|
Browse
|
 |
|
|
| Music Features & More |
|
| Browse Movies |
|
|
| Browse Games |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Product Reviews By User
|
|
|
 |
Symphony X
Paradise Lost (2007) 
 I'm speechless...I am perhaps the biggest DT fan out there, but I gotta say, Parasise Lost is a sight better than Systematic Chaos. This is the pinnacle of their career in my opinion, and one of the finest prog metal albums I have ever heard; certainly the best out there right now. Just incredible.
Submitted by a reviewer (Somewhere in PA) 8/9/2007  |
 |
Velvet Revolver
Contraband (2004) 
 UgghhThis "supergroup" album proves the theory that the sum of a group is better than the sum of the individual parts. GNR was a great band; one of the best ever. STP was OK; I was never a big fan but they were OK. This just stinks. Scott's voice is annoying at best, and the riffs are tired old re-treads of past rock n roll. Pack it in guys, and give Axl a call again.
Submitted by a reviewer (Somewhere in PA) 7/27/2007 |
 |
Bon Jovi
Lost Highway (2007)
Eeek...They are on a lost highway for sure. Jon's voice really sucks at low to mid range. I guess that's probably why he spent so many years covering it up with screams.
As far as this album is concerned, it is completely irrelevant in today's music world.
Submitted by a reviewer (Somewhere in PA) 7/9/2007
|
 |
Smashing Pumpkins
Gish (1991) 
 YawnMildly interesting music...some original stuff but a lot of pretentious crap.
Billy Corgan CAN NOT SING though at all; it reallt inhibits their sound. If they got a real singer, maybe I'd give them a second listen.
Submitted by a reviewer (Somewhere in PA) 7/3/2007 |
 |
Velvet Revolver
Contraband (2004)
Parental Advisory
Sum of the parts of two great bands does not add upSometimes you can't just take five superstar rockers from different bands and throw them into a new band. Here is a classic example of that. This stuff is just plain and ordinary at best.
Submitted by a reviewer (Somewhere in PA) 6/28/2007
|
 |
Kamelot
Black Halo (2005)
Carrying the torch for power prog metalAs far as this individual genre is concerned, this album is probably the zenith recording. Great songwriting and outstanding melodies mixed with enough metal punch to please fans of all kinds within the metal umbrella of music.
Submitted by a reviewer (Somewhere in PA) 6/28/2007
|
 |
David Lee Roth
Skyscraper (1988)
My Favorite of All His Post Van Halen WorkI really like this album by Dave and Vai and co. Great hooks, melodies, and just enough quirks to be interesting as opposed to annoying. Vai is the best six string player since Hendrix in my opinion. VH fans will hate me saying this, but VH progressed after Roth left and Hagar brought a real maturity and songwriting ability to the group that was just not there with Roth. I love Roth's work, but I take it for what it is--great party rock.
Submitted by a reviewer (somewhere in PA) 6/11/2007
|
 |
Dream Theater
Systematic Chaos (2007) Top Seller
Special Edition With DVD
Very Good but not their bestOverall a great effort. I like it better than the past two albums, but that's about where it ends. Octavarium was a bit of an experimental type album, and they have swung back to their roots on Systematic Chaos. I like the return to keys and guitars, and the interchange there we have all become so accustomed to hearing.
I am happy to hear many long time fans are pleased. But don't buy into the hype that's its somehow as good or better than the likes of SFAM or IAW. It's good, take it for what it is. But it does not compare to the masterpieces, and that's OK. Enjoy.
Submitted by a reviewer (Stroudsburg, PA) 6/11/2007
|
 |
Danger Danger
Danger Danger (1989)
Great songs, awesome hooks and melodies"Fun" type of rock and roll; these guys aren't rocket scientists when it comes to substance but this is just a great collection of songs that will stick in your head. Excellent melodies.
