Roadrunner [Import]

1. Roadrunner 1

2. Someone I Care About

3. It Will Stand

4. Goverment Center

5. Rockin' Shopping Centre

6. Roadrunner 2

7. Egyptian Reggae

8. The Sweeping Wind

9. Pablo Picasso

10. Hospital (Live Version)

11. Astral Plane (Live Version)

12. Lonely Financial Zone

13. Hi Dear

14. New Teller

15. Fly Into The Mystery

16. Affection

17. The Morning Of Our Lives

18. Chapel Of Love

19. Oh Carol

20. Roadrunner (Live Version)

Roadrunner,Jonathan Richman,Castle Music UK,Alternative Pop/Rock,College Rock,Contemporary Singer/Songwriter,Country,Guitar,Pop,Pop/Rock,Proto-Punk,Rock,Rock & Roll,Rock/Pop,United States of America,Vocals

Average customer rating: For All the Right Reasons, This Album Rocks! Nickelback is Fantastic The Creation Of Pop-Metal Awesome CD!!! All the Right Reasons to listen to Nickleback

All the Right Reasons Nickelback Manufacturer: Roadrunner Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Long Road Daughtry Extreme Behavior The Open Door How To Save A Life ASIN: B000ASATO4 Release Date: 2005-10-05

Tracks:

1. Follow You Home
2. Fight For All The Wrong Reasons
3. Photograph
4. Animals
5. Savin' Me
6. Far Away
7. Next Contestant
8. Side Of A Bullet
9. If Everyone Cared
10. Someone That You're With
11. Rockstar

Amazon.com

Throughout their nine-year career, Nickelback have stayed true to their roots, releasing five CDs of straight-up, unapologetic rock & roll. So how have things changed for the Canadian boys since the massive success of Silver Side Up and The Long Road? Well, brothers Chad and Mike Kroeger still live in the Great White North, and they still write hook-laden rock songs. The only difference now is that they have the satisfaction, 10 million CDs later, of smugly knowing that even some of their biggest naysayers will guiltily admit to singing along with Nickelback's catchy hits. On All the Right Reasons, one track definitely ranks high up in hum-ability: the first single, "Photograph," reminisces about the bittersweetness of high school in a small town--once again reconfirming frontman Chad Kroeger's ability to write memorable hooks. Regarding the rest of the disc: standard rock topics like love, lust, jealousy, and breakups abound, with riff-y delivery that longtime fans will love. The guilty pleasure bunch will also find what they need within the grooves, on the ballad "If Everyone Cared," the riff-heavy "Fight for All the Wrong Reasons," and the Metallica-inspired "Savin' Me." The disc's most impressive and simultaneously surreal moment, however, exists on "Side of a Bullet," a passionate revenge tale written about the killer of Pantera guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, which features one of the late Abbott's guitar solos as donated by Pantera bandmate and brother, drummer Vinnie Paul. --Denise Sheppard

Customer Reviews:

For All the Right Reasons, This Album Rocks!.......2007-07-17

Nice and powerful rock songs became a rarity in today's world, dominated by hip-hop and electronic beats with some vulgar lyrical content. Thank God, Nickelback is around to rescue us from this perverse world that we live in today.

"All the Right Reasons" is a long-standing Billboard Top 40 album for almost two years in a row and not by fate. These guys really play good music. They remain consistent to their roots. They are competent musicians. They are one of the few remains of the true rock music spirit with an advantage: these aren't nasty or poser guys.

Honestly, the entire album is a pleasure. Picking one or another song and call it a favorite is just unfair to all of the others. Most records can be described in a few words and have a couple or so of good music. This one is truly an exception - a happy one.

Nickelback is Fantastic.......2007-07-07

Great songs, great band. I play this CD every single day and sometimes 2-3 times a day.

The Creation Of Pop-Metal.......2007-06-15

Nickelback has never failed to amaze me. Even though their newest catalog release has more of a pop essence than their previous attempts, they have managed to do something else: ride the new pop-metal wave. Pop-metal, first created by newer alternative bands such as Seether or Evanescence, has seen it's share of ups and downs. This is most definitely an up. It has amazing riffs, powerful vocals, and an arsenal of great radio tunes. Normally, I don't condone the pop revolution, but in the case of pop-metal, these guys have given it a decent name in recent years. Granted, you eventually get a little worn out by constant airplay, but it never stops me from occasionally popping this disc in my drives and just rocking out. Even the over-played "Rockstar" has it's kicks. Other than that sad attempt known as "Photograph," I can honestly say that every track on this album is worth hearing.

Awesome CD!!!.......2007-06-01

I Think This Is The Best Nickleback CD So Far! Almost Every Song On The Album Is Awesome.I Think That About 9 Songs Really Stand Out On This Album.Deffinitely Go Out & Purchase This CD!

*Follow You Home
*Photograph
*Animals
*Savin' Me
*Far Away
*Next Contestant
*If Everyone Cared
*Someone That You're With
*Rockstar

All the Right Reasons to listen to Nickleback.......2007-05-21

Nickleback has a great blend of traditional rock guitar energy and lyrics that mean something on this album. Whether on your ipod or in your car you can enjoy a cool mix of vocals, guitar riffs that pump you up or more soulful offerings that speak with passion. The quality of the lead singers voices and the musical skills of this group make this album one that you'll listen to over and over.

Average customer rating: Great as always the box Another Masterpiece Simply outstanding Another great album from Dream Theater!

Systematic Chaos Dream Theater Manufacturer: Roadrunner Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Snakes & Arrows Paradise Lost Fear of a Blank Planet United Abominations Dream Theater - Score: 20th Anniversary World Tour Live with the Octavarium Orchestra ASIN: B000PTYP5C Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

1. In The Presence Of Enemies
2. Forsaken
3. Constant Motion
4. The Dark Eternal Night
5. Repentance
6. Prophets Of War
7. The Ministry Of Lost Souls
8. In The Presence Of Enemies- part II

Album Description

Progressive rock masters Dream Theater return in full force with their ninth studio album Systematic Chaos. The album features heavy riffs, soaring melodies, and intricate arrangements. Dream Theater appeases its loyal fans but also reaches out to all rock fans with hook-laden hits like "Constant Motion," "Forsaken," and "The Dark Eternal Night."

Customer Reviews:

Great as always.......2007-07-19

This is another great album from Dream Theater. For me, this one couldn't beat the previous one (Octavarium). It's because this one they were focusing to create more heavy songs. That's really great, but for me I prefer a little bit more light. Just a little bit, like Octavarium. If you are a progressive music lover and a heavy metal lover as well, Dream Theater is your band. If you like a little bit more Heavy than Progressive, this is your album.

