Solid State

1. Magic Love

2. Solid State

3. Deception

4. Palmyra

5. Final Alley

6. High Technology

7. Control

8. Anna

9. Circles

10. Sm6

Solid State,Alex Cima & on Line,Gnp Crescendo,Jazz,Pop

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Average customer rating: well... Brutal, however..... sigh Unbelievable. abr's best to date

Messengers August Burns Red Manufacturer: Solid State Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Rival Factions The Physics of Fire The Fiancee Deliver Us Saints ASIN: B000QFAF90 Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

1. The Truth Of a Liar
2. Up Against the Ropes
3. Back Burner
4. The Blinding Light
5. Composure
6. Vital Signs
7. The Eleventh Hour
8. The Balance
9. Black Sheep
10. An American Dream
11. Redemption

Customer Reviews:

well..........2007-07-18

Id be lying if i didnt say that thrill seeker was better in my opinion. I honestly liked the production a lot more on thier debut. Messengers has that high ended sound thats trendy for metalcore bands to use. I felt thats thrill seeker had a much more warmer tone thats i thought complimented their sound. Also I feel the over abundance of breakdowns on this album is a little unessesary. And as a lot of people have already said, pretty much all of them sound remarkebly the same and the overuse of the china makes it all too aparent. It seems to dumb down the album. Im not saying they shouldnt have breakdowns, im saying that they should be used more tastefully. Also as one guy mentioned, Every song does seem to be in the same key. But lets be honest here. so many metalcore bands do that and it bothers me. Its not all bad though. Theres definatley some maturity since TS. But the lack of diversity is what brought it down i think. And dont get me wrong. These guys are very talented. Especially for their age. And they can only grow from here. Id definatley like to see some improvement in the guitar area though. It goes without saying that the drums showcase in this band. I kinda get the feeling that the music could get a lot more complex if the guitars werent so rythmic. As for the vocals, definatly an improvement from their last vocalist. And as for whoever said that singing is emo. They need to shut up. since when did singing suddenly automatically become labeled as emo. Unless its that whiney 15 year old sounding barely able to stay on key singing, Than its not emo. Not everything has to be 'brutal' or 'sick' or whatever. get some variety damnit. by the way, this is my fathers profile or whatever im just using it.

Brutal, however............2007-07-12

Let's start with the positives. The production is terrific, everything sounds crystal clear. This is undoubtedly one of the heaviest albums I've heard to date. The technicality of the guitars and drums is very tight and solid.

Now to the not-so-good. I have to agree with a previous review that states that every single breakdown sounds the same. It's like they wrote 1 breakdown...then changed it by 1 note and used it 11 times. The china is way over used....it's like the drummer thinks he needs to signal to the audience when the breakdowns begin and end. "Well this is the breakdown so i HAVE to use my china..." I don't mean to bad mouth anybody, he's a very talented drummer, but lacks some variety when it comes to writing breakdown beats. I also have to agree with the fact that many of the guitar riffs utilize the same key in every song, resulting in many guitar parts sounding similar. Finally, while the new vocalist is an improvement over the last because of his good range, the vocal patterns can sound thrown together at times.

Overall, like I said...very brutal, but the songs truly lack a lot of individuality and distinction. Maybe that's what they were going for...? Maybe a lot of the hardcore fans do indeed have the "i don't care if it has variety, melody, or harmony, as long as it's heavy" attitude. To each his own I suppose.

sigh.......2007-07-12

ok i never got into their first cd.

this one however has a lot more technical riffs, its a lot cleaner and good production.

HOWEVER, the one thing why i dont like this cd. is the drummer. he's good but her does the same thing during EVERY breakdown. always use his china constantly. i didnt find one breakdown that didnt sound similar cuz their drummer.

and becasue of that, this cd is crappy

Unbelievable........2007-06-27

First things first, don't listen to the people that have given this album a bad review. ABR has matured so much from thrill seeker.

The music is so much tighter; the new singer, Jake Luhrs, is amazing. His range is good and uses a few different screams, all in good taste.

The breakdowns are way more brutal than any of the ones on thrill seeker; they have a different feel that's more technical. The lyrics are well written and composed by the entire band opposed to just Josh McManness writing them all as they were on T.S.

The song by song review written by "Josh Cunningham" on 6/21 is very accurate so I will spare the repetition. However, I would personally rate track 8 "The Balance" a 10/10. The breakdown at the end is sick.

So if you liked Thrill Seeker, but you're looking for something more, pick up Messengers. It will blow your mind, these guys are extremely talented and have come a long way.

abr's best to date.......2007-06-23

whoever says this album sold out or isn't as good as thill seeker needs a hearing check. The songs are less prog, but still heavy as hell, and full of sick breakdowns. Black sheep is amazing. thats all there is to it. the part "too late to wake, too late to wake, too late to wake!!" gives me chills on my chills. all songs are sick. great christian prog-metalcore. the best out there. ignore all the numwits who say anything negative about this album. pick it up!!!!:p

Average customer rating: needs less (or no) keyboard If you're here, you're getting it.. The Physics of Fire - Best Metal Album in Recent Years Song writing and vocals take a step backwards Bringing it with fire!

The Physics of Fire Becoming the Archetype Manufacturer: Solid State Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Alternative | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Terminate Damnation Messengers The Fiancee Rival Factions Saints ASIN: B000OYC7IU Release Date: 2007-05-08

Tracks:

1. Epoch Of War
2. Immolation
3. Autopsy
4. The Great Fall
5. Nocturne
6. The Monolith
7. Construct And Collapse
8. Endure
9. Fire Made Flesh
10. Second Death
11. The Balance Of Eternity

Customer Reviews:

needs less (or no) keyboard.......2007-07-12

the guitar is decently heavy and really good, but as soon as you start getting into it, they stop and play some retarted keyboard thing. the vocals are pretty good, except for the actual singing, which is totally out of place. i have nothing against actual singing in the choruses and such, but come on. that is just annoying. don't think i'm some loser who only likes metal because he thinks he's hardcore and listens to slipknot and stuff like a lot of posers do, but i cannot deal with the random whimpy keyboard in every single song. hey becoming the archetype, take all the keyboard stuff, put it one song, call that song a "ballad" and put it as the last song on the album and you would be one of my favorite bands. instead i barely listen to you guys. i gave this 4 stars because of the couple good songs on it and the guitar is really good, but i still wouldn't buy it. i would however, buy Autopsy, Epoch of War, and Construct and Collapse on iTunes and then buy their second album, which i loved. read my review of that album and don't send me hate mail, seeing as how i was the only one disappointed in this album.

If you're here, you're getting it.........2007-06-30

I really hate reviews... Music is subjective in itself, so to offer a review is not much more than talking to people that have similar interests... with that being said...

This is really good stuff, I mean really good. The production quality is excellent and the substance in this music must be heard to be appreciated. I didn't get to this place in music easily and can certainly understand people that don't "get" this style / sound, but if you do, you are in for a treat.

As the first song opens with a snobbish little hammered dulcimer bit that builds with some grove and then just flat out assaults the listener with technical, massive blasts that demand as much from your volume knob as can be tolerated.

This band breaks away from the norm and gets you to another place.

