5 comments about Start a War.

1. I don't ever like to say that an album is a total failure. There HAS to be something good about it. No one would put a disc out if it possibly sucked that much. Well, it's happened. This album is a total failure.
   
   Where do I begin? The grating vocals? The idiotic and bland lyrics? The stupidly simple song structures that consist of one or two riffs repeated and sound like something from the mid-90s? Or how about their annoying "aren't we so funny" vibes?
   
   Frontman Wayne Static is known for his phallic hair style, but he should be known for potentially being one of metal's worst frontmen. His vocals are totally soulless and monotonous. And his lyrics sound like something an angry 13-year-old would write; they're often obnoxious, trite, and just plain dumb. Take this line, from the song "Set it Off", for example: "I feel like death wearing a disguise/Can't catch my breath/From all this noise". If I were him, I would have been embarrassed to pen something like that.
   
   It's almost not even worth mentioning the music. For one thing, the production's horrible. But the music itself somehow manages to sound worse. Every single riff is boring, uninspired, and dated. The band is all over the place in terms of arrangement; they want to sound electronic and fake, so they throw in some keyboards...but they also want a thick, organic sound. They don't succeed in getting either.
   
   Possibly the most annoying thing about this disc is their irritating desire to seem clever, cliched expressions and all. I think "Otsego Amigo" is a joke, but it's hard to tell when it's not funny. And if it wasn't funny enough the first time, imagine how hilarious it is to hear it as a hidden track at the end...only this time without music! Who was asking for that?
   
   All of this culminates into what is possibly the worst CD I own. I'm just glad someone else bought this for me.



2. Hell of an album ! I bought it after Cannibal because all I had before was just WDT. I don't think Cannibal can be topped, but this is a worthy purchase and besides, who's comparing ? Not a return to the WDT like many people say, or Shadow Zone part 2, as others claim, but an album with a sound and merits of its own. The songs are the usual kick-in-the-b·lls- industrial numetal with incredible amounts of groove to it, and it's bassist Tony Campos who's mainly responsible for that. Gurgling, stomach-wrenching basslines that could make the dead walk; every song has a different hook and the whole of the record functions as a cohesive tour de force opus. Guitarrist Fukuda is back but without a vengeance since the guitarwork, while effective and powerful, is nothing too notorious for originality. Oshiro is a very competent drummer and Waynw Static fortunately abandons his previous record crooning vocals in favour of the ultra-fast stacatto delivery he's so famous for. And man it suits him !
   Some guitars borrow a lot from Fear Factory and some songs have a certain Kornesque vocal style to it but it's a well-known fact these people are friends of and fans of these band acknowledging them as big influences.
   
   Now on the sound : It lacks treble, the sound is murky and calls for a lot of equing : what hapenned Mr Ulrich ??!! The mix on WDT was outstanding and the sound of Cannibal perfection achieved, so this strikes as odd, but it can be fixed.
   The last song is pure evil disco, no vocals, and features a ghost track with Tony Campos swearing his a·· off in spanish (I LMAO)by reciting the intro of a Brujeria song (he's their bassist) followed by the vocal track for Otsego Amigo without the music. Do yourself a service and add this great album to your metal collection.



3. This band seems to make pairs in their albums, Wisconsin Death Trip/Machine sound somewhat the same. Shadow Zone/Start a War have a bit of the same sound. A-lot of people don't really like this album. But this is probably one of my favorites. It still has the melodies from Shadow Zone, but still has more heavy stuff as well. And they added more techno into the music, which is great, because it fits in their music very well. My favorites include "Dirthouse," "I'm The One," "Skinnyman," and "Break It" I can't really explain why this CD is so great in my opinion. It has some filler songs, though. But Dirthouse is easily the best song on this CD IMO. the drums sound amazing. I don't know what else to say. If you liked Shadow Zone a bit, check this one out. Actually, just check it out regardless, this CD is my second favorite by them, 5 stars.



4. First off, other than Machine, I really love all of their records. Machine was kind of dull to me. This one has some great songs like "Start A War", "I'm the One", "The Enemy" and "Dirthouse". My favorite for some reason, is "Dirthouse", even with the crazy synth-driven beats. It is a really fun song. Wayne never has been one to change up his vocal style, and even though he never shows great range other than his usual growls and barks, he keeps things interesting with unusual vocal patterns. I've said it before and I'll say it again: it's not what you sing, it's how you sing it. and he does a great job of creating vocal hooks. in this genre of music, so many vocalists are predictable and sound the same. But Wayne always throws in some crazy vocal patterns to change things up. The emphasis is always on the right words, syllables, and phrases. I recommend this to anyone who is a fan of heavy music, especially industrial thrash.



