noumenon
Guest
Thanks, theres a lot I really can't put into words in this review. AIC has always been my favorite band... I was so pysched to hear this record for soooo fuckin long.
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noumenon
Guest
PARAMORE- BRAND NEW EYES
"Next time you point a finger I might have to bend it back and break off"
Farewell Paramore, farewell Riot!... and I mean that in the best possible way.
Explosive newcomers Paramore burst onto the musical scene two years ago with their sophomore effort, "Riot!". The band had riding the success of the album for some time now, releasing hit after hit from the follow up the lesser known "All We Know is Falling." A near breakup last year coupled with the meteoric commercial success of their movie soundtrack release "Decode", it seemed Paramore could be maturing, progressing and ready to release the best album of their young career, and with "Brand New Eyes" that's truly what they have done.
Brand New Eyes is not only musically and lyrically superior to its predecessor but it does something that Riot! through all frantic pop pace couldn't seem to do...hold a steady theme throughout the album. Riot! seemed almost confused in its message and tone, some songs riddled with near teenage angst and others concentrated and mature and on the verge of a musical breakout. "Brand New Eyes" has maturity and evolution written all over it. The album's first single, "Ignorance" is a huge understatement and mis-representation of the album as a whole. It's obvious why Paramore chose to release it as their first single, easing fans into the change to come. Both lyrically and musically the band has grown tremendously, managing to at some points completely break out of the verse/chorus/bridge formula that they clung to so dearly on Riot!. The music is slower and more sure of itself and Hayley for the first times truly opens herself up with very little metaphorical cover.
Brand New Eyes is sure to be the album that truly solidifies this young band's fan base and probably nearly doubles it to be quite honest. The lyrics are a lot more accessible and you don't need to be a 16 year old girl to relate with these messages... because let's be honest, not a whole lot of us "had him right where we wanted him".
TRACK BY TRACK
CAREFUL - "Open your eyes like I opened mine"..this track really lyrically sets the tone for this album while keeping fans of Riot! close to their comfort zone.
IGNORANCE - Probably the "poppiest" track on the entire album, we've all heard it already.
PLAYING GOD-Hayley really starts to step out of her lyrical comfort zone. Great track
BRICK BY BORING BRICK - Catchy chorus, more reminiscent of "All We Know.." Paramore.
TURN IT OFF - Again, truly shows growth in the band both lyrically and musically
THE ONLY EXCUSE- An entirely acoustic ballad, I really can't say enough about this song. Paramore has truly arrived on this track. At point I almost expect Hayley to break into "Ordinary World"....you'll see what I mean.
FEELING SORRY - Solid rockin track to pick the pace of the album back up
LOOKING UP - The lyrics are clearly about the near break up of the band.
WHERE THE LINES OVERLAP - A bit softer than the live version we originally heard. Again seems about inner struggles and resolutions of the band.
MISGUIDED GHOSTS - Another entirely acoustic beautifully done track. Very folky different vibe for the band.
ALL I WANTED - An emotionally charged great closing track for the album.
Brand New Eyes is truly a complete revamping of an extremely successful band, without taking away and of the main attributes that got them where they are in the first place. Brand New Eyes is sure to take Riot! off of most Paramore fans permanent spin, at least for quite a while and perhaps even make those who have dismissed the band in the past give them a second look.
Believe the hype and know the wait was truly worth it on this one guys, Brand New Eyes is truly all it was built up to be, and maybe a little more.
"Next time you point a finger I might have to bend it back and break off"
Farewell Paramore, farewell Riot!... and I mean that in the best possible way.
Explosive newcomers Paramore burst onto the musical scene two years ago with their sophomore effort, "Riot!". The band had riding the success of the album for some time now, releasing hit after hit from the follow up the lesser known "All We Know is Falling." A near breakup last year coupled with the meteoric commercial success of their movie soundtrack release "Decode", it seemed Paramore could be maturing, progressing and ready to release the best album of their young career, and with "Brand New Eyes" that's truly what they have done.
Brand New Eyes is not only musically and lyrically superior to its predecessor but it does something that Riot! through all frantic pop pace couldn't seem to do...hold a steady theme throughout the album. Riot! seemed almost confused in its message and tone, some songs riddled with near teenage angst and others concentrated and mature and on the verge of a musical breakout. "Brand New Eyes" has maturity and evolution written all over it. The album's first single, "Ignorance" is a huge understatement and mis-representation of the album as a whole. It's obvious why Paramore chose to release it as their first single, easing fans into the change to come. Both lyrically and musically the band has grown tremendously, managing to at some points completely break out of the verse/chorus/bridge formula that they clung to so dearly on Riot!. The music is slower and more sure of itself and Hayley for the first times truly opens herself up with very little metaphorical cover.