Submitted by a reviewer (somewhere in PA) 6/7/2007
|
 |
Evanescence
Open Door (2006) Top Seller
About what I expectedNu metal? No, I don't believe so. I think it was a solid sophomore effort from the band here, and I still feel that they have somewhat of a unique niche in music today. Amy's voice is ever strong and although the songwriting is perhaps not quite as diverse as the first album, there are still some real jems here. I've heard a lot of opinions on this album--everything from complete trash to the best album ever. These are extremes written by emotional fans who have some sort of weird ties to the band. But from a casual fan with an outsiders perspective, I like the music and it I give it a B+.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Burg, PA) 11/1/2006
|
 |
Mastodon
Blood Mountain (2006)
With DVD; Limited Edition
Good example of the specific genre...but...This was my first introduction to Mastodon. After hearing a lot of hype about the new album I got it. Not bad, but not for me. It sounds like a really good example of what their fans probably like, but for me there was simply not enough musicianship, harmony and creativity in their songwriting--the songs and sound seemed to blend together by the end. Vocals were brutal but too monotone.
I'll stick with In Flames, Children of Bodom, Therion and Dimmu Borgir.
Submitted by a reviewer (Eastburg, PA) 10/12/2006
|
 |
Therion
Theli (1997)
Very unique, and uncompromisingTherion is probably a group not many Americans have ever heard of. I came across them on a "Death is Only the Beginning" comp from Nuclear Blast and thought they were incredibly unique. They have a style that is like no other. It's symphonic, theatrical type progressive death metal, with some really neat twists and turns.
My friend said at times it is very evil sounding, and he likened it to an audible depiction of what summoning a demon would be like. Some of my favorite tracks are "Desert of Set," "Nightside of Eden," and "Siren of the Woods."
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 10/10/2006
|
 |
Symphony X
Odyssey (2002)
Pinnacle of their work--outstandingRarely does a band continue to improve over the span of four+ albums. But Symphony X did that very thing. Odyssey is the pinnacle of the sound they have been honing since "Divine Wings." The instrumentation is amazing on this album--everything fits perfectly and the songs flow together like a good opera. I absolutely love "Accolade II" and "Awakenings." Mai, I can't wait until their new album comes out!!
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 10/3/2006
|
 |
Symphony X
V: The New Mythology Suite (2000) Top Seller
Getting Even Better
Another improvement from the last album--there is some incredible work here which clearly rivals some of DTs song compositions. I am still not crazy about his voice, but the instrumental work is tightening even more and more, and I have to think this has reached a near Zenith. If not, I am in for a real treat when I give Odyssey (and the soon to be new one) a spin!
My favorite tracks are "Fallen," "Communication and the Oracle," the little segue called "On the Breath of Poseidon," and "Egypt."
Overall, I am very pleased to have recently discovered Symphony X; they are giving me a much needed and long prog fix!
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 9/25/2006
|
 |
Symphony X
Twilight in Olympus (1998)
Special Edition; Digipak
Improvement...OK, so this is my second go with Symphony X. I hear some definite progression and improvement from the last one to this one. The songwriting is tighter although every bit as ambitious; their sound is starting to become signature. Excellent musicianship once more from all involved. The guitarist plays with hints of Malmsteem and Petrucci. Keys could be a little more prominent; but I guess I am unfairly comparing it to DT and no one can tickle the ivories quite like Ruddess.
Good stuff though, and I am looking forward to continuing through the next two albums!
