Reviews (44)

I'm down with the Sin
First off, this is a single for big NIN fans. Those who casually listen might be turned off.
I for one found this to be a very good single. Of the "Pretty hate Machine" -era singles, this ties with "Head Like a Hole". Not only do you get the remixes, but you also get the cover of "Get Down Make Love", which rocks. Some of the remixes are kinda ify, hence the 4 stars, but overall it's worth it if you're really into NIN. I suggest it to anyone who is interested in playing music too.

Brilliant song, excellent single
Get Down Make Love is the only song on this Maxi CD that is not a remix of Sin. Though being an excellent retake on a not-so-excellent Queen song (Did somebody say a remake of a song can't ever beat the original?) the three Sin versions are even better: Sin (Short) is quite different from the album version, and, as I claim, even a bit better (though this is hardly imaginable if you know the original). The longer version is weirder but just as great, and the dub is wonderfully original. This is my personal favorite NIN single - and that really means something, for there are many excellent NIN Maxis around. If you're a Halo collector try to get the stylish black version (import?). It contains the same songs (in a different order), but it looks much more beautiful.

tsk, tsk, tsk
One thing that was a disappointment to me was that the Sin cd single does not actually have the album version of Sin. Now that that is out in the open, I'll go on to saying that this was not one of my favorite NIN cd singles, and is more for the halo collectors then casual fans. I'll go into a little bit of detail of the songs as follows:

Sin (long): I hate saying this, but, one word... weak. This track almost ruined the song for me. It's almost ridiculous. I skip it everytime this cd enters my stereo.

Sin (dub): As others have commented, this is the only track that feels like a remix. But, I still really don't like it. It would have been better an instrumental. This track has what ruined Long as it's only lyrics, the repetition of the words 'sin' and 'control'. Really terrible, is skipped like the song before it.

Get Down, Make Love: This is truely the best song on this. Before I was a NIN fan, I was a Queen fan (if you like this song, it's on News of the World) and I was not disappointed with the rendition that is portrayed onthis cd. No one can match Freddie Mercury at singing, however, Trent doesn't sing. He takes a different approuch and screams it. Bravo. (note, the sound clips are from the Original version)

Sin (short): Not as good as the original, however, it's listenable. The three remixes of Sin found on this cd all have one thing in common... a dance style drum part. I personally think that draws from the angst in the lyrics, but, some people like it. The only good thing about this track is that is doesn't go into a long annoying piece with the repitition of words that make the song lose meaning.

As a whole, I think the majority of this cd butchered one of the best NIN songs, but for the Queen cover, it's worth checking out.

Redundant release saved by a rarity
Who cares about the 3 versions of Sin - you can hear the song on the album. Having said that I quite like the Queen cover Get Down Make Love mainly for the production values of Al Jourgensen ( yes he's Hypo Luxa ). It's still interesting and although Trent's vocals almost ruin the song - the song is saved due to Al's top production skills ( something Trent could use a hand with )

sin 'n stuff 'n fluff
the sin dub is pretty good (and sounds like an actual remix)but the other two songs sound the same, and like the original...which isnt a real bad thing cuz sin is one of my fav song on p.h.m....but i was just expecting some more newer stuff. get down make love is a really good song.(i guess its a queen cover, not that i know a whole bunch a bout queen)its the best song on here, but it does have a kind of poor quality sound to it though ... Read more

Reviews (33)

The Future of Rock
First, let me begin by saying (writing?) that I knew absolutely nothing about Celldweller, or any of Klayton's other projects, before purchasing this album. I purchased the album without hearing any of the tunes. I usually by my music on a whim. So far, I've found some absolute beauties, and Celldweller is one of those. What I like most about this album is that Klayton isn't afraid to experiment. There's something for everyone on the album. I mean where else have you heard metal cascading over a trance beat? Or some drum and bass, with a tinge of industrial? Klayton fuses alternative rock and metal, with industrial, trance, and even D&B. Some of the songs sound a bit polished, but in a good way. I've actually listened to this CD so much that I've had to replace the jewel case, it kept falling open from so much use. Don't let any of the other reviews disuade you from purchasing this album. It's a music masterpiece! And that's saying a lot. I'm an avid music listener and collector, but I'm very picky about what music I keep in my collection. If I don't like every song on an album, I don't keep the CD. And every song on this CD is great. I'm just praying Celldweller tours in my area, I'd love to see him live. Another recommendation, check out Zeromancer, they're another awesome discovery of mine, while surfing Amazon. Later.

Celldweller 0wns!
Celldweller- the concept born from experiences of personal and cultural bondage along with the creator's near 24-7 dwelling in his former basement studio. Klayton, the man behind the machine, originally created the moniker as a producer pseudonym. However, after retiring his previous band, the 90's cult industrial act Circle of Dust, he adopted Celldweller as his defining outlet.

Developed as an agent of contrast the New York based Celldweller combines the electronic and the organic, darkness and beauty, aggression against sensuality, with the ability to find its home in the mosh pit as easily as on the dj's turntable. Celldweller naturally juxtaposes many textures and elements while keeping a unifying theme. The debut album ranges from the guitar-based electronic rock of "Stay With Me (Unlikely)" and "Switchback" to the unique blending of heavily distorted guitars and aggression with drum & bass and trance in "The Last Firstborn" and "Own Little World." The styles are further contrasted by the electro-orchestral Depeche Mode-esque "So Sorry to Say" and the hauntingly beautiful down tempo track "Welcome to the End."

I highly recommend this album to any fan of industrial/electronic music. It is really a modern masterpiece!

Never Would've Thought I'd Love It
Dale, the lead guitarist for the band, walked up to me at a gas station one day and asked me what kind of music I listened to, and since my tastes are all over the place I took a CD sampler he had and couldn't believe how much I loved what I heard. While it's not something I would usually listen to, I found myself with songs stuck in my head all day. I started seeing Dale (and still am!) and the entire CD is just great. I hear all the time from Dale how much Klayton pours his soul into this project and they deserve a heck of a lot more credit for what they are all doing. They rock!

A Rare Gem
I heard a song from this album on an internet radio station and bought the CD. I was instantly impressed by Klayton's creativity and innovativeness. He seemlessly combines metal and techno into a very smooth and heavy industrial feel. It's a welcome alternative to the pop rock so popular on the radio today. The more I listen to the album, the more I appreciate its intricacies. This an artist that deserves alot more attention with this album than he'll probably get. It's too bad.

AMAZING!
I bought this cd with little expectations, but after listening to the whole thing, it left me in awe. What an amazing piece of work! Klayton put a lot of work into music he believes in... and it shows. I highly recommend this cd. ... Read more

Album Description

Acknowledged as an innovator in the electronic music scene, MBM continues to stretch sonic boundaries and influence new generations of sound activists. Past production/remixing projects include Public Enemy, David Bowie, Orbital, Nine Inch Nails, David Byrne, Bush, Depeche Mode, and Tower Of Power. Supporting the group on this release are Blue Series alumni Craig Taborn on keyboards, Bad Plus skinsman Dave King, and Peter Gordon on flute. "Without MBM's groundbreaking amalgams of hip-hop and industrial dance music, modern dance music genres such as big beat and drum and bass wouldn't exist...one of Britain's most inventive practitioners of sampladelic funk"--Alternative Press. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great
As always, Jack totally reinvents himself with each release and makes an album that only he can make.With a mixture jazz and electro sensabilties, "At The Center" may be a suprise to his fans used to the techno industrial sounds of the past 16 years, but in the end, it rewards greatly.Surely not one to miss if you think Jack as much of a musical genius as the rest of us do.However, As Subliminal Sandwich notes, I suggest you "play twice before listening."

My only complaint is that, once again, Jack's vocals are absent.Please bring your singing back, Jack!

Otherwise, this is a treat for your ears.

Jack Is Back
Finally, the album I've been waiting for from Meat Beat since "Subliminal Sandwich"!It fills every audible space your ear has and then some.Jack is back and stronger than ever.More ground breaking sounds for the electronic music genre, always one step ahead of the rest, that Jack.Can't wait to see what he's got up his sleeve next, don't keep us waiting long.

