The Manor

1. Morning Manor: Intro

2. Manor

3. Curtains [Scene 1]

4. Need $ Peace Love # !

5. Game Plan

6. Nina G's

7. One Night

8. Mo Cheddah

9. My Twin

10. One Way or Another

11. Curtains [Scene 2]

12. Evening Manor

The Manor,Big Man Wayne,P.R.,Hip-Hop

Average customer rating:

Poetica Anat Cohen Manufacturer: Anzic Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items: Noir Place and Time Pilgrimage In Pursuit Live at the Village Vanguard ASIN: B000OB9C7W Release Date: 2007-04-24

Product Description

10-track CD on Anzic Records, 2007.

Average customer rating: remaster Nox Arcana keeps getting better A Stunning Debut! Nox Arcana: The project that truly represents Halloween and for people who simply love classical-oriented Gothic instrumentals A well-woven dark tale

Darklore Manor Nox Arcana Manufacturer: Monolith Graphics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Sound Effects | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Halloween | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Necronomicon Transylvania Winter's Knight The 13th Hour Carnival Of Lost Souls ASIN: B0006OHMRY Release Date: 2004-03-20

Tracks:

1. Legend
2. Darklore Manor
3. Threshold Of The Dead
4. Trespassers
5. Veil Of Darkness
6. Sanctuary Of Shadows
7. The Grande Hall
8. Remnants
9. Phantom Procession
10. Belladonna
11. Nursery Rhyme
12. Music Box
13. The Forgotten
14. Nightmare
15. No Rest For The Wicked
16. Omen
17. Seance
18. Beyond Midnight
19. Darkness Immortal
20. Incantation
21. Resurrected

Album Description

Enter Darklore Manor, where creatures of the night lurk in shadows and ghostly sounds echo through unhallowed halls. Nox Arcana invites you to embark on a musical journey throughout a legendary haunted mansion with a dark and sinister history. This gothic soundscape contains 21 tracks of haunting melodies, eerie voices, Latin chants, and foreboding orchestrations to create a perfect dark and moody atmosphere.

Customer Reviews:

remaster.......2007-05-25

the remastered version is were its at. it actualy sounds eerie.

Nox Arcana keeps getting better.......2007-05-12

They are the best at what they do and this CD is just one more example. You cannot go wrong with any Nox Arcana CD

A Stunning Debut!.......2007-04-17

Nox Arcana's debut CD Darklore Manor is a stunning, chilling instrumental concept album that could easily serve as the soundtrack for a classic haunted house film. Very few debut CDs have the amazing musicianship and technical virtuosity that Joseph Vargo and William Piotrowski exhibit on this album. There are unforgettable, elegant piano-dominated melodies like "Veil of Darkness," as well as sinister organ pieces, moody harpsichord songs and elaborate, stirring orchestral set pieces that demonstrate an instinctive mastery of composition and melody. The entire gamut of Gothic music is presented here, and woven throughout the CD's 21 tracks are ghostly sound effects, chilling choirs and eerie narrations, all of which contribute to a mesmerizing musical tapestry. The CD's highlight may be "The Forgotten" - a beautiful, moving piano elegy that you will never forget. Many musicians strive their whole careers for an album this accomplished. The beautifully designed CD booklet by Joseph Vargo and Christine Filipak is another delight - this is an album that shows a rare attention to detail, from the packaging to the mixing. Highly recommended.

Nox Arcana: The project that truly represents Halloween and for people who simply love classical-oriented Gothic instrumentals.......2007-04-09

I was told, by a mysterious voice in the night, that I should seek Nox Arcana and await further instructions. But it all began years ago with the discovery of the Midnight Syndicate. So, I did the obvious and entered "Midnight Syndicate" in my computer search engine, and the lone website introduced itself to me. All went dark and quiet, and the room got cold, and I could see my breath as I panted in fear, and I heard laughter amongst terrifying screams, but yet, I was alone. This was only my introduction to the Midnight Syndicate and soon to follow was the birth of something even better, the nightmareish apparitions of Nox Arcana. I was compelled to bring Nox Arcana into my world, and so I've been in the dark ever since. But, then again, it became a blissful absence from the norm. Although, Halloween is never really mentioned with any of the Nox Arcana CD's, it does seem that everyday is Halloween in my world, and for the past four years, I've always feared that I've sold my soul somehow. I believe that I sacrificed my soul the day I got out my credit card and asked the cyber spirits to bring my first Nox Arcana CD into my home. It was this CD: "Darklore Manor"