The Physics of Fire - Best Metal Album in Recent Years.......2007-05-21

Since their first release, "Terminate Damnation", Becoming the Archetype has by far become one of my favorite metal bands of all time. I listened to the first album so much that I know all of the lyrics to every song, and have never really looked at a lyrics cheat-sheet. So, needless to say, when BTA announced the new CD I was excited. All I could really see happening when the lineup change was announced was something good, especially after I listened to some of Aletheian's stuff (the band which Alex Kenis also plays with).

The first thing I can say is that this album is a lot different from the first. While the first seemed to sort of carry on in the same death-metalcore style previous trekked out by legendary band Living Sacrifice, this CD definately heads in a more progressive direction. All I can say is that the lineup change with adding Kenis in on lead guitar made them go where few (American) Christian metal bands have gone in recent years. While the last album was somewhat lacking in technically challenging lead guitar parts, The Physics of Fire is chock-full of guitar solos and licks that would make any lover of Steve Vai, Rusty Cooley, or John Petrucci cry.

I can also say that the mixing and production quality on the CD is a step up from the first. Terminate Damnation's mixing and whatnot, while excellent, was done in more of a style that suits metalcore bands such as As I Lay Dying and August Burns Red, while The Physics of Fire's mix and production reaks of Opeth and Scar Symmetry-esque dynamics.

Another thing to note about this album is something not seen very often - it's a concept album, which I believe adds greatly to the value and integrity of the music. Every single song on the CD intertwine with each other to tell an epic story, with 4 of the songs creating the 4 part "The Physics of Fire" Suite.

I'd also rate this album high on playability...This CD has dominated my mp3 player, my Winamp playlists, and my car stereo ever since i picked it up on release date.

Go out, get this album, and prepare for the horns to be upped instantly.

Song writing and vocals take a step backwards.......2007-05-20

I've just gotten this album after absolutely loving Terminate Damnation and I'm really struggling to listen to it to the end. The two changes in band members have really had an influence on this work, especially the leads.

What I really liked about the 1st album seems to have disappeared. The vocal variety has pretty much gone with Jason pretty much belting out an angry shout more akin to Hardcore/Metalcore bands. There are no low growls (like in "one man parade" and "elegy"), no high pitched shreaks like in the opening to Elegy and through it. His main vocal style remains unchanged but with fewer changes in pitch, less growls etc. Even the vocal mixing is different, lacking the richness and depth of Terminate Damnation. Vocals are now rather flat and one dimensional with little overlaying of low and high together.

I normally love clean vocals (the new Dark Tranquility album - fiction is brilliant with Mikael Stanne's vocals haunting beautiful) but Alex Kenis's vocals sound weak and fluffy, syrupy sweet. Please either find a strong singer or forget the clean vocals.

The production seems muddied compared to the crisp, clean production style of the last album. The symbols are not as crisp and sharp as TD with guitars sounding hollower and flat.

Alex Kenis tries hard with his leads but honestly, they all sound pretty much the same with too much fretboard gymnastics and little feeling. Far too much hammering and not enough pinching or plucking, no wa wa pedals, with the tone sounding too soft (to cover up the sounds of his hands moving on the strings?) and never changing. Compared to TD (Terminate Damnation) leads (No Fall Too Far- lovely use of wa wa pedal and great feeling, Ex Nihilo - fits the rhythmn perfectly but not long enough :-), Into Oblivion - the acoustic lead is a thing of beauty) nothing comes close to them on POF. Unimaginative and repetitive....repetitive....have a said that before?

I really miss the style of songwriting of TD. This new album just doesn't have the slower, heavier mix of the old one or the change of tempo's. POF is overall faster without the brilliance of TD, no outstanding track like Elegy. Nocturne is the instrumental on POF, which is nice with guitar and piano but not as well written or absorbing as "Night's Sorrow" or "Denouement" and more repetitive than them both.

I really was excited when I heard BTA had a new album out but I confess I was worried when I heard about the band changes. It happens all the time, band gets new members and sounds different. This road is well worn with BTA packing their bags and now making the journey of change, evolving into something i'm not sure I like.

Well cya fellas. When you find out that the grass isn't greener on the other side and you miss home, i'll be here waiting.

Bringing it with fire!.......2007-05-16

Fire is an apt way to describe this album, 'cause it smokes. Losing two members and adding one (Alex from Aletheian, and we know he can be technical) hasn't taken away from this groups sound at all, it's as heavy and as technical as ever. The album opens by easing you into it with a little instumental softness then the pummeling ensues at full force. The first song especially reminds me of something a Communic or Scar Symmetry might do at their heaviest and has a melodic death metal feel that the album never quite reaches again. If you liked the last one you should really dig into this and discover the greatness it holds. The one thing holding it back is falling into some metalcore boringness at times and the clean singer does not do a very good job. Other then that it is a sonic brain cleaning that brings the metal and the lyrics are very Biblically focused again. BTA is bringing the metal and showing that christians can be as loud and as technical as any band out there.

Average customer rating: Amazing Listen Sounds OK... -thumbs up- I don't get it... Underoath: They're Only Chasing Safety

They're Only Chasing Safety Underoath Manufacturer: Solid State Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Emo | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Changing of Times Define the Great Line (CD & DVD) Define the Great Line Let It Enfold You The Question ASIN: B00026WVC2 Release Date: 2004-06-15

Tracks:

1. Young and Aspiring
2. A Boy Brushed Red...Living in Black and White
3. The Impact of Reason
4. Reinventing Your Exit
5. The Blue Note
6. It's Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door
7. Down, Set, Go
8. I Don't Feel Very Receptive Today
9. I'm Content With Losing
10. Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others Escape

Album Description

Underoath's potential was truly tapped upon entering the studio with James Wisner (Dashboard Confessional, Further Seems Forever) to create their third studio release, "They're Only Chasing Safety," dropping June 15, 2004. The new vocals meld into what Underoath has been evolving to become for years: a cleaner, more direct heavy rock style avoiding any hardcore clichis they might have previously garnered. And with their innovative keyboard / electronic heavy base for the dynamic 10 song release, it's hard to imagine anyone penning Underoath with clichis at all. Still, fans of the previously metal-driven band may be in for a shock as catchy choruses and hooks dominate this release.

"If hardcore kids want to like us, that's awesome," McTague elaborates, "but we're not trying to impress them. And as far as kids saying we've sold out...kids like that just like to talk. They might be weirded out at first [by the new album], but hopefully it will catch on, but if not, who cares, you know?"

There's no doubt with infectious choruses on stand-out tracks like "Reinventing Your Exit," and "80's Song" along with the pure magnitude and passion of each track, that the songs will, in fact, catch on regardless of where the band's concerns lie. Still Underoath remains apathetic toward critics and will keep concentrating on what they know best: writing songs they like and playing shows relentlessly because that's what they love doing.

"Everyone is all about making things more marketable, receivable, accessible, and in turn have watered down everything from their faith to their struggles in life, and I think people need to start being real," McTague concludes. "Our goal is to write an album that changes music and impacts people in a huge way. I think we might start something with this record, but I think there is a lot more to uncover in the future...this is by far the closest we have ever come to that though."

