Metal

Metal

ASIN: B0007N19FU

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
"Metal", the powerful new recording by critically acclaimed bassist/producer Brian Bromberg, showcases the bassist in a rare fusion-rock setting, simulating a full band on an arsenal of custom basses. Demonstrating Bromberg's instrumental fusion-rock songwriting and aggressive playing, "Metal" is a departure from Bromberg's jazzier outings, featuring him primarily on the guitar-like piccolo bass. Bromberg tears through melodies and solos with the force of today's most skilled guitar heroes, playing the piccolo bass much like a lead guitar. But don't be fooled - there are no guitars on this album. The rhythm guitar sounds and bass parts are also played by Brian on an array of different basses. What makes this recording exceptional is that nine of the eleven songs feature only Bromberg and hard-hitting drummer Joel Taylor. Rounding out this ground breaking project is keyboardist Dan Siegel, guesting on two tracks.

Tracks:

Wake
Given Up
Leave Out All The Rest
Bleed It Out
Shadow Of The Day
What I've Done
Hands Held High
No More Sorrow
Valentine's Day
In Between
In Pieces
The Little Things Give You Away

Amazon.com

Minutes to Midnight stands to defend Linkin Park's status as the hardest-rockin' softies in mainstream music. Like its predecessors Hybrid Theory (2000) and Meteroa (2003), Minutes to Midnight flexes plenty of decibel-heavy muscle ("Given Up," "Bleed It Out," "No More Sorrow") and made-to-order, melodic radio fare ("Leave Out All the Rest," "Shadow of the Day," "In Pieces"). But for all its volume, Linkin Park likes to paint its heart openly on its sleeve with suspicious sonic drama, as in the palpably saccharine "Valentine's Day." Fortunately, co-producer Rick Rubin brings all these elements to pinnacle effect with the surprise "Hands Held High." On past efforts, the combination of breezy keyboard, arpeggiated guitar, choral vocals, and a military snare-beat would yield another slab of smarm, here MC Mike Shinoda drops the two best verses of his career, blending vocal styles with singer Chester Bennington for a moving piece that's as welcome a repertorial addition as Linkin Park is ever likely to muster. --Jason Kirk

Album Description

"Minutes to Midnight" is rock's most anticipated album of the year. This album redefines one of today's most adventurous, accomplished and acclaimed bands.

Customer Reviews:

Not as much like the old, but still worthy.......2007-07-10

Yes, it's not like any of the old albums, it doesn't have the energy that their previous stuff used to have, but I must speak in their defense. I believe the song, "Leave out all the rest." is the best song they've ever written, and worth the price alone. The lyrics relate to something we all struggle with,,( unless your sociopathic, then you should probably just shop for more death metal.) Linkin Park has always written good songs and it's no diffrent here, even though they've made this album a little more diverse, and tried new things. SO, no matter what they do, I'll buy their albums.

Still haven't "Given Up".......2007-07-08

LP is one of my favorite bands and it still is. I appreciate the effort they put into stretching as a band and trying out new sounds. However, on many of the songs, I found myself wondering what happened to the unique LP sound I loved so much from Hybrid Theory, Reanimation, and Meteora. The rap-metal sound is sadly almost nonexistent, and the album seems very "monster-ballad" heavy. If I heard some of these songs on the radio (like Shadow of a Day and In Between, that starts promising but never goes anywhere), I'm not sure I would even know it was Linkin Park. . .shocking considering how strongly the other albums are imprinted in my brain. Still worth a buy, but the hardcore fans hoping for sounds of albums past will most likely be disappointed. Listen to: Given Up (sounds more like classic LP), Leave Out All the Rest (an infectious ballad that is just cool like the Pushing Me Away Remix), What I've Done, and No More Sorrow (one of the few edgy songs).

What happened?.......2007-07-08

I heard the "what I've Done" on the radio and went out and bought the album--I had been waiting like the others on this site for them to release one for what felt like forever....NOT the stuff I expected. Almost FELL ASLEEP driving listening to the other songs on the CD. Buy the single, not the album.

Linkin Park Nails What isn't Linkin Park.......2007-07-08

This will have to be the definition of change. There are two trends of thought when you hear this album. First "what happened?" which hit me instantly with an unsavory curiosity, and Two "This is genius".

What's genius about it is not entirely the music. I have a VERY wide taste in music, from Chevelle to Cold Play to Brand New to Afro Celt, but they all revolve around that thing we call Rock. What Linkin Park has done here is delivered, unknowingly to us, what they planned. Read the album book, you;ll understand

What band can change and perform each song in its respective genre as if they had been doing it all their career? Not many, and that is what LP is proving. These guys know ROCK MUSIC and its flavors. It forces you to rethink what a group of people making music means.

It is not experimentation simply because I've heard songs like these before, using similar note patterns and themes and melodies. So in that respect its not.

What it is is pure Change. Pure proof that Linkin Park can in-fact Play music. You will be confident that if you asked Linkin Park to sound like Box Car Racer, they could. If you asked them to sound like a fast up beat Ska band, they could. Thats the thing people aren't getting...And that may be the greater danger here. As consumers of music, we find niches that are comfortable, and our minds, as evolved "pattern recognition" intellectual beings, seperate them into categories. This is what was VIOLATED in this album. Linkin Park VIOLATED our expectations...for whoever that may mean dissapointment, curiousity, or just plain awestruck (my case).

Linkin Park Bravo! Thank you for this fresh album...it brings competion, to the other genres in my cd rack, but not to what we conservatively define as "LINKIN PARK". Which is pretty much why the Logo is changed.

LP fans rest assured, this was "proof" that they CAN play music, and perhaps we did not need PROOF at this time, but maybe the "group of guys making music" needed it..for themselves. to proove to themselves that they're not just some synthesizer beat box raspy screamers. Do you know how many people doubted the drummer's true skill saying that he put on a tecno cd and wasn't drumming?!!

so it is Minutes to Midnight..and LP fans, rest assured, Midnight is coming,the familiar sounds of LP are now ready to be injected with something called "evolultion"

Now that they know they can evolve its time for LP to evolve Their trademark sound. This is what LP fans are looking for next time, this is what they will appreciate, Experimentation of LP trademark sound..Evolution of LP trademark sound. And if this album isn't a sign that LP is getting sick of their old trademark sound and scratching their heads to Push it beyond, then i dont know what is.

Get this album, even if you're an LP fan...Get it because it's really good, and put it next to your other albums, and leave a slot near your last LP albums for the next one.

Are they a boy band now?.......2007-07-07

This album probably has some kind of musical merit, but the people who made this are just borrowing the name to sell more copies... this is NOT Linkin Park. I can't fault them for trying new kinds of music, but this is suicide. They will lose a lot of their old fans because they're not playing what those people want, and most of the people who actually like this kind of music are never going to look for a Linkin Park album because they're going to assume it's rap-rock. Half this album does indeed sound like a boy band, and I can't rate that, because I don't listen to whiney American Idol boy toy ballads. It gets one star from me because I was looking for harder music (which is kind of expected with this band), so I hated it. It's one thing to try something new, and it's quite another to completely change your style. If you're looking for something that sounds like Linkin Park, look elsewhere.