Something became different about me. My very presence wasn't acknowledged in any normal way anymore. Was I being ignored, or am I even in the room at all? Something just wasn't right. I've had days that I've stared into the mirror, but somehow, I wasn't there. When I speak to strangers in the street, I don't think that they even acknowledge me. I speak with just a small hiss of words, and people respond as if they've just been pushed by a cold wind. My loved ones speak of me, as if I've departed from this world, but yet, I am in the room. Only when I laugh, do people respond as if they've heard something. They cuddle together, in fear of their safety, and cry out my name, in a past tense, as if I am torturing them. This wasn't fun anymore. It wasn't fun, THEN, anyway.

I wander aimlessly, finally coming to terms with this apparition that I have become. My only consolation, deep into the night, is to take some of my Nox Arcana CD's and my mini-CD player, to the cemetery and lay against a tombstone, and watch the wind swirl up the leaves in a satanic dance before my eyes, while the music plays and eats away at my scruples of logic. I feel a cold embrace of many condemned angels who've cast off all their inhibitions and indulged in lustful passion upon my defenseless mortal flesh. I am consumed into their ritual with reckless abandon. Returning to reality is all nonsense now. My only fear, is that the batteries in my CD player will weaken and diminish this clash of passion of my psychological pleasure and terror.

I am so glad that Nox Arcana has entered my once typical, pop culture world. However, I feel now, that if I should ever die, I may not know the difference. I've been enjoying this nocturnal bliss for a couple of years now and there's no going back. I walk this world in a cold absence where I question if my presence is perceived at all.

If you'd like to share in this experience with me, start off with this CD of "Darklore Manor". Then get "Necronomicon", "Winter's Knight", "Transylvania", "Carnival of Lost Souls", and their latest (as of 2007) called "Blood of the Dragon".

This music is not heavy metal. It's not satanic music. It's just a mix of classically-influenced instrumentals with various snippets of dark poetry and ghastly effects. You'll hear tormented screams, deathly bell tolls, sinister laughter, grandfather clocks, howling winds, and other little clever effects with piano, organ, and harpsichord, supported by rich strings and a mellotron sound, that promote a uniquely beautiful, but yet, horrifying terror that may claim your soul. It's a small sacrifice for the sake of a dark happiness.

Alas, here's one more way that I have benefited from the music of Nox Arcana. By listening to these CD's through headphones at the cemetery, alone, late at night, in the cold dark, there is a terror that I've experienced that has actually helped me lose weight. To be so terrified that my heart pulsated so intensely that I feared my heart would just burst! That, and the accidental soiling of myself, helped me lose about three pounds. Who would have thought that terror could promote weight loss?

So, if it's dark and disturbing, it has a place in my heart.

A well-woven dark tale.......2007-02-22

Though a bit more specific and talky than the Midnight Syndicate CDs (which was my first venture into this kind of atmospheric music), I found Nox Arcana's Darklore Manor to be quite creepy. It tells a story of an house under a curse, and the strange happenings therein. While it leaves less to the imagination than Midnight Syndicate's 13th Hour, it has plenty of frightening tracks for your next horror gaming session or Halloween party.

Average customer rating: The Lost Version of Electric This is what Electric SHOULD'VE sounded like This is what Electric was supposed to sound like!

The Manor Sessions The Cult Manufacturer: Beggars UK - Ada ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Similar Items: White Ep Live at Marquee London 1991 Beyond Good and Evil ASIN: B000006XXA Release Date: 1998-06-30

Tracks:

1. Love Removal Machine
2. Wild Flower
3. Electric Ocean
4. Outlaw
5. Bad Fun

Customer Reviews:

The Lost Version of Electric.......2004-08-20

I can't believe that this is available on cd. This was really popular with myself and friends, as this was Electric done in the psychadelic style of the previous album. This is a must-have for Cult fans. While I don't share the harsh reviews of Electric (it's good on its own terms) this is a really fascinating "what if" version of the well known material from Electric. Get it and enjoy.

This is what Electric SHOULD'VE sounded like.......2000-10-14

If you substitute these versions of the songs on "Electric" for those that were actually released, you end up with an album that much more effectively bridges the gap between "Love" and "Sonic Temple". Where "Electric" often sounded like 2nd-rate AC/DC, this EP gives a glimpse into an alternate reality where the Cult followed "Love" with an album of incredible power, speed, and drama. The versions on this CD are not dry and raw like their "Electric" counterparts, but rather lush, fiery, and done on a grand scale--imagine a whole CD of "She Sells Sanctuary" turned up to 11, and you've got "The Manor Sessions". In my opinion, this is the Cult's finest hour, bridging the edgy drama of "Love" with the punch and grandeur of "Sonic Temple"--and surpassing them both.