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 8/29/2006
|
 |
Rush
Power Windows (1985) Top Seller
Remastered
Hogwash...this is a great albumI abandoned new Rush at the Counterpoints album--I still jam all the old ones but anything that came out thereafter I didn't especially like. But this album is great--I have no idea what the previous reviewer was thinking. Sure, it's keyboard laden pop-ish sound is a far cry from the days of "Hemispheres" or "Permanent Waves," but there are some really good songs here. I love "Territories" and "Middletown Dreams" especially. Listen to this album on the merit of the songs alone; don't try to compare it to earlier Rush and you'll be fine.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 6/29/2006
|
 |
Shy
Excess All Areas (1987)
Super Underrated Melodic MetalWow does this album bring back memories. Got this from a friend who was into discovering some of the more obscure stuff out there at the time like Black 'N Blue, Keel, Leatherwolf, etc. This was is an absolute gem. Incredible melodies and full of great songs--no fillers here. This remains one my most favorite albums of that genre.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 6/28/2006
|
 |
Joe Satriani
Crystal Planet (1998)
Critics are IDIOTS!Innovation is most certainly not moot; and Joe pens another innovative and enjoyable set of songs on "Crystal Planet" once again. Critics clearly don't get this kind of music. Most dismiss it as empty wanking. First, if you can wank, than I say go for it. Second, it's the songwriting and melody here that reigns over the shredding. This may be my favorite Satch album; certainly "Love Song" is my favorite Satch song of all time. Joe=God.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 6/19/2006
|
 |
Joe Satriani
Joe Satriani (1995)
BY FAR My Least Favorite Satch AlbumI was chuckling when reading the review from Entertainment Weekly, primarily because of two reasons. First, I am sure these people have NO IDEA about the career of an artist such as Satch; he is a lost relic in today's radio friendly and fabricated bands era that only his fans understand. Second, the review is totally backwards, in that this is not Joe's best but rather Joe's worst. The absence of what he terms to be "air-brushed" leads is a BAD thing. Everyone else and their brother who CAN'T PLAY A SOLO in the grunge world has already jumped on the "no leads" bandwagon, and for Joe to follow is heartless in my opinion. His so-called return to his roots is actually a dumbing down of this music and his sound and I do not approve. Thankfully, Joe bounced back after grunge died, although all of my friends and most of the music industry insisted grunge would last forever and metal was dead--yeah, good call on that one idiots. But I really found very little redeeming songs on this album.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 6/1/2006
|
 |
Joe Satriani
Super Colossal (2006)
Another Keeper from the God of Guitar MelodyJoe does it again. He seems to continually progress in his songwriting and playing, and has what has to be an endless well of creativity from which to draw from. Once again it is not his chops or technique that amaze me (although he is surely one of the best), but rather his songwriting, and his ability to write melodies that just stick in your head.
I like his life's work better than Vai's; although Vai wrote the greatest rock guitar instumental of all time in my opinion with Passion and Warfare. But Vai is a little crazier and more experimental than Joe...I just like Joe's songwriting I guess.
Long live the God.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 5/19/2006
|
 |
Queensryche
Operation: Mindcrime II (2006) 
Not even closeI tried to keep as open minded as possible with this, knowing that it could never be like the original, and that 'Ryche has changed over the years quite a bit. I even forced myself to listen to it a dozen times or so. But nothing helped. In the end, I was disappointed. It was about what I had expected though overall. Fans of 'Ryche's "Rage" and "Mindcrime" days simply can't like this new one. It's not even close. Lyrically, it's interesting, but musically, it's mediocre at best. The bottom line is that there were just not enough hooks to reel you in; nothing noteworthy.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 5/16/2006
|
 |
James Labrie
Elements of Persuasion (2005) Top Seller
Good Stuff!!I don't have LaBrie's first solo album yet, but a friend burned this one for me and then I bought it for myself. I really like this a lot. Being a big fan of DT, I have always appreciated LaBrie's talent, which can sometimes be overshadowed by the sheer virtuosity of Petrucci, Myung, Ruddess and even Portnoy. But it is clear that he is a vital part of the glue that holds DT together, and an excellent songwriter in his own right.
The songs are very DT-ish at times, but more along the lines of their harder, more straightforward riffing. But he does a splendid job of weaving in melodies and other effects that give the material that etherial feel.
Great album overall.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 4/4/2006
|
 |
Dio
Holy Diver (1983) Top Seller
No, Rush is not metal...Bud, Rush is clearly not heavy metal; re-read my post a little closer as I did not say that. My top 25 spans the rock/hard rock/metal genres.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 3/29/2006
|
 |
U2
Achtung Baby (1991)
 The Beginning of the EndThis was the beginning of the end for a once original rock band. Like Metallica, they want you to totally forget the sound they created and would now act as a wolf in sheeps clothing simply to sell albums. Bono's singing is simply annoying, and Edge's guitar playing has truly become one dimensional. Write these losers off.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 2/17/2006 |
 |
Saigon Kick
Saigon Kick (1990)
Reissued
Superb Original MusicThis is one of those CDs that every hard rock/metal fan should own; one of the true staples of the genre. They are creative, musical, and hard edged; with a wonderful sense of harmony. This is one of my favorite CDs from any band.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 2/16/2006
|
 |
Black & Blue
Ultimate Collection (2001)
Remastered
Top Notch Collection!!This is truly a collection of their best work as a band. These guys are probably the most underrated melodic metallers of all-time. St. James had a great metal voice and presence, and the songwriting team of Thayer, St. James and Warner cranked out some of the most singable melodies I have ever heard in the rock genre. I burned an actual hole in the "Without Love" and "Nasty Nasty" cassettes I used to own by listening to them so much.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 2/14/2006
|
 |
TNT
Tell No Tales (1987)
A great unknown glam metal band...I was 18 when this album came out and fondly remember playing the cassette until it literally broke one summer. Only one musically adventurous friend and myself knew about them, and we reveled in the secrecy.
