressive as they where. I remember I used to compare the instrumental playing of Alexis & Roope to the work of John Petrucci & Jordan Rudess. But now, it's just standard, solo, solo, solo, solo...and nothing else really. And as usual, Alexis just sounds like a cat.

1. Not My Funeral – Ok...being the first song, I'm thinking, “em, this isn't the Children Of Bodom I've known and liked. This is maybe a bit too much of a step forward in the modern direction. Good production though, but very forgetful. 5/10

2. Shovel Knockout – I do like the thrasy moments. And to be honest, there is something about the chorus I like. Although still a little bland though. 5/10

3. Rountrip To Hell & Back – I really don't care about this song. To be honest, it just kind of sounds like all the modern metal out today, all clustered together. Although there is a nice riff in it. And the ending is just terrible in my opinion. The slow down bit sounds so rushed. 4/10

4. Pussyfoot Miss Suicide – With such a funny name, you'd think this song would be interesting. Nope. Bland as ever. And theirs some instrumental and musical changes that make no sense, and arent nice to listen to. I guess the chorus isn't the worst, but it's still not great. 3/10

5. Relentless Reckless Forever – The chorus isn't too bad on this one. In fact its one of the best on the album. Now that's not saying a lot. 4/10

6. Ugly – Ok,again, this song isn't the worst. It's got a good chorus, and there are some nice moments in it which come back now and then which are nice. 5/10

7. Cry Of The Nihilst – Best song on the album. In fact it seems to be one of the only real redeeming features. Great chorus and lead up to it. Great instrumental section too. Finally glimmers of the old Bodom are being shown. 7/10

8. Was It Worth It? - Ok, another pretty good song on the album. I hate it when albums start off bad, and get good at points. Nice chorus. 6/10

9. Northpool Throwdown – Nice thrashy end. But forgetable. 3/10

CONCLUSION: I really don't have a lot of faith for these guys now. Myabe their next one won't be so bad. But I'm not going out at any great depths to listen to it. Although if you like heavy riffs and nonsense, then you actually might like this.

2.3/10

arcane-beautiful I don't like cheese...the dairy product...but when cheesy music comes my way...I do kind of like it.

Now I'm not admitting to being a Cheesaholic, cause you can get your bad cheese and your good cheese. Now this cheese is the good cheese.

After Bodoms first 4 albums, the really did make a name for themselves. And as they progressed, their music was getting easier and easier to listen to in contemporary terms. And this album really pushed them into more listenable terms.

Adopting a more melodic style, with some really catchy chorus' and a bigger sound...these guys made some really cheesy songs. And I mean that in the nicest way possible

Originally a melodic death metal band, with black metal influences, and big symphonic keyboards, the band adopted more modern influences, with power metal, metalcore, and basic pop music to make some really interesting songs. Now this album isn't full of strophic 3 minute pop songs. No, in fact, the songs take their own loveable mutated form. With Yngwie influenced instrumental passages, big sing along chorus, homage to 80's metal, outlandish guitar and keyboard solos, the band become more of a light hearted affair.

And even these songs are cheesy, their still really unique. And the best thing about this album is that its such fun to listen to. And not only that, you can tell the band really enjoyed making these songs, and really enjoyed playing and messing around with them. Its passionate, yet is contemporary, which for me is the perfect unison between artistry and entertainment.

As usual, Alexi's vocals are rhaspy and screamy. Lyrically the album is the same as it always is, with songs about violence...and violence...and violence...and violence...and angels...and violence. To be honest you wouldn't really care what Alexi is saying half the time. For all I know he could be meowing like a cat in heat. Oh, and instrumentally, the band is always on top of their game.

1. Needled 24/7 – Ok, now this song is the song that marks their dramatic change. And to be honest, if you are gonna make a change, you might as well make as rocking a tune as this one. Infectiously catchy with one great chorus. Great instrumentation and some killer riffs. Theirs also something cool about the lyrics too. One of their most classic songs in my opinion. 10/10

2. Sixpounder – I love the keyboards in this song. Something about them reminds me of Dream Theater. There is some really killer head-banging moments in this song. Some great instrumentation in this song. There is something pretty cheesy about this song, but to be honest, its just a really killer song (even the silly depend voice in the chorus is amazing...but funny as well haha). 9/10

3. Chokehold (Cocked 'n' Loaded) – The intro is very 80's. OK, the song is pretty cheesy, especially with the gang vocal chorus, but you have to love it. The changes throughout are pretty cool too, and really do surprise you. Great instrumental work, especially the neo classical instrumental sounding bit. I was surprised at how much I actually like this song, even though I've heard it loads of times. 9/10

4. Bodom Beach Terror – One of the greatest metal intros of all time in my opinion. It's a bit of a Carcass rip off, and yes bit cheesy, but you can't help but love it. Some of the lyrics aren't the best, and the song is a major cheese feast at times, but I have to admit, you can't help but bang your head to a lot of the parts. I also love the fast paced style of Alexi's vocals. 8/10

5. Angel's Don't Kill – One of the more slower and darker Bodom songs. Great main riff. The melodic guitar lines are also really beautiful at times. At times the song is really interesting, and then at times it's a bit meh, but to be honest, the interesting bits make up for the slightly boring moments, and even then the boring moments arent that bad. 7/10

6. Triple Corpse Hammerblow -There is something very The Cure about the intro of this. Very gothicy, yet with a poppy side. The main riff remind me of Dragonforce (who are the kings of cheese anyway). Some really killer instrumentation. Great chorus, even though it's very simple.9/10

7. You're Better Off Dead – Everyone knows that symphonic stabs are some of the most cheesiest things to put in a song. Ok, this song is pretty killer, and I know I have mentioned cheese too much in this review...but you have to admit...that chorus is some major cheese. None the less, a pretty kick ass song. 8/10

8. Lil' Bloodred Riding Hood – What a cheesy name for a song (I wonder why no one has thought of Ba Ba Black Metal Sheep). This song seems a bit filler, but, when the instumental section comes in, it all makes sense. In fact this song should have just stayed an instrumental, cause its fine without the vocaled parts...in fact I forget them already. 7/10

9. Hate Crew Deathroll – I wonder why this song wasn't earlier on in the album, cause it is one of the best song on the album. And yes, the Pantera reference and almost rip off to them is noticeable (although I actually like it, it's almost like a sign of respect, so don't go complaining about plagiarism yet). Great way to end the album, especially cause this is one of the best songs on it. A great chorus too, and riffs that would melt your face off. Great way to end the album in my opinion. 10/10

CONCLUSION: Not their strongest, but still pretty damn good. I'm not the world biggest Bodem fan, so to actually give it a score like this really is an honour for me, cause they made such a kick ass album (even though it is very cheesy).

7.9/10

arcane-beautiful Oh my God!!!, said the words out of my mouth when my ears first descended upon the auidble pleasure that were to emit from my speakers when the first notes hit me in the face. The story of how I bought this was quite funny. There I was, in a very secluded small and worthless HMV, pondering for good albums, when out of the corner of my eye i spoted this amongst the waste of popular garbage that surrounds most cd shops. I remembered the name from a leaflet that you would see from Inside Out telling you about what cds they have. "Neal Morse, i've heard that name before, is he anygood," i asked my compadre, my brother. He replied "Yea, but he's Christian prog" "Does that even exist", i shuddered. Christian rock is just whiney abuse on the ears (Jonas Brothers are a plain example) But then my brother replied, "Mike Portnoy plays on it" "Oh, then it must be bought", even though Mike Portnoy is probabbly the most annoying man on the face of the planet, he is still one of the most talented man to hold sticks in his hand since Mr. Miyagi. Another point of pleasure for me is that it has only 4 songs on it, 2 of them over 25 minutes. I couldnt care if the Spice Girls had a 4 song album, i would still buy it, becuase with long songs you have 2 options 1. They will bore you to death or 2. It will be pure heaven, because the band knows how to keep the listener intrested through a long piece of music (some mistakes that some bands make now and then)

"The first song is 30 minutes, it will start off slow i bet", were the words I later regret. I was so wrong. I nearlly fell of my amp (yes, i sit on a guitar amp). Oh My God where the words I fettered.

So I will know tell you of what each song sounds like:

1. THE DOOR: As i said, this piece starts off with a bang, a crescendo of guitar, keyboards and drums, with an epic choir sound. I was drawn in by Neal's powers. The intro again takes off but with a different theme being played, again my heart stopped, then started again. Crescendo upon crescendo. After that the main riff is played, a riff that follows me everywhere i go, it possesses me so much that every time i'm near a keyboard, i have to play it, it's just, "phowa". And in the middle of that, Neal expresses some amazing piano arrpeggios, that would have Jordan Rudess cutting himself with ivory over the amazing talent displayed. After that an amazing Bach inspired piano part is played, very dark and quite disturbing. Before the first lyrical contributions are displayed, Neal expresses some lovely keyboard harmonies, and prepares you for what is to come, then a pause before the vocals, and Neals voice can be heard, with amazing dark melodies and quite cyncial lyrics about his own faith, Christianity (which i loved, anyone who can take a quite dark turn at their own faith must be an amazing person), e.g. "Calls himself the bishop prince, and blood's his favourtie wine." Just pure genius. Then after the verese the chorus comes in, "In the name of God you must die." Neal...what are you saying...but as all people should know, he is just giving us a taste of what medieval faith's were like at that time of Henry Vth's reign. Just amazing. Throughout the piece even more fantastic muscianship is being played, even though my ears are still listening to this audible anectdote, my brain is thinking, "How does a human write such epicness, is it because he's a Christian, should i convert," not really, but as a man with no faith, the only thing that makes me tolerant towards Christiantity, is Neal himself, an amazing human being, and an amazing composer. If he was here 500 years ago, music would have been very different...and maybe there would be no absolute tripe in todays popluar culture, maybe people would be listening to prog alot more. Maybe not, that would just ruin music, Prog is supposed to be for actual music fans only. The rest of the piece is just pure prog heaven, with no boring moments yet, even after 20 minutes of listening to the same track. Now if you listen to this, and get to minute 23 in The Door, prepare for some of the most beautifull moments in music history. The mellotron and violin add to the pure beauty of a beautiful ssection, before ending with a fading guitar note. It is time for the end. Upon the door is probabbly the only thing that could make me cry, even live, Neal can feel the emotion that the audience are giving him, that he even sheds a tear,and performs something so art like that would make Peter Gabriel look in the mirror and cry, leaving make up rivers around him. The mellotron lightly plays these absoultely beautiful chords around this beautiful melody. Then one of the most beautiful guitar solo's is played, by Paul Gilbert, one of the best axeman in the world, each note reflecting the soul of every listeners heart. Could this solo be bettered...yes it can where was the feeling i realised when i ordered my Sola Scriptura & Beyond dvd, this guitar player couldnt play this solo, he looks about 12 but could he play, his fingers portaying his own version of the solo, better than Paul Gilbert, imposible as it may seem , but true. Paul Bielatowicz, an absoulte gem, and probabbly one of the best axeman i have ever seen. He was so good, people started to aplaude so loud, it even matched that of the loud pa. The only time that the audience applauded in the middle of song the whole night, Neal knew this and smiled, he had been matched, and he was proud of what he had done. The song ends very successfully, but we still have 3 songs to go.

2.THE CONFLICT: "This sounds like Janes Addiction with Dave Navaro on speed", said I as i listened to the intro. After Do You Know My Name, it goes into a link which is probabbly one of the better moments of prog history, it's just so catchy and powerfull. Then the gospel inflienced Party To The Lie is heard, amazing vocal melodies and harmonies at the end, and an amazing chorus, very addictive. After this an amazing keyboard solo, which Neal should be very proud of, is very Spock's Beard like, a trate he will take to the grave, ever since he formed that incredible band over 15 years ago, and left about 7 years ago (a reunion is prayed for i expect, i mean he was able to go to Transatlantic again, but then again, Transatlantic don t jump on keyboards.) After Undeground, a slow intresting depressing Leonard Cohen inspired ballad, it goes into the flamenco styled 2 Down, 1 to Go. Amazing guitar work by both Neal & Paul Gilbert,and lovely latin beats by Mr. Portnoy. After this it goes into The Vineyard, with more alternative rock roots, but great enthusiam in the vocals, before going into the beautiful Already Home, an amazing ballad that ends the song perfectly, with precision and wise knowledge. Yes this piece defiently matches up to the Door, and is even more light hearted and enjoyable, The Door is more emotional and can actually make a man cry. But now a christian rock ballad is prepared.

3. HEAVEN IN MY HEART: Probabbly my least favourite song, but still very enjoyable. Beautiful harmonies and amazing epic choir and symphonic sounds add to the beauty of the song. Not as good as the other 2, but it is shorter, so we can give him credit, and very catchy. A bit preachy, but meh, who cares.

4. THE CONCLUSION: Very good jam at the start, it reflecs the darkness of the Door perfectly, and then leads to the cheesy Long Night's Journey, cheesey and cathcy, perfect, very Spocks Beard and even a little Genesis vibe. Another instrumental is heard, witch is basically a more watered down version of the intro, amazingly played and makes the reader aware of the varied themes throughout. Then the album ends with 2 more ballads before going to the ending, perfectlly written and exlpore minor and major keys, taking both the emotions portrayed in The Door & The Coflict. I think the ending for the album as beautiful, lovely and quiet, for the albums concept ends with a happy note, when Neal tells us "Mabye it is you he's looking for" His love for his fans emerges,and you are left very happy, and to be honest very audibly disheveled, you just heard probabbly the greatest sounds you will ever hear in your life in the space of an hour. I recommend sitting down, and breating very camly. It wasn't Neals fault he made such an amazing piece of music, well at least i don't think he meant to, and if he did, then he is as cunning as he is genius

MY CONCLUSION: Buy this album please. I couldnt imagine my life without it. I never get sick of it, it is just absoultely, and pardon my french, ORGASMIC!!!. Is this the best album ever made...well if it isn't then it definetly is one of them. I never new music could be this good. I have never heard such perfectly writte music before in my life. If you see this album, or consider it, please get it, you will never regret it, i did, and i've never looked so much like a fool in my life. Even though i payed £16 for it, it is still worth every last penny. I would give it an infinite rating if i could, but i can't, so 5 will have to do.

arcane-beautiful This album I have always wanted to review, because it is a real look back into the past for me.

I admit it. I really did like Cave In when this album was released. Their was 2 singles from it which I absolutely loved and had great music videos. But this album received a very mixture of reactions from people when it was released. And I mean a lot of mixed reactions.

Now this album marks a step forward in the Cave In sound, where the band adopted a more mature, contemporary and softer sound. To be honest I prefer this to their earlier sound, but there’s not a very over the top dramatic difference, especially not one to go completely OTT over. But fans did.

Oddly enough this album did really well. Critics praised for a successful transformation and to be honest, the passion was still their…but of course, metal purists aren’t happy unless there’s some stupid screaming vocals in their (Opeth is a prime example). Now I like early Cave In…and new Cave In, but this period is probably my preferred era, because I believe their song writing skills had really been discovered.

Now the sound of the album does still have qualities of their older material, e.g. the post metal sounding atmospheric moments, long songs with massive trip out sections and having songs with quite odd arrangements at times. If anything this sounds like rock with no boundaries really. When listening to this album, I hear a very strong Smashing Pumpkins vibe. I’m not saying that this may be a very strong influence of the band, but there’s a definite musical freedom that both bands share similarities with (especially in some of the guitar riffs and arrangements).

All the vocals in the album are cleans, mainly due to the fact bassist Caleb does no vocals. Stephens approach to vocals this time around is a lot more melodically driven too. And lyrically, its nonsensical, but there is a certain poetic flow to the lyrics, and I think there may be some meaning to some of these songs.

1. Stained Silver – What an intro to the album. Epic chorus, great riffs and some pretty cool lyrics. Probably one of my all-time favourite Cave In songs. 10/10

2. Inspire – I remember when the video for this song came out, I really loved it. And even today I still love it. An amazing simple groovy dark riff with contrasts the poppy side to the song. Cave In are the masters at mixing dark and light. I also love the hidden psychedelics too. 10/10

3. Joy Opposites – I was kind of forgetting this song before listening to it again, and I'm ashamed of even thinking of trying to forget this song. One of their best and most beautiful choruses. Some of the lyrics are a bit iffy, but overall the song is pretty amazing. 9/10

4. Anchor – Probably one of the most darkest pop songs their ever has been. Such a great song, with one catchy as hell chorus and a pretty cool arrangement. There is also a music video for this song, which I highly recommend watching. There is also some great lyrics in this song. 10/10

5. Beautiful Son – It's funny. This reminds me of a Drake Bell song (with the added minor chords added in now and then). The chorus ruins this song I think though. The rest is cool though. In fact theirs moments of this song I really like. 6/10

6. Seafrost – The intro reminds me of a post rock instrumental, mixed with some od Animal Collective beauty. Then an evil bass riff comes in. Out of all the songs on the album, this song is the most reminiscent of their older stuff (basically long and trippy). Ok maybe this song is a bit too long and maybe a bit too trippy for some, but I like it. I especially love the noisy ending (which reminds me of something from The Mars Volta’s Frances The Mute). The vocals in the song are really nice too. 8/10

7. Rubber & Glue – One of the oddest pop songs I have ever heard. With a really catchy verse, and a pretty cool groovy guitar riff, the chorus is quite an odd eclectic and slightly dark take on the song…but it still all fits together incredibly well. The only negative part about the song is the middle 8, which I’m not the biggest fan of. 9/10

8. Youth Overided – Probably the most consistent and poppy song on the album. Flawless in my opinion. Definitely one of the strongest songs, yet its very underlooked, which is a shame, cause it’s an amazing song. I also love the lyrics of this song. Great vocals in the song too. Beautiful arrangement throughout. 10/10

9. Breath Of Water – This is another one of the touch and go moments on the album. I’m really not the biggest fan of this song, but I have to admit, some moments are pretty cool. There is a really cool epic feel to the song, but it’s let down slightly at times. The verses are also miles better than the chorus, and to be honest, the chorus lets the song down a bit (a similar formula to that of Beautiful Son). Although listening to the song again, I’m starting to get used to the chorus. 8/10

10. Lost In The Air – Ok, I was wrong. This is the poppiest song on the album. What a catchy chorus. I love the cool Tom Morello esque guitar noises in the verse. I just love this song so much. 10/10

11. Penny Racer – Another short pop moment on the album. And to be honest, it’s these songs that are the strongest on the album. Such a great chorus, with some interesting lyrics. It’s funny, this song sounds like a rock ‘n roll parody, played by Hawkwind. Great spaciness in the song. Oh and the guitar solo is as cheesy as ever. 10/10

12. Woodwork – Some pretty cool lyrics in this song (I have to admit, they can use words great at times). Great chorus, with a nice message in it. A more experimental song. Still contemporary, but a bit more free in its structure and interpretation. Great ending to the album. 9/10

CONCLUSION: Some moments aren’t the best, and some let the album down a bit, although I d admit, their isn’t really a forgettable song on the album. But overall, this album will always have a special place in my heart. Not a masterpiece, but pretty damn close.

