Metal Reviews

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Good review Chris, i too feel a bit disapointed by this album, what kills it for me is the production, VS used to had such a powerfull sound, and i feel it a bit diminished on this album, like you said the first five songs are really good, but after that the album start to sink, a shame really because i know what VS is capable of, i think that Defeis should release a live album, that way we would be able to hear how the new songs are performed in a live enviroment.

By the way, just clarify i still think that this album is good, just not so good as i expected.

I thought they did record some live shows in Long Island, NY a few years back that were supposed to be released as a live CD.....

Agreed with both of you. Its not a bad album, but compared to what the Steele usually deliver, it just doesn't cut it.

I actually like this CD, but I pretty much agree with the rest of the thoughts here (and the review... from what I read, as I just quickly skimmed). I plan to write a review for this myself for the next MCDR update.... will surely be rated higher than the equivalent of 62/100, but like I said, I agree with you guys for the most part.

It has some really killer songs (Immortal I Stand ), but for the most part it is very dull. Agreed with Chris on this one.

Good thing I never review this, otherwise you would be grilling me . While I always thought that VS had excellent melodies you simply can not have a good metal record with electronic drumming he's got going. Someone has to tell David that. He may have the most intricate opera, he may sing his guts out and piano may be beautiful, but that drumming kills it every time.

you know maybe 62/100 is a little low, it might lead people into thinking this is some kind of shitty album, while in reality is a good album, most of the songs are good, like i said the production is the real flaw of this album, oh and "Adorned With The Rising Cobra"and "Black Light On Black" are fucking killer songs.

This album is a grower IMO. At first I thought it was pretty terrible with the exception of Immortal I Stand, loved that song from the start. Like others have said however, the production kills it, it reminds me of the new Maiden, the bad production mars what could have been a great release. I find that the more and more I listen to this though the production problems become less and less noticable.

This will never be as good the the Marriage albums, or Invictus or even House of Atreus, but under the bad production and stupid drum machine there are some very well written songs that I bet kill in a live setting.

Im actually listening to the album again right now and up to Bonedust so far I like each song, with Immortal I Stand and Black Light On Black being the 2 best.

EDIT- I would give this 82/100, I think the album is excellent up to song 7 and then after that its all downhill. 7 out of 11 great songs isnt bad, but 4 meh songs out of 11 isnt very good either.

After several listenings i decided to change my vote to a solid 80, i would have to agree with silent man on this one, this is definately a grower (wich is kinda strange since i listen the other VS albums alot), the last song Visions of Eden is now one of my favourites, its like each time i listen to this album i like it more and more.

Yeah, I still stand by my thoughts of earlier... I like the CD a lot. Will be handing out a 3.5/5 rating on my site, which is probably equivalent to about 82/100 over here (???)....

Clint

NP: Bloden-Wedd - Raging planet

The production does bring this album down a bit, it's sort of "mono-ized". And the songs themselves tend to sound 'tired', they lack most of the energy from the Atreus albums. And most noticeably, it doesn't end with a bang.

Marriage I had "Life among the ruins"
Marriage II had "Victory is mine"
Invictus of course had "Veni Vidi Vici"
Atreus I had "Agony and shame"
Atreus II had "Resurrection day"

This album doesn't really have any song like that, it just kind of fades out.

Having said that I don't think the album looses its grip after track 6 as I rather like "God above god" and "Childslayer".

Those two are great songs. Especially Childslayer, that's one of the best VS songs ever. But The Hidden God, When Dusk Fell and Visions Of Eden bring the album down a bit. And the weird production is also bringing it down... a bit more. Pitty. They broke a great stride, one of the best in metal.

IMO Adorned With The Rising Cobra is that kind of song, but since is not in the end i kinda agree with you, the problem i think is that the new songs sound less heavy, why the hell is Edward so low on the mix?, what is really missing IMO are songs like Serpents Kiss, Mind Body Spirit, Return Of The king, etc, you know songs more guitar oriented.

Just published my VS review (for those interested in my take)...

http://www.angelfire.com/music5/metalcd ... EVIEW.html

Clint

I have listened the album about 12 times now and I have to agree that at first it feels like it lets you down, but after several spins I have to say that although I agree with the production issues and that the guitar sounds could be heavier that it is a great album.

I quoted it 88/100. Just listen to Angel of Death or Black Light on Black, Immortal I Stand or Adorned with the Rising Cobra and you will understand. All hail David DeFeis!!