Jack Dangers finally gets his jazz album.
After years of pioneering dance, dub, big beat, jungle, alternative hip hop, and tape music, Jack Dangers' Meat Beat Manifesto project evolves to where it was always headed, an improvisational jazz quartet.Part of 'The Blue Series' on Thirsty Ear Recordings, an imprint fusing electronics with jazz, they could have not asked for a better contributor.MBMs albums have differed vastly over the past 20 years, and this may be one of their most unexpected yet.Using well known jazz musicians, Dangers layers beats, bass clarinet and flute, and thundering dub basslines over improvised noodling that changes with the flow of each track, sometimes employing his trademark vocal sample archives.Overall, a welcome experience, now we just need him to pick up the microphone again, and school all newcomers. ... Read more

Reviews (49)

welcome to the Cure
if you want to hear a band that hit its prime, check out "Faith"....one of the Cure's deepest and mind bending albums ever recorded. the third track is amazing...tribal drum beats, a bass line that rumbles through in perfect rhythm, smith holding in with a dreamy strum of his electric, and layers of floating smith vocals that will send shivers down your spine. and that's just one song.

this release has been an all time favorite of mine for almost fifteen years, and i don't think i'll ever tire of it. every song...from the chillingly, eerie pace of (a cure classic in every sense) to the all bass guitar driven ...yes, this album is dark, but it is more peaceful than anything else. i can listen to Faith for hours while i write, chill with friends, or just drift off into a deep sleep.

i can't reccommend this CD enough. it truly is a great collection of cure music. you want driving beats, raw bass lines with a punk feel? you got it. you want twisted, morbidly glowing goth? you got it. there's a wonderful pacing of music flow....and you'll just end up of floating along with it.

All in all, i'd say there is no diehard cure fan on the planet that does not own Faith. if i'm wrong, shame on you. buy it. Faith is part of the Cure's : "Seventeen Seconds", "Faith", and "Pornography". 3 Cure albums...so similar in tone, yet so different in meaning. "Faith", the middle of the three is almost the calm before the storm, which would be "Pornography". i look at it all as a trilogy in the Cure archive.

to listen to Faith is to experience Faith. one of the Cure's finest....

Personally, it has no personality
The morbid New-Wave/Goth bug hit these guys full force back in the early 80s on "Faith," a fairly unremarkable, serious album that leaves little impression either way. Straight off, on "Holy Hour," a stilted bass and drums and Robert Smith's pouty vocals set the tone for a pretty dour, melody-free album. In fact, this album is so cold, it's noticeably been left in the dust, both by the Cure and the music world in general. Put in some rhythm guitar, or, more fitting for the Cure of the early 80s, some memorable keyboard work, and it might be a better album. Interestingly, the recording style has hints of U2's "Boy" from 1980, minus the melody, spirit, and truly well written, well thought out tunes. Still, from "Faith," you can sense the aura of the Cure's wondering, moody, and experimental choice of music that set the framework for their beautiful 1989 masterpiece - one of the best albums ever recorded - "Disintegration."

Definitive cure
By all accounts, the first 4 Cure albums are essential listening, but 'Faith' is the one album that possesses an integral majesty. This is an album that is at its best played from beginning to end.Outstanding tracks are 'The Drowning Man' (Smith's tribute to Peake's Gormenghast) and 'Faith', seamlessly connected by 4 clicks of the drumsticks...The greatest of the Cure's recordings, beautifully produced and wholly moving.

Faith.... for lack of a better word
When I was in college ( a little over 15 years ago ) I took an overdose while listening to this cassette. I was considerably depressed, and this music seemed to either take me to this place I was at, or get me away from it. I still haven't figured that out, but that's neither here nor there. For years I couldn't stand to listen to Faith, because it brought back so many bad memories. But now I see it for what it is: grand in scale, hauntingly beautiful, moving, atmsopheric, not "rock" not "pop", it is what it is. Faith. A perfect thing. Full of so many emotions - helplessness, fear, dread, anger, doubt. Especially now ( in the age of digital downloads ) that I have heard many different live versions of the songs on Faith ( I especially like the live version of Faith, the title track, taken from the b-side of the Charlotte Sometimes 12" single, recorded in Sidney in 1981 - it is ESSENTIAL Cure - and the several live versions of the Drowning Man and All Cats Are Grey I have heard, which vary in quality as far as sound and technical proficiancy ) I have a new appreciation of the songs on this cd. Faith was not released in the US when originally issued, until a year or so later, by A&M, as a double cassette called "Happily Ever After" ( I still have a copy of it )which coupled Faith with Seventeen Seconds, from the year before. Then when the Cure were picked up by Elektra in the mid-eighties, Faith was re-issued by itself on cassette with the Carnage Visors soundtrack on the b-side. It is a 20 minute-plus instrumental, and I am sure it will end up on the cd re-issues that are due later this year. Although I consider it non-essential for the casual fan, completists ( of which I am one ) will find it interesting, if only because of its relative rarity.

A MORE HARDCORE FAN ALBUM OF THE CURE... BUT EXCELLENT
Dont let this 4 star review im giving fool you... if i compared this album to any other album ever made, itd be a 5 star album - this is only 4 stars compared to other Cure albums, whereas "Disintegration" & "Wish" would be 5 stars...

Im going to simply describe this album by painting a picture for you

Youre alone
In an area burnt by fires.. far & wide
all thats around you is burnt trees, ash, & rock with black skid marks
its somewhat foggy, but not too foggy...
its 5 30 a.m... its sleighty light out, morning is coming slowly...
no one is around, not for miles
you feel like you havent slept for 3 days
youre convinced the world hasnt, & wont notice youre gone
its cold, but not freezeing
you dont know how to get back to civilization, but you do know you dont want to

This, is the album 'Faith', enjoy...

P.S. "Faith" & "the Funeral Party" are two of the greatest Cure songs, & therefore two of the best songs ever written & worth the price of the album alone ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Just a casual listener
I'm not really a big LOA fan but it doesn't mean that I don't like them by all means. I became familiar with a few songs of theirs back in the mid to late '90s when I was in college. What I can really appreciate Lords of Acid is that they have quite the perverse sense of humor. Obviously the song titles speaks volumes especially in songs like "Scrood Bi U" (a messed up version of Marilyn Monroe's "I Wanna Be Loved By You") and "P***y". One of my personal favorite LOA songs is the catchy "I Sit on Acid". I bought "Greatest T*Ts" primarily for that song as well as for "Am I Sexy" and "Crablouse". I found myself enjoying the rest of the cd immensely. Not only are the songs are hilarious lyrically but the music is a good blend of techno and industrial music. I used to think they were cheesy but after listening to "Greatest T*Ts", the band has grown on me considerably. I am a fan. After the Super Bowl halftime controversy, I think Janet Jackson should hook up with Lords of Acid. They can provide the music and she can strip.

Edgy, sexy, and a great listen
This was my proper introduction to LoA; I'd heard "Pussy" before, but it's not very representative of their work if this CD is any indication. Their general music style is a mixture of metal with hard-edged house, and it's meant to be listened to loud and often.

Coming on hard with "Gimme Gimme", an intense rocker that would be equally at home in a dance club or a mosh pit, Deborah Ostrega's vocals lead the listener into a fantasy that explores much of the human sexual experience with humor, wit, and sensuality. "Pussy" is four minutes of hilarious homoerotic trash talk, while "Crablouse" fetishizes the title parasite. "I Sit On Acid" is more about the sound than the words, and that sound mixes sexual pleasure with laughter in a way that seems all too rare in media portrayals of sex. "Marijuana in Your Brain" is a bit of warped Euro-reggae about stoned sex, while "Rubber Doll" is a loud and nasty screed from a woman who's been all but jilted for an inflatable version; "Skrood bi U" sings the joys of gangbangs while "Nasty Love" is a trancy ode to wild yet sensual sex. "Am I Sexy" is a simply written but fun piece that combines surf guitar licks with a Paris cafe ambience.

The album has its weak points; "Take Control" is a boring ego piece that seems to belong to the European dance music of the early 90s created by groups like Snap and KLF, and "Rough Sex" is a clumsy spoken piece that seems to serve no purpose but to give what I presume is Praga Khan (the group's leader) a chance to perform and give Ostrega a break. It's also not for everybody -- these songs will never be heard on American radio (with the possible exception of "Gimme Gimme", which is almost clean).

I'm trying to wean myself off this record because I practically burned a hole in it when I first bought it. It's an utterly outrageous, gloriously skanky celebration of sex and hard-edged music, created by a very talented group with a sense of humor. The video for "Gimme Gimme" is included on the CD; it's okay, but if you want to see more Deborah, GIS is a more practical resource. This album is definitely worth the trouble to track down, if you have trouble finding it locally. Open your mind, give it a try... what's the worst that could happen?

Amazing
This compilation is one that every CD owner, Raver MUST OWN! All the hits are here.... I have followed the LOA since the 1st album.
This is one of the best CD's of 2003.

Techno/Industrial at it's best. The LOA are what makes us want to be free to live our lives the way we want to and be free from EVERY TABOO. The LOA do it.
I say own all their albums, but if you want a taste of some of their best work. Pick this Greatest T*ts up. You will not be sorry.
I have been rotating this since the day of release and it will remain in my CD changer for life :)

LOA KICK A*S!
Period!