8.3/10

arcane-beautiful Over my many years (19 to be precise), of listening, making, appreciating and studying music, I have come across some good music...and some not so good...some poor and some God awfully horrible. In fact some are so bad that I've decided to make a list of some of the blights of this music world. Now if you check out my reviews, the ones that I've rated with a 1 star are usually them (some people complain that I give really bad reviews one star instead of half a star, and to be honest when you see some reviews with only one star...your not really expecting much.) Some of these albums include Metallica's Death Magnetic, Creed's Full Circle, Queen + Paul Rogers' The Cosmic Rocks & Bleed From Within's Humanity. Now I really don't like giving bad reviews, but sometimes you just have to...and it's not my fault, it's the artists fault (I usually try and highlight as many positive points as possible.

The reason I bought this album was because it was a massive piece of nostalgia for me. Now I know it's kind of embarrassing, but I was brought up with nu metal. Now don't blame me, it was all I have.

Now these guys had a few songs out...and I liked them. They had catchy enough chorus, they had frequent play on music video channels, so you kind of either had to like it or not...and I did, although I was about 8.

Seeing this album, I kind of wanted to buy it as a joke, you know to see if they could be good enough for a full album. So I put it on, and with most bad albums, first track I went “meh could be worse”...but as it went on, it got worse.

I think the best way to describe this album is absolute filler. I mean it, not only are the songs bad, boring and repetitive...but even repetitive stuff should plant itself in your head. This is just totally forgetable.

Now I'm not saying it's all bad. The single The Way You Like It is still a decent enough song...but putting it in an album context, it still feels really bland, and not really adding anything to it.

Maybe this album is the only bad one. Maybe their other releases aren't too bad. Maybe in the future I will try and get my hand on another one of their albums, but after remembering this album, it's not something that I really want to jump upon right in this moment in time.

CONCLUSION: There are worse albums out their probably, but that phrase still doesn’t make this album any better. This isn't the worst band in the world, but I warn you to stay away from this album...unless your looking for a laugh...then this is perfect for you.

0.5/10

arcane-beautiful When bands loose members, it usually means that a band has to either try and maintain whatever the band did before, or change to suit their new blood. This album see's a big change from their earlier line up, as their vocalist and keyboardist left. Now with the keyboardist, they just decided to continue on without one, which is a shame because I really loved how keyboards was used in their previous album. Now a new vocalist for a band can really make a big change, because really, the vocalist is the voice of the band. Now I did prefer Sean Farber as a vocalist, but the new vocalist isn't too bad. In fact their a certain aspects of his voice in which I prefer, especially his delivery, which is really impressive. The band also saw a change in record companies from Roadrunner to Century Media, and I'm glad that they did this, cause Roadrunner have seem to really have been dicking with bands in the past.

Now due to a slight change in sound, the band really had to embrace what they can and could not do. Now this album is more compactiable than their other releases, which can either be a good or bad thing, and to me this a good thing. People may have seen their previous album as a bit overbearing, this one is more compactable.

Now talking about the sound of the album, the best way I can put these guys is accessible death metal. It's not too extreme throughout, it's melodic at times and it still maintains the death metal elements, but has its own uniqueness which makes it really easily listenable to any death metal fan.

Now I did say that this is accesible, but even then, this album is pretty indulgent too. The album starts off with your standard death metal songs, but as the album progresses, the songs get more expiermental, with alot of difference in arrangements, sounds and songs, yet it's still pulled off to be seen as very accesible.

The only negative aspects of the album is that the songs dont sound as fillfilled as their earlier stuff. This may be due to the loss of keyboards, but even the production is pretty standard, and isnt too over the top, which really made the last album stand out more.

1. Sharpen The Blades - Great way to start the album. Great catchy hook. You'll be humming this for a whilst I bet. 9/10

2. Self-Corruption Mainfesto - Another great chorus (don't worry, this album is full of these). Nice Lamb Of God like grooves throughout the song. 8/10

3. The Worthless - I remember this was the first song I had heard from this album, and it kind of suprised me, cause I wasn't even aware they had a new album coming out. So really this song was a test of vocalists. And after this song, Sean Z. had passed the test. This is one epic song. Really killer intro, with some great riffs and vocals throughout the song. Best song on the album. 10/10

4. The Unbinding Truth - Great instrumental parts, mainly due to the fact that the instrumental sections are the main focus on the song. Interesting arrangement, making it one of their most diverse songs. 9/10

5. Silenced - Love the blast beats in the intro. Pretty cool main riff. Nice vocals. Great chorus too. 8/10

6. Wilting On The Vine - One of the most diverse songs on the album. Great vocals and a really killer chorus. Some great guitar work too. 10/10

7. Translucent Potency - Nice expanded intro, which reminds me of an epic Enslaved song. One of the most extreme songs on the album, with a nice odd arrangement. 9/10

8. Day Of Endless Light - Another quite extreme moment on the album. Nice chorus and some pretty cool riffs too. 7/10

9. Duststorm - Nice evil techno interlude. 7/10

10. ...Of Posioned Shadows - Nice evil eerie techno carnival intro. I like the dancey rhythms in the song, which shows a great mixture of styles. Nice expanded outro. 8/10

11. Incestuous Amplification - Great fast paced outro. Impressive vocals. A great ending to the album. 9/10

CONCLUSION: All in all, this is a pretty strong release. I don't think it's as good as their previous album, but to be honest, it is different, which I like. These guys have a new album out now, and I can't wait to hear it, cause this has made me excited again for the future of this band.

7.2/10

arcane-beautiful I have a big piece of advice for you. Always look at what the band looks like before purchasing. This mistake I will never make again.

I remember seeing this album in my local HMV. Now the band name was interesting. I was thinking to myself...hmm, "Bleed", most death metal bands have stuff to do with blood, this must be death metal (in fact the album was marketed as Melodic Death Metal if I can remember). The cover also was pretty cool too, so I thought, what the hey, i'll take a gamble with this. I really wish I didn't cause this cost me £10, and it's a £10 I wish I could get back.

Looking inside the booklet...I saw the band. I was shocked. OMG!!! emo hair! emo looking people!...please let this album be not as bad as I hoped.

So I put on the first track...and so far it wasn't too bad. Some nice sound clips and atmopsheric bits happening. A build up. Then the next song came on. And after that its all a blur.

From what I can remember, this album is terrible, because I usually can remember bits and pieces, even from the most terrible albums, but it's just a terrible sound, a terrible band and a terrible album, and incredibly forgetfull.

Each song sounds the same. Stupid screamed vocals that sound like a baby in a microwave, STUPID BREAKDOWNS that come from nowhere, riffs that are forgetable, and no songs basically. Their is no songs on this album.

Now I don't hate deathcore too much. Bring Me The Horizon's first ep wasn't the worst (I might review it in the future) and Job For A Cowboy, event though they aren't deathcore anymore, are still a great band (especially the first song from their last ep).

Now their is a bit of positivity. At times the riffs can be ok, and a tad melodic, but their usually ruined.

CONCLUSION: I'm not doing a breakdown of each song, cause I can't remember any of them. This is one of the worst albums I have ever heard (and please stay away from Adema's self titled, Creed's Full Circle, Metallica's Death Magnetic & Queen + Paul Rodger's The Cosmos Rocks, cause they are up their too). These guys just released a new album last year, and I kind of want to see can it get any worse, but at the moment, I want to cry myself to sleep at night for remembering this album.

0.2/10

arcane-beautiful This band wasn't added to this site until I stepped in and requested them. Now I can see why that is.

I've had this album for a whilst (it was in my local HMV and I thought meh, why not). I then listened to it, and went...meh. For ages it had been gathering dust in my CD collection. I forgot I even had it, then I remembered it, and thought, meh I might as well review this. So I listened to it for the 2nd time, and nothing had changed.

I didn't see the band in any new light, I still just went meh. Ok, now the album isn't too bad, it's listenable and enjoyable to a point, but I've heard most of all this before. Their sound is unique in a sense that it takes aload of different sides of death metal and joins them together, but at times your just thinking, "this only makes me want to listen to Death...or Decapitaed...or Carcass...", or whatever classic death metal band this band makes you think of.

Now their sound is basically mid career Death, with the odd influence thrown in now and then. I mean it, I think this band is a Death copycat at times, in fact I think they're a cover band. Now if they were doing Death songs...that's great, I like Death...but their own material isn't as strong (well some of it is quite good, especially one song in particular). The band also have odd proggy moments, which gives it a uniqueness, but even then, it's a bit overindulgent. With time changes every other second, riffs that don't need to be brought in, and a very sporadic structure, the songs at times can be slightly overbearing...and they're not even that long.

Now their are some positives. The guitar work is pretty cool at times, especially riff wise. The instrumentation isn't too bad either.

Lyricacally the band do what Death do, and write about humanity, the odd exestentionalism now and then, self reflection. You know, stuff that Chuck Schulinder used to talk about. The vocals are pretty cool at times, but sometimes can feel strained, and the vocalist at times will try things that he really shouldn't be trying.

1. The Difference Engine - Best song on the album. I love how the song jumps out at you from the start. Pretty cool vocals. Some really nice proggy moments and killer riffs. Very dark with a black metal vibe running throughout it to. The tempo changes throughout are pretty cool too. 9/10

2. Eyeballing - Some pretty cool grooves throughout. Their is a really cool atmospheric moment in it. The chorus lets it down a bit. 7/10

3. Outside - Love the tempo changes throughout. Nice tempo changes now and then. 6/10

4. Mirror Image Ritual - The riff is an obvious death ripp off. The dueling guitar sound is really cool. The clean vocals are pretty stupid though. The vocals are identical to Chuck at times. 7/10

5. Made Of Beasts - Vocals at times are forced, but at times are pretty cool (especially the Akercocke style ones). Too many changes at times. 6/10

6. Gangrene. Purlence. Impact. - Bit forgetfull. Some interesting solos, but their a bit too wankey at times. Some nice riffs tho. 5/10

7. A Wound That Never Heals - Love that tapping riff. Some nice lyrics, in fact their the best on the album. Some cool changes in tempo. At times it reminds me of Carcass. Love the blastbeats at the end. 8/10

8. New Quest - Boring. Does this album really need an instrumental? 4/10

9. This Has Nothing To Do With Apathy - Sounds a bit like a Celtic Frost rip off. Vocals at times are a bit strained. Nice doomy moments. Bit bland though. 5/10

CONCLUSION: I've been really generous with the mark. Was only going to give it 2, and then I was a bit sad for the band. So it's very rare when I do this, but meh, It'll have to do. The album is ok. Nothing really special, we've heard it all before, but I do admit, their are some great moments on it. Not my cup of tea all the way, but I think their future releases might suprise me.

5.4/10

arcane-beautiful This album is their best, and I really disbelieve they can top this one. This album is just perfect, with each song being incredibly well written, very enjoyable and head scratchingly catchy.

This album has to be bought to be witnessed, it really is one of the most perfect albums I have ever heard.

Do I need to say more?S

1. The Word Is Born Of Flame - Amazing acoustic work with some great vocals and atomospheric build ups. 10/10

2. The End Is Begun - That main riff just sounds inhuman. Very catchy and flawless, with some interesting falsetto vocals from Joey. 10/10

3. Battle Cry - Great chorus and amazing arrangment. 10/10

4. All That Remains - Because these guys are on Metal Blade, the video for this song on You Tube is in between a war between fans of 3 and fans of the band All That Reamins. If you want a laugh, check out the purist metal fans trying to argue with prog rocker's, it's hilarious. This song is amazing, great chorus and a beautifull guitar solo. 10/10

5. My Divided Falling - Fantastic chorus and instrumental work. Quite dramatic as well. 10/10

6. Serpents In Disguise - The first song I ever heard of these guys and my favourite 3 song. Love this song to bits. 10/10

7. Been To The Future - A song where the verse beets the chorus. 9/10

8. Bleeding Me Home - Amazing chorus with some out of this world vocals. Beautiful arrangment. 10/10

9. Live Entertainment - A wee bit cheesy, but hey, it works. 9/10

10. Diamond In The Crush - One of my favourites. I love the almost vocal riffing in the chorus. 10/10

11. Shadow Play - Beautifull acosutic based song. Very serene and lovely. 10/10

12. These Iron Bones - Very rocking riff, with a killer chorus. 10/10

13. The Last Day - Their most "prog" song. Some very interesting arrangements and dramatic shifts. 10/10

CONCLUSION: One of the most perfect albums I have ever heard, and in my opinion, one of the best ever made.

arcane-beautiful Now trying to find 3 are quite a challenge, especially online, with the name of the band being a number, quite a common number if I'm not mistaken. Yes, I did search online for this album, saying that Newry is like a bottomless pit when it comes to music (only found the new Hawkwind album yesterday in my local hmv, even though the album was out a month before).

This album is very enjoyable, and the 3 sound is very strong. The material has it's ups and downs, with the odd filler song now and then, but you can expect that. This isn't their best by far, but there is still some great songs on it.

What attracted me to this band was that the lead singer (Joey Eppard, who has the exact same vocal range as me, but destroys me in timbre leauges)'s brother is Joshua Eppard, who used to play drums for Coheed & Cambria, one of my all time favourite prog bands. They do have an odd Coheed & Cambria vibe (with the slightly high vocals, but not too much), but they have this amazing sound, and with Joey Eppards incredibly unique style of guitar playing, mixing flamenco with a more fierce percussive sound (not just hitting the guitar like Thomas Lebe)

1. Alien Angel - Pretty cool start off song. Quite and cathcy and very rocking. 9/10

2. Monster - A slightly more metal direction. Pretty kick ass and a great chorus. 9/10

3. Dregs - Some out of this world guitar playing, and I love Joey's little Prince scream at the start. Best song on the album in my opinion. 10/10

4. Wake Pig - Great song with some interesting lyrics. 8/10

5. Bramfatura - This just proves Joey's playing abillity. 10/10

6. Trust - A wee bit filler to be honest. Still okay though. 7/10

7. Dogs Of War - A great mix of acoustic and rocking beats. Great song, with a cool chorus. 9/10

8. Soul To Sell - Short and sweet. 8/10

9. One Way Town - Pretty interesting song. Great chorus. 8/10

10. Queen - Very filler. Can't even remember it. 6/10

11. Circus Without Clowns - Was expecting a little more from this song, but it failed to dilliver to be honest. 7/10

12. Where's Max - Pretty kick ass bass playing. Very eccentric but very awesome. 10/10

13. Amaze Disgrace - Another classic 3 song. Some interesting vocal melodies and instrumental sections. Very cool. 10/10

CONCLUSION: Has quite a bit of filler, but you get over it, it's still pretty great.

arcane-beautiful I was really suprised when I found out these guys had a new album, cause it only seemed like yesterday Mirrors Of Retribution was out. Their was no build up or real word of mouth about the album...it was just kind of released and we had to deal with the consequences.

Now I'm a bit of a fan of these guys ever since I first got my hands on Seediq Bale when it first came out. Now I got into these guys because I had just recently got into Black Metal, so these guys where something I could really sink my teeth into, cause 1. I love black metal and 2. I love Oriental music. Now these guys have adapted a bit of a sound change...ok the Black Metal is gone! But that's not a bad thing, in fact it's a really really really good thing.

Their last 2 albums where great well constructed albums. But whilst listening to it, it was a matter of spot the influence (Emperor and early Cradle Of Filth where a big noticable influence). Now on their last album, Mirrors Of Retribution, their was a more modern sound on the album, due to more precise production and just some modern influence. In fact it felt like the black metal sound on it was being diluted. Now on this album, their are only trace elements of Black Metal.

I believe that this album is where they have adopted their own unique sound. Theirs no stark comparisons that I find. Theirs hints of things in other bands that are reminscent, but thats it really. It's a very unique album. The black metal sound is gone, and what is replaced is a more rhythm based sound, with a stronger oriental impact. This is their heaviest album no doubt. The riffs are like punches to the face all the time...but you know...a good punch in the face :D

Musically the album focuses more on rhthym, which means that guitar and double bass pedals are a real highligh throughout. The album reflects more along the lines of melodic death metal, with some nice melodic riffs and moments. Theirs also some metalcore like moments too. Freddie's vocals are just as good as ever, but he focuses more on the growls than the screams, and it just prooves how much of a diverse vocalist he really is.