I love their sound; "10,000 Lovers" is one of the neatest, catchy-est riffs there is in the world of glam. Sometimes Harnell's voice can be a bit grating, but clearly he has incredible pipes.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 2/13/2006
|
 |
In Flames
Come Clarity (2006)
Bonus DVD; Special Edition; Digipak
IN CredibleIn Flames never went anywhere. RTR and STYE are both solid albums; musically diverse and amazing in their own right. But there is a swing back to a little more straightforwardness on CC, which will please some old school fans who are a bit more on the close-minded side regarding music. Anyway, two burners open the album, assuring fans that they are still the kings. "Leeches" is a great song. Then a sweet little number called "Reflect the Storm" comes in, with a pleasing mix of angst and melody--a truly memorable chorus--again showing their seemingly endless platter of creativity. The token slow song is the title track...it’s got plenty of balls though, and a great solo, a-la Murray/Smith; another example of how IF are simply peerless at this style of music. "Pacing Death’s Trail" is also a great track—excellent guitar work and the signature snarl of Anders. I also love the chorus in "Crawl Through Knives." The album closes with the longest song...clocking in at over five minutes and with a little piano. Though they did spend a little too long on the atmosphere--the vocals don't kick in until somewhere after the three minute mark!
I must admit though I do miss the keyboards and overall experimentation on the last two albums; though I love CC, I am not sure it will replace RTR or Colony as my favorite ones. Still, this is an impressive release and surely one of the best in the genre, if not THE best. It will also be nice not hear people continuing to complain about Anders' voice; it sounds like he really spent a lot of time honing it and it never sounded better--both in the sreaming and singing styles.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 2/9/2006
|
 |
King's X
Ogre Tones (2005) Top Seller
Bonus Tracks; Enhanced CD
Great revival of their sound!!I have been a King's X fan since I purchased "Faith, Hope, Love" in 1990. But lately I have been disappointed in their recent efforts. However, I really like this new one a lot. They seemed to have discovered some of that old magic again, and the harmonies soar as high as they ever have. Some of my favorite tracks are "Alone," "Fly," "If," "Honesty," and "Get Away."
I would recommend this for sure to all King's X fans and can't imagine it would disappoint anyone.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 1/9/2006
|
 |
Dream Theater
Octavarium (2005) Top Seller
Excellent Work--Embracing roots while moving forwardI have read about a hundred conflicting reviews of this album; by far most fans like it a lot, but it is interesting to see how some say is is melodic while others say it is heavy. The truth is, it is both. I was a little leary when I heard from a fellow fan that it sounded like FII, because I really didn't like that album much at all. But I kept an open mind and decided to check it out myself.
From the start it was evident that they were not continuing further in the hard & heavy, homogeneous sounds of TOT which I was pleased about. Instead, they reached back a little and seemed to reflect on all of their work, incorporating elements of almost all of their earlier albums into the new one.
I too miss the shredding at times; it would have been great to hear a face melting exchange between Petrucci and Rudess; but I can live without it I suppose. The music is still very strong though; they seem to have some of the strongest song structures I have ever heard, while retaining the element of musicianship and experimentation they have always displayed.
I can't really pick out any favorite songs which is weird; everything seems on equal par and there are truly eight pieces of excellent songwriting on this album. But I am a little partial to "I Walk Beside You" and "Panic Attack." Overall I am very pleased to see DT continuing to spearhead the prog music scene with uncompromising values.