RIP OFF!
The TRUE Lords of Acid are long since gone. No I don't mean dead...what I mean is that original members Nikkie Van Lierop, Praga Khan,Oliver Adams and JK Magick have long since gone their seperate ways. They are the genius that LOA once was. Everything you hear on this compilation that is worth a damn is a product of their work. Songs such as I sit on Acid, Rough Sex, Take Control and The Most Wonderful Girl go back to 1991 with the original release of a fantastic album: LUST (later to be released in '96 with bonus tracks). The Crablouse, Do What You Wanna Do, and Marijuana in Your Brain date back to the '94 release of what I consider to be one of the most notable albums of our time: Voodoo-U. Pussy, Rubber Doll, and Lover come from the last TRUE LOA release: Our Little Secret (1997). Since that time (with the exception of the mediocre albumn: Heaven is an Orgasm), everything released under the LOA title is PURE CRAP.

It appears that the original members sold the rights to the name: "Lords of Acid" as well as the rights to their work only to have some jackasses milk it for everything it's worth. Everything that has come out in the past 6 years has been 1) a feeble attempt at original work by the new title holders 2) a manipulation and dissolution of original LOA work (i.e. remix upon remix, and the Stript albums which blatantly re-released great songs only this time devoid of lyrics! They touted them as instrumentals...SHAME!!!) or 3) as in the case of this compilation, and latest attempt to steal your money, a combination of 1 & 2.

It's dissapointing to see what has become of some of the best music of the 1990's. I met the Lords of Acid during their "Our Little Secret" tour of 1997. They were cool people and it's disheartening to see what they have done in selling their name and selling out on their long-time fans. I guess people will do what they have to do for a few bucks. Maybe there were extenuating circumstances none of us can know.

At any rate, please do not support the current imposters by spending your hard-earned $$$'s on this hoax of a CD. If you want TRUE LOA in all its greatness go back and buy Lust or Voodoo-U. Our Little Secret is also a good albumn although listening to it is like watching the demise of the original LOA. They were on their last legs at that time and this fact is evidenced by some of the songs of that albumn.

Long live the TRUE members of the Lords of Acid even though, by selling out, they have dissapointed us terribly.

OK but nothing great
Im not hugely into LOA, but I love Voodoo U and thought i'd give this a try. Disappointing. Uninspired techno at its most mediocre. Love some of the tracks, but is this really the best collection of tracks they could amass? i hope not. ... Read more

Reviews (37)

Very cool album
This is the album that got me into Death Metal (Napalm Death & Fear Factory). I really like this cd, the good tracks are G//Z/R- the invisible, Fear Factory- Zero Signal, Burn- Sister Machine Gun, Blood & Fire- Type o Negative (the best), Twist the Nife- Napalm Death. the tracks # 11, 9, and 10 really helped me progress my musical taste but I do still love extream Death Metal. the...[lesser] tracks on this cd are # 2, 3, and the last two tracks. The rest are ok, or alright. All tracks are not good, but the good ones are so good, I just have to give it 5 stars. Napalm Death are one of the few Death Metal bands that has been on a popular movie soundtracks, Cannibal Corpse has been on Ace Ventura. Well, this is the good music album and nothing in this cd is teenybopping music. It is all mature...music. This album is worth buying, so get it.

An Fantastically Eclectic Soundtrack
The soundtrack to the motion picture 'Mortal Kombat' contains a brilliant mix of techno, industrial, goth, and grindcore (???) tracks. Granted, some are better than others, so to be fair, here is a track-by-track breakdown of this album.

1. George Clinton "A Taste Of Things To Come" 3/5

A decent intro to the album and to the movie, nothing truly special though.

2. Gravity Kills "Goodbye (Demo)" 1/5

Gravity Kills' "Goodbye" is one of my favorite songs, but this demo of it completely butchers the song, musically inferier and vocally dreadful.

3. KMFDM "Juke Joint Jezebel (Metrpolis Mix)" 5/5

Though not as good as the original KMFDM track, the remix captures the more techno feel of the song.

4. Psykosonik "Unlearn" 2/5

Pretty much your average bass beat techno song. Nothing new or interesting.

5. Traci Lords feat. Juno Reactor "Control (Insturmental Mix)" 4/5
A d amn fine techno track with some excellent beats and synth. Much better than the original track.

6. Orbital "Halcyon + on + on" 5/5

Orbital takes a shot at a more ambient direction, and are definitely successful. A lot like early Cocteau Twins, brilliantly dark and melodic.

7. Utah Saints "Theme From Mortal Kombat (Utah Saints Version)" 3/5
Nothing really special about it. It doesn't really live up to the original, or stands out in any way.

8. Geezer "The Invisible" 3/5

Was never really a G/Z/R fan, a mundane metalic rock track, catchy, but nothing too impressive.

9. Fear Factory "Zero Signal" 5/5

One of the last great Fear Factory songs, when they still had some death metal in them. The etherial sounding keyboards really take the song to a new level.

10. Sister Machine Gun "Burn" 4.5/5

I have always liked Sister Machine Gun's blend of gothic and industrial music, and "Burn" is another solid track.

11. Type O Negative "Blood and Fire (Out of the Ashes Mix) 4/5

Same with Sister Machine Gun, except with a more goth rock edge to it. One of the finer remixes on the album.

12. Bile "I Reject" 5/5

Bile is one of the best industrial metal band since Ministry. Very dark techno with a mix of guitars and incredible vocals.

13. Napalm Death "Twist the Knife (Slowly)" 5/5

Though originally on "Fear. Emptiness. Despair, iy is the best song on the album and the second best song that Napalm Death has done. A devastatingly heavy grindcore song that will have you banging your ...ing head!

14. Mutha's Day Out "What U See/We All Bleed Red" 1/5

Idiotic rap insipired hardcore nu-metal. The are trying way to hard to sound like Biohazard, and fail so miserably.

15. The Immortals "Techno Syndrome (7" Mix)" 5/5

One of the best techno songs of all time. Not your everyday time type techno, but a collection of riviting beats and synths. Amazing.

16. George Clinton feat. Buckethead "Goro Vs. Art" 4.5/5

Buckethead, best known for playing with Axel Rose in the new Guns N' Roses, aids George Clinton to create this great piece of music.

17. George Clinton "Demon Warriors/Final Kombat" 3.5/5

A solid, but not excelllent track, but is strangely the perfect way to end both the film and the soundtrack.

To sum it up, with the exception of tracks by Gravity Kills, Mutha's Day Out, and Psykolink, this soundtrack is great. 'Mortal Kombat' is an album that all fans of industrial, goth, and techno should have in their collection.

I dug this out after many years only because..
I just recently saw the movie "Mean Girls" in theaters, and there is a song at the end of the movie that I remembered was on the Mortal Kombat soundtrack. So I went into my collection and dug out this CD to find the song. It was a song by Orbital called "Halcyon On+On+On", if you have not heard this song, once you hear it you will be in tears, it is such a beautiful song. The rest of the CD is really good, but that Orbital song is the best part, it is like a slowing point in the CD. Very nice song, I highly recommend you listen to it!

ONE OF THE GREATEST SOUNDTRACKS I'VE EVER BOUGHT
THIS SOUNDTRACK TO THE 1995 FILM IS ACTUALLY BETTER THAN THE MOVIE ITSELF! THIS CD HAS METAL, INDUSTRIAL, AS WELL AS SOME TECHNO MUSIC. THE BEST SONGS ON THIS CD ARE FEAR FACTORY'S ''ZERO SIGNAL'', G//Z/R'S ''THE INVISIBLE'', THE REMIX TO KMFDM'S ''JUKE JOINT JEZEBEL'', AND GRAVITY KILLS' ''SAY GOODBYE''. I'M A BIG FAN OF ALL THE BANDS THAT'RE ON THIS CD. IT'S A SHAME THAT ALL OF THESE BANDS ARE STILL ON THE UNDERGROUND CIRCUIT TODAY. THIS SOUNDTRACK WILL DEFINITELY SATISFY METAL, TECHNO, AND INDUSTRIAL FANS. THE SOUNDTRACK'S SO GOOD, IT'LL SOMETIMES MAKE YOU FORGET ALL ABOUT THE MOVIE.

Like the game, it kicks a**.
Unless you're a diehard "Mortal Kombat" fan, you're getting this just because it's a good industrial-techno-metal mix, and it is. Almost every track here rocks, regerdless of the genre, but the ones I like most are from "Orbital", "Utah Saints", "Type O'Negative", and "The Immortals". Good tunes for gameing, or your next hardcore party. If you like this soundtrack, check out "The Crow" and "Cool World" too. Now that it's 2004, you should be able to find all of these used. ... Read more

Album Description

Hit from their 1994 album 'The Downward Spiral'. Pt.2 isbacked with two non-album tracks, 'Underneath The Skin' anda remix of 'Reptile' by Skinny Puppy's David Ogilviere-titled as 'Reptilian'. Slimline jewel case. 1994 TVT/Interscope release. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Only if you have Part 1
Only get this if you have part one and want to complete the set. The first track, "march of the pigs" is right off the album, so now you're down to only 2 tracks. "Underneath the skin" is an insturmental of reptile that's about seven minutes and thirty seconds long. At times you won't be able to tell what part of the song you're listening to but then you'll find yourself because the insturmental stays pretty much true to the song all the way out. The last track "reptilian" is a standard remix of the song for the Downward spiral/ Further downward spiral era, it's nothing extraordinary but it is highly enjoyable. If you're trying to decide between this and the 5 track version I recomend getting this because of the extra tracks, neat little c.d case and because of the sound quality.