This is what Electric was supposed to sound like!.......1998-10-28

This cd features 5 outtakes from the manor recordings. The recording company found the recordings too 'metal'. The re-recordings is what you can hear on Electric. This cd features a.o. Electric Ocean, Outlaw, Love Removal machine. Too bad that Lil' Devil is not on it.

Average customer rating: A forgotten masterwork, a gem!

Moniuszko: The Haunted Manor Stanislaw Moniuszko , Jacek Kaspszyk , Polish National Opera Orchestra - Warsaw , and Soloists & Chorus of the Polish National Opera Orchestra - Warsaw Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Stanislaw Moniuszko: Halka Schmidt: Das Buch mit sieben Siegeln Stanislaw Moniuszko: Overtures Il Corsaro Massenet: Le Jongleur de Notre Dame ASIN: B0000D9WWL Release Date: 2004-07-13

Tracks:

1. Intrada
2. Wiec Gdy Sie Rozstanium, Przed Slonca Switaniem
3. Ach! Pani Marto, Mowcie Szczerze
4. Cichy Domku... Wcieniu Drzew
5. Witam Was, Witam Was Kochane Dzieciska!
6. Biada!...J Juz Zebrala Sie Gromada!
7. Spod Igielek Kwiaty Rosna
8. Biegnie Sluchac W Lasy, W Kniefe Dziewcze Gdyby Kwiat
9. Gdziez Postawic To Naczynie?
10. Slicznie! Jak Widze Dziewczeta Moje
11. Juz Ogien Plonie, Ku Naszej Stronie Padaja Skry
12. Kto Z Mych Dziewek Serce Ktorej
13. To Niespodzianka! Pani Czesnikowa
14. Traf Szczegolny! Prozne Gniewy, Prozny Krzyk
15. O Drodzy Goscie, Jakze Mi Pozadany Uscisk
16. W Dzieciecych Latek Swobodnej Doli

Tracks:

1. Czemusmy Nie Wzieli Swiecy?
2. Ten Zegar Stary
3. Poszedl, Zostawil Nmie... Niech Cie Piorun Trzasnie!
4. Te Dwie, O Te Dwie Postacie
5. Cisza Dokola, Noc Jasna, Czyste Niebo
6. Morfeusz Do Mnie Wcale Nie Przylata!
7. Kto Tu?...Kto?...Pan Brat!
8. Gdym Przy Wieczerzy Patrzyl W Jej Oczy
9. A Jednak... A Jednak
10. Tak! To Hanna I Jawiga!
11. Pan? Pan W Zegarze?
12. Do Grobu Trwac W Bezzennym Stanie!
13. Pani! Pani! Co Sie Dzieje!
14. Co To Ma Znaczyc?
15. Mazur: Huj! Zagrajcie Siarczyscie, Rznijcie Nam Od Ucha
16. Gospodarzu, Gospodarzu! Cos Z Twych Gosci
17. Przed Stoma Lat, Moj Zacny Dziad
18. I Neslusznie W Pani Mowie

Customer Reviews:

A forgotten masterwork, a gem!.......2006-02-06

How long has this cd been on the market? Impossible to imagine that no one else has neither heard the work, at least it would seem so, nor aware of its release. Very musical; its melodies flow a la Rossini, a la Verdi, and most of all a la Moniuszko. The only other work of his with which I am familiar is "Halka" and I regret that I no longer own the recording. Both works belong in any good opera collection. The singing and orchestral playing in "haunted Manor" are very good to excellent without any weak links. I wish opera companies in the U.S. would be more adventurous and bring these works to the stage. Another lost gem is Reznicek's "Donna Diana" which along with the "Haunted Manor" was well reviewed by Tower Record's critic as well as the Met's "Opera News" to mention only a few reviews. In my opinion they deserve a revival more than "Cyrano de Bergerac". Anyone who is unfamiliar with the "haunted Manor" owes to themselves to at least hear it. A wonderful stage work!