As usual, this album is also a concept album, which really is a continuation and a conclusion to the stories of the last 2 albums, in fact its more like tieing up loose ends (you really need to get the albums to understand the story). Lyrically and styllisticly (even music), its more of a minamilsit effort. The lyrics are not as poetic and are more to the point.

1. The Island - Ha, I thought this song was going to be about Lost. Nice atmopsheric oriental flute work. 6/10

2. Legacy Of The Seediq - Great way to really kick off the album. Pretty epic at times, especially when the chorus kicks in. I love the melodic feel to the song throughout. 10/10

3. Takao - One of the most oriental songs on the album (and the one with the most Taiwanese in it). Great vocals throughout and some amazing riffs. And as usual, an epic chorus. 10/10

4. Oceanquake - Great arrangmenet. Their is some nice metalcore like moments in thissong. Nice melodic parts too. 9/10

5. Southern Cross - Has thrash like moments at time. For some reason, Battle Metal comes to my mind when listening to this song. One of the best chorus on the album. 10/10

6. KAROU - The intro is reminscent to their black metal days. One of the heaviest and darkest songs on the album. Although the chanting bit at the end does seem slightly out of place. 9/10

7. Broken Jade - Some pretty killer melodic riffs throughout. Nice twists and turns too, especially the more darker moments. 8/10

8. Root Regeneration - A nice atmopsheric flute whilst some Taiwan guy speaks Taiwanese in a deep voice. 6/10

9. MAHAKALA - Pretty killer chorus, which is pretty epic too. In fact the song is pretty epic at times. Nice atmopsheric oriental tones at the end. 8/10

10. Quell The Souls In Sing Ling Temple - Great ending. Really epic and in your face. Great vocals. 9/10

CONCLUSION: I do prefer the last 2 albums to this album slightly, but I think this is the album where Chthonic really adapted a unique sound. In fact, their next album is something that I will really be looking forward too.

7.7/10

arcane-beautiful Now this is the period of Creed where I took interest. Mainly cause from this album they released 3 sucussfel singles, which had frequent radio play and had great music videos.

Now Creed's big major sucess came before this album, when they release their most radio freindly song "With Arms Wide Open", a cheesy Christian rock ballad thingy. Now this album seems to have some of that sucess rub of them, with more ballad like songs, but their hard rock roots have not been abandoned, because their is some really rocking moments on this album (in fact their heaviest song is on this album).

Now compared to Full Circle, this album is a breath of fresh air, and prooves that these guys actually mattered for a while.

One of the most striking things I found, which after listening to Full Circle, was that I didn't feel like turning it off at any point, Ok, every song isn't perfect, but they were still listenable (unlike the stuff on that abomination of a new release of theirs).

The album is a bit of a change from their earlier stuff, and looking back at their discography, this seems to be their most experimental album. I mean this album isn't as straightforward as the rest of their stuff. Their really is a bit of everything on this, but its still listenable enough throughout. The band line up had changed, and their was some turbulence, so some of that anger and emotion was reflected. Scott's voice at times can be a bit too "Scott Stapp", but at other times, he does some great vocal work. And his lyrics are quite good at times too.

1. Bullets - This is their heaviest song. I was really suprised when I heard this song, cause it actually made like Creed. The song does have some Metallica like moments, but it's still pretty unique for the band. Great music video too. 10/10

2. Freedom Fighter - Another quite rocking song on the album. Maybe these guys haven't completely lost touch with their roots. 7/10

3. Who's Got My Back - This is a pretty interesting moment on the album. Quite atmospheirc and proggy at times. But to be honest, it doesn't really lead to much at times. But at times it does gratify itself to be pretty enjoyable. 7/10

4. Signs - A quite bluesy riff, with some nice grooves. Vocals are a bit chesssy, but hey, its Creed, what did you expect. 7/10

5. One Last Breath - Ok, this is a bit of a cheesy moment, but to be honest, I really like this song. I think out of all of their ballads this is their best one. And Scott's vocals are pretty cool in this song, and he hits some really interesting notes and tones. 10/10

6 My Sacrifice - Ok, this song is more cheesy, but to be honest, even then, its a good enough song. Ok it's funny, but its still enjoyable. 7/10

7. Stand Here With Me - Probabbly one of the best songs on the album. Great chorus, and interesting arrangement throughout. I secretly really like this song. 10/10

8. Weathered - This song is pretty cool and pretty impressive for Creed.. It has a pretty cool chorus, and some the lyrics are pretty cool. Their is an odd vocal riff I like in this song. 9/10

9. Hide - Maybe a bit too Christian rock at times, but to be honest, it is realy catchy and has some nice lovely moments, and then moments with some nice distorted guitars. 9/10

10. Don't Stop Dancing - This song is a bit silly I guess, but its nice enough. Not filler exactly, just not my thing. 6/10

11. Lullaby - An odd way to end the album. I don't completely get it, but its pretty, I guess. 6/10

CONCLUSION: I really wasn't expecting much from this album...mainly cause...its Creed. But this suprised me. As a Creed album, this is great...and as an album in general, its pretty great.

6.9/10

arcane-beautiful This review is going to be a little different. Usually when I review albums I give the good ones really good scores, and the bad ones not so good ones, and sometimes I'm even generous. But then something like this comes your way...and you have to make changes.

Now Creed are a bit of a joke to me. Their just so silly and funny to me, but they take themselves very serious...which only makes it funnier. Now don't get me wrong, even behind the funny side, good songs and good albums come now and then (the Weathered album review I'll do soon will proove that). So when I heard Creed we're getting back together, I laughed. When I heard they were making a new album, I laughed, whenever I bought it, I laughed, whenever I listened to it, I laughed, but not in the way I was expecting.

As you can see from the score I gave this album...it's bad. It's beyond bad actually, it's just ewwww. It's funny though, but its still bad. To be honest I wasn't expecting much from this album, but I was expecting more than this.

The album starts off ok. The first song is listenable and quite enjoyable. The second one is okay. And then after that it just gets boring...and more boring...AND MORE BORING...until its not funny anymore. Seriously, I at least could have a laugh with Creed, but even now this is just wrong.

I think Creed have seen their time on this planet. Seriously, whilst listening to this I was just thinking "and these are the guys who are in Alter Bridge...Jesus Christ, how can changing your lead singer make a band suck so much"

I'm not even gonna go into the detail of the songs, cause the only good ones are the first 2, and even then, their not the best.

CONCLUSION: Is this the worst album I've ever heard...no...is it one of them. Oh yes it is! Seriously, buy Weathered and pretend that these guys have broke up. (Even Scott Stapps solo stuff was better) I was gonna give this half a star, but cause the first 2 songs aren't the worse...i'm being generous)

CHRISTIAN ROCK SUCKS!

0.4/10

arcane-beautiful I have a confession to make...Post metal isn't really my thing.

Now don't get me wrong! Now and then, a band or 2 might come along that interests me, but it doesnt really grab hold of me, and it's not a genre I would say I fully understand.

Cult Of Luna are ok. Their not gonna be a band that I would buy all their albums and religously listen to them, but if something comes along now and then, yea I will take a gander at what they have to offer, main reason why I bought this album (also their's an owl on it, and who doesn't love owls).

This album is something different and isn't something I come across now and then. It's a good album I have to admit. It's not amazing, it's not perfect, it has its flaws and moments that I don't like, but the vast majority of it I liked. I think it's more of an albums album, as the singular songs are a bit laxidascial on their own, but together they seem good, and is a great listening experience.

Now if you haven't heard these guys before, here's a synopsis. It's basically just Neurosis with the odd experimental and post metal bit thrown in their. I'm serious, even the vocalist does a very bad Scott Kelly impression. Now the vocals do let it down a bit, and usually in post metal it always does...and here's why. One of the main aspects of post metal is to represent emotion, but all post metal vocalists seem to do is sound constipated (although I think Scott Kelly has a more interesting tone to his voice).

Songwise is pretty standard post metal stuff. Big long intros, atmospheric points etc. But Cult Of Luna also are able to add the odd experiment touch now and then, which keeps the album interesting as possible.

This album also seems to be a concept album, because the lyrics were taken from some Swedish guys journal. I have to admit that is pretty cool, and I think the only other band that did that was Modest Mouse. But their is some nice interesting images of earth and natural imagery, and animals and such, but when its told by a guy that sounds like he's having a poo, then it's not the best, but its still their for your reading pleasure.

1. Owlwood - Has a very doomy Neurosis vibe to it. The vocals are a complete Scott Kelly pastiche though. Some nice build ups and break downs. Bit lengthy though to be honest. Nice intro to the album, and the ending is pretty cool too. 6/10

2. Eternal Kingdom - Some pretty cool jazzy riffs. Love the rhythm changes throughout. One of the most interesting songs on the album. 8/10

3. Ghost Trail - Nice main riff. The build up in the intro is pretty cool. Great use of different atmopsheres and tones throughout. Pretty trippy too. Great climax towards the end. The increase in tempo is cool too. Being the longest song on the album, the length doesn't let it down, in fact it's the perfect length for this song. 8/10

4. The Lure (Interlude) - The use of piano reminds me of Pain Of Salvation's Ashes. Great arrangement, and the use of horns is amazing and adds to the atmosphere. Probabbly the best moment on this album. 9/10

5. Mire Deep - Intro reminds me of Animal Collective. One of the albums more upbeat moments. Nice instrumental sections. The song actually has a chorus, and the use of dischords is pretty cool. 8/10

6. The Great Migration - Nice doomy intro. Some nice eerie moments throughout. Vocals can be a bit strained at times though. 6/10

7. Österbotten - A nice electronica sounding instrumental...with live drums. Nice arrangment. 7/10

8. Curse - Pretty much the same as the sound of the band, but watered down. 5/10

9. Ugín - A nice wee post metal guitar interlude. 5/10

10. Following Betulas - Nice ending to the album. One of the more standard post metal songs. More upbeat than the rest. Great main riff, but it's a bit too long at times. 6/10

CONCLUSION: Saying that I'm not a big fan of post metal...and I actually liked this, it must mean these guys are doing something good. Maybe you'll like it even more if your into this stuff.

6.1/10

arcane-beautiful Any aritist knows that a debut album has to achieve certain aspects, one of them being, it has to grab your attention and let you marvel for the full duration of the album. And boy does this exceed.

This being their first full length album, it's a dramatic difference from their early demos and releases. With a new more black metal sound, widely influenced by the Scandanavian musical movement. Now I see major differences musically, but stylisticaly yea it's all their.

It's funny to think that a band from Suffolk are the same as iron clad Norwegians, and looking at the photos in this, it does make me laugh, with all the stupid corpsepaint and metal poses, trying to look as "evil" as possible, but throughout their career, they discovered that them themselves are evil enough, so they got a bit more experimental with their image, which in my opinion always was for the best (you really need to be Norwegian to pull off full blow corpsepaint).

Now as a debut, this is incredibly impressive. To be honest, hearing samples from the album, I was worried that I wouldn't like it, but to be honest, I did, espeically when you just sit down, and enjoy what your listening to, instead of being overly critical.

Now sound wise, it's very raw. The production isnt the best, which gives it that "black metal" edge to it, but I think it sounds really good production wise compared to most black metal recordings, but maybe a bit more tweaking would have made it a bit better.

Now vocally Dani sounds a bit different, and yes you could pick holes at it, but I see it as a vocalist coming to terms with his own powers. He knows what he can do on this album, and at times can make you go "F**kin el". Now he does get better in later years, but as early stages, this isn't too bad. His lyrics are also really good in this album as usual, but he does get better. This album also has some interesting themes, e.g. mythology, thelmatic stuff, Satanic stuff, and other stuff that's interesting.

1. Darkness Our Bride (Jugular Wedding) - Nice intro. Great keyboard arrangement. 6/10

2. The Princple Of Evil Made Flesh - Wow, what an intro. Some really killer punky riffs. Gothic moments throughout are the real highlights.At times the vocals aren't the best, and then at times they're fantasitc. 9/10

3. The Forest Whispers My Name - Nothing compared to the Vempire version. It's still good though, but when I want to listen to this song, the Vempire version will always be the one I look for. This is still a classic song, and one of my all time Cradle favourites. 8/10

4. Iscariot - A nice atmospheric interlude. I like heartbeat sounds. 5/10

5. The Blak Goddess Rises - This is quite a beautiful song at times. I love how it transforms into such a gothic doomy classic and how it changes throughout. I do like the vocals in this song alot. 10/10

6. One Final Graven Kiss - A nice eerie repetitive interlude. 6/10

7. A Crescendo Of Passion Bleeding - Some killer riffs. I love the use of vocals throughout. A bit underlooked in my opinion. 9/10

8. To Eve The Art Of Witchcraft - This has a certain grindcore vibe to it (a slight reminiscence of their earlier stuff). Great punky feel to the song. Amazing twists and turns, and the use of organ is really cool. I like how the song has so many changes in tone and sound. 10/10

9. Of Mist & Midnight Skies - I like Bach's Tocatta at the start, although it's a bit cheesy itself. This is very inspired by My Dying Bride, so expect alot of doom. Great use of vocals throughout. The lyrics obviously deal with thelmatic topics (Crowley and what have you not) 9/10

10. In Secret Love We Drown - Nice trickly interlude with nice water sounds. 5/10

11. A Dream Of Wolves In The Snow - I love the silly Pinhead impression at the start. Pretty interesting arrangement, and Dani's vocals are pretty cool. Short and sweet. 8/10

12. Summer Dying Fast - Great punky feeling. Great arrangement with some killer keyboards. 8/10

CONCLUSION: I really didn't expect to like this album as much as I did. But it's really an achievment, especially for a debut. Not one of my all time favourites, but still a great album.

7.3/10

arcane-beautiful It's a bit annoying when bands release material which isn't on albums. And this prooves it.

Now I know I said Midian was Cradle's real shot into the mainstream, but this really was its push in the right direction. At the turn of the century these guys had conquered the extreme metal world, releasing 4 top class releases that are considered classics in today's modern metal climate. But they had gained attention due to contraversy (e.g. the Jesus' is a c*** t shirt, being arrested at the Vatican, that documentary about parents who feared their kids where apart of a cult because they listened to the band...you know as you normally do everyday), they decided to make a music video and an accompanying ep. Now ep is a very strong word, because I would call it a big single really, because the main impact was the title track. Now along with this release we got another unreleased song, 2 covers, a remix of the title track and a re recording of one of their classic songs. And do they live up to the rest of the tracks.

Yes and no. Now the main song is amazing, and so is the other new song. The 2 covers are pretty cool too, but why do bands do that stupid remix thing. They always seem rushed and always come out sounding stupid.

Now musically the ep is a step foward from what they were doing in Cruelty & The Beast, but with the black metal elements discarded for a more gothic sound being brought forward. Now production wise, I'm not the biggest fan. For some reason it sound's a bit rushed, but to be honest, the material is still their so meh. Dani's vocals also seem to be a wee bit lack lustre, and his lyrics on the 2 original tracks aren't as striking or as memorable as they used to be. Although I like how the keyboards now have a more dominant approach in the instrumentation.

1. From The Cradle To Enslave - I think this is one of their most well known tracks, but to be honest, it's a bit overhyped. Even Dani doesn't like this song too much, and the band are actually sick of playing it live. Although, it's still a great song, and will always remain striking, especially with the accompanying of that amazing music video. 8/10

2. Of Dark Blood & F**king - Why is this song not as hyped as the first track. This is the best song on this release, and its a very underlooked Cradle classic in my opinion. I love the mad punky feeling throughout the song, and the hook is amazing, with Sarah Jezebel having some great vocals. Lyrics are pretty cool too. 10/10

3. Death Comes Ripping - I think most bands end up doing a Misfits cover now and then, and this is their's. Great cover, and the punky sound is pretty reminiscent of Cradle's early days. 8/10

4. Sleepless - An Anathema cover? Yes this is true, and meh, they pull it off well...pretty interestingly actually. 7/10

5. Perverted Church (From The Cradle To Depraved) - Ok, I don't care about this, but meh, someone might like it. 3/10

6. Funeral In Carpathia - This just isn't the same as the real true original recording. I guess the song is still their, but it's just not the same really. 6/10

CONCLUSION: Their's some underlooked moments on this, but to be honest, it's not Cradle's best release by far. Still pretty good though.

5.8/10

arcane-beautiful Why is it that Canada seems to produce some of the worlds most craziest metal? (Warning...their lead singer eats worms)

Now I've known these guys for a while, and I was aware of what they're like. I kind of liked their attitude towards music, and you can guess what they sound like, but I never really heard a full song from these guys or even a full album, so I thought, what they hey, I might as well get one. And I'm glad I did.

This is a band where either you understand them or don't. Now I understand what their getting at, although it took me a whole album to figure it out. Especially during the start, I was quite perplexed, but after about 5 songs, you finally understand it, and you enjoy what they're doing. I remember thinking "Is this grindcore?...Tech death...avante garde jazz metal? Why does parts remind me of Mr. Bungle? Ok, it's a little bit of everything at times, but underneath the clay of oddness, you get your basic tech death, with more of a death metal style (mainly due to Lord Worm's vocals, which reminds me of Autopsy at times).