Average customer rating:

Nothing Common About This Album
THEY USED TO BE GREAT NOW THEY SUCK !!!!
Like Listening to Dreams About Songs
Would be even better...
The Era of Not-So-Good Feelings

Era Vulgaris
Queens of the Stone Age
Manufacturer: Interscope Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Icky Thump
Carry On
Libertad
Zeitgeist
Year Zero

ASIN: B000PKG6TE
Release Date: 2007-06-12

Tracks:

Turnin' on the Screw
Sick, Sick, Sick
I'm Designer
Into the Hollow
Misfit Love
Battery Acid
Make It Wit Chu
3's & 7's
Suture Up Your Future
River in the Road
Run, Pig, Run

Amazon.com

Latin for "common era," Era Vulgaris holds a pair of common threads with the four Queens of the Stone Age records that preceded it. One, it crosses colossal guitar chords with the most volatile of hard rock melodies. And second, it's as LOUD as loud gets, thanks to Josh Homme, the impatient instigator behind the ever-evolving cast of personalities that make up the band. Detonation comes with track one, as the jagged riffs of "Turning on the Screw" lead the listener into "Sick, Sick, Sick," where Julian Casablancas spews his vocals beneath a wall of multi-guitar catcalls. Although the head Stroke will likely garner the most attention, perpetual Queener Mark Lanegan's velvety pipes earmark two of Era's most booming selections: the funky "Make It Wit Chu" (complete with Temptations-like backing vocals) and the heart-racing three minutes of "River in the Road." Add the garage rock of Homme's "3's & 7's" and "Suture Up Your Future," easy pickings for most likely crossover hit, and Era Vulgaris-- hypnotically and explosively common--holds its own with any in the QoTSA discography. --Scott Holter

Customer Reviews:

Nothing Common About This Album.......2007-07-11

At least now it can be said that Josh Homme and Queens can make a five star record without Nick Oliveri. Following Nick's departure from the band, Queens released Lullabies to Paralyze, a great record that, unfortunately, seemed only to emphasize that Oliveri was not there, from the not so subtle lyrical jabs in "Everybody Knows That You're Insane" to increased prevalence of slowed down grooves and blues, with often exceedingly slick production. Sure, the drawn out psychedelic riffs had been a QOTSA trademark from day one, but the lack of ANY punk/speed metal counterpoint was a constant, sad reminder that we were never going to hear "Millionaire" live again. Lullabies was a great record with unavoidable, bittersweet timing.

Years later many of us have gotten used to Queens without Nick, and appropriately Josh and company have unleashed a perfect record for this particular place in their career. Enough to remind of us of the good old days, and enough new stuff to remind us why this is one of the most inventive groups in rock. The production is rawer and more lo-fi than everything since their debut. The riffs and harder and the music is faster than on Lullabies. Everything we used to love. On the other hand, there's great stuff we haven't heard. Spidery guitar lines weaving in and out on songs like I'm Designer and Turning on the Screw, and a composition (3's and 7's) which throws everything Queens has done well in their career into one incredibly catchy riff rock buffet for your repeated consumption. Elsewhere, the album's two most powerful cuts, the murky "Suture up Your Future" and "Into the Hollow" show Josh having perfected his falsetto wail, and remind the listener of the difference between hard and heavy. The combination of haunting grooves and emotional vocals on these 2 cuts are worth the price of admission alone. And "Make it Wit Chu," another Desert Sessions redux, is no-frills classic rock that is as simple and honest as the original seventies soul and funk it is imitating. Lyrically, Josh continues to make strides. He's come along way since the days when "marijuana, ecstasy, and alcohol" was known as his most legendary turn of phrase. In "I'm Designer" he toes the fine line between comedy and commentary ever so well, all while singing the verses in a rhythmic pattern I can only describe as "crazy homeless bluesman meter" that reminds you everything he does is at least a little bit tongue in cheek.

With a few exceptions, almost of all this release is excellent, and it continues to reveal new layers to me each time I pop it in. And quite honestly this is probably the most rewarding aspect of Era Vulgaris. It lacks the irreplicable manic presence of Oliveri both musically and lyrically, but makes up for it with musical ingenuity Lullabies only hinted at. Whether you prefer Rated R or Songs for the Deaf as the definitive QOTSA statement, this is probably their second best album.

THEY USED TO BE GREAT NOW THEY SUCK !!!!.......2007-07-10

what kind of garbage is this.any real fan of qotsa would't buy this if it was the last cd on earth.everything up to this is a 10 this is a zero.they have gone the same route as tool-time to hang it up.they made their money ,wrote great songs now just go away or write good songs guys!!!

Like Listening to Dreams About Songs.......2007-07-08

Supposedly inspired by Josh's daily drive through Hollywood, the entire album comes across as a cold robotic dreamscape where musicians just play what they're told to over and over until the song ends with no variations allowed--no humanity. From a strictly artistic perspective the songs may do an excellent job of capturing the hollowness of life and music in Hollywood, however hollow songs do not create an experience that ultimately proves worth listening to again and again.

The album opens with a pair of serviceable songs ("Turnin' on the Screw" and "Sick, sick, sick") that tease the listener of potentially stronger material to come, but nothing stronger ever materializes. Most of the songs follow a pattern that seems familiar enough, with thought provoking lyrics based on word-play and with dissonant lead guitar riffs and heavy buzzing bass/rhythm sections (ie: "I'm Designer" and "Into the Hollow"), but further listening shows that the creative instrumental flourishes and careful craftsmanship of past albums are nowhere to be found.

When "Misfit Love" begins you may find yourself bobbing your head with the groovy robot-funk of the opening riff. But about 4 minutes into the nearly 6 minute song (the longest on the album) you'll begin to wonder if the band is still playing or if they've gone to sleep and Josh is just singing over the same 5-second sound-loop over and over. Most of the album retains this same rough yet sleepy vibe. If "Lullabies to Paralyze" could be characterized as a nightmare-themed album then "EA" is easily classified as an album of empty dreams. Though Josh's lyrics occasionally deal in disturbing imagery, the music from the second half of the album is mostly pleasant and relaxing in spite of QoTSA's signature droning guitar sound. The final three tracks in particular ("Suture Up Your Future", "River in the Road", and "Run, Pig, Run") are perfect examples of this with Josh's voice and the entire instrumental ensemble blending together into one big nap-inducing mesh of noise on each of these songs. While they are all decent enough songs, placing them in succession at the close of the album makes for a very forgettable ending to "Era Vulgaris".

One of the things that made "Songs for the Deaf" such a captivating listen was the obvious influence of multiple guest musicians throughout the album. However, much like "LtP", the contributions of guest musician's are completely marginalized on "EA". Julian Casablancas of the Strokes makes a guest appearance as does former mainstay Mark Lanegan--and Trent Reznor even contributed backing vocals to one track--but you'll be hard-pressed to hear which songs they appear on let alone what vocal or instrumental sections they contribute, and Reznor's contribution was left off the album entirely. (And no, that's not Lanegan singing on "Make It Wit Chu", it's just Josh giving a practically perfect--though not nearly as seductive--impersonation.)

"Era Vulgaris" has its moments, but in the end it's all about describing the current state of the entertainment industry. Standout tracks such as "3's & 7's" and "Make It Wit Chu" purposefully underscore the complete mediocrity that permeate both the rest of "Era Vulgaris" and the current popular music scene at large.

Would be even better..........2007-07-08

...if it had all the songs! Title track "Era Vulgaris" for some reason was left off CD. Also the song "Running Joke". "Era Vulgaris" I downloaded using a peer-to-peer file sharing program (I think it was legally given away for free at some point, though I could not find it on the QOTSA website). "Running Joke" is included when you buy this from a certain online service.

It's a shame the CD doesn't have these two songs. Other than that, it's great.

The Era of Not-So-Good Feelings.......2007-07-04

Now that hard rock seems to be in its death throes, even a minor effort from a good hard rocker can seem exceptional simply because of the gaping dearth of quality releases. As a result, the new album by Queens of the Stone Age, Era Vulgaris (which doesn't mean what you probably think it means), may well go down as the best hard rock album of the year even if it falls short of the standard set by this still relatively young band. Frontman Josh Homme has been in the game long enough by now to have learned a few things, but that doesn't make his output any more streamlined or ponderous. He still cranks out all the vicious riffs and sleaze he can manage, but the band's more playful, winking side takes a hit this time around. Homme and crew are like depraved hedonists baked under the sun, nursing recently acquired STDs and recovering from a week-long hangover.

Performance-wise, they're still having plenty of fun, but by slowing things down, darkening the mood, and pushing the grooves to hard extremes found somewhere in the basement of whatever studio-of-the-damned they shambled together before recording, they don't always show it. By drifting from the good times, they seem to be seeking a smaller, more hardcore audience, but the album's tracklist plays mostly like really good B-sides that couldn't fit into earlier releases. True, there's a mostly consistent sound, but its bottom-feeding abandon smells like leftovers dressed up as first run main courses. For the first time ever, it actually requires a patient effort to wade through this mire. Lucky for us that along the way they manage more moments battling with swamp things and spotting naked chicks floating by in a bong-shaped canoe than time spent in venomous sludge and being sucked down to the bottom of the bog.

