Blast

Blast

Track Listings

1. Empire

2. Sign

3. Sense

4. Blast

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Electronica. Duo Consisting of the Touch Guitarist Markus Reuter and Synthesist Bernhard Wosteinrich. 'Blast' Contains Four Epic Soundscapes that Are Ambient in Intent but with Unusual Sequencer Under-Scores. Mixed by Ian Boddy.

Tracks:

That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be
Legend In Your Own Time
Anticipation
The Right Thing To Do
You're So Vain
Mockingbird- with James Taylor
Haven't Got Time For The Pain
Nobody Does It Better
You Belong To Me
Jesse
Coming Around Again
Give Me All Night
The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of
All I Want Is You
Let The River Run
Better Not Tell Her
Love Of My Life
Like A River
Touched By The Sun
Amity- with Sally Taylor

Album Description

This is the first career-spanning, multi-label single disc compilation of her career, including hits from Elektra, Arista, etc.

20 songs- every one of Carly's top Billboard charting hits Digitally Remastered directly from the master tapes.

First single disc multi-label compilation ever!

One of music's most influential and cherished singer/songwriters, Carly Simon has recorded and released over 25 albums and is internationally renowned as a versatile artist who is consistently breaking new ground.

Grammy and Oscar winner, her experiences in life, love and motherhood and her strive for success have translated into several of the most memorable hit songs ever recorded.

Various musicians such as Jennifer Lopez, Janet Jackson, Tori Amos, and Mandy Moore have recently covered some of Carly's songs.

Extensive CD booklet with introduction by Carly Simon!

Includes rare photos and complete essay by Stephen Davis on Carly's illustrious career.

Customer Reviews:

GOOD MUSIC.......2007-07-03

JUST ANOTHER GREAT BUY FROM AMAZON...BRINGS BACK LOTS OF OLD MEMORIES...DEFINITE PLUS TO MY MUSIC COLLECTION

Superb!.......2007-07-03

What a beautiful collection of songs. To have them remastered so they are crisp and clear is wonderful! I find it so enjoyable to listen to as I'm driving. You can't go wrong with this CD.

Carly Simon: Touched By The Sun.....Goddess.......2007-07-01

Wow, what a great talent she is. Has thirtysome years really slipped by since I first bought the Anticipation songbook? (which I still own in mint condition I'm proud to say). This CD collection is the holly grail of Carly's work and a must have for those who "dig" (thanks Murray The K) her sound. Most everything's here on the CD which includes some truely great pictures on Carly, some which I've never seen before. Man, did she have the sexist album covers or what? Carly TRUELY ENJOYS being a woman more than any woman I have met or seen. This fact comes through in her photos like a sledgehammer. We need more woman like her! All in all a great package and a real keeper. Please buy one.

If you're only getting ONE............2007-06-16

My wife has accused me of having a crush on Carly. At least I'm not fool enough to deny it. Carly has been called the voice of my generation, and she is [along with Carole King].

This album is an hour and nineteen minutes of a pure, joy-filled journey over about thirty years, delivered in pretty much chronological order. All, or at least most, of your favorites are here. No point in discussing individual tracks; if you're reading this, you probably have them memorized. It's a good thing that "Better Not Tell Her" is not about me.

I have all of Carly's records. Not everybody will care to. Sad. If you only want one, start here. You will probly get hooked, and want them all.[Unfortunately, a couple are tough to find]. Carly's voice has actually improved with time, and every girl should be lucky enough to have her looks at 60. Essential album.

Carly's Best.......2007-06-14

A second copy of my favorite Carly cd for the car!

Average customer rating:

"What Can Be Safely Written"
Better than the real thing...
Nile Nile Nile //m//
This CD isn't possible
Another crushing and well-executed extreme metal album

Ithyphallic
Nile
Manufacturer: Nuclear Blast Americ
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Apostasy
Icons of Evil
Last Kind Words
Fire Up the Blades
Doomsday X

ASIN: B000R7I2HE
Release Date: 2007-07-17

Tracks:

What Can Be Safely Written
As He Creates So He Destroy
Ithyphallic
Papyrus Containing the Spell to Preserve Its Possessor Against Attacks
Eat of the Dead
Laying Fire Upon Apep
Essential Salts
Infinity of Stone [Instrumental]
Language of the Shadows
Even the Gods Must Die [*]
As He Creates So He Destroys [Instrumental]
Papyrus Containing the Spell to Preserve It's Possessor Against Attacks

Customer Reviews:

"What Can Be Safely Written".......2007-07-24

Nile's "Ithyphallic" re-cements the band's place at the top of death metal's pantheon of reigning kings. Yet another in a string of fantastic, well-produced metal discs in which they somehow manage to outdo themselves, Ithyphallic is just what you would expect from a new Nile release- dense, gloomy and intelligent progressive death metal with a style all it's own and a level of musicianship that is nearly unparalelled in the genre.

Some changes that fans of Nile will be interested in on this new release since their departure from Relapse records is the new production "sound", which is absolutely crushing and dense, while at the same time clear as a bell. Definately the best production Nile has ever had, in which you can distinguish each instrument with clarity. This is especially noticeable in the guitar solos and vocals...in the past they have been sort of murky in the mix, but on Ithyphallic, they jump right out and grab you.

Some other changes worth mentioning for longtime Nile fans are the inclusion of more Lovecraft-inspired themes ("What Can Be Safely Written" and "As He Creates..."), an even higher level of technical guitar proficiency ("Papyrus....." features a ridiculously convoluted and massive harmony riff reminiscent of Decapitated) and sadly, the lack of any inclusion of Karl Sander's fascinating liner notes and commentary on the source material of the lyrics. Really the only caveat, and certainly nitpicking, but a disappointment for longtime fans like myself. The best death metal album of 2007. Absolutely mandatory.

Better than the real thing..........2007-07-21

...this cd destroys everything you listen to...
...revolutionary...
...great snuggle music...
...buy this cd...
...it will grant you immortality...
...and dramatically improve your love-life...
...seriously...

