Now comes the two CD live testament to the tour that followed their “come-back” album. Never has there been a more misnamed live album, instead of warpaint…it should have been called “paint-drying live” for it’s the aural equivalent. I have not been so bored listening to a live CD in a long time. It must have been recorded on an off night because there is no feeling, no vibe or ambiance to this whatever.
Someone recently told me he went to a Black Crowes gig and the phrase “and here is something new” prompted a rush to the bar. I am sure the Black Crowes could give a damn that I don’t find this CD anything worth worrying about. They don’t care what the critics think, that is for sure.
If you ever thought the hype surrounding the Behind the Music fodder of the Black Crowes was completely unjustified avoid this release as it might just change your mind.
Hanging Doll: Reason & Madness
Readers of this column will know I have a rather large soft spot for female-fronted gothy metal. At times it must seem that I seek it out to review from the most unlikely of places. This lot were far easier to find as they hail from Birmingham, England. To be honest, on first hearing you would suspect they hail from across the North Sea and one of the Scandinavian countries. They have the the gothic symphonic metal schtick down to a science.
For once when a PR type uses the word “epic” is well placed. The soaring melodies just take you on an pretty impressive ride. There is the requisite amount of male/female interplay on vocals like on the impressive track “Echoes of Sorrow”. There is something quite special about this band’s knack for doing just enough to get the job done without overdoing things as sometimes happens on this sort of release.
Only one word of warning, to get the full appreciation for this release it will take several listens. It does come across as a bit Nightwish-clone on first listen, but to dismiss it as such would be terribly unfair. There is talent in them thar tracks if you are willing to give them a chance. I would even muster an opinion that this release is better than the latest from Nightwish. Clearly Hanging Doll realize it’s a tough genre to break into and that something special is needed to shine. And shine this release certainly does. Let’s hope the goth metallers of the UK have the brains to take this lot to their black clad bosoms.
Article comments
1 - Marty Dodge
Update: The Great Kat was unamused by my review. The email proclaiming their deleting me from their database can be found here.