Despite being one of the album's best bets, "Make It Wit Chu" is like a fragmented amalgam of Motown and the Stones, and not really much like the rest of the record (fans will probably recognize it from a few years back when its fetal form was done by Desert Sessions, Homme's side project). The stuttering beat of "I'm Designer" is searching for a strong hook, but plods on as a good song that nevertheless fails to ever really grab hold and become great. "Battery Acid" is (naturally) corrosive, and an unsuccessful plunge into a grinding, metallic sound (contrast it with album highlight, "Misfit Love," to see how this approach can work well).

It's the band's most difficult record to date, a grim and grimy spectacle that rarely strikes right away, but it's easy to commit yourself to repeated listens where the good parts grow. At times, it seems to be borrowing from pages too close to Homme, though--there's a piece of a guitar riff in "Sick, Sick, Sick" that sounds a lot like a section of Songs-session drummer Dave Grohl's "All My Life"; he performs an obvious former-Grohl gig Nirvana lift on "3s & 7s"; when he says "run" in "Run Pig Run," it's delivered exactly the same as the chorus in Mastodon's "Colony of Birchmen" (Homme is a big fan of that group). These failings, as well as the second half filler ("River in the Road") that also marred Lullabies, make Era their least impressive effort since their debut. But just like when other all-time great bands like Zeppelin (Presence), Pearl Jam (Binaural), the Who (The Who By Numbers), and Nine Inch Nails (With Teeth) follow up a string of stellar albums with one that's merely very good instead of great, it just feels worse by comparison. Is Era in the same league as the last three Queens albums? No. Is it worth seeking out, especially by fans? Definitely.

Best cuts: "Misift Love," "Make It Wit Chu," "Turning on the Screw," "Sick, Sick, Sick," "Into the Hollow," "Suture Up Your Future," "3s & 7s," "I'm Designer," "Run Pig Run"

Average customer rating:

Post-Apocalyptic Dance Music for the Masses
Reznor did it again...
abysmally dull, derivative, naive and paranoid lyrics from a political poser
Brilliant.
Excellent

Year Zero
Nine Inch Nails
Manufacturer: Nothing Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Nine Inch Nails - Live - Beside You in Time
Minutes to Midnight
Survivalism, Pt. 2
We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank
Volta

ASIN: B000O178BY
Release Date: 2007-04-17

Tracks:

Hyperpower!
The Beginning Of The End
Survivalism
The Good Soldier
Vessel
Me, I'm Not
Capital G
My Violent Heart
The Warning
God Given
Meet Your Master
The Greater Good
The Great Destroyer
Another Version Of The Truth
In This Twilight
Zero-Sum

Amazon.com

Nine Inch Nails' sixth studio release, Year Zero takes the concept album further than it may have ever gone before. In advance of its release, URLs were hidden in tour t-shirts, music- and image-filled USB drives were 'found' at concerts, and dozens of websites have been packed with conspiracy stories that all involve the year 2022 or 'Year Zero.' Each clue is part of a cohesive whole, requiring a listener to follow an exhaustive web trail to grasp the entire tale. Focusing specifically on the music, "The Beginning of the End," the powerful first vocal track, is like the sonic and lyrical equivalent of an emotional ascension to a rollercoaster's peak, with the last few cacophonic seconds equaling the fall of individual freedoms. "Survivalism," Year Zero's first single, follows with guest vocalist/Slam artist Saul Williams pumping up the passion in its urgent chorus. While still industrial in genre, it's clear that Trent Reznor's musical evolution finds him bringing more mellow songs to the mix than he has on previous discs ("The Good Soldier," "The Greater Good," "In This Twilight") as well as an increased number of funk-affected rhythms, specifically in standout tracks "Capitol G" and "Me, I'm Not." Devotees of NIN's harder sound will appreciate the metallic crunch of "My Violent Heart" and "Meet Your Master." On the whole, the Nine Inch Nails we hear on Year Zero is less focused on producing heavy music and more focused on delivering its heavy, conspiratorial doomsday message. --Denise Sheppard

Customer Reviews:

Post-Apocalyptic Dance Music for the Masses.......2007-07-09

Reznor described this album's concept as, "The world has reached the breaking point - politically, spiritually and ecologically." If it's really "set 15 years in the future," why does its world feel all too familiar (check out the lyrics to "Capital G")? This is Reznor at his most political, with the stormtroopers banging on the recording studio's doors.

"Survivalism" is the best track from NIN since "March of the Pigs" launched the "Downward Spiral"-era in 1994. The rest of the album alternates between "sound collages" (Reznor's term) and funk/dance grooves. I have to say that I'm not much of a fan of the "funk" tracks--the only musical flaw on an otherwise five-star album.

Reznor did it again..........2007-07-09

after a more easy listening album ( which is not bad), Trent is back in the darkness and brought us an awesome album, very intense and powerful....this album should be on my top 5 of the year....

abysmally dull, derivative, naive and paranoid lyrics from a political poser.......2007-07-08

Trent's glory days ended with the past millennium. While WITH TEETH was already showing signs of weariness it still featured a few catchy tunes. But YEAR ZERO is Trent's nadir and Waterloo at once. I couldn't care less about his political rants because they are obviously catering to the current trend. They are so embarrassingly hackneyed and dumb that I just cannot take them seriously. Maybe If I were an angry, disaffected, 18-year-old teenager, I'd gobble down each and every word of it. But I've matured since then and can see right through his threadbare, political agenda.
To make matters worse, there isn't a single memorable hook line or melody.
It sounds improvised and random with nothing to perk you up. Where are the glorious soundscapes from THE DOWNWARD SPIRAL? Apaprently, Trent was having a laugh in the studio with YZ. He was testing how far he can go with nonexistent music before people quit buying his product. I believe some people would even be praising his output if it consisted of nothing but him reading the phone book. There is no way I'm ever gonna listen to this cd which makes a greater frisbee than cd. I didn't feel a single song. And the lyrics put me off it straight away.
Maybe Trent should realise that he's past his sell-by-date and he should just go back to lifting weights and join some political party instead. It would be more genuine and dignified than this outrageous excuse for a cd.

Brilliant........2007-07-07

This latest album from Trent Reznor was fantastic, while listening to this album during the past couple of months I realised what a great album it realy is and that its probably one of his best although it does take time to get use to the new sound, it almost sounds like a fresh start. Year Zero is the eagerly anticipated followup to the 2005 release With Teeth it didn't take to long for this to come out unlike the previous albums which usually take almost 5 years or maybe more. Anyway Year Zero is a concept album set fifteen years into an apocalyptic future and it delivers more of the band's trademark industrial rock riffs and dark lyrical subject matter, this album was also more experimental and has more sound effects and distorted beats like in the song The great destroyer and also has a few loud synthisizer beats. The album also has a lot to do with politics and seems very relevant especially in the U.S., instead of focusing on his own tortured emotional state Trent takes a stab at the Bush administration, government conspiracies, greed and corruption ect. there is some pretty good stuff in here as well as some hidden messages which you can check out on other websites I didn't bother with this since I just wanted to listen to the music.

Survivalism is the first single taken from this album and its a very good and catchy song with a great beat then theres Capitol G which is one of my favorite songs its about a fascist war mongering creep who enjoys being a powerful and egotistical politician the lyrics are quite funny and it also describes George W. Bush, this along with Me, I'm not and In this twilight are some of the best songs. All of the songs overflow with a bit of enthusiasm as they start building up into something else and each have a different layer of sound unlike the previous album which I thought was very lacking and just wasn't as good, it was just average with a few good songs like Every day is exactly the same, not bad but could have been alot better. There is however two song on Year Zero that I think just didn't work like My violent heart it doesnt fit and sounds very weird its bad and The great destroyer was just average for sounding more experimental.

There are three instrumental tracks and each one is quite good especially Another version of the truth which is a slow piano piece its very calm as if the world has just ended and Hyperpower! which is more heaver and sounds like a bunch of people being gunned down by some soldiers on the street or it could be something else. Overall I would have to say that this album was very unique and thought provoking its one of the best albums I've listened to this year, this album is a must have for NIN fans and I highly recommend this excellent album.

Excellent.......2007-07-06

I'm very happy with this album. This is the best album from NIN since The Downward Spiral. Deep sound landscapes are just infinite...listen to it and you'll love it.

Average customer rating:

Waiting for Heaven &Hell to battle never happened
Paradise isn't lost on this album.
Fantastic 21st-Century Neoclassical Metal
Unbelievable
Great Expectations?!