Nile Nile Nile //m//.......2007-07-21

although this isnt much of a review more of an opinion .. im sorry but im not a forum junkie.. (Coughs) .. what to say about Ithyphallic? except that the wait is over .. well for now .. i was really happy when i woke up, "freaking a July 17 . new nile albums is out .. so i head on over to borders, with my best friend of course .. and all i could remember was "i cant wait till i get home and start listening to this. The 1st track just grabs u by ur B.A.L.L.S .. fast and heavy .. fast as in a good way a BRUTAL way .. not like slayer where its crappy fast .. look i can go on all night long .. i just have to say that it was worth the wait .. this is a balls to the wall Album .. although i admit that A.O.T.W was a bit better .. but im probably just saying that because i havent got used to Ithyphallic .. i was just really impressed that they can still keep it coming brutal .. thats what Nile is and should be known for .. and for the guy that wrote the last review"""" all i have to say is that Death Metal isnt for everyone .. sorry that Nile doesnt fullfill ur needs my friend .. i would trully recommend this album 9 out of 10 for me, Great Album, Terrific Sound and George's Drumming Is Inhuman .. also the guitar work is just top notch .. this band doesnt know what Crap sounds like .. thats it /m/

This CD isn't possible.......2007-07-19

I did not think that it would be possible for Nile to craft a CD with more technicality than they display on "Annihilation of the Wicked". However, I was very wrong. This is perhaps one of the most technical CDs ever. The drumming alone is enough to earn this CD a 5...George Kolias must have 17 limbs in order to play all those intricate drum lines. The guitar work is, of course, ridiculous, and the bass tries to keep pace with the rest of the music and succeeds. All in all, a highly recommended album for fans of the death side of metal.

Another crushing and well-executed extreme metal album.......2007-07-19

(4.5 stars)

Nile has produced a vital, consistent, and overall excellent death metal album, without completely reiterating previous works. There is no iconoclasm here -- just a well-honed exemplar of the genre. The brutality and virtuosity of the music are here in clear fidelity, and the Middle Eastern flavours continue to feature, setting Nile apart.

Ithyphallic continues in the vein of the previous album, Annihilation of the Wicked. The production has been tweaked slightly while keeping the characteristic cleanness and balance. The drums have been brought forward slightly -- a very welcome adjustment from the last album.

The guitar-work almost entirely serves the rhythm, but there are some interesting patterns and stylings. The pitch-bends are well-placed, and work well with the exotic atmosphere of the songs, and there are some very sweet scales ripped out at high speed in the riffing. The tunings are still extremely low, giving Nile an utterly dark sound.

The drumming is phenomenal. George Kollias' playing is so tight and dynamic here. The tempo is even slightly higher in some of the songs than on previous works, (Papyrus... has been clocked at 270 BPM according to Neal Kernon) but there are plenty of slow, `doomy' sections. The album is full of tempo changes. Kollias was also involved in the songwriting on this album, which is heard in the richer dynamics of the rhythms and phrasing.

The lyrics (I haven't read them yet) include some interesting themes (As He Creates...), but on the whole seem to be the usual Egyptological topics.

The vocals are surprisingly clean for such baritone grunts. They are consistent and brutal, although it sounds like Dallas is handling even more of the vocals than in past albums. Personally, I would like to hear the more varied assault of three singers, but Dallas is the best vocalist this group has ever had.

One complaint with this album is the lead guitar, as in the final song -- it sounds uninspired and obligatory. There must be ways to work fresh leads into the Nile sound. ?

In closing, Ithyphallic is a nasty, powerful album, and a must-have for lovers of brutal, fast, and demolishing metal. The Nile flavour is expressing itself in a slightly different way, with all the qualities that make Nile great listening.

This is not totally fresh or genre-breaking music, but it perfects what has become the modern death metal style to the highest degree I have hear so far.

Average customer rating:

A Power Metal fan's dream come true
Not their best work.
a masterpiece...sonata arctica continue to impress
A Profound Disappointment
The next step in a logical progression

Unia
Sonata Arctica
Manufacturer: Nuclear Blast Americ
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Ghost Opera
Paradise Lost
Systematic Chaos
Systematic Chaos
Overture of the Wicked

ASIN: B000OLHGFC
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

In Black and White
Paid in Full
For the Sake of Revenge
It Won't Fade
Under Your Tree
Caleb
Vice
My Dream's But a Drop of Fuel for a Nightmare
Harvest
Worlds Forgotten, The Words Forbidden
Fly with the Black Swan
Good Enough Is Good Enough
Out in the Fields [*]

Customer Reviews:

A Power Metal fan's dream come true.......2007-07-16

This album is awsome! Don't listen to other reviewers about there not being a lot of "headbanging rock" in this album. This is just power metal with a more progressive foundation. If you want a bit more kick in power metal go with Primal Fear. But if you want more artistry and style, this album is for you. Perfect for listening on the go or for relaxing at home.

Not their best work........2007-07-12

I have been a fan of Sonata Arctica for a long time, but I was really disappointed in this CD. It is really not their best work.

a masterpiece...sonata arctica continue to impress.......2007-07-01

So it seems that, on a whole, fans are pretty happy with this release. At the very least, I know that I am. However there is always people who can't be pleased and something tells me if their complaints on this album were met then they wouldn't be satisfied in the first place. Let's examine these negative reviews for the farce they truly are, ok?

People complains that the mile a minute double bass is gone. Ok, true. But there is still tons of double bass. In fact, almost every song has double bass. Because it's not fast doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Sonata Arctica's old one hundred mile a minute double bass sounded dumb anyway because their songs aren't not up to speed with the drums. Now, onto the tempo. Up tempo? Since when was Sonata Arctica an up tempo, speed metal band? Um, never. Sure their first cd was pretty uptemp but after that they started making slow to mid temp albums with the up tempo just sprinkled throughout. I mean, Silence and Winterheart's Guild were pretty slow and even reckoning night was pretty slow too most of the time so I'm not sure why people are suddenly mad that that sonata are no longer play fast up tempo power metal when they never did that in the first place.

In fact, calling Sonata Arctica a power metal but would be a really big stretch. Ok, so their first album was power metal to the core but after that it's obvious they turned into more of a progressive metal band, which they are still are on this release. Reviewers act like this band just makes ballads now, which is not true. There is maybe two songs on here that could be considered a ballad. It doesn't really matter anyway since SA has always had several ballads on their albums so why should this one be any different to your hears? Oh wait, it's not. Just because these song are slow to mid-tempo doesn't mean they are not heavy and don't rock. In fact, almost every song has awesome heavy metal riffs. I mean, they may not be power metal but they are still definitely a progressive metal band. The negative reviewers act like they sold out and now play pop.

All the elements that make a good Sonata Arctica are still in great form: soaring and epic vocals, simple but effective riffs, double bass, good drumming, and this time the bass is very audible. I would also like to know that their songs have gotten longer and more complex in turns of overall songwriting. We have two songs that are over 6 minutes (caleb, My Dream's But a Drop of Fuel for a Nightmare), one over 9 minutes (in black and white), and several more that over 5 minutes. Also, the cool keyboard laded solos are back, just check out Fly with the black swan. As they have done for awhile now, they end the song with a ballad (good enough is good enough).