The only problem is that at times the complications of the songs can overshadow the meanings and atmopsheres. One of the big highlights of this flaw is the lyrics. I was suprised at how good these lyrics are, and at times they can be heard and used to great affect, but then that gabba parts come in, and Lord Worm just kind of caveman growls them. His vocals are also a bit of a marmite factor. My brother doesn't like his vocals that much, but I kind of do...hence them being marmite. Although I kind of like to think of his lyrics kind of like emotional beat poems, which makes them work better. Apparently this album is also a concept album, and theirs seems to be similar themes throughout, e.g. death, famine, disease, relgion, armageddon etc.

Now musicaly, this album is amazing. A bit too complicated at times, but it adds to the wonder of the album now and then. And also I may like to add that the drumming on this is phenomonal, and is something to really marvel at.

1. Luminum - Nice intro with some cool atmospheric touches. 7/10

2. In The Kingdom Where Everything Dies, The Sky Is Mortal - Pretty killer main riff. Amazing drumming. Great instrumental work. Their is some cool twists and turns throughout. 810

3. Carrionshine - Some of the most extreme drumming I have ever heard. Nice twists and runs and the use of vocals throughout is pretty cool. 9/10

4. Adeste Infidelis - I love the vocals. Especially the narrations in French. Nice guitar work too, and the drumming is just crazy. 9/10

5. The Curse Of The Great - One of the most interesting songs on the album. Great lyrics. I love the doomy death sections. 9/10

6. The Frantic Pace Of Dying - Nice noisy intro. A bit too crazy to be honesy. The ending is pretty cool though. 7/10

7. Keeping The Cadaver Dogs Busy - Nice jazzy intro. Love the main riff. Great instrumental work. This is probabbly one of the most accesible songs on the album. 9/10

8. Angelskingarden - Ok, I have to admit, this is pretty epic, especially the bits with keys. Grear guitar work throughout, and interesting arrangements. Nice lyrics too. 9/10

9. The Pestilence That Walketh In Darkness (Psalm 91: 5-8) - I like the religious aspects of the song. Pretty crazy, but pretty cool too. 8/10

10. The End - Interesting noisy bubbly thingy. 5/10

11. Endless Cemetary - One of the best songs on the album. Great guitar work. The vocals really do shine on this song, and I'm really impressed. 9/10

CONCLUSION: As you can see, no song has really completely jumped out at me and has stuck with me, although moments have come and gone. This is a great album I have to admit. I'm not completelu drawn over, but from a first listen this has suprised me. It takes about 5 hours to set in, but after it, you really enjoyed the experience, and you wouldn't mind going through the whole thing again, to be honest. I'm gonna keep this one for another listen (I usually sell shit albums), and I think by the second time, I'm gonna like it even more. This suprised me...typical crazy Canadians.

6.6/10

arcane-beautiful Ok, now this release apparently has a bit of history behind it. Whilst signed to Cacophonus records, they didn't like it anymore, so in order to be dropped from their label, they decided to make this e.p, in order to fill up their album and release deal...and as usual...it's amazing! How smug can you get.

Now this e.p is incredibly smug in it's presentation (well to me it is), but Cradle have always been smug, and you gotta love them for it.

For me, this is where it really starts. Their first album is ok I guess. It's a pretty solid effort, and it's ok for a debut, but this is the release for me which I think really sets these guys in stone and into the world's musical ensemble. At this point in their career, Cradle were seen as Uk's only real black metal band. Now Cradle in my opinion never where really black metal, and will always be either gothic or extreme metal to me, but listening to this release, you can see where people would get confused.

Now sound wise, this isn't far off from what they did on Dusk, but this ep has its own unique sound I think, mainly cause theirs 2 quite epic songs on it. This ep sounds very expanded, where it kind of takes you on this magical journey...although it's a hellish nightmare. I think the longer songs is where the atmosphere really tips over to boiling point on this release, but the shorter songs are just as strong, and even stronger at points. Really this ep is 40 minutes that you will happily spend in sheer fright and wonderment, but in the best way possible.

I think this ep is also the point where Cradle where their most evil, and it slowly went downhill from here. I mean it, like Dani's vocals are so high pitched, listening to them scares banshees away. The mixing on this album is actually supirsingly well done, due to its budget, purpose and its place in time. This ep is the pinnacle for really early Cradle, and is actually one of my favourite releases from them, and will always be. In fact, I remeber my brother saying once that this is his favourite Cradle release (although his opinions change all the time).

This is also the first album to feature Sarah Jezebel...and some other girl who is never heard of again. Ha, epic fail.

1. Ebony Dressed For Sunset - A great black metal intro...with the full band playing. Things are happening and we don't know why. Can't get any better than that. 8/10

2. The Forest Whispers My Name - This is the best version of this song. The 1st album can go and f*** off. This is just Cradle's first real kick ass song and a moment which will spark the rest of their career. Incredibly twisted, yet as fascinating as the dawn. 10/10

3. Queen Of Winter, Throned - What an epic. This being their 2nd longest song, does it live up to their longest. Yes it does. In fact I find this song way more exciting than Bathroy Aria, although Bathory Aria is a better song I feel, but this song doesn't come too far from it. This will always be one of my alltime Cradle favourites for centuries to come. 10/10

4. Nocturnal Supremacy - The main riff in this is pretty killer. A really exciting and gothic song with some really interesting and cool moments. Bit underlooked I feel too. 9/10

5. She Mourns A Lengthening Shadow - Is this on another release. I've either heard this before, or have heard this a thousand times. This is quite beautiful and really impressive for early Cradle. 9/10

6. The Rum & Rape Of Angels (Hossanas In Extremis) - I love how this song starts off really punky, and just ejaculates all over your face (in a good way tho). A great song, with alot of diverse vocals on it. Nice lyrics too. 8/10

CONCLUSION: I don't know why these songs weren't featured on albums, because theirs some really classic Cradle songs on this album, that get overlooked due to them being on this ep. Same thing happened with some of the songs on Bitter Suites To Succubi.

8.3/10

arcane-beautiful After Nymphetamine...Cradle had the world at their feet...with people wanting more. So they gave more...and then people got bored.

It seems that this is the album where people began to loose interest in the band. And its really sad to see, cause they still remain one of my favorutie bands, although I can see why the interest has faded. When I was younger, Cradle used to frighten me...when i got older, they still frightened me. After 2006, Cradle just stopped frightened me. Now don't get me wrong, their next 3 albums, I still respect their music, but they don't have that same atmosphere that I used to have with Cradle, which made me slightly shit myself a little. I think they've grown up really...and we have grown up with them. We only expect music from these guys now, and well, that's what we get.

Now when Nymphetamine's cloud of dust started to dissolve...these guys decided to take all the things about Nymphetamine which were easily accesible, and focus on them. Now this is a very dangerous move for ANY band to make, but its still an experiment worth taking.

I like to compare this album to Carcass's Swansong. After Heartworks (which parrallels to Nymphetamine), which was their biggest album to date, they decided to, kind of go more contemporary, and flirt with the more popular side of metal. And it worked, to an extent. Now Cradle have done the same thing here. Now hardocre Cradle fans will not like this album very much, but to be honest, I haven't really heard much backlash from this album. People just seemed to except. Now when Metallica did St. Anger and Megadeth did Risk, their was anarchy...but this album seemed to cause no real backlash. I thought Cradle fans really would have been burning effigies and shit, but the fans seemed to react alright to it. It's almost as if the fans respected what these guys had done. And also, I think the main reason is that, this album is quite...good.

I mean it, this is a really decent album. I didn't dislike much about it. Their were moments where I was like "Ok, I'm not loving this," and times I was like "Ok, I'm really loving this." I would happily listen to this album again, I will always keep it in my collection and I have to admit, some of the songs on this are really strong Cradle tracks.

Now sound wise this album is different (obviously), but its also experimenting with sounds and genre's these guys have never touched upon. At times theirs the obvious gothic metal stuff, but theirs metalcore sounding riffs at times, and just standard metal sounding songs. This seems to be a more band orientated album, with guitars being the main focus (mainly due to a loss of a keyboardist). The black metal elements are all gone really too, which is interesting to see, and is pobabbly why the album was made (they really hate to be tagged under that) .The songs also seem to be more to the point, with verses chorus's and repetitive themes. Some songs go on sporadics, but you expect that now and then. Now theirs some songs that aren't the best, but to be honest, we're not expetcting the bands weight in gold.

Dani's lyrics seem to be more freerer, mainly due to the fact that their is no concept, so lyrically he could write about anything really. Now lyrically at times, they can be quite cheesy (especially on one song), but besides that, their's still some great lyrical moments. His vocals are also quite different too. His voice has made a noticable change, and he really has been able to learn what he can and cannot do. Theirs even some clean vocals on this album, which is really interesting to here, cause

1. Under Pregnant Skies She Comes Alive Like Miss Leviathan - Great orchestral intro, in fact one of the better ones. 8/10

2. Dirge Inferno - Ok, as usual, every Cradle first song has to be killer. And of course this is killer. It's not the best opening song, but its still great. 10/10

3. Tonight In Flames - Ok, this song is really interesting, and such a kick ass song. One of Cradle's best riffs in my opinion. Theirs also a riff in this that sounds identical to Avenged Sevenfolds Almost Easy, so theirs the more poppy sound. Amazing chorus, such an anthemic song. 10/10

4. Libertina Grimm - Ok, now this is the song I have a bit of a faus quas with. The lyrics are a bit too cheesy...and the song itself is a bit too cheesy. It's a good enough song, but it's ruined with cheese. 6/10

5. The Bryonic Man - I really love this song. It's so different. An amazing chorus, and some amazing vocals from Ville Valo. Such a great song, and Dani's vocals and diction are just amazing. 10/10

6. I Am The Thorn - Some really great killer moments and some nice riffs now and then. I do think this song is a wee bit too long though. 8/10

7. Cemetery & Sundown - The chorus is a wee bit boring, mainly cause Sarah sounds so bored in it. Although this song has some really cool twists and turns throughout. 7/10

8. Lovesick For Mina - Probabbly one of the best songs on the album. The doomy start, which reminds me of My Dying Bride, is really killer, and when the song explodes into a real kick ass metal song, it really blooms beautifuly. Their is also a really kick ass chorus on this song. 10/10

9. The Foetus Of A New Day Kicking - Cradle...making a 3 minute pop song. Yes...and it worked. Well its not a pop song, but it is extremely acccesible. Great chorus, with some nice clean vocals from Dani. 10/10

10. Rise Of The Pentagram - Ok, now the thing with long instrumentals is that their not always good. Metallica try to do it, and it just fails most of the time. But this one isn't too bad. Some really killer riffs and some nice lead lines, and keyboard breaks. The narration at the start by Doug Bradley is also really cool too. 7/10

11. Under Huntress Moon - This is a really jaunty song, and probabbly one of the most accesible on the album. Great vocals from Dani & Sarah. Theirs also some really cool eerie moments, which harkens back to their older stuff. 9/10

12. Temptation - Ok, a very cheesy cover, but meh, it works pretty well. Some nice moments, and the take on the song is pretty cool, altough it does remind me of industrial metal. 7/10

CONCLUSION: Ok, I was toying with the mark, and I think a good, but not essential is a good enough mark for this. I really do like this album. By far is it their best, but its not their worst either. You can either like it...not not like it that much...your choice.

6.9/10

arcane-beautiful Remember when I said Midian was smug...well this is worse...

In 2004, Cradle Of Filth had reached the pinnacle of their career. After a dangerous experiment, the band came out on top, winning the hearts of critics and fans alike. And after many genius moves after another, they decided to release this album, and to be honest, they couldn't have picked a better time to release it.

This album is to be honest, pretty much perfect. Ok it's not a golden rod from heaven, but this album just prooves why these guys are the 2nd biggest British metal band. Their ability to crossover genres really is shown in its perfect element on this album, mixing the old black metal style with gothic metal, melodic death metal, at times doom and just adding their own unique flair. This is the album where I think they perfected that classic Cradle sound, and brought it to more approachable and contemporary levels. For Christ's sake, Nymphetamine Fix, I remember, was played every day on tv channels such as Kerrang & Scuzz.

The sound of this album is very different to the rest. I think if you wanted to get someone into Cradle, I would suggest this album, because it does have quite a magical quality, where theirs something for everybody, from incredibly heavy moments, to nice piano licks and as always, a diverse palette of metal. I also believe that this was Cradle's classic line up.

Production wise, this is their real highlight. The guitars sound incredibly evil, and the orchestration and choirs, along with the keyboard work, really highlights the amazing gothic moments. Dani's vocals I feel are at their final zenith of power here (they start to falter after this album, so he must have really given it his all here).

Lyrically the album deals with some interesting topics, alot of it has to do with sex, war, murder and Greek mythology oddly enough. Also, the artwork for this album is really cool too...SHOWING BOOBIES AND TWATS! :D

1. Satyriasis - A nice eerie orchestral intro. Very evil sounding, ful of discords and what have you not. 9/10

2. Gilded Cunt - Cradle Of Filth album rules...if the first song doesnt make you headbang like f***, then they're not doing it properly. This is probabbly one of my favourite all time Cradle songs, mainly cause it rocks like a motherfunker, yet it...no words can describe it!!! 11/10

3. Nemesis - Wow, what a kick ass song...and quite different too. Full of repetitive motifs and lyrical parts, it really is an instant Cradle classic. It just kicks so much arse. Their's also a very noticable Iron Maiden influence on this song. I love the ending too. 10/10

4. Gabrielle - Quite beautiful at the start, but it blooms into a real gothic masterpiece. Some really killer riffs too. 10/10

5. Absinthe With Faust - One of the most melodic songs on the album (and that's really saying something, cause this is their most melodic album). Really killer riffs and kick ass moments. 9/10

6. Nymphetamine (Overdose) - Wow, what an epic. 9 minutes of pure pleasure. Now, this mainly is the Nymphetamine Fix, but with one killer intro and outro. I actually prefer the first section to the fix, but all in all, it just flows so well...and suprises you alot. It's also nice to hear Liv Kristine's voice in this song, although when they do this live, Sarah Jezebel does a good job on it. 10/10

7. Painting Flowers White Never Suited My Palette - Ok...odd name for a song. A nice orchestral eerie interlude. 9/10

8. Medusa & Hemlock - Incredibly kick ass, with some real cool twists and turns, and Dani's diction really is killer and makes the song as interesting as possible. 10/10

9. Coffin Fodder - One of the more black metal moments on the album, mixed with some really nice melodic sections. Great vocals from Dani. 10/10

10. English Fire - A nice orchestral accompaniment really adds beauty to this song. Does beautiful extreme metal exist? It does in this song. Great lyrics too.

11. Filthy Little Secret - Nice melodic splashes with the odd dramatic moment now and then. Great twists and turns too. 9/10

12. Swansong For A Raven - Apparently this is supposed to be a continuation of Her Ghost In The Fog, although I do admit, it doesn't compare to the sheer majesty of Her Ghost In The Fog. A great song nontheless. Some nice dramatic moments. The instrumental section is really cool too, cause it reminds me of Carcass. And Doug Bradley's narration are as cool as ever. 9/10

13. Mother Of Abominations - Wow, what a powerhous of a song. When you hear that chanting intro, you know that something is going to spurt acid in your face. I also love the loopy ending. 10/10

CONCLUSION: Their most contemporary album I feel....and it's good thing theirs 13 amazing songs on it. Definitly one of my secret favourites from these guys. And it is pretty smug too...although Cradle have always been smug I feel.

9.1/10

arcane-beautiful This album seems to a landmark in Cradle's career, and here's why.

After the band had recieved success and controversy during the late 90's (with such campaign as the "Jesus is a c*** t-shirt, a BBC programme involving their bad behaviour and outraged parents and loads of other stupid things that they found funny), they had made a good bit of a name for themsevles. So with all this attention, releasing their first music video for "From The Cradle To Enslave", with a more approachable sound, the band were then spurted out onto the spotlight, making them the 2nd biggest metal band on the planet...apparently.

Now this album was able to keep their waning popularity and maintain still a big attraction. Why? Mainly cause the album is so damn good.

Yea...I mean it, this album is so good, it almost seems smug. Their's something quite magical about this album. You can pick holes at it all day, and you just kind of have to accept and surrender at the end, cause it's that good.

Now sound wise, the album is a bit different. Their isn't much "black metal" moments, and this is the album where Cradle really had adopted their own style. Taking extreme metal, gothic metal and adding their own unique style really payed off, and it's the Cradle sound we've all grown to love (or hate, depending on your own opinions).

Production wise, its a bit different. I was annoyed that their wasn't as much focus on keyboards, but to be honest, when their is, it pays off very well. The guitars are the main instrumental focus, with an odd sound to them. Their is a quite raw sound to the guitars, which bodes well to the music, cause over all the high production, their is that harkneing back to their older sound. And Dani's vocals really are amazing as usual, altough at times I feel he's still finding his voice, and he's experementing quite a bit on this album. The album is also the first for Doug Bradleys narration, and this time, he uses the Pinhead voice..killer!

As usual, the lyrics are as amazing as ever, with some really underlooked highlights on this paticular album. Oh and great artwork too.