5. The first album by Static-X I bought was Shadow Zone, after hearing about it from a friend. I instantly became a fan. After listening to it, I worked my way backwards to Machine and later, Wisconsin Death Trip. I loved all their previous music and could not wait for the release of Start a War. The hype about them going back to WDT intrigued me. When I bought it, I was blown away. The very first song throws you right in. The Enemy is a great opener for an album like this. I still think a video for The Enemy would have been better, but I'm the One is a great song, too. After listening to it, I must say I enjoyed it, but it wasn't exactly what I was expecting it to be. It starts out great, with a drag in the middle and has a bizarre ending. Great cd though.
   
   Here is my rating of each song:
   1. The Enemy- a great way to start the cd, great for driving
   2. I'm the One- great song
   3. Start a War- title track, great song
   4. Pieces- my favorite song from the album
   5. Dirthouse- second favorite song, glad they made a video
   6. Skinnyman- took a few listenings but now this song is great
   7. Just In Case- don't quite get where they were going with this one, Love Dump from WDT was better
   8. Set It Off- again, part of the drag in the album
   9. I Want To F***ing Break It- the drag continues and ends with this song
   10. Night Terrors- great song, gets the album back on track
   11. Otsego Amigo- a little different from their other Otsego songs, but still really cool
   12. My Damnation- great song
   13. Brainfog- this track (I'm not really going to say song for this one) is nearly opposite from the rest of the album. It starts off with a techno-dance beat ending in silence, followed by the lyrics to Otsego Amigo, without the music, not quite sure about this track
   
   I loved this album. If you are a Static-X fan, this album is a must. It features Koichi Fukada, the guitarist from Wisconsin Death Trip and brings some of the sound from Wisconsin Death Trip back.

5 comments about 12 Tales.

1. For fans of the spell-like quality of medieval rock and shoegazing/dreampop, 12 Tales is a rare little must-own. It's probably my favorite compilation CD ever made. It initially attracted me by the cover art (I'm a huge Amy Brown fan) and then pulled me in by the track list--Rasputina, Cranes, Violet Indiana, and Miranda Sex Garden all on the same album? Sweet! I was immediately made a fan of the lesser-known artists on 12 Tales, such as The Flir, Bitstream Dream, Future Bible Heroes, and Livid Kittens. A booklet insert is a neat little feature, as mini-story and a piece of Amy Brown's fairy art accompany every track listing.
   
   Don't except anything too heavy here--rather, the CD consists of 12 atmospheric tunes that will take you straight to Dreamland. Highlights are the Crane's "Flute Song," which has melodic aching quality set to a soft baseline; Bitstream Dream's "Impossible Gardens," which carries trace-like vocals set to a mid-eastern vibe; Violet Indiana's "Purr la Perla," which has this faraway, wistful texture; and David Sylvian's "Room of Sixteen Shimmers," a darkwave, fantasy gem.



2. One word, terrible. I asked for Nosferatu's Rise (awesome) for christmas and my mom saw this album under the "users who bought this album also bought" category. Save yourself the agravation and pass this one. I feel like Ive been robbed because I put the time into listening to it. There are only two good songs on the album and one of them is all but ruined due to shabby recording quality. The rest either are ruined due to the recording quality, or have terrible lyrics and crappy music, or usualy both. Hunter's kiss is sung in the first person from the perspective of a deer that has just been shot. Stupid stupid stupid. If you want an album like this except better in every way buy the soundtrack to the Witchblade comics. You won't miss out on anything if you dont read them as I dont and still thought it was awesome. Common, Peter Steele is on it.



3. For any fan of Amy Brown, Rasputina, MSG, this is the set for you. Not a bad song on the list, and many great exclusives, including some of the most attractive packaging I've ever seen on a CD. The storybook is gorgeous, and the disc itself is like a random shuffle of my playlist. I love it!



4. i love listening to this cd because its so relaxing. And strangely enough alot of the songs make me feel like im in a movie. Anyway i especially love rasputina's "hunter's kiss", its different than any other songs ive heard yet i can't stop listening to it!



5. From Rasputina to Cranes to Violet Indiana, an introduction to some of the most brilliant of the lesser known bands. Even The Flir (who recorded five songs that I know of) make an appearance. The world needs more CDs like this.
   I especially like Hunter's Kiss by the amazing Rasputina-great on their many CDs and great in concert.
   Violet Indiana (Robin Guthrie's latest) and Cranes are also wonderful discoveries for those previously unaware of them.

5 comments about Filth Pig.

1. This highly controversial album is either loved or hated by its listeners. It's either embraced for not being Psalm 69 II, or despised for not being Psalm 69. What seems to get lost in the shuffle between the bickering as to whether this was a drug induced misstep, or a calculated move to divide the fan base, is the fact that this is a very solid album.
   