My favorite songs are: In Black and White, The Vice, My Dream's But a Drop of Fuel for a Nightmare, The Harvest, and Fly With the Black swan. I'll admit that there is two songs on here I don't like and that's the last song I've just mentioned, Good enough is good enough. It's just boring. For people wanting up tempo songs check out the harvest, the vice, and it wont' fade.

Lastly, I will mentioned the production: great. Reckoning Night had terrible production but this time it's clear and precise and you can hear everything going on.

All in all, an excellent edition to sonata arctica's already stellar discography.

So all of the negative nancy's who want power metal: go listen to ecliptica and STFU.

A Profound Disappointment.......2007-06-29

I wanted to like this album. I really did. I gave it 2 solid weeks of non-stop listening.

I love complex music, my favorite bands are Dream theater, Symphony X, ELP, and the like. But I always felt that songs had to be good SONGS first, and complex second. That's why I fell in love with Sonata Arctica.

This album soudns like the only thing they tried to do was NOT do a typical SA album. The songs are complex, but they don't seem to make any musical sense. The melodies meander through different intervals, the chord progressions seem contrived and meter changes seem to be there for no reason at all. Complexity in and of itself does not make good music. The only song I really enjoy, Caleb, is ruined by the fact that the climax is someone saying in an annoyed voice "Whatever, God". What a way to ruin a song. None of the songs seem to have definitive endings, and as each one fades off in seemingly the middle of a thought, I'm left wondering if anything just happened.

To me, take away the good melodies and SA is left with nothing. I look forward to their next effort. Tony is still one of my favorite metal vocalists ever, and Henkka has shown some amazing keyboards on this album. Hopefully they'll learn from their mistakes. Reckoning Night proved you can move a little bit away from your old style while still writing good cogent music and not abandoning everything. Hopefully they'll come back to some of the things that made them great.

The next step in a logical progression.......2007-06-09

As for those complaining that Sonata Arctica is no longer straight-up power metal, I say look elsewhere. This band has been following a very consistent, gradual progression from power metal to a more artistic blend of original SA, Queen, Dream Theater, Classical, etc. ever since Their third album, Winterheart's Guild. Even Silence, their second album had hints of the deeper artistry to come.

Therefore it is no surprise that their fifth installment takes even further steps into this (for SA) previously uncharted territory. In fact, I am surprised at how Unia sounds like a very natural continuation of Reckoning Night. It's as if some meta-album just keeps unfolding with each successive release. I don't listen to a lot of progressive rock, rock opera, whatever; but from what I have heard SA does a better job at making art music more listenable and inspiring than most.

However, gone are the simple over-the-top driving power metal anthems of the Ecliptica days. In a way, this is unfortunate, since I feel SA did the best power metal out there. Like I said, however, if you want power metal, look elsewhere. These guys obviously have a need to continually expand into deeper, more artsy territory, and they are doing it quite well. Unia is definitely the best such effort to date. Some of the multi-part vocal work is particularly unique and astounding - also not a surprise, since this has always been SA's greatest strength (in the studio, that is - they would need to hire an entire chorus to do any of their later albums justice when played live). And there are still some good hooks in there. The "Out In The Fields" bonus track is a good example).

So, if you like the direction SA was heading with Reckoning Night, definitely rush out and buy this album. If you are expecting an album that hearkens back to the Ecliptica or Silence days, go buy Dragon Force or something.

Average customer rating:

Ringo
ITS BLAST FROM YOUR PAST WITH RINGO AND HIS FAMOUS NO NO SONG.
It's a Blast!
Having a BLAST listening to Ringo
Good, but incomplete

Blast From Your Past
Ringo Starr
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Best of George Harrison
Wingspan (Hits & History)
All the Best
Ringo
Goodnight Vienna

ASIN: B000006MV0
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

You're Sixteen (You're Beautiful And You're Mine)
No No Song/Skokiaan
It Don't Come Easy
Photograph
Back Off Boogaloo
Only You (And You Alone)
Beaucoups Of Blues
Oh My My
Early 1970
I'm The Greatest

Amazon.com

Just possibly the luckiest pop musician in history (replacing hapless Pete Best in the Beatles on the eve of their EMI signing and the unprecedented fame that followed), Ringo Starr wasted no time carving out his own comfortable--and surprisingly successful--post-Fabs career in the early 1970s. This concise greatest-hits package (ostensibly a contractual-filling farewell to his longtime label) compiles all of the drummer's top 10 hits, including the evergreen smashes "Photograph" and "You're Sixteen," as well as the hit singles "It Don't Come Easy" and "Back Off Boogaloo." The charming B-side "Early 1970" (chronicling the contemporary lives of three of Starr's suspiciously familiar musician friends) is also included. It may shortchange Ringo's lovingly quirky early country & western and Tin Pan Alley collections (Beaucoups of Blues and Sentimental Journey, respectively), but it's still a great choice for hit-hungry fans. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Ringo.......2007-05-12

If you like Ringo this is the only CD you will need to buy. It has all of his best songs (and there are quite a few) and they are the studio recordings-not the lame live recordings of his music. Don't get me wrong-I love Ringo live but he should have the monkeys who record his live shows flogged!! Actually I should not have said monkeys-it is an insult to them as they would have done a far better job recording Ringo's concerts that the inept humans who were hired to do this job. Enough of my ranting though-if you like Ringo buy this CD it is the only one you will need for your Ringo collection!!! It is awesome!!

ITS BLAST FROM YOUR PAST WITH RINGO AND HIS FAMOUS NO NO SONG........2007-02-04

Readers and reviewers, I will be writing a review on the legendary compilation album entitled "BLAST FROM YOUR PAST" by one of Rock's greatest personalities who just so happens to be an Ex-Beatle. I give you one of England's favorite sons and pride and joy's, Mr. Richard Starkey or should I say, MR. RINGO STARR. "BLAST FROM YOUR PAST" was originally released in 1976 on vinyl/LP and cassette on the infamous Capitol Records in association with EMI Records and Parlophone Records. As always, if I hear any new additional information concerning this legendary compilation album or its legendary artist, I will edit this review immediately so that you the consumer will get the best informative and most accurate review possible.