Brand New Eyes is sure to be the album that truly solidifies this young band's fan base and probably nearly doubles it to be quite honest. The lyrics are a lot more accessible and you don't need to be a 16 year old girl to relate with these messages... because let's be honest, not a whole lot of us "had him right where we wanted him".
TRACK BY TRACK
CAREFUL - "Open your eyes like I opened mine"..this track really lyrically sets the tone for this album while keeping fans of Riot! close to their comfort zone.
IGNORANCE - Probably the "poppiest" track on the entire album, we've all heard it already.
PLAYING GOD-Hayley really starts to step out of her lyrical comfort zone. Great track
BRICK BY BORING BRICK - Catchy chorus, more reminiscent of "All We Know.." Paramore.
TURN IT OFF - Again, truly shows growth in the band both lyrically and musically
THE ONLY EXCUSE- An entirely acoustic ballad, I really can't say enough about this song. Paramore has truly arrived on this track. At point I almost expect Hayley to break into "Ordinary World"....you'll see what I mean.
FEELING SORRY - Solid rockin track to pick the pace of the album back up
LOOKING UP - The lyrics are clearly about the near break up of the band.
WHERE THE LINES OVERLAP - A bit softer than the live version we originally heard. Again seems about inner struggles and resolutions of the band.
MISGUIDED GHOSTS - Another entirely acoustic beautifully done track. Very folky different vibe for the band.
ALL I WANTED - An emotionally charged great closing track for the album.
Brand New Eyes is truly a complete revamping of an extremely successful band, without taking away and of the main attributes that got them where they are in the first place. Brand New Eyes is sure to take Riot! off of most Paramore fans permanent spin, at least for quite a while and perhaps even make those who have dismissed the band in the past give them a second look.
Believe the hype and know the wait was truly worth it on this one guys, Brand New Eyes is truly all it was built up to be, and maybe a little more.
PeepShow
Guest
That was the whole point, thus being called Riot! There was no major theme. It was just a bunch of melodies that were all over the place. I loved it. Gunna be hard for bne to live up to it imo.
noumenon said:
Did you seriously write the top half of this review?
noumenon
Guest
PeepShow
Guest
Didn't know you knew that much about them. Sounds like something you'd find off of AP or something.
noumenon
Guest
I make it a point to learn at least a little background on the bands I listen to. I find knowing something about the band and where they're coming from makes listening to the music a more enjoyable experience. I actually took a few critical journalism courses as well and used to do album reviews for a local Metal and Hardcore newsletter.
Writing was kind of my first career choice... didn't exactly pan out though..lol.
Writing was kind of my first career choice... didn't exactly pan out though..lol.
PeepShow
Guest
noumenon
Guest
I'm gonna go with an out of 10 on this one...
If riot was a 7.5.... this would be an 8.5.
It's not a gigantic leap forward, but definitely a noticeable and welcome one. They've shown consistent evolution on every album. It's just a better structured, more consistent rock album than Riot! was. It doesn't have huge standout tracks like Riot! did, but it's a good thing, everything is pretty solid and works well together.
If riot was a 7.5.... this would be an 8.5.
It's not a gigantic leap forward, but definitely a noticeable and welcome one. They've shown consistent evolution on every album. It's just a better structured, more consistent rock album than Riot! was. It doesn't have huge standout tracks like Riot! did, but it's a good thing, everything is pretty solid and works well together.
noumenon
Guest
PEARL JAM - BACKSPACER
There's no avoiding the fact that Pearl Jam is a band that's undergone a pretty significant sonic change over their musical career. From the early 90's slow paced crooning of such grunge masterpieces as "Black" and "Jeremy" the band moved into a more clean cut and straight forward approach to song writing. Streamlining most of their tracks to around the three minute mark and cutting out most of the musical flare in favor of three chord cut and dry riffs.
Though the band's musical approach has changed over the years Vedder still seems to be able to remain significant and poignant in his lyrical approach. While "Backspacer" continues on the streamlined rockin' road of their more recent works it's also a call back to some of their earlier work. The album at times does slow down for a more laid back early-era Pearl Jam track. The music at parts is also a bit more intricate and the guitars do take the occasional break from their frantic strumming to throw out a quick clean solo or bluesy interlude.