   This album is not easy to digest, and I have to admit, that after one listen, I wasn't very impressed. Sure, songs like "Lava" and "Dead Guy" blew me away after the initial listen, but "Reload", the title track, and "Game Show" just didn't interest me at all. After popping this CD into my computer's CD Rom just about every single afternoon for a couple of weeks, it finally clicked. I finally understood the album and understood the grooves and anger that went into each song. After about 10 listens, I began to worship songs like "Game Show" and "Reload". "Game Show" is like a slowed down version of Master of Puppets and "Crumbs" and "Filth Pig" are just songs that I can't help but scream along to, although they are pretty repetitive. My biggest complaint is that I couldn't get a louder sound out of my monitor speakers. No matter how high I cranked up the volume, it just didn't seem to satisfy me. To appreciate this album, you just have to have this stuff vibrate through you. Another wonderful thing about this album is that each song is unique and has its own personality. Granted, each one of these personalities can sneak into your home at night and stab you in the back 35 times, but its easy to differentiate each song from the next. When I listen to Slayer's Reign in Blood and Sepultura's Beneath the Remains, the songs begin to sound the same, if not very similar to each other, and it gets boring after a while.
   
   This album should be appreciated for what it is, not what it was "expected" to be.



2. I've used these songs in countless student films to get that doomy, steamy, and haunted effect. I'm not big on the singles that we released off this one, like "Reload." But "Dead Guy" and "Gameshow" just define Ministry for me. Slow, droning, tubes so over-driven they could cook eggs, drums that sound like breaking glass. The emotion that this ablum and "Dark Side of the Spoon" pulls from me is something I try and put into my own music. It might not be dance hall, but it's definately art.



3. That may sound like me just back-slapping myself but its just the cold hard facts.
   The people complaining about this album remind me of the scene in the film Amadeus where the king tells Mozart that his music has 'too many notes'.
   Theres literally thousands and thousands of conventional albums that are 'easy listening'. I myself like them. But when I am in a certain frame of mind I 'get' this album.
   Please believe me when I say this album totally rocks, it is difficult but it is very rewarding. Though I concede its not for everyone.
   A total disinterest in appealing to the masses and a laser focus on their craft. To me thats art, very few musical albums attain that label, but this one does.



4. This is their least popular album but easily my favorite. This really isn't an industrial album, its a rock album. But it still definitely sounds like Ministry. Their approach is still the same...repetitive grooves that give a hypnotic feel. But the difference is they combine this approach with a more organic sound via guitar, bass, and drums as opposed to samples. The drums on this album are awesome. Basically this record is just a big ugly slab of heaviness with a very dark and trippy feel. Not for everyone but I love it.



5. This is the first Ministry album i picked up, and it's good, period. There are some bands that make an album with only half the songs being good, this isnt the case. From the begining until the end, after every song my reaction was: "Badass".
   
   This album isn't industrial, it's Industrial Rock, there's a difference. If you like Nine Inch Nails, you WILL like this. If you like Ohgr, you will like this. If you like KMFDM, you'll probably like this.

4 comments about Nothing & Nowhere.

1. Wow! If you're new to this band start here. Being a lover of this genre I can't believe I haven't heard about this band before I did. Excellent excellent music! As an owner of all TBM's albums this one is my favorite. I have five definite favorite songs by this band, four of which appear on this album: Happy Birthday, Horrorshow, Under the Stairs and Broken (To Die For almost made the cut into my top five however Red Stars off of Walking With Strangers is my absolute favorite). Honestly I would rate every album by this band, so far, a solid five stars. TBM has such an amazing sound that they are easy to listen to over and over without getting tired of them; as you'll notice many other reviewers have mentioned the very same thing whether it be on this album or the others. I recently saw these guys perform with Mindless Self Indulgence and damn they rocked it "hardcore"! If you get a chance to see them live don't miss your opportunity. I don't know about you, but when I hear an album this remarkable and realize that there are other albums out there by the same band with potentially the same greatness -I buy them. But like I said you should start here and advance with each album. Happy Birthday Massacring!



2. If you like "Violet" then you *should* like this album. "Happy Birthday" and "Video Kid" are noticeably down-tempo compared to their "Violet" versions. The other songs that are on "Violet" will be noticeable for their differences as well, but it's mainly in how the songs were mixed (i.e. some effects are stronger - brought "more to the front" of the mix; the vocals are stronger on the "Violet" version). My favorites of the album are "Broken" and "Promise Me".
   
   I think the album is far more mellow than "Violet", with the exception of "Broken". If you're a fan of The Birthday Massacre, do yourself a favor, buy this re-release and see how far they've come. Then pre-order "A Walk With Strangers".



