Nuclear [CD-single] [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
From his 2002 album Demolition, 'Nuclear' is backed with 'Blue' (non-album) & 'Song For Keith' (non-album). Universal.

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:

new songs are good live..........2007-07-26

I just saw Nile last night at a small club in Albuquerque between ozzfest shows and it was amazing. I picked up the new cd as well, and its good, though not all that much different than the last two albums. Black seeds... is still the best in my opinion. The new songs came off great live even before I had heard them recorded, these guys certainly are not slowing down. While a lot of the stuff is not immediately catchy, the utter weirdness of many of the guitar parts makes it worth repeated listening. The major downside to the new album is the lack of explanations for the lyrics. I always look forward to reading Karl's essays and they are not here...
I think the best part of the live show (besides the band), was this dude standing next to me who after every song yelled, in his best death metal growl, "Nile!! f*** yeah!!!" for like an hour...

Pretty good album but..........2007-07-26

One day Nile is going to wake up & realize they've made a whole bunch of egyptian metal albums. These guys have got to have other interests. Even Fear Factory realized you cant have a whole career around singing about robots. Maybe Nile should make an album about egyptian robots or just sing about satan like every other death metal band...lol

Not their best............2007-07-25

Need some cliff-notes on the natures of Cthulhu or Azathoth? Got a corpse lying around that you need to animate and torture forbidden secrets from? On the lookout for a good curse or incantation? Then, this album is for you.

With that said, if you're like me and bought this for the music, then you might not be blown away. Granted, the production is first-rate, the musicianship is top-notch, and the lyrics are *beautiful*; but, song hooks that are more prevalent in earlier Nile albums are few and far in between on this one. Even the more memorable tracks, such as As He Creates.... and Even the Gods Must Die.... leave a tepid feeling at best.

The bottom line? If you're a dyed-in-the-mummy-wrappings Nile fan with every album and in the pit every time the band comes to town, buy it. If you're looking to get into Nile, I'd recommend going with one of their earlier albums, such as Amongst the Catacombs of Nephren-Ka.

Its good, just not Great.......2007-07-25

I loved Nile's Last 2 albums to Death, but this one seems alot less happening? like The riffs aren't as ripping, i find it more boring but maybe thats just me...Some stand out tracks but in comparison to there last album its sorta lackluster.

"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.

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:

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
United Abominations
Icons of Evil
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
United Abominations
The Novella Reservoir
Fire Up the Blades

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:

OH,HOW THE MIGHTY ARE FALLEN
If you like the genre, you should love this
Not bad, but...
Blase
Amazing!

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:

OH,HOW THE MIGHTY ARE FALLEN.......2007-07-26

I've had all Sirenia/Tristania's albums at one time or other,but this one just doesn't measure up to previous standards.After all,Veland was always the benchmark for good gothic metal.I hate to use that expression "sold out", but he's getting mighty close on this album.I agree with other negative reviewer's comments entirely.Keywords:bland,repetitive,radio friendly[in other words,dumbed down].Gone are all the previous essential elements that made Morten's music a piece of musical mastery[sigh].Even the female vocalist is nothing special.This is strikingly similar to Theatre of Tragedy's 2006 album "Storm",which is certainly no worse than this one.I haven't listened to Tristania's "Illumination" yet,but it'll be interesting to see if it too is in the same vein.It's as if all the Goth bands work from the same musical template now[a formula if you like]and then they throw in a few sounds and rhythms etc which then identify them as that particular band,just so you don't forget which one you're listening to.You only have to listen to the early Veland masterpiece:Tristania's "Widow's Weeds" to see how bad things have got from a purist's point of view.This album doesn't stir the soul like older albums used to.They might garner a larger following from those who listen to radio,and who know no better,but they will lose loyal longtime fans.Maybe the cash registers will ring louder,but surely that's not what it's about;is it?As the Emperor said to the great composer,on being less than impressed with a new great work which he had just listened to:
"What have you DONE Beethoven!"[read Morten]

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.