A welcome, but not essential, addition to any NIN collection
If you are buying this import, chances are good that you already have the LP version of "March of the Pigs" and are more interested in the other two tracks, so I'll get right to it:

"reptilian" is a decent remix of "reptile"...not exactly earth shattering, but good as usual, with some cool delay and stereo effects at the end.

"underneath the skin" is another remix of "reptile", this time mostly instrumental. The quality is similar to "reptilian".. Good as usual, but not exceptional.

Overall, I would say that this single is more for hardcore NIN fans and collectors looking to find all of Trent's tracks. Most casual NIN fans wouldn't find this one worth the money. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Meanwhile, at the Sheraton...
When looking at each of the three Sisters' LPs, you have to note who 'the Sisters' were. The band has one constant--Andrew Eldritch. The history of the band features a rotating cast of supporters. For Vision Thing it includEd Andrea Bruhn and Tim Bricheno on guitars and Tony James on bass. Drums by the Doktor.

The album sounds like metal, and this being 1990, no surprise. There's guitars--big, grinding, swirling, metal guitars with big, fat riffs. The Sisters went on to feature a harder, almost industrial tone later on live, with metal guitars and thundering beats.

Track by track:

Vision Things opens with a snort and we're into heavy metal guitars and a driving beat that sets the trendo of half the album as two others songs sound similar.

Ribbons - one of the great Sisters songs. An evil rhthym, Eldritch's menacing whispers, and one of the best lines: "Flowers on the razor wire".

Doctor Jeep - Infectious guitar and Avalanche song with more political references wrapped up in a deceivingly fun and shiny package

More - the epic, Jim Steinman produced track. Instead of a choir, this time it's gospel singers and it works very well. Apparently half of the original lyrics had to be taken out for legal reasons, leaving the remaining words an enigmatic skeleton. Not sure who it's directed at (Patricia Morrison or other former bands members? The fans?)

I Was Wrong - does not sound like anything the Sisters have done before. A typically cynical song that works as a ballad

When You Don't See Me - Some of his best lyrics--head on to the listener. One of the best songs by any rocker about the cult of rock personality ("You bought a mask, I put it on") and even a bit of venom-- "Get real, get another..." though it could be addressed to a lover as well. The single version featured a slightly remixed version.

Detonation Boulevard - You can hear a similarity in Vision Thing, Doctor Jeep, and this song. It's guitar driven and fast and fun, heavy on the chorus like many songs on the album. Took time to grow; love the "bang bang" ending.

Something Fast - The follow-up to Amphetamine Logic? (Give me more sssssssssssssss...) On the one hand there's a the sensitive, sing-a-long chorus, but listen closely. The guitar distortion builds up toward the end, lending the track an underlying menace that shows why we love the Sisters.

This is the last long player from Eldritch and co., as the 1990s would be marked by a bitter contract holdout followed by promised and never delivered singles. The band has existed in a state of semi-activity.

Lovers of the album will say it takes time to grow on you; I found this to be true, but that's only evidence of a carefully crafted work. Some people downright dismiss it. Don't. You'll read a lot of reviews that say the album sounded weaker at first, but there's a lot going on here, as in most everything the Sisters release (and we know they don't release anything anymore).

All Sisters available material is highly recommended.

Liquid
It took Andrew Eldritch three years to craft a follow-up to the monumental "Floodland"; instead of playing it safe and writing "Floodland part 2", the band refashioned themselves into a dance-metal outfit, sort of Jesus & Mary Chain meets ZZ Top. Considering that the music of "VT" isn't nearly as innovative as that of the two previous albums and suffers from occasionally uninspired, formulaic rock riffs, it's a let-down. It's obvious that Andrew is more interested in commercial appeal than pushing artistic boundaries. This is the most 'easy listening' of all Sisters records, and there's actually not much on "VT" to appeal to original fans. What makes this album so compelling though, is the fact that there isn't a single bad song on this disc and that the music flows like a well-oiled machine. It kicks off with the hard-hitting title track, and it's amazing how Andrew's voice turns all these rather simple compositions on "VT" into intense and engaging songs. "Detonation boulevard" and "Doctor Jeep" manage to be both rocking and strangely soothing at the same time, and "When you don't see me" has a catchy, boombastic refrain. "Something fast" and "I was wrong" slow down the tempo, providing a calmer sonic landscape with acoustic guitars and laid-back vocals. The album's undisputed winner at combining exciting synth textures with hard rock guitars and sweeping refrains is the 8 1/4-minute suite "More". Overall, a good album for your next party. Featuring one great single and a couple of other solid cuts, "VT" comes quite recommended, even if it's slightly out of place in SOM's oeuvre.

Less goth, "More" metal.
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.

Not as good as Floodland, but still worth listening to.
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."

Here's to quitting when you're ahead...
Woe is me, how I wish the Sisters had stopped at the top. But no, they had to go and make a weak piece of garbage in a desperate attempt to makes some cash by bridging the worlds of Goth and metal... maybe it seemed like a good idea at the time (listless shoulder shrug).

Lets get one thing straight, "Ribbons" is a great song even if the album is far below par. It may have dipped into the world of hard rock, but the lyrics are brilliant with vivid imagery and devilish mixed meanings. Really seems like a harder rewrite of "Flood".

Beyond that there are problems, big ones. The leadoff track "Vision Thing" starts what is a sad trend on this album... Goth band tries to crossover by making cheese metal with overtly political messages that undermine the sense of mystery and grandeur that once made them great - ah it's an old tale. "Detonation Boulevard" and "Doctor Jeep" are nothing more than extensions of "VT" marked with metal riffs that aren't really hard or fully developed and lyrics that have clever catch phrases but no depth. Oh, and did I mention that George Bush Sr. was a big meanie. Boo! "More", featuring gospel-like backing vocals and minor chord piano, is a poor attempt to recapture the glorious heights of the singles from "Floodland" - it's not even a swing-and-a-miss, it's a struck-out-looking kind of effort. "Something Fast" is another empty effort to recall past successes, as it tries to dredge up the twisted love ballad stylings of "Some Kind of Stranger" and "1959" with dismal results. "I Was Wrong" is more rehash of same and that round sit out. Yep, that's it. 8 songs with 1 that would have maybe made the cut on previous outings.

I've always been (and still am) a big Sisters of Mercy fan, so ignore this at your own peril. Don't waste your time. ... Read more

Album Details

Special Edition of One of Punk's Innovative and Epoch-defining Albums, Remastered with Alternate Versions of Three Singles and the Non Album B-sides. ... Read more

Album Description

MIDNIGHT SYNDICATE brings you the first-ever officially licensed soundtrack to the roleplaying classic that started it all.

Ancient underground temples, dark knights, mysterious labyrinths, sorcerors, forgotten tombs, enchanted forests, and creatures await you on this new release containing over an hour of orchestral music from the masters of gothic/horror soundscape.It's the ultimate musical accompaniment to the DUNGEONS & DRAGONS roleplaying game, and promises to take listeners on an epic adventure through the darkest corners of their imagination.

Working closely with the game designers at Wizards of the Coast, this CD is a simple yet dynamic way for gamers to take their adventuring sessions to the next level. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Awesome!
This has quickly become one of my favorite Midnight Syndicate CDs to date.

Still retaining roots in their signature, dark orchestral sound, the disc shows the band also branching out into the realm of classic fantasy/adventure. Nice change of pace.

For many years, we'd been using Midnight Syndicate's discs as background for our gaming sessions (mainly Dungeons & Dragons and COC). When we heard that they were doing a disc specifically for D&D expectations were high. This disc has not let us down in the slightest.

I'm a big fan of the classic dungeon crawl which is the type of adventure this disc fits best. It combines the dark and treacherous with the mystical and mighty. A good mix of both fast-moving battle themes and slower, suspenseful pieces.

No disc (or even series of discs) can cover all the scenarios a fantasy roleplayer will encounter. However, I will say that this disc contains BY FAR the best and most consistently good hour-plus of music for fantasy roleplaying I've ever heard on one CD. I highly recommend it!

Broad Appeal
Not just for geeking out with your D&D crowd, this is good stuff. I listen to it during my hour drive to work, it helps keep the imagination fired in spite of the mind-numbing commute. I haven't tried it in Faerun yet, but look forward to it. This CD makes perfect atmosphere music; it is moody and rich, but it's subtle enough so that it doesn't distract or intrude.

