Reviews (5)

Another good deal with a broader range of styles
For this second "Grave," they build on the success of the first one by keeping the same crazy-[low] price and switching the lineup. Some tracks, like The Cruxshadows' "Marilyn, My Bitterness V2.0" straddle goth, techno and 80s new wave all at once.

The Moors' slavic chant "Dve Nevesti" is ominously catchy. Mors Syphilitica's opera-goth ("Ungrateful Girl") is as amazing as ever. Necromantik Sunshine's "Necromantic Sunshine" (hmmm, their first song?) has a seedy, dancefloor Christian Death
appeal. The next few songs are more forgettable, more electronic. Uva Ursi does Gitane Demone & Eva O proud with the strange "Waltz of Maldoror." Doppelganger's "Mad Sky" sounds like a grrrl band doing the soundtrack for the 70s cartoon "The Groovie Ghoulies." If you've seen "Blazing Saddles," you know EXACTLY what I mean by this: Flesh for Eve's "The Witch" sounds like Madeline Kahn's "I'm So Tired."

The vocals are buried on several tracks - usually meaning there wasn't much time or money to record the songs. Perfectly understandable for bands just starting out.

Disc 2 features more industrial and EBM than the first. A lot of the songs ("Televisual," "Listen," "Fallen Angel,") remind me of stuff we heard in the mid-to-late 80s when electronic music was starting to bleed away from Kraftwerk and Joy Division. Other tracks fit the Front Line Assembly/Front 242 mold, like Pulcher Femina's "Scream & Die." and Cydonia's "Ritual." The EBM songs indicate the enduring influence of disco. Unit 187's "Capital Punishment (MM6 Remix)" is a righteous shot of drum n' bass with speed metal guitar. X-axis closes the sampler strong with "Occident," a driving techno anthem with Human League-ish vocals.

I would've given it five stars, but I'm more into the overall goth/darkwave sound of the first collection. If you're more open-minded and dance-oriented, you will definitely dig this "Grave."

Had to mention Matrix
my review was mainly to point out a great song on disc 2 that failed to get mentioned previously. while the rest mentioned are good, i find the best song to be Matrix's Dreams are Real. I have since searched for other music by this band. It is compilations like this that make great bands like Matrix rise to the occasion.

An affordable cross-section of the dark underground
Fortunately the first Unquiet Grave release warranted a sequel, this time with EBM and Industrial thrown into the mix. Like the first, there's much good, bad and in-between among the 33 tracks, but all in all it's definitely worth the low price tag.

The standouts on the first CD (the goth/darkwave/ethereal part) include Mors Syphilitica's operatic goth on "Ungrateful Girl", Cruxshadows' infectious dance floor groove "Marilyn, My Bitterness V2.0", Immortalis Amor's ethereal techno of "Invocation", and Klang Abstrakt's soundtrack intrumental "Memories".

The second CD's (the EBM/industrial part) highlights are TNV's catchy industrial offering "Televisual", Hocico's ominous, FLA-like "Banished", Pulcher Femina's driving EBM on "Scream", Angels and Agony's goth dance on "One", and Cruciform Injection's beat candy "Embryonic Testaments". Much of this disc would could be played on your local club's industrial night.

With an overall movement more into electronic territory, this installment is better suited to the more beat-friendly rather than those looking for more of the slower ethereal/darkwave variety. But once again, a great way to explore the (presently) unknowns of the genre.

IF YOU LIKE GOTHIC ETC... YOU SHOULD LIKE THIS
This CD is really amazing, it is a compilation of a number of relatively unknown artists who deserve exposure. While not every song is wonderful the CD ,as a whole, is. The gothic genre it is hard to explain because it encompasses many different types of bands and sounds. Some songs are more "ethereal" while others are more hard-edged, so there is something for every taste. It is a treat to listen to because each song is original; it isn't victim to the pitfall that many single band CDs are, that is, no song sounds much like any of the others on the CD.

Buy this!
A friend of mine bought this cd and played a few songs for me. Thats when I knew I had to have it. Its a mixture of dark voices, and good techno. This is a must have cd for anyones gothic collection, its addictive. Listen to Cruxshadows "Marilyn my bitterness" and you'll see what I mean. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

about Tommy Demise
I didn't see the main review as it has now apparently vanished. I'd probably back up your thoughts completely, as I chose what went on the CD! Thanks, whatever it was about.

In response to the main review.
Well, after reading the first couple of sentences, it became painfully obvious that this reviewer knows ABSOLUTELY NOTHING at all about Deathrock, Gothic rock, and apparently Goth in general. I am sure he was quite proud of his review, and felt he did a great job for a guy that has only heard one *Goth* related album, and it seems very much so that this happens to be the one. I really do not understand how this *reviewer* can remotely claim that James Ray is an Eldritch clone. The reviewer apparently isn't aware of the fact that James Ray was once the vocalist for a Sisters side-project; The Sisterhood. So, wouldn't this make James Ray an Eldritch PEER? And why one would mention Jim Morrison and David Bowie in this review is beyond me. Goth sprung from punk- NOT 70's rock, metal or hardcore, seeing that hardcore didn't emerge until the 80's and goth type bands were around in the 70's( Such as Joy Division, UK Decay, Siouxsie and The Banshees, etc.). I've also noticed that you seem to have had a problem figuring out why all the bands on the compilation sounded very different from each other, dear reviewer. The answer being- because most of the bands on the comp. are from different subgenres of goth..Yes! There is a difference between Deathrock, Goth, and Gothic rock! You can not compare a band like Specimen (A deathrock band that adopted a glammy look) to a band like Nosferatu. ( Straight up gothic rock, that should be called a Sisters clone.) The sad thing about this whole thing is that, YOU are getting paid for this, and YOU have no idea what you are talking about, but on the other hand; I seem to have done my research, actually taken the time to get my facts straight, and *I* am not getting paid. Someone give me a job!

