siLLy puPPy THE STORIES was the first compilation / boxed set from MY DYING BRIDE that released their three earliest EPs “ Symphonaire Infernus Et Spera Empyrium,” “ The Thrash Of Naked Limbs “ and “I Am The Bloody Earth“ all in one handy one-stop shop product. This comp was released in response to the sudden popularity MY DYING BRIDE was experiencing as a result of the success of their very first albums “As The Flower Withers” and “Turn Loose The Swans” as well as growing demand from the heavy exposure during their early tours.

The only difference between THE STORIES and the following compilation called “Trinity” which was released a year earlier which also featured all three early EPs is that THE STORIES features those three EPs exactly as the original releases whereas “Trinity” removed the track “Transcending (Into The Exquisite)” and replaced it with “The Sexuality Of Bereavement” which was originally released as an EP in its own right (along with the other track “The Crown Of Sympathy (Remix)” but was only available to members of the short lived Peaceville Collectors Club Series.

THE STORIES was released in a green cardboard box with new artwork and an additional booklet with lyrics but was limited to only 3000 copies and has become somewhat of a collector’s item over the years. This is truly one only for the most hardcore of completists since every track except “Transcending…” can be found on the much more readily available “Trinity” while the original “I Am The Bloody Earth” with that track is much easier and less expensive to track down. Personally i’ll give it a pass. Rating is based on value as a compilation. See reviews for each EP separately.