Perfect Warfare Musick
"The Heroes of Dungeons & Dragons never shrink from any challenge, be it man, monster, or magic. From the depths of The Abyss to the cloud-covered peaks of Barrier Peaks, these lush orchestral arrangements provide the perfect soundtrack for any quest. Adventure beckons you with every note...will you heed its call?" - Booklet literation.

These orchestral compositions echo up from the depths of the lambent Abyss of the dark imagination.

Inspired by this classic and original game which improved vocabularies, hones competitive skills, and exercises the almighty mind to manifest likewise archetypes of fantasy and adventure from the occult subconcious.

A worthy "soundtrack" to accompany a session of practiced ritualization and war play. And if there ever were composers to accomplish this, it is Midnight Syndicate.

Long touted by evangelical blindlighter fundies as a tool of The Devil, Dungeons & Dragons, as well as similar role=playing games, have been the bane of xianity. since their creation. But whether or not you engage is this activity, the musick proves to be a mighty addition to one's discographic collection to accentuate rituals and/or just for atmospheric accentuation of one's Total Environment.

Mediocre, but serves its purpose
The first thing to realize about this CD is that its designed to be background music. Its very hard to find good background music for D&D games that players haven't heard before. Borrowing from computer RPGs leads to players feeling like they're getting a diminished experience. Standard classical music is also not the best choice, because the melody lines can be too complex, and can take over the room.

The music on the CD does a good job of being background music. Simple melody lines, with a sort of orchestral feel to it. You can tell that most of the music was done with a synthesizer, but honestly, it doesn't really bother me. The main problem I had was the choice to include sound effects in some of the tracks. To me, that limits the usefullness of the tracks, and some of the sound effects are just plain sad.

That said, there's some good stuff on here for games. Track 8 - Skirmish is one of the two hidden gems of this cd. Simple combat music thats kind of catchy, and gives an us against them feel. The other gem is Track 17- Hall of the Ancient Wyrm. Excellent boss creature faire, with a majestic opening and a battle against the odds to win mood. One of the Bonus tracks, "City of Sails" is a hard to find type of In town music that has an air of a large trade city. Most of the other tracks are more suited to dungeon crawling adventures, with some good selections for scenes set in forgotten underground temples and majestically large caverns overlooking lost cities. However, a lot of the music isn't really suited to general campaigns, and you need to pick and choose carefully because a lot of the tracks do sound similiar, and you don't want your players becoming bored.

Overall, this is a decent CD to own, if you either have access to a multi-cd cd player for games, or can rip the tracks you want, and mix them with tracks from other CDs, such as the Red Steel CD. However, this is not a one stop shop for campaign music. Mixing it with other Midnight Syndicate CDs, though, can get an incredible soundtrack for Ravenloft campaigns.

A soundtrack filled with myth and legend...
2003's "Dungeons and Dragons" is an original album based on the popular medieval roleplaying game. After hearing the CD from beginning to end, I can happily say that composers Edward Douglas and Gavin Goska have greatly improved their work since "Vampyre." With an orchestra of brass horns, cellos, bass violins, and crashing symbols (not to mention the clattering of swords and the uttering of spirits), Midnight Syndicate successfully assembled an authentic soundscape for the Dark Ages, one that helps listeners conjure up lavish images of wizards, castles, and kings. It also must be known that "Dungeons and Dragons" stands out on its own, despite the recent success of Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.
I will try to describe the cinematic images related to some of the CD's highlights. The gentle harp in "Prelude" creates a ripple in a pool while the sighing chorus casts an omen in the twinkling stars. The rhythms of "Troubled Times" march across the trenches as an unseen army prepares for battle. Then, the knights (with their chainmail, maces, and spiked gauntlets) try to invade enemy territory during the "Ride to Destiny." In the middle of the track's baying trombones, rocks are catapulted over the stone wall while flying arrows pierce shields. "Descent into the Crypt" takes listeners down into the cobwebbed catacombs where festering skeletons drag themselves by their iron chains. In "Skirmish," the swift violins scurry through a cursed forest, dodging wraiths and creeping vines. The methodical "Eternal Mystery" is set near an abandoned monastary; a male chorus prays to the cross while the primal drums part the trees asunder. "Heroes Valor" pulsates during an ugly confrontation between a sword-bearing knight and either a monstrous serpent or spider. In "Craft of the Wizard," piano keys float in a cauldron whirlpool while foreign incantations are uttered. The drums and bass strings on "Beast of the Borderlands" growl, signifying a creature that can crush tree trunks under its massive paws. The faster "Lair of the Great Wyrm" is a wicked hex that transforms travelers into livestock. All the while, comets of light rush back and forth in the night air. Finally, in "Army of the Dead," rotting cadavers crawl out of the muddy earth, scaring away diseased rats.
If you are interested in purchasing a truly imaginative album, I recommend "Dungeons and Dragons," 2001's "Gates of Delirium," and 2000's "Realm of Shadows." ... Read more

Reviews (31)

Why Southern????
Let me start by making it clear that Rasputina can do no wrong by me. Yet this album is pushing it. With that said let me get on with my review.

Rasputina which currently consist of Zoe Keating, Jonathon Tebeest, and the master mind behind the band Melora Creager has been around for the past nine years. The debut album "Thanks for the Ether" came in 96. Followed by "How we Quit the Forest" in 98. Both released on Columbia Records. Then in 2002 a new record deal was struck with Instinct Records. Which resulted in the much delaid (yet well worth it) third album "Cabin Fever". Now 2004 brings us another album from the "Cello rawk" trio titled "Frustration Plantation".

This album takes getting use to. Upon first listen i couldn't stand it. now after days of hearing it i've grown use to the new style, but that does not mean i am happy with it. I waited almost six months (since i seen the tour for this record) for this album to come out. It was not worth the wait. Even songs from this CD didn't sound this bad in concert. the new Southern sound is ok. but it is a drastic change from what i've grown use to. I hope the study of southern song only effects this album. The lyrics are some of the worst i have heard. And the way Melora even tried to sound all southern (vocally) was insulting to her voice. This record has a total of maybe three songs even worth listening to. Them being "Secret Message" , "Oh, Injury" , and "Girls' School".

The biggest upside to this release was the bonus album (only available in the limited edition) "Poor Relations in the Shed Out Back". It should have been their new album. I love this CD. Every song on itis great. Well , with the exception of "Nov17dee". Even the other demos from Frustration are better here than on the actual album. I urge all to buy the limited edition cause the bonus disc is well worth it. If it was not for this disc the new album would have had nothing for me.

I love Rasputina. I am just hoping for a better album next time around. This one was a bit of a let down. New fans might like it. Old ones shouldn't. I would recommend any previous releases before this one. for more info check out the official website.

KGS

insane
Rasputina's newest album sounds like early Rasputina combined with the sinister down home feel of 16 Horsepower. Since listening to their newest release, I usually skip about half the songs, but the remaining half are gems that are as rare as Rasputina's sound. My favorite tunes are "If Your Kisses Can't Hold the Man You Love," "The Mayor," "High On Life," "Saline the Salt Lake Queen," and "Momma Was an Opium-Smoker." Melora has never sounded so confident singing as she does on "If Your Kisses..." The whole thing sounds quietly insane and all of their albums amaze me. The "Crazy Swan" song on the second album that accompanies this one sounds like it would have been very perfect for "Cabin Fever!"

Less Than Perfect
I had a lot of high hopes for this CD but I was a touch dissapointed. I adored Cabin Fever but found this CD lacking. When they really got into the music, with such tracks as "Possum of the Grotto" and "High On Life" they were amazing but the storytelling got a little old. I felt like saying, sing more, talk less. But still a keeper.

Alternates between silly and poignant. In a good way.
A great album, that shows a lot of growth. Not as dark, or quite as rockin' in places, as their earlier releases, but another side shows through. While Melora's crazy sense of humor is still the main vehicle, there are underlying areas of real warmth, and in some places, sadness.

The album seems to be split three ways. The hilarious stuff, the rock out stuff, and the really beautiful stuff with some overlap. Some may find it annoying and uneven, though I find these things to complement each other surprisingly well.

Added on this album is the fabulous cellist Zoe Keating, and while her solo stuff is quite different, I highly recommend checking it out, if you can find it. She seems to complement Melora's writing very nicely. It's still very much Melora's show, but Zoe has much more presence than just a studio back up musician.

I can't wait to hear what these ladies will do next.

Too Many People Are Complaining...
...about a flawless album. I've read all the other reviews and I'm really surprised to learn that most people don't like "The Mayor" or "Oh Injury." These are two fantastic songs that are absolutely essential to the album. Interpret "The Mayor" as you will, but Melora has stated that it's about someone very close to her (see the newest issue of Outburn), not about our latest presidential mistake. And I remember reading that someone didn't understand "Oh Injury." It's fairly simple: a husband gets injured on the job and is unable to work, and the family struggles to get by. The "toothpick, pen knife, can opener" part is about how men are more useful when equipped with tools then without. She's right.