Enjoy!!!!

the box.......2007-07-19

why is it every single modern prog band is mired in horrible industry standard sound production?

Another Masterpiece.......2007-07-19

Great Dream Theater album, must be in every prog fan collection and must be heard for everyone who likes good music. Mike Portnoy`s still the best and new and excellent material keeping Dream Theater`s Style.

Simply outstanding.......2007-07-18

This CD continues to show the diversity that we have come to know and love about DT. This is a marked departure from the storyline driven recordings and is a sonic assault with dark themes and hard-driving instrumentation. Basically, take Train of Thought and turn up the intensity to 11... The accompanying DVD does an great job of explaining what the band wanted for this album (concept, composition, lyrics, etc.) and allows the fan to experience how DT arrived at the final product. There is great studio footage of the boys being the "boys", and it continues to show that DT has four of the greatest musicians on their particular instruments as you will ever find.

In the many reviews that I have read both pre and post-purchase people try to pigeon-hole the genre of this album for reasons that escape me. All I can say is, if you like rock, metal, prog-metal or any combination and variation thereof, you will not be disappointed in Systematic Chaos.

Another great album from Dream Theater!.......2007-07-18

For those familiar with Dream Theater this album continues their musical domination of the progressive genre. For those thinking about giving Dream Theater a listen, this is a great way to get familiar with their incredible talent. The bonus DVD is worthwhile, giving you a glimpse into Mike Portnoy's creative process and an idea of how much work goes into the studio process.

My favorite album has always been Images and Words, but this one is slowly creeping into that spot. Transitions, development and musicality all blend so well, resulting in an album that is moving, hard and fast yet still has one or two of those ballads to keep the pace manageable.

The track Constant Motion is a great example of their talent, with so many changes in key and time that you can get dizzy trying to take it all in. Throughout the entire track there are examples of what makes Dream Theater great. Powerful riffs and zinging notes from Petrucci's guitars, just-right vocals, oh-so complex drums, Jordan Rudess' amazing keyboard tones, and Myung's accurate bass.

Average customer rating: Megadeth has grown some new teeth Actually I really like this album, 2 1/2 Stars very good Disappointed Again

United Abominations Megadeth Manufacturer: Roadrunner Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Thrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Black Rain The Dio Years Snakes & Arrows That One Night - Live in Buenos Aires Systematic Chaos ASIN: B000OCXFCO Release Date: 2007-05-15

Tracks:

1. Sleepwalker
2. Washington Is Next!
3. Never Walk Alone...A Call To Arms
4. United Abominations
5. Gears Of War
6. Blessed Are The Dead
7. Play For Blood
8. A Tout Le Monde (Set Me Free)
9. Amerikhastan
10. You're Dead
11. Burnt Ice

Amazon.com

Nearly 25 years after its formation, Megadeth is making its most brilliant work, a feat that some acts find unthinkable--maybe impossible--after half that time. When Mustaine sings about politics it's never in the abstract, faraway sense; his lyrics are riddled with references to the here and now--the boundaries and bombs that make the threat of war--or the threat of doom-- real. So it's no real surprise that this release features lyrics liberally peppered with references to Afghanistan, 9/11, NATO and the like.
Of course, no one buys a record or a ticket to a show specifically to hear five-minute polemics and that's where Mustaine's real talent--a talent for creating ear-perking riffs and solid, carefully constructed songs--comes in. The album may require that you read the newspaper on a regular basis but it also allows you to let loose with abandon and excitement. "Never Alone... a Call to Arms," "Gears of War" and "Play for Blood" are remarkable because they recall the classic metal of Judas Priest, Diamond Head, and the like and prove that there's nothing quite like an overdriven boogie-based riff to excite the most primitive impulses in the listener. Mustaine makes a bid for commercial radio by revisiting Youthanasia's "A Tout Le Monde (Set Me Free)" with Lacuna Coil's Cristina Scabbia. It's his most emotionally honest vocal performance to date and one that will no doubt finally earn him wider critical recognition. --Jedd Beaudoin

Album Description

"United Abominations" is an album that throws back to the sound and energy of classic albums. With songs like "Washington Is Next!" and "Amerikhastan" it is a commentary on today's tumultuous world and the United Nations.

Customer Reviews:

Megadeth has grown some new teeth.......2007-07-17

A lot of 80's metal bands are still around, languishing in mediocrity and, after "The System Has Failed," I had written off Megadeth as one of them. I bought UA anyway, however, for old-times sake. I have to say, Dave Mustaine still has something to offer musically.

That's not to say that UA is a great album; it's pretty good--not their best work ever but the best that they've done in a good while. Dave has always been a pretty-good songwriter and it shows on this disc. The soloing seems to have regained some fire as well--cleaner and more technically proficient. As many have pointed out, the lyrics are overtly political, which is nothing new for Megadeth. (Who cares anyway? Who buys CDs for the lyrics?)

Megadeth had grown some new teeth. This is a good, solid album. It's convinced me to fork over the money to see them live when they come here in September.

Recommended.

Actually I really like this album, .......2007-07-15

though I cannot give it five or even four stars. More like 3.5 for good effort. I have followed Megadeth since 92' when I bought Countdown on tape and have purchased most of their albums, except for Risk and the World Needs a Hero. I will say that the first five tracks are awesome, there are blazing riffs on and interesting lyrics on each one, and they don't sound all alike. I did not like the entire album because the middle falls on its face, it becomes repetitive and things start to sound alike. I really wish that Dave M and Dave E would settle their differences along with M. Friedman and N. Menza and get together to put out some truly great stuff. Unlike some reviewing here I think Mustaine still has plenty of ideas and passion for his music, I think the problem here is the other musicians; there was a better lineup on the System Has Failed, IMO. My favorites include Sleepwalker, with its neat opening and killer riffs, Gears of War and the title track rock, along with Burnt Ice.