Paradise Lost
Symphony X
Manufacturer: inside out
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:

Ghost Opera
Systematic Chaos
Systematic Chaos
Unia
United Abominations

ASIN: B000I8ON6Q
Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

Oculus Ex Inferni
Set The World On Fire (The Lie Of Lies)
Domination
The Serpentís Kiss
Paradise Lost
Eve Of Seduction
The Walls Of Babylon
Seven
The Sacrifice
Revelation (Divus Pennae Ex Tragoedia)

Album Description

The masters of Symphonic Power Metal are back!

Symphony X are recognized by-and-large as one the most important acts in the worldwide metal scene. After the release of their hugely successful CD, The Odyssey - and after nearly five years - Michael Romeo and his band have returned with what is already being praised as their best work to date. Paradise Lost has all the trademarks that have come to be associated with Symphony X: Incredibly intricate and powerful, yet-melodic compositions that showcase every member's unrivaled technical skill as instrumentalists. However, once again it must be said that the spotlight is squarely on the ferocious vocal force of singer Russell Allen and the almost inhuman pyrotechnics of guitarist Michael Romeo.

The North American version of Paradise Lost features a fantastic foldout and diecut digipack that was designed by Warren Flanagan, who has done art-direction for major motion picture blockbusters such as I Robot, X-Men and Blade.

This is thee guitar release of the summer!

Customer Reviews:

Waiting for Heaven &Hell to battle never happened.......2007-07-09

Truthfully,I was waiting for a lot more in SX's cd.In the following,I will try to tell why I feel this is lacking in creativity,drive and progressiveness.

First of all,the wait for the new cd,to fans,seemed eternal.When it was finally released,the fans expected something spectacular,what we got was something that lacked creativity. The story-line,for one is patchy,when cross-efferenced to Milton's epic novel.That's alright,but at least,give the fans something to think about and sink their teeth into.The lyrics are similar to an abridged version of a literary masterpiece.

Musically,the boys still have their chops but the song writing needed to be distributed fairly.It's basically a Allen/Romeo concept,Pinella had nothing to do with it,he's mixed out real good.That's what made The Oddessy and V,Mythology Suite great,the mixture of all writers.Allen's phrasing is too cliché,instead of flirting with other patterns,he sticks to Wings of Divine Tragedy and even totally disgusts me when in the should be apex song, Paradise lost,there is a point where he sings something like Michael Bolton.The raspiness is also annoying in some parts.The whole originality of it it lost.

Progressively,it lacks when compared to their others.It's too commercial,that's what happens when success creeps up the door,it's happened to the best.The cd is not bad,it's just not great.In a summer,when progressive music could have had 4 great releases: Dream Theater,Kamelot,Rush and Symphony X,only Rush's Snakes and Arrows proves to be the best.
Now,as for the designer of the cd packaging ,they should be slapped with a dirty ,stinky salmon fish and hung upside down.The quality of the packaging is low budget and low imagination........ouch,this review hurts me as well !!!!!!!

Remember,small minds,this review is simply my opinion based on my expectations of a great progressive group.

Paradise isn't lost on this album........2007-07-09

Symphony X has been a big part of the progressive metal movement. While not as popular as other bands in the genre, like Dream Theater, Opeth, Therion, Symphony X has still been able to make a name for themselves with their neo-classical style of playing, the superb vocals of Russell Allen, and the mesmerizing guitar work of Michael Romeo.

Symphony X has released a concept album based on the classic poem by John Milton, Paradise Lost. The album is being hyped as one of the darkest and edgiest albums Symphony X has ever made.

"Oculus Ex Inferni"
This song is an instrumental that sets the album's mood and tenor for the rest of the album. The instrumental successfully builds tension as the listener hears an epic choir.

"Set the World on Fire!"
This song is blazing fast, with precise drumming and shredding riffs and keyboards. The chorus is good. The song dives into a brilliant unison solo between Romeo and Pinnella before ending with a tremendous riff.

"Domination"
This song starts off with a bass solo before the whole band joins in. The sound continues in the style of the last track. Russell Allen gets a special mention in this track as he almost sounds crazed in a few sections of this song, with his growling vocals really taking form. The middle section of "Domination" is highlighted by another spectacular Romeo solo and some great keyboard work by Pinnella.

"Serpent's Kiss"
This song starts off a bit slow, the opening riff is slow and straight ahead. The song does pick up speed. The song, while not having the same impact as the last two tracks, is a solid track that leads into the first ballad of the album.

"Paradise Lost"
This song is the first of two ballads that help to show the softer side of Symphony X. "Paradise Lost" starts off with superb piano and acoustic guitar. The song picks up and the piano and acoustic guitar drive the melody throughout the track. Russell Allen is finally able to really sing. Mention should be made to Pinnella. While his influences on the past couple of songs haven't been as strong as in the past, he is still able to stand out with his keyboard playing.

"Eve of Seduction"
This song brings back the frantic pace from the first half of the album. Romeo has an opening solo that would make any other metal guitarist proud. The song is fast, yet brings some groove and melody to the chorus by slowing the track down a bit. Romeo pulls out one of his craziest solos on the album so far and that helps to make the track stand on the album.

"The Walls of Babylon"
This song is over eight minutes long and is the first of three epic tracks. The song is so epic that the vocals don't even come in until the second half of the song! A choir of voices is used in the first half, which helps to make the track sound very creepy. The instrumental section isn't fast, but it is very technical, with some good riff changes and bass playing. The second half is not as spectacular as the first half, but the guitar work is solid and the vocals are full of power and rage.

"Seven"
This song which is the 8th track, is the second epic, at a bit over seven minutes. The song is one of the heaviest on the album, and also has the best interlude on the album, which goes on for over two minutes. The highlight of this interlude is two Romeo solos, the return of the creepy choir, and a superb bass section.

"The Sacrifice"
This song is the second ballad and is 1 heck of a ballad. Piano and acoustic guitars are the flavor of the song. However, the acoustic guitars are more of a stand out in this track than "Paradise Lost." Allen puts in his best vocal performance of the album with an emotional performance. Romeo even gets a chance to show off his acoustic skills at the end of the track, when he plays a forty second solo with the an acoustic guitar. I feel this ballad is much better than the title track, but both are very good and short enough to not be repetitive.

"Revelations (Divus Pennae Ex Tragoedia)"
This song is the last epic track, and the longest track on the album, clocking in nearly the nine and a half minute mark. Starting with an epic sounding guitar introduction, the track shows off the band's progressive nature. Romeo plays a fast riff while Pinnella plays a piano in the background. Eventually, Allen's vocals come in and the song picks up in intensity, but the piano is continued to be played in the background. The song changes pace about two minutes in, slowing down to let the band show off their technical playing ability. The interlude comes out of nowhere, with keyboards taking over. Pinnella keyboard skills are in full form in the interlude, as he gets the chance to let loose on the piano and keyboard. Romeo, of course, gets in a great solo before the band slows down yet again. The pace picks up for its exceptional conclusion, where a lonely acoustic guitar and piano fade out as a choir sings of the apocalypse, which is a good end to Paradise Lost.

I feel this album is one of the strongest releases in 2007. The darker music makes for some interesting riffs and song ideas. While some songs don't stand out as much as others, and there is no defining epic track. Paradise Lost still stands out in the progressive metal field.

Fantastic 21st-Century Neoclassical Metal.......2007-07-08

Symphony X have single-handedly reinvented and re-energized a genre first pioneered by Yngwie Malmsteen, and brought neoclassical-style metal into a new generation. Others have covered similiar ground, but no where near as effectively and confidently, while adding progressive elements as well as a heavier, more modern style and edge.

"Paradise Lost" is a guitar-lover's dream, as guitar guru Michael Romeo turns this album into an absolute riff-fest; his ultra-heavy, complex and odd-metered riffs and fills are quite exhilarating, and this album is full of amazing solos and harmonized instrumental sections that add a sense of urgency and intesity to the entire disc.

There is no weak link in the band whatsoever, as singer Russell Allen delivers dynamic, powerful vocals, and the atmospheric and melodic keyboards are interlaced with Romeo's guitar work seamlessly, giving the album an epic, fantastic feel. Add superb and creative packaging and artwork and you have one of the best metal albums in years, yet alone in a year of other great metal releases. Well worth the wait....I can't keep this out of my CD player. Highest recommendation for any metal fan.