Customer Reviews:

Amazing Listen.......2007-06-17

I had never heard of Underoath and wasn't familiar with the hardcore scene. I heard Underoath in an interview on MTV and thought their screaming-metal sound was interesting. I decided to buy this CD as well as Define the Great Line. I have been listening to it for six months and I'm absolutely blown away. I love the contrast between light and darkness (sort of like pieces of Heaven and Hell). This is perhaps best exhibited on "It's Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door" which has big, swirling guitars over a screaming verse interspersed with an eerie choir section. It's the best song on the album. "Reinventing Your Exit" is another standout, fearturing easy singing mixed with this ferocious screaming hookline ("Right now we're just looking for the exit"). I like the manic intensity-you can practically feel the lead vocalist's rage as he roars "This is my panic/This is my call to arms". It's true: this is not metal. I listen mostly to metal but I still like this. Give it a shot. If you like what you hear, check out Define the Great Line (the latter is a much darker heavy metal album).

Sounds OK..........2007-03-02

The cd is good, but I get irritated with the song "boy brushed in red", tell me if I am wrong, but I think it sounds as if it is Taking Back Sunday. Thats way I am rating this CD 4 stars, the songs sound good. I would much rather recomend this CD, over Define the Great Line. This album is pretty well made and has nice pseodo break downs, nothing new in this time, but they sound good though!

-thumbs up-.......2007-02-22

This album isn't quite as screamy (for lack of a better word) as I'd like it to be, and it all kinda sounds alike, but it's pretty decent.

I don't get it..........2007-02-08

I don't get it. I don't understand what a lot of their lyrics are really about; maybe I'm just too old to get it. What I do get, however, is that this is a great CD. I bought this CD a few years ago after hearing "Reinventing Your Exit" on a Christian rock station. The first few times I heard the song, I hated it, but it grew on me. I listened to the whole CD and, at first, lamented my decision to buy it. I gave it a few more chances, and started to like it.

I think what makes it a difficult sell at first is all the odd breaks and synth fills. They don't seem to really fit at first, but once I got the overall idea of their music, those breaks and fills started to work.

Their drummer is probably the brightest point in the group. Not only does he sing most of the more melodic vocals, but his drum riffs and fills are aggressive, precise, and just plain brilliant. Even if you already have and like this CD, take the time to go back and just listen to the drums. There are certain drum fills that are likely just synth loops, but if you pay close attention to the drummer himself, you're likely to hear a few things you may have missed.

The lead singer (screamer may be a better term) has a young, brash, angry snarl that almost goes over the top at times, yet works very well as a counterpoint to the drummer's singing. The back and forth of the two singing styles helps to introduce two moods to most of their songs. The drummer's voice brings a bit of a melancholy, apologetic, almost sweet feeling to the songs. The lead singer's voice is full of anger and frustration. The two together give me an impression of someone who at first is sweet and forgiving, but after taking too much BS, finally lashes out.

A perfect example of their complementing each other is found on the song "It's Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door". Some of the drummer's singing is eerie and has a dreamlike quality as though he is passively viewing himself "drowning in his sleep". The lead singer's voice offers a contrast to the drummer's in that we feel his panic and pain. Sadly, the snippet here on Amazon does that song no justice whatsoever.

The guitarists for the most part aren't flashy. They don't play leads, and don't riff all over the songs. They are however, very solid, and melodic, and their playing is perfect for the music.

About the only low point for me concerning this album is the track "Blue Note". I REALLY don't get that... doesn't feel like it fits the album, and is far too short in my opinion to be given it's own track listing. I suppose it was meant as sort of an intermission, as it appears near the middle of the CD, but if anything, that momentary pause from the meat and potatoes of the album takes away more than it adds.

Bottom line, if you want to hear something aggressive, yet musically creative and stylistically diverse, these guys are worth a listen. Just remember to give them a few chances before you give up on them. This album really does take some time to grow on you.

Underoath: They're Only Chasing Safety.......2007-01-22

Underoath Rules!!! The tracks on the Cd are amazing.

Average customer rating: do NOT buy the special edition!!! The best release I have ever heard in my life Genre-Blurring Alt/Metal/Emo A work of art Not bad, but not the greatest album

Define the Great Line (CD & DVD) Underoath Manufacturer: Solid State Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Alternative | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: They're Only Chasing Safety Redeemer A City by the Light Divided The Changing of Times They're Only Chasing Safety ASIN: B000FMGWE6 Release Date: 2006-06-20

Tracks:

1. In Regards To Myself
2. A Moment Suspended In Time
3. There Could Be Nothing After This
4. Ever So Inviting
5. Salmarnir
6. Returning Empty Handed
7. Casting Such A Thin Shadow
8. Moving for the Sake of Motion
9. Writing On The Walls
10. Everyone Looks So Good From Here
11. To Whom It May Concern

Tracks:

1. Behind the Scenes studio footage for the recording process of Define The Great Line (DVD)
2. On Location footage in Death Valley for the making of Define The Great Line artwork (DVD)

Album Description

Underoath have single-handedly given hope to a genre ripe with rip-offs, carbon copies, and flavor of the week musical acts. "Define the Great Line" further establishes Underoath as one of the most important and influential bands in rock music today.

LIMITED EDITION includes special 8-panel digi-pak with booklet, exclusive artwork, and Bonus DVD with behind the scenes, in the studio, and making of the album features.

Customer Reviews:

do NOT buy the special edition!!!.......2007-07-04

Its a great cd! Don't get me wrong.
The dvd is a complete ripoff, though! The DVD contains brief (I mean brief!) overview of the photo shoot, some crappy home videos of the band in the studio with that annoying Killswitch guy, and a random (and long) video of some old man talking about UFOs. The DVD is a waste of money and only used as exuse for Tooth And Nail tack on an extra five bucks!
I think the special edition includes extended album art. But I found it to be fairly creepy. So...
Do yourself a favor and buy the regular cd. DONT BUY THE SPECIAL EDITION!

The best release I have ever heard in my life.......2007-06-06

This was probably one of the most unexpected releases that I have ever gotten my hands on. I was a casual fan of Underoath's old album "They're only chasing Safety" and when this cd came out I decided to get my hands on it. I first bought the regular edition.

As soon as I started listening, I could tell that I was in for a much heavier experience. The first track "In Regards To Myself" sets in brutally with mathcore-like guitar techniques very reminiscent of Norma Jean's "O God The Aftermath" ie. the dissonant chords and very progressive beats, the song then launches into a dark, yet melodic chorus. The disc then follows on with "A Moment Suspended In Time", a track that showcases Underoath's emo roots while keeping a metal edge to it. A very beautiful chorus where clean vocals and Spencer's screams alter in a very effective manner.
The disc then leads on with, in my opinion, the two worst tracks of the album ("Salmarnir though, cannot be judged as it is merely an interlude).