Also, Melora has been doing skits on her albums since the very beginning, so why should this be any different? I really do enjoy "When I Count," it gives us a little peak into Melora's crazy mind. Even "Nov 17dee" is excusable because it really shows how much Melora cares for her baby boy.

"My Captivity By Savages" is based on real life Indian captivity stories. There's a whole genre of literature on this subject. It wasn't her trying to be cute or politically incorrect, those events really happened and are documented in history. Personally I think it's a wonderful skit. Melora performs it fantastically, and the sexual attraction that Eliza feels is akin to the sexual tension actually felt by the captives towards their kidnappers (see the story of Mary Jemison for more info).

Maybe one should do a bit more research before concluding that "Melora is just nuts as usual..." As for me, this album has earned a permanent place in my disc changer. ... Read more

Reviews (108)

INCREDIBLE
Not being a Fear Factory fan from the past this cd certainly showed me what they can do. Great drumming, guitar, and vocals. Sounds way better then there older albums. Every song being over 4 minutes long except for track 13 still great cd.
TRACKS:
1-Slave Labor-10/10
2-Cyberwaste-10/10
3-Act of God-9/10
4-Drones-8/10
5-Archetype-10/10
6-Corporate Cloning-8/10
7-Bite the Hand that Bleeds-8/10
8-Undercurrent-8/10
9-Default Judgment-10/10
10-Bonescraper-10/10
11-Human Shields-10/10

12-Ascensin-1/10-Nothing really to judge here just continuous light sounds and its 7 minutes long. Continues from track 11
13-School-8/10

It also includes a limited edition dvd. There are two different versions for the dvd but only one dvd comes with the cd.
You can get the Australian Tour 2004 dvd or the Fear Factory Making of and documentary dvd.

It includes a golden ticket with a number that you can enter to win a trip to see Fear Factory also.

New Slipknot cd May 25, 2004.
New Killswitch Engage cd May 11, 2004.
New Flaw cd May 4, 2004.

PHENOMENAL!!!
I was a little sceptical after hearing 'digimortal', but I thought I'd check this one out. It blew me away the first time I heard it, and I'm damn sure I will never get tired of it!

1) Slave Labor-the return to trademark Fear Factory!
2) Cyberwaste-i dunno why they did a video of this song, but it still rules!
3) Act of God-reminiscent of 'Self Bias Resistor' from 'DEMANUFACTURE'
4) Drones-good, i sense a recycled riff from 'replica' though!
5) Archetype-slightly commercial in its sound, but still excellent
6) Corporate Cloning-man i love this track! pummelling drums right from the word 'go'!
7) Bite the hand that bleeds-slower,but good
8)Undercurrent-bit of an epic, excellent
9) Default judgement-reminiscent of 'flashpoint' from DEMANUFACTURE
10) Bonescraper-back to their rooots
11) Human Shields-less heavy, but good
12) Ascension-outro.
13) School-Nirvana cover, and these guys can play their instruments better than nirvana themselves!

There's all this hype that the new slipknot album is gonna be the heaviest yet. Well, if it's heavier than this record, I really will be surprised!!!

In Fear Factory We Trust..... opps... na, im right!!!
First id like to say thank god ther back.... any fan of FF was heart strucken when we learned that the band was breaking up. That is definitly in the past now. Yes, It is true that they go thru band members like water since ther debuted... But who gives a rats rearend, ther a great band from start to finish. And they continue to put out great albums and shows. So who cares what they have to do to get the job done. As long as Bell is thrashing the mic ill be listenin. Hell when i got arrest for going 130 in a 55 in my Mustang i was listening to Archetype, for some reason it makes my foot push on the gas peddle harder....:) Archetype by far right up ther with ther best albums if not the best yet to date. Great Job Guys...

Fear Factory - Archetype
First off, I hate to disappoint you all, but newly-acquired bassist Byron Stroud does NOT play a single note on this cd. Former bassist, now guitarist Christian Olde-Wolbers pulled double-duty on this album and played both bass and guitar, as the band didn't know whether it would add another member or not (go look it up if you don't believe me). It turned out that Stroud did join up, and he has been playing bass ever since FF went on tour in February. That being said, although this album is not quite as good as their first three, it is still a return to form after Digimortal, which many called a sub-par record. Make no mistake, Fear Factory are back with a vengence.

What else can be said
what else can be said about this cd? 5 stars, a perfect cd! ... Read more

Album Description

Featuring eleven new tracks and two remixes, "Evoke" represents a new chapter in the life of this adored dark electro band. Cleaner production, crisp synth lines, marching beats, and throbbing bass lines highlight the raspy whispered vocals. Sure to evoke one's dancing spirit and force them onto the nearest dance floor. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Its still the best stuff around
Ok except for a couple tracks on this album I think Rudy did a pretty good job on this one. Some of the songs like evoke are real reminiscent of Wreath of barbs but other songs I would say are closer to the old Wumpscut.Tomb for example is just completly awesome and it sound like something that would have been off the Mesner tracks.If you dont like the direction hes gone in with the last couple albums then you probably wont like this, but if you dont like the last couple album you should revaluate your taste in albums cause they are awesome.

Still Awesome Wump, but what about the lyrics?
Rudy's musical production has always been subpar to most in his "darkwave industrial" genre.This album has good production, but, however, not as complex, as for lyrical based songs.Rudy's lyrics are what bring this CD down.They are simple and repetitive.The "girls" vocals are much improved and more prominent.Accually,the girls vocals as well as the instrumentals are what make it a sustainably decent album track by track in my opinion. Overall a good listen because of coarse it's rudy; but disappointing if you're fan looking for Wumpscut to venture into his old style.

It'd get a 5 if the Blondi creature sang on the album also
To be sure, Bone Peeler was the lowest point in :wumpscut:'s career by a wide margin. The release of Evoke was something that I looked to with no small amount of trepidation, fearing that it would continue BP's established formula of boring (as in unimaginative, not slow) instrumentals accompanied by some of the worst vocal work heard on an industrial album. Luckily, this isn't the case, and those that appreciate Rudy Ratzinger's work for more than its abrasive qualities should be pleased.

Evoke gets its worst song out of the way first with Maiden, a track that would have been at home on Bone Peeler. The female vocals on the song lack grace and quite simply, the vocalist can't sing (this is curious, because her other voice work on the album is passable). Things pick up on Churist Churist, which is more creative than 90% of what was featured on the last album. The song seems to be written in a language of Ratzinger's own creation, and is interesting if nothing else. Other high points on the album include Don't Go and Tomb (which seems like an attempt to recapture the magic of "Thorns"). Breathe, probably the highest energy track on the CD (not counting the remixes), is plagued by some very ill advised samples. While the song was clearly meant to be some sort of social commentary, it misses the mark and succeeds only in being a bit offensive.

As a whole the album is far more melodic than most of :wumpscut:'s previous work, adding female vocalists (with varying degrees of success) on several tracks. Gone are the aggressive drums and the harsh, grating distortion; replaced by rhythmic synths and subtle hooks. For metal fans and those who loved :w: for albums like Dried Blood and Embryodead, this will likely be a huge disappointment. But anyone who can appreciate Ratzinger's overall body of work (excluding perhaps the dreadful Bone Peeler) should find Evoke to be a satisfying experience. While it isn't a return to form, it's certainly a return to quality.

What happened>???
OKay, First off, i like everything :Wumpscut: has realeased, yes even Bone Peeler... Bone Peeler was unreal i thought... But this Evoke thing, i don't know... Some songs are really cool.. but he is hardly in the album. It is mostly these soul singing women throughout the whole thing. Kind of like a failing attempt to copy KMFDM.I don't know, if he makes another one i'll be there to buy it but as for the time being i am a little dissapointed with this one.. it's not the worst, just not the best...

Why?
I really like the early :WUMPSCUT:, and I think everything up to Wreath of Barbs was pure brilliance. I didn't like Wreath of Barbs that much, but I wouldn't say it was a bad album... then followed a series of best ofs and unreleased material which clearly should have stayed unreleased. And finally he released the album Bone Peeler. Bone Peeler had some good songs and many bad ones, It seems when he got an idea he didn't bother to make a song out of it, but just repeated a couple of phrases (both musically and lyrically) through 5 long minutes...

So, when I noticed he was releasing a brand new fresh album just a few months later, I expected the worst. It is said that if you expect the worst you will never be dissapointed. Well, I still was. Some of the instrumentals are ok, and not all the ideas are bad. It just sounds like early in the songwriting phase he just didn't bother anymore, patched it together to the degree possible and released it. It's safe to say this is the worst :Wumpscut: release to date.