Average customer rating: Smashing good power metal Good power metal!!! Savage Circus sounds just like old Blind Guardian

Dreamland Manor Savage Circus Manufacturer: Century Media ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Evolution Purgatory When Eden Burns A Twist in the Myth Legend of the Bone CARVER Unia ASIN: B000EHT5KK Release Date: 2006-03-21

Tracks:

1. Evil Eyes
2. Between the Devil and the Seas
3. Waltz of the Demon
4. Tomorrowland
5. It -- The Gathering
6. Beyond Reality
7. When Hell Awakes
8. Ghost Story
9. Born Again by the Night
10. Evil Eyes [Video][*][Multimedia Track]

Customer Reviews:

Smashing good power metal.......2006-05-27

After listening to this disc for awhile, I checked the liner notes a few times to make sure that it wasn't Hansi Kursch singing. Holy crap, it's close. The only song where the singer, Jens Carlsson, doesn't sound like Hansi is on the slow song "Beyond Reality", a heavily acoustic opus.

I really enjoyed this album. It's great to hear Thomen Stauch once again pounding out the kind of beats that helped define the sound of early Blind Guardian. This album is a shinig example of what the early B.G. sound was all about: great power metal with the speed and technical precison of speed and thrash metal. And by power metal I mean it's a fist-pumping, adrenaline-rushing good time with lots of great riffs and solos, kickass choruses with cool backing vocals, and plenty of top-notch drumming.

Most of the songs are pretty up-tempo, but there are a few mid-paced and slower songs. Overall, this album has no real weaknesses, although some of the longer tracks seem to meander about slightly. The main thing that kept me from rating this five stars is what most other reviewers have already cited: nothing really original, just more of the same. But that's a good thing. There's plenty of music to sink your teeth into; each song is over five minutes long. From the first shredding riffs of "Evil Eyes" to the pounding drums-only finish of "Born Again by the Night", this is power-metal mastery. Thomen allegedly quit Blind Guardian because he was unhappy with the opera/orchestral sound they were moving towards, and this blast from the past is a welcome product of that.

Good power metal!!!.......2006-04-08

Savage Circus reminds me a old Blind Guardian, from albums like "Follow the blind" and "Batallions of fear". Also the vocalist is very close to Kursh's voice, but this album is very tight like Blind Guardian. This record is full of solos, melodies and terrific arrengements. So if you like Blind Guardian and Iron Saviour, this is your new favorite!!!!

Savage Circus sounds just like old Blind Guardian.......2006-04-06

I was not happy with Blind Guardian's Opera album. Maybe that is why Thomen left, to continue to play the kind of music that band is known for. If you like their earlier stuff like Follow the Blind, then this CD is for you. Same paced rhythms, same aggressive guitars and basically the same type of vocals. All just produced so much better. I think this is a good album, doesn't do anything new, just more of the same. If you want to add another old Blind Guardian CD to your collection, run don't walk to get your hands on this. You won't be disappointed. If you were a fan of Night at the Opera, be cautious.

Average customer rating: Very Good !!!

Cold Creek Manor Manufacturer: Hollywood Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music ASIN: B0000C0FGH Release Date: 2003-09-09

Tracks:

1. Piano Theme No. 1
2. Orchestral Theme No. 1
3. Staccato Theme No. 1
4. Orchestral Theme No. 2
5. Hi... I Used to Live Here
6. Orchestral Theme No. 3
7. Snake Attack
8. Tension Theme No. 1
9. Orchestral Theme No. 4
10. Water Snake
11. Car Chase
12. Sad Theme
13. Three Chord Trick No. 1
14. Tension Theme No. 2
15. Tension Theme No. 3
16. Orchestral Theme No. 5
17. Evidence
18. Roof Fight No. 1
19. Darkness
20. Roof Fight No. 2
21. Three Chord Trick No. 2
22. Piano Theme No. 2
23. On the Road Again - Canned Heat
24. Up for Grabs - John Porter
25. All My Ex's Live in Texas - George Strait

Customer Reviews:

Very Good !!!.......2004-09-27

Well, as a huge fan of the movie, I just HAD to check the soundtrack out !!! And, It was actually fairly good !!! However, the only flaws I could find, were that some of the songs seemed a little repetitive ... But, like I said, thats probably the only flaw !!! You really should check this out !!!