1. At The Gates Of Midian - Great atmosphere and build up. One of the better Cradle intros. 9/10

2. Cthulhu Dawn - Wow what an intro. This organ riff always sends a tingle down my spine.It's just a perfect Cradle song. Really grabs you by the balls. Great vocals and lyrics from Dani. 10/10

3. Saffron's Curse - Great gothicy feel to it. Reminds me of Paradise Lost at times. I love how the song changes throughout. Great lyrics. 10/10

4. Death Magick For Adepts - The punky feel to this song is really kick ass. This is very different to a standard Cradle song. Really exciting with some killer riffs. The narration at the end is really eerie, but cool as hell. 10/10

5. Lord Abortion - Ok, this song is pretty cheesy, but to be honest, it just shows these guys dark and odd sense of humour. Comical, but who cares, its still a kick ass song.10/10

6. Amor E Morte - Another gothicy song. Killer riffs throughout. I also like the highlighted use of keys on this song. 9/10

7. Creatures That Kissed In Cold Mirrors - A nice plinky plonky interlude. 8/10

8. Her Ghost In The Fog - METAL CLASSIC! This is one motha of a song. Epic as hell, and highlighting all the reasons why I love metal...aggression, verocity...and beauty. Yes, the song is beautifully arranged, with beautiful female vocals, and some really beautiful lyrics. When that intro hits, and Doug Bradley sends ice shivers down your back, you know your in for a thrill ride. This was actually my first encounter with Cradle, when I was just 8. I was scared for my life, but interested like f***. 10/10

9. Satanic Mantra - I love this...that's all I'm going to say. 10/10

10. Tearing The Veil From Grace - Great use of female vocals, with the catchy melody. But don't let it fool you, it turns into one dark mothafu**a of a song. Nice lyrics too. 10/10

11. Tortured Soul Asylum - One of my secret favourite Cradle songs. What an ending this is. Dark as hell. Such a behemoth of a song. Very different and dark to the rest of the album. Incredibly exciting throughout. The vocals are some of Dani's highlights. The lyrics are also so very evil, with great use of profanities. 10/10

CONCLUSION: This wouldn't be my favourite Cradle album, but to be honest, it still is a marvel to behold. I will always enjoy listening to this album and it will always be part of my collection, and ring through my head.

8.7/10

arcane-beautiful After Thornography, Cradle fans (like myself) were left pondering...is this the new Cradle sound, will this always be the case. And of course our doubts were led to be nothing but nonsense and poppycock.

Cradle have always done interesting things with their sound, either for the better or worse...and this is for the better.

When this album was coming out, I was incredibly excited (although I'm always excited to hear anything these guys put out). I was also incredibly fascinated to hear the album was a concept album...about Gilles De Rais...one of the most barberic and sadist serial killers to ever have existed. Now the concept is a big focus on this album, in fact, out of all their concept albums, this is the album thats the most conceptual...and it works so well to its advantage. The story is just so interesting and amazing, that you can't help but wan't to listen to it more. It's kind of like a really epic movie...with this as its soundtrack (I wonder why a movie hasn't been made about Mr De Rais yet...would be a great horror movie). Dani's lyrics, being more conceptually honed, really are amazing, and paints this story with such a mad dark gothic world. The artwork also helps alot too.

Now sound wise, the album is dramatically different too Thronography. Lets just say those black metal elements are back. Now some of the poistive sides of Thornography still rub off on this album, especially the focus on the gothic elements. But the album also has its own original spark, with the use of choirs and what have you not. It's a new sound for Cradle I thought (Darkly Darkly sadly seemed to move away from this sound). I also feel that even though Dani's voice isn't what it used to be, this album prooved what his voice still can do (their were moments where I literally nearly shat myself, his voice is that good). Their is also a good amount of guitar solos on this album, which really isn't a major Cradle highlight.

The album also contains some really cool narration from Pinhead himself, Doug Bradley, playing the part of Gilles De Rais. Although, usually Doug speaks with his Pinhead voice on Cradle narrations, but on this album, he seemed more relaxed, which was cool, cause don't forget Mr. De Rais was human. But even Doug speaking normally is creepy, in fact maybe even more creepier than Pinhead (I love Hellraiser by the way, in fact, Cradle got me into these movies).

The album also just sounds like the band really cared for this album. No stone is left unturned, every bit is pretty eye opening. Concept wise, Dani also seems to have really focused on this story, mainly because it shows his complete fascination with this man.

1. In Grandeur & Frankincense Devilment Stirs - Nice intro with some great narration. Great start to the album. 8/10

2. Shat Out Of Hell - This is one of their most perfect songs in ages. It's so so exciting...and incedibly epic. I love how the lyrics are a summary of the whole tale. 10/10

3. The Death Of Love - This song is very King Diamond (apparently the album was widely influenced by him). A beautiful song thats arranged amazingly. The female vocals are really pretty too. I love the twists and turns, and the lyrics are amazing. 10/10

4. The 13th Caeser - An amazing chorus, with a great build up to it. Reminds me of The Damned, with the punky feel with gothic stabs. 10/10

5. Tiffauges - Great build up throughout, and it's very eerie. 9/10

6. Tragic Kingdom - Great intro. Their is some really kick ass riffs in this song. I love the ending too, I think it builds up to an amazing climax. 10/10

7. Sweetest Maleficia - Great guitar solo in the middle. I love the dark tones throughout. The lyrics are pretty interesting...as always. 9/10

8. Honey & Sulphur - Probabbly one of my favourite Cradle chorus', and the choir only adds to its wonder. I love how the song builds up, and how recognizable patters that you love hearing come back. 10/10

9. Midnight Shadows Crawl To Darken Counsel With Life - This has to be their darkest song in a long time, probabbly since Damnation & A Day. I love the arrangements and the build up throughout. The riffs harken back to their earlier stuff too, which is a really cool thing to hear. 10/10

10. Darkness Incarnate - I love the punky feel. Great lyrics. The ending is pretty epic too, although it could have been cut down a little. 9/10

11. 10 Leagues Beneath Contempt - The most melodic song on the album. This song goes back to the slower gothicy moments. It's quite dramatic too. 9/10

12. Godspeed On The Devil's Thunder - Very evil, with some really epic twists and turns. Great ending to the album. 9/10

13. Corpseflower - A nice evil ending. 9/10

CONCLUSION: I wouldn't say this album is a masterpiece...but it's so so so close. Not alot of people got this album, but I did, and I will always love it.

8.4/10

arcane-beautiful You know when you weren't that big on an album...and then you listen to it for the 4th or 5th time and you think "why do I really like this now"...yes that's what I'm going through now.

Out of all of Cradle's albums, this is the one that I always had mixed feelings about. For some odd reason, I just never got it, or favoured it amongst these guys discography, but not I really love this album.

Now historicaly speaking, this album, technically is a black metal classic and I can see why. When I listen to this album, I can see parallels to Emperor's In The Nightside Eclipse or Dimmu Borgir's Enthrone Darkness Triumphant, mainly because they were released around the same time, but because they took a dying genre, and really turned it on its face and showed progression and how the genre can still live and breathe, and these 3 albums really prooved that.

This album really is special because it was a turning point for the band, with what was shown on Vempire was taken a further step foward into creating the Cradle Of Filth style and sound. Taking gothic rock elements and mixing it with the speed, darkness, vocal styles of black metal, and even having punky grindcore and death metal moments. The sound really is unique, and people trying to copy it really doesn't bode them any well.

The album has some Cradle standards...the epic over 7 minute songs, the shortened songs, the intros and interludes, but the album also seems to have alot of experimentating, especially with structure. The songs really have exciting structures that keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. Dani's vocals are also different. I do like them, but at times, they feel strained and maybe some techniques are done a bit too much, but to be honest, that was what put me off the album a bit, and now I see no problem with them, in fact I really like his vocals on this album. I have to admit, his shrieks are pretty epic.

Lyrically, the album deals with vampyric topics, which isn't a big shock, but its highlighted a good bit more, and makes the album more enjoyable I think, mainly due to their storylike nature.

This is also the first real full length album to feature Sarah Jezebel Deva, and it's good to see her on top form, because her haunting voice really does go well with

1. Humana Inspired To Nightmare - Great intro. I think this is one of those intros that really sticks out to me. 10/10

2. Heaven Torn Asunder - An incredibly exciting song. Great riffs and interesting lyrics. The ending reminds me of Chthonic, and it's easy to see why this album would be a big influence for them. Great arrangement. 10/10

3. Funeral In Carpathia - Best song on the album in my opinion. It's just classic Cradle at their best.The epic Iron Maiden parts are killer. The female vocals are cool too. The arrangement is just beautiful (odd to say about a Cradle Of Filth song haha)

4. A Gothic Romance (Red Roses For The Devil's Whore) - Such an exciting and dramatic song. Love the atmopsheric intro. This song is epic! Amazing arrangement and some very kick ass riffs. 10/10

5. Malice Through The Looking Glass - Now this is something a bit different. This song is really expiermental, in that it's structure is very odd, yet it just strikes such a heavenly chord. The intro sounds alot like A Bruise Upon The Silent Moon, but that doesn't matter, it's a great into. The instrumental sections are really beautiful, and how the song plays out is just amazing. It's a marvel that needs to be beheld I think. 10/10

6. Dusk & Her Embrace - Wow! What a head twister (Exorcist style :D) Very sporadic and mind blowing. The past paced parts really are amazing. The vocals are out of this world too. 10/10

7. The Graveyard By Moonlight - Nice atmospherioc interlude. I like the repetition of the familiar themes (I have to admit, the interludes really are amazing too). 10/10

8. Beauty Slept In Sodom - Great lyrics and gothicy dark moments throughout. I love the discordy dark bits near the end. Yet the song is incredibly melodic. 9/10

9. Haunted Shores - The fast bits really are incredibly and add to the epic feel of the song. Exciting and eerie throughout. The ending is cool too (Cronos from Venom...woop) 10/10

CONCLUSION: I really regret not loving this album at first. I think if you don't like it at first, really listen to it again...AND I MEAN LISTEN!!! I also think that this album should be on the top 161 list, because it's just that good.

8.6/10

arcane-beautiful It's so sad when one of your favourite bands of all time disapoints you. You really want to like this album, because you love these guys, but you really can't...you strive to find all the possible things you like about it, but their really isn't much to offer.

Maybe this album needs to grow on me, but at the moment I'm disappointed.

This album is another concept album, although out of the 4 they've made...this is their most disapointing. The concept is supposed to be the female counterpart to their previous album, Godspeed On The Devil's Thunder, which was about infamous mass murderer Gilles De Rais. Now this album is about Lillith...Adam's first wife, who's a demon and gets up to all kinds of mischief. Now, concept wise, its ok, and the music is almost like a soundtrack to the story...but it's not a Crulety & The Beast or a Damnation & A Day.

Musically, the band have tried to go back to their black metal days, with faster and more heavier songs. But to be honest, I kind of liked Cradle morhping their own unique sound throughout the years (although Thornography may be a bit too strong of a change). Now this album is faster and heavier than some of their current releases. And yes sound wise it does sound pretty cool, but it takes more than some good sounds to make a good album. The style of keyboards has changed too, where usually it would play creepy moments, the style has been changed to bombasticity, due to new keyboardist, Ashley Ellylon, providing pretty interesting orchestrations, which is nice and all, bu I prefered the earlier keys method.

Usually Cradle's songs always had those moments which made you go "f*** yea", and moments that send tingles up your spine and always kept you interested...and does that happen in this album...yes...in 4 songs...but usually it should be in every song. Their is way too much filler in this album, with 3 songs being really unique and kick ass, whilst the other 8 are just filler really. Their some decent enough moments, but they all sound too similar, and you can barely tell if its a new song or not. Now at times, the concept seems to keep them alive, but it still doesnt help them out anymore.

Lyrically, Dani isn't as good as he used to be, now don't get me wrong, the lyrics are better than what any other metal band could produce, but I feel that his poetic style has started to decrease, and he's going back to basics now. His vocals also seem to be slightly weaker now, although he is getting older.

Besides that, their are 4 really really really good songs on this album, and its such a shame that the rest aren't as good. The filler tracks aren't the worst, but they're nothing special.

1. The Cult Of Venus Aversa - One of their best songs in ages. Incredible chorus (one of their most striking in ages too). Amazing dramaticism throughout the track. Such a shame this is one of the only highlights. Best song on the album, definitly. 10/10

2. One Foul Step From The Abyss - Great arrangement. Brutal intro. Very evil indeed, but still a bit filler. 8/10

3. The Nun With The Astral Habit - Nice dramatic moments throughout. The use of keys is pretty cool too. 8/10

4. Church Of The Sacred Heart - Pretty epic at times. Killer evil riffs and interesting vocals. Some nice lyrics too. 7/10

5. The Persecution Song - It seems to build up throughout, but it really leads to nowhere. Theirs alot of weakness in Dani's vocals too. 7/10

6. Decieveing Eyes - Great intro. The song does have some nice twists and turns, and the melodic moments are pretty interesting. 8/10

7. Lillith Immaculate - I remember hearing this song in the build up to its release. I was actually quite excited about this album...shame it's a let down. Epic orchestration. Great female vocals, with some sexy parts and some sexy lyrics too. Amazing arrangement and a killer chorus. 10/10

8. The Spawn Of Love & War - Nice arrangement and time chages throughout. Some pretty kiler riffs and atmospheric keyboards. Some really kick ass moments at times. 8/10

9. Harlot On A Pedestal - Filler and unremorable really. 5/10

10. Forgive Me Father (I Have Sinned) - Pop black metal...if thats possible. The poppy feel at times does help the song, and when it does change into a big evil song, it makes it more enjoyable. Great arrangement and interesting moments throughout. 10/10

11. Beyond Eleventh Hour - The most dramatic song on the album. I love how the song changes throughout, and how it comes full circle at the end. 9/10

CONCLUSION: I'm being quite generous with the score. The album is ok, really nothing special and a big disappointment. If any other band released this, it might be quite good, but because its Cradle, it's a big let down.

5.4/10 (I've decided to do this now :D)

arcane-beautiful To be honest, this band seemed to be really good. The title of the album was inventive, the concept behind the album was creative, the artwork in th booklet was some of the best I have ever seen, and even the chapterised songs seemed to be insteresting. But there was something missing: The idea of No Made Sense seemed like a good idea, but so does world piece. The idea of post hardcore metal mixed with Meshuggah rythyms and odd time signatures is intreseting, and so was the idea of a long piece of music with only one recurring theme. But to be honest, this album bored me a bit.

The vocals were very strained and almost inlistenable, the riifs seemed to be very tedious throughout, there were no hooks or catchy melodies, just constant metal riffing (but in a more tolerable way than what Metallica are doing these days.) The album wasn't terrible, it was just a bit boring.

Although, the drumming on this album is phenomanal. The prodcution is also amazing.

The concept was a good idea and quite creative, but musically it lacked detial. The type of language the lyrcist used was also very good. It had a very Shakespearen vibe to it.

The story is about a guy called Syr, who hears a voice in his head, (mabye God), to build a tower that can pierce through the sky. When he does this., he will then be saved and the world beneath him will die. Syr makes the tower, people get angry, Syr goes uo to the tower, no one is there, people knock down the tower, Syr dies. Awww...

1. Wake Of Syr - Interesting sounding Neurosis like instrumental. A weird start, but effective.

2. The Epillanic Choragi - Automatically, I can spot the influences. The 7th string rythyms of Sikth are very noticable. The theme gets very tedious, but the intresting change in rythyms keeps the listener occupied.

3. Entases Of Azure - A more upbeat song. The vocals are very bad and the theme gets annoying after a while. Although some of the lead parts near the end are good.

4. Seeking Beyond - An interesting instrumental. The effects give us the impression that a tower is being built.

5.Milachis Depth - The riff in this song reminds me of something from Ziltoid The Omniscient. I like the way that riff is buliding up for a climax. It gets a bit tedious at the end though.

6. Aciculaccolith - Another weird instrumental with a discordant piano part. I have no comment.

7. Elico Moieties - Another upbeat song. Still a bit boring, but the drums do make it intresting.

8. Prophyrachis - One of the most intersting songs on the album. Sounds like a darker version of Massive Attack.

9. Epinolitholatyr - The intro to this song is defiently the best moment on the album. It reminds me of Mayhem. Very long and tedious.

10. Wake Of Sry (II) - The end...thank God.

CONCLUSION - I didn't get this album. Mabye you will...

arcane-beautiful The start of the millenium really was a high point for these guys. Releasing their most successful album, and having music videos such as Her Ghost In The Fog, From The Cradle To Enslave & Born In A Burial gown playing frequently on music channels, the band had sparked up an even bigger fan base, a more collective knowing and had drawn extreme amounts of attention on them, making them the 2nd most succesful British metal band (with Iron Maiden being first...which means they've outsold Judas Priest!)

The band opted for a more commerical approach...so signing to a major label was a big step forward. Now knowing major labels, they probabbly wanted Cradle to make another Midian...and sell more than they originally did...but Cradle had other plans.

When signed to a major label, it does seem a bit of a dare to make an over 70 minute concept album, with an orchestra, choir and alot of experimental approaches to songwriting.

Now this is a concept album based on Milton's epic Paradise Lost. Of course with their own twists and turns, and Dani's unique dark poetic style. Now the concept is told brilliantly, and I think story wise, it betters Cruelty & The Beast. This has to be one of Dani's most strongest lyrical moments.

Musicaly the album is different too. With dramatic orchestration, at times dramatic presentation of songs, its not a standard gothic extreme metal album, which is really impressive from these guys. The songs aren't too long and dramatic as some can be, with them all being 4-6 minutes long...although their is 17 tracks on this. The production is sligtly different too, with the guitar and drums really being like a drill on the album. I love the guitar tone on this album, its so dark and powerfull. The orchestra doesn't overbear the album too much as well, with some songs not even having any. The songs also seem to be built around the concept, instead of the other way around, like on previous releases.