Average customer rating:

one song
Excellent
Just a Pleasure
One of those CDs that grow on you with every listen...
Love Joseph Arthur

Nuclear Daydream
Joseph Arthur
Manufacturer: Megaforce
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Come to Where I'm From
Our Shadows Will Remain
The Crane Wife
Redemption's Son
9

ASIN: B000HKDEO2
Release Date: 2006-09-19

Tracks:

Too Much To Hide
Black Lexus
Enough To Get Away
Slide Away
Electrical Storm
You Are Free
Automatic Situation
When I Was Running Out Of Time
Don't Tell Your Eyes
Don't Give Up On People
Woman
Nuclear Dream

Amazon.com

Joseph Arthur's fifth album, and the first for his own new label, is quite likely his best to date. Stripped-down throughout and achingly lovely, it shows that Arthur's far more than the smart folk's one-man jam band. He's a rad songwriter with more than one setting on his blender, an often-gorgeous singer who can go low and high with equal rewards. It's hard for some of Arthur's trustafarian trappings to not rankle, from the repeated chant of "be here now" at the close of the gorgeous, Eels-ish opener "Too Much to Hide" to the ridiculous Jerry-Garcia-underwater guitar playing on "Slide Away." But those moments are few and far between. If you need one song to convince you that Arthur's a major talent, make it the Neil Young-y bad-dream song "Black Lexus." It's hard to not see Nuclear Daydream as a blessed distillation of Arthur's talents. Huzzah. --Mike McGonigal

Customer Reviews:

one song .......2007-05-14

I bought this because there is one song on it that I heard on National Public Radio that haunted me and I keep playing over and over; Nuclear Daydream. It's beautiful and just speaks to me somehow, so when I stop looping that one over and over and get to the rest of them; then I'll know what else Joseph has to say...but for now, it's all about the title track which is just stunning, at least for me. Beautiful vocal and acoustic guitar, simple.

Excellent.......2007-05-06

Listened to this while driving to work through all kinds of times -- seems to fit in so many moods. Perfect, soothing and energizing. Excellent life sound track. Track 2 and 6 --- Stand outs.

Just a Pleasure.......2007-04-21

Saw Joseph Arthur on TV one night and decided to get the CD. WOW! It is absolutely a pleasure. Like to play it while I do paperwork or as background music when a few friends are over. I realize this is not a "profound" review; I just wanted to weigh in and say this is a melodic, soft, beautiful CD. Very, very enjoyable.

One of those CDs that grow on you with every listen..........2007-01-26

I'm listening to this CD now and was compelled to write a review. In my humble opinion, there isn't a bad song on the entire disc. Some songs on the disc have a "dreamy" feel to it. Others are somewhat folky, while some fall more into the pop category. They all play off of each other brilliantly, which lends to a great CD from beginning to end.

I'm really quite surprised that he isn't more widely known. I've introduced his music to many people, some who are quite the music hounds and they still haven't heard of him. Hopefully this CD will open some doors for Mr. Arthur.

Love Joseph Arthur.......2007-01-15

Killer record! Such a talent...songwriting, vocals, and playing all the instruments. Why isn't Joseph Arthur famous? Not for lack of passion or artistry. You owe it to yourself to check him out.

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:

Interesting, but something just doesn't gel.
Pass
Awesome CD...Buy it!
It's not all that
A promising first album

The Forgotten Goddess
Echoes of Eternity
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:

Nine Destinies and a Downfall
Beautiful Tragedy
Griefshire
Evernight
Illumination

ASIN: B000LC51WY
Release Date: 2007-02-20

Tracks:

Burning with Life
Expressions of Flesh
Garden of the Gods
Towers of Silence
Voices in a Dream
Forgotten Goddess
Kingdom Within
Lost Beneath a Silent Sky
Circles in Stone
Adrift

Customer Reviews:

Interesting, but something just doesn't gel........2007-06-23

OK, let me start by saying that I do like most of the album. I'm only really writing this review to help others like myself who only hear the clips here or on iTunes before buying the CD, only to be disappointed when they get it. All of the clips I heard were good enough for me to take a chance on this CD. However, most of the album is NOT like the clips I heard. It's not bad by any means, but it is different.

I will describe it with the recurring thoughts that ran through my head as I listed to it several times this week:

1. The music reminds me a lot of Metallica's And Justice For All. Now I loved "Justice," but a lot of fans didn't. This album is just as progressive if not more so. Very good musicianship.

2. Her vocals are very good. Reminds me of the female vocalist that Sirenia had on "At Sixes & Sevens." For me, anyway, that is a damn good thing. That was always my favorite CD by Sirenia BECAUSE of her.