Average customer rating:

Music from Merkin Manor Merkin Manufacturer: Gear Fab Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: High Treason Harbour The Real The Fields Movin' On ASIN: B000005CVD Release Date: 1999-08-09

Tracks:

1. Ruby
2. Take Some Time
3. Todaze
4. Sweet Country
5. Goodbye
6. Watching You
7. Kind of Down
8. Right One
9. Here Together
10. Walkin'
11. Maybe Somebody
12. Cry on My Shoulder
13. Father's Song

Average customer rating: I've heard better from unofficial video game remixers. Reminds me of Castlevania. A plesant trip to the macabre

Clive Manor Michael Hedstrom Manufacturer: Independent ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Similar Items: Midnight Circus Necronomicon Winter's Knight Darklore Manor The 13th Hour ASIN: B00005QSR1 Release Date: 2001-09-22

Tracks:

1. Forest
2. Hidden Passage
3. Dungeon
4. The Lost Steps
5. Clive Manor
6. Big Game Trophies
7. From the Mist
8. Nursery
9. Hall of Portraits
10. Widows Walk
11. Storm
12. Fleeing the Grounds

Album Description

Music and sound effects for a gothic Halloween Mostly slow and apprehensive in a 17th-18th Century classical style. Influences: Dark Shadows, Castlevania and Resident Evil

Customer Reviews:

I've heard better from unofficial video game remixers........2006-05-18

In Clive Manor, Michael Hedstrom tries his hand at the gothic horror genre and gives his reputation a black eye. The first three songs on this album belie the fourth, which comes off as overly repetitive and stagnant.

The obviously synthesized music comes off as very technically displeasing, as one does not expect (nor should expect) computers to do the work of old folklore, as their ability to scare is about as non-dimensional as their personality. Personally, I have seen better music from unsung heroes of television and movie fame as well as virtual unknowns in the music industry.

The track titled "Storm" provides nothing more than about 3/4 of a second of fake rain sound on permanent loop and approximately three different lightning strike sound effects with only a hint of wind. This album is not one I could recommend unless paid for every copy sold. Do not go to a Michael Hedstrom Halloween party and expect outstanding music from him.

Reminds me of Castlevania........2005-12-26

Brings back memories of walking through the cursed passages of Count Dracula's castle with the legendary whip of the Belmont clan.

A plesant trip to the macabre.......2002-02-03

When I first heard this cd, I was blown away at the professional quality of the sound. This cd is an atmospheric experience that you will not quickly forget. Being a fan of Midnight Syndicate, a friend recommended I try this album, and I actually like it better as an overall piece of work. With each track, you walk through the different rooms of the manor, and each piece has its own unique chill to it.

If you are a fan of the macabre, even if just for a temporary escape, this cd is for you. I will add any new cd this artist puts out into my collection without even an advance listen.

Average customer rating:

Dreamland Manor Savage Circus Manufacturer: Avalon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Legend Of The Bone Carver Overture of the Wicked ASIN: B000AMZ0JE Release Date: 2005-10-03

Tracks:

1. Evil Eyes
2. Between the Devil and the Seas
3. Waltz of the Demon
4. Tomorrowland
5. It -- The Gathering
6. Beyond Reality
7. When Hell Awakes
8. Ghost Story
9. Born Again by the Night
10. Evil Eyes [Video][*][Multimedia Track]

Album Details

Debut Album from the Power Metal Band Led by Former Blind Guardian Drummer Thomen Stauch. Will Include Bonus Track "ca Plane Pour Moi".

Average customer rating: A Twist in the Circus! Sounds just like old Blind Guardian Blind Guardian meets Iron Savior...that's it... Should get the respect it deserves Blew Me Away

Dreamland Manor Savage Circus Manufacturer: Dockyard ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Capture the Magic Evolution Purgatory Melancholy Beast A Twist in the Myth Seven Seals ASIN: B000A6UWJS Release Date: 2005-09-12

Tracks:

1. Evil Eyes
2. Between the Devil and the Seas
3. Waltz of the Demon
4. Tomorrowland
5. It - The Gathering
6. Beyond Reality
7. When Hell Awakes
8. Ghost Story
9. Born Again by the Night
10. Evil Eyes [Video][*][Multimedia Track]

Album Details

Debut Album from the Power Metal Band Led by Former Blind Guardian Drummer Thomen Stauch.

Customer Reviews:

A Twist in the Circus!.......2007-06-29

I was as sad as any Blind Guardian fan when I read that Thomen "the Omen" Stauch had left the band. He had been with them pretty much since their inception, and in my opinion had a lot to do with the killer sound they had on albums such as "Imaginations from the Other Side" and "Nightfall in Middle Earth". I've been doing air drumming to his trademark double bass sounds (I consider him the "Lombardo" of Power metal) for years.