However, Underoath's power really kicks in after this interlude. Indeed, "Returning Empty Handed" kicks off in a dark, epic manner and then leads into some of the most challenging beats that Aaron has ever performed. All of this backed up by Tim's use of dissonant chords and Spencer's relentless screams. The song then slows down and finishes in a beautiful melodic ending while still keeping challenging beats going.
This then fades into the most epic track ever written by Underoath "Casting Such A Thin Shadow" where a dark instrumental intro filled with original melodies and guitar techniques sets the listener into a relaxed mood before the band strikes again with a brutal, yet melodic outro.
The next two tracks are typical Underoath tracks with extra heaviness and a greater mathhcore influence, two great tracks.

The disc then leads into the most brutal track written by Underoath "Everyone Looks So Good From Here", a track which is so heavy it could have been written by Norma Jean. Here Spencer delivers some of the best vocal performance in recent metal releases while Aaron is still giving up some of the most technical beats I have heard, an amazing track.

Lastly, Underoath finish up with one of their greatest, most epic tracks ever, where Aaron performs an irrgular beat where the hi-hat is played in a different timing. The clean vocals are very well performed in the start of this song. Then, the band kicks off into a brutal outro where the whole band delivers one of their best performances ever recorded; a great track to close this epic release.

Having the special edition only increases the beauty of the disc with its amazing artwork. However, the dvd was somewhat short and not really worth the extra money, however, the extra artwork saves the special edition.

All in all this is a cd that set a new standard for metalcore, emo-core and any other ambient metal band. The best release of 2006 by 100 miles!

Pierre Schifflers

Genre-Blurring Alt/Metal/Emo.......2007-03-09

This album was an interesting listen for me; a band which I first dismissed, but after listening a bit longer found quite interesting and unusual. Underoath play a style of alternative metal often referred to as "screamo", but on this album (I am unfamiliar with their earlier work) they exhibit a sense of experimentation an willingness to blur genre lines as well as an artistic and progressive bent. Elements of emo, metalcore, and the post-rock style of such bands as Isis or Mastodon are run through a blender on this album, and it actually sounds very original when reassembled by this band. The lyrical content and conceptual art style of the accompanying CD booklet are also very well done....supposedly this band is a Christian rock band, but if so, they are lyrically obtuse enough to avoid the "Jesus-is-my-pal" corniness of many of the other bands in that sub genre. Cool stuff, if you like unusual rock/metal music.

A work of art.......2007-03-09

One of the best albums of 2006. It's garnered enough praise from enough sources so I won't waste anyone's time with a lengthy review. Just wanted to say that this album is absolutely stellar.

Key tracks: In Regards to Myself, A Moment Suspended in Time, You're Ever So Inviting, Moving for the Sake of Motion, The Writing on the Walls

Not bad, but not the greatest album.......2007-03-02

I own this cd and I think the best song in the album is "In Regards To Myself Listen Listen", the first track, after that the other songs sound the same. Its harder than their past material, and I am not talking of "acts of depression" and "cries of the past" obviously. The pseudo break downs sound cool, but they get overdone, which make the songs sound very boring after awhile. I do not hate Underoath its just this CD, is really not as great as I imagined, and I think I am not the only one that thinks this about this cd. If you have ever heard of Norma Jean's most recent albums and Taking Back, this is how underoath sounds in this album. BAD!!! I just hope their next album, if there is going to be one, is way better than this one!

Average customer rating: Not for the faint of heart Good hardcore band Nothing Unfinished Gorgeous Record (Top of the Line Chariot) A Solid Chaotic Metalcore Release

The Fiancee The Chariot Manufacturer: Solid State ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Christian Alternative | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Messengers Pressure the Hinges Waking Giants The Physics of Fire The Lost the Sick the Sacred ASIN: B000NJL50M Release Date: 2007-04-03

Tracks:

1. Back To Back
2. They Faced Each Other
3. They Drew Their Swords
4. And Shot Each Other
5. The Deaf Policemen
6. Heard This Noise
7. Then Came To Kill
8. The Two Dead Boys
9. Forgive Me Nashville
10. The Trumpet

Customer Reviews:

Not for the faint of heart.......2007-07-03

This is mathcore at it's finest. Amazing melodies interrupted and warped into other melodies, insane guitar riffs, dark lyrics and even a combination of a choir (who's track I enjoy thoroughly as well) into the album. This is not for someone who doesn't enjoy hard, fast alternative metal, however. I enjoy Josh Scogin on the 2 older Norma Jean albums as well as all of the albums the Chariot has come out with. This is just the evolution of his sound. If you like hardcore, try this out.

Good hardcore band.......2007-06-22

These guys rock.
Buy all their albums.
Go to every show you can.
I will
Automatic 1 point reduction for picking the wrong religion

Nothing Unfinished.......2007-06-21

I just read a review by Rick and I have to say Im outraged. Every single one of these songs had a building and a closing. I was never left unsatisfied. "The Trumpet" was not out of place, not only was it in the back ground of other songs, but they are also a Christian band. Every song is about God. So tell me that song is out of place. Its not like all other songs on the cd, but if every song was the same, why would I want to listen to it? This was a good following to their "Unsung" release. Not in comparison, but it still let me know why I love the Chariot.

Another huge mistake Rick made was calling them "noise." They are a hardcore Christian band. Plain and simple. Every song on their albums are related with God. If you don't want every song about God, then I suggest Norma Jean. Which used to be, Norma Jean and The Chariot one in the same. If you are going to review, realize that if you want noise then stick to your guns of knowing Sonic Youth and Hella. Otherwise, stay off.

Gorgeous Record (Top of the Line Chariot).......2007-05-29

At first listen, you will not be happy overall if you have listened to the Unsung EP. Eventually, you will realize how great of an album this is. This is a perfect hard album all the way through. Each song leads into the other and each has its own beauty.

Best Chariot release thus far.

A Solid Chaotic Metalcore Release.......2007-05-09

The sophomore release by The Chariot is, like all their other releases, heavily dissonant, full of raw, distorted vocals, and really just a huge, loud blast of sound. Whether or not that sounds appealing to you is really what decides whether you like the album--abrupt tempo changes aren't for everyone, and for many this album will take a lot of getting used to.

This time The Chariot has a little more polish than in previous releases, yet somehow the previous intensity and `raw'-ness remains. There might be clean vocals in "Then Came to Kill" (a remake of "Play the Piano Like a Disease" from the Unsung EP), along with a synth-strings part, but this doesn't make the song any less extreme. Likewise, the sudden harmonica interlude at the end of "Forgive Me, Nashville" gives the track more of a chaotic feel, not less of one. This polish combines with The Chariot's already brutal sound and Josh Scogin's maturing vocals to form a great release.

Nonetheless, the album has its flaws. "The Trumpet," for example, is obvious filler, with a choir singing a hymn of sorts that doesn't really mesh with the album at all. (This is in stark contrast with "And Shot Each Other," in which the choir blends artfully into the rest of the song.) In addition, at points the album seems downright uncreative, especially with the track endings. (Remember "The Company, the Comfort, the Grave," with the ending where Scogin screams, "This pistol is my ministry"? It's back, albeit with different lyrics, for three or four of the songs on the album. Really, it was better the first time.)

Despite any letdowns, this release is great evidence that The Chariot is maturing as a band. The songs have one excellent riff after the other, with not a stinker among them (excepting "The Trumpet").