Unbelievable.......2007-07-07

First off, I am not going to say this cd is better than the Odyssey, TDWOT, or V because the fact is that all of those cds are incredible. Is this cd on par with those, absolutely. This cd is amazing. Unbelievable musicianship paired with incredible songwriting. Michael Romeo turns in an inhuman performance on the guitar with mindboggling rhythm work and leads that will make your head spin. The other musicians provide virtuoso performances as well, but the guitar is up front on this one. Michael Pinnela's keys though complement this one more so than on the Odyssey. He has some of his best leads and tradeoffs to date on a few of these tracks.
I will now address a few ridiculous statements by some other reviewers (notice I did not call them fans of this band because if you give this cd anything less than 4 stars; you are either deaf or accidently ordered this instead of a Bonnie Raitt cd). One reviewer would have you to believe that Symphony X is now prog's Morbid Angel or Deicide. This cd is not Satanic. It is a darker themed cd that tells stories. If that offends you, then go buy a Stryper cd. The other criticism I read is over vocals. Apparently, that person didn't listen to the cd either. There are no "death metal" vocals on this cd. Russell Allen provides quite a bit of a more aggressive tone, but he also uses his higher tone on the lighter songs. If anything, he shows diversity that we have not seen before. I count that as a plus. As a matter of fact, there is a lot of diversity on this cd that we have not seen before which makes the negative reviews on this one so puzzling to me. In addition to still getting the orchestration, different time changes, symphonic choruses and everything that makes Symphony X; we also get more bass and drum solos, even an acoustic, classical style solo. What more do you want from this band? If V or the Odyssey are so unattainable, then go listen to those cds. I will enjoy the newest masterpiece by the band.

In summary, this cd is amazing. If you listen to the naysayers, you will miss out on the best metal release of the year from the best metal band around period. It took them 5 years to put it together, and the results show despite what some have written. Thank you Symphony X. I hope to see you on tour.

Great Expectations?!.......2007-07-07

Let's establish a few points here right off the bat so there will be no disillusionment. Point one: Symphony X is a progressive power metal band. (Yes boys and girls....that's three discriptive words there) Point two: It's taken SymX almost 10 years to get enough recognition from the critics to allow for monsterous touring schedules here in the US as well as abroad. That annonimity left them with much more time on their hands to write new material and produce new CD's. So it took them five years.....these have been some busy boys. Just take the time to look at all the stuff they've been involved with in that time period.
That being said......Paradise Lost is a mind blowing work of art that incorporates all the qualities that fans have come to love about SymX with some new twists to boot. If you want every song to sound like "Communion" off the V album.....then go buy an Allen Parsen's Project CD. If you only want songs like "The Accoldade"...then go pull out your old Kansas CD's and have a blast from the past. These boys are cutting-edge and raising the bar for all metal bands who dare to call themselves "prog". Paradise Lost is definitely not for the faint hearted, it's full of power, dark themes, beautiful melodies, and mind-blowing musicianship. Russell Allen has more voices than Rich Little and uses them effectively on each and every song. If you don't like a little grit and growl from a vocalist....go buy Clay Akin's CD. I read the reviews on this CD from so-called fans of SymX and am appaled at how much they want to squeeze them into a box that fits their taste. The thing I ALWAYS love about these guys is that they are fresh, creative and never repeat themselves. Sure it was a shock to the senses when I first hear Paradise Lost.....but it was a shock to the senses on every prior SymX CD as well. That's the thrill....that's what made me a fan in the first place. If you like your music over the top, these guys wrote this CD just for you. If you like your music predictable and redundant as if stamped out of a mold, then don't waste your money. (most metal acts have been waisting your money for years) This is a masterpiece of progressive power metal (damn, there's those three little words again) that proves that Symphony X is truely the premier metal act on the whole globe. Just an opinion.......

Average customer rating:

Nickelback is Fantastic
The Creation Of Pop-Metal
Awesome CD!!!
All the Right Reasons to listen to Nickleback
Great from beginning to end.

All the Right Reasons
Nickelback
Manufacturer: Roadrunner Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Long Road
Daughtry
Extreme Behavior
Silver Side Up
The Open Door

ASIN: B000ASATO4
Release Date: 2005-10-05

Tracks:

Follow You Home
Fight For All The Wrong Reasons
Photograph
Animals
Savin' Me
Far Away
Next Contestant
Side Of A Bullet
If Everyone Cared
Someone That You're With
Rockstar

Amazon.com

Throughout their nine-year career, Nickelback have stayed true to their roots, releasing five CDs of straight-up, unapologetic rock & roll. So how have things changed for the Canadian boys since the massive success of Silver Side Up and The Long Road? Well, brothers Chad and Mike Kroeger still live in the Great White North, and they still write hook-laden rock songs. The only difference now is that they have the satisfaction, 10 million CDs later, of smugly knowing that even some of their biggest naysayers will guiltily admit to singing along with Nickelback's catchy hits. On All the Right Reasons, one track definitely ranks high up in hum-ability: the first single, "Photograph," reminisces about the bittersweetness of high school in a small town--once again reconfirming frontman Chad Kroeger's ability to write memorable hooks. Regarding the rest of the disc: standard rock topics like love, lust, jealousy, and breakups abound, with riff-y delivery that longtime fans will love. The guilty pleasure bunch will also find what they need within the grooves, on the ballad "If Everyone Cared," the riff-heavy "Fight for All the Wrong Reasons," and the Metallica-inspired "Savin' Me." The disc's most impressive and simultaneously surreal moment, however, exists on "Side of a Bullet," a passionate revenge tale written about the killer of Pantera guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, which features one of the late Abbott's guitar solos as donated by Pantera bandmate and brother, drummer Vinnie Paul. --Denise Sheppard

Customer Reviews:

Nickelback is Fantastic.......2007-07-07

Great songs, great band. I play this CD every single day and sometimes 2-3 times a day.

The Creation Of Pop-Metal.......2007-06-15

Nickelback has never failed to amaze me. Even though their newest catalog release has more of a pop essence than their previous attempts, they have managed to do something else: ride the new pop-metal wave. Pop-metal, first created by newer alternative bands such as Seether or Evanescence, has seen it's share of ups and downs. This is most definitely an up. It has amazing riffs, powerful vocals, and an arsenal of great radio tunes. Normally, I don't condone the pop revolution, but in the case of pop-metal, these guys have given it a decent name in recent years. Granted, you eventually get a little worn out by constant airplay, but it never stops me from occasionally popping this disc in my drives and just rocking out. Even the over-played "Rockstar" has it's kicks. Other than that sad attempt known as "Photograph," I can honestly say that every track on this album is worth hearing.

Awesome CD!!!.......2007-06-01

I Think This Is The Best Nickleback CD So Far! Almost Every Song On The Album Is Awesome.I Think That About 9 Songs Really Stand Out On This Album.Deffinitely Go Out & Purchase This CD!

*Follow You Home
*Photograph
*Animals
*Savin' Me
*Far Away
*Next Contestant
*If Everyone Cared
*Someone That You're With
*Rockstar

All the Right Reasons to listen to Nickleback.......2007-05-21

Nickleback has a great blend of traditional rock guitar energy and lyrics that mean something on this album. Whether on your ipod or in your car you can enjoy a cool mix of vocals, guitar riffs that pump you up or more soulful offerings that speak with passion. The quality of the lead singers voices and the musical skills of this group make this album one that you'll listen to over and over.

Great from beginning to end........2007-05-16

This album exceeded all expectations with great hits from beginning to end.

Average customer rating:

The Best Band on Earth....PERIOD!
Rush to buy this album!
Progressive Theater at it's best
Return of the Kings of Prog Metal
If you liked Train of Thought, this is your album

Systematic Chaos
Dream Theater
Manufacturer: Roadrunner Records
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

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Snakes & Arrows
Paradise Lost
United Abominations
Fear of a Blank Planet
Dream Theater - Score: 20th Anniversary World Tour Live with the Octavarium Orchestra

ASIN: B000PTYP5C
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

In The Presence Of Enemies
Forsaken
Constant Motion
The Dark Eternal Night
Repentance
Prophets Of War
The Ministry Of Lost Souls
In The Presence Of Enemies- part II

Album Description

Progressive rock masters Dream Theater return in full force with their ninth studio album Systematic Chaos. The album features heavy riffs, soaring melodies, and intricate arrangements. Dream Theater appeases its loyal fans but also reaches out to all rock fans with hook-laden hits like "Constant Motion," "Forsaken," and "The Dark Eternal Night."