However, something happened in the Blind Guardian camp to cause Thomen to want to seek out new ventures. I have my speculations, his performance on Night at the Opera seeming to be replaced more and more by triggered samples and (possibly) a drum machine?

I knew there is something amiss because the new Blind Guardian is not up to snuff either, Thomen or no Thomen.

However, us BG fans can rest assured that we will get plenty of mileage with his new band, Savage Circus.

I had heard their singer before, he is in the awesome Kreator/Arch Enemy meets old BG band Persuader and is a dead ringer for Hansi Kursch, so much in fact that I can play either of his bands and tell BG fans its an unreleased track by them and they believe me. Scary? Possibly?

But compared to the relative mess the past two BG albums have been, Savage Circus is a breath of fresh air. Other reviewers are dead on in the assumption that it is kind of like prime Iron Savior meets BG, and it has that futuristic Piet Sielck guitar sound mixed with Tales-Imaginations era BG.

Its a leaner machine than even mid period Blind Guardian as most of the miedeval influences are stripped away, and this Iron Savior influence makes it a bit more unique than expected.


Is it perfect? No. But its better than crying in your beer listening to the new Blind Guardian albums wondering what went wrong. Thomen may have made the right choice, he certainly didn't deserve being replaced by a machine (ironically that sounded kind of like the Bladerunner influenced Time what is Time by Blind Guardian!)

We'll have to see if the second album is as strong as this debut, and if the band can bring the more original influences (from Persuader or elsewhere) into the forefront.

Sounds just like old Blind Guardian.......2006-03-03

I was not happy with Blind Guardian's Opera album. Maybe that is why Thomen left, to continue to play the kind of music that band is known for. If you like their earlier stuff like Follow the Blind, then this CD is for you. Same paced rhythms, same aggressive guitars and basically the same type of vocals. All just produced so much better. I think this is a good album, doesn't do anything new, just more of the same. If you want to add another old Blind Guardian CD to your collection, run don't walk to get your hands on this. You won't be disappointed. If you were a fan of Night at the Opera, be cautious.

Blind Guardian meets Iron Savior...that's it..........2006-02-15

"Dreamland Manor" is the new album by this new superband(?) consisting of Jens carlsson and Emil Nordberg (PRESUADER), Thomen Stauch (BLIND GUARDIAN) and Piet Sielck (IRON SAVIOR).
If you're looking for something completely new, something never done before and very original, this is not the album for you. If you want some old-new straight headed and mindblowing power metal, this is the album for you.

It's a very good album, with great performances from all the musicians. Great choruses, fast drumming and blazing quitar riffs, everything very powerful and intnse. Long songs with lots of changes of rhythms and solos. I have to give these guys the credit they deserve. They know what they're doing. But I'm afraid that's it for me...There is nothing new in this album. The formula is the same and practically, if you let me, worn out.

With a singer that sounds like BLIND GUARDIAN'S Hansi Kursch, with BLIND GUARDIAN's drummer, and the IRON SAVIOR guitar sound, and choruses. If you've listened to BG and IS before, it's nothing new. It's like they've taken the principal elements from each band and put it together, without the originality I expected. Musically, the band is more in the IRON SAVIOR vein, but with a more melodic and folk touch.

Last Iron Savior album was quiet disappointing for me. So that's why I expected something better this time. But it seems that Piet needs a time off the studio to think deeper and better ideas.

There are some good moments, though, in which the album takes off, like the opening "Evil Eyes" or "Between the devil and the seas"...

Three stars for the power and the attitude. Only 3 stars for its lack of originality and for being...for me, another power metal album...

Should get the respect it deserves.......2006-02-12

So...you Blind Guardian/metal fans want to know about this CD: an offering from a band called Savage Circus which is comprised, in part, of a significant piece of Blind Guardian's much revered past.

I read all of the reviews here and elsewhere on the Internet about this sounding extremely like Blind Guardian's classic albums: Tales from the Twilight World (1990), Somewhere Far Beyond (1992), and Imaginations from the Other Side (1995). I bought this CD for that reason. I was blown away and somewhat amused by it, actually.

You should know by now that the drummer of Savage Cirus is none other than Thomen "The Omen" Stauch, original member of Blind Guardian and their drummer for 20 years. What you may not know is that the guitarist (and presumed main songwriter) of Savage Circus is