Average customer rating: So good I'm not really going to attach words to it. A good album, but not better than the TOCS or The Changing of Times. Worth looking at, despite its flaws READ MY REVIEW!! (If you haven't heard it yet) Thankfully, these guys still know how to make a good record.

Define the Great Line Underoath Manufacturer: Solid State Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Alternative | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: They're Only Chasing Safety The Changing of Times A City by the Light Divided Southern Weather The Question ASIN: B000FMGWDC Release Date: 2006-06-20

Tracks:

1. In Regards To Myself
2. A Moment Suspended in Time
3. There Could Be Nothing After This
4. Ever So Inviting
5. Salmarnir
6. Returning Empty Handed
7. Casting Such A Thin Shadow
8. Moving For The Sake Of Motion
9. Writing On The Walls
10. Everyone Looks So Good From Here
11. To Whom It May Concern

Album Description

Underoath have single-handedly given hope to a genre ripe with rip-offs, carbon copies, and flavor of the week musical acts. "Define The Great Line" further establishes Underoath as one of the most important and influential bands in rock music today.

Also available: LIMITED EDITION VERSION featuring special 8-panel Digi-pak with booklet, exclusive artwork, and bonus DVD with behind the scenes, in the studio, and making of the album features.

Customer Reviews:

So good I'm not really going to attach words to it........2007-06-17

This is the most powerful album I have heard in a while, unreal how good it is.

A good album, but not better than the TOCS or The Changing of Times........2007-06-10

First off, I'd like to say that I have listened to every album that Underoath has made, starting from Act of Depression to the new Define the Great Line. I understand that Dallas Taylor was once the vocalist and that Spencer took over after The Changing of Times.

Anyway, on to the review. I liked this album, I felt that it had some great drumming and riffs on guitar. The singing helped balance some of the songs with the screaming, and the overall album sounded good. I feel that this album had some flaws though:

1) The songs didn't really get a catchy feeling as the songs on "They're Only Chasing Safety", such as "Reinventing Your Exit", "A Boy Brushed Red...Living In Black And White".

2) Some of the songs on this album really felt like "fillers", or just too slow, such as "Salmarnir" and "Casting Such A Thin Shadow". I understand that "Salmarnir" was to add relief to the tension of the album, but the song was too long compared to "The Blue Note" from "They're Only Chasing Safety".

My final flaw that I'd like to go over more is this: this album didn't seem to communicate personally with the listener. The album "They're Only Chasing Safety" had lyrics that stood out, reached and grabbed you, telling you that you'd be okay. The songs gave inspiration and hope; I didn't get that feeling with the songs on Define the Great Line.

It seems that Spencer is trying to head into the direction of a more "hardcore" sound than the "semi-hardcore" sound of their album "They're Only Chasing Safety". Although I feel that it's okay for bands to change their sound sometimes, changing it too drastically may give an unpleasant surprise to solid fans/listeners.

Some songs on this album that I enjoyed listening to include:

A Moment Suspended in Time, Writing on the Walls, Moving for the Sake of Motion.

I think people hype "In Regards To Myself" too much, it's a good song, but nothing too great.

Overall, a solid, good album by Underoath...but it seems to be showing signs of the band heading in the wrong direction, a more hardcore, non-unique band like all the others; while the albums "They're Only Chasing Safety" and "The Changing of Times" seemed to communicate much more personally with the listener, and had more of a sense of "understanding your problems" in it. However, I still have faith in Underoath and feel that they will release another solid album after this.

My rating: 4/5, if it was out of 10 I would rate this album an 8.5/10.

Worth looking at, despite its flaws.......2007-04-12

Define the Great Line is a solid metalcore release that manages to, if not totally shatter the conventions of its genre, at least twist them to its own advantage. This is a polished album, with the production and songwriting putting it near the top of its genre--with an album like this, it's no surprise that Underoath is gaining a good amount of popularity in hardcore circles.

The album starts with a solid guitar riff and a deep scream from vocalist Spencer Chamberlain--"Wake up, wake up! My God! This is not a test..." Though it's not the best song on the album, lacking some of the momentum and flow other tracks achieve, this opening ("In Regards to Myself") sets the pace for the rest of the album. This isn't all good, unfortunately. The song, like the rest of the album, suffers from lyrics that are often vague and uninspiring. It's plain that the song is a call to let go of some addiction, but there really isn't anything particularly deep in the lyrics--"Pull yourself together, man" might make a rousing battle cry, but it's not quite the smart use of language I'd hope for in the lyrics, and the other lines aren't much better. Later songs in the album are downright incoherent in their ramblings. (True, difficult lyrics are acceptable sometimes, especially in songs that are extremely deep, but Underoath's lyrics, neither deep nor greatly original, have no excuse for their knottiness.) By the album's end, "To Whom It May Concern", the album has picked up its optimistic, Christian message, but by then it's a little late. The album's sound, full of beautiful instrumental sections and memorable melodies pushed next to heavy power-chord-filled riffs, is unmistakably emotional, but the lyrics hide the source of the emotions in nearly incomprehensible messes of words.

Nonetheless, there's a lot to like in this record. Underoath isn't afraid to put long instrumental sections in their album, and thanks to them, the album takes on an emotional atmosphere that mere power-chord-heavy riffs wouldn't by themselves produce. The melodies are catchy and sound far more interesting than the clean vox sections you'll find in many other metalcore releases. In fact, the sheer craftsmanship of the album is very impressive--overlapping guitars, keyboard, and vocals create a sophisticated, layered sound. Through all this, you get an album that, despite being nothing earth-shattering in originality or heart-rending in its emotions, is quite fascinating and even (at points) rather moving. Fans of metalcore or heavy music in general should give this a try.

READ MY REVIEW!! (If you haven't heard it yet).......2007-03-17

OK look, you've been seeing soooo many good reviews that this album is good, heavy, and so on..... but for me, this album is just OK. I mean, they showed most of the good songs that makes this album a blast! So when you already hear dthem all and got the album, you can't find any other songs that sounded like "In Regards To Myself", "Writing On The Walls", and "You're Ever SO Invited"! (except for "Everyone Looks So Good From Here" and "Returning Empty Handed").

1."In Regards To Myself" 10/10- A great song!!! It has the hype and the screaming! A good song to begin the album.

2."A Moment Suspended In Time" 9/10- A so-so song, the beginning wasn't as good as "Writing On The Walls" or "In Regards To Myself". The ending was kinda boring.

3."There Could Be Nothing After This" 8.5/10- Another so-so song. They barely show any guitar works, you hear different instruments that are in techno.

4."You're Ever So Invited" 9/10- Te beginning are always the same, it starts out with Spencer saying some things. Sometimes I'm wondering how Spencer makes his screaming vocals (don't include his death grunt, death grunts aren't consider as screaming, you people are idiots).Again, another so-so song.

5."Salmarmir" (THIS ISN'T EVEN A SONG)- What the hell is this? JUst soft, boring instruments and you hear some guy speaking Russian or a foreign language.

6."Returning Empty Handed" 10/10- IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME THAT THERE'S A HEAVY SONG!!! The song started off as a good beginning with Spencer's death grunt and heavy guitar riffs. but I would prefer Underoath being more of post-hardcore and screamo than metal.