Customer Reviews:

The Best Band on Earth....PERIOD!.......2007-07-09

It doesn't surprise me at all that this album is as incredible as it is. Musically, it is a masterpiece (and I'll be damned if the instrumental mid-section of The Dark Eternal Night isn't some of the most insane stuff ever layed down...Much respect to simply being able to remember the sequence of all the meter changes!!) I would say it is their best, but everytime they put out a new album I say that, so it's their best until their next best one is released. Dream Theater continue to impress fans and fellow musicians and deserve all the success and growth they have achieved over the past 20 years. I've been a fan since '92 and I've never been disappointed.

If you are new to Dream Theater's music, this album is a great "throw you to the wolves" introduction. Great album...a definite must own!!

Rush to buy this album!.......2007-07-09

This album has a new producer in some songs they sound more like Rush who the producer also produces. The singers (James) voice isn't as dynamic as previous albums. Love the album but sound isn't as good as previous albums the new producer has taken away the dynamic features that I loved in this band, strong vocals, sort of blended all of the instruments into a flat sound. I know this band sounds much better in person. Nothing wrong with the bands part just the production.

Progressive Theater at it's best.......2007-07-08

This new effort from Dream Theater is easily their most balanced album since A Change Of Seasons. I noticed most of the reviewers here are being a little too picky on some of the songs or absolutely have no clue what the story is about. This is just one fan's take, but this is one hell of an album.
1. In The Presence Of Enemies (Part 1) is a 9 minute epic. The lead-in to the song is killer and it's the perfect teaser for the even more epic second part.
2. Forsaken has a nice intro from Ruddess, my only mini complaint is that James LaBrie sings the song a tad too slow. Still, a very sold track.
3. Constant Motion has a really cool vibe with Portnoy's double bass runs in sync with Petrucci's strong riffing. Yes, Portnoy's vocal abilities is a little rough but it compliments this song so well with LaBrie's highs.
4. The Dark Eternal Night reminds me of 'Honor Thy Father' from Train Of Thought. It's just really cool, fast, and strong aggressive vocals. Jordan has a little fun during the mini breaks of this song too.
5. Repentance is the most cerebral song this band has ever done. To those who dont understand the concept, listen to 'The Glass Prison' from Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence, then 'This Dying Soul' from TOT, and 'The Root Of All Evil' from Octavarium. To the one that said there were vocal samples, it's all spoken word from the likes of Steve Vai, Satch, Chris Jericho, Jon Anderson, and Neal Morse to name a few. A beautiful and emotional song from beginning to end.
6. Prophets Of War gets right to the point with a very good sounding vocal from LaBrie telling his story of war's greed and senseless killing of innocent people. Listen close and you'll hear 100 people in chorus making this song even more personal on some levels.
7. Ministry Of Lost Souls is a Dream Theater classic. It has the speed playing, the slower balladry (especially in the beginning) and the tight vocals. A sweet piece of music nearly 15 minutes in length.
8. In The Presence Of Enemies (Part 2) closes out this epic album with a very dark story of the Dark Master. This 16 and a half minute journey takes the listener to his/her deepest darkest past selling their soul to the Dark Master only to ask for it back. What a way to close out an album.

Return of the Kings of Prog Metal.......2007-07-08

June was a fantastic month for progressive metal. Symphony X, Kamelot, and Dream Theater all released new albums - in fact the same day for Dream Theater and Kamelot. (Competition?) All three releases are very strong, but Systematic Chaos by Dream Theater shows that they are still the kings of progressive metal. As I have stated before, I only write 5-star reviews, since I can't be bothered to write reviews for anything less. With this philosophy, I didn't write a review for Octavarium, which was good but not great. There was nothing on Octavarium that struck me - plenty of prog maybe, but not enough metal.

Systematic Chaos isn't quite as heavy as Train of Thought (is anything?), but it certainly is heavy. The only song not loaded with crunch is "Repentance", which has a great Pink Floyd feel and is probably the best of the 12 step songs. "Repentance" has some beautiful backing guitar and a super solo by John Petrucci. The album is overall rather dark. While not a concept album, a number of the songs have lyrics reminiscent of 1950s horror flicks. "Constant Motion" is well titled with nothing but pure energy and makes great use of distorted vocals. Heavy riffs fill "The Dark Eternal Night" from front to back. The ending, in particular, is exceptionally mean with Petrucci crunching away at the bottom and Rudess going absolutely nuts on top with the continuum - prog metal heaven! For me, Jordan Rudess does help set DT apart. Most keyboard players add atmosphere or the lighter touches. Rudess can do this as well, but he can rip it up as nastily as Petrucci, which is as nasty as it gets. (They remind me of Jon Lord and Ritchie Blackmore dueling it out at solo time.) "Forsaken" and "Prophets of War" are short, heavy, and very catchy. "Prophets of War" has some Queen-like backing vocals and calls for a change in administration of the US presidency, which I certainly support. "The Ministry of Lost Souls" is the lyrical standout with a poignant story of successful rescue for the victim while the hero loses his life. "In The Presence of Enemies" is the epic piece, beginning and ending the album in grandiose but dark style.

Just when I was concerned that Dream Theater was possibly losing their edge, they come back with a bolt of lightning. I can't wait to see them on tour. VIP ticket for Cleveland!

If you liked Train of Thought, this is your album.......2007-07-08

DT fan since their early beginnings as Majesty. Have all the albums, seen most of the tours, have all the live DVD's. Learned most of the Petrucci licks, at least the ones acessible to mere mortals. This album crushes, lots of technical stuff, and heavy at the same time. My jury is still out on Prophets of War, I'm hoping it's more of an issue awareness kind of song like the stem cell research song on Six Degrees, and not just some moveon.org type Dixie Chix baloney. Otherwise great over all, especially the two part intro/outro track, and the "monster" themed songs, Forsaken and Dark Eternal Night. aka NADS.

Anyway, there's usually two kinds of people, DT fans and non-DT fans, and if you're a fan you'll like it, if you're not, you won't. But if you're not into DT yet, my best analogy would be that if you liked Rust in Peace by Megadeth, this is where to try to get into the Dream Theater.

Average customer rating:

Has It's Moments, But Falls Way Short Of Past Work
Best ever.....
another creative twist
disappointment
A whole new side to Manson

Eat Me, Drink Me
Marilyn Manson
Manufacturer: Nothing
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Year Zero
Minutes to Midnight
Icky Thump
Era Vulgaris
Libertad

ASIN: B000PDZJ0S
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

If I Was Your Vampire
Putting Holes In Happiness
The Red Carpet Grave
They Said That Hell's Not Hot
Just A Car Crash Away
Heart-Shaped Glasses (When The Heart Guides The Hand)
Evidence
Are You The Rabbit?
Mutilation Is The Sincere Form Of Flattery
You And Me And The Devil Makes 3
Eat Me, Drink Me

Album Description

Four years since his last studio album, and following up on his highest charting radio single ever ("Personal Jesus", from Lest We Forget), Marilyn Manson returns with "Eat Me, Drink me". Art openings, soundtrack appearances, and personal circumstance have grabbed headlines for Manson in recent months, setting the stage for the release of Eat Me, Drink Me, which is unquestionably the artist's most personal statement yet. Always the provocateur, in what may be the ultimate subversion of the code of aggro-rock, the songs are immediately catchy - all jagged guitar hooks, anthemic choruses, with an overlying glam-rock sheen. Lyrically Manson has never been more riveting, seemingly having enough to draw from in his own life and from society at large to present a fresh, snarling vision.