2 1/2 Stars.......2007-07-14

I seem to stratch my head in wonder when I read reviews that tell me Megadeth's "United Abominations" is going back to their 1980's roots. To be honest, I just dont hear it. There are some good solid songs on this such as Sleepwalker, United Abominatinos, Gears of War, and Pray for Blood. The rest? Not so good, in fact just plain bad. I am in no way trying to compare this to the likes of any material, just judging it as I would any other album. But since everyone else is, then let me give you my two cents worth. Its NOTHING like the material written in the 80's. Even "So far, so Good, so what" (which was not well recieved by Megadeth fans at the of its release) is much better. Even "more modern" Megadeth such as "Cryptic Writings" is a better effort. (but its no where as bad as "Risk") Its not a total failure. There are four solid songs here, but that is about it. The rest, you decide, But it just sounds like filler material to me, and the band (new line-up) just doesnt seem to flow good with Dave. Try it out, but dont expect "Peace Sells", "Rust in Peace", "Countdown to Extiction" or "Cryptic Writings" because those are Megadeths best work..

very good .......2007-07-13

The Megadeath realse United Abominations is great!! it has awesome sound and great song writing if you like metal this is a must have

Disappointed Again.......2007-07-11

I really wanted to love this cd but once again it's "Megadeth Lite." Dee Dee, Dunk, Dee Dee Dee, Dunk Dunk. Dave's rythms are absolutely boring. I only got thru about five songs - tell me the good stuff is to come. I am a huge M fan but for several cds Dave seems obssesed with just singing and singing and singing. Meanwhile, the guitar just drones on and on and on. The rythm guitar is just lame. M has turned into melodic metal; a power metal band. He repeats himself over and over again in his vocals. For the past several cds the songs just sound the same over and over again. There is no FIRE. And we want it so badly we keep coming back. The M we love made their point with lyrics and then put there heads down and PLAYED. Dave, I have complete respect for you - but write a book! You have all these things you want to say and they need to be heard but not with kick A$$ metal! You are so busy getting your point across there is no MUSIC. Say what you have to say and then let the band pound!!! There is no urgency to this music, no BALLS. I am not a musician but it just sounds like the same old boring thing M has been putting out - one Bridge after another. This is NOT heavy metal; it's melodic metal M unfortunately has been offering for some time. It's like Dave is just very tired. And I hate to write this review.

Average customer rating: A return to form, of sorts Ups and Downs... But Too Inconsistent could have sucked worse What a surprise! Derivative at times, but eventually addictive

Systematic Chaos Dream Theater Manufacturer: Roadrunner Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Paradise Lost Snakes & Arrows Ghost Opera Fear of a Blank Planet United Abominations ASIN: B000PFUAO6 Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

1. In the Presence Of Enemies-Part I
2. Forsaken
3. Constant Motion
4. The Dark Eternal Night
5. Repentance
6. Prophets Of War
7. The Ministy Of Lost Souls
8. In the Presence Of Enemies-Part II

Amazon.com

Dream Theater has built a career on delivering some of the most consistently strong progressive rock albums in history and Systemic Chaos proves no exception. Built upon the trademark musically diverse but stylistically reliable principles that made albums such as Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence and Train of Thought instant classics, this album features new career highs such as "Prophets of War," "Forsake," and "Constant Motion." Although the band has flirted with commercially viable material in the past, especially on 2005's solid and exciting Octavarium, Systemic Chaos proves unrelenting in its pursuit of pure heavy rock. There are plenty of surprises in store, even for stalwart fans, perhaps one of the reasons that Dream Theater remains in a class by itself, ahead of the pack and ahead of the times. A truly outstanding album by any measure.--Jedd Beaudoin

Album Description

Progressive rock masters Dream Theater return in full force with their ninth studio album Systematic Chaos. The album features heavy riffs, soaring melodies, and intricate arrangements. Dream Theater appeases its loyal fans but also reaches out to all rock fans with hook-laden hits like "Constant Motion," "Forsaken," and "The Dark Eternal Night."

Customer Reviews:

A return to form, of sorts.......2007-07-16

After two disappointing studio albums, Train of Thought and Octavarium, Dream Theater has managed to rebound with a very good album, that is probably their best of the decade. No, it doesn't come close to matching the greatness of most of their 90's material, most notably, Scenes from a Memory, Images and Words, or their masterpiece, Awake, but Systematic Chaos is still a very good progressive metal record.

"The Ministry of Lost Souls" is easily one of their three best songs of the 00's, "Repentance" demonstrates that they do in fact have the ability to slow it down and craft a wonderful, mellow song without having to remind listeners of their chops every other minute, and "In the Presence of Enemies" is a solid epic that is broken into two pieces and bookends the record. "The Dark Eternal Night" is arguably the heaviest song they have ever written. It is ripe with distorted almost death metal-like vocals, heavy guitar riffs, and plenty of technical flash, which normally would be a bit too over-the top for me, but in this instance, it comes across as the band just trying to have a little fun. It is mindless metal song, but it is good fun to crank up while cruising on the freeway.

On the flip side, the lead single from the album, "Constant Motion," is a strong contender for worst Dream Theater song ever. The verses smack of Metallica-wannabe syndrome, there are some truly embarrassing vocal moments by drummer Mike Portnoy (who really ought to stick to just playing drums, and leave all of the vocals to James LaBrie), and a keyboard solo by Jordan Rudess that merely sounds like a game of "let's see how many notes I can jam into the smallest space possible." Fortunately, "Constant Motion" is the only clunker on this record. The rest is all at least very good.

One more thing...the only other negative thing I can really say about this album is that the lyrics are, to put it nicely, not good. But then again, who really listens to Dream Theater in search of good lyrical content? The days of Kevin Moore crafting lyrical masterworks are long gone, so for now, it is best to focus on the music, most of which is very good.

Ups and Downs... But Too Inconsistent.......2007-07-14

I don't know if I was expecting to like this album or not when I bought it, because just looking at the song titles can give you a pretty good idea of the path that DT is now set on. The songs on this album are so sickeningly inconsistent; gone are the days that you could put in the CD and listen to it all the way through, without skipping halfway through songs to get to the fun parts. Song progressions are generally as follows: boring structures/time signatures, annoying noodling, pretentious musicianship, obnoxious Metallica-style vocals... then the occasional awesome riff and soaring melody.... followed by more over-the-top lyrics and some video game keyboard sounds that, sorry, DO NOT fit in. With anything.
They've probably come up with about 20-25 minutes of good, original music with this album. I especially like "In The Presence of Enemies" and "Repentance," the continuation of Mike Portnoy's saga. Parts of the CD are worth listening to; me, I'll stick with Images and Words.

could have sucked worse.......2007-07-13

Background: The first time I ever heard anything Dream Theater-related was in college while helping a guy I knew who has a small sound/lighting company do a sound check for a show. That song was "Pull Me Under". I&W, Awake, Falling Into Infinity, A Change of Seasons, SFAM had already hit shelves and 6DOIT came out that year. I've enjoyed all of those albums on a song-by-song basis.