3. Did someone dub the wrong vocals over this song? This is my main complaint with the album. The vocals don't mesh with the music. And by that I mean they don't sound like they belong with the music being played on some of the songs. Some of them are fine, but on some I keep thinking that the band just took her vocals and slapped them over another song that they liked playing better. (Yes, I do realize that this MAY be some high-brow experiment in musical progression that I just don't enjoy, but if it's hard to listen too, then how do they expect to attract new listeners? In 4 days, I've already had 3 people comment on this that have heard it in my truck.)

When all is said and done, it is a good CD, and I am eagerly awaiting their next offering. I just hope they tighten up the vocals with the music. Her voice deserves the respect.

Pass.......2007-06-06

I bought this album because Deadlock's "Wolves" CD piqued my interest in what other female-fronted melodic metal bands had to offer.

This one was a disappointment.

The singer is completely out of sync with the rest of the band as she seems to stay in the same 3 minor keys no matter what the rest of them are playing. The musicianship is sub-par to say the least and by the end of the album, I could only reach the conclusion that the record companies are in too much of a hurry to sign any band who sounds like Lacuna Coil.

Pass on this one and get "Wolves" instead.

Awesome CD...Buy it!.......2007-05-15

Combine the massive drumming of Fear Factory, the excellent dual-guitar work of Iron Maiden, and the best vocals this side of Within Temptation, Lacuna Coil, and Leaves Eyes (ex-Theater of Tragedy), and you have just a hint of how phenomenal this band really is. What you can't imagine, unless you listen, is how their sound is so totally captivating. This combination of aggressive music and ethereal vocals, transcends Evanescence (Amy Lee is a great singer), and most other music in this genre of female lead goth/symphonic metal. It really is a spectacular debut album; I cannot stop listening...it sucks you in, and just won't let go.

It's not all that.......2007-04-24

This CD definitely lacks in being congruent. The singer seems to be in her own world while the musicians are off thrashing half the time. It's like she is singing to different music. Very strange.

A promising first album.......2007-04-21

The first comment I will make regarding this album is the strong production value. I believe the guitarist, drummer and singer are all studio engineers and it shows. Given the fact this was released on an independent label I can't imagine the sound quality being any better. The only real complaint I can make about the production is the singing of Francine Boucher is over processed at times.

The guitar compositions are very strong; Brandon Patton is certainly a master of his craft. Other than the obvious sex appeal that Francine Boucher brings to the band I am not sure that she is on the same musical par as Brandon Patton & Kirk Carrison.

Although typical of other bands in the genre, another potential grumble might be that the songs run a little long. Which raises the question, is Echoes of Eternity content being a progressive metal band or do they want mainstream crossover appeal? I feel that the potential is there to make a strong statement on the national scene with more accessible vocals and shorter compositions.

Also I have to laugh when the credits say that the band is "from LA & Japan". Stop fronting guys you know you all are from Columbia, SC. Don't be ashamed of where you came from, Evanescence hails from Little Rock Arkansas and all they have done is sell 14 millions albums and win two Grammy Awards.

Bottom line is that the CD is a worthy purchase and seems to grow on you after a listen or two (you will have "Forgotten Goddess" stuck in your head I promise). If the band does read reviews I would like to see an instrumental where Brandon & Kirk unleash the full fury in an uncompromising instrumental song.

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
Lemuria/Sirius B
Celebrators of Becoming
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:

Instant Euphoria...
Classic!!!!
"You'll forever be stuck here in eternity....."
In Flames perhaps at their best
THIS IS THE BAND'S MASTERPIECE

Jester Race: Black Ash Inheritance
In Flames
Manufacturer: Nuclear Blast Americ
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Whoracle
Colony
Clayman
Reroute to Remain
Soundtrack to Your Escape

ASIN: B000063TER
Release Date: 2002-05-14

Tracks:

Moonshield
The Jester's Dance
Artifacts Of The Black Rain
Graveland
Lord Hypnos
Dead Eternity
The Jester Race
December Flower
Wayfaerer
Dead God In Me
Goliaths Disarm Their Davids
Gyroscope
Acoustic Medley
Behind Space - Live

Album Description

Remastered reissue of their 1995 album along with bonus 'Black Ash Inheritance' EP. Bonus tracks, 'Goliathas Disarm Their Davids', 'Gyroscope', 'Acoustic Medley' & 'Behind Space'(Live). Digipak. Nuclear Blast America. 2002.