3. the birthday massacre is not a band that has become "mainstream", at least not yet. and in a way this is very surprising because the talent is undeniable, and their sound so effortlessly unique that few bands are able to succeed at this, especially on their first try. most people aware of TBM know them through their album "violet," especially since THIS nothing and nowhere was out of print for quite a while, until its recent re-release. there are 4 tracks here already present on "violet," [[happy birthday, horrow show, video kid, & the dream]] although owning both albums is definitely NOT "a waste." the tracks that appear again on violet have a different sound, and sometimes sound more "polished" as in the case of "happy birthday." howevever, personally if i must choose between one of the versions of "the dream", i'd say i prefer the one here on Nothing and nowhere. the other tracks [[promise me, under the stairs, to die for, over, and broken]] are pure genius, and pure proof of TBM's ability to mix their sound amazingly well. TBM has often said themselves that they do not like to label their sound, and they are proud to have such a wide variety of fans, from goth to rock to techno/dance fans. i personally found "to die for" to be simply addictive and played it a few days straight non-stop. its mellow, dreamy and romantic state made me a bit melancholic, but in a good way. watch for the track "broken" which is an edgier TBM sound not found in any other track in this album. i'd definitely say it's the album's most "hardcore" track, if not of ALL the TBM tracks combined. it definitely epitomizes a cyber-goth club, at least to me!! this album is definitely something worth checking out, if not only to experience one band's talent and ability to mix such different genres.
   my personal favs are to die for, promise me, broken, and under the stairs with my ALL-TIME TBM FAVORITE track being "happy birthday", the version on violet however. =) i am super-excited for their new album, "walking with strangers" which will be released on september 10 2007. they are touring as well this season, so be sure to check them out if you can!! they are one of the VERY FEW bands i know that try so hard to make their venues be for all ages [since they are aware that they do have younger fans too] AND which go for ridiculously affordable prices. LONG LIVE THE THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE!!!!! =)



4. My comments are probably going to be about this band in general, as much as they referring to this album specifically.
   First off, this band is simply amazing. They seem to have successully balanced every type of music that I like under the "rock" banner. There is some metal, industrial, 80's new wave melody, female goth. There is plenty of melody here that you can sing along to, but enough aggression to not worry about this being a dance-pop band. Chibi has a nice voice, but she knows how to play to her strengths. She is not one of those opera girls who like to show off, but she is not ultra-depressed either.
   This album in particular leans a little more towards the industrial/dance side of the equation than Violet does. For example, there is no song that goes for the throat like "Blue" (but one could make an argument that "Broken" goes in this direction). However, there are lots of strong songs on here that were not on Violet. I would have to say that my favorite somg on here that was not on Violet is "Promise Me". This song has a certain sweetness to the lyrics, even though you could look at them as depressing too.
   I wish more bands expanded on this type of sound, but that just shows you how great this band is. Overall, I can't say enough about TBM. Check out a couple full length songs on their my-space page. I think you will either "get it" or not immediately. If you are one of the folks who do, run out and buy Nothing And Nowhere and Violet as soon as possible!

5 comments about Vision Thing.

1. In my opinion, the high point for the Sisters is Floodland, but this album is fun too. Before buying I had only heard the song "More", which is really good, and the rest are at or just slightly below the same level of goodness. The lyrics are often clever, I mean, how many times have you heard someone make a rhyme with "Torquemada"?



2. A must have for any fan of Sisters of Mercy. It is a truly wonderful album.



3. people who bash this album for not being "floodland II" are not to be taken seriously; they're simply being too narrow minded.
   most of the reviewers here have either downloaded a couple of tracks from this album or have been 'reviewing' the album based on somebody else's opinion, and it painfully shows in their writing. this band deserves far more respect.
   vision thing prides itself to possess one of the most devastating openers (no matter how many 'sorry trends' it lead to) ever. eldritch is truely a wizard when it comes to bore-free, minimalistic melody making. you get 8 minute long songs which are and will never sound too long, irresistibly persistant melodies carrying vitriolic but most of the times, abstract lyrics. the robotic feeling of the album, served courtesy of eminent drum machine Dr. Avalanche, brings back the best moments of floodland, making of vision thing, a logical projection of its predecessor. ranging from pure hard rocking goodness (title track, when you dont see me, dr jeep...) to otherwordly gothicness (ribbons, arguably their most 'goth' song), this album spans over 40 minutes of incredibly varied music and, sadly enough, finishes while we have just started to love it, not getting enough of the vicious three guitar attacks, the devastating drumbeats, the guy's voice, or maggie reilly's backing vocals. owe it to yourself to ignore the sillies who obviously gave this album no more than a three minute listen (that is, if ever!) before deciding that floodland or FALAA are more 'goth'...
   for once, ignore the labeling and discover the music, that shouldnt be fitting a given genre in order to be enjoyed.
   enough said...



4. Though I admit this isn't as good as "First And Last And Always" or "Floodlands", I still really like it. "Vision Thing" has been knocked by some for being too commercial, or too sell-out, but I don't really see that. I just see it as really good goth-metal, not quite like "Type O Negative", but good. In fact, I don't see how someone could like their other albums, and not this one, it's still very similar. "More" seemed to be the only hit from this, but I also really like "Detonation Boulevard" and "Vision Thing" too. Also, "Doctor Jeep" has a great repetitive driving beat, and is great for, well, driving. I also enjoy the two slower tracks "Something Fast", and the great closer "I Was Wrong". Actually let me say that I really love every song besides "When You Don't See Me", which is still ok. Four of these eight tracks made it onto their "Greatest Hits" album, though in different forms. Overall, I call it a strong, yet 3rd place finish to their three proper albums.