-Tommy Demise

Sometimes you have to start with the basics
To get a feel for the music. A wonderful compilation of Gothic bands, both old and new. Virgin Prunes are so damn hard to find anywhere else, I'm glad they can be found here. If you're new to the genre or want to have a small idea about it, this is a must have album. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Some well-done songs; excellent cause.
After Sam (of projekt records) Rosenthal's cat died of Feline Leukemia, he put together this compilation of songs from a number of goth/ambient/etheral artists -- songs about their own cats. There are some truly remarkable songs on here -- Shotgun Wedding's 'Inside Only Cat' is a bluesy torch song, Faith and the Muse's 'In Dreams of Mine' is a gorgeous, exotic whisper. The Read Letter's 'Crawling Curtains' is also notable as is Numeralia's 'Espirito Gato'. There are a few lame tracks, places where I start reaching for the fast forward button, but overall it's a good CD and part of the proceeds go to a Chicago-area animal shelter. black tape for a blue girl fans will definitely enjoy.

get this cd even if u don't like cats
this is a high-quiality charity project form projekt,the songs are thoughful & beautiful,"cayman" by mira has taken me by total surprise,a new discovery about this sweet artist. & "majestic as a king" by black tape for a blue girl has become one of my fav.songs of them. this cd really worths buying.

Truly Purrrr-fecto!!! Ambient Cat-Relief ^_^
Simply want to add my unequivocal recommendation that Amazon.com shoppers, especially those of you who love cats and/or things that go goth in the nite, add this to your collection. In fact, better get multiple copies. You may need to give it as a gift to keep friends and xluvers from scarfing your only copy. Can you relate? How many chances do you get to tithe a heartfelt cause and get a CD that seems to take up perpetual residence (like the neighbor's kitten) in your player? Jaded and newbie creatures of the night alike will find new coalescences of talent to get manic about, as well as experience xstatic fits of affirmation for the familiar obsessed over prior. This Projekt compilation covers a spectrum of goth sects with an admirable, seamless poise. There's even purrrty pictures of the feline companions that no doubt inspired the musicians - like that cool cat, Cayman (Mira). If you would like a breakdown of tracks, amble over to Caitlin R. Kiernan's eloquent review. Then bring this home for you and your cat. Don't have one? On the way home, stop by a local shelter and let one pick you out. Could be the start of a beautiful friendship. Uhm, I gotta go now. I just heard the can opener and I think it's tuna night; albacore, yum!... ^_^

Purrrfecto!!! Ambient Cat Relief *_*
Simply want to add my unequivocal recommendation that Amazon shoppers, especially those of you who love cats and/or things that go goth in the nite, add this to your collection. In fact, better get multiple copies. You may need to give it as a gift to keep friends and xluvers from scarfing your only copy. Can you relate? How many chances do you get to tithe a heartfelt cause and get a CD that seems to take up perpetual residence (like the neighbor's kitten) in your player? Jaded and newbie creatures of the night alike will find new coalescences of talent to get manic about, as well as experience xstatic fits of affirmation for the familiar obsessed over prior. This Projekt compilation covers a spectrum of goth sects with an admirable, seamless poise. There's even purrrty pictures of the feline companions that no doubt inspired the musicians, like that cool cat Cayman (Mira). If you would like a breakdown of tracks amble over to Caitlin R. Kiernan's eloquent review. Then bring this home for you and your cat. Don't have one? On the way home, stop by a local shelter and let one pick you out. Could be the start of a beautiful friendship. Uhm, I gotta go now. I just heard the can opener and I think it's tuna night, albacore, yum!... ^-^

Highly Recommended Feline Tribute
Lovely songs for a solemn cause. Pondering whether or not to buy this CD? Go ahead. Bast will be pleased you did so! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Good, but not club classics
Well, this is a pretty good cd set. But, I am from southern california, and honestly, I have heard maybe one or two songs at the clubs. Now, I understand this is a global community and maybe these are club themes in other countries or regions in the US. Good CDs, but bad title if you live in So Cal.

The way it should be.
To anyone who is just getting into the scene consider this required material.This is what the gothic sound is all about,this is gothic music to it's fullest.The only reason why i don't give it five stars is because of disc two...WHY THE HELL PEOPLE KEEP THINKING THAT BANDS LIKE TYPE-O AND MOONSPELL ARE GOTHIC ARE BEYOND ME.To all the newbies or anyone else looking at this....Type-o is not gothic.

Okay, but not great
I'm glad I bought this set. Two and half hours of "classic" music from 28 different artists. You can hardly complain at the price. I'll order the volume 2 set. But... But I was a little disappointed. I couldn't help feeling it's something you purchase for collection purposes, not something you buy to play over and over again (though I *have* played it over and over again). I understand this stuff has the potential to trigger a lot of memories for some, but if you don't have the memories...