Customer Reviews:

Instant Euphoria..........2007-05-18

Not only is this In Flames greatest achievement - this is one of the greatest metal albums ever written! Quality metal that is so simultaneously fast and melodic is indeed hard to come by. This album even surpasses such metal classics as 'Master of Puppets', 'Piece of Mind', and 'Rust in Peace'. Whether you like throat vocals or not (and these vocals are a unique brand of throat vocals) the songs will send you into immediate euphoric metal bliss - and the instrumental pieces are brilliant! Combine the best thrash, melodic, and death metal you can think of into one album and you have 'Jester Race: Black Ash Inheritance'. The first moment I heard this masterpiece I was hooked - if you have any love for metal then your collection is incomplete without this album.

RECOMMENDATION: Other great Swedish metal bands to check out include At the Gates, Dark Tranquility, Opeth, Soilwork, and many others. Start with this album and let your journey into metal euphoria continue...

Classic!!!!.......2007-02-21

...and that should have constituted my entire review. If ever there was an album as perfect and engaging as Metallica's "Master..." or Megadeth's "Rust..." it is this one! (yes, I am aware of Dark Tranquility, but they have yet to release ANYTHING bad, so I skip them here)! The music is so good here that no wonder ANYTHING after would necessarily have to be a dissapointment from In Flames! Yes, "Whoracle" was great,ditto for "Colony" and "Clayman", but THIS is In Flames' greatest achievement, all else in their discography is mere shadows of this masterpiece (the same can be said of Metallica and their third album). Nothing they have ever done after and before will ever top that, period.The problem is: THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE MATURED SO FAST.Really, if you can only own 1 album of In Flames, this will suffice entirely. There is absolutely no confusion what kind of music is played here: Gothenburg death metal. No core, no thrash, just death! And a melodic grim reaper at that! The knack for melody combined with the sheer power and brilliance of execution could potentially start a third World War if used in a sinister manner. Perhaps that is where my favorite heavy metal bands Dark Tranquility and Opeth take roots. In any case, if you like your metal raw but melodic, this is one of these rare perfect albums you can't afford not to own! BUY NOW!!!!

"You'll forever be stuck here in eternity.....".......2007-02-08

I remember when I first purchased this album, I thought, "Meh, this is pretty good. It'll grow on me eventually." Yeah, well, it did, and I revised that statement into, "Damn, this is awesome!" I currently own 4 In Flames albums (this, Colony, Clayman, and Lunar Strain), and while the other 3 are great, The Jester Race (accompanied by the Black Ash Inheritance EP, at least this version) is probably my favorite IF album thus far.

The music is heavy and bone-crushing, but there's enough melody and beauty (and I don't mean that in a fruity way) to make it appeal to the masses. Anders Friden is honestly one of the best metal vocalists I've EVER heard. Glenn Ljungstrom (guitar),Jesper Stromblad (guitar), Johan Larsson (bass), and Bjorn Gelotte (drums) are also great musicians, and provide the awesome melodies that In Flames can create (even though I think the bass is a lot better on Colony and Clayman than on this album). Moonshield is, simply put, stunning, as it opens up with soothing acoustic guitars and transforms into an epic-driven melodic metal masterpiece. Other great tracks are Lord Hypnos, Dead Eternity, December Flower, Wayfaerer, and Goliaths Disarm Their Davids. Of course, all of the songs are incredible.

The Jester Race is a concept album about the corruption of humankind (referred to as, well, the jester race), and how they have destroyed and ruined the earth (if you analyze the lyrics, you'll see what I mean). I believe I have the just of it, but we're talking about poetic lyrics here, not completely flat, predictable ones. The album also has some throwbacks in, such as the title track, which is reminescent of The Jester's Dance (the first instrumental). My favorite instrumental track on the album is probably Wayfaerer. It sounds a lot different from the rest of the album (and I don't mean that in a bad way). The guitar solos don't sound as bleak as they do on the other songs. Some people don't seem to like this instrumental, but I sure do. On the 4 bonus tracks (which is the Black Ash Inheritance EP that was released a year later), there's a track called Acoustic Medely, which is the title track of the album but in acoustic form. In my opinion, this is brilliantly done, and it might be my favorite bonus track. Goliaths Disarm Their Davids is another one of my favorites, very dark, yet very confident sounding, if that makes sense. There's also a live version of Behind Space from their debut (which would later be redone on Colony). This is one of my favorite IF songs to date, and the live version is done perfectly.

