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Tainted Imagez's reviews CDs!
"Daddy drinks because you cry."
Kidneythieves
Live in Chicago 2002
Red Sleeve Music
The true test of any bands musical talents is to prove themselves on stage in front of an audience. The whole point of being a musician is to prove that you are competent and capable to perform a live show. It's rare that a band comes across as being as impressive live as they are in the studio. My introduction to the kidneythieves was during KMFDM's Strung and Drang tour in mid-2002. My first impression was nothing less then spectacular. For those us you who may have missed the opportunity to see kidneythieves live, now is your chance to have Free's siren call right in the comfort of your domicile. Live in Chicago 2002 proves kidneythieves are a live band. The band may have been formed in the studio, but they are surely meant to be witnessed on the stage.
Someone once told me that a live CD is only released to give the band more time in the studio to work on upcoming releases, while keeping their fans content enough to remain faithful. This album, however, features tracks that are only improved by being recorded in a live environment, with a crowd supplying backing vocals to their favorite songs. This live release has not only the entire 8 song set, but also boasts an acoustic version of "Before Im Dead," also featured on the "Queen of the Damned" soundtrack & movie, as well as a new track. "Red and Violet" was written while on the road and recorded after their first cross-country tour concluded, and only gives up a glimpse of the continued improvement the band is making.
Recommended Tracks:
2: Black Bullet
5: Crazy
6: Glitter Girl
10: Red & Violet
Marilyn Manson
The Golden Age of the Grotesque
nothing/Interscope Records
What can we expect from the group that brought us such controversial classics as "ANTICHRIST superstar," "Mechanical Animals" & "Holywood?" What possible direction could Marilyn Manson's music take this time around? We've all heard the rumors about the style "The Golden Age of the Grotesque" would possibly go. Hard and heavy, back to the Marilyn Manson that we were first introduced to on "Portrait of an American Family." "Are you motherfucking ready for the new shit?" Manson screams on "The New Shit," the second track on the forthcoming and sixth release from the emperor of the Grotesk. The king of controversy seems to have raised the bar on the music he has created. "Everything has been said before, nothing left to say anymore." I find it difficult to put into words the images that crawl out of the speakers as "(s)AINT" is being played. "I've got an F and a C and I got a K too, and the only things that's missing is a bitch like you." I can think of a few Ex's I'd like to dedicate "(s)AINT" to. Or the frustration I feel as "mOBSCENE" bursts forth. Are you gonna get it? More likely then not, you won't. Will you want it? More then anything you've ever desired. Lyrically, Marilyn Manson keeps improving. Evolving with each new album and drawing influence from society's current incarnation. Musically, the group has surpassed any and all barriers thrown up against them. Manson has used ex-girlfriends, gospel choirs, adult film vixens and cheerleaders as back up vocals on their albums. We've been handed a mirror and forced to face what we, society, fear the most ... ourselves. This is how the man, who has been blamed for the downfall of America's youth, sees us, the very same people who created him. Just when we were left wondering what could be after the "HOLYWOOD" trilogy, we're given a Grotesque Burlesque. Word play has always seemed to be on of Manson's fortes. "DOLL-DAGGA BUZZ-BUZZ ZIGGETY-ZAG." What a song title! By far one of the most catchy tracks on the album, and my prediction for the second single. The good news is that GAOTG is undoubtedly the best material Manson has offered up for the masses to dissect and piece back together again. The album also offers us a look at Manson's supposed insecurities. No one wants to be fucked out of boredom. "I don't need a reason to hate you the way that I do." Does anyone really need to explain why we hate someone? The album exudes filth and pain, sorrow and anger at a level that only one who has experienced such travesties will be able to comprehend. At the same time though, it gives our suffering a voice. "PARA-NOIR" could just as easily be about any of our significant others who have left us heartbroken. It's also healthier for us to scream along with the songs, then it is to smash their face in with a brick. It is more upbeat then we're used to, not as dark and foreboding as previous releases. I don't think there's anything that is going to hit anyone in the jugular, which could be the rise or the fall of Marilyn Manson. "This isn't music and we're not a band. We're five middle fingers on a motherfucking hand," Manson screams during "VODEVIL." They've also got a CD worthy of Five stars.
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Hanzel und Gretyl
UBER ALLES
Metropolis Records
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and Hanzel und Gretyl have been absent for nearly five years. Nearly ten years after breaking into the music scene with "AUSGEFLIPPT," "UBER ALLES," the duos' latest (and third) offering, will drop into your laps May 2003. Hanzel und Gretyl have once again created a timeless space-metal epic opus. It is difficult enough to write music in one language, but HuG have proved again and again they are capable of mastering the English Language and the German Language. Tracks such as Third Reich From the Sun nad 11:11 remind us of HuG awesome abilty to "reich on!"
In a time when bands are being compromised of fewer then three members, HuG re-establishes themselves as the pioneers of the pop-metal-industrial amalgamation that has re-emerged in the later half of the 20th century. With mainly German lyrics and experimental ideas, "UBER ALLES" is powerful in both its sound and its message. Rising like a Phoenix from the ashes, HuG are set for a summer 2003 tour, back by a new band. Miss not this extraordinary paranormal aural assault. Who knows when the Deathstar Supergalalctik Mothership will be back?