What can I say about the legendary RINGO STARR that hasn't already been said? RINGO STARR has graced us with his many talents and his most recent tours to this very day. RINGO STARR would begin his early career as a drummer from Liverpool, England as part of THE FAB FOUR or should I say THE BEATLES. When THE BEATLES broke up in 1970, RINGO would try his hand at not only a solo career, but as an actor. In the early 70's, RINGO was extremely successful at both but would slowly fade away until the movie CAVEMAN was made and released in 1981. CAVEMAN would also star Dennis Quaid, Shelley Long, John Matuszak and RINGO'S wife Barbara Bach. However, RINGO'S solo music career did have some fine moments. "BLAST FROM YOUR PAST" are the results of those moments. In my opinion, "BLAST FROM YOUR PAST" is a very up lifting and positive album which contains some very funny songs.

I will list and review certain song tracks contained in this compilation album. It is extremely hard for me to choose any one song track over the other. However, due to trying to shorten this review as much as posible, I will only list certain song tracks in their original exact running order as follows: (1.) "You're Sixteen (You're Beautiful And You're Mine)," (This is a wonderful Ringo Starr song that brings back the spirit of the 50's music. Ringo sings this song perfectly to the bone.) (2.) "No No Song/Skokiaan," (I love this song. This is my most favorite RINGO STARR song. I love the lyrics to this song. The lyrics are so funny, we can all pretty much relate to it, at least I can. RINGO sings this song with such emotion like he truly means it. I love it when RINGO sings the chorus "AND I SAID NO NO NO NO I DON'T (Sniff) NO MORE, I'M TIRED OF WAKING UP ON THE FLOOR, NO THANK YOU PLEASE IT ONLY MAKES ME SNEEZE, AND THEN IT MAKES IT HARD TO FIND THE DOOR. Enough said.) (3.) "It Don't Come Easy," (I love this up beat song. This song is produced by George Harrison. RINGO sings this song with such power that you can almost feel the rough times in his voice what it was like being an BEATLE in the early days.) (4.) "Photograph," (This is another up beat song that RINGO delivers a fine lead vocal performance. This song is co-written with George Harrison.) (6.) "Only You (And You Alone)" (This is another beautiful song sung by RINGO. Ringo sings this song like he is naturally flowing his happy and rejoicing voice from the gut and through the microphone. I love this song.) and (8.) "Oh My My." (This is another beautiful song sung by RINGO. Listening to these songs gives you the feeling that RINGO was indeed, an extremely talented individual. It doesn't surprise me that all four BEATLES were extremely talented in their own right.) The other songs such as "Back Off Boogaloo," "Beaucoups Of Blues," "Early 1970" and "I'm The Greatest" are also good songs that are great contributions from George Harrison and John Lennon. Overall, this is a very entertaining album which has some funny humor to it.

I would like to encourage everybody to purchase this album to own as part of their valuable music collection. This legendary compilation album will definitely stand the test of time and will always be around to be enjoyed and cherished for many years to come, NOW AND FOREVER.

In closing, RINGO STARR is here to stay. With the deaths of JOHN LENNON and GEORGE HARRISON, we now realize that a BEATLES reunion is now out of the question. RINGO STARR and PAUL MCCARTNEY are now all that remains of the original FAB FOUR. We as fans should enjoy them while they're still here while we still can. Here's to you RINGO. Keep Persevering. Keep The Faith. Keep On Rockin'. And as the saying goes, "AND THE REST IS ROCK N' ROLL HISTORY," am I wrong? Thanks for reading my review and I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it for your reading pleasure. I also hope that you will read all of my other reviews in the near future when time permits. THE BEATLES FOREVER. RINGO RULES. R.I.P John Lennon and George Harrison. Long Live Rock n' Roll. Rock out always and take it easy. Forever in Rock, John L.

It's a Blast!.......2007-01-06

I docked this a star for the cd being so short. Back when this was released on vinyl, 10 or 11 songs was fine, but on CD it seems skimpy. Anyway, if you remember Ringo's big hits of the early 70's, they're pretty much all here, and they all sound great. Maybe a more complete retrospective will be released someday, but for now, if you need to hear "The No No Song," or "It Don't Come Easy," go ahead and pick this up.

Having a BLAST listening to Ringo.......2006-11-10

Love this CD. I especially like hearing songs I haven't heard before, like Early 1970, all about Ringo and the lads. Ringo is still my favorite Beatle!

Good, but incomplete.......2006-11-03

This is just a song-for-song release of the 1976 album. It only has 10 songs and is woefully incomplete. The orignal album was even missing a few songs that were hits before the album was release including Oo-Wee (which was a Top 40 hit), Snookeroo (which was the B-side of the No No Song, but received enough air play for it to be listed as a double sided hit), and Goodnight Vienna, which also received a fair amount of air play in 1975. It does have some great songs like Photograph, It Don't Come Easy, and Back Off Boogaloo, but it is long past time for an update. Ringo has had some good stuff since this album was released. Time to either release an all new greatest hits package spanning his entire solo career or do a new edition of this with bonus tracks!

Average customer rating:

Sombre Grandeur
Was over 2 months late
Poserfagness
Good album once again.
Its Dimmu Borgir...

In Sorte Diaboli
Dimmu Borgir
Manufacturer: Nuclear Blast America
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Fiction
Ordo Ab Chao
Icons of Evil
United Abominations
Threads of Life

ASIN: B000NOK0R6
Release Date: 2007-04-24

Tracks:

The Serpentine Offering
The Chosen Legacy
The Conspiracy Unfolds
The Ancestral Fever
The Sacreligious Scorn
The Fallen Arsis
The Sinister Awakening
The Fundemental Alienation
The Invaluable Darkness
The Foreshadowing Furnace

Amazon.com

From Electric Light Orchestra to Urge Overkill, some of rock's most memorable acts have trafficked in over-amplifications of genre to a level approaching the absurd. Whether Dimmu Borgir has the campy self-awareness of the latter or simply find themselves locked into their delirious conflation of black metal, vaguely industrial rock, and symphonic and operatic sounds with the fetishistic devotion of Jeff Lynne from ELO is anyone's guess. The last few years have brought more young listeners back to metal, what with all the supposedly "intelligent" and emo metal groups such as Pelican, Mastodon, and Early Man. It's still quite a leap from that to a Norwegian band who prints their lyrics backwards so that they have to be read in the mirror and craft ridiculously dark concept albums about the evils of the Christian church, and how Satanism is so much better. There's no irony here. But there is bombast in just about every conceivable manifestation, delivered beautifully. From the soaring, operatic vocals and live string accompaniment to the beyond-fast riffing and drumming, In Sorte Diaboli is the perfect music to annoy parents and satisfy fans of overindulgence everywhere. --Mike McGonigal

Album Description

Black metal's most prolific and infamous band, DIMMU BORGIR, return with a new beautifully blasphemous studio epic masterpiece, In Sorte Diaboli! Limited edition features a bonus DVD.