5. Being a long-time Sisters of Mercy fan, I decided to purchase this recording despite the waves of negative reviews that have flooded the band ever since it's release. Most of them claimed frontman Andrew Eldritch sold out the band's original darkwave sound for more of a glam/power rock approach which is somewhat true because most of the tracks on this album sound awfully similar to something Motley Crue or Poison would put out. Eldritch has now hired a full-time band for the recording of this album (with former Gun Club member Patricia Morrison on backing vocals, she was also on the band's previous release...."Floodland") including two guitarists, a bass player, and a drummer which meant he no longer had need for the band's long time drum machine....Doktor Avalanche (how odd to give a piece of equipment a name, hmmm....). And yes, the Sisters did receive a lot of mainstream attention when it first hit store shelves all over the world 14 years ago, but attention from the media and changing musical styles doesn't necessarily signal selling out. Sure, this album was a drastic change from their previous releases "Floodland" and their debut "First and Last and Always" but it doesn't lack the potential for it to be a good album. In a way, I'm pleased with the change in style, a band can only keep up with their original sound for so long before it becomes boring and repetitious. Besides, it was the 90's when this album was recorded, their 80's retro sound would have been passed off as out of date and uncreative seeing as how grunge and alternative rock were making their comebacks and synthpop was going flying out the window. The Sisters started experimenting with hard rock music and the resulting album was dubbed "Vision Thing"....a tiring yet still enjoyable release with hit singles such as the title track and "Detonation Boulevard" which became instant hits amongst clubs and received quite a bit of radio airplay, especially for a band that wasn't well known prior to this recording. The album gets a bit boring and tiresome after the first five as there is really no change in tempo in most of the songs which really makes it bearable for only a couple of listens. First time listeners of this band will enjoy this album because of it's catchy rhythms and simplistic song structures. But if you're a long-time Sisters fans such as I, you will tire of this album quickly and might want to pop in one of their better albums into your CD player such as their crowning acheivement and in my opinion, the best goth album the 80's has to offer...."Floodland." Overall, this is a good album, but only die-hard Sisters fans will enjoy what this release has to offer and fans of more gloomy, Depeche Mode-style, synth-based goth music would enjoy previous Sisters recordings such as like I previously mentioned "Floodland" or "Fist and Last and Always."

4 comments about Immortal.

1. Immortal is a great track. Definitely one of their best. Has the theatrics, the driving power, the smooth sound, the etherial quality you'd expect from a Cruxshadows song, but it's also a distinct sounding track, so you won't get a "been there, done that" feel from it.
   This is a great song to pump yourself up for video games
   
   I liked Exile, but it's not for everyone. It's one of their a softer more emotional songs. Well crafted and it has some slightly rocking moments, but if you're looking for something to pump you up, look to one of their other songs.
   
   Ariadne is very violin-heavy, with some light piano in the background. A medium-paced song.



2. I'm quite impressed with the "Immortal" single. It is beautiful, dark, meaningful, and catchy. The Cruxshadows never fails to impress me!



3. I bought Immortal after hearing the Cruxshadows in concert and am already eager to buy whatever they put out next. I can't get the song out of my head, but not in the annoying earworm sort of way--as soon as I've finished listening to it, I just want to hit play again. Even though some of the band members have changed, it hasn't lessened the talent of Cruxshadows!



4. even though the talent of Rachel has left the band. the new members are a welcome addition. i feel immortal has the ability to climb the charts like birthday and Sophia did. buy this CD you will love it. i cant wait to see what else rogue and the rest of the band will offer in the future.

5 comments about Twitch.

1. I have really liked alot of Jourgensen's cd's (Psalm 69, Linger Fickin Good, Rabies, The Mind is a Terrible Thing to Taste) but for some reason I'm always drawn to Twitch when I'm in the mood for some old school goodies. I think its because the album is pure and doesn't try to be something its not, yet is a pioneer and a sign of things to come for the entire genre for over the next decade. If you like Twitch you'll probably also like Poesie Noire (Complicated - Compilated), Numb (Christmeister / Wasted Sky), Nine Inch Nails (Pretty Hate Machine), Frontline Assembly (State of Mind / Gashed Senses & Crossfire / The Initial Command), Skinny Puppy (Rabies, Bites, Remission)



2. This album has a special place in my heart. Forget what you know about present day Ministry and listen musically. Its very much an 80's sound, but even so it still was ahead of it's time.
   