As a whole, I found it a little ordinary, though I loved some of the tracks. The high point for me was the awe-inspiring live version of Bela Lugosi's Dead. And I thought Nick Cave, Alien Sex Fiend, and Type O Negative delivered. But the low point was Eternal Afflict's truly awful rendition of Paint It Black, an obscene desecration of the Rolling Stones' grave. And I felt like punching someone at the chorus of the X-mal Deutschland song: "Incubus succubus... succubus incubus... incubus succubus... succubus incubus".

It should be noted that this set was made in Germany, features a number of German groups, and presumably is directed at German tastes. This might have put me off a little. I think I have difficulty with the language barrier, or there's otherwise something about German culture that doesn't translate for me.

Anyway, if you outlay a measly $20, you'll definitely find tracks and parts of tracks that you like. And you'll get a fair cross-section of music. But don't buy this collection expecting to be wowed.

Fabulous Collection! A Real Treat!
What a great collection! I was unsure whether to purchase this CD as I typically find that I only like a few songs on CD collections. This one is really different. There are songs that everyone will know, as well as songs you may have heard a couple of times in clubs, but didn't really know who they were by. The recording quality is also very good. This collection would be a pleasure to listen to for anyone really, but old goths will really be transported to an earlier time and place. Ahh! The memories! How things have changed. All in all, I have to say a highly recommended purchase, besides you get two CDs for the price. What a deal! ... Read more

Album Description

This fiendish mix of cult classics includes the rare and out-of-print first single from 45 Grave, "Black Cross," as well as a new exclusive recording from the legendary All About Eve, plus extensive liner notes by Mick Mercer, author of The Hex Files: The Goth Bible (Outlook Press). ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Goth: Music of the Shadows
i bought this album a little while back and i have been listening to it non-stop... it is totally fantastic and a very good introduction for those interested in the darker side of the goth scene... it has a great selection of songs, including classic goth superstars Bauhaus, Sisters of Mercy, and All About Eve, along with a few i had never heard before, like Gitane Demone, Switchblade Symphony, and X-mal Deutschland... in fact, i wholeheartedly believe this is a great addition to a record collection of new and seasoned goths alike... as with all compilations, there were one or two tracks that didnt take my fancy, but that is subjective... if u can get it second hand on the cheap, grab it!

Compiler adds some thoughts
I just wanted to correct A Music Fan when he said that K-Tel used tracks without permission. I was a bit surprised when I first heard the rumour about the London After Midnight track being used with no consultation. When I e-mailed the band to point out that I had suggested the majority of the tracks, and assumed K-Tel had done everything properly, Sean e-mailed back to say that there hadn't been any problems. The company who deals with licensing their tracks had simply forgotten to inform the band! Things like that do happen, and can't be helped.

As to bands being missing - well it was only a single CD, and I wanted to reflect some sense of the old but concentrate on a broad range of new names which were established, because I felt the compilation would obviously be aimed at newcomers.

Compilations can be awkward beasts to pull off. The Gothic Rock ones, done by Jungle/Cleopatra, were the first big ones to really get noticed, and I came up with the idea when doing my second book. That was quite easy, but you still don't get certain bands because some simply don't want to be involved, so if you ever see a comp and think something's missing it doesn't mean the person organising it didn't ask. Then I did the Hex Files ones with Nova Tekk, and that was nearly all new bands, because that's what my Hex Files book was about, concentrating on what was happening at the time. Now I've done my new book I'm looking for a label to do a new compilation. And so it goes on....

Oh My Goth!
...This is (to my knowledge) the best Goth compilation there is, minus those Cleopatra box sets which are of equal standards. It amazes me how far Gothic music has come since Bauhaus first recorded "Bela Lugosi's Dead" back in '79. Sadly, many of the greats have either fallen from their respected grace, broken up, or key members passed on. All the more reason to have Black Tape For A Blue Girl and London After Midnight on this album to show that Gothic music is still very much alive and well. In fact, "Kiss" (almost) holds it's own with the more legendary bands here. Speaking of legendary, Bauhaus's "Dark Entries" is one of their best songs. Daniel Ash's guitar playing has had a profound effect on mine and I worship this band. I'm also glad there's other legendary Goth bands such as Sisters Of Mercy, Alien Sex Fiend, Sex Gang Children, and, most of all, Christian Death to show those important Gothic roots. I'm having a VERY hard time tracking down a copy of Christian Death's "Only Theatre Of Pain" on CD, so anything from them that will tie me over until I get it (assuming I do; if anyone can get me a copy of it, please e-mail me) will just have to do. But as good as this disk sounds, it does have it's drawbacks. First of all, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that if you release a CD of great Goth music, it'll spark our interest. Unfortunately, most of us have at least a few of these songs already. Secondly, there was a few bands that I felt were missing. Joy Division, The Cure, Dead Can Dance, and Siouxsie & The Banshees (I'm not a fan of this band, but they did make a big contribution to the scene). How the hell can you leave them off? Perhaps K-Tel couldn't get the proper licensing for these bands or something. I mean, I highly doubt whoever put this compilation together just forget about them. That's just not likely. Still though, this album is a great place to start for those interested in what we listen to, as well as a good album for those that want a little bit of everything on one disk. Five stars for newbies, four stars for those who already call ourselves Gothic. Also, you might want to go and check out Bauhaus's "Crackle". They are the genre's Gothfathers, after all.

K-Tel shaking up a gothic revival!
When folks over 30 think of K-tel records, immediately what springs to mind are the compilation records of the 70's. Most of these songs were from the top AM radio, when AM radio actually played music, or underground soul music. The company's vision helped to catapult many careers into the stratosphere in an unpredicatble age of music.