Customer Reviews:

Sombre Grandeur.......2007-07-23

By all accounts I should not like Dimmu Borgir. If there's something I can't stand it's growling, I've never been interested in black metal, and moreover Satanism isn't my cup of tea. Nevertheless, when I saw Shagrath in Kamelot's "March of Mephisto" video I was impressed. Turning in such a great performance in a cameo was no mean feat. So, when "In Sorte Diaboli" came out I bought the limited edition, actually without even knowing if I could manage to get to the end of the album and whether it would join the small pile of other interesting monstrosities in a drawer. Much to my surprise, I liked it. A lot. This is rich, complex, highly original music, and glorious, in-your-face symphonic metal, with so many musical influences thrown in that it might explode if the overall design wasn't kept in check with a firm hand. There are even echoes of church music in Mustis' keyboard flourishes and of Gregorian chanting in Vortex' mesmerizing vocals. With such a heavenly voice he could front his own band, but luckily he sticks with Dimmu Borgir. Sombre grandeur is a trite expression, but it fits this music well. I've been listening to this album a lot and I keep finding it satisfactory, in the sense that it is so complex and there are so many unexpected variations that I never have the impression to get to the bottom of it. There's always something more to discover. Shagrath's vocals aren't the stumbling block I expected, and the reason is his is rather a loud hoarse whisper than a proper growl. He is more a talented actor than a vocalist, and I say this as a compliment. Compared to previous albums such as "Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia" and "Death Cult Armageddon" which I got subsequently, Mustis is kept in the background, which is a pity. The man is worth his weight in gold, and bringing him into the band was a stroke of genius. The lyrics are less cryptic here, Shagrath's enunciation is clearer, and you can read them provided you go to the trouble of using a mirror because they're printed backwards, of all the silly ideas. I'm a huge fan of symphonic metal, and Dimmu Borgir have become one of my favourite bands. You can debate if this album is an improvement on PEM or DCA or not. In my opinion it's just different, which goes to show these guys don't stick to a formula, but definitely "In Sorte Diaboli" is a must have.

Was over 2 months late.......2007-07-21

I enjoy this cd, but the delivery estimate was for may 3. I didnt even recieve it until the beginning of july. This is the second time something like this happened with amazon.

Poserfagness.......2007-07-15

Support Accoustic Black Metal.

This is not grim nor is it frostbitten.

Get Impaled Northern Moonforest instead.

Hail the Necrowizard!

Good album once again........2007-07-11

I keep waiting for these guys to make a shoddy album, but they never do. This is yet another fine work of satanic black metal music. I love the way they coombine the guitars with the keyboards, and Shagrath's vocals are probably the best in black meatl music.

Its Dimmu Borgir..........2007-06-24

Dimmu Borgir no longer have the Prague Orchestra in their music. Which is a shame because Death Cult Armaggedon was an amazing cd that really opened up the creativity waves of the black metal genre. (Black metal isn't known for creativity) Symphonic Black Metal! With this latest offering: In Sorte Diaboli, they have gone back to the old, old formula of drum and guitar driven melodies with keyboards playing the mere enhancement role.

When I heard The Serpentine Offering for the first time I was blown away. I though to myself, well they've let the real orchestra go but can still make keyboard driven melodies from hell. Well, almost. Thats about the only song that really sticks out in being similiar to what we've come to appreciate about the unique Dimmu Borgir.

With the negatives aside, this album is really really good. It may be a letdown for Symphonic/Metal lovers like me, but as a whole this disc has it all. Hellhammer is back. Enough said. The clean vocals that pop up here and there are refreshing. The guitar/drum work in tandem is top notch. The whole concept of the album is stellar as well.

If you are a Dimmu Borgir fan then you have to get this disc. I did based on the mere fact it was DB. Its a great album but in my opinion a bit of a step back in the creativity department.

Average customer rating:

Dooooooooom!! One of the best in years!!
Kings of Doom! Album of The Year

King of the Grey Islands
Candlemass
Manufacturer: Nuclear Blast Americ
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Give Me Your Soul...Please
Ithyphallic
The Apostasy
Overture of the Wicked
United Abominations

ASIN: B000R4S6EG
Release Date: 2007-07-17

Tracks:

Prologue
Emperor of the Void
Devil Seed
Of Stars and Smoke
Demonia 6
Destroyer
Man of Shadows
Clearsight
Opal City
Embracing the Styx
At the Gallows End [*]
Solitude [*]

Album Details

Prepare Yourself for a True Epic Doom Classic!

Customer Reviews:

Dooooooooom!! One of the best in years!!.......2007-07-19

Alright, I was skeptical on anything Candlemass would do without their Original Singer Messiah. But this album shows just how great they are without him, I mean, This album has "Come Get Some" written all over it, its very good!I cannot believe Messiah did not want to sing on these songs! i have listened to this band since early 86 and love playing them on guitar and this album totally surprised me!! I listen to it more than any other album released recent. i love Niles new album too but i like this album more!! The vocals are so good and solitude and at the gallows poll are just as good as messiah was. I am so happy they are moving on for their fans and i feel they are a very unselfish band to go on and try so hard for us other than a breakup over differences with their singer. It just happens. But Messiah should see just how great they are without him. Robert is a Dallas boy and so am i so you can see he is more hungry (probably nicer too) and it shows because this is a classic candlemass album. so many defining moments, like "Embracing the styx" what a powerhouse song!! If you ever loved doom metal, This is it. Hands down, anyone who doesnt agree is a liar!. And probably does not play music. This is one of the best albums they ever did! im happy they are moving on , for us the fans! we deserve it and they show it through a hard driving album that should define them for the past and the future, and show the power behind them. You should get this album, you will love it! It has a cool album cover too!! Simple, mean and to the point!

Kings of Doom! Album of The Year.......2007-07-18

Marcolin is gone- and the result is an incredible album! This album blows me away- it's easily the best Candlemass release in years! The self-titled reunion album was something of a disappointment; even though the classic lineup was back, the weird production and lackluster songwriting made for an uninteresting listen. Not so this time! While the songs still do not have the epic grandeur of tunes from 'Nightfall' and other 80s CM albums, the tracks on KotGI have a dark, focused intensity that makes them menacing and memorable in nature. Lowe's vocal performance is easily his best in many years, adding the perfect dark atmospheres to the songs, some of which sound like classic Solitude Aeturnus material (particularly 'Destroyer'). Other tuns are also incredible, such as the majestic 'of stars and smoke', the poundingly heavy 'emperor of the void', and the haunting 'man of shadows'. Honestly, if you're a fan of Doom, this album is for you! Make sure to get a copy with the new versions of 'Mass classics 'solitude' and 'at the gallows end'. While they sound a little different musically, Lowe's vocal treatment of these two classics is just godly. Hail the return of true doom!