   This is one of my essential albums of all time. For the price of this album you would be a fool not to own a copy. I have this, and the 'Twitched' album version myself, and plan to buy both cd copies also. Some say that there's only a few good tracks on here, but i disagree fully. "Good" is a relative term based on different criteria, but i feel each and every track has something to offer, and has it's place on this album. I hesitate NOT one second to give it a 5 for that reason. I love this album!



3. I regrettedly have to give this album 3 stars due to inconsistency- the first 5 tracks are fantastic, classic Ministry pieces... but the remaining 4 generally lack anything interesting about them, and one of them is even a remix.
   
   Contrary to other reviewers, I would say Twitch is not 'noisy', nor does it remind me too much of industrial in general. It's basically Al's take on synth pop, in other words it's angrier and has nothing to do with romance. The songs are VERY catchy, but are quite political and rebellious at the same time. No screaming here, just Al's raspy whisper, sometimes used in melodic fashion. There are some similarities in the melodies to Front 242 or the like, but the production style is very different from those bands, more along the lines of later Ministry (LORAH) as far as drum/synth sounds.
   
   "We Believe" is a darker song, shows early on Al's penchant for ominous atmosphere. I'd say "All Day" is the highpoint of the album, complex, great lyrics, catchy as hell, fun to sing along to. "The Angel" has that 80's radio single feel to it, and even has female guest vocals. Very well constructed, again interesting lyrics. "Over the Shoulder" and "Just Like You" are great dance floor material. "My Posession" has some more good lyrics but very little going on musically. "Where you at now?/Crash and Burn/Twitch" is 12 minutes. Seems like Al messing around with a few beats and synths, not much point to it, not many vocals. Lacks again something interesting to latch onto. The "Over the Shoulder" remix is too much like the original, a common problem with remixes. "Isle of Man" is a simple melody repeated, about a future Earth destroyed by pollution, but really sounds cheesy ("Can't clean it, I mean it!")... Ministry would get successfully ominous later. I agree with someone else that it sounds like pirates would sing it.
   
   In conclusion, Twitch has 5 great Ministry songs, so if you can get it for cheap, buy it. If not, download those songs, they're fantastic.



4. i would have given this album 4 stars except that this album is extremely influential.i can't believe how much this sounds like early Nine Inch Nails.i love NIN just as much as anybody but Trent should really be paying Al some royalties.this is a great album for those who like their music experimental and noisy.i wouldn't suggest this to any country music fans that's for sure, eventhough i do like some of the classic troubadors like willie,johnny and waylon.as a big fan of ministry i love this album and like that it's his first full-length.for those ministry fans who are used to the harder guitar-oriented stuff this might come as a little suprise as it is much more 80's-tinged and electronic,far from N.W.O.,and Al's voice is less harsh during this time period as well.trust me,i am not taking anything away from that because i like the second half just as much.good stuff.



5. This is an album that I use to play a lot on Friday nights when my friends and I were on our way to a show, or the city, or just for a good time out. It gets you pumped up. I think it's a really solid piece of work, near perfect. It's industrial, yet it's not. Whatever it is classified under, the album works. It is my favorite Ministry release. As far as the other Ministry releases, I much prefer the earlier to the recent.

5 comments about Futureperfect.

1. I can't imagine what personal failings would lead anyone to give this CD one star. It was and is the finest example of Industrial/EBM/Gothic music. Beloved has become an anthem of the goth scene. It is at the same time one of the saddest and most uplifting songs ever written. Ronan's lyrics transcend the tripe that the music industry pawns off on the public. To truly appreciate VNV Nation you must see them live. It is not so much a concert as a revival...of faith that life is worth living, that you are not alone. In fact there is an astonishing video on YouTube by a Christian fellow who wandered into a VNV show one night. It changed his life. This album demonstrates the breadth of Ronan and Mark's talent, from the ballad Holding On to ultra-Industrial Electronaut. You can experience a live show by watching the DVD PastPerfect, which was filmed during the concert tour following the release of FuturePerfect.



2. Some people are fans and fair enough, but this is boring droll , uninspired........... as uninspired as this review.



3. What can be said that the others haven't? They did a great job, but I'll repeat what they've said anyway: "Futureperfect" is just a beautiful album. The lyrics offer hope, and the instrumentals are nice enough additions to the mix. Yes, there's a few others who do the trance-y beats with the industrial sound (i.e. Funker Vogt at times), but nothing is quite like this one.
   
   It may take awhile for this record to sink in for some people, as most of these songs are 5-6 minutes long. But no moment is wasted here really. The first VNV song I heard was "Beloved" a few years back. I was taken aback on how incredible that song was. It's still my favorite VNV song and one of my all-time favorites.
   