2 stars, since it still beat MTV style R&B ... Read more

Amazon.com

This debut features a sparse blend of clanging percussion, aggressive bass riffs, and impassioned screaming. In spirit, the music is industrial, yet it manages to avoid the cliches critics associate with the genre (such as overly processed vocals, and megadistorted guitar sounds). The songs dispense with traditional notions of melody and harmony, focusing instead on percussive innovation and rhythmic variation. Although monophonic synth lines comprise the only tonal instrumentation, the upbeat tempos, relentless vocals, and percussive embellishment prevent the arrangements from growing tedious. --Michael A. Massa ... Read more

Reviews (18)

A classic
At a time when Industrial was an up and coming genre (circa 1989-91 and an industrial night could be found at most cool clubs) these boys were at the forefront. Nitzer Ebb helped evolve dance music. The words, "Join in the Chant" could be heard in nightclubs around the world (from Limelight in New York City to Hard Club at Gossips in London) as angry disenchanted youth found an outlet for their angst.

a classic: if that's positive or negative, it's up to you
This cd is a classic within the EBM-industrial-whateveryoumaycallit genre; The style was already defined, though, and if you don't believe it, just listen to DAF's trilogy, Front 242's first albums or Die krupps' 'Volle Kraft Voraus'; However, Nitzer Ebb helped to give strength to this style of music, a style which has pleased my ears throughout my years listening to music. Tight rhythms, repetitive beats, minimalistic sounds, screaming voice military style,... 'Join in the Chant' or 'Let Your Body Learn' are today considered classic hits in industrial music. In my opinion, Nitzer Ebb, together with a bunch of bands, gave a bit of dignity to the underestimated panorama of the 80's, so loaded with bad bands such as Spandau ballet, Modern Talking... What a pity Nitzer Ebb splitted with just 5 cds. But THAT TOTAL AGE, even if not being their best, still rules!

Highly overrated - empty and meaningless
It just is.
I recall when this came out in '87 and it was in all the clubs. I bought a copy and played it to death but then I slowly realized that while other industrial bands had a message and some substance to go along with their beats - Nitzer Ebb weren't really saying anything. It's a bunch of shouting and yelling of words that sound aggressive but they really don't mean much.
Compare them to lyrics from Front 242, Laibach, Front Line Assembly, etc. and you'll see that NE were yelling but not saying anything. After a while they get a bit annoying really. I sold my copy a long time ago.
Their dance beats on this CD/record get repetative as well. Not that repetition is bad - it's just within the same record I don't want to hear essentially the same tune twice with different lyrics.
As for their popularity as "proof" of their greatness - Britney Spears was popular too.

Solid Electronic Body Music
Nitzer Ebb was not really at the forefront of the EBM movement (see Frontline Assembly, Front 242 and DAF - note that pioneers like Skinny Puppy and Ministry were more complete industrial and never really fit the stripped down EBM mold if you ask me), but they did much to popularize it. This album and its follow-up 'Showtime' had a number of underground dance hits. Touring with Depeche Mode at the height of that group's fame probably didn't hurt either. The key singles from 'That Total Age' were "Murderous" and 'Join in the Chant". Both are aggressive and pounding; actually the entire album is this way. The vocals are not distorted but they are harsh, often screamed, and tended to aim for anger anthem style choruses. NE's approach to things was pretty simple: lay down a pummeling beat, shout military vocals and lay some simple yet catchy synth hooks on top - works pretty well for the most part. It can get a bit grating so I usually end up playing a few songs then moving on. It's also a nice way for DJs to spice up a set by throwing in some visceral rage w/o overloading the listener with 10 of those in a row.

In sum, this is a very solid disc of hard dance. It may be their best as it is more consistent than the more popular 'Showtime' and it's certainly the closest they came to being influential. If this sounds good to you then go for it. If you like this you would love the late 90's EBM throwback band Cubanate or perhaps Swamp Terrorists. Nitzer Ebb is hard but not nearly as violent as Cubanate. Inertia would be another decent choice though they bring techno into it more. I'd suggest checking out superior groups like F242, Skinny Puppy, Ministry, FLA and the like first then go for the Ebb.

...To the left...to the left...
Just another title that every industrial music listener should have in their collection. A sound that reminiscent of of Depeche Mode's 'Some Great Reward', and a little early Ministry. Just buy the damn album. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Our Lady Peace delivers a trippy "Tomorrow Never Knows," Heather Nova neuters Peter Gabriel's "I Have The Touch," and Juliana Hatfield can't locate the dark soul in Marianne Faithful's "Witches Song." Also notable are tracks by Jewel, Love Spit Love (covering The Smiths), and Matthew Sweet (with guest riffs by Lindsay Buckingham). --Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (30)

I would give this a 6 if i could!!
'The Craft' is one of my top 10 favorite movies. So when I saw the soundtrack, I decided to buy it. OK, thats not entirely true, one of the songs I really like is also on this. Ill tel you which one it is down below.

1 'Tomorrow Never Knows' by Our Lady Peace. Not one of my favorites, but it did have a good melody. 5/5
2. 'I have the touch' by Heath Nova. One of the better songs. 5/5 stars.
3. 'All this and Nothing' Sponge. Another great song. Great beat to.5/5
4. 'Dangerous Type' by Letters to Cleo. Great song, but then again, what Letters to Cleo song isnt great? 5/5
5. 'How Soon is Now?' by Love Spit Love. The reason I got this. You might have heard it if you watch 'Charmed' 5/5
6. 'Dark Secret' by Matthew Sweet. Great song. I think that this is that song from the movie when they are walking down the street, right? I dont know, Im probably getting it confused w/ something else. 5/5
7. 'Witches Song' Juliana Hatfield. I love her low, semi-husky voice. 5/5
8. 'Jump into the fire' Tripping Daisy. Great song w/ great beat. It kinda seemed to me like it was a little to 'happy' when compared to the rest of the soundtrack. 5/5
9. 'Under the Water' by Jewel. Thid was good, even though Jewel sings this song. 5/5
10. 'Warning' by All too Much. Great beat. Haunting melodies. I loved it. 5/5
11. 'Spastica' by Elastica. I was dancing from when this first started hearing in my headset. Great!! 5/5
12. 'The Horror' by Spacehog. I loved the haunting melodies. It sounds like the music they play in haunted houses. You know what I mean? 5/5
13. "Bells, Books and Candles' by Graeme Revell. Another song w/ haunting melodies. There wasn't as much sing. It was kind of like chanting to me, than singing, but alot of people are willing to argue w/ me on that. It also had nature sounds. 5/5

Spellbinding
I love this movie, and I loved a lot of the songs in the movie, so naturally, I had to get the soundtrack. I was not dispointed with it, I constantly listen to it, I love it.

1.) "Tommorrow Never Knows" by Our Lady Peace - Definitely not my favorite song, at some parts it's boring, and they're saying the same thing over and over. But it's still good.

2.) "I Have The Touch" by Heather Nova - I love this song, Heather Nova is so talented. And I know it's a cover of Peter Gabriel, but it's one good cover!

3.) "All This and Nothing" by Sponge - This is a good song, it's unique, and dark. I really like it

4.) "Dangerous Type" by Letters to Cleo - I love Letters to Cleo, they're terrific! This song is excellent, it's my 2nd favorite song on the CD.

5.) "How Soon is Now?" by Love Spit Love - One of the main reasons I bought this CD, I heard it in the movie and really liked it, and then I heard it in the Cruel Intentions preview. It's a terrific song, it seems witchy to me.

6.) "Dark Secret" by Matthew Sweet - Matthew Sweet is terrific, if you look in the CD booklet, you can see how many guitars he can play, I'm impressed. He needs to be more well known, he's got so much talent. I love this song, it's great

7.) "Witches Song" by Juliana Hatfield - It's slightly boring, but I like Juliana Hatfield, she's very talented, but this song dosen't impress me

8.) "Jump Into The Fire" by Tripping Daisy - I don't really like this song, it gets kind of boring, it reminds me of suicide for some reason (You can climb a mountain/You can swim the sea/You can into the fire, but you'll never be free). It's dull but I can sit through it

9.) "Under The Water" by Jewel - I don't like Jewel, she's very very annoying. She sounds like she's crying when she sings, and I hate it. This song is ok though

10.) "Warning" by All Too Much - Not that great. It's kind of boring to me, and too upbeat in a way.

11.) "Spastica" by Elastica - I love this song, I really like Elastica, they're unique.

12.) "The Horror" by Spacehog - I really love this song, there are some odd lyrics, but it's great. It's eery, which is great

13.) "Bells, Books, and Candles" by Graeme Revell - This is good meditation music, I always think of the movie when I hear it, I think of...bells books and candles!

I really wish they'd included "Scorn" by Portishead and "Sick Child" By Sioxsie & The Banshees on this soundtrack. These were good songs in the movie, and more gloomy then some of the other ones. Buy it! It's terrific!