Vedder is on the top of his game vocally and lyrically with this album and manages to crank out what just might be some of his best work. Backspacer is an easily overlooked effort by this seasoned and in recent years, often dismissed band.
Eddie proclaims in the first single "Fixer" he's gonna "fight to get it back again" and it this albums shows that just might be the case. Though the album clocks in with a very short run time (somewhere around the high 30's I believe) it's probably the strongest effort album Pearl Jam have put forth in a number of years. Though it may take a few listens as it did with me, the album is definitely worth the few spins it takes to finally sink in.
There's no avoiding the fact that Pearl Jam is a band that's undergone a pretty significant sonic change over their musical career. From the early 90's slow paced crooning of such grunge masterpieces as "Black" and "Jeremy" the band moved into a more clean cut and straight forward approach to song writing. Streamlining most of their tracks to around the three minute mark and cutting out most of the musical flare in favor of three chord cut and dry riffs.
Though the band's musical approach has changed over the years Vedder still seems to be able to remain significant and poignant in his lyrical approach. While "Backspacer" continues on the streamlined rockin' road of their more recent works it's also a call back to some of their earlier work. The album at times does slow down for a more laid back early-era Pearl Jam track. The music at parts is also a bit more intricate and the guitars do take the occasional break from their frantic strumming to throw out a quick clean solo or bluesy interlude.
Vedder is on the top of his game vocally and lyrically with this album and manages to crank out what just might be some of his best work. Backspacer is an easily overlooked effort by this seasoned and in recent years, often dismissed band.
Eddie proclaims in the first single "Fixer" he's gonna "fight to get it back again" and it this albums shows that just might be the case. Though the album clocks in with a very short run time (somewhere around the high 30's I believe) it's probably the strongest effort album Pearl Jam have put forth in a number of years. Though it may take a few listens as it did with me, the album is definitely worth the few spins it takes to finally sink in.
seX-Power
Guest
PARAMORE- brand new eyes
Well after a few listens to the album this is what I have to say.
Careful- Definitely a fiery way to open up the album and is full of energy the entire way through. Reminds me of stuff from previous times, this could be described as a transitional track, but either way it is extremely catchy.
Ignorance- I don't know whether it's the play count of 79, but it doesn't have the same impact it used to. Nevertheless, I never liked this upon first listen as much as other singles, not making it a bad track by any means though. Just seems like another Misery Business, another song that you grow tired of due to overplaying.
Playing God- I think that there is absolutely nothing wrong with this song, and for the people saying that they wanted something more aggressive- this is why I stay away from spoilers like lyrics or instrumentals- it gives you a predisposed opinion on what the track should sound like. Great, catchy tune that is really fun to sing along to.
Brick By Boring Brick- Didn't really click the first few times but has grown on me to become a fun track. It is suitable for a single and as someone else mentioned, the bridge is truly beautiful. I also love a section of 'ba da da's or stuff like that so yeah.
Turn It Off- This was my favorite when I first listened to the album and something about it makes it instantly likeable. It seems a tad slow but shows Hayley's great voice and leaves you feeling good after listening.
The Only Exception- I was a bit on the fence regarding this track, it was instantly memorable but also seemed a bit repetitious and slow. I think it could use a better climax or have Hayley go up the octave but I supposed they built up the song in other ways than that on purpose. Not bad, just lack that power I'm used to with Paramore.
Feeling Sorry- Another song that didn't click instantly, but after a few more listens it became a very acceptable track that wasn't the strongest but was far from bad. I like the use of the 3/4 time signature as it creates some interesting rhythms.
Looking Up- It took me the most listens out of all the tracks to get this one stuck in my head, and it's probably because the song is rather generic. It's like the 'Miracle' of Riot, it's not bad but it doesn't have any defining quality that makes it stand out.
Where The Lines Overlap- This is a song that's hard to describe- it's not wonderful musically or lyrically but damn does it do a great job at making you feel good. It's a song where you smile after the first few notes. I could see this being a good single as well, and I like the slower pace as it makes it seem calmer.
Misguided Ghosts- I have mixed feelings regarding this song, usually when I listen I enjoy it, in particular Hayley's voice which is great to hear without any strain. However, other times I just get plain bored. I think that towards the end the texture could have thickened to make the song more interesting but it is what it is, and I guess it's okay.