7."Casting Such A Thin Shadow" 9/10- The beginning and the first half of the middle were soft and just instruments. But you then hear Spencer's vocals. I love Spencer's vocals! (Thank God he did).

8."Moving For The Sake Of Motion" 10/10- Awesome drumming in the beginning and great vocals here too! One of my favorites!

9."Writing On The Walls" 10/10- A great song!!! Started with Aaron's soft singing and you then hear Spencer's screaming. Love the ending! Great song, never get tired of this song!

10."Everyone Looks So Good From Here" 10/10- A heavy song from them! Love it! JUST LOVE IT! I think "In Regards In Myself" and this song is what made people thinking that they're metal. Some people even think that they're death metal?! You people are so f**king stupid! Underoath is barely death metal, they're more of post-hardcore and screamo! Duh!

11."To Whom It May Concern" 6/10- I hated how Aaron sang here, but the best part of the song was when Spencer started screamiing (as always). Good way to end the album but kin of a useless song.

Well, that's all I gotta say about this album. Even though there are some good scores on most songs, it can get boring. Underoath isn't metal, they're christian rock, post-hardcore, and screamo. Just because a couple of their songs sound like metal, doesn't make them 100% metal! Same thing with Stone Sour!

Thankfully, these guys still know how to make a good record........2007-03-05

Here's this - I know that I shouldn't even be listening to this group, since I'm about 7 to 10 years too old and about 75 pounds over the necessary weight required to wear the appropriate uniform that most (if not all) hardcore kids have been wearing for the past couple of years. (It's been a decade since I could fit into 32-waist jeans and a size Medium t-shirt.) Coupled with that sad admission is the one that, whenever I even think about going to any kind of local rock show in my area (whether in Houston itself or in the general north of the city), I have to remind myself how old & out-of-place I'll look amongst all the kids in the crowd. Yes, I do realize that 15- to 18-year-olds really aren't kids, but when you're a decade or more older than a vast majority of the crowd going to see a hardcore show, you feel quite creepy standing next to kids who weigh half of what you do. I guess I should learn to be content with attending indie rock & folk shows - my age & my ears are getting to me.

And, on an even more level than personal style issues and the inability to earn points as a good scenester, I start listening to Underoath's new album, Define the Great Line, and began to fear that I've become "that guy." Any music aficionado of any real substance knows exactly the guy I'm talking about (Rob, Dick, & Barry make merciless fun of one of these guys in High Fidelity, both book & movie versions). He's the older and intelligent, yet subtly mocked, geezer who constantly says things like, "Oh, I used to listen to them back when they were [insert band's previous style here]," or "Oh, I like their old stuff better." This is the guy who can quote track lists, contributors, and influences for great records across many styles, but his pool of information is dated by about 5 to 10 years, at a minimum. You enjoy talking to him, since he's always enthusiastic and knowledgeable about music, but it can be almost sad to talk to him because he's stuck in the past that he's created for himself. His ears simply reached the point where they couldn't absorb anything new, whether new in style or interpretation of an old style.

Nonetheless, I say all of that to say this - I was first exposed to Underoath's music with their Cries of the Past EP that came out 6 years ago, full of many nods and bows to black/European metal. However, I cringed a bit when The Changing of Times was released in 2002, revealing that the band had left the gates of metal and entered the quickly-expanding subdivision that was becoming "screamo/hardcore." However, after growing to like the new direction the band undertook with TCoT, I was definitely not a fan of the clean & slickly-produced "pop-core" of 2004's They're Only Chasing Safety. I stood adamantly upon this opinion, even though it began to appear that legions of fans everywhere were collecting themselves around the house that is Underoath. And the band itself didn't make my distaste with their current work any easier, for after two years of constant touring and three straight appearances as a main-stage act on the Vans Warped Tour, the guys of Underoath have certainly secured themselves a spot in the mainstream rock pantheon.

Case in point - with the release of their newest album, Define the Great Line, on June 20th, this Florida-based band sold 98,000 records in the first week, earning them a #2 ranking on the Billboard charts, behind only Nelly Furtado's latest, and pushing the Dixie Chicks down a spot. That, my dear readers, is notoriety and market value of the highest level ("Under Who?" asks the average pop/R&B radio listener). It's one thing to mock the buying habits of the average teen and 18-25 demographic, but it's quite another thing to realize that those buying habits are the ones that have catapulted an overtly Christian rock band into the ears and eyes of hard music listeners around the nation.

Because, you see, this is a screamo/hardcore album that many people should be listening to, and for good reason, as the band seems to have eschewed all of the poppy & melodic tendencies that plagued They're Only Chasing Safety. Suffice to say folks, the talent level present on Define the Great Line is hard to ignore, whether or not you enjoy or even appreciate this subgenre of metal. The passion, intensity, and sense of purpose that literally explodes from this album are to be applauded, examined, and reflected upon by both those people who listen to music and those who actively are making music. I will even go as far as to step up to the plate, superlatives in hand, and declare that this is a career-defining album, in the best way possible - Underoath has happened upon a medium through which they can effectively sing/scream about their struggles, questions, trials, and tribulations without sounding like they're sorry for themselves, whining about their status in life, or pissed off at the world (as twice-baked and over-cooked as that approach is). The lyrics of Spencer Chamberlain & Aaron Gillespie read like the anguished pleadings and prayers of the Major & Minor Prophets of the Old Testament - and I mean that as an extreme compliment.

However, as I sit perusing the phenomenal photography contained within the special edition CD+DVD and examine the subject of the collection in his various stages of devolution and (almost) decomposition, I find myself hoping against hope for a decent lead guitar solo of some sort on more than a few songs. I fully realize that this is a concept album of high distinction and that screamo/hardcore albums often intentionally shun the concept of soloing, but there are times when the dark, brooding chugging could be complemented by a sonorous piece of fretwork (read: NOT a high, soaring 80's solo) connecting the movements in at least the two songs on the album that clock in at over 6 minutes. Do not read too much into my complaint (many metal-heads disdain hardcore as being replete with undisciplined and unstructured guitar players) - I just wish that more technical guitar playing had made its way onto this album.

Ultimately, Define the Great Line is one of the best rock albums of 2006, though the style of rock isn't always agreeable to many people in the demographic to which I belong, much less amongst the people who comprise my regular coterie of readers. Thus, I offer the same suggestion I've offered to the parents of the kids I sold hard music to for 6 years - while listening to the music (at a volume your old ears can tolerate), take out the lyrics, and read along with the men of Underoath. The crushing waves of instrumental fervor notwithstanding, it is the lyrical content lying within these songs ("You're Ever So Inviting" & "Moving For the Sake of Motion" are the album's standout tracks) that makes this album worth several listen-throughs and maybe even a purchase, but only if your old ears are up to the challenge. I'll even let you borrow my copy.

Average customer rating: YMO re-united for the Earth Live in Japan! From the golden age of analog synthesis -- don't miss it Great synthpop album Important album Yes!