What needs to be remembered or enlightened upon, is the fact that this company began making compilation albums long before it was the thing in vogue. Now, everyone seems to be doing it.

It is applauded that K-tel reared their head yet again to continue in a tradition they seemed to have started many years ago, only this time utilizing gothic songs that remain a great introduction to the scene.

Many in the goth underground have heard at least some, if not all of these selections, however, one must remember not "everyone" is fully enmeshed in the glorious underground.

It can only be anticipated that K-tel continues in this vein to bring an often overlooked sound into the forefront of the music market. Despite the volumes of goth talent available, most remain anonymous to the world at large and continue to go unappreciated.

I loved this compilation and my only regret was that it was not done sooner. For a great intro into the gothic music scene, this is definately a great one to start with.

Mike V CD reviewer for Gothic Topic...

K-TEL Bootlegs artists!
Considering that K-Tel used some artists songs on this CD without the band's permission (namely London After Midnight) I am suprised they are still in business and haven't been sued within an inch of their life. The 5 stars are for the LAM song. :) ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Well...
I'll be fair it does have good bands on this CD Two Witches, Eva O,Rosetta Stone,Switchblade Symphony,Gitane Demone and Black Tape For A Blue Girl.. But Cleopatra is always trying to get your money with these box sets, Cleopatra does have good bands but their various artist CD's are plain [bad]. If I were you I would buy the individual artist's CDs.

Note: Most of the bands on this disc do not want the label goth.. but the media gives it to them.

A good starter set, not for every fledgling batling.
This set was one of the first "Gothic" CD sets that I purchased, and I truly believe that it's an excellent sort of sampler to the different types of music that make up the Gothic music genre.

However, it's not for everyone. If you're a big fan of lighter, more melodic goth or darkwave, and would like to listen to some diverse bands that AREN'T on the Projekt label (except for a few key exceptions, there ARE 60 songs in this set), this is a nice little purchase.

Admittedly, I'm one of the few blasphemers that think that Bauhaus isn't all that special, and so I'll let you know right now--if you're looking for something that's full of music along the same lines, you'll not find that here. What you will find, however, is a plethora of bands you may not have heard of, with lots of little surprises awaiting you. Some of it seems a little dated, but most tracks won't make you groan with thoughts of Flock of Seagulls hair.

My top ten favorites from this album include (in no particular order) :

1. Mountain Voices (Remix) - James Ray and the Performance
2. Harmonies - Sofia Run (It sounds like "Popcorn"! Tee hee.)
3. Resurrection Mary - Ex-Voto
4. The Haunting - Nosferatu
5. Holy You - Deep Red
6. The Enochian Angel Of The 7th Aethyr - David J (It's weird, and sexy!)
7. Do You Believe in Angels - The Last Dance
8. Caged Bird - The Shroud (Being local makes me biased, I think.)
9. Religious As Hell - March Violets
10. T-2000(Kokoro) - Mephisto Walz

So many bands, So little time
A great starter for those that want to know what true goth music is. I would recommend this to you, its has a lot of bands and great tunes. Dont pass this up.

Fair and even handed (Like Fox News)...
This is, for the most part a good compilation of some of the less notable bands of the mid to late 90's goth scene mixed in with some of the big names of the past couple of decades. It may not be worth the 40 bucks cleopatra wants to charge you for it new but it's definately worth the looking for a used copy if its in good condition.

ARRRGGHH! Another batch of b-sides.
The packaging is great - a double-wide jewel case with a poster, sticker and liner notes book in a cardboard box. The content is lacking. Cleopatra uses the requisite Bauhaus opener ("Boys" this time), then scatters a dozen good tracks among 50 throwaways. For brevity's sake, I'll just touch on the highlights. Many of the remaining tracks are dull and abstract, or tinny and forgettable.

Disc 1:
Corpus Delecti's "Noxious (The Demon's Game)" is a fun shot of overgoth, with acoustic guitar that almost sounds like a harpsichord. Even hardcore black-clad mopes will get a chuckle out of Advent Sleep's "Lookaway My Love." Seraphim Shock's "After Dark" is pretty much the highlight of the whole box, a strong piece of goth-rock sacrilege with good singing.

Disc 2:
Play Dead's "The Tenant" lays down some bass-heavy Bauhaus with over-the-top vocals. Great dance track. "Dissolve" is still one of Switchblade Symphony's best songs, an ominous 4:34 of trip-goth.

Disc 3:
The Damned's "Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde" has a great opening guitar harmony. "The City In The Sea" is a nice piece of medieval folk from Love Is Colder Than Death. Is is just me, or does EVERY SINGLE SONG from Inkubus Sukkubus ("Witch Hunt") sound just like Bonnie Tyler's "Holding Out for A Hero"?

Disc 4:
"Caged Bird" (The Shroud) has mellow goth-pop with smooth vocals. Red Lorry Yellow Lorry's "Hand on Heart" is deathrock with some muscle and teeth. Die Laughing has one of the catchiest songs on the whole thing with "Nemesis," like Nephilim with female vocals.