All I Wanted- I can tell that this song will mostly be remembered for Hayley's one line where the instruments come out and she sings about the greatest note I've ever heard from her. That is one beautiful moment and the first time I listened I was speechless. Otherwise a good song, but the vocals really propel it into the 'great' level.
Overall, a great album and my favorite from Paramore so far. I liked the variety and the way they weren't afraid to experiment. We heard new things, and even though it can't be so great for hardcore fans of Riot it's still a great experience for others. Standout tracks for me are Turn It Off & Playing God, and to a slightly lesser extent All I Wanted & Careful. There were no disappointing tracks but in comparison the weakest for me would have to be Looking Up & Misguided Ghosts, and to a lesser extent Ignorance, which is just overplayed.
Well after a few listens to the album this is what I have to say.
Careful- Definitely a fiery way to open up the album and is full of energy the entire way through. Reminds me of stuff from previous times, this could be described as a transitional track, but either way it is extremely catchy.
Ignorance- I don't know whether it's the play count of 79, but it doesn't have the same impact it used to. Nevertheless, I never liked this upon first listen as much as other singles, not making it a bad track by any means though. Just seems like another Misery Business, another song that you grow tired of due to overplaying.
Playing God- I think that there is absolutely nothing wrong with this song, and for the people saying that they wanted something more aggressive- this is why I stay away from spoilers like lyrics or instrumentals- it gives you a predisposed opinion on what the track should sound like. Great, catchy tune that is really fun to sing along to.
Brick By Boring Brick- Didn't really click the first few times but has grown on me to become a fun track. It is suitable for a single and as someone else mentioned, the bridge is truly beautiful. I also love a section of 'ba da da's or stuff like that so yeah.
Turn It Off- This was my favorite when I first listened to the album and something about it makes it instantly likeable. It seems a tad slow but shows Hayley's great voice and leaves you feeling good after listening.
The Only Exception- I was a bit on the fence regarding this track, it was instantly memorable but also seemed a bit repetitious and slow. I think it could use a better climax or have Hayley go up the octave but I supposed they built up the song in other ways than that on purpose. Not bad, just lack that power I'm used to with Paramore.
Feeling Sorry- Another song that didn't click instantly, but after a few more listens it became a very acceptable track that wasn't the strongest but was far from bad. I like the use of the 3/4 time signature as it creates some interesting rhythms.
Looking Up- It took me the most listens out of all the tracks to get this one stuck in my head, and it's probably because the song is rather generic. It's like the 'Miracle' of Riot, it's not bad but it doesn't have any defining quality that makes it stand out.
Where The Lines Overlap- This is a song that's hard to describe- it's not wonderful musically or lyrically but damn does it do a great job at making you feel good. It's a song where you smile after the first few notes. I could see this being a good single as well, and I like the slower pace as it makes it seem calmer.
Misguided Ghosts- I have mixed feelings regarding this song, usually when I listen I enjoy it, in particular Hayley's voice which is great to hear without any strain. However, other times I just get plain bored. I think that towards the end the texture could have thickened to make the song more interesting but it is what it is, and I guess it's okay.
All I Wanted- I can tell that this song will mostly be remembered for Hayley's one line where the instruments come out and she sings about the greatest note I've ever heard from her. That is one beautiful moment and the first time I listened I was speechless. Otherwise a good song, but the vocals really propel it into the 'great' level.
Overall, a great album and my favorite from Paramore so far. I liked the variety and the way they weren't afraid to experiment. We heard new things, and even though it can't be so great for hardcore fans of Riot it's still a great experience for others. Standout tracks for me are Turn It Off & Playing God, and to a slightly lesser extent All I Wanted & Careful. There were no disappointing tracks but in comparison the weakest for me would have to be Looking Up & Misguided Ghosts, and to a lesser extent Ignorance, which is just overplayed.
noumenon
Guest
DETHKLOK - DETHALBUM II
Perhaps the most unique phenomena to ever hit the metal scene, Dethklok return with their sophomore effort, "Dethalbum II".
But wait wait wait, before we get into this review let's get some brief background on this "band."
Swisgaar Skigelf...tall as a tree
Toki Wartooth...not a bumble bee
Pickles, the drummer...diddly doodly doodly doddly doo
William Murderface, Murderface, Murderface
Nathan Explosion.