Recommended Tracks:
2. Third reich from the sun
6. SS Deathstar Supergalalctik
9. 11:11
13. aufweidersehen
Evanscence
Fallen
Windup Records 2003
Evanescence has been compared to Sarah McLachlan singing over NINE INCH NAILS. And it is a valid comparison. I personally would compare the sound to an evolved version of kidneythieves, or an industrial version of Natalie Imbruglia. Amy Lee's vocals mix perfectly with Ben Moody's music. Ballads set on fire, which you are frantically trying to stamp out. The imagery I get when listening to "FALLEN" can not be compared to any other band. The tracks are seamlessly woven together, moving from thought to thought. Paul McCoy of 12 Stones, and fellow Windup Records alumni, lent his vocal talents to "Bring Me to Life", enhancing the power and passion behind the track. "Haunted", a dark and melodic swan song, would have fit well in "Queen of the Damned". On "Hello" Amy seems to be calling to that faceless voice, asking for some kind of emotional salvation. It takes a very determined group to add a choir as backing vocals. Including the Millenium Choir on four tracks only enhances the gothic perception on "Fallen" and gives one chills as you enjoy the aural assault.
Amy Lee proves her worth and along with this backing band, is more then able to stand up against the most angst ridden guy behind a microphone.
Who would have thought an Industrial-Alternative act, also a little gothic, would come from Little Rock, Arkansas? The Mid-Western states are becoming a hot box for incredible music. KAZR, Lazer 103.3 in Des Moines, has recently put their debut single into rotation. Not a small thing, considering KAZR seems to spin anything but METALLICA, LIMP BIZKIT and SOUNDGARDEN/RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE/AUDIOSLAVE.
"Bring Me to Life", the debut single, and "My Immortal" are both featured in the "DAREDEVIL" movie as well as on the soundtrack. Their placement in the movie only enhanced their corresponding scenes. This helped the band create a strong enough following to debut the album at No. Seven on the Billboard charts. An amazing feat for a debut band.
Jay Baumgardner, the sixth and unofficial member of ORGY, mixed "Bring Me to Life" and yet again proves himself as a master mixer. The band has firmly set itself as a musical force to be reckoned with.
Even though the tracks seem dark and brooding, there is a positive message to them. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and its not a train.
Cinder: BREAK YOUR SILENCE sampler 2002
Soul Creation
Ugly
Welcome back to the age of rock/metal. Melodic harmonies, crunching rifts and driving beats bring Cinder to the forefront of the new metal movement. Proving themselves on national tours with CREED and SEVENDUST, Cinder's music has matured since their local club shows.
The singer offers insight to some of the material:
"Soul Creation [the first single from Break Your Silence] - "It's more or less about individuality. Its message is 'Be yourself'."
"Ugly" - "This song originated from the Columbine shooting incident, about how it would feel to be that person, what was going through his mind?"
The sampler will leave people eagerly anticipating the full length CD, to be released early 2003.
Adema 2002
Insomniac's Dream
Immortal
Shattered
Nutshell
Freaking Out (Chris Vrenna Remix)
The Way You Like It (Sam 'Sever' Citrin Remix)
Do What You Want to Do (live)
Giving In (Radio Mix)
Crowds were gifted earlier this year when ADEMA preformed IMMORTAL and SHATTERED during live sets. The studio versions can be heard on INSOMNIACS DREAM, ADEMAs first multimedia enhanced EP. The EP itself is dedicated to the memories of Dave Williams, Layne Staley and bassist Dave DeRoos mother Anna. The cover of Alice In Chains NUTSHELL sets the mood of the CD. Re-interpretations by Chris Vrenna and Sam Sever Citrin make this a must have for current fans and a jump on point for anyone who missed out on watching this band evolve into the phenomenon they have become. Featuring videos for Immortal, The Way You Like It and Giving In, the multimedia section also features a current biography and live & candid photos taken during their most recent tour and OZZfest 2002. My recommendation, PLAY IT LOUD!!!
goneblind ep September 24th 2002 release
remnants
rescue me
pass on through
american origional
ammeissen
goneblind sounds like they are bringing back the old school 80's metal to a new generation of music listeners. Vocalist John Curry dramatically blends harmonizing lyrics with the melodic sounds of Aristides Rincon's lead guitar, bassist Mitch Burman and hard beats of Mark Archer.
With songs that you can sing along to, such as REMNANTS, to the hard driving, heavy hitting AMEISSEN, goneblind gives it's listener a vast array of musical diversity. recognition for their long years of hard work has finally paid off. goneblind's debut full length album could serve as the eye opener the music world has been waiting for the 5 song EP release is meant to wet the appetites of the listeners, and leave them waiting on the edge of their seat for a full length album, due to drop in your laps early 2003.
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t.A.T.u.
200 KM/H IN THE WRONG LANE
Interscope Records 2002
"Like a game of pick up sticks, Played by fucking lunatics"
If this is cynical, processed pop, give me some more!
When I first heard these two girls described as a pair of teenage Russian lesbians, I thought, "Oh God, here we go, another of those annoying novelty pop packages." Then I played the record. t.A.T.u's album sounds like nothing I've ever heard, and I can't stop listening to it. It's really too bad people seem to be more focused on the fact that these two young girls of t.A.T.u. from Russia (ages 17 and 18) are lesbians, and not the fact that these two have amazing vocals. I could really care less if they're making out in their latest video. Their latest single, "All the Things She Said," is blowing up on radio air play and video channels. Each track has it's own unique style. Here is yet another teeny-bop act you'd love to hate but can't because they're so damn talented. I know it's sacrilege to say so, but I think their cover The Smiths' 'How Soon is Now?' might even be better than the original. The CD features 8 new tracks, two Russian versions and an Extended mix and is well worth it. It may be true that most of the tracks are English versions of their original Russian version, but the CD is worth a listen. Tracks range for ballads, to pop, and a few could even be considered techno and industrial. And don't compare these girls to Brittany of Christina, there musical career is just beginning the US. These girls have managed to match the image with an equally attention-grabbing album. Big on the synth and bass and filled with addictive hooks, 'All The Things She Said' suggests this Russian teen duo could have some longevity.
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