If Cleopatra compiles a strong group of songs on ONE disc, it'll make the whole process a lot cheaper. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Continuing its focus on the ethereal side of goth, Projekt Records issues its answer to the Hyperium label's popular Heavenly Voices series: 13 tracks of sublime exoticism, from familiar faces (Black Tape for a Blue Girl, Lycia) to newcomers (Rajna, Mira) to long-lost friends (Stoa, Love Is Colder Than Death). Rajna, a French trio, are perhaps the compilation's most arresting contributors. Mining the same musicultural vein as Dead Can Dance (the resemblance is truly uncanny), they float Jeanne Lefebvre's soaring vocals atop hammered dulcimer, flute, strings, and tribal percussion. Mira, the disc's other notable newcomers, take a stab at rock of the shoe-gazer variety, winding up somewhere between the fuzzy guitar sound of My Bloody Valentine and the gentle sway of Love Spirals Downwards. Fans of the genre will want this album for the few tracks that are unavailable elsewhere, but curiosity seekers will find much to like in this sampler of goth's more benevolent practitioners. --Steve Landau ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Mira says it best... Divine
I love buying compilation albums (especially from Projekt records) because it's a great way to discover new bands. There's usually several duds among the bunch but there's always a few hidden gems that really catch the ear and make it all worthwhile. "Seireenia" is a collection of relatively slow numbers with ethereal singers that spellbind like sirens, enslaving you with their haunting voices... This contains some of the best ambient darkwave groups presently around, such as Black Tape for a Blue Girl with "Overwhelmed, Beneath Me" and Lycia with one of my favorite songs by them, "Baltica", but there's also a slur of lesser known acts that are just as talented. Rajna, which opens the album with a tribal feel that will certainly appeal to Dead Can Dance fans, the short yet remarkably stunning "Questo Mostrarsi" by Love Is Colder Than Death, the transcending beauty of "Maare Illucescend" by Stoa and "It Swallows Me Whole" by Rosewater Elizabeth impressed me in particular. And while "Dissolve" by Switchblade Symphony may sound a bit out of place it fits in perfectly. Besides, an upbeat tempo was definitely in order.

Very Average
There isn't much to get excited about on this cd. All of the voices and music pretty much blend into each other and there is very little distinction between artists. It is not bad, just not very inspired. Switchblade Symphony is the best of the bunch but you would be better off buying one of their cd's. Marginally good ritual music. Save your pennies unless you can get it used.

"I can't see light....."
'Seireenia' is a collection of songs by various artists published under the label 'Projekt', a label of independent music to the mid 90's to present as what 'Factory' music to the 80's to 90's. The album is unified in style throughout the 13 songs. In general, the 'Projekt' music is, as suggested in the album's cover if you are sensitive enough, minimal, atmospheric, majestic, angelic voice (often female- fronted), dark, moody techno music with sparse drums beating in-between.

The most recommended track in the album is 'Divine' by Mira in which you are in a state of dream, a reflection of life. Peaceful, it pulls you out of depression with hope in the near end. Faith and Disease is another band I like very much under the 'Projekt' label. 'Stray', an un-released title before, while folkish, pulls you back into good old memories. This is not a best track by Faith and Disease so check out their other albums. Black Tape for a Blue Girl, the fronted band under the label as the label's owner plays in the band, has a better than usual 'Overwhelmed, beneath me'. The band is not my favorite ( because I find their music is sometimes too monotonous), but this song changed my impression.

'It Swallows me Whole' by Rosewater Elizabeth single-handedly push the album to its high tides. No one can spare his sweat when Rosewater's phantom voice swirls around you, singing 'I can't see light'. Others like Stoa, Love is Colder than Death and Lycia are also featured in the album and the singles selected are fair enough to pay the price again even if you have bought their album before.

Overall, this album is a great introduction to what the label stands for. For others who have been following the bands, this is also a good experience to refresh in an hour of delicate collection.

May I Have A Refund?
I've been a longtime fan of goth, but this disc is more amateur wannabe-goth-and-new age than anything else, with the exception of Lycia, who have always deserved more attention than any Projekt band to date in my opinion. Some tracks are tolerable, but some are just plain boring, like BTFABG's. Only BTFABG would have the ego to cover their own songs. Please, put it to bed, guys. Love ya, but you just don't cut it this time.

Fantastic
This is what compilations should be all about. Almost every song is outstanding. Forget the Goth implications, the music is as solid as anything contemporary. It is best listened to with good headphones in a dark room. This CD will take you places if you let it. ... Read more

Album Description

Dark Future Music is a new record label started by a couple of DJ's that have their finger on the pulse of todays cutting edge.We are committed to bringing the world great music of a darker nature and we make it a point to only sell stuff that we would actually spin.Our first release is the long awaited soundtrack to documentary of the Gothic subculture, Sex, Death and Eyeliner and features 12 great tracks as well as life video footage of Godhead performing "Gimp" at the Endless Night Festival in New Orleans. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good Stuff
The CD is one of the better compilations I have heard. It mixes things up with uber gothic songs like "Miserere Mei" and Industrial stuff like "Piety." In between the songs they use clips from the film as segues, nice touch. In addition to the music the CD has a video file of Godhead performing live back before they were a houshold name. Highly reccomended and a good deal at this price. ... Read more

Album Description

3 CD's of the best goth-rock packaged in a slimline case with cardboard slipcase. Includes 40 page booklet containing rare photos of Bauhaus, Lydia Lunch, Iggy Pop and many more. 48 tracks that every goth fan should have in their collection. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

It was decent ...
... but I've only listened to it a couple of times in the 4 months I've owned it.
It was the 3rd or 4th CD I got that has 'Bela Lugosi's Dead' on it (that starts to get pretty tedious after a while). And none of the other songs really appealed to me.
ah well.
you win some, you lose some.