I know I say this with a few Cradle albums, but this album really is the pinacle of Dani's vocal powers. Not only in ability, but also use, with his use of vocals really highlighting the telling of the story at hand, and also keeping the reader interested...and marvelling at his high screams (only me and him can do them properly :D)

The tracks are as strong as ever, and even stronger in some cases, with each song really being a highlight, and its hard to not try and forget them. Each song also is almost like a different experiment for the band. Now signing to a major label, and making a quite experimental album wasn't the smartest move for these guys, but I really think this is album is a complete and utter classic album, and is incredibly underlooked by metal fans, and even Cradle fans. Although, this album, even though quite experimental at times, is still incredibly accesible. This was my first album from these guys, and I completely fell in love with them after that. This album really is a rollercoaster of evil and beauty.

1. A Bruise Upon The Silent Moon - Very evil and epic. Great way to start an album...and suprising and scaring the listener. 9/10

2. The Promise Of Fever - This is one of their best songs...PERIOD! Such power and agression, and what a way to push this rollercoaster. Riffs that are like brain surgery...and orchestrations that send chills down my spine every time I hear it. Epic as hell!!! 10/10

3. Hurt & Virtue - A slightly more melodic touch in this song, adding to the dank and dark. One of the most dramatic songs on the album. Great use of layering vocals. 10/10

4. An Enemy Led The Tempest - What a killer intro...pnuematicaly being drilled into ur skull. Amazing song, with dark and epic moments, and again the use of dramatics is used effectively. 10/10

5. Damned In Any Language (A Plague On Words) - Amazing interlude, with the narrations sending chills down your spin. Really evil, and amazing lead in to the next song. 10/10

6. Better To Reign In Hell - What a killer name for a song. And what a killer song. Great chorus and a kick ass riff. Dani's vocals are sick as hell. 10/10

7. Serpent Tongue - One of the most interesting songs on the album, with slight experimentation, musically and even the way the song is structure. Great vocals from Dani, and a killer chorus. 10/10

8. Carrion - Great intro...really makes you thrash like a fish out of water. Pretty evil and eerie. 9/10

9. The Mordant Liquor Of Tears - A slight beautiful moment on the album...but also very evil at the same time. 9/10

10. Presents From The Poison Hearted - One of the highlights on the album I believe. Great atmospheric intro. Some really kick ass riffs, and the arrangement is killer too. Dani's vocals are as interesting as ever. 10/10

11. Doberman Pharoah - A slight middle eastern influence (apparently influenced by Nile). Just an epic, evil dramatic song, with some nice beautiful moments too. 10/10

12. Babalon A.D. (So Glad For The Madness) - One of their most accesible songs, yet being quite eerie at the same time. Great chorus and some interesting lyrics. The music video for this song is really cool too, although it was banned on t.v....spoil sports. 10/10

13. A Scarlet Witch Lit The Season - Another nice interlude. 8/10

14. Mannequin - The pop song of the album...kind of. Yes this is probabbly one of these guys most accesible songs, mainly cause its one of their most popular. Kick ass song, with a cool chorus, and some nice twists and turns. 10/10

15. Thank God For The Suffering - One of these guys most interesting songs in my opinion. The gothicy Paradise Lost (the band) influenced moment, with some clean vocals from Dani...kind of...A very dark, yet beautiful song. One of my brother's favourite Cradle Of Filth songs I believe. The orchestration is also really beautiful too, and adds to the beauty. 10/10

16. The Smoke Of Her Burning - A pretty epic end, especially lyrically. Very evil, with some great vocals, and a killer chorus. 9/10

17. End Of Daze - It comes full circle really. 9/10

CONCLUSION: This is in the 161 album list somewhere...and it will always be. I will always love this album...and this album will always love me. Even the artwork alone is worth the price.

arcane-beautiful One of the greatest albums of all time!

Yes, this is in my list, somewhere in the top 10 I believe, and yea, this album is a marvel to behold.

This album marked aload of changes for Cradle, with their first concept album. Now the concept isn't a huge factor, but I think it only makes the album better. The concept is portrayed perfectly and very uniquely, in Dani's own poetic way, mixing dark fantasy, gothic imagery, sexual stuff mixed with gore...it really is amazing. I suggest you read the lyrics whilst listening to the album, because it's like an epic poem...being spat like acid at your face...but in a good way. The concept is also told really uniquely too.

Now for those who don't know Elizabeth Bathory, or Erszebet Bathory as she is more likely known, she was a Dutch countess, who apparently killed virgins and bathed in their blood. Now, this may be legend (as the film Bathory shows), but still, a great story for a concept album, and its pulled of extremely well.

The sound is a major progression from Dusk & Her Embrace, with the black metal sound almost completely gone, and their own unique gothic extreme metal sound really coming into audible territory. Now their is still a raw domestic sound from this album, although apparently, it was not supposed to be. Apparently the band where not happy with the production of this album, and really dislike it due to that fact. Now, their maybe a few problems with production, but to be honest, I never really had any problems with it, in fact I kind of like it, I think it adds a certain eeriness to the album. Although, its all a matter of opinion, and who knows, maybe if it was spruced up, it may even sound better. Also I think this is Dani's zenith of his vocal powers.

The material on this album I think is their strongest yet, and these songs just are their most perfectly composed. The sound these guys make is always awe inspiring, mixing dark riffs, with beautiful melodic parts, haunting shireks, beautfiful female vocals and blastbeats. Although, at times on this album, things can be slowed down, which make for dynamic and more interesting songs, thus them being slightly longer, with this album having their longest song to date.

1. Once Upon Atrocity - Great instrumental. Very eerie and atmopsheric. Always dark and evil of course. 9/10

2. 13 Autumns & A Widow - An incredible way to start an album...with a backwards orchestra...and blastbeats. Great melodic moments and some really kick ass riffs. And of course Dani's shireks are amazing. 10/10

3. Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids - ONE OF THE GREATEST METAL SONGS EVER...MAYBE EVEN ONE OF THE GREATEST SONGS EVER. I love this song so much. Dani's narrative is just amazing, with his pentemater always making the song seem lyrical, with drum like potential. This song has so many interesting twists and turns, and of course the epic middle section, where Dani's screams gives me orgasms with every listen (it starts of "and to her dead reflection was as if her palor gleamed") If you've never heard this song, please check it out. It is epic beyond belief. 10/10

4. Beneath The Holwing Stars - This song has one of Cradle's best riffs. This song again is epic, but their is also some really melodic points, and even a really beautful section with female vocals. 10/10

5. Venus In Fear - Screams, orgasms and discords. This is just creepy...but I love it! 10/10

6. Desire In Violent Overture - This song is extremely overlooked by the fans and band, yet I think its one of the best songs on the album. Amazing chorus, and arrangement. Dani really shows amazing versiatility in his vocals. 10/10

7. The Twisted Nails Of Faith - One of the most dramatic songs on the album. Great arrangement, with the instrumentation really peeking at its highest level. 10/10

8. Bathory Aria - This is their longest song to date, being over 11 minutes. At times this song ins incredibly beautiful, and at times can go into darker teritories, but the beauty is always present somehow, and it seems a massive paradox, having beauty and Cradle Of Filth in the same sentence. Incredibly epic, and just an unrelented classic. 10/10

9. Portrait Of The Dead Countess - This is actually quite a beautiful instrumental. Really odd to see, but it does fit really well. 9/10

10. Lustmord & Wargasm (The Lick Of Carnivorous Winds) - This song has nothing to do with the concept...I think, but it is an amazing song. This song maintains their black metal roots being very fast, with some epic blastbeats. Great chorus too. 10/10

CONCLUSION: This album is just perfect in my eyes, and makes all other black metal seem fetid in comparison. If you have never listened to this album, either kill yourself our buy it...that's your only 2 choics...and don't say cake!

arcane-beautiful Now I have the privallage to review stuff from one of my faovurite bands of all time!

Ok, I have always loved these guys. Even when I was younger and they scared the hell out of me, I was still fascinated by them. Theirs no real reason why, except listen to the band and find out!

Ok now these guys have made 3 e.ps, Vempire, From The Cradle To Enslave & this one. Now this one has more in common with Vempire, in that these both contain new songs and re workings of old ones. They also are similar because of their purpose, where they were only really made in order to move away from a record company, with Vempire being a departure from Cacophonus, whilst this album was a move from Peaceville to Sony (ironically they're back in Peaceville now haha).

Now I don't know if this is a bunch of songs left over from Midian or not, but if it is, I ask the question, "why where these songs not put on Midian", because compared to some songs on Midian, these songs beat them hands down. Although, that might not be the case, because they do seem to put a good bit of work even into their eps.

Now this is a very lenthy e.p, being just under 50 minutes, and 10 songs, with 4 new songs, 2 short instrumentals, 3 reworkings of older songs and a cover. But it's still one amazing e.p. Highly enjoyable and really easy to digest.

The 4 new songs are Cradle at their best, and theirs some hidden classics here I feel. The 3 re worked songs are really interesting, cause their all from The Principile Of Evil Made Flesh, and I always felt that the production on that album and Dani's vocals where slightly poor compared to their other releases. This was also a period where Cradle really where on the foot of world domination...shame their genius is being underlooked today.

The sound is a progression from Midian, still keeping that gothic edge and highlighting it. The black metal sound is also nearly lost, although they soon would get in touch with it in their later releases. Dani's vocals seem to be at their peak here, although their is some weakness at times. The lyrics are fantastic as usual and always make you laugh or scare the hell out of you (the album title alone always gives me a giggle, with the hidden sexual innuendo)

1. Sin Deep My Wicked Angel - Great intro, with some eerie strings and discordant atmospheres. One of their best intros I feel. 9/10

2. All Hope In Eclipse - What starts as a quite doomy number, really transforms into a gothic metal chorus. Nice whispery chorus, and the arrangement is killer, especially the middle section with the nice keyboards. 9/10

3. Born In A Burial Gown - This song should have been on Midian. Such an epic song, with an amazing chorus. Dani's voice is like a percussion instrument, with his pentameter keeping the song as interesting as ever. Very evil indeed. The video for the song is pretty cool too, and involves a circus. Yay! Circuses. 10/10

4. Summer Dying Fast - Very interesting to hear how they arranged this. Great punky feeling, and amazing vocals from Dani. 9/10

5. No Time To Cry - An odd cover...but it makes perfect sense. It's arranged amazingly to suit Cradles needs. 9/10

6. The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh - One of these guys most dynamic songs, and this rewoking of it really is amazing. Great twists and turns throughout the punky black metally classic. 10/10

7. Suicide & Other Comforts - This is one of Cradles most interesting songs. What starts off as a quite gothicy song, turns into a fast metal rape. Amazing riffs, and one epic song. 10/10

8. Dinner At Deviant's Palace - This is just creepy. This is a joke obviously, and even getting Paul's daughter to do it, adds to the humour, but also adds to the creepiness. I remember first hearing this song, and I think I urinated myself. 10/10

9. The Black Goddess II - This makes this song more in line with the live version, and its great to hear, cause this is one of their most classic earlier songs. 9/10

10. Scorched Earth Erotica - Would have been an amazing song, without the "dominus" bit. Great gothicy moment, and a nice ending too.

CONCLUSION: I didn't think you would actually need this, but you really do...mainly for the 4 new songs and the re workings.

arcane-beautiful This album has done something which is very rare...and bands really shouldn't do this.

Now I've know these guys for a while now, and I don't have their first 2 album,s but I've heard songs from each, and I really like them.When I saw this album in a CD shop, I had to get it, just to kind of at leat own something from these guys.

I sat down ready to listen away, and then regretted it. For half an hour I was thinking, "Oh my God, this is just boring. And not that good." By the 4th song, I kind of wanted to turn it off, but only one album has actually made me turn a CD off before I finished it before (Metallica's Death Magnetic, that final instrumental was just boring as hell). Then track 5 came on and I went "This is actually a really good song"...and then it got better as each track went on.

That's really not a nice thing to do to someone. Torture them slightly for half and hour, and then pamper them the next. Sadly thats what happened. The first 4 songs are just not that great, in fact, very tedious at times, and quite annoying. Then the last 4 are so good that it kind of makes you regret thinking such bad thoughts about the band beforehand.

Now these guys are progressive metal...kind of...sort off. Well its hard to even really label these guys. Their unqiue...yet you can hear their influences clearly, yet also make them their own sound. It's great what they do, but hard when you want to describe them. I always thought they sounded like Nevermore at times, but that's mainly because of the vocals. To be honest, their just a metal band, with no real sub genre, although they do have lengthy tracks, and I mean all of their songs are over 5 minutes and can even reach the 10 minute mark. The guys can oddly enough pull it off. How they do it, I don't know, it just seems to work.

The album also seems to be a concept album, dealing with themes of existentionalism (for the first 4 songs, it really suits the mood), creation, existence, religion, time and purpose of life.

Now for the first half an hour, you will start to look like the girl on the cover...but don't worry...soon you'll like this ...> :D

It's also good to see a band from Norway, where the members don't have silly black metal nicknames (if i had a black metal nickname it would be Ygg, cause its Norwegian for the wicked one...ooooohhhh)

Now if you do buy this album, warning...it does get good. I mean really good.

1. On Ancient Ground - I have to admit, this main riff is kick ass. The song builds up pretty well at times, but the chorus is annoying. The song is cheesy at times, and the words "ancicent" "ground" and "SACRIFICE!" are said about a billion times, and they don't get better with repitition. Although...that is one good riff. 8/10

2. The Abandoned One - I like the Metallica esque chugging in the main riff. Nice enough chorus, but it's quite lifeless really, and it only makes the song more boring. 7/10

3. Becoming Of Man - The dramaticism is pretty cool. The lyrics and concept are pretty interesting. The song isn't that bad, and can be pretty cool at times, but it's still a bit bland now and then. 7/10

4. Payment Of Existence - Some of the changes are very random and don't make sense. Some kick ass riffs, and some ok moments, I guess. Pretty forgetfull.

5. Through The Labryinth Of Years - THE CHANGEAROUND!!! The song is really good. The chorus is really kick ass, especially the bridge after it. I love the melodic feel to it too. 10/10

6. Raven's Cry - I really didn't expect antything from this song, cause the title seemed a bit clichéd. But it just really turns into something pretty amazing. The intro is really cool, and the chorus kicks alot of ass. I love how the song changes from quite a slow song into a very kick ass metal song. The instrumental section also is really impressive, cause it really shows what these guys are capable of. Great arrangement, and some really kick ass vocals, especially in the chorus. 10/10

7. Unpredicabilities Of Life - Best song on the album in my opinion. The main riff is really kick ass. The chorus is amazing and the build up throughout the song really is killer. The vocals are also amazing, especially in the chorus. 10/10

8. Stone Carved Eyes - Wow! That intro is one hell of a way to start a song. Great chorus and a great arrangement keeping you on your feet. It's also not that repetitive, so it intrigues you more.

CONCLUSION: If this was an e.p...and the last 4 songs where on it, I would give it 4 or even a 5. But because the first half is very week, 3 will have to do (the first half would get a 2 at the most). I was gonna sell this album...but now I might keep it...just for those last 4 songs.

arcane-beautiful In order for bands to keep being interesting, they need change once in a while. Now Coheed have changed quite a bit in their 11 years of activity. From changes in line ups, to slight sound differences now and then, their fan base, and the music world have acclaimed them.

Now we all expected change from the band. After a 4 album concept string, the band decided to release a prequel. Now these guys could have easily made an easily accesible album, and it would have done good for them. But these guys obviously do care alot about their music, so progession is needed...and is shown in this album.

I think this is the album that really defines them as a "band", because it shows alot of maturity than the previous 4 albums, and shows a lot of progression, and defining their sound, which has changed quite a bit.

This album reminds me of the direction that Radiohead opted for. Coming from their most catchy album The Bends, Ok Computer was a more experimental album which showed off what the band could do.

I don' t want to sound corny or anything, but their really is a magical atmosphere to this album. Don't get me wrong, each song is accesible, but even when you get the bare bones of it, and listen really careflly, their is always something odd that you can pick out. Examples of this can be seen in the slower tempo ballad songs, where you have a really beautiful moment, yet in the background theirs industrial sounding beats (Far), use of synths to add deep textures, and even use of noise and soundscapes. This can also be seen in the more poppier songs, the darker songs and even the more proggier songs.

The instrumentation of the album is pretty interesting. The catchy guitar licks are gone, the noticable drum and bass lines are gone and the really really catchy vocal moments aren't as highlighted. Instead, the band act as a band, where the production is so good, that everything isn't as hughlighted as it used to be. it's just a very raw sounding album, where coming from the Neverender concerts, the band opted for a more live sounding sound. Even then, the Eno like soundscapes and sound trickery is in the background like a wandering ghost.

The post hardcore element which was nearly lost in the previous album is back, but more mature and easily tamed. All in all, the its Coheed still, but its still proves that these guys still have what it takes to keep us all interested. Their seems to be more artistic freedom on this album, where anything could be sung, any note could be played and anything could happen, and it wouldn't ruin it, it would only make it more interesting. I like to think of this album a bit like looking at a very minamilistic painting and comparing it a Van Gough painting, where yes the Van Gough painting is pretty and all that, but the toilet seat made out of chrome is way more interesting. It's just a very domestic album. Although, this album isn't that avante garde, so don't worry, its still Coheed, mixing prog with pop.