   And that song is really not a fluke. There's the more space-y sounding songs like "Carbon" and the album speaks of its futurism without having to do with the current political climate. Ronan Harris is one of the greatest song writers of the industrial scene. Most people expect the abrasion of Skinny Puppy and Ministry when they hear the term "industrial," but this record is a different kind of horse. Where some of those artists have silly lyrics about being empty, this album never resorts to that. Ronan doesn't have a wide range in vocals but the passion can be heard and for me, that's what matters more anyway. More hopeful lyrics abound and we get other gems like "Genesis."
   
   I guess what helps for me is both the music and the lyrics. Sometimes when I'm worried and/or overly anxious, this album helps me calm down, no matter how cheesy that actually sounds. Most fans seem to view Empires as the finest hour, and while that one's pretty good, I feel like this album has that one eclipsed. This fourth LP from a fantastic "futurepop" group deserves a place in your collection, if you like electronic and industrial music.



4. The whole album is stellar, but my favorite hs to be Electronaut. The rythm and beat are mesmerising, and every time I finish listening to it I yearn to hear it again. Carbon is also quite good, it is very touching and relaxes you. GET THIS ALBUM, you wull not be diaaspointed by any means.
   
   -pevans



5. Futureperfect is a mixed bag of really cool and not-so-really cool ebm/future-pop tunes. But the really cool tunes make it hard not to buy, and out-number the not so cool. Generally, there are either slow ambient tracks, or dancy fast-paced tracks...there is one or two in-between. Most tracks have a trancy melodic synth lead that hooks you in. I think if the vocalist could learn a few more notes in the musical scale, vnv just might be one of my favorite bands...but unfortunately, he only knows about 3 or 4. This is fairly good tho, I fence-walk on recommending this to any synth/ebm critic.

3 comments about Outside.

1. when ever anyone works with brian eno its 10x better
   this album is soo over-looked
   alot better than earthling or other later works



2. 
   Since its original '95 release, there have been several re-releases of this great album.
   
   However, none of the subsequent releases ever replicated the original's fabulous and imaginative package, including this one. If you own the original digipak, don't let it go.
   
   For some unknown reason, Sony Japan also did not replicate the original package for this mini-sleeve release. And, the original, fabulous 23-page booklet has been miniaturized into a frustrating five-page affair that requires a magnifying glass to be read.
   
   It's a little mystifying why Sony chose to do this, as the Earthling mini-sleeve, in this same 2007 release of the latter five Bowie albums, is a beautiful glossy gatefold package. The '07 Outside outer mini-sleeve is just a single pocket cover.
   
   On the bright side, 14 non-album tracks are collected on an included second bonus CD. The "Hearts Filthy Lesson - Bowie Mix" does not appear here, presumably due to time constraints, so hang on to the original CD5.
   
   The audio on the main disc is the same 2004 remaster. However, the mastering on the bonus disc sounds better than many of the original CD5's audio. Presumably, this is the same edition as the 2004 2CD jewel box re-release, although I don't have that version to compare.
   
   For some reason, Amazon has neglected to mention the bonus disc and omitted the track list, so here it is:
   
   20. The Heart's Filthy Lesson TRENT REZNOR ALTERNATIVE MIX
   21. The Heart's Filthy Lesson RUBBER MIX
   22. The Heart's Filthy Lesson SIMPLE TEST MIX
   23. The Heart's Filthy Lesson FILTHY MIX
   24. The Heart's Filthy Lesson GOOD KARMA MIX BY TIM SIMENON
   25. A Small Plot Of Land BASQUIAT OST VERSION
   26. Hallo Spaceboy 12" REMIX
   27. Hallo Spaceboy DOUBLE CLICK MIX
   28. Hallo Spaceboy INSTRUMENTAL
   29. Hallo Spaceboy LOST IN SPACE MIX
   30. I Am With Name
   31. I'm Deranged JUNGLE MIX
   32. Get Real
   33. Nothing To Be Desired
   
   WHAT IS A JAPAN "MINI-LP-SLEEVE" CD?
   
   Have you ever lamented the loss of one of the 20th Century's great art forms, the 12" vinyl LP jacket? Then "mini-LP-sleeve" CD's may be for you.
   
   Mini-sleeve CDs are manufactured in Japan under license. The disc is packaged inside a 13.5MM X 13.5MM cardboard-sleeve, precision-miniature replica of the original classic vinyl-LP album. Also, everything else packaged with the original LP is precisely replicated and included, such as gatefolds, booklets, lyric sheets, posters, printed LP sleeves, stickers, embosses, special LP cover paper/inks/textures and die cuts. An English-language lyric sheet is also included, even if the original LP did not have printed lyrics.
   
   Then, there's the sonic quality: Often (but not always), mini-sleeves have Japan-dedicated remastering (20-Bit, 24-Bit, DSD, K2 or K2HD, and/or HDCD), and can often (but not always) be superior to the audio on the same title anywhere else in the world. There also may be bonus tracks unavailable elsewhere.
   