Curiouser and curiouser
This is a puzzling but fairly good album that requires appreciation of a variety of musical styles. There is solid Gothic rock and eerie instrumentals of various types, even including some classical music.

The selections are all from vampire films (or TV shows) or inspired by them. None of these, tho, seem to be from the actual soundtracks. Even the Bauhaus classic "Bela Lugosi's Dead" is a live version not the studio version used (as I recall) in THE HUNGER. There is also a cover (by The Electric Hellfire Club) of the Rolling Stones' "Sympathy for the Devil" included because it was the closing music for INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE. (But that film used a cover by Guns n' Roses so the selection here can, I guess, be considered a cover of a cover.) The music from FOREVER KNIGHT is here with LaCroix's chilling opening narrative ("He was brought across in 1228...") but IT'S NOT NIGEL BENNET SPEAKING! That last seems like heresy and is epecially disappointing but apparently the selections are meant as original tributes to the productions and soundtracks which inspired them- a sampling of new interpretations of music which the vampire legend has generated.

Still, there are many good selections. I suspect different people may like very different things here. I especially enjoyed Electric Hellfire's "Sympathy" (creepy treated vocal, driving rhythm and no "woo-oo woo"), The Damned's "Testify" and Nosferatu's "Graveyard Shift". Big Electric Cat's cover of "Cat People" was OK but didn't seem to add much new. (And technically CAT PEOPLE isn't a vampire movie, remember?) The instrumentals seemed very atmospheric but, for me, tended to blend together- lots of low strings, for example, and Tangerine Dream effects.

Click with the title
Nice collection fit for vampyre or horror movie fans, the vampyre and eerie atmosphere is strong.

Vampire Themes
The older goth set may enjoy this one a lot more than the angst ridden teens. I found this CD a pure delight with enough of a variety for everyone and it still remains among my favorite in the genre.

THis is the most foul....
this has to be the WORST goth comp I have ever heard. The only high point (other than bela lugosi's dead..the live version taht is on EVERYTHING even non goth compilaitons LOL)was the Electric hellfire Clubs sympathy for the devil...even with this i would not recommend buying this cd..its nothing but music with the occasional lyric, really dissapointing. ... Read more

Album Description

2002 reissue of hard-to-find 1994 compilation featuring 19tracks. Artists include, Bauhaus, Southern Death Cult,X-Mal Deutchland, Theatre Of Hate, Gene Loves Jezebel,Fields Of The Nephilim, UK Decay, Virgin Prunes, DanseSociety, Tones On Tail, Alien Sex Fiend, Sex Gang Children, Specimen, Play Dead, Christian Death, Gitane Demone,Marionettes, Rosetta Stone & Creaming Jesus. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Its ok....
This is a OK comp of older Goth bands, ... but its a good comp to own if your curious about some of the older bands.

As a DJ I find the following tracks useful:
Bauhaus - Dark Entries
Southern Death Cult - Moya (you might know them as the Cult)
Gene Loves Jezebel - Shaving My Neck
Tones On Tail - Burning Skies
Sex Gang Children - Dieche (one of the better songs on here)
Christian Death - This Is Heresy

....

Good introduction...for a beginner, to older goth.
This album is a good introduction to someone who wants to know more about old-school Goth bands. However it annoys me that so many compilations future"This Is Heresy' by Christian Death, which in my opinion is one of THE WORST Christian Death songs . I think it would be a MUCH better idea if they were to put a Rozz Christian Death song on here so people can hear the *real* Christian Death!Otherwise the rest of the album is okay, a few of these bands I dont really consider to be Goth, but it is a good introduction to older Goth.

Has some really good songs
This compilation is one of the better Gothic compilations I've stumbled upon. It has some really good songs, but I gave it 4 stars because I don't always listen to half of the songs. It is still worth buying though. Fans of Southern Death Cult and Theatre of Hate will be delighted to find unreleased mixes of Moya and Black Madonna.
As far as disc 1:
Dark Entries is a signature Bauhaus tune and a good introduction to the gothic genre.
Moya showcases post-punk at its best, giving the listener a good idea where Goth got its roots (before they were black).
Xmal Deutchland is a great band and Incubus Succubus is one of their better songs. Like a cross between the Skeletal Family and Bauhaus.
The Theatre of Hate song, Black Madonna is one of the best songs on the compilation, showcasing a sound that no other band has ever been able to copy.
The rest of the songs on this disc are pretty good. You get a taste of UK Decay, Tones on Tail, Danse Society, and the Virgin Prunes, all goth staples.
The second disc:
Syria is one of Specimen's better tracks, and show off the glam side of gothic rock.
Ave Demetia is a real solid song that will grab you the first time you hear it.
Rosetta Stone's Deeper show the band at the best, and is one of the best songs on the set.
Over all, buy this CD set, not all of the songs are the best, but none are really bad. It is a good intro to goth, but Gothic Rock 2 is better.