If you like "How Soon is now" listen to "The Smiths"
Hi,

I noticed that a lot of reviewers especially liked the track "How soon is now". If so, why don't you buy the CD containing the original version and a lot of more great songs:

The Smiths - Hatful of Hollow

Galen, get a clue
Your reveiw of "in the beginning" was way off point and boring. Do some research. The song is a cover of a cover of a cover- that's all I'am telling you, and all you deserve to know. Are you 6?

Dull, but with a few worthy songs
A mostly dull collection of unnecessary remakes (Juliana Hatfield does Marianne Faithful? Really?), but it has three songs that hint at a spunkier, fun collection. Letters to Cleo's "Dangerous Type" takes The Cars original and makes it playful, Spacehog's "The Horror" is far from a great song but it's absolutely an atmospheric original. And Elastica, go-to band for fun soundtrack songs, outdo themselves with "Spastica," a catchy, clever two-and-a-half minutes of twitchy fun. If only the rest of the album could have the same attitude (and I'll give credit to Tripping Daisy and All Too Much do worhty filler). ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Best of the series
How wrong are some reviewers. This is one of the cds of the series I enjoyed the most. There are some real gems in this cd that now are unfortunately really living in oblivion. Take for instance Sister of Mercy by Thompson Twins or the wonderful (tough some how cheesy) You don't know by Scarlett and Black and the sophisticated new romantic sound of Digging your scene by The Blow Monkeys.
If you like the sophisticated and mannered sound that were common in some big name groups of the 80s give a try to these lesser known but excellent groups: The Blow Monkeys or Thompson Twins. You wont be dissapointed.
Anyway, this compilation really surprised me. I didn't expect to hear that many really goods songs but I did. I didn't care for two or three songs all the other ones are really great.

Enjoyable Pop Songs
Beyond the obvious hits there are some quite catchy numbers that most people (like some reviewers) will completely ignore. Go! by Tones on Tail is a radio classic, and You Don't Know by Scarlett & Black is a delight. A must-have for those open to hearing things they haven't heard a million times before.

If you valued the 80's, don't buy this product
You'd think that an 80's anthology of music would understand that it caters to an audience which is nostalgic toward that decade.

I give this two stars only because you can't take away from the 80's music, but I figure that the inane commentary on the CD booklet should be calculated in this rating too. It was highly unnecessary and insulting to 80's fans to include disparaging remarks about the decade and banal political commentary by obvious leftist sympathizers.

The Worst in the Series
Living In Oblivion, Vol. 4, contains three notably great selections: "Mexican Radio", "Under the Milky Way", and "Belly of the Whale". The rest of the songs are either monster hits that can be found anywhere (i.e. Spandau Ballet's "True", "Come On Eileen" by Dexy's Midnight Runners) or unknown songs that are obscure for a reason. The compliation team seems to have gotten lazy here and the disc is unsatisfying as a result. Avoid unless you just want to get the whole set.

Awesome 80's Hits...
Man this album takes me back to those crazy Southern California drinkin', bar hoppin' nights...If you like the 80's, this album and series is for YOU! I liked the mix of really popular and less known songs. Great Album/Series. ... Read more

Reviews (62)

Keiner Macht Fur Dich Mehr
This was my first KMFDM purchase after tasting a delectable treat of "Ultra" from the Manga Entertainment trailer video in the 10th grade. I just had to check this band out...

What I got was a total electro-thrash-noise symphony that you can dance your ass off to. I totally fell in love with KMFDM and bought their other albums after this. "Nihil" stands as KMFDM's hardest album, with more guitars, sampling, kling-klangs, noise, and screams than you can shake a stick at.

I lost my KMFDM virginity to the opening track, "Ultra." It stands as an orchestra of angst and screams, with hardcore electronic composition, ultra heavy beats, and sick, seeping lyrics. "Juke Joint Jezebel" is perhaps the most intelligent track on this record, with blazing female choruses and industrial percussions galore. "Flesh" and "Brute" are most excellent performances by Raymond Watts, with gutsy metal guitars by Gunther Schulz and Mark Durante. "Beast" is a spooky club-worthy track with violent lyrics, smart electronics, and one hell of a chorus. "Revolution" is a thrash-fest with the classic industrial beats, with a notable performance by my man En Esch. "Disobedience" is a brilliant crossover track that mixes the heavy industrial beats with metal and ska...must love those trumpets! The album is closed off with the speedy joy-gasm "Trust."

This KMFDM record stands out like a sore thumb amongst the rest of the KMFDM albums. It is the most original, beautifully crafted piece of work that KMFDM had to offer to the industrial community. Do yourself a favor and buy this masterpiece. You surely won't regret it!

Very solid piece of sound.
Many reviews are written about this album, and I'm sure mine will hardly get read, but I felt I owed it to myself and the artists to voice my opinion about this record, because it is simply astonishing.

This was the 3rd KMFDM album I purchased, after Angst and Xtort. As cool as those were, this one immediately jumped to the top of my chart. It fused the Xtort sound and the Angst sound, plus featured the demonic voice of Raymond Watts, giving the album another element to build off of.

As far as the songs go, some excellent KMFDM work is featured here. Ultra and Flesh are relentless powerhouses, while Juke Joint Jezebel and Beast feature more electronic sounds, and Trust and Search and Destroy are more straight ahead metal. The one song that really stands out, though, is Disobedience. It is probably one of the best all around KMFDM songs, with a little bit of everything. Raymond, Sacsha, and En Ecsh all sing, with the amazing Guenter on guitars, and a trumpet. Yes, a trumpet. Seems like a dysfunctional instument in a KMFDM song, but it is used with incredible style and really makes the song just that much better.

If you have this album, I'm glad you could share the experience. If you do not, at least download some of it. You will not be disappointed.

Almost Anyone Could Like This One
I'll keep this one short, maybe not, since I could heap praise on this album for 10 pages worth. I like industrial, but a lot of stuff is a looped guitar riff and a drum machine, screaming and sounds like something I would do when I was a teenager. Then you have this wonderful album by KMFDM, so what do you call it? It's very danceable, I actually heard "Revolution" played by the Jay Leno Show's band before a commercial break, hold on, it's a great album! Basically in a nut shell:

1. Ultra: Adrenaline and En Esch still in the band + Pig... the ultimate KMFDM.

2. Juke Joint Jezebel: A great dance song.

3. Flesh: So manic, yet controlled and wonderful.

4. Beast: FUNKY!

5. Terror: Eye opening/ prophetic?

6. Search and Destroy: Great message described in antonyms.

7. Disobedience: A showcase of multi-instruments.

8. Revolution: A beautiful KMFDM song? Dorona's lyrics are pretty.

9. Beast: OK track, weakest one, but still decent.

10. Trust: Speed and emotion.

Great album for anyone who wants an introduction to industrial or is curious becoming a rivet head.

The Best of the Best
KMFDM has had several incarnations, with the coming and going of various band members and contributors keeping its style from stagnating over the years. But for that classic "KMFDM sound" of ultra-heavy beats, monster guitar riffs and raging vocals, NIHIL is the band's truly standout album and should be required listening for any fan.

"Juke Joint Jezebel" is the best-loved song from NIHIL (and the first KMFDM song I ever heard... must be 6 years ago now). Other than that and perhaps "Brute," I wouldn't name any of these songs as my particular favorites, but as a whole the album is unbeatable - you won't find any filler here.

For people who are new to KMFDM and not sure which album to buy first: This is it!

Better than the Best
This work is pure art. It contains so many emotions and senses. Every song is a branch from this tree of techno guitar blazing straight up truth. This CD, as well as Xtort, should be among all collections. Its truly inane. ... Read more

Album Description

The second 'best of' collection that the goth band released on Beggars Banquet in 1986. 17 tracks, including 'Kick In The Eye', 'Ziggy Stardust', 'Lagartija Nick', 'She's In Parties' and 'Third Uncle'. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Stunning, powerful collection
Get this and get volume 1. Together they're one of the finest "best of" collections ever.

Gothic Masterpiece
What more can you ask for? This album has all the great works of Bauhaus. Most are their early works which are much much better than their last years together. This album is worth every cent. A true gothic masterpiece. Paranoia Paranoia, She's in Parties, Who Killed Mr. Moonlight? and Kick in the eye are just some of the reasons you should get this album. If you are going to buy only one Bauhaus album, Buy this one, you won't be disappointed!

A Great compilation from gothic musical talents, Bauhaus
I think this is a great CD simply because it has some of my favorite songs on it, such as Kick in the Eye, Ziggy Stardust, Silent Hedges, Slice of Life, She's in Parties, and my ultimate favorite: Who Killed Mr. Moonlight. It is a good buy for those of you who are looking for Bauhaus' better work collected together...however with two you usually need volume one...if you would rather just buy one cd, I suggest "Crackle", a compilation put together by the band for those looking for the classic bauhaus songs on just one cd. Vol 1 & 2 have a little bit more rare material than Crackle would though. ... Read more