Customer Reviews:

Has It's Moments, But Falls Way Short Of Past Work.......2007-07-10

I've been a loyal Manson fan for about 11 years now. Even after really excellent albums like "Mechanical Animals" and "Holy Wood"...I came to terms with the fact that "AntiChrist Superstar" would always be the highlight of his genius. I thought that "Golden Age" was a pretty cool album, and it grew on me more over the years, but I still felt it was a bit dull and watered down when compared to the albums before it. After Manson took a 4 year break from music, I thought he'd return refreshed and inspired. But I grew worried as I read about the album, because even though Manson never came out and actually said it, this is really a solo album. Madonna Wayne Gacy and Ginger Fish do not perform on this album. And we already know that Twiggy Ramirez and John 5 are no longer in the band. This album is just Manson and guitarist/bassist Tim Skold. Manson spent more time on the lyrics and singing, and less time on a running theme or story for the album.

Since Marilyn Manson is one of my favorite artists to emerge from the 90's, I gave the album the benefit of the doubt. It starts off with "If I Was Your Vampire" - a very moody gothic tune. It's one of the albums best songs, but ultimately sounds like something that he would've just thrown on a soundtrack for a movie. The next song, "Putting Holes In Happiness" is a little more fun with a guitar riff you can tap your foot to. Still nothing special. The albums first single, "Heart Shaped Glasses", is a combination of the gothic disco sound that "Tainted Love" had with a guitar riff reminiscent of something from a band like The Strokes. One tune that stood out to me was "You And Me And The Devil Makes 3". I can't put my finger on it, but something about this song reminds me of Manson in his "Portrait Of An American Family" days. The album has a few other moments that could make you stop and think, "Hey that's cool." But I wonder if that's only because the rest of the album is so mediocre. I hate to give Manson anything but 2 thumbs up, but his music was always intelligent, emotional, heavy, and always evolving. This album just seems very uninspired to me, and as though he's trying to gain attention from the emo crowd. If you love everything Manson has done so far, then you could still like this. But don't expect the kind of magic he had from 1996 to 2001.

Best ever............2007-07-10

I bought this for my husband and I absolutely love this album. I think this is by far his best work ever. You can feel the pain in every song. I look forward to more work like this from him.

another creative twist.......2007-07-09

Manson has released wildly different albums that are all surprisingly consistent in terms of creativity and appeal. The three album narrative of AS, MA and HW told the story of birth (AS), corruption (MA) and eventual self-destruction and resurrection (HW). That was a good story. Manson took a break, fired Twiggy, hired Tim Skold, and put together GAOG. Initially, I boycotted the album because Twiggy wasn't there. But it grew on me. Now I like it as much as any other (though AS holds a special place in my heart for the raw energy and decadence Manson exuded in 1996). With the rest of the band gone except for Skold, I didn't know what to expect from EMDE. Like GOAG, I have let this album grow on me, and each successive listen it sounds better.

It is personal in a way unlike previous albums. GOAG was good, but it was almost a joke in terms of content. I attribute this to Twiggy's departure, as I suspect he was the creative force behind much of the lyrics and production. Also absent through most of EMDE are MW Gacy's twisted samples and keyboarding that are such a Manson trademark, but Skold is a talented bassist/guitarist and brings an appealing sound.

Basically I love it and would buy another copy if I lost it. I miss Twiggy and the old crew, but this is another new sound for Manson, and it works well.

disappointment .......2007-07-09

I usually like everything that Manson comes out with-but it seems that this one is lacking everything Manson was. The CD seems like an uncommon sound for Manson. The most disappointment is the guitar. Perhaps I just miss John 5-but I feel that the guitar doesn't mix well with what Manson is trying to achieve. I honestly, would not recommend this CD for anyone.

A whole new side to Manson.......2007-07-08

Ive been a fan of Marilyn Manson since Portait Of An American Family, and I think Eat Me Drink Me is a very good addition to the Manson collection. (if your expecting antichrist-hate-kill-die-death-pain this isnt the album for you!) I enjoyed the music because he shows a little more of his artistic side in this album... Very Good

Average customer rating:

A Masterpiece!!!!
Have A Nice Day
Morph from Ork
Good CD
SUCKY BAND

Have a Nice Day
Bon Jovi
Manufacturer: Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Glam | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Arena Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Cross Road
Lost Highway
Twice the Speed of Life
Slippery When Wet
Crush

ASIN: B000ANVQ5K
Release Date: 2005-09-20

Tracks:

Have A Nice Day
I Want To Be Loved
Welcome To Wherever You Are
Who Says You Can't Go Home
Last Man Standing
Bells Of Freedom
Wildflower
Last Cigarette
I Am
Complicated
Novocaine
Story Of My Life
Who Says You Can't Go Home

Amazon.com

What does a wildly successful purveyor of `80s big hair power ballads do in an ensuing decade dominated by fervent shoe-gazing and other attendant alt.cliches? If you're Jon Bon Jovi, you scale back your band's ambitions, retool yourself as surprisingly accomplished indie film and TV actor, and (mostly) wait for the pop music tides to turn in your favor again. But JBJ and guitarist/collaborator Richie Sambora didn't let their band's lukewarm `90s fortunes dampen their knack for hook-savvy songcraft, as this muscular anthem-fest argues at virtually every turn. BJ's songs here may be as infectious as ever, yet they're seldom mere confections, often infused with alternating doses of bracing cynicism (the title track's sarcastic riposte to the '04 election) and reflective, often bittersweet takes on histories both personal and otherwise. If it sometimes stoops to formula--the droning, metallic ethos of the obligatory big ballad "I Am" can't overcome some equally perfunctory lyrics-it's also an album with its share of warm surprises, be they unexpected nods to Dylan ("Last Man Standing," the acoustic idealism of "Bells of Freedom"), the hard-edged "I Want to Live" or a winning duet with Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles, "Who Says You Can't Go Home." Bon Jovi may deliver a sonically burnished triumph here by largely going back to the future--yet does it with one ear crucially cocked towards the anxious energy of the recent past. -- Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

A Masterpiece!!!!.......2007-06-22

Their best stuff ever!!!! Great sound, awesome lyrics! Welcome to Wherever You Are - their best written song ever. I Am, I Want to be Loved, Have a Nice Day, Story of My Life, Bells of Freedom are excellent too! Giddy up!

Have A Nice Day.......2007-06-21

"Now There's the Band - They really Play" Great album and Superb Concert. You guys ROCK!

Morph from Ork.......2007-06-17

Hints of a country band realized.....That said Bon Jovi brings you.....Lost Highway. There have always been overtures towards country music from JBJ from Wanted: Dead or Alive, to The Blaze of Glory soundtrack. You knew, however, that they would be followed up with a Bad Medicine or 99 In The Shade. It is becoming apparent, as they age, that they will rock less and croon more..... Sad but true. JBJ's Slippery When Wet voice abandoned him years ago. He's learned to pick his spots, like an aging fastball pitcher. But....he is from Jersey so...I like him....I'll just listen to SWW and NJ more! Keppin the Faith!

Good CD.......2007-06-10

First I must say that the last review is uncalled for. I guess you are just jealous about the Penguins AND Bon Jovi.

This cd is defiantly worth every penny! It's a must have for every Bon Jovi fan!

SUCKY BAND.......2007-06-09

I hate fricking Bon Jovi more then Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby combined. I would like to take a crane and give them a wedgie so huge in their tight leather purple pants that it rips their anuses in two.

Average customer rating:

Just good music...
Best Peppers Album
A Miracle
They never let me down!
Speechless...

Stadium Arcadium
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Funk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Metal | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Pearl Jam
Broken Boy Soldiers
Greatest Hits
Taking The Long Way
10,000 Days

ASIN: B000EMGAOY
Release Date: 2006-05-09

Tracks:

Dani California
Snow (Hey Oh)
Charlie
Stadium Arcadium
Hump De Bump
Shes Only 18
Slow Cheetah
Torture Me
Strip My Mind
Especially In Michigan
Warlocks
Cmon Girl
Wet Sand
Hey

Tracks:

Desecration Smile
Tell Me Baby
Hard to Concentrate
21st Century
She Looks To Me
Readymade
If
Make You Feel Better
Animal Bar
So Much I
Storm In A Teacup
We Believe
Turn It Again
Death of a Martian

Amazon.com

Four-year career hiatuses followed by sprawling double-albums could spell trouble for a band of the Chili Peppers' stature: consider they'd originally recorded enough for three discs. The restless, trouble-plagued outfit that helped break alternative rock into the mainstream with a potent fusion of punk 'n' funk in the '80s finds itself two decades on almost completely devoid of the former's energetic abandon, while the latter's effusive rhythms are considerably subdued over the course of this two-hour, 28-track collection. It's not so much that the Peppers have lost their muscular, often uber-macho edge as they have willfully tamed it in service of mature reinvention here. The mellower, often introspective, if no less potent pop ethos that characterized the crossover hit "Under the Bridge" blossoms fully here on tracks like disc one's "Snow," "Wet Sand," and the jazz-cool of "Hey."