Well, kind of. Dethklok creator and brain child Brendon Small is actually the primary member of the band. Along with former Strapping Young Lad drummer Gene Hoglan, Brendon has been putting his own ironic and comedic spin on brutal metal for a few years now.
A few short years ago we got Dethklok's debut album. Most people were shocked at the actual quality of the music and hey..the thing stood alone as a pretty damn decent metal album. However, the album was to be taken for what it was, a comedy album with some pretty decent metal backing the whole effort.
Dethalbum II is an entirely different beast. One tone vocals and stereotypical monosylabic vocals give way to a much more diverse effort... and wow, does this album kick some serious ass!
There is no ifs ands or buts about it, this is probably the best metal album to be released in YEARS. And no, I'm not falling into the Dethklok hype. This is seriously an incredible album.
Musically the album is effortlessly brutal, melodic and epic, something most bands strive for and can't manage to pull off without feeling forced and contrived. The album is laden with blistering solos and incredible harmonies. If one is not trying to decipher the vocals you could easily listen to the whole album without even knowing there is a slightly satirical undertone to the lyrics.
Everything has been beefed up on this album, the guitar tones, vocal quality and production. The album also flows as a unit, where as Deth Album really seemed like a random compilation of songs from the season.
Dethklok may truly be the Kiss of out generation. Metal with an incredible back story and larger than life feel.
I'm not going to keep rambling on this one, because this may be the first album in a long time that can actually speak for itself. STOP READING AN LISTEN TO IT!
Watch Metalocalypse and buy this album!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Perhaps the most unique phenomena to ever hit the metal scene, Dethklok return with their sophomore effort, "Dethalbum II".
But wait wait wait, before we get into this review let's get some brief background on this "band."
Swisgaar Skigelf...tall as a tree
Toki Wartooth...not a bumble bee
Pickles, the drummer...diddly doodly doodly doddly doo
William Murderface, Murderface, Murderface
Nathan Explosion.
Well, kind of. Dethklok creator and brain child Brendon Small is actually the primary member of the band. Along with former Strapping Young Lad drummer Gene Hoglan, Brendon has been putting his own ironic and comedic spin on brutal metal for a few years now.
A few short years ago we got Dethklok's debut album. Most people were shocked at the actual quality of the music and hey..the thing stood alone as a pretty damn decent metal album. However, the album was to be taken for what it was, a comedy album with some pretty decent metal backing the whole effort.
Dethalbum II is an entirely different beast. One tone vocals and stereotypical monosylabic vocals give way to a much more diverse effort... and wow, does this album kick some serious ass!
There is no ifs ands or buts about it, this is probably the best metal album to be released in YEARS. And no, I'm not falling into the Dethklok hype. This is seriously an incredible album.
Musically the album is effortlessly brutal, melodic and epic, something most bands strive for and can't manage to pull off without feeling forced and contrived. The album is laden with blistering solos and incredible harmonies. If one is not trying to decipher the vocals you could easily listen to the whole album without even knowing there is a slightly satirical undertone to the lyrics.
Everything has been beefed up on this album, the guitar tones, vocal quality and production. The album also flows as a unit, where as Deth Album really seemed like a random compilation of songs from the season.
Dethklok may truly be the Kiss of out generation. Metal with an incredible back story and larger than life feel.
I'm not going to keep rambling on this one, because this may be the first album in a long time that can actually speak for itself. STOP READING AN LISTEN TO IT!
Watch Metalocalypse and buy this album!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
noumenon
Guest
ATREYU - CONGREGATION OF THE DAMNED
Release Date: 10/27/09
The never ending story of Atreyu continues with the 2009 release "Congregation of The Damned" (see what I did there), and the question on most people's mind...is this one going to make their 'old' fans happy.
Let me answer this question really quickly and right off the bat, no probably not.
Their previous effort 'Lead Sail, Paper Anchor' was met with much criticism from many long time Atreyu fans. The lack of front man's Alex screams and an all around more commercial and experimental sound turned many fans away from the once harsh and abrasive sound of Atreyu. I must admit, I'm also a proud member of the 'Alex shouldn't be singing' camp. They have Brandon for that.