By the way, if you want to see what is happening internationally and can retain an open mind about prog music, check out the movement in Gothenberg Sweden they call "Gothencore" or "Progressive Death Metal." The leader of the genre is an incredible act called "In Flames." Their musical structures are incredible, and the way they fuse melody into death metal is nothing short of amazing. I would recommend "Reroute to Remain" as the pinnacle album in their creativity.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 6/14/2005
|
 |
Dimmu Borgir
Death Cult Armageddon (2003) Top Seller
Hautingly Good Black MetalI love this album; I was never a fan of black or any kind of extreme metal really, before listening to my first "In Flames" album this year, which turned me on to many, many others including Dimmu Borgir. This is about as extreme as it gets for me, because a lot of bands in this genre do a better job creating psychic noise as opposed to music. But Dimmu Borgir is surely different.
First, they took a real risk with the orchestra and it paid off perfectly. They used them simply, but effectively...it was the perfect fit for their music. Also, they seem to be able to twist in melodies into the darkness of their sound, which is really quite amazing. Some of it though is just really dark, agressive and evil. At times I swear I thought I would summon a demonm if I kept playing the CD!
Overall though, this is a really solid album of material and I can't imagine a more creative or talented group in this genre than Dimmu Borgir.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 5/24/2005
|
 |
In Flames
Soundtrack to Your Escape (2004)
Not as bad as people sayThis album really took a beating from some long time bands. I just discovered In Flames this past fall so excuse me for my newbie opinion...but this is a good album. I was sold on them from the Reroute to Remain album, and then bought up all the others. After a solid few months of listening to practically nothing but In Flames, I still find Reroute and Whoreacle to be their best work. I was not particularly fond of Colony or Clayman.
Anyway, I like this album. Sure, there are more tones of commercialism but that it not necessarily a bad thing. Their core is still there. One of the best things about this band is their ability to surprise you while maintaining a core sound that does not falter. Hail to the kings, I say.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 4/8/2005
|
 |
In Flames
Colony (1999)
Deluxe Edition
Strong, but not my favoriteI think I may like this one the least of all the In Flames albums. There are some strong songs here for sure, but overall I don't think it was as musically diverse and creative as "Whoracle" or my favorite "Reroute to Remain." Still, you really can't go wrong with any In Flames album--they truly are the shining star of metalcore or gothencore.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 3/14/2005
|
 |
Rush
Hold Your Fire (1987) Top Seller
Remastered
Am I the only one?As a long time Rush fan, I thoroughly enjoyed Hold Your Fire. Sure, it was probably the height of their slick production and keyboard usage, but there are truly some outstanding tracks on this album. Force Ten, Open Secrets, Prime Mover and my favorite...The Mission.
Although Time Stands Still received a lot of radio attention and even some rotation by eMpTyV, long time fans know that commercial success was never in the forefront of the band's minds.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 3/11/2005
|
 |
Rush
Signals (1982) Top Seller
Remastered
Some more keys, please...Although this keyboard laded album was a pretty big swing away from Moving Pictures, I believe it suffered most from poor mixing and production. The guitar parts are really mixed down the most. Still, there are some excellent tracks on this album, including "Subdivisions," "Analog Kid," and "The Weapon." To me, Rush didn't drop the ball at all but rather bit on the keyboard bug a bit, which was something that was pretty much unavoidable at the time.
IMO the best Peart drumming can be heard on Fly By Night.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 3/11/2005
|
 |
Rush
Moving Pictures (1981) Top Seller
Remastered
A true rock classicMost Rush fans would point to this album as the pinnacle of their career. They might very well be right; although I fancy the previous two albums a bit more. Still, this one packs a serious punch. Moving Pictures is almost akin to a Michael Jackson record--now hear me out--in that every single song is excellent and worthy of representing the entire album.
"Red Barchetta" and "YYZ" are simply amazing works, and we all know the prowess of "Limelight (which contains one of the most unique and incredible guitar solos I have ever heard)" and "Tom Sawyer." But my favorite on the album is "The Camera Eye."
Don't listen to the previous reviewer on this being their last great album. Although they headed into the keyboard future (as nearly every band did at this time), they still composed some excellent work in future releases.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 3/11/2005
|
 |
Rush
Permanent Waves (1980) Top Seller
Remastered
For ANY rock fan...I disagree with the previous review. Permanent Waves was the perfect marriage of their earlier rock roots and their keyboard future. All six tracks on this album are excellent, and this remains my favorite Rush album of all. Forget whether or not one or two songs had some commercial success, because that is not why Rush writes music.