Dream Theater will of course never return to my favorite area: I&W and Awake, but hopefully they won't dive too far down the TOT/Octavarium tunnel again either. This album is probably the best since 6DOIT, and I've only heard a few songs from that album. Because I like albums based on a song-by-song basis, there is no need to provide a breakdown since I don't think my interest in individual songs will help the fanbase determine the value of the entire album. Just understand that James LaBrie should have retired long ago, and that the rest of the band is still making Dream Theater-branded music - complete with all influences shining and all composition skills engaged. Musically, I am not aware of any competition when it comes to diversity and depth. Lyrically and vocally, ...well, I wish the band would write the rest of their albums as instrumentals.

What a surprise!.......2007-07-12

Having eventually given up on this band, mainly due to Labrie's annoying an tiny vocals (in my opinion) and the occasional exccess of indulgence, I was taken out of guard by this new release!

At first listen I enjoyed all the songs, the overall sound of the album, the production values, the atmosphere. I could even stand Labrie's vocals.

This is the best album by Dream Theater, in my opinion.

Derivative at times, but eventually addictive.......2007-07-11

Systematic Chaos has few defining features to separate it from the past 3 Dream Theater records. On a riff-by-riff basis, all but 2 of the tracks could have come from any other Dream Theater album released this decade. Yet those other 2 - The Dark Eternal Night and Prophets of War - are addictive enough to keep you coming back and spending enough time with this relatively faceless album to enjoy the rest of it.

In The Presence of Enemies Pt. 1 breaks from the last few Dream Theater albums by opening with a quick bass/guitar unison instead of a slow burn. Unfortunately, that's the last surprise that track has in store, as it proceeds to trot out the requisite Rush near-quotes (Natural Science here) and key-guitar unisons for 5 minutes of fairly dull instrumental meandering and 4 minutes of equally dull vocals. Forsaken is where a definite Euro-metal twist starts to come into play - a twist that gives the album most of its flavor. From the chilly piano intro to the pinch harmonic-heavy riff to the soaring, harmonized chorus, this one could have been written by Sonata Arctica, and that's definitely not a bad fit for Dream Theater. Tack on John Petrucci's best guitar solo on this record, and you have an early highlight. Constant Motion settles early into a straightforward thrash groove, and while drummer Mike Portnoy doesn't smother the groove in overplaying as he has sometimes been known to do, this one is merely solid.

The Dark Eternal Night is the first major highlight. Take one completely awesome guitar riff, add a rhythmic, aggressive vocal, toss in some actually exciting instrumental gymnastics in the middle (complete with Dream Theater's first Slayer-esque breakdown) and you have a killer song. It doesn't hurt at all that the lyrics dispose of DT's standard issue faux-introspective poetry and go straight for a far more entertaining tale of demons and monsters - Metallica's The Thing That Should Not Be is a clear influence, and a well-chosen one.

Repentance is a continuation of The Glass Prison/This Dying Soul/The Root of All Evil, and the first of those four to be a ballad. Unfortunately, it's lame, with an overplayed verse, an underplayed Floydian harmony section, and the biggest waste of prog-metal talent on record I've ever heard. Seriously, if you have the profound good fortune to have Mikael Akerfeldt and Steven Wilson as guests on your record, they should do something more than speak. Fortunately, this misstep is almost entirely forgotten by the end of the fantastic next track, Prophets of War. The mark of Muse is all over this, but thank goodness for that danceable beat, lo-fi mellow section, and big finish, thank goodness that DT wrote a set of political lyrics that actually aren't that far behind the times, and thank goodness that they seem to take a side with those lyrics. It's good fun.

The Ministry of Lost Souls is good - its balladry is suitably tender, its chorus is sufficiently huge. Unfortunately, long-time Dream Theater fans will recognize most of the playbook, and as a result this one doesn't wear too well. In The Presence of Enemies Pt. 2 is better than Pt. 1, mainly because it seems more tightly structured while at the same time visiting more places.

What's strange about this album is that I strongly disliked it on first listen, but came back for what I did like and wound up enjoying it - it has a better aftertaste than a foretaste. Systematic Chaos' most significant flaw is that long-time Dream Theater fans will know all its tricks - but then again, that's a pretty major flaw, because new fans shouldn't be starting here. I don't know whether I can properly recommend this one or not, because it could just as easily inspire strong dislikes. I enjoy it, though. Recommended tracks: Forsaken, The Dark Eternal Night, Prophets of War.

Average customer rating: Figured You Out Amazing! Solid effort, through and through Are you that dumb? What a load of dung....

The Long Road Nickelback Manufacturer: Roadrunner Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: All the Right Reasons Silver Side Up The State Curb Seventeen Days ASIN: B00008ADPF Release Date: 2003-09-23

Tracks:

1. Flat On The Floor
2. Do This Anymore
3. Someday
4. Believe It Or Not
5. Feelin' Way Too Damn Good
6. Because Of You
7. Figured You Out
8. Should've Listened
9. Throw Yourself Away
10. Another Hole In The Head
11. See You At The Show

Amazon.com

It's never easy following up a multi-platinum success, but Canada's Nickelback's latest seem sure to match the sales of the many-million-selling Silver Side Up. The formula remains pretty much the same--nothing fancy, just radio-friendly grunge that lends an appropriately dramatic backing to the powerful and increasingly confident voice of Chad Kroeger. Aside from the fast and punchy opener "Flat on the Floor," the tough, staccato "Because of You," and the Oasis-like "Figured You Out," the band deal exclusively in soft-rock anthems (soft, that is, by 2003's pulverizing standards). The only real change here lies is in Kroeger's lyrical concerns. Where 2000's The State found him suffering the frustrations of small-town life, now he's tortured by a heavy touring schedule that promotes destructive drug abuse and strains relationships to breaking point. That said, you can't help feeling the ruthlessly analytical Kroeger would turn a visit to the supermarket into a riot of hatred and self-recrimination. For fans of Silver Side Up, Nickelback have delivered the goods once more. --Dominic Wills

Customer Reviews:

Figured You Out.......2007-07-06

I just heard the song "Figured you out" last week - June of 07'. I was flipping around on my car radio, and stopped on this song cause it totally rocked! But, once I payed attention to the lyrics, I was appalled they were playiing this song at 1pm in the afternoon! This song is degrading to women - it promotes sexual violence and applauds a female who is submissive and has low self esteem. How can we as a society say it's okay for radio stations to play a song like this, especially during hours most children could be listening. Needless to say, I am extremely disappointed in Nickelback for writing this song - as well as the new song "Rockstar". Shame on you guys. You may not have asked to be role models, but you are now. Show some integrity and live up to it.

