The pile continues to grow which means I have an excuse to have a continuing sound-track to anything I do in the flat and out. There is quite a bit of diversity in this lot from the laid-back acoustic groove of Shaw-Blades to the balls out old-school thrash of Toxik.
Halford: Metal God Essentials Volume 1
Now that Rob is back in Judas Priest, working on an album based on the life of Nostradamus, it is probably a good time to remind people of his solo career between stints in JP. All but the most ardent of Halford fans would admit that Rob's solo career has been patchy at best, especially his "cousin it" industrial bollocks with Two. Some say his band, merely called Halford, produced some of his best solo tracks. The opener "Resurrection" and the rather Maidenesque "Made in Hell" quite amply demonstrate this. The latter has some amusing lyrics that are typical of his double-entendre songwriting style.
The 15 tracks on this CD are a good reminder of the talent that is Halford when he is firing on all cylinders. If you are a fan of Judas Priest and resisted getting the Halford stuff out of loyalty, then this iTunes based (or via Halford Music) set might be a good idea. I thoroughly enjoyed this.
Leaves Eyes: Vinland Saga
Yes, I know I am a bit behind the times reviewing this set. But, at least, I have the pleasure of the enhanced version with its bonus track "Amelie" (new version) and "Heal" plus a video (Viking Wuthering Heights) for the cracking track "Elergy", an interview, and a making of clip. The Viking theme and Mrs Krull's lovely ethereal voice make for quite a pleasant heavy ride. They are set to have a new album out soon, one has to wonder how they are going to top this rather impressive CD. This is the sensitive, but not too much, side of the whole Viking metal genre. I found it the perfect accompaniment for reading Beowulf which I reviewed last week.
Sirenia: Nine Destinies and a Downfall
No, not the sequel to Four Weddings and a Funeral, but the new album from Sirenia a bloody impressive nine song collection of goth rock that sounds to me like Evanescence done properly with someone who can really sing. The only fault I have with this CD is that "the bonus" with the special edition is a bleeding poster, the radio edit of the track "My Mind's Eye," and video for said song.
Article comments
1 - Peter
I think you mean Steve *Hogarth* of Marillion. It is highly unlikely (and something of an inside joke to the fans of the band) that Rothery is a singer. I think even he would tell you that was funny.
2 - Marty Dodge
Ugh, and I was just grumbling about an article in Terrorizer where they refered to Kamelot as "Americans." I rather like Marrillion as well...their new album is rather good I have to tell you.