The title track, "Desecration Smile," and "She Looks To Me" finds them venturing further into laid back pop ballad territory, while the tricky rhythms of "Dani California," "Charlie," and "So Much I" eventually kick into familiar top gear on the pop-savvy "Tell Me Baby" and hip-hop seasoned "Storm in a Teacup." It's not that there's a paucity of musical adventure here ("If" and "Animal Bar" finds them wafting into Floydish neo-psychedelia while "Make You Feel Better" seems to channel no less than Joe Jackson) but that it's delivered with a subtlety--and dare we say it?--tasteful musical restraint that's a stark contrast to the band's early, overly overt nature. There's perhaps too much mid-tempo simmering and reflection going on; like most double-albums it could be focused into a much more compelling single disc. But that seems largely beside the Peppers' hooks-over-histrionics point here: an unlikely record to kick back to, and one that both challenges assumptions and eases the band into middle age with an oft languorous, if undeniably savory groove. --Jerry McCulley

Album Description

Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers calls the band's first new album in four years, Stadium Arcadium, the most-anticipated album of the spring, "the best thing that we've ever done…. There's this weird kind of sublime, subliminal undercurrent that is suggestive, in a spirited way, of our earliest records." Exuding all the passion, energy and funked-up rock that have made the Red Hot Chili Peppers one of the most popular bands in history, the 2-CD Stadium Arcadium, simply put, will knock your socks off.

Customer Reviews:

Just good music..........2007-07-10

If you like music, looking for something new and inexpensive buy this album. I put both disc in my cars cd player and havent taken them out for months.

Best Peppers Album.......2007-06-28

Stadium Arcadium may be the best album of 2006 and the best thing the Chilli Peppers have ever done. The band just keeps getting better with each album since John Frusciante came back for Californication. His influence on the band is immense and Chilli Peppers have been at their best when he is there. That is not to say that the other members take a back seat. Keidis especially shines with his more mature lyrics and vocals. The sound is all Chilli Peppers. Older fans complain that the songs is not as funky but I think they just need to listen a bit harder. There is plenty here to go around for everyone and all of it is good.

A Miracle.......2007-06-20

Its a miracle that the Chili Peppers have come up with such a raw and real masterpiece 20 years into their career. I have been listening to this album for about a year and still lovin it.

They never let me down!.......2007-06-08

One of the Red Hot Chili Peppers best albums to date!

Speechless..........2007-06-07

So few people actually buy cds nowadays. Believe me, I understand. So many concepts are "borrowed" that it's hard to find anything that's really new. As it goes, I think that you can always look to the Chili Peppers for great music, and a unique sound. This album raises that very standard. The sheer volume is bound to move copies. 28 songs for less than $20? Naturally, every song isn't a masterwork, but the whole album is certainly worth a listen.

In a changing world, it's good to have a few constants. The Red Hot Chili Peppers remain unchanged. Still as mind-blowingly awesome as the day they burst on the scene. In an industry where it's easy to sell out, or lose yourself, they haven't. I think that they deserve credit for that. If I can go as far as to say, "I think Stadium Arcadium can be dubbed The New Classic Rock." Simply put, Buy this album!

Average customer rating:

iTunes
Don't bother.
Wow...
Surprisingly good
In Defense to Mute Math's version...

Transformers: The Movie
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Transformers: The Movie
The Transformers: The Movie (Transformers)
Transformers
Transformers: The Ark - A Complete Compendium Of Transformers Animation Models
Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday (Transformers (Ballantine Books))

ASIN: B000QFAGDA
Release Date: 2007-07-03

Tracks:

Linkin Park/What I've Done
Smashing Pumpkins/Doomsday Clock
Disturbed/This Moment
Goo Goo Dolls/Before It's Too Late (Sam and Mikaela's Theme)
The Used/Pretty Handsome Awkward
HIM/Passion's Killing Floor
Taking Back Sunday/What's It Feel Like To Be A Ghost? (Not in Film)
Styles Of Beyond featuring Mike Shinoda/Second To None
Armor For Sleep/End Of The World (Not in Film)
Idiot Pilot/Retina And The Sky (Not in Film)
Julien-K/Technical Difficulties
Mutemath/Transformers Theme (Not in Film)

Album Description

Fans around the world have clamored for a Transformers live-action movie for a long time. Now, directed by Michael Bay (Armageddon, Pearl Harbor, The Rock and Bad Boys) and executive produced by Steven Spielberg, the sci-fi action-adventure flick Transformers, inspired by one of the most popular toy lines in history, is set to become the box office blockbuster of the summer.

Customer Reviews:

iTunes.......2007-07-11

Save your money and buy the 2 or 3 decent songs on iTunes...

For there to have been so much amazing orchestral music in the film, the CD soundtrack left out too much and included too many songs not featured in the film.

Don't bother........2007-07-11

I can't say i hate the soundtrack, but I can say its not worth the money. The only three songs of worthiness are:
What Ive Done
Pretty Handsome Awkward
Before its To Late

Just go on Limewire and search those and your set. Save your money for the Score Soundtrack. I don't know when it will be released but most scores come out 2 weeks to a month after Theater release so keep an eye out for it towards the end of July, but I could be wrong. I heard the score is still being worked on for the soundtrack so don't quote me on the release.

Wow..........2007-07-11

It seems quite a few people have alot of difficulty telling the difference between a Soundtrack and a Score. If you really need to tell the difference, try...oh I don't know... FLIPPING THE DAMN CASE OVER AND LOOKING AT THE BACK!!! Nobody has any excuse for "oops" buying on a soundtrack. If your looking for the Score and you flip the case over and see songs by Linkin Park and Smashing Pumpkins, instead of say, Hans Zimmer, chances are you have the wrong one. If your buying online, anywhere you buy a cd, they ALWAYS have a track listing. People are just dumb.

Surprisingly good.......2007-07-10

I liked this soundtrack. I thught that it was totally worth the $10 I paid for it. I wish the "Not on soundtrack" songs were actually in the movie cause I thought they were good. The only song that I really skip over is the Smashing Pumpkins song. Don't buy this cd if you want to hear the songs from the movie, buy this cd if you like the bands on here (which I do).

In Defense to Mute Math's version..........2007-07-10

Most consumers by now should be going online or reading the back of the freakin cd to check if the Soundtrack includes the score. If you don't do that, YOU'RE JUST A BAD CONSUMER, I'm sorry.

Usually, films nowadays have two versions: the score version (that most of us like), and the Money making, "Music inspired from the movie..." verison. I would have to say, that they could've been smarter with the choice of titles.

What happened to all the songs that Bumble Bee used? That was a great, clever moment in the movie, and those songs would've been classic if it was included. I can see numerous consumers coming in to buy the soundtrack just for those songs...but then they weren't smart enough to include it. ALSO The Goo Goo Dolls are just trying to re-capture their success with "Iris" from the City of Angels OST. They should just stop...it was good then, just stop. The piano intro for the Linkin park song kinda worked, but then it hit distortion. I HATE IT WHEN THEY USE TOP 40 songs in films...it's such an abuse of product placement. What could've worked was putting the Mutemath Transformer's Theme after Optimus Prime's speech in the beginning of the film...that would've been ok. That Mutemath cover was the ONLY reason why i gave this album 1 star: jeez, i didn't even buy it this album....cuz most of these songs are on the respective artists' albums already.

Someone here mentioned the Black Lab (look for it on youtube) Transformers Theme version and said it was better than mutemath's. WRONG. Well..unless you wanna go all metal soundtrack like all the horror movies these days. Metal just doesn't fit it...the autobots vs. decepticons scenes..maybe...but i even think the score was really good...MAYBE A lil' ARMAGEDDON-Like...but hey, who was the director? Yep. The Mute Math version was very spacey and was perfect for the feel of the movie and would blend well with the movie's feel.

I do hope they release the official score...it was good.

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music