Call it rock, prog-rock, art rock, whatever...it doesn't matter--this is just plain solid rock music.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 3/11/2005
|
 |
Rush
Fly by Night (1975)
Remastered
Long Live By-TorAs the proud owner of PA liscence plate which reads "By-Tor," this album is clearly one of my favorites. The jump they made from a Zeppelin-y cover band on their first album to this album was indeed a quantum leap. Peart's drumming and lyrics were surely a big part of that reason, but the songwriting of Lee/Lifeson had also taken a big leap forward. I love tunes like "Anthem," "Best I Can," "By-Tor...," "Fly By Night" and "In The End."
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 3/11/2005
|
 |
Queensryche
Empire (1990) Top Seller
Bonus Tracks; Remastered
And Then There Was Empire...Akin to Metallica's "Black album," this is where the wheels started to come off the Queensryche express. Though a huge commercial success and extremely slick production(a-la the black album), they promptly swung away from the experimental creativity of earlier work. I still liked the album, but at the same time it wasn't quite the direction I was hoping for. It only gets worse from here...
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 3/9/2005
|
 |
Queensryche
Rage for Order (1986)
Bonus Tracks; Remastered
Simply unparalleledThis is the album that first introduced me to Queensryche. Wanting to branch out a bit from my KISS/Rush/Iron Maiden staples, I bought this totally based on the album cover and song list. Man did I discover a gem. My teenage mind wasn't quite ready for the progressiveness of this music, but I can remember it literally changed my musical life. I found it to be the most original, eerie sounding rock/metal I had ever heard, and I was hooked from the opening riff of "Walk in the Shadows." Not surprisingly, this album has withstood the test of time. Indeed, nearly 20 years later, it has never met it's match...though many have tried and some have come very close (most notably, Dream Theater).
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 3/9/2005
|
 |
Ozzy Osbourne
No Rest For The Wicked (1989)
Additional Tracks
One of Ozzy's bestI believe this album picked up where Randy Rhoades left off. After the "detour" of Bark at the Moon and The Ultimate Sin, Ozzy swung back to his metal roots. Zakk Wylde was the right choice as heir to the Rhoades throne, and his heavy riffing, squealing style was as much a part of the renewed Ozzy as Ozzy was himself.
I can't believe the guy below me here didn't like this album--how can you not like "Demon Alcohol" or "Miracle Man?" Maybe you should clean the earwax from your ears and give it another spin...
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 3/9/2005
|
|
Dio
Holy Diver (1983) Top Seller
A Masterpiece of Metal...but not quite in my top 25I believe this album to be a metal staple, but it did not quite make my top 25. If I remember correctly, I have it somewhere between 25 and 40. My top five would be Moving Pictures (Rush), Sad Wings of Destiny (Priest), Vulgar Display of Power (Pantera), Master of Puppets (Metallica) and Scenes from a Memory (DT).
Also, I love the work Viv has done in Def Leppard, another one of my favorite groups. Don't get me wrong, this is a solid metal album and truly a must-have for any serious rock/metal historian. It's just one tier under my top 25.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 3/9/2005
|
 |
Queensryche
Tribe (2003)
Who Writes These Reviews?Who the hell writes these reviews? A combination of old and new 'Ryche with something all fans will like? Is he serious? This stuff is NOT AT ALL like old 'Ryche--I wonder if this reviewer has ever heard "Warning" or "Rage." I would bet a million dollars he hasn't.
I am sorry because this at one time was my absolute favorite band, but they have totally tossed in the towel of their roots...either that or the creativity well just plain ran dry.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 3/9/2005
|
 |
In Flames
Reroute To Remain (2002)
THE soundtrack for progressive death metalIn Flames put out a masterpiece with this album--fans of earlier work will say they "sold out," but that is because they are narrowminded and cannot hear the pure musicianship and creativity of this album. They are surely one of the more talent bands out there right now in any metal genre. I love the diversity of the music presented here, without compromising any of their integrity or intensity. This is the best album I have heard from any band in a long time.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 12/1/2004
|
 |
Atreyu
Curse (2004)
I Like ItBeing mostly new to the "metalcore" genre, I bought this on the advice from a fellow old school metalhead friend and was pleasently surpised with what I heard. Unlike other metalcore bands, Atreyu seems to have embraced the idea of a dualistic approach to their sound--encorporating hooks and grand choruses a-la pop-ish style rock and roll.