Amazing!.......2007-06-03

This is by far the best Nickelback Cd ever produced. The are three songs that really stick out to me.
1-Do This Anymore
2-See You At The Show
3-Because of You

Overall, this is a must have!

Solid effort, through and through.......2006-06-26

Nickelback follows up Silver Side Up with another catchy, angst-driven grunge disc. What's good is that the lyrical content is more varied with this effort. The one downer: "Someday" sounds virtually identical to "How you Remind Me" (tempo, guitars, drum parts, everything ... there's even a mash-up avaiable online where the two songs are played simultaneously and you really notice the similarities).

Other than that, there are songs dealing with social matters "Believe it or not", "Throw Yourself Away", Chad Kroeger's personal relationship demons "Do This Anymore", "Someday", to mention a few, and songs that are just plain fun to rock out to "Because of You", "Flat on the Floor".

This album is pure grunge with a commercial twist that gives it an almost universal appeal. No, it will not appeal to music purists, nor will it appeal to fans of softer music, but it will to a lot of other people.

That, and the fact that it is a little more varied lyrically than Silver Side Up, and you have a winner.

Are you that dumb?.......2006-06-16

Whoever said this album isn't even worth a penny is the dumbest person ever. He (or she) asked a very stupid question. Where did the 90's go? There still back in the 90's! Every generation has it's own kind of music. Do you expect to hear Elvis on the popular radio stations anytime soon? No, because he is in the past and new music has come out. The 90's are called the 90's because they were played in the 90's! New music is and will forever be coming out and if your stuck in the 90's then don't turn on the damn radio because most of the stations will be playing music like this. So shut up about your favorite music because nobody cares what it is.

What a load of dung...........2006-04-17

When I first heard Nickelback about 7 or 8 years ago (The State), I thought they were decent, nothing great, but decent. I still think The State is an OK disc. But like most bands, once they sell out and find fame, the quality of the product goes down the tubes. Besides being musically bland, and never changing...the lyrics are just about as deep as a rain puddle after a drizzle. "Figured you out" has to be the worst...any 8th grade dropout could write that, its just plain dumb, as well as vulgar.

Average customer rating: Nickelback's best album! Silver Side Up lukey2be_free Excellent CD Solid rocker with a message

Silver Side Up Nickelback Manufacturer: Roadrunner Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Long Road All the Right Reasons The State Curb Away From The Sun ASIN: B00005NWM3 Release Date: 2001-09-11

Tracks:

1. Never Again
2. How You Remind Me
3. Woke Up This Morning
4. Too Bad
5. Just For
6. Hollywood
7. Look What Your Money Bought
8. Where Do I Hide
9. Hangnail
10. Good Times Gone

Amazon.com

Following Staind's footsteps, Nickelback make the personal public and vent a history of frustration and resentment to melodic hard rock. The band's second album, Silver Side Up, starts with "Never Again," an angry tirade against domestic violence that sheds light on the issue without too much sap or sentiment. The album's catchy radio hit "How You Remind Me" and the song "Woke Up This Morning" tell of rotting relationships, while other tracks touch on damaged hope and lost dreams. The post-grunge, alt-metal combo backing these songs packs as strong a punch as the lyrical material, going hard with lots of hooks. The additional slide guitar on "Hangnail" and sludgy, alt-metal riffs on "Hollywood," "Money Bought," and "Where Do I Hide" add a little meat to the alt-rock bones on Silver, elevating Nickelback above the heap of copycat rockers clogging the airwaves. --Jennifer Maerz

Customer Reviews:

Nickelback's best album!.......2007-07-06

After getting "All the Right Reasons" I got all of Nickelback's older albums. While all are very good, I like this one the best. It has a grungy, hard-rock edge to it that I like and all of the songs on this album are very good!

The songs that stand out on this album are "Never Again", "Too Bad", "Just For", "Woke Up This Morning", "Money Bought" and "Good Times Gone". I do not like "How You Remind Me" too much because of all of the radio airplay it got when the song became popular. In my view, the overplay on the radio killed "How You Remind Me".

While I understand the frustration of many who say that Nickelback "sold out" because they decided to go more mainstream. However, I think they were developing their sound like many other bands do and see no difference between Nickelback's sound development and Soundgarden's doing the same thing.

While Soundgarden is, by far, a superior band (I have all of their CDs too), I can appreciate Nickelback's approach since they obviously have to balance making music and selling albums in order to make a living.

I think down the line Nickelback can "return to their roots" and crank out an album just as good as this one. It worked for The Scorpions and Pearl Jam and I think it can happen for these guys too.

Silver Side Up.......2007-05-06

This is the only Nickleback CD that is a must have.
It is Great!

lukey2be_free.......2007-05-02

Nickel Back has done it again, with their album Silver Side Up, another great hit. Their song "How You Remind Me" was nominated for record of the yearat the 2003 Grammy Awards. "Never Again" is a discription of demestic violence. Chad Kroeger, Ryan Peake(vocals, guitar); Mike Kroeger (bass); Ryan "Nik" Vikedal (drums)make this band ROCK!!! Silver Side Up is an awesome follow up to The State ending with the taken acustic-meets-electric track of "Good Times Gone"

Excellent CD.......2007-01-10

I've listened to this CD over and over again. Every song is excellent! It is rare to find a CD where every song is great. This CD is a rare find!

Solid rocker with a message.......2006-11-06

Recently started listening to Nickelback. Great songs with messages behind each song about the problems affecting our society today. From drug and alcohol abuse to domestic voilence to cheating these songs cover issues that matter and are sung with emotion and feeling. Two of the best songs are "Too Bad" about a father and son relationship that goes sour and "Hangnail" about a breakup between a couple. "How You Remind Me" and the song "Woke Up This Morning" tell about other bad relationships. Other songs talk about broken hope and lost dreams.

Average customer rating: 3 Inches is a little short of the real amount of blood this one holds!! This album is unbelievable DAMN!!! On the way to the top.