Well, the message seems to have sunk in and the screaming is back. Matter of fact, the album opens up with a track of pure screaming by Alex. Although he does try to sneak in some singing now and again it's thankfully blended (and overpowered) tastefully with Brandon's soaring chorus lines. Much can also be said about the Atreyu drummer on this album. It seems as if he's finally become confident enough of his voice to truly belt out each and every line with power and amazing vocal sustain and variation. On the down side, this album is extremely reliant on Brandon's chorus work and the verse's simply seem like tiny little puddle jumps to arrive back at the next ocean of a chorus. Bassist Marc's signature screams are sadly almost completely absent on this effort, which was a bit of a let down.
Guitarists Big dan and Travis are definitely back on the top of their game on this album effortlessly blending the powerful glam rock'ish riffs of "Lead Sail," with blistering intros and solos most loved The Curse for.
COTD is yet another solid effort by Atreyu, a band which seems to continually grow and progress with logical steps on each album. They seem to be one of the few bands who learn from the mistakes of their last effort and blend their work to create an all around listening experience. Old fans probably won't find much comfort in this album save a few tracks. It's not necessarily a bad thing either. Atreyu has come a long way since their debut effort.
Release Date: 10/27/09
The never ending story of Atreyu continues with the 2009 release "Congregation of The Damned" (see what I did there), and the question on most people's mind...is this one going to make their 'old' fans happy.
Let me answer this question really quickly and right off the bat, no probably not.
Their previous effort 'Lead Sail, Paper Anchor' was met with much criticism from many long time Atreyu fans. The lack of front man's Alex screams and an all around more commercial and experimental sound turned many fans away from the once harsh and abrasive sound of Atreyu. I must admit, I'm also a proud member of the 'Alex shouldn't be singing' camp. They have Brandon for that.
Well, the message seems to have sunk in and the screaming is back. Matter of fact, the album opens up with a track of pure screaming by Alex. Although he does try to sneak in some singing now and again it's thankfully blended (and overpowered) tastefully with Brandon's soaring chorus lines. Much can also be said about the Atreyu drummer on this album. It seems as if he's finally become confident enough of his voice to truly belt out each and every line with power and amazing vocal sustain and variation. On the down side, this album is extremely reliant on Brandon's chorus work and the verse's simply seem like tiny little puddle jumps to arrive back at the next ocean of a chorus. Bassist Marc's signature screams are sadly almost completely absent on this effort, which was a bit of a let down.
Guitarists Big dan and Travis are definitely back on the top of their game on this album effortlessly blending the powerful glam rock'ish riffs of "Lead Sail," with blistering intros and solos most loved The Curse for.
COTD is yet another solid effort by Atreyu, a band which seems to continually grow and progress with logical steps on each album. They seem to be one of the few bands who learn from the mistakes of their last effort and blend their work to create an all around listening experience. Old fans probably won't find much comfort in this album save a few tracks. It's not necessarily a bad thing either. Atreyu has come a long way since their debut effort.
noumenon
Guest
Creed - Full Circle
So it's been nearly seven years since we've heard anything from our favorite late 90's post grunge rockers, Creed. An ugly split due to clashing egos, quitting members and musical differences saw Creed band members take their own separate paths and try to make it in the music industry on their own accord.
Lead singer Scott Stapp went on to start up solo project which was DOA largely due once again to ego problems and his unwillingness to accept the fact that he did in fact have a band backing him. Poor promotion and self absorbed lyrics saw this album flounder and go nowhere.
On the other side of the fence guitarist Mark Tremonti took the remaining Creed band mates along with him on his ride to create his own mark on music. Along with front man Myles Kennedy, Tremonti formed Alter Bridge. Poor promotion via their label and lack of funds saw band members sink virtually all of their funds into two Alter Bridge albums. Although their work was solid and met with rave reviews from critics and fans alike the project never seemed to truly get off the ground. The departure of singer Myles Kennedy to pursue his fill in role for Robert Plant once again left Tremonti and others with nothing to do.
Let's be brutally honest here from the start, the Creed reunion was obviously and blatantly due to these guys being seriously strapped for cash after their failing side projects. Everyone thought it would result in a tour or two and another split, never did we think we'd get another Creed album out of this. Regardless of what the reasonings were for their reunion what we got out of it is essentially Creed's best album of their career.
For the first time Creed seems to be working as a unit. Tremonti brings some more complex guitar work into the mix and even some backing vocals. Scott's signature voice is all there and then some. Lyrics questioning faith, humanity and ones self are all there in full force as usual. Although you may not find a "With Arms Wide Open", "Higher" or "My Sacrifice" on this album, it's a good thing. Instead of relying on two or three tracks to carry the entire album it stands on it's own as a great rock album. A few signature Tremonti solos are scattered throughout a Creed album for the first time as well.