I don't care what you call it, it's good music. Purists of the genre will denounce it (see earlier "poser-core" comment) but don't let that stop you from buying it. There is some really good music here and they are damn close to a total package.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 11/4/2004
|
|
Rush
Hold Your Fire (1987) Top Seller
Remastered
Still a Great AlbumThough this is not the favorite of many Rush fans, I happen to like it a lot. Sure, it is a little more keyboard friendly and homogeneous than previous releases, but it is still fresh, good music. Buy it.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 7/23/2004
|
 |
Pantera
Far Beyond Driven (1994) Top Seller
Critics Just Don't Get it...Critics don't get Pantera, even if their evaluations are somewhat positive. They don't get them because they don't listen to them. Plain and simple. They are not a collision between Metallica and Helmet, nor a thrash form of post Zeppelin. Pantera created their own sound--completely unique. It is as brutal as any hardcore or thrash, yet musical and emotional at the same time. No one else has ever perfected this formula, though plenty of tried.
Following their masterpiece "Vulgar Display of Power," they actually turned up the brutality a little more with this album, if that was even possible. They created an angry, skull pounding collection of songs that would wake even Elvis from his grave.
At the height of the grunge and so-called alternative music where even the word "metal" was worse than a foot-long turd in a wedding punchbowl, Pantera openly embraced their music without the slightest of hesitation or deviation. How refreshing. Especially when considering the "load" of crap that Metallica dumped all over their fans at the same time this came out.
Hail the new gods of metal who will lead us into the new millenium!
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 7/23/2004
|
 |
Van Halen
Best of Both Worlds (2004) Top Seller
Remastered; Digipak
The Suits Selected the SongsLooks like my quest for a "Best of" VH album will not end with the release of "Best of Both Worlds." It is clear that the nerdy, reclusive record execs once again selected these songs; giving no heed to what Van Halen fans want.
Noticably absent (as the previous reviwer noted) are tracks from "Fair Warning," indeed one of their best albums...as well as miselected tracks from "Women and Children First."
That being said, the production is good and there are lots of choice VH cuts here; but overall this isn't good enough. If you want to hear two excellent "best of..." albums, buy "The Ultimate Collection" from Black 'N Blue or "The Very Best of Dokken." You can tell the suits did not select these tracks.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 7/22/2004
|
 |
Metallica
Load (1996)
Load this into your garbage disposalI never thought I would live to see the day that Metallica, rock's greatest band...the group with rock solid integrity...the guys who singlehandedly took over the musical world, would sell out to the man. But this is exactly what they did. Who is the man, you ask? Well, it could be Benjamin Frankin, MTV, music industry suits, or all three.
Regardless, this is just horrible music. Who are they trying to be? They cut their hair, bit hard on the grunge sound, cut out their fanciful arrangements, dumped their leads and basically shot a blank in the face of millions and millions of their die-hard fans. They may as well have lined us up one by one and peed in our faces. I would have rather they did that than to release this total embarrassment of a record.
There is nothing worth a squirt of urine on this album. Nothing new, nothing noteworthy, nothing memorable whatsoever. That's OK guys, take your money and don't look back. Why won't you make some concept videos while you are at it--dress up in little costumes--it will be great.
Just do us all a favor and leave the rocking to others.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 7/21/2004
|
 |
Iron Maiden
Number of the Beast (1982) Top Seller
Enhanced CD
Premier British Metal AlbumThis is Maiden's best work as a group--and that says a lot because they released many a gem after this. But this is where they sound tightest; with the most raw energy, flying through every track as if they were dominating the world and as if they were the only band that mattered.
Bruce's powerful yet well trained voice pushes through hard in fiery tracks like "Invaders" and "Gangland," while it literally pierces your soul in longer pieces like "Children of the Damned" and the title track.
This is the one.
Submitted by a reviewer (East Stroudsburg, PA) 7/21/2004
|
|
|
|
|
|