Fire Up the Blades Three Inches of Blood Manufacturer: Roadrunner Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Give Me Your Soul...Please Advance and Vanquish War of Aggression Threads of Life United Abominations ASIN: B000OYCO3I Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

1. Through the Horned Gate
2. Night Marauders
3. The Goatriders Horde
4. Trial of Champions
5. God of the Cold White Silence
6. Forest King
7. Demon's Blade
8. The Great Hall of Feasting
9. Infinite Legions
10. Assassins of the Light
11. Black Spire
12. The Hydra's Teeth
13. Rejoice in the Fire of Man's Demise

Album Description

Vancouver's 3 Inches of Blood unleash Fire Up The Blades, the sophomore release from the dual vocalist group. Recording with several band members for the first time, Fire Up The Blades truly realizes the band's full potential with lightning fast guitar work, galloping drums and over the top vocals. Produced by Joey Jordison (of Slipknot) and mixed by Zeuss (Shadows Fall), Fire Up the Blades sees 3 Inches of Blood taking the sounds of their 80s metal influences to new extremes to create a signature sound all their own. Evidence of the band's influences can also be found in much of the subject matter of the music which features many lyrics and song titles rooted in the world of fantasy. 3 Inches of Blood have skillfully built upon the foundations laid with their debut album, Advance and Vanquish, to produce a groundbreaking effort. A fast and technical album, Fire Up The Blades redefines the boundaries of hard music with songs like "Night Marauders," "The Goatriders Horde," "Forest King" and more.

Customer Reviews:

3 Inches is a little short of the real amount of blood this one holds!!.......2007-07-04

wow 3 inches of blood have literally turned the page on their music. People like traditional metal, you can come up with anything and even if its the same thing we love banging our heads to it. 3 inches on their last album stayed too focused on a style that many still like but has not quite grown to our generation. these are awsome screwed up canadian guys that i met in montreal...they are nice....and its good too know that there not just some wannabe punks wen u listen to their music!!!!!!

This album is unbelievable.......2007-06-30

I didn't think they would be able to top Advance and Vanquish.... but they did. A&V was probably one of the best metal albums of all time.... THIS IS THE GREATEST!!!!!! I have pretty much stopped listening to other bands since this album came out. I used to love Maiden / Priest etc.... I don't even bother with them anymore. This is truly all I need.

Hands down... This is the best metal album of all time.

DAMN!!!.......2007-06-28

This is probably one of the best albums ive heard in a while(after Horse The Bands "A Natural Death"). I saw 3 Inches live last year and i thought their music at the time could not be out done but for once i was wrong and im happy for that, because this album went above and beyond any of my expectations. I talked to the lead singers and they said it was due summer of 07 and anxiously i waited and once i got it it was well worth the wait. And on top of it they added akeyboardist to the mix... f***king awesome.

On the way to the top........2007-06-26

Awesome album! Very well produced and the band plays to their strength's. I picked this band a couple years ago to hit it big and i was right. A mix of thrash, death, hardcore and power metal.

Average customer rating: Hail The Kings Of Metal!

Last Kind Words DevilDriver Manufacturer: Roadrunner Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Cannibal HELLYEAH Genesis Threads of Life The Blackening ASIN: B000PHX8C0 Release Date: 2007-07-31

Tracks:

1. Not All Who Wander Are Lost
2. Clouds Over California
3. Bound By The Moon
4. Horn Of Betrayal
5. These Fighting Words
6. Head On To Heartache (Let Them Rot)
7. Monsters Of The Deep
8. Tirades Of Truth
9. Burning Sermon
10. When Summoned
11. The Axe Shall Fall

Album Description

UK pressing of the 2007 release from this Hardcore Metal band formed by former Coal Chamber vocalist Dez Fafara. Their third album overall, Last Kind Words features 11 tracks including 'Not All Who Wander Are Lost', 'Bound By The Moon' and 'Clouds Over California'. Roadrunner.

Customer Reviews:

Hail The Kings Of Metal!.......2007-06-27

they are back, and it is frikkin awesome! they had their first album, which was great but has been said to be a bit rough around the edges, then their second "sophmore" release, which many bands sometime rise and fall by, and DD clearly progressed and refined their sound, and now we are brought to their third album. the first thing that struck me that there was a definite progression in their music, but yet still retains the same aggression and edge you'd expect from their previous release. as Fury was more polished then their first album, Last Kind Words is still more refined, better riffs, better arrangement, while still grabbing you by the back of the head and slamming your cranium into the wall.

Even Dez's trademark "cookie monster" vocals (which i hate using that term, but don't know how else to describe it) is even further developed on this album.

If you are a DevilDriver fan..........then you're probably not even reading this and already have it...........

if you are a metal fan, this is the epitome of the current state of metal done at its finest.

the best analogy i can give to this album is looking at Metallica's first 3 studio releases, same feeling, same sound, just kept getting better and better.

hands down, a must buy, period

Average customer rating: The Dresden Dolls - LOVE 'EM!! Dresden Dolls wow this band rocks I'm Not Sadistic! And no one cares if your back is bleeding

The Dresden Dolls The Dresden Dolls Manufacturer: Roadrunner Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk Revival | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Cabaret | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Similar Items: Yes, Virginia... The Dresden Dolls - Paradise A Is for Accident Diabolical Streak The Ditty Bops ASIN: B0001XARKE Release Date: 2004-04-27

Tracks:

1. Good Day
2. Girl Anachronism
3. Missed Me
4. Half Jack
5. 672
6. Coin-Operated Boy
7. Gravity
8. Bad Habit
9. The Perfect Fit
10. The Jeep Song
11. Slide
12. Truce

Album Description

Combine the smoky cellars of a Weimar-era cabaret with the rock n' roll fury of Joan Jett, PJ Harvey and The Violent Femmes and you have a remote idea of what to expect when experiencing The Dresden Dolls.

Customer Reviews:

The Dresden Dolls - LOVE 'EM!!.......2007-01-27

I don't usually like music with voices and words; I much prefer to listen to instrumentals and not have to concentrate on anything but the tune itself; words usually just get in the way of a good listening experience. *However*, all that changed as I was driving home from work the other afternoon, listening to a segment on NPR devoted to how up-and-coming bands have to spend so much time marketing themselves and paying out money to do so, that they don't have as much valuable time to devote to their songwriting as they would like or need. They spotlighted The Dresden Dolls and played excerpts. And I love them! I love the songs! The edginess, the words, the melody, Amanda Palmer's piano and voice (which by the way, can be soft & sweet or totally in your face). There's only 2 of them: Amanda Palmer on piano and Brian Viglione on drums - add the words and melody, and that's all you need for a great band! This particular CD has two of my favorites on it: "Missed Me" and "Coin-Operated Boy". Now I find myself singing along to the songs whenever I play them in the car (when did I start doing that??). I'll be buying all their other CDs, and singing along to them as well!