1. One - Quite post rock esque. Very atmopsheric and is incredibly effective for an intro. 9/10

2. The Broken - When I first heard this song, I was expecting alot more from Coheed, but when you listen to it more than once, you kind of understand it, and you really get to love it. A very dark song with hints of sarcasm. Very different and a completely different direction for the band. 10/10

3. Guns Of Summer - I love how this song progresses throughout. Amazing instrumentation and the chorus is great, and way more interesting that these guys have ever done before. 10/10

4. Here We Are Juggernaut - Even though this song is probabbly the most poppiest and accesible song on the album, its still quite dark underneath its skin. Quite catchy, and great arrangement. 10/10

5. Far - This is the example of a very beautiful song, yet their is something quite disturbing in it, especially with the use of industrial sounding beats. It's just a very tense moment on the album, yet its still beautiful. 10/10

6. This Shattered Symphony - Quite dark. Great vocals in the chorus, I love it when something is shouted so much, its sounds like someone is in pain. Great atmosphere. 9/10

7. World Of Lines - One of the best chorus' on the album. Quite punky and very upbeat. 10/10

8. Made Out Of Nothing (All That I Am) - I'm sick of my brother doing acoustic versions of this song haha. It's a beautiful song, yet theirs something still that makes the hairs on your back raise in fright. Great arrangement. 10/10

9. Pearl Of The Stars - Very Prize Fighter Inferno. It's interesting to hear Claudio experiment with his voice and sing in a lower octave. Beautiful song and great chorus. The lyrics are quite interesting too. 10/10

10. In The Flame Of Error - My brother thinks this is one of Coheed's best chorus', but I highly disagree. I think this is the weakest moment on the album, but its still a great and insteresting song, mainly because of its arrangement. 9/10

11. When Skeletons Live - Now this is one of Coheed's best chorus'. The post hardcore sound is heard, but its tamed really well. 10/10

12. The Black Rainbow - Beautiful intro. The jam like feeling really is pulled of well, and of course its reminiscent to The Final Cut. The ending is a bit odd, but I feel their's a purpose for it. 10/10

CONCLUSION: This album prooves that these guys will always be able to interest and keep their audience as interested as they first started. It also plainly shows that these guys still care about the music they make, and will always. Their next album should be an interesting moment.

arcane-beautiful There's nothing really I can say about Queen, they are a monument of music. They have been heard by everyone, they have been liked by everyone, and if you haven't heard of them, then you must have been in a cave for the last 100 years. This album is quite monumental, it's not a masterpiece in my opinion, there are some areas which I think should have been shown more and some songs that I wasn't too much enjoying.

This album did spawn one of the most known songs of all time, so maybe my rating doesn't match it's effect, but to be honest, I am just a speck of dust on the monument that is Queen.

1. Death On 2 Legs - Yea, an amazing song and a feeling that should have been more promiment on the album. Amazing vocals (as always) from Mr. Mercury.

2. Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon - Obviously a homage to old matinee like songs. Very nice and very fun to listen to.

3. I'm In Love With My Car - Very Spinal Tap. I'm not the biggest fan of this song to be honest, a wee bit annoying, and I find drummers singing annoying (except for Phil Collins & Nick D'Virgillio obivously).

4. You're My Best Friend - This song just makes you happy.

5. '39 - Very Jethro Tull. All the Brian May songs on this album sound like Jethro Tull. I love the vocal harmonies on these songs.

6. Sweet Lady - Not a massive fan of this song, I like the sleazy nature of the song.

7. Seasdie Rendezvous - A tribute to George Formby I believe. Again it has a comical and jaunty nature.

8. The Prophets Song - Why did the rest of the album not sound like this. Very Rush and very epic. The accapella section was very cool and very experimental. One of their most underlooked songs in my opinion.

9. Love Of My Life - An amazing ballad song which shows off again Freddie's vocals.

10. Good Company - Another weird folky song. This isn't the strongest one in my opinion.

11. Bohemian Rhapsody - Don't need to really comment. If you haven't heard this song, then you need to basically.

12. God Save The Queen - Very dire and completely pointless.

CONCLUSION: Classic album basically. Could have had a few emisions and it would have been way better.

arcane-beautiful This is album doesn't seem like much, but when you look at it...it's alot: it's a debut; the start of a concept saga; a massive risk; an experiment that can explode at any time...and it all works. And thats the beauty of Coheed...everything they do...works!]

Being a big progression from their Shabutie days, Coheed decided to evolve thei career around...a concept. Yes, this will always be the bane of these guys existence! Concepts...and ones which are quite hard to follow and understand, mainly cause all the detail is in the comics that Claudio writes...oh yes, their's literature supporting these classic songs.

Now as a debut, this is incredibly impressive. This album is alot like Keeping Secrets I think, where its the consistency thoughout which enables you to listen further, and not really get bored of the same sound, because how they are able to keep it consistent, yet keep u fascinated at the same time.

The album maintains that post hardcore and emo (really hate to use that word, because I remember liking the earlier bands, before the style came into fashion and the word got changed...pejoration at its best really) sound, yet incorporating a maturer prog stance than what was heard from Shabutie.

The production also has a similar sound to Shabutie, and its what gives the album a very domestic charm. The songs are also a bit different, in that verse's and chorus' arent a big must do on the album, so stuff can happen that will suprise you...key changes, odd riffs, added vocal parts, contrapuntal vocal parts, its a whole artistic freedom really at the end of the day, yet they can still keep every thing contemporay (well contemporary for the Coheed fan)

Theirs more screaming vocals on this album, and I think Claudio's vocals really are amazing, even at times where he'll go off pitch, or he'll make a vocal squeek, I love. It's a very raw album, and it really adds to the concept as well (being the most action packed album really). As usual the songs are very catchy, but even at times, some songs have dark undertones, or are in themselves quite dark songs, and its interesting for Coheed to be dark now and then.

The Neverender version is also pretty cool too, cause the songs were messed around with and made more "modern".

1. Second Stage Turbine Blade - A decent enough intro, although, the whole intro is progressed to new heights, especially in their newer albums. 8/10

2. Time Consumer - The almost jazzy intro really is an amazing start to this album and song. After that its an amazing song, with some nice proggy moments, cool use of synths, an amazing guiatr solo from Dr. Know (Bad Brains), and an epic cathcy chorus. 10/10

3. Devil In Jersey City - It's funny, this song is so poppy and joyfull...yet its about murder and rape. Yea, didn't expect that did you. 10/10

4. Everything Evil - A very tense and atmopsheric intro. The song itself is just amazing, and back in my band days, I used to love playing this song...and singing it is a massive challenge. Great lyrics and the drama within the song itself is very exciting. And the ending is very epic too. 10/10

5. Delirum Trigger - One of my personal favourites from these guys. A quite dark turn for the band, but it's played off so well. Great chorus and great chaotic vocals from Claudio. The arrangement again is amazingly put together, with some nice dramatic moments. I love the lyrics too. 10/10

6. Hearshot Kid Disaster - Love the intro, and how its stopped by an ear shattering scream. A very poppy song, even though alot of it deals with murder. Although I think its one of the weakest songs on the album, still great though. 9/10

7. 33 - A very underlooked song from this album, and its odd, because I think it's the catchiest song on the album. Again, another very poppy song...that has alot of death and murder in it. 10/10

8. Junesong Provision - Another one of my personal favourites. I don't know what it is about this song, I think it's all the different parts and sections that it goes through, it's just a very interesting song, and on the special edition of the album, theirs an acoustic version of the song, which I prefer actually. 10/10

9. Neverender - Everyone adores this song, and to be honest, I've never really been much of a fan of it. It's a good song and all, but it doesn't compare to the rest of the songs on this album. It has a nice wee chorus though. 9/10

10. God Send Conspirator - Great ending to the album. I love the song's jazzy arrangement. Great chorus too, and the song plays out amazingly. 10/10

CONCLUSION: This really is a classic album, and it may be a bit too post hardcore for some people, but I think it's one of the best debut albums every made in my opinion.

arcane-beautiful This being their second album, Coheed show a natrual progression from their debut. And to be honest, it favours it in many points.

I think this album is also way up in my list of top 161 albums, so you can tell what mark I'm already gonna give it. But but don't worry, their is reasoning behind this. I've heard this album many many times, wheter it being just taking it and listening it, having it on as background music, constantly watching it on Neverender, playing these songs, singing these songs, talking about these songs...it's just one of those albums that will always, and has been a part of my life for 7 years (which feels along time cause I'm only 18).

Oddly enough, this is the album that sort of got me into the band, even though it was my second album that I had bought from these guys, but I'll get to that later.

This I think is their most consistent album, where if you were trying to get someone into the band, you would give them this album, and you can easily see why. The songs are catchy and infectious, yet have a lot of prog in them, with also ashes of emo and the post hardcore sound that they had from their debut. But the songs at times take on bigger forms, where you listen to a 6-9 minute epic, and wonder why the song just flys by.

The songs are also written with a non standard strophic structure, where verses and chorus' don't really apply, and anything can happen at any moment, and will easily suprise you. And musicianship wise the album is tight as could ever be, and maybe this is one of their strongest points of songwriting. The lyrics are also more understandable, better written and easier to understand. The vocals I think are Claudio's strongest (although I do prefer how he used vocals in Good Apollo).

The only flaws I can really see is the production. It's not the best, especially compared to their later releases, but to be honest, I think it adds an added domestic feel to the album, which really highlights the songs. The snare at times can be a bit clangy, but at least its not St. Anger.

1. The Ring In Return - A nice intro, with some nice piano and synth arrangements. 9/10

2. In Keeping Secrets Of Silent Earth: 3: EPIC AS HELL!!! I remember when I used to play this song back in my band days (I was 15 :D), and it really was an amazing feeling you got when playing it, and singing it really wrecks your throat. The song is just an instant epic classic, and any prog fan should agree. 10/10

3. Cuts Marked In The March Of Men - This song is a bit underlooked when compared to the rest of the album, but to be honest it's such an amazing song. Great chorus and an amazing arrangement. Quite anthemic as well. 10/10

4. 3 Evils (Embodied In Love & Shadow) - This song is so happy, yet the lyrics deal with suicide...it's quite a paradox, but it works so well. Such a great song, and it really progresses throughout, and builds up to an amazing pop filled climax, with a good bit of post hardcore trhoughout too. 10/10

5. The Crowing - If I had a pound for everytime I've had to play this song, I would be a very rich man. Even though, when hearing and playing it so many times, it kind of looses track with you, when you come back to it, you really need to revel in its glory. Especially the ending, which I heard from many people, desrcibing it as "one of the most epic and uplifiting moments of a song...EVER" 10/10

6. Blood Red Summer - I think I remember seeing this video when I was younger, and to be honest I really like it, and the song. It's just such a catchy song, and the chorus is beautiful, especially with the backing vocals. The lyrics are also some of Claudio's best in my opinion. 10/10

THE CAMPER VELORIUM 7-9 THE FIRST SAGA HAHA!

7. Faint Of Hearts - This is a very happy and joyful song, yet its about a man seducing a gun...crazy as hell, but its just so great of a song. 10/10

8. Backend Of Forever - A quite dark song, with odd lyrics. The song is very atmospheric too, with eerie synths adding to the dark tone...oh and some prety cool drumming, especially the faster bits at the end. 10/10

9. Al The Killer - A more chatoic song...that kind of leaves you perplexed after listening to it. I love how the vocals are used too, and the lyrics are odd...to say the least, especially the stuff about white girls. 10/10

10. A Favour House Atlantic - This was my first Coheed song, and to be honest, with these being their poppiest probabbly, its the best way to start. Another song I've played countless times, and you just get such joy from playing it. The video is also pretty funny too. 10/10

11. The Light & The Glass - A beautiful acoustic song, which kind of morphs into something very different. How Coheed do this is always magical to see, and it really is a wonder to behold. Another song I can religously play on guitar...and will play it until I die. This song will always have a special place in my heart. 10/10

12. 2013 - WHY WAS THIS NOT AN ACTUAL ALBUM TRACK! This being their most proggiest outing, also with a title very close to 2112, really is something that puts this band way ahead of every band thats out today. It's a marvel to behold really. 10/10

CONCLUSION: You can easily listen to this album back to back for all eternity...I don't think I can put it anymore bluntly.

arcane-beautiful When this album came out, their was alot of hype. I mean alot of hype! And to be honest, it was odd to see a band have such hype for an album which really was quite a challenge to make.

This album was a challenge for the band, mainly because the band saw some schisms and failures in their line up, with both drummer and bassist leaving before the album was even in its foetal stages. But the album's continuation still continued, with the remaining 2 members working on the material, and bassist (Michael Todd), coming back into the band. Now the only problem was finding a drummer...and who better than Chris Pennie...although slight problem...for legal reasons he could not actually play on the album. So the band seeked Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters) for help...and here is where the problem lies.

Now Taylor Hawkins is an ok drummer. He's nothing too special, and he fails in comparison to Joshua Eppard & Chris Pennie. And it's one of these factors that weakens this album. Coheed used to have such dynamic drums, with different accents, time signatures and what have you not. But Taylor Hawkins simple 4/4 style, which for standard rock is good enough, still doesnt highlight any of Coheed's music. Now I know this album is slightly more straightforward in style, but so is their new album, and it sounds way better rhthyms style. And this also weakens Michael's contribution, with his basslines usually being highly diverse, and now just being watered down to suit Mr. Hawkins needs.

Now besides that, the style and musical direction has changed. The "emo" tag they've been given has been completely vanished, with their earlier sounds and influences being discarded, but to be honest, it was things like that actually made them slightly more interesting. Although, I'm still loving the sound on it.

Some of the songs are more straightforward, with no interesting twists and turns, with songs having a more strophic structure. The songs also seem to be slightly longer, at an average, with the shoter songs being just about 4 minutes, whilst on the first Good Apollo, a 3 minute song showed alot more and had alot more density than these tracks. Having said that, I still think these songs are great, and like the progression these guys are going in. This album also seems to have the bands most catchiest chorus' and a more straightfoward "prog" style really highlights these sing along moments. And Claudio's voice has never been better in my opinion. Lyrically, the album isn't as smart as the first 3, and the concept at times can be a bit of a head scratcher, but it's the end of the saga really, so what more do you want. It's a good enough ending I feel, and to be honest, if it was any different, I probabbly wouldn't have liked it as much as I do this album.

The build up towards the release was a tiny bit of a let down, but it was still a great rush, and the weekly updates where really fun to watch, and keep up with. The artwork of the album is also pretty damn cool.

1. The Reaping - Great atmopsheric intro, with voice and guitars really complementing each other. Very simple, but incredibly effective. 10/10

2. No World For Tomorrow - This is one of the songs from this album that still gives me tingles every time I hear it. This is ONE EPIC SONG, and in my opinion, is the best song on the album, and maybe one of their best songs...ever. It's just so diverse, with such power, emotion and just some amazing guitar riffs, that still confuse me to this day. 10/10

3. The Hound (Of Blood & Rank) - One of their best chorus' in my opinon. The arrangement really is spectacular and the song is just fantastic. 10/10

4. Feathers - Wow is this song catchy.Great chorus, and a great poppy moment. The arrangement is also great as well. And their is a video for this song, but its really stupid...so I reccomend you watch it haha. 10/10

5. The Running Free - This was the first update I saw. A live version of this song, which was pretty bad quality. But I could tell that this song was pretty good. Very catchy and just classic Coheed. 10/10

6. Mother Superior - A pre update really. An acoustic version. Now trying to pick a favourite between these 2 is hard, cause I love the acoustic version, but the album version is so grand, and the strings do a great job highlighting the beauty of this song. This is also a tricky song to sing and play at the same time. 10/10

7. Gravemakers & Gunslingers - This is a great fast paced song, and is very rocking. Another great chorus and some interesting lyrics. It's one of my personal favourites. The changes throughout are pretty cool too. 10/10

8. Justice In Muderd - Good chorus, and the songs is pretty good. Definitly not one of the albums strongest moments. 9/10

THE END COMPLETE

WARNING!: Compared to the Willing Well...meh, you'll see...

I.The Fall Of House Atlantic - Ok, as intro, this is pretty epic. Quite cheesy, but pretty epic nonthless. 10/10

II. Radio Bye Bye - The chorus is pretty catchy, but the song does go on a bit, and it really should have been shorter. 8/10

III. The End Complete - Ok, after some weak moments, this song picks it up more. This song is pretty epic, although not Willing Well epic, cause when comparing these "suites" this one is more kind of lack lustre with no real conncetcions, whilst the Willing Well was more exciting. Although, this song is the crowning moment of this "suite", with epic vocals, kick ass riffs, and a pretty cool chorus. I love the ending too. 10/1

IV. The Road & The Damned - Now this is a nice wee soft moment. A very beautiful song, with some really nice lyrics. 10/10

V. On The Brink - The first part I love. It has a very Elton John feel to it, with a great vocal arrangement. That "hail" bit is pretty stupid though, although I like the ending. 9/10

CONCLUSION: If any other band released this album...it would be their masterpiece. But because Coheed did it, its not as good as their others. Don't get me wrong, this album is still amazing, but it is quite weak at times. Although, the bands history and turbulence is partly to blame, so don't be hating it too much, its better than what most bands try to achieve.

arcane-beautiful Ok. I admit it. These guys are like one of my favourite bands of all time! And here's why:

At the tender age of 10, with music channels on Sky being my only real musical output and source, I had discovered this band, in quite a comical video and a very cathcy song. I liked them for that song (A Favour House Atlantic) and I think I might have heard and liked Blood Red Summer as well. Butabout a year later, completely forgetting about the band, I heard another one of their songs...one on this album, and seeing the video and hearing the track, I thought to myself "wow, this song kicks ass...I think I've seen that guys crazy hair before...and I was right, it was the exact same band, although they're very different now. So I decided to buy this album...and it completelty floored me.