Average customer rating:

If you like the genre, you should love this
Not bad, but...
Blase
Amazing!
Nice ethereal, melodic metal

Nine Destinies and a Downfall
Sirenia
Manufacturer: Nuclear Blast Americ
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Illumination
The Forgotten Goddess
An Elixir for Existence
At Sixes and Sevens
The Heart of Everything

ASIN: B000MG1YC0
Release Date: 2007-03-20

Tracks:

Last Call
My Mind's Eye
One by One
Sundown
Absent Without Leave
Other Side
Seven Keys and Nine Doors
Downfall
Glades of Summer
My Mind's Eye [Radio Edit][*]

Customer Reviews:

If you like the genre, you should love this.......2007-07-03

Of much more consistent quality than their earlier albums, Nine Destinies and a Downfall is a solid example of innovative contemporary gothic metal. A great album overall. Highly recommend it!

Not bad, but..........2007-06-10

As a huge fan of Tristania, and inumerable other gothic metal bands, I must admit that I bought this album with high expectations. Admitedly, it is very good by most standards, but is also far more *shudder* 'pop-friendly' than will generally be apreciated by the average metal-head.
Therefore, for those seeking something heavier, I certainly recommend some of Sirenia's earlier works, as well as those of Tristania- masterpeices all.
But you should by no means overlook 'Nine Destinies and a Downfall', as it's still a very good record compared to most of the dribble out there these days.

Blase.......2007-06-08

I wasn't impressed. The lead singer's voice is not as rich as I expected, and I read somewhere that this band considered themselves to be "symphonic" metal, and even went so far as to invite comparisons with Dimmu Borgir. Yet I heard very few strings or winds, and I heard none of the bombast associated with Dimmu's latest offerings (Death Cult Armageddon & In Sorte Diaboli).

The songs are amateurish with bland, predictable melodies that lack energy and lyrical content that sounds like it came directly out of my buddy's goth sister's diary.

In short, mopey 14-year-old self-mutilators who just lost their "one true love" will eat this up. The rest of us have better things to do.

Amazing!.......2007-04-27

This is easily some of the best symphonic metal I have ever heard. I am glad they decided to keep the death growls to a minimum (they only appear briefly on 3 tracks). That is not my thing and would have prevented me from buying this disc if there had been more. The female vocals are not quite the calibur of Nightwish but they are very good. The music is modern and catchy but there is much more to this outing than what you normally get on the radio these days. Imagine the symphonic metal excess of Nightwish mixed with the radio rock accessibility of Evanescence.

Nice ethereal, melodic metal.......2007-04-26

I guess the main reason I'm writing this review is to defend a good album from being slandered. I'll pretty much listen to anything Morten's a part of (which usually revolves around intense Gothic metal riffs and death growls aplenty), but just because "Nine Destinies and a Downfall" is softer in that department, by no means does it equal to being bad. Objectively speaking of course, if you enjoy melodic metal with lots of female singing, chances are you'll love this album - but if you're looking for the same familiar sound Sirenia's produced in the past than perhaps you'd be wise to simply pass on this one. The melodies are a bit toned down, and yes they're more accessible, but they still rock. Monika also has lovely enough vocal abilities. She's certainly no Sharon den Adel of Within Temptation, either in prowess or presence, but her voice is pleasant nonetheless.

The same can be said for this album. It's not Sirenia's best effort but it certainly doesn't deserve the negative reviews its been receiving. So please do your homework before buying. Listen to samples - go to their myspace page. It all depends on personal preferance.

Average customer rating:

are you kidding me?
Another solid Threshold album
A funny thing happened on the way to the studio...
Decent But Not Spectacular Metal
Amazing find!

Dead Reckoning
Threshold
Manufacturer: Nuclear Blast Americ
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Origins of Ruin
Paradise Lost
Fear of a Blank Planet
Snakes & Arrows
Ghost Opera

ASIN: B000N3SSR6
Release Date: 2007-04-24

Tracks:

Slipstream
This Is Your Life
Elusive
Hollow
Pilot in the Sky of Dreams
Fighting for Breath
Disappear
Safe to Fly
One Degree Down

Customer Reviews:

are you kidding me?.......2007-07-15

Dream Theatre they are not... not even close. The only great song is 7 tracks in and the rest is very mediocre. The writing is ammaturish, the vocals are laid down with a beat syncronous to the rythm of the melody pathetic. It goes on and on with the lilt of kids nursery rhyme... da na, da na, da na, da nananana da na. And what's up with the gutteral groans scattered carelessy through out. I like in your face metal as much as melodic rock, but throwing down growls in an AOR tune is too weird.

Save your money

Another solid Threshold album.......2007-06-28

Threshold seems to be one of those bands (Vanden Plas is another) that are perpetually on the well, threshold (sorry) of reaching a wider audience. You know that if just half, or even a quarter of those who bought Dream Theater's latest album checked out Threshold, they would have the fanbase their music deserves. I didn't discover them until I saw them perform at ProgPower USA III in 2002 (which is captured on the Threshold - Critical Energy DVD), but once I did I was hooked.

With 2007's Dead Reckoning, Threshold continues their run of high quality melodic progressive metal albums. Threshold is probably the best band in the genre when it comes to balancing great melodies with technical proficiency. As proggy as the music may get, there are still plenty of great guitar hooks and songs that stick in your head and make you sing along. They also manage to keep your attention throughout the entire album, whether it's through aggressive pacing or avoiding the kind of self-indulgent instrumental passages that are all too common in the genre. These guys are all obviously very talented musicians, but they have the good sense to realize that the song is more important than the solo. I think having such a unique and competent vocalist in Mac helps in that respect.

My only real complaint about this album (and pretty much all of their albums since Hypothetical) is that the band hasn't really done much to progress their style. To be sure, they've improved their skills with each release, but the basic formula is largely unchanged. It's a minor complaint when you consider just how good each album is, but still, you expect some evolution from a progressive metal band. The brief inclusion of death metal-style vocals on Elusive (courtesy of Nightingale mainman Dan Swano) was a nice touch, and showed that the band is willing to experiment a bit.