Solid State Survivor Yellow Magic Orchestra Manufacturer: Sony/Epic ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Dance Pop | Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Yellow Magic Orchestra Technodelic BGM Multiplies Naughty Boys ASIN: B0000DEL9V Release Date: 2003-10-06

Tracks:

1. Technopolis
2. Absolute Ego Dance
3. Rydeen
4. Catsalia
5. Behind the Mask
6. Day Tripper
7. Insomnia
8. Solid State Survivor

Album Description

2003 reissue of the Japanese progressive rock act's 1979 album. Epic.

Customer Reviews:

YMO re-united for the Earth Live in Japan!.......2007-06-24

This is Yellow Magic Orchestra's 2nd and probably most famous album. The first vinyl version came out in 1979, and YMO was awarded the annual grand prize for the best album of the year in Japan (1979) when the rest of the world didn't know much about computer electric pop music, something YMO called 'Techno Pop'. Germany's Kraftwerk was one of only a few other groups of this kind.
This album contains famous pieces, including 'Technopolis', which starts with a computerised voice saying 'TOKIO', written by Ryuichi SAKAMOTO ('The Last Emperor', 'Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence'); 'Absolute Ego Dance' (by Harry HOSONO); and probably the most famous YMO number 'Rydeen' (by Yukihiro TAKAHASHI). I personally love the YMO version of the Beatles 'Day Tripper' and the main theme 'Solid State Survivor (SSS)', in which the guitarist of Sheena & the Rokkets, Makoto AYUKAWA, takes part. By the way, SSS contains some strange electric 'coughs' and 'laughter', and a Japanese expression 'Moshi Moshi? (Hello Hello?)' can also be heard a few times. 'Rydeen' contains some 'horse running' noises too. The sound of synthesizers (especially 'Prophet 5'), synthe-drums and the futuristic melody are all amazing! But the most amazing thing is that this album was released in 1979! YMO came to the USA & Europe in 1979, even before they became famous in their home country of Japan.

FYI: YMO was re-united for one night only for the Earth Live event from Kyoto(07/07/07). They were the last group to appear on stage in Japan and played a few pieces including the legendary 'Rydeen' with a new interpretation, which you can see on YouTube.

From the golden age of analog synthesis -- don't miss it.......2007-04-09

Many of the cuts on this CD were originally released on a vinyl record called "X Multiplies", with replicated mannequins of Sakamoto, Hosono, and Takahashi on the cover, staring at the camera. It was one of the coolest covers ever! It kinda makes you miss the days when cover art was, to a large extent, what sold music. Solid State Survivor was released later.

There are many wonderful cuts on this essential YMO CD, among them "Behind The Mask", with it's incredibly tight vocoder vocal and percussion section. It's one of my three favorite songs of all time -- I am a pro musician myself with a very broad musical perspective, and I'm telling you, I never tire of "Behind The Mask". Technopoly is pretty cool too. Nearly all the tracks are excellent, but Behind The Mask remains a classic for all time.

I can't strongly enough recommend YMO's other albums, as well. It's techno rock and it doesn't get any cleaner or tighter than this.

Great synthpop album.......2006-09-23

YMO is one of the pioneers of the synthpop as well as Kraftwerk and Devo. "Solid State Survivor" is considered to be the most famous album of them. Although it was released almost 25 yeas ago, you will never feel it old-fashoned. There is a story related to this album. Although Michael Jackson offered YMO to cover "Behind the Mask", YMO refused. Later, YMO regretted because it would be included in "Thriller" the mega hit album. In 1986, "Behind the Mask" was covered by Eric Clapton with Michael Jackson's lyrics.

Important album.......2006-08-06

While as usual not everything is first rate, and also some of this album has aged quite a bit, it is one of the better and more essential YMO albums. They were quite innoveative at the time and should not be forgotten for what they were: one of the most innovative early synth groups that were working in the tradition of Kraftwerk.

Yes!.......2006-06-18

Lighten up.
Ignore the sad clown at the top. Judging music based on the production technology used at the time of it's recording is an obvious sign of ignorance and one of the pitfalls of dealing with many electronic music fans ($$$$) in general. For those of us who understand context and know how to have a good time, this album is a gem. The sound of the production on this album gives it a timelessness and the overall character of this group, specifically this album, is wonderfully idiosyncratic and just can't be replicated. There are a few filler tracks, sure. Maybe two at the most. If that bothers you, you probably need to be reminded that this is YMO and not Stockhausen. If you're looking for a landmark synthpop album... BUY IT. If you like it, give Naughty Boys a chance. It sounds a lot different, but it's a welcomed runner up.

Average customer rating: What is this?! veering toward mainstream rock Good hardcore band Scary Not That Good

Redeemer Norma Jean Manufacturer: Solid State Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Bless the Martyr and Kiss the Child O God, The Aftermath Crisis Define the Great Line (CD & DVD) Suck out the Poison ASIN: B000H4JH3U Release Date: 2006-09-12

Tracks:

1. A grand scene for a color film
2. Blueprints for future homes
3. A small spark vs. a great forest
4. A temperamental widower
5. The end of all things will be televised
6. Songs sound much sadder
7. The longest lasting statement
8. Amnesty please
9. Like swimming circles
10. Cemetery like a stage
11. No passenger : no parasite

Customer Reviews:

What is this?!.......2007-07-12

I am a big fan of the Luti-Kriss album Throwing Myself, and Norma Jean's first album Bless the Martyr and Kiss the Child. And O God the Aftermath was not as good, but I enjoyed it for what it was. But after listening to Redeemer, I asked myself "is this the band that recorded Bless the Martyr?!" Different does not always equal bad, sometimes it equals better(Underoath for example), but in this case, different does equal good or better (in my opinion). At least when it comes to the route Norma Jean has taken with this album.
This album can hardly be called metal or metalcore. The instrumentals are simply not as heavy as before. And the vocals...the only thing I could say when I heard the vocals in this album was "what the f*ck?". The vocals in O God were not as good as Josh Scogin's in the previous album, but they were acceptable according to my taste. But I cannot stand the vocals on this album. It sounds like the singer is trying to puke out a bad meal he ate.
All in all, I was not really into this album. But I still consider myself a Norma Jean fan, and hope for the best when their next album comes out. The band has changed in some way with every album. Maybe I'll like the next change they'll make.
I recommend the new Haste the Day album over this, but that's just my opinion.

veering toward mainstream rock.......2007-06-23

This recording reduced the qualities in Norma Jean that I felt defined them: odd time sigs and dissonance. This recording seemed like an effort to recruit fans of more of a classic rock structure. I love NJ, but I found this album to be mostly uninteresting as I have heard this all before in previous decades of rock.

Good hardcore band.......2007-06-22

These guys rock.
Buy all their albums.
Go to every show you can.
I will
Automatic one point deduction for picking the wrong religion

Scary.......2007-06-16

Dude i don't listen to punk Rock..........i mean i like Fall Out Boy but Damnnnnnn what kind of music is this?!!!!!!!!! Whoa...Did someone say never again.........I exxagerate but that is to say , this music is very freaky.

Not That Good.......2007-06-14

This CD is not very good. Bless the martyr and kiss the child was better, and O God the aftermath was better than all of them. This cd seems very muffled and his voice is not that great. The CD seems rushed, and just isn't Norma Jean at all. I hope their next CD is better.