In my opinion this is one of the greatest albums ever made. It really is. Their's incredibly catchy songs, amazing prog moments, great technical abillity and song writing abbilities that Gods would envy over. Also, the band make concept albums. And I mean linking concept albums. Now you don't need to know the concept to like these songs, but when you start thinking of it, it makes the songs even better. Now the concept is too grand and too detailed to go into, but all you need to know that it involves Sci fi, robots, an evil dicatator and THE END OF THE WORLD!!!...basically.

Now the production on this album is very different to their previous 2 efforts, and it really seems that alot of money and times was put into this album. Especially with the arrangements. Everytime you listen to this album, their's always something you'll end up missing. One of the highlights of this album was the production on the vocals. Now I'm a sucker for harmonies, and even the music I make, theirs always going to be harmony. But at times this a bit over the top, and it's not just basic 3rds and 5ths, theirs multi layering, question and answering, even just little atmospheres created by vocal harmonies.

The instrumentation is even fantastic, and one thing about this album that really stands out is that, besides the epics, the shorter catchier songs are only about 3-4 minutes, but theirs still a load in them.

Now I've listened to this album over and over again, I've sung these songs over and over again (I was in a band, and we were basically a Coheed cover band), I've played these songs over and over again, I know every lyric, every time change, every vocal harmony, every instrument used...IT'S THAT ADDICTIVE!!!

1. Keeping The Blade - An incredibly beautiful instrumental with piano and strings. Very haunting and incredibly well arranged. 10/10

2. Always & Never - Another beautiful song. I love the use of the childs voice adding a very innocent tone to the song. The vocals are beautifuly used in this song, yet theirs something very sinister about this song as well (it might be the last lyric of the song). 10/10

3. Welcome Home - This is the first song I heard from this album. Now this song is EPIC. I must have played this song a billion times when I used to play live in bands (I was 15 at the time too, so not too bad for a 15 year old). That guitar squeel is very noticable, but the song is way more. The ending solos are brilliant and very tricky to play. 10/10

4. 10 Speed (Of God's Blood & Burial) - I love the use of the question and answer vocals in the song. Just a very cathcy song, with an amazing guitar solo. The scream at the end is pretty cool too.

5. Crossing The Frame - Probabbly one of my favourite songs from these guys. It's just so damn catchy, but the main attraction for me is the vocal harmonies. Layered to an obscene point, but it only makes the song 1000 times better. 10/10

6. Apollo I: The Writing Writer - The intro is very atmospheric with the Jean Michele Jarre style synths. It's just such an epic song, but so inrcredibly cathcy as well. Great lyrics too. 10/10

7. Once Upon Your Dead Body - The guitar melody throughout is so pretty. Such a cathcy song, and the use of vocals again is pulled of really well. 10/10

8. Wake Up - The acoustic ballad of the album. Really beautiful and the isntrumentation is amazing, especially the use of lapsteel giving it a country esque feel to it. 10/10

9. The Suffering - I remember when I first got this album, I played this song over and over again. It really is a magical and addictive song, mainly cause it's so damn catchy. 10/10

10. The Lying Lies & Dirty Secrets Of Miss Erica Court - This song didn't stand out for me too much when I first got the album, but I have to admit it's one of my favourite songs of theirs now. It's inredibly catchy, and the lyrics are pretty cool too. 10/10

11. Mother May I - I never really liked this song too much, until now. I don't know, it just seems better now in my opinion. Great chorus and progression throughout, with some great melodies and some really catchy parts too. 10/10

The Willing Well

WARNING THIS MAY BE THE GREATEST HALF HOUR OF YOUR LIFE!

I. Fuel For The Feeding End - This is the most frantic part of this piece. Even though it's incredibly catchy. I think this is their best lyrical contribution. Again the vocals are used to even greater amounts in this song. It's just an absolute epic thrill ride. 10/10

II. From Fear Through The Eyes Of Madness - This song really does put me in a good mood...well for the first few minutes, after that it drawns you in like a snake trapping a rat. Again, an incredible epic moment, still keeping the technical ability of Part 1, but making some very Rush like moments as well. 10/10

III. Apollo II: The Telling Truth - A development of the first part, still keeping alot of the ideas, but really building upon them, especially in the middle of the song. Great dramatic structure, again keeping you on your feet, and singing along. 10/10

IV. The Final Cut - The epic slow ending. Now this is epic. Especially the vocal parts followed by amazing guitar solos. The ending is really pretty too, and yes thats Bron-Y-Aur by Led Zeppelin at the end. 10/10

CONCLUSION: ONE OF THE BEST ALBUMS EVER!!! Thats all I need to say.

arcane-beautiful Ok, I admit it, I'm a bit of fan of these guys. Now of course I was brought up with Jackass and all that crew (although to be honest I prefered Viva La Bam and the CampKillYourself crew rather than the rest of them.) Now with watching these shows, I had discovered quite a few bands, especially this one, mainly because the drummer is Bam's brother. But believe me, I got into them for more than that.

The sound these guys make is just amazing. I don't know why skaters love this band so much, because their music can at times be dramtically different to the fast punk music that is usually associated with these guys. The best tag anyone can give these guys is alternative metal, cause their sound is incredibly unique. Their very melodic, have quite nifty guitar riffs (even today 96 Quite Bitter Beings is a bit of a struggle to play), great grooves throughout and alot of experimentation (especially on this album). In my past these guys came and gone, with their first album really being an interesting soundtrack for me, and Familiar Realms being a great song.

Now when I heard in 2009 that they had a new album, I was intrigued, so as usual, I checked out the first single, and I loved it, so it was natural to buy the album. And I'm glad I did.

I think this album isn't as strong as their earlier efforts, but I have to admit. it's different. The songs aren't as memorable, but as an album I think it sticks out. Again they have progressed with their sound, with the use of moogs and synthesizers (which I love) and pretty experimental moments which will make people go "say what!"

This album is incredibly enjoyable throughout. Their isn't a mad collection of stand out songs, but their are no bad or weak moments either, making it a pretty impressive effort on their behalf. As an album it's more enjoyable, than listening to seperate songs. I think it's because that this may be a concept album. I'm not completely sure, but their defiinitly seems to be connecting ties throughout the album, mainly dealing with murder, the report of murder, peopes reaction to murder and even songs that seem to come from the killers point of view, which I admit is pretty smart. The lyrics are really well written too.

The album flies by as well. It's not too long and everything just fits together so well, you kind of wonder why the album passed so quick. I also reccomend the special edition of this album because you get 4 bonus tracks, with 2 of them, called Fisherman's Wharf Pt.s 1 & 2, being really impressive and killer instrumentals. Ohh, and the artwork is pretty cool too.

1. Hellion's On Parade - The time changes throughout are pretty cool. I love the moog bits in the middle. Great chorus. 10/10

2. ...And She Never Returned - Nice chorus and use of coxals. Great kick ass riff. 9/10

3. Rats In The Infirmary - The chorus is pretty cheesy, with the gang vocals. Pretty cool though, and he guitar solo is pretty interesting and impressive. 9/10

4. Imaginary Threats - One of the most melodic songs on the album. Their is some really great atmospheric moments. Great chorus. 10/10

5. The Boardwalk Body - Grear lyrics, very story like and great images used. Great time and mood changes throughout. 9/10

6. Plagued By Images - The intro riff is amazing. The moog gices the song an etheral atmosphere. The mood changes throughout add to the dramatic nature of the song. 10/10

7. Karmaworks - One of the more laidback songs on the album. Good chorus and a kick ass riff. 9/10

8. Woe Is Me - Pretty kick ass song. I love how the vocals are so diverse around quite simple riffs. Great changes near the end and a kick ass chorus. The vocals are pretty impressive too. 10/10

9. A#1 Roller Rager - This was the first song I heard from the album, and it just made me want to buy it. Just a great poppy song, and the moog bits throughout are just so funny and always make me smile. Great song to put you in a good mood. 10/10

10. Old Carver's Bones - One of the most interesting songs on the album. Pretty dark and disturbing full of evil riffs and some nice discords. This song has great changes throughout. Pretty epic to be honest. 10/10

11. The Era Of An End - Pretty cheesy. A nice wee ending. 8/10

CONCLUSION: This album is highly enjoyable and I would reccomend it to everyone, even non metalheads might like a song or 2. This album prooved that these guys have alot more music to make in the future.

RIP Ryan Dunn :D

arcane-beautiful Chthonic inticed me, mainly cause of they were from Taiwan, and to be honest, you don't hear alot of music from their.

I remember reading about them in Metal Hammer and thinking...ooh interesting. Then I saw the video for Progeny Of Rmdax Tasing...and I thought...yea I need to get this album, so I did.

One of the main attractions of this album is the sound. The sounds they create on this album are very unique and to be honest, your never really going to find a band as unique as these guys in my opinion. The album is draped in this dark symphonic atmosphere throughout, with Oriental elements colouring it's already tastefu palette. Now alot of people will compare these guys to Emperor, and to be honest the Emperor influence is noticable, but their is one thing that these guys share with Emperor...whenever it says their symphonic black metal...they actually are symphonic. Now the label symphonic is passed around alot in today's society, but what it actually really means is how it has "symphonic" textures...instead of just using an orchestra (sadly their is no orchestra in this album). I mean it, the guitar work in this album really is like listening to a string section of an orchestra, with the keyboards providing other symphonic elements.

The atmosphere is always dark and twisted at times, with the uhru and chanting adding an added beauty to the album. Their is a concept present about another war that happened in Taiwan about 80 years ago, but the band add an added dark fanatical twist, and its expected from these guys, because they are highly political in their quest for drawing attention to the tyrannical government of Taiwan, and to be honest, who cares when the music is this good.

Again the vocals are top notch, and slightly lower in the mix providing a dark texture to the lyrics. The artwork is also evry cool and eye catching. In my opinion, this is their best album, and theirs no real major flaws.

1. Progeny Of Rmdax Tasing - I remember seeing the video for this song, and it alone will make you fall in love with these guys. Epic black metal at its best. Such a powerful song with crazy instrumentation and amazing arrangement. 10/10

2. Indigenous Laceration - Such a kick ass riff. The crazy organ parts are pretty killer too. Freddie's frantic gabb;es are also amazing. 10/10

3. Enthrone - Pretty crazy, almost an interlude like moment. But pretty cool and crazy nontheless. 10/10

4. Bloody Gaya Fullfilled - Beautiful chanting in the intro. The most epic song on the album. The instrumentation is amazing and the arrangement is just spectacular. 10/10

5. The Gods Weep - Amazing chaotic keyboard intro. Great use of vocals. Great instrumentation. 9/10

6. Where The Utux Ancestors Wait - The most Emperor like song on the album. Their is great use of discord in the song. 9/10

7. Exultant Suicide - Kick ass riff. Great mixture of metal with oriental channting. Nice melodic moments. The ending is pretty epic. 10/10

8. Banished Into Death - Some really amazing riffs in this song. Some interesting chord changes using close minors. 9/10

9. Quasi Putrefaction - Love the fast punky feel to the song. It's just a constant powerhouse throughout. A great epic ending to the song and the album.

CONCLUSION: It's a modern black metal masterpiece in my opinion, cause it's so different, yet so interesting. I reccomend you buy it, and believe me, if you don't like it first time round, it will grow on you, LIKE A CANCER!!!

arcane-beautiful I've been a fan of this band for a while, and I will get into my interest in them when I do a review of Seediq Bale. Now onto this album.

I remember hearing about when this album was being released, and watching the video for 49 Theugy Chains, and thinking "ok my jaw has just dropped on the floor, and this video kicks ass...this new album should be interesting." And I was right...

This being their 5th studio album, it really does show ALOT of progression...a progression I like to call the "contemporary black metal syndrome". Now listening to their previous efforts, its obvious that the production isn't the best...but to be honest that's kind of what makes black metal so interesting...the production isnt the best, and it adds to the bleak atmosphere of their music...now like Dimmu Borgir's Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia and Cradle Of Filths Midian... a similar method was used in the progression of the production...guitars turned up, keyboards and orchestration in line with the mix and a bit over bearing at times, and the vocals as crisp as you can imagine. And it really worked for this album, because the band did have a sort of change of direction...

Now the direction change is pretty obvious, with the black metal elements being toned down and allowing more death metal and extreme elements to take over (and at times...metalcore oddly enough). But having said that, all the Chthonic elements are still their..."shrieking vocals, heavy guitars, beautiful keyboards, hanting urhu, oriental elements and great songs.

Now what also adds an added texture to this album, is the concept. Now, Seediq Bale is also a concept album, but this one is more highlighted, with a more visual story and less left up to interpretation. The concept is an amazing story about a bloody massacre, someone traveling to the underworld, ghosts, ghost kings and HELL!!! Theirs a very epic story and I would tell you it, but I seriously recomend you buy this album in order to learn more. And the ending is very chilling indeed.

I think one of the main highlights of this album is the vocals. Freddy's vocals are amazing. From high shireks to low growls, eerie whispers to massive shouts, he can do it all. The lyrics are also a great highlight, being more English than the last one (very little Tawiwanesse...i think thats the language, could be Cantoneese, but I'm poorly educated in Oriental languages I'm afraid...just don't say it's Chinese or they will ripp your face off). These guys are pretty interesting, cause from watching interviews they can speak fluent English...and it's very rare to see that from Oriental bands.

1. Autoscopy - Very disturbing. Creates the perfect atmopshere for the album. 9/10

2. Blooming Blades - What a hit in the face. Incredibly twisted yet quite beautiful at times. Great chorus and use of vocals. Maintains constant power throughout. 10/10

3. Hearts Condemned - Very Cradle Of Filth. Great chorus. The lyrics tell a great story throughout (as they do throughout the rest of the album) haha. The guitar sound is very in your face. 9/10

4. Venom In My Veins - What an awesome name for a song haha. Kick ass metal riffs and a pretty nifty chorus. One of the most straightfoward songs on the album. Has quite a punky edge to it. 10/10

5. The Aroused - Love the atmosphere of this song. It's quite dark at times. Great arrangement. 9/10

6. Sing-Ling Temple - Love that haunting keyboard riff. Great arrangement and such power and drama throughout. 10/10

7. 1947 - Very beautiful and atmospheric. Reminds me of the music from Karate Kid. 10/10

8. 49 Theugy Chains - OMG!!! YOU NEED TO HEAR THIS SONG. This song is just epic and one of the greatest metal songs I've heard in ages. Such a powerful anthem and so in your face, yet being so interesting throughout. Great lyrics too. Basically I love this song and will never tire of it. 10/10

9. Rise Of The Shadows - Such a powerfulk and kick ass song. Very frantic, with every beat like a punch in the face. Great lyrics too. 10/10

10. Bloody Waves Of Sorrow - Love the dramatic arrangement. Great use of vocals. Nice poetic terms used at times, especially the stuff about the moon, I liked that. 9/10

11. Spell Of Setting Sun: Mirror Of Retribution - A very dark and twisted ending in my opinion, yet being quite epic at the same time. Really cool when relating to the concept. 9/10

CONCLUSION: It's not the best metal album ever, but it's better than most crap out now. Their new album seems pretty interesting too, but have yet to hear it. But I reccomend this album to everyone, just for the concept alone...oh yea, theirs amazing songs on it too. So it's a bonus

arcane-beautiful Wow! With every new release these guys continue to awe and suprise me.

I remember being told about this release by my brother. At first I thought it was an album, and was very excited, and shocked because it wasn't too long since their last release, and then I heard it was an e.p, and my excitement turned into meh...cause e.ps are good and all, but hey you can't beat a full length release...or can you.

This release really didn't need to be longer...3 epics roled on to a 30 minute cd...that's enough to be honest. Any more of this, and I may blush to death.

Now being a fan of these guys for a while, I wouldn't say I'm their biggest fanatic. I like them and all, it's just listening to them for long periods of time can make you confused...which is why this e.p is perfect. I think one of the things that keeps me from loving them is that the whole musicianship and technicality of their material can be a bit overbearing at times. I think when it comes to technicality, the Dream Theater method, of having contemporary amazing musicianship is more listenable. Although I have to admit, they are getting more pleasurable with each listen.

This e.p really has 3 mammoth songs....and each I have given a nickname...as you will see if you continue to read on.

Their seems to a concept present, but from what I gather, its about God, the creation of the universe and dreams...that's what I get from it, maybe I'm wrong who knows. But the flowing linked concept really does make it interesting, and gives a reason behind the rather sporadic instrumental work. The songs really do flow into each other well and all the sections do work together in harmony. I prefer their song structures on Colours to be honest, but Colours will always be my personal favourite of theirs, but after a first listen of this, I may be wrong.

I've heard that their is a follow up e.p. or album to this, and to be honest I can't wait, cause this really suprised me...as all of their releases do...damn tricky technical metalheads.

1. Specular Reflection - THE PROGGY ASTRAL ROLLERCOASTER. Very chaotic, yet their is a sense of orderliness about it. Full of never ending exciting twists and turns. You can hear a progression in Tommy's vocals, showing alot more experimental moments...making their future releases really interesting to hear what he will do more with his vocals. Great chorus. 10/10

2. Augment Of Rebirth - THE CHAOTIC SPORADIC MOMENT - Probabbly my favourite song on the ep. Again very chaotic with alot of mood and tempo changes. Great lyrics. The technical ability is flawless and pheonomonal. I love the dark and atmospheric ending. 10/10

3. Lunar Wilderness - THE CALM BEFORE THE DARK STORM - Starts off very calm and turns into a dark beast of a song. Again very chaotic, and quite beautiful in an odd and sick way. 10/10

CONCLUSION: It's just perfect really, and for a first listen...this doesn't happen alot to albums I listen to.