Dresden Dolls.......2007-01-12

The album has a few really good tracks, but overall it could use more variety.

wow this band rocks .......2007-01-12

do you ever get bored with bands sounding the same or the tired old crappy radio. you must pick up this cd. you will not dissapointed. I was surfing roadrunner records for some songs, i happen to stumble apond d.d. and i loved them from the start cause to me i never heard such type of music. im used ot bands like slipknot, rage against the machine, hatebread, audioslave, lamb of god, Crisis, ect. the best song has to coin operated boy.

I'm Not Sadistic!.......2006-09-20

Hello all. This review is to help you decide whether or not you want this album, right? Well. i have to tell you, you're stupid if you don't buy it. but apparently. you need more than just an insult to convince you. so....On with the show. I'll rate the songs by tracks.But First, what you have to realize about the Dresden Dolls, is that their is only 2 members. Amanda is piano/keyboard/toy piano/Vox, and Brian is percussion/drums/guitar/vox. Their sound is VERY UNIQUE, there is no other sound like them. It's a mix of Punk/Cabaret/Rock. Now, you may think that if it's only got a keyboard and drums, then it can't be rock. it can't be viscious, it can't be head-bangingly beautiful. You're wrong.

1. Good Day-4.5/5-Starts slow, but gets into it halfway through.Catchy chorus. Great opener track to ease you in to what they call "Punk Cabaret"!

2. Girl Anachronism-5/5-My favorite track on this album, hands down. The lyrics alone are incredible. but the dueling piano and drums gets to be too much to handle, it's that good. I find myself singing it at work, and i head-bang during the first minute while driving. Kinda hard to do, but...

3.Missed Me-4.0/5-A Great song about pedophilism. It plays like a musical song. Reminds you of cabaret, but viscious. A Truly great song.Catchy tune.

4.Half Jack-5/5-This is another favorite on the album. It starts out kinda slow like "Good Day" but then gets powerful later on. Lyrics are beautifully connected to one another.

5. 672-3/5-Its a 1 1/2 minute intermission. It has few lyrics, but good piano. I'd listen to it just to get to Coin-Operated Boy.

6. Coin-Operated Boy-4.5/5-The song is about a girl who wants a coin-operated boy, to "play" with. So she won't be alone. it's romantic really. It was the first song i heard by the Dolls. It gets sorta old after you hear it a zillion times.

7. Gravity-5/5-Another great track. Great lyrics. AWESOME CHORUS! I see myself cruisin on the countryside, hand out the window. just chillin' with this song. A+

8. Bad Habit-4.5/5-Fast paced and great. One of the better songs on this album.

9. Perfect Fit-4.5/5-This is the one of those songs you skip because it's slow, but later realize, it's truly an important part of the album. You want to scream the lyrics at the end. Very catchy.

10. Jeep Song-4.5/5-This song is hilarious. It's a nearly 5-minute song about how all she sees are Jeep Cherokees in town. How she'll "skip Town till the cars go out of style". It's very funny, and great instrumental accompanyment.

11. Slide-5/5-This song is the CREEPIEST thing i've ever heard. It's about this orange man,(maybe an escaped convict?or...*correct me if i'm wrong) who's going to kidnap a "red little girl" from a slide. At the very end when she's screams "The Orange Man's Got You!" I freaked out (i'm driving by the way), and got a little disoriented, because it sent chills all over my body. Pedophilism. Only Dresden can do a song, and make it stick.

12. Truce-3.5/5-This is the 9-minute epic on the album, and the last track. It's tune you can't get into for very long as it changes constantly. But the Violin solo at the end is mind-blowing. "You can fake it for the papers, but i'm on to you, i'm on to you!"
And then when you thought it was over you hear Amanda's mother or grandmother i'm guessing. "Amanda...You're telling me a fairytale."

Then that's it. A Great Album! Listen to the samples on Amazon. They really do help. Rate MY REVIEW! It's mY FIRST!

And no one cares if your back is bleeding.......2006-08-18

My introduction to The Dresden Dolls came in the form of Yes, Virginia... That CD blew me away and I expected nothing less from this, their self titled release. This CD doesn't pack as hard of a punch as Virginia does but it's there, and it's as swift as can be. The lyrics aren't as controversial and comical as they are on Virginia, yet there's still room for controversy with Missed Me and Coin-Operated Boy. The one thing that is completely the same as Virginia is the fact that Amanda and Brian sound amazing playing off of each other, and Amanda's vocal adventures from song to song are fascinating to listen to.

Beginning this CD with Good Day was by far the best choice. After a slow and quiet intro Amanda churns out the eery sounding lyric "So, you don't wanna hear about my good song?" From then on this CD is just one big rollercoaster ride. Driving piano/drum combos, soft piano laced songs, mid tempo sing alongs, everything is here. But that doesn't mean everyone will love this release, and The Dresden Dolls for that matter. This band is over the top a lot of the time, and I think that's what they go for. So if you can't deal with that then don't even bother.

The Dresden Dolls (CD, not the band) is an achievement upon itself. In this age, when I thought everything has been done musically, a CD like this comes along and just takes you for a trip. It's not traditional, you don't know what to expect, and that's the way music is supposed to be. Bands don't create music that breathes new life into you often enough nowadays. The Dresden Dolls do just that, breathe new life into you musically. Through and through, this is one of the most solid CDs I've heard recently. Every song is completely different from the last, and the creativity is outright.

My Favorite songs are Good Day, Half Jack, Gravity, The Perfect Fit, and Slide. The Dresden Dolls have proven to be in a league by themselves. No one puts out this kind of music nowadays and it's unlikely that anyone will. Basically, as far as debuts go (I think this is a debut at least), it's near perfection. I love every second and enjoy myself thoroughly everytime I hear it. So if you haven't heard The Dresden Dolls yet, the band and the album, you should be ashamed of yourself.

Average customer rating: Whoaaa....now THIS is music! Fantastic ! A little Nugget of perfection One of the Great Unknowns Truley Epic rock

Once Nightwish Manufacturer: Roadrunner Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | 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: Century Child Oceanborn Wishmaster Angels Fall First Over the Hills and Far Away ASIN: B0002ZYE1Y Release Date: 2004-10-05

Tracks:

1. Dark Chest Of Wonders
2. Wish I Had An Angel
3. Nemo
4. Planet Hell
5. Creek Mary?s Blood
6. The Siren
7. Dead Gardens
8. Romanticide
9. Ghost Love Score
10. Kuolema Tekee Taiteilijan
11. Higher Than Hope
12. White Night Fantasy
13. Live To Tell The Tale

Album Description

You may not know Nightwish yet, but the Finnish goth-orchestral-metal band is a phenomenon throughout the rest of the world. The group's fifth album, the platinum-certified Once, hit #1 over the summer on the Pan-European charts, and stayed there for three weeks. Behind them? The Beastie Boys, Avril Lavigne, Norah Jones and Usher, among others. So who or what is this band? On first listen, Nightwish seems to fall into the same genre as Evanescence, Lacuna Coil and the Gathering--female-fronted metal band with symphonic and gothic overtones. But any similarities end there. First of all, singer Tarja Turunen may be the only trained opera singer in metal, and her vocal prowess and range prove it. Then there's the rest of the group, led by keyboardist and primary songwriter Tuomas Holopainen. Listen closely, and you'll hear a group that's equally influenced by opera, classical music, Euro-metal, early thrash and even Kate Bush.