If there is any weak track on the album, I would have to give the nod to Gyroscope. It just doesn't seem to stand out as much as the other tracks, and it loses my attention after a while. Nonetheless, that song is still eons better than pretty much everything being released today. And it's not even that terrible of a song. The lyrics are still great, but the overall feel doesn't demand your attention as much as the other 13 songs.

So is this the best album of 1995's Holy Trinity? Well, I can't say for sure, since I also thoroughly enjoyed Dark Tranquillity's The Gallery and I have yet to hear At The Gates' Slaughter of the Soul. However, this is an amazing album to say the least. The lyrics really make you think about the world around you, and makes you question the desires of, say, eternal life (like in the track Dead Eternity, which is about living forever, never to die and be with the people you love; you're just stuck in eternity). The Jester Race is about a minority group preparing for war against a far superior and more sophisticated force (perhaps in the album's story, it's about a group of people rising up to fight the jesters who have ruined the earth). But whatever this album is about, I love it.

It's funny thinking about all of the line-up changes In Flames have gone through over the years. But no matter how many times their lineup changes, this will always remain where their lineup was strongest. So buy this album, and experience some truly unique metal.

In Flames perhaps at their best.......2006-12-04

This may be the best album In Flames ever released it is most certainly a classic along with Whoracle, Colony and Clayman. The album is itself very well done with excellent melody and rythm, awsome guitar work and very good vocals. The tracks are all memorable and this is trully a showcasing of In Flames and their work. Excellent album and deff a good place for a new In Flames fan to start off. Im not sure ive gone a week without listening to this album after picking it up which must have been back in 94 I think.

THIS IS THE BAND'S MASTERPIECE.......2006-09-19

Like drinking fine and complex wine, you will want to listen to this album over and over and over. With each sip from the goblet, a new fabric of reality is experienced and savored. Yup, it's your typical "A-class album" in your collection.

In Flames truly earns your hard-earned dollars here. The layers of harmonius diligent guitar work will leave you in awe. Wondering if you should buy this album? Have no doubts. This album has everything. Galloping thrash, multiple riffs in each track, power vocals, furious drum work, and most of all, truly unique and emotional lead guitar. WE ARE TALKING SKILLED SOPHISTICATED HARMONIES AND THOUGHTFUL COMPOSITIONS!

I can't name too many albums in my collection that feature melodious lead guitar musicianship quality in almost EACH track. Have no fears however: The melodies do not betray the utter power and aggression in this one. In Flames has a cool doomsday vision and spite for the human race that only makes their aggression all the more sincere. Audio steroids.

It is tough to say which tracks are my favorite. They each tell a "needed story" towards understanding the fate of our Jester Race!...

Track 2 The Jester's Dance and track 13 Acoustic Medley are beautiful instrumental pieces that appropriately flaunt the musical influences behind the band which are impressive to say the least. Living up in northern Europe with nothing to do but milk cows all day and listen to every metal album under the sun will do that!

Track 3 Artifacts of the Black Rain; track 5 Lord Hypnos; and track 9 Wayfaerer all have unique sounding lead guitar work that will transport your heart and soul to another time and place...

Track 6 Dead Eternity has a specific lead guitar composition that creates an emotion unlike any other in the freaking genre! It is an ominous emotion you will have to experience for yourself. It is a turning point in the album and will haunt you (in a good way).

Track 8 December Flower is pure foot tapper. Even the lyrics are geniusly positioned to compliment the rhythm chorus in this one. And just when you might think the track is too much of a contrite foot-tapper, In Flames drops a cinderblock on your head with mind-spitting speed-thrash solos.

Track 11 Goliaths Disarm their Davids is a climactic build-up of energy. The lead guitar work is inspired by the unseen gods and the vocals will leave your ears bleeding for more.

If you appreciate musicianship and thrash metal with a death metal vocalist, then you will wear out your CD like I do mine. 5 of 5 stars.

Music:

Music

music

Music

Spit

Bizet: l'Arlésienne Suites/Carmen Suites [Enhanced]

At Folsom Prison [Extra tracks] [Original recording remastered] [Live]

Big City [Enhanced] [Live]

Any World That I'm Welcome [Import]

Arrival

All Things New [Enhanced]

Berlioz: Requiem / Edison, Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Schade et al

Ain't No Perfect Diamond

20 Mejores Exitos

Babble [Import]

An intimate moment - Sumitra Sen [Live]

Aloha Groovin' [Import]

Twentieth-Century Blues: The Songs of Noël Coward

Countryman [Digipack]