La mejor introduccion a la musica dark
La mejor introduccion a la musica dark, gran seleccion aunque faltaria unos temas de Sisters of Mercy, o Joy Division... tal vez algo de Dead can Dance...... el mejor de la serie Gothic Rock

i need more information from poesie noire
i whats goin on to poesie noire i want buy all the titles (cd,cassettes,videos.)if any knows where can i find thoese tell me, thanks. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A good gateway into many bands.
I could hardly pick a better compilation myself. The first CD features bands that influenced the birth of Gothic Rock. By today's standards they don't seem so gothic, as they often don't conform to the typical gothic dress and sound. Bands like Theatre of Hate, The Southern Death Cult, Skeletal Family, Bolshoi, and March Violets showcase early gothic music at its best. You could pick up a cd by almost any band on the first CD and you will not be disapointed.
The second disc has some more modern gothic bands, that fit more into the stereotype. The songs are on this disc are actually better then on the first, but if you buy a random cd by one of these bands you may find that they only have 1 or 2 good songs -ie Two Witches or Die Laughing. The real standouts are Rosetta Stone, Love Like Blood, London After Midnight, Corpus Delecti, and Inkubus Sukkubus. Buy this CD and you will not be sorry.

A matter of interpretation, as in all things...
DISC ONE:
First, the band choices on this CD- while a few of the seminal 'Positive Punk' *snork* and some cross-overs between New Wave/punk rock/industrial music (e.g. Siouxsie, Joy Division), this is an OK, if rough (and the inclusion of Play Dead and Virgin Prunes is damn impressive). Another quibble in this vein- why is there no Rozz-era Christian Death? 'Death Wish- Wishful Death Mix' is based off of a song released on recent editions of 'Only Theatre of Pain', true, but neither hide nor hair of the original lineup. I would argue that while neither the first incarnation of CD nor the version fronted soley by Valor were necessarily properly 'Goth'- the former was more thrash/deathrock, the latter metal- 'Catasrophe Ballet' and 'Ashes' were. Besides, there's a good split between Rozz fans and Valor supporters. One would expect that one of the two songs would be from the Rozz-era. But no.
Next, the specific songs. One would expect these things, if one were to assume they were surveys of the scene's sound, would have classic songs that showcase a band's sound in context. Perhaps, perhaps not. One thing stands- this has plenty of rarities, of all things. Perhaps an attempt to hook the already jaded? Worked for me. Not all the tracks are rare- 'Trees Come Down' is practically ubiquitous, and 'Kick In The Eye's single mix isn't radically different to what's on 'Mask'. 'Snake Dance', whilst by a tragically under-appreciated band, isn't too-too rare. But 'Baby Turns Blue', while not representative of VP's sound, is hard-to-get and very much well-suited for the genre. And, in addition, 'Comatose' can only be had off of 'Fiend At the Controls', a more recent release- at the time, this was a rarity.
All in all? Disc One is possibly inadequate for the purpose of buying for your virgin friends, but hardly bad. Erland two verging on one.

DISC TWO:
My only real problem with this disc is that it's MOSTLY SWIRLY. Or, at least it feels that way. La la la la. Of course, if this is meant to represent present-day goth, I guess it works. Not bad, even if one-sided and lacking in the goth-industrial crossover-ish bands sure to please fans of both genres, even if outside of both- Death in June, Current 93, the Legendary Pink Dots, etc. Also, no Dead Can Dance. On any of the six discs in the collection, they would have been welcome, and been very appropriate here. Even Murphy & Co. liked them. And no Sisters, either, for any of them- did Eldritch object?

Even with it's limits, Disc Two gets an Erland two verging on three; an Erland two all around- call it three stars. There's no real reason not to get this if you've the money; the three-volume set is a better deal, though, all-in-all, as it's less than the cost of two individual volumes for the lot.

Not a bad starting place
While this probably isn't a definative collection of Gothic Rock; I found it to be a useful starting point for finding bands I'd never heard of, and finding out what some other bands sounded like. All the bands I've bought albums by because of it, have sounded pretty much like they sound here, so you probably won't run into any unpleasent surprises if you use this as a springboard.

Okay for believers
I am underwhelmed by the musicianship on most of this album. It strikes me as ironic that altho some of these songs capture the vocabulary of historic religious belief for their own rebel purpose, the quality of the songs is not such that they would much appeal to other than TruE GotH BeleiverS.

Awesomely Wicked intro into Gothic Music
For those who have any questions what good Gothic music is, it's in this CD. I instantly became a fan of Switchblade Symphony when I heard them as well as Corpus Delecti and the classic Mephisto Waltz. It gives the listener a direction to go because of the diversity of the CD. Buy the CD, you'll be happy you did. ... Read more

Album Details

14 track collection paying tribute to the king of vampires: Dracula. Artists include: THC, Sone 588, Stun Gun, & more. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Desmo Donte is the King of Vampires
Desmo Donte is THE band to listen to on this cd. The lead singer, Riccardo has a beautiful voice that haunts deep to your innermost soul...."Into the Sun" still lingers in my mind....good job Desmo Donte...and Riccardo :)

Excellent
These are the sort of songs my favorite goth club djs play, but I hadn't heard most of these. I had heard ExVoto, saw them in concert, they were awesome. I'd love to find more cds of theirs.

Great etherial Goth from the immortal Ex-Voto and others.
This is the kind of compilation Cd that you can just let run...no wannabe covers from Puff Daddy...its all etherial Goth. Ex Voto has been around a long time, and developed a loyal following. This effort prominently features the voice of the stunningly beautiful Babalon (shes also on the cover of their new CD). If you're into it, see their website too...you can get more CDs there. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Perfect for setting the mood.
I've been running a Vampire: The Masquerade game now for over three years. This year I decided to try and incorporate more music into the game but have had difficulty finding music that could be intense and creepy without being distracting. Lyrics are rare on this CD and what there is, is very soft. The focus is on the music itself. It helps get me and the players into the mood whether I want desperate, excited, haunted, or frightening. I am very happy I bought this CD.