If you're a Threshold fan, I doubt you'll be disappointed in Dead Reckoning. If you're a progressive rock/metal fan just now discovering the band, then kudos to you! You're now in on a (too) well-kept secret.

NOTE: The limited edition version of Dead Reckoning comes in a nifty digipack with a foil cover and includes one bonus track - a very unexpected cover of the Muse single Supermassive Black Hole. It's about the same price as the regular version, so it's well worth searching for.

A funny thing happened on the way to the studio..........2007-05-28

First let me say that previous to "Dead Reckoning" I considered Threshold to be my favorite group/music, but something is missing with this CD. Maybe it's the absence of Jon Jeary and Nick Midson combined, that finally account for the lack of grandeur and epic qualities in the songwriting that defined Threshold's music over their past four CD's. This isn't a bad effort, but it doesn't have anything that reaches out and grabs you like their previous releases did. I really looked forward to hearing this CD and now that I have, I'm left bored and disappointed.

Decent But Not Spectacular Metal.......2007-05-15

This review is a tough one for me to write...I first heard Threshold years ago during the release of their amazing album "Critical Mass", a heavy, intelligent, and original progressive metal tour-de-force that left me wanting more. After picking up some of their older material ("Hypothetical" is also very good) as well as their next release, "Subsurface", I was very excited when I first heard about their latest.

The problem I am having is not one of style or musicianship; I would not change a thing. All band members are very good at what they do. Threshold is not as complex (or convoluted, as the case may be) as other metal bands usually lumped under the "progressive" moniker, but they play very heavy, well-written riffs, great melodic solos, and memorable melodies. Their style is quite singular, most of that having to do with their excellent singer, Mac; he has a very powerful and unique sound that I love. The problem is the degeneration of the lyrics. "Critical Mass" and many of their other releases were full of interesting philosophical musings- reincarnation, subatomic universes, the relationship of those who serve the powerful to their own apathy....very heady stuff. Not for everyone, but I find philosophy and metaphysics fascinating. More and more, however, I find myself wincing painfully or skipping ahead to avoid painfully contived, cliche'd lyrics. "Pilot In The Sky Of Dreams"? Not that I'm some tough-guy that doesn't like sensitive lyrics or emotions, but my god....there is a point at which it's just cheesy. I feel like I'm listening to Journey. So, to summarize, I love Threshold, and wanted to give it five stars, but couldn't. Other than that, it's cool stuff.

Amazing find!.......2007-05-11

If you liked the early more commercial sounding Dream Theater, you'll really enjoy this album. It's probably my favorite CD this year, of all genres.

Average customer rating:

It a little different for them
WHAT HAPPENED!?!
Therion, freed from their chains...
Gothic Therion... Gothic Greatness!!!
Therion reimagined..........brilliant work!

Gothic Kabbalah
Therion
Manufacturer: Nuclear Blast Americ
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Illumination
Celebrators of Becoming
Lemuria/Sirius B
Nine Destinies and a Downfall
Secret of the Runes

ASIN: B000KRN65E
Release Date: 2007-02-06

Tracks:

Der Mitternachtsl
Gothic Kabbalah
Perennial Sophia
Wisdom and the Cage
Son of the Staves of Time
Tuna 1613: Momentum Excitationis
Trul
Close Up the Streams

Tracks:

Wand of Abaris
Three Treasures
Path to Arcady
TOF - The Trinity
Chain of Minerva (2012)
Falling Stone
Adulruna Rediviva

Customer Reviews:

It a little different for them.......2007-07-12

It sounds like a slight departure from the Lemuria sound that I love. Feels a little less opera and a little more Lacuna Coil.

WHAT HAPPENED!?!.......2007-06-25

Maybe my standards have gotten too high after so many excellent CD's released by THERION. If this was a new band, I'd probably say it was pretty good as a first effort --- But not for THERION! I'll have to say that I was really disappointed with Gothic Kaballah. Everything that makes THERION stand out and above other bands is missing. The heavy guitars mixed with the backing orchestra is not here. The subtle (haunting) female singing has been replaced by more commercial lead female singing. The rythmic crunching of the bass guitar is gone. There are many different instruments used throughout the music, but without the full orchestra to back it up, it just sounds like they tried throw as many instuments as they could onto one CD. I guess if this is the worst that THERION puts out, then it's not too bad .......... It's just that they've done so much better before. I just hope that they get back to their roots in the future and don't continue in this direction. There are more than enough radio-friendly female-fronted bands out there right now. Let's hope that THERION doesn't fall into the same cookie-cutter frame that everyone else seems to be rushing into. I'm not dissing THERION for this CD, but it's their own fault that I'm so critical. Like I said before, maybe my standards are just too high based on everything that they put out before Gothic Kaballah.

Therion, freed from their chains..........2007-05-09

I don't know if it's due to their issues with their record label, but Therion seem to finally have shaken their orchestral shackles, which in my opinion kept them from truly finding their footing as a band. This is a mature album, where the instrumental choices seem to have been carefully considered, instead of simply thrown in because they could.

They've also lost the simplistic goth air they were carrying like an albatross for the last few years. Their themes are still in line with the goth ethos, but they have a much broader palette. This again is indicative of their maturity as a band.

Proof that you can do much more with less... Bravo.

Gothic Therion... Gothic Greatness!!!.......2007-04-28

Hell well...

The very first time I discovered this band was with Vovin Album.. I remember what this made me feel, It was like a shock!!! Sometimes you imagine an amount of things that you would like to gather in a band, to be perfect but It stays like a dream... This dream comes true to me with Therion... One of my TOP 3 bands... Opeth - Therion - Nevermore are my Trinity!!!! Thanks to the Gods for given me these Titanic Bands!!!!

Ahh, almost forgot... This Album it's great at all it's components, amazing Letters (for those who like Esoterism), Incredible singers and the unique sound of Therion... What else you could ask??? Just Great!!!

Tidelson!!!! I am your follower!!!!

Therion reimagined..........brilliant work!.......2007-03-28

There seems to be a school of thought out there that "Gothic Kabbalah" is kind of the climax of a sequence that started with "Voices of the Runes" and continued with "Lemuria/Sirius B". Maybe its because I'm not really very steeped in the lyrics and mythology of the thing, but to me "Gothic Kabbalah" sounds more like a whole new direction. Its always a little scary when a band you really like does something like this, but this is one of the times it really works.

This isn't a CD that is going to grab most people and pull them in right away. Its more an intricate piece of work that reveals itself over time...the more you put in, the more you get out of it. I've listened to it a half dozen times, at least, and I keep hearing new things and I keep "going whoa" at how seamless, detailed and beautifully crafted it all is. This approach isn't for everybody; if you have to have bombast and raw power your results may vary. But those who appreciate creativity, originality, pure musucianship and that incredibly addicting mix of beauty and power should rush out and get this.