   Each Japan mini-sleeve has an "OBI" ("oh-bee"), a Japan-language promotional strip. The OBI often also lists the original album's release date, the Japan street date of that particular disc, the catalog number, and mastering info. Bonus tracks are always only listed on the OBI, maintaining the integrity of the original LP artwork.
   
   The enthusiasm of mini-sleeve collecting must be tempered, however, with avoiding fake copies of Japan `sleeves manufactured in Russia and distributed throughout the world, primarily on eBay. They are inferior in quality, worthless in collectable value, a total waste of money, and should be avoided at all costs.
   
   Also, there are older Japan mini-sleeve releases that have been supplanted with newer ones, usually with updated audio (such as JVC-Japan replacing older K2-mastered titles with new K2HD mastered releases).
   
   All mini-sleeve releases are limited edition, but re-pressings/re-issues are becoming more common with some of the Japanese companies (but, again, not always). Mini-sleeve collecting can get expensive quickly, so, if you're a novice, it is highly advisable to seek the advice of an experienced `sleeve collector!



3. i don't have any comment on this album at the moment, but i know it's good one, with the bonus disc, BUT, a big BUT, WHERE IS YOUR TRACKLIST FOR MOST OF THESE CDs? You should really put the song list in it,otherwise i can't buy them.

5 comments about Nativity in Black: Tribute to Black Sabbath.

1. 2 1/2
   
   Luke-warm tribute to the Metal godfathers feels a little unnecessary throughout with static recreations and generic interpretations which fortunately picks up a little life in the final stretch.



2. Normally I don't care for tributes. Who wants to hear other people perform your favorite band's material in a grossly subpar manner? I'm going to make an exception here. This isn't a collection of has beens and never weres, this is Black Sabbaths' peers and contempories trying their damndest to pay tribute to the grand daddy's of metal. Bruce Dickinson, Rob Halford, Rob Zombie, Dave Mustaine, there all here. These songs all rock heavy and hard and each musician and vocalist has added something special to the chosen song. I bought this album back in 1994 and it remains one of my favorite CDs in my collection. Check out the absolutly CRUNCHING versions of "Symptom of the Universe", the "Wizard", and "Children of the Grave"...



3. This album is extremely good. All songs are amazingly covered by various famous bands like Megadeth, Sepultura, Biohazard, etc.
   I became a big fan of Black Sabbath after hearing this album. This is a must have album for anyone who listens to rock/metal.



4. I found out about this CD roughly 10 years ago and it still gets regular play and is a necessary addition to anyone who is a fan of hard rock and/or Black Sabbath. I really enjoyed some of the spins put on some of the songs and the creativity added that enhanced some of the originals. Some of these songs actually sound better than the originals and most of them tend to hit harder. This is how I have them rated in iTunes and on my iPod based on the 5 star system:
   
   After Forever (5) - Great opening song, excellent guitar work.
   
   Children of the Grave (5) - Hit it dead on with the update to the original, standout vocals.
   
   Paranoid (5) - Sped up considerably from the original, and works very well.
   
   Supernaut (4) - Good job on the intro and music, just seems a bit long, but hardcore industrial fans will appreciate it maybe a bit more than I do. Probably a 5 if it was condensed a bit, at 6:42 it just drags by the end.
   
   Iron Man (3) - One of Sabbath's classics, just didn't buy this remake with Ozzy. Doesn't really do anything to improve upon the original, but considering the song itself, it's not going to drop too low. Not terrible.
   
   Lord of This World (2) - Didn't care for the original much, nor this one. CoC did a good job of not butchering it, I just think it's a weak song to begin with, would have rather seen them do some other songs, as they're a solid band that got their talent wasted with this one.
   
   Symptom of the Universe (5) - I really enjoyed this one, it's getting criticism from people on here, the guitar part at the end is vintage and brings it back down, thought it was overall good creative spin put to the song. I generally don't dig the whole death metal voice thing, either.
   
   The Wizard (5) - Favorite cut on the album, driving, and i'd say better than the original. The vocals are phenomenal, couldn't have been done any better.
   
   Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (5) - Probably a close second to the Wizard, this one is amazing as well, and probably another upgrade to the original song.
   
   N.I.B. (5) - Classic bassline, vocals could have been a little cleaner and maybe mixed a little better, but not bad at all.
   
   War Pigs (Live) (5) - There's another cover of War Pigs on a Faith No More studio album that is worth catching if you enjoyed this one. I like both, it's a hard song to pull off.
   
   Black Sabbath (4) - Very well done, a good closer to the album, does justice to the original.
   
   Overall, the album gets a 5, and i'd recommend it to even casual Sabbath fans. You won't be disappointed, and the price is probably fairly low by now.



5. Black Sabbath truly is the greatest metal band of all time. So it is no surprise that all of the rockers on this compliation were motivated by Sabbath to do what they do today. Whether they get in the Rock N' Roll Hall Of Fame or not Black Sabbath is really a legend. A HEAVY METAL LEGEND.