Fabulous collection of electronic/gothic tracks
Most theme albums of this sort have, in my experience, two or three really good cuts on them, with the majority being mediocre to bad tunes that serve as filler to be skipped. 'Vampire Rituals' is a rare and welcome exception!

From the opening notes of Nosferatu's 'Eye of the Watcher' through the close of 'Dracula's Return' by Transylvania 1847, we are treated to twelve atmospheric works, each by different performers, that are well above average for this particular little subgenre. Even the weakest cut, 'Damian's Chord' (by Demon Slave) is a nice piece of atmosphere music... it just suffers from the all-too-typical flaw of going on too long and getting annoying. And the best--'Night of the Exorcism' by Demonic Prophecy is downright beautiful. (That's not something I can say often about these sorts of albums which generally lean heavily in the industrial/techno direction.)

In fact, the tracks are so good on this collection that I wish they had done the obvious and given us thirteen tracks instead of just twelve!

I recommend this collection for fans of instrumental music, gothic sensibilities, and those who just enjoys a good chill. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Best
This has got to be the number one greatest gothic compilation I have ever heard. Rather than sticking really bad darkwave bands on a really bad compilation, they stuck amazing mind bending music on here. This is goth to a "T"
Psychological, is another way to put this. At least in the sense of artistic imagery in the mind of an efeminent artist. I highly recomend this to both new kindergoths (god knows they need to stop M.M) and the elder goths (who need to losen up a little towards the younger generations).

Nice old school goth
I bought this album on a whim, and have never regretted it. It's got a great mix of mostly English goth bands who started the whole scene. Bauhaus' "Bela Lugosi's Dead" is a real classic of course and the anchor for the rest of the album. I also especially enjoyed the aural wash of Love and Rockets' "Saudade" While a lot of the album could be described as somber rock, it ends on a goofy note with The Cramps' "Goo Goo Muck," an irreverant take off on old American horror movies. Great liner notes with pictures of all of the bands too. I can't recommend this album enough. ... Read more

Album Description

Reads like a who's who of the neo-"acid" goth scene.A great introduction to the sounds of dark psychedelia! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

" Dark shadows on acid !"
Were you ever on acid with a group of friends at school and baking on a cool vibe ?...when someone 'straight' comes into your scene and can't for the life of them, figure what it is that all you gals and guys are digging on. Well that describes 'poor charlie' below.
This CD is spooky time acid-rock while watching 'Dark Shadows'...! A definite choice to expand your horizons !

Amateur
Don't waste your money on this...there a couple of good bands and couple decent tracks on this collection, but pretty terrible overall. There is no flow at all and the musical styles are all over the spectrum, whatever theme they were going for they didn't achieve with this release. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A couple of great songs
I would give 5 stars to "Absolution" by the Marionettes off their rare RISE album, and "Satinesque" by Vile Priest, which is a lovely acoustic instrumental piece much different from what I was expecting from a band with such a name. I don't know what "For What It's Worth" is doing on here and it's totally out of place. I enjoy the Gene Loves Jezebel song, "Sweet Rain", but it shows up on a lot of compilations, as do most of the other songs on here. So it's not so much that the songs are bad, but some are either inappropriate or just rehashed so often on other Goth collections that there doesn't seem a point in including them.

The Vile Priest and Marionettes song is worth the modest price of the CD. I'd like to find more by VP but can't seem to locate their work anywhere. The Marionettes, too, are hard to find. ... Read more

Album Description

Saint Thomas recording artists journey even further into the dark side of the mind ! Gothic neo-psychedelia at it's finest !!!a must for those living beyond the edge ! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

There are better comps out there than this one
I don't know who this Saint Thomas guy is, but dedicating a compilation of music to Italy's version of Eva Braun makes me guess about his politics and possible racist motives. The artists represented don't seem to contribute to this questionalbe dedication (none of the songs appear to be written about her), but just seemed to be dropped in at random with no flow or feel to the disc at all. There are actually a couple of nice tunes on here, but alot of "been there done that" but done better by others before them. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent collection of proto-goth tunes
That's about the best description I can think of for this boxed-set - proto-goth. This collection runs the gamut from Batcave (Alien Sex Fiend) to deathrock (Lords of the New Church) to the "wave with no name" (Echo and the Bunnymen) to Lydia Lunch (try categorising her music, I dare you).

This comp predates and in many ways far surpasses all three two-c.d. sets in Mick Mercer's _Gothic Rock_ collections despite having only half as many discs. Going from Bolshoi's soft almost-pop of "Lyndi's Party" to Lydia Lunch's industrial/noise opus "Stinkfist" to Faithful Dawn's oh-so-goth "Enchant Me" and Scarehead's downright fun ode to insanity, "Ha Ha" and Ghost Dance's cover of "Radar Love" this comp proves that yes, there *was* gothic rock before London After Midnight and no, it didn't all sound like Siouxsie Sioux or Bauhaus.

While the biggest "monsters" of goth on this comp are Alien Sex Fiend and Valor's incarnation of Christian Death, I think they should have chosen a different title, but oh well, like the hair metal comp of similar moniker most of these guys are Titans by association (Ghost Dance is compiled of former members of the Sisters of Mercy) and influence to the modern bands.

An excellent choice for those disoriented with modern goth music and heard all sorts of rumours about what it was like before Projekt Records. ... Read more