"Full Circle" contains both the heaviest and most melodic songs the band has ever written along with experimental sounding material such as "Bread of Shame". I was a bit worried when popping the album in for the first time that it would simply be a bunch of left over Alter Bridge riffs with Stapp singing over them. That's far from the truth, "Full Circle" maintains Creed's signature sound while at the same time managing to expand upon it and create a fuller more interesting listen.
If you weren't a fan of Creed before the album, chances are there's really not much on it that's going to drag you in. However, for existing fans this album is surely worth the wait for fans of possibly the most solid rock band to emerge from the late 90's. Creed have truly gotten their edge back on this album and sound as rejuvenated as a band could possibly be. Hopefully their learn to manage their talent properly this time around and can stick around for a while.
So it's been nearly seven years since we've heard anything from our favorite late 90's post grunge rockers, Creed. An ugly split due to clashing egos, quitting members and musical differences saw Creed band members take their own separate paths and try to make it in the music industry on their own accord.
Lead singer Scott Stapp went on to start up solo project which was DOA largely due once again to ego problems and his unwillingness to accept the fact that he did in fact have a band backing him. Poor promotion and self absorbed lyrics saw this album flounder and go nowhere.
On the other side of the fence guitarist Mark Tremonti took the remaining Creed band mates along with him on his ride to create his own mark on music. Along with front man Myles Kennedy, Tremonti formed Alter Bridge. Poor promotion via their label and lack of funds saw band members sink virtually all of their funds into two Alter Bridge albums. Although their work was solid and met with rave reviews from critics and fans alike the project never seemed to truly get off the ground. The departure of singer Myles Kennedy to pursue his fill in role for Robert Plant once again left Tremonti and others with nothing to do.
Let's be brutally honest here from the start, the Creed reunion was obviously and blatantly due to these guys being seriously strapped for cash after their failing side projects. Everyone thought it would result in a tour or two and another split, never did we think we'd get another Creed album out of this. Regardless of what the reasonings were for their reunion what we got out of it is essentially Creed's best album of their career.
For the first time Creed seems to be working as a unit. Tremonti brings some more complex guitar work into the mix and even some backing vocals. Scott's signature voice is all there and then some. Lyrics questioning faith, humanity and ones self are all there in full force as usual. Although you may not find a "With Arms Wide Open", "Higher" or "My Sacrifice" on this album, it's a good thing. Instead of relying on two or three tracks to carry the entire album it stands on it's own as a great rock album. A few signature Tremonti solos are scattered throughout a Creed album for the first time as well.
"Full Circle" contains both the heaviest and most melodic songs the band has ever written along with experimental sounding material such as "Bread of Shame". I was a bit worried when popping the album in for the first time that it would simply be a bunch of left over Alter Bridge riffs with Stapp singing over them. That's far from the truth, "Full Circle" maintains Creed's signature sound while at the same time managing to expand upon it and create a fuller more interesting listen.
If you weren't a fan of Creed before the album, chances are there's really not much on it that's going to drag you in. However, for existing fans this album is surely worth the wait for fans of possibly the most solid rock band to emerge from the late 90's. Creed have truly gotten their edge back on this album and sound as rejuvenated as a band could possibly be. Hopefully their learn to manage their talent properly this time around and can stick around for a while.
Wordlife
Guest
a month+ too late, but did you really like Brand New Eyes the best out of all Paramore's albums X?
It was good, but it didn't have any songs that stood out as great pop/rock songs that make you want to girl out and sideways headbang.
All We Know is Falling
-Emergency
-Pressure
-Conspiracy
-Franklin
Riot
-Misery Business
-Crushx3
-Hallelujah
Brand New Eyes
-Ignorance
-Brick by Boring Brick (eh.)
For me, it's All We Know>Riot>Brand New Eyes
I'll try to post a review of all the pop-punk stuff I've been listening to lately soon.
It was good, but it didn't have any songs that stood out as great pop/rock songs that make you want to girl out and sideways headbang.
All We Know is Falling
-Emergency
-Pressure
-Conspiracy
-Franklin
Riot
-Misery Business
-Crushx3
-Hallelujah
Brand New Eyes
-Ignorance
-Brick by Boring Brick (eh.)
For me, it's All We Know>Riot>Brand New Eyes
I'll try to post a review of all the pop-punk stuff I've been listening to lately soon.