Major points on the audio quality front too. This may be the best sounding metal CD I've ever heard. It has a very smooth and powerful sound and its extremely detailed and balanced across the entire spectrum. Guitars sound great and don't drown out anything else (all of you other bands, engineers, and producers - pay attention!)

If I had to choose between the last two Therion CDs I would probably still pick "Lemuria/Sirius B" over "Gothic Kabbalah" and I would definitely recommend "Lemuria/Sirius B" as a starting point for the uninitiated. But I think Therion made the absolutely correct choice in going in another direction (really, how do you top "Lemuria/Sirius B"?), I love the results so far, and am 100% behind "Gothic Kabbalah" and the "new" Therion. Nightwish is always going to be #1 for me, but I think Therion are the only ones out there that are on the same level.

Average customer rating:

Children Of Bodom - 'Hatebreeder' (Nuclear Blast)
Great Music!
Essential Children Of Bodom
Bodom's Unbridled Masterpiece
Wonderful neo-classical metal

Hatebreeder
Children of Bodom
Manufacturer: Nuclear Blast Americ
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Something Wild
Follow the Reaper
Hate Crew Deathroll
Whoracle
Jester Race: Black Ash Inheritance

ASIN: B00000IN5G
Release Date: 1999-05-18

Tracks:

Warheart
Silent Night, Bodom Night
Hatebreeder
Bed Of Razors
Towards Dead End
Black Widow
Wrath Within
Children Of Bodom
Downfall

Customer Reviews:

Children Of Bodom - 'Hatebreeder' (Nuclear Blast).......2007-02-20

Good follow-up to this somewhat over-the-top Scandinavian black metal band's 'Something Wild' debut (see my review). One thing I couldn't help but to notice is this sophomore release is definitely faster, louder and more intense. Best cuts are "Silent Night,Bodom Night", the in-your-face "Bed Of Razors", the band's namesake "Children Of Bodom" and "Downfall". Missed them on their most recent tour. Shazbat!

Great Music!.......2006-11-06

The product arrived in only a few days. My son was very plased with the music.

Essential Children Of Bodom.......2006-09-07

If you like your music fast, heavy, complex, and intense, look no further than Children of Bodom's 3 best offerings: Follow the Reaper, Hatebreeder, and Hate Crew Deathroll. I have all 3 albums and I am very happy with each of them. The only complaint I have is that the albums are a little short in duration. Other than that, no problems whatsoever. If you are a hardcore metalhead or someone just starting out, make sure you pick up one or all of the titles I mentioned. They rock!

Bodom's Unbridled Masterpiece.......2006-09-01

Reflecting on the spectrum of Children of Bodom's ever-intensifying progression of heaviness, any Bodom-ite would classify their debut "Something Wild" as a relatively light, slightly more neoclassical album as well as a foreboding testament to their future legacy when compared to their later works. Its successors, "Hatebreeder," "Follow The Reaper," "Hate Crew Deathroll," and "Are You Dead Yet?" only grew heavier with each release, resulting in a sound far deviated from their original roots and endulged in a Saint-Anger-esque level of metal conformity and compositional lethargy present in 80% of all heavy bands today. However, the only way to find fault with a group with such a great magnitude as Bodom is to hold them to the extremely high standards they had set themselves. Whether they embraced the darker side of metal coincidentally consistent with mainstream artists to gain a larger fanbase or because they felt musically inclined to is not for me to say, nor is it the point to this review.

"Hatebreeder", Bodom's second effort, not only lacks the weighted breakdowns and oversimplified melodies of their latest, but also showcases their unbound speed, harmony, and musical diversity that is present in only one other album--"Something Wild". The difference between the two is Hatebreeder's apparent refinement in production and riff-writing though Something Wild arguably retained a larger bulk of instrumental technicalities. All in all, Children of Bodom's two frontmen--Alexi Laiho and Janne Warman (guitar/vocals and keyboard, respectively)--far transcended the boundaries of mundane musicianship to a level of previously unmatched talent not only limited to black metal, but also including the entire history of rock music. Both men are some of the best of what they do, all expressionistic niceties aside, and this is apparent throughout the album. If you've never experienced Children of Bodom before, there is no better album to start on than Hatebreeder; if you have already heard Bodom's work before, than you can't afford to form any opinion--good or bad--before listening to this, the pinnacle of their career thus far.

Wonderful neo-classical metal.......2006-08-03

Melodic death metal is nothing new for the Scandinavian countries which are known for producing some of the best bands in heavy metal. Children of Bodom hail from Finland and have made some wonderful melodic metal along with a neo-classical edge in the style. Alexi Lahio has now nearly become a household name for many metal fans. His insane solo abilities mixed with wonderful harsh vocals and great keyboards bring this talented melo-death band together for one fast ride.

Hatebreeder is Children of Bodom's second full length. Originally released in 1999, this album became a classic release for these Finnish metal leaders. 'Warheart' starts the album off perfectly. I have and always will be floored with Alexi's near perfect guitar playing abilities for this genre. 'Silent Night Bodom Night' has become a fan favorite and is one of the best tracks on the album. 'Children of Bodom' (the song) sounds like a song that Iron Maiden would write with death metal vocals. 'Downfall' is a great closer for this classic.

Bodom would later change their style a little bit after the album, Follow the Reaper. I have really enjoyed the music that Alexi Lahio and Co. have put out. Hatebreeder, along with 'Follow the Reaper' are definately my favorites. Hatebreeder really does deserve all of the good reviews it has received. This album is one of Bodom's more aggressive ones, but is rather short in length. Do not let this short record discourage you. There is plenty of metal here for the listener to thoroughly enjoy.

Music:

Music

music

Recommended Music:

The Perfect Stranger

Mozart: Eine kleine Nachtmusik; Salzburger Divertimenti

In The Fullness Of Time [Live]

Music: Endless Harmony (Soundtrack) [Soundtrack]

Inhouse Perspectives V.2: Mixed By Andy Caldwell [Import]

Master of the Rings [Import]

Jovem Guarda 35 Anos [Import]

Natural History: The Very Best of Talk Talk

Howzat [Import]

Kooper Session

Listen with Your Feet

Jumpin [Import]

Life Story [Clean]

Menuhin Plays Bazzini, Bloch, Dinicu, Granados, Kreisler, Moszkowski and Others

Judgment Day Vol. 1