Nightwish formed as, of all things, an acoustic-based band in Kitee, Finland in 1997, though they quickly switched to a hard rock sound. Within a year the group had released its debut album, Angels Fall Fast, which featured the first hit single, "The Carpenter." Their second release, Oceanborn, landed in the Top Five in Finland, and featured three hit singles. By the time Wishmaster came out in 2000, Nightwish was a top concert draw and one of the most critically acclaimed metal bands in all of Europe. Thanks to the on-going buzz, the group was also able to land U.S. distribution for the first time. Nightwish's 4th studio effort came in the form of Century Child, which was the product of one of the most tumultuous periods in the band's career. It marked the grand entrance of Marco Hietala, a metal icon in his own right in his homeland. With Hietala's dual contribution to the band (bass and backing vocals), they were able to put forth some of their darkest, most aggressive material ever.

But Once is Nightwish's breakthrough, both in its epic scope and brilliant songwriting. Disgruntled Metallica fans may find a new axe-god in Emppu Vuorinen, who has quickly become one of the most brutal (and tech-savvy) guitarists in metal. Behind him is a seamless blend of top-notch musicianship and orchestral bombardment (much of which is provided by The Academy of St. Martins in the Field, who scored the Lord of the Rings trilogy). The chart-topping single "Nemo" is a monster, building slowly from a simple piano line and molten guitar riff into an over-the-top, orchestral breakdown. Thanks to Turunen's vocals, the song also possesses a haunted quality that modern-day metal often fails to achieve.

Forget formula--the band doesn't have one. Subtle electronic beats color "Wish I Had an Angel," while tribal drums shape the eight-plus minute "Creek Mary's Blood." There's the aptly titled "Ghost Love Score," which sounds like a great, lost Danny Elfman soundtrack. Then, on the other side, is the rough-and-tumble "Romanticide," a violent kiss-off that ends with bassist / back-up singer Hietala scowling "Spit on me, let go, get rid of me / And try to survive your stupidity" over one of the most headbanging riffs of the last five years.

So, are you ready for Nightwish?

Customer Reviews:

Whoaaa....now THIS is music!.......2007-05-30

WOW!! Pretty much sums it up. I can't get enough of these guys. I'd been hearing about Nightwish for the last couple of years, and now I understand the buzz.

They've created a sound all their own, blending classical, keyboard-based composition, crunchy guitars, and a truly gorgeous operatic female voice into a very heady brew. Some people have said the combination doesn't work. To each his own. For me, it works amazingly well. The talent is topnotch.

Two songs I especially love: Kuolema Tekee Taiteilijan - - simply enchanting. Sung in Finnish by the amazing Tarja (now departed from the band to pursue opera in Germany, I heard), it's like nothing I've ever heard before. Dark Chest of Wonders - - can't stop singing or humming it. Impossibly catchy.

This band has it ALL: class, style, musicianship, songs, stunning vocals, and, for those who appreciate a bit of eye candy on the live stage (I do, and won't apologize for it) - - that celebrated beauty which denizens of the cold Viking north seem so effortlessly blessed with. I'm excited about the debut of their new singer, this current tour stateside. Following on the heels of a voice like Tarja's, she's got her work cut out for her. I wish her all the best!!

Somethin' for everybody, here. I warn ya, this music will grow on you.

Fantastic !.......2007-05-24

It's an amazing sound. The 2 bonus tracks is so cool, the videoclip (Wish I had an angel) is very good too. Is impressive the power and the smoothness of their music. Highly recommended !

A little Nugget of perfection.......2007-05-21

This CD is so balanced when it comes to the sounds you get on it. I can't say that i'd categorize it as a certain type of metal, I know some would call it power metal, symphonic metal etc. But to the lay man, this is a wonderful metal CD with epic orchestral overtones blended perfectly against ravage riffs and powerful voices.

Again, it's so nicely balanced. Dark Chest of Wonders slams you into what the band is all about and what they're capable of producing. Wish I Had an Angel is one or those groovin' "drive" songs, with a nice touch of dark, and (likewise to other tracks) it showcases the sorrowful tones and agressive attack of both the female and male vocalists (Tarja and Marco, he also doubles as the bassist). The licks, chords and riffs in the CD are so solid, if you're looking for a break and release from a lot of 'sloppy metal', you'll love this.

In addition, songs like Creek Mary's Blood feature Native-American drums and chants in an eerie-sweet balad. There's even a pure orchestral song titled Kuolema Tekke Taiteilijan, a piece written in the band's native language (the hail from Finland).

All in all, Once is quite the inspiring CD, and just when you want more from the CD, this particular pressing comes with two fabulous bonus tracks. A highly recommended purchase for your musical entertainment and pleasure.

One of the Great Unknowns.......2007-05-21

I discovered Nightwish & listened to a few sound bits after following a web link from another site. What I heard was GREAT!, so I just had to check them out. I am VERY PLEASED with this album. This prog rock band (very similar to Renaissance) seem to not be very well known in the States, but is very big to Europe. I believe you will be very pleased with what you hear & like myself will be purchasing other CD's by the group.

Truley Epic rock.......2007-05-21

I only new vaguely of Nightwish until one of my friends turned me on to it, and after listening to this album, I think I have a new favorite band.

A few of the songs are a bit harsh (I don't like screaming, so sue me), but others are downright haunting. My favorite track is "Ghost Love Score" which makes full use of the band's orchestral resources and is one of the most beautiful and epic pieces of music I have ever heard.

"Once" manages to provide a broad spectrum of sound, and all of it is of superb quality.

Music Album:

1. Shakey Breaky Car
2. Shenandoah Christmas
3. Should Have Been Hits
4. Sing The Hits of Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson (karaoke)
5. Small Town Things
6. Sometimes a Rose
7. Star Profile
8. Stardust/One for the Road/Honeysuckle Rose [Box set]
9. That's What I Like About the West
10. The Essential Sun Collection

Music Album