Average customer rating: best album ever Getaway Very satisfied This Destroys!! good solid Norma Jean

Bless the Martyr and Kiss the Child Norma Jean Manufacturer: Solid State Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: O God, The Aftermath Redeemer Everything Is Alive, Everything Is Breathing Nothing Is Dead and Nothing Is Bleeding Frail Words Collapse O God, The Aftermath ASIN: B00006CTE9 Release Date: 2002-08-13

Tracks:

1. The Entire World Is Counting On Me, And They Don't Even Know
2. Face : Face
3. Memphis Will Be Laid To Waste
4. Creating Something Out Of Nothing, Only To Destroy It
5. Pretty Soon, I Don;t KNow What, But Something Is Going To Happen
6. The Shotgun Message
7. Sometimes It's Our Mistakes That Make For The Greatest Ideas
8. I Used To Hate Cell Phones But Now I Hate Car Accidents
9. It Was As If The Dead Man Stood Upon The Air
10. The Human Face, Divine
11. Organized Beyond Recognition

Customer Reviews:

best album ever.......2007-07-01

You suck if you don't own this cd in your collection. If you're religious or not, Pick..It..Up! The chaotic madness on this cd just never gets old for me. I really don't need to write an extended review because you should already be listening to it.

Getaway.......2007-05-28

I've had this album for a while, ever since it came out, oh what five years ago? Just never on disc format. This album still has alot of push in it. I just bought it for the first time, in compact disc form, the other night and I still love it to death.

Norma Jean sets the benchmark for all those who have tried to follow in their footsteps. This album alone proves why they are the best, the superior definition to this genre, and what better album to show off as being the best of the bunch then Bless the Martyr and Kiss the Child. Buy it now. Even all you pop punkers out there reading this.

Very satisfied.......2007-03-08

The CD was in perfect condition as well as the case. I'm very happy

This Destroys!!.......2007-01-04

Don't think about it just buy it!!
Why are you still reading this!!
I was lucky enough to find these guys one day and this album ripped my face off and then tried putting it back on so it could rip it off again. I love everything on this CD and I pitty someone who loves hardcore or metal who hasn't heard this.. your standards will go a bit higher and suddenly things you thought were the pinnacle suddenly will not seem as good.

In all seriousness they have a created a great album that anyone metal head/ hardcore fan should own. I've been a fan ever since this came out and have not regretted anything they've put out. Please give it a try!

good solid Norma Jean.......2006-11-10

if you like Norma Jean, it's a pretty good album. hard crunching and full of hard goodness.

Average customer rating: Great album As Cities Burn pushes the boundaries of post-hardcore wow Decent Great Debut.

Son, I Loved You at Your Darkest As Cities Burn Manufacturer: Solid State Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: When Everything Falls Thrill Seeker Of Love and Lunacy I Am Hollywood Burning Bridges ASIN: B0009ML1PW Release Date: 2005-06-21

Tracks:

1. Thus From My Lips, By Yours, My Sin Is Purged
2. Love Jealous One, Love
3. Incomplete Is A Leech
4. Bloodsucker Pt. II
5. Terrible! How Terrible For The Great City!
6. The Widow
7. Wake Dead Man, Wake
8. Admission:Regret
9. One:Twentyseven
10. Of Want And Misery:The Nothing That Kills

Customer Reviews:

Great album.......2007-05-07

This album rocked, when i had heard the songs seperately I wasn't terribly impressed. Though once you put them all in the order on the album, it projects such and incredible message. The vocals have some serious range, though I was sad to hear that they had to find a new vocalist. In conclution, even though I didn't give too many points to back my oppionion, this album rocked, I would recommend it to anyone who love screamo music!

As Cities Burn pushes the boundaries of post-hardcore.......2007-04-28

With their debut full-length, As Cities Burn goes places most hardcore bands don't dare explore. From the tempo changes, as unpredictable and jarring as you'll find in the heaviest of mathcore bands, to the quiet, beautifully sung sections that appear in literally every song on the album, I guarantee that this album will give you something new, something you didn't expect.

The album starts out with the desperate sound of "Thus from My Lips, By Yours, My Sin Is Purged". You'll have trouble figuring out what time signature it is--or time signatures, I should say--but you'll have no trouble figuring out what they're talking about. This is abject need for change, one of the strongest expressions of emotions I've heard on any album, as the vocalist screams about a longing to get away from his own sinful frailty--"I keep stepping in and out of the shadow/Caught by the drift and pitch..." The track winds down to mellower singing, quiet but not quite peaceful: "Oh, how sweet the sound. I once was blind, but now--I just look away!" Again, it comes in, with the same strong pulse, only to finally drop to a more optimistic, and peaceful, end.

Don't relax too much, though. The next track, "Love Jealous One, Love", starts in a few seconds, with amazingly even more intensity than the last track. It has the same desperate sense of remorse that the first track did, as well, beginning, "This is me at my darkest!" So the album continues, sometimes slower but never less emotional, with highlights including "Terrible! How terrible for the great city!" which criticizes our culture's obsession with lust over true love with rare honesty and precision. "The Widow," a ballad about the vocalist's father who walked out on his mother, is simply beautiful, eschewing screams for a beautifully melodic reminder about the meaning of grace.

The album ends on a fitting note, with the six-and-a-half-minute epic "Of Want and Misery." Here the album's feeling of anger and depression gives way to hope, and is all the more beautiful for it. While the song has the same technical guitar riffs and solid drum sections, a steady piano section complements the song. The song's beautifully sung ending closes the album perfectly:
"I like to think that this is love.../second chances, without end."

wow.......2007-03-17

Took my breath away the first time I heard this cd (which was today). I've decided to write a review while it's still novel. Most would put these guys with Underoath (Christian hardcore), but they are a lot better. The lyrics are well crafted, and though they have religious undertones it still can have multiple interpretations. The best part of the band is the guitar playing which reminds me of early Hopesfall/Further Seems Forever (well layered). It's not that the music is full of technical impressive playing, it's melodic, and at times beautifully chaotic.

Decent.......2006-08-27

This CD is decent. It doesn't overly excite me but it inst bad either. A well rounded, decent disc.

Great Debut........2006-07-24

We can expect one more CD from this amazingly talented band, before they break up officially. They will start writing the CD this fall.

From the scream at the beginning of this amazing 10 track cd, it was clear, that this was going to be an awesome cd. And they are such poetic song writers, it's hard not to be blown away by the lyrics alone, but their melodic guitars, and their truly talented drummer, and the singer is amazing too.

Their crafty, and original material set them apart from these metalcore bands of today, who are pretty much the same exact reincarnations of each other. Their unique vocal styles, and the poem-like lyrics, leave you begging for more.

I was so amazed at the music, that I immediatly started it back up, and listened to it 5 more times. Definatly a must have from a band that's not going to be around much longer.

Personal Picks-

Incomplete Is A Leech.
Wake, Dead Man, Wake.
The Widow.
Admission:Regret
Bloodsucker:PT II.
Terrible! How terrible for the Great City

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3. Strange Enchantment 1939
4. Sweet Memories from Big Bands: 12 Hits
5. Sweet Soul [Live]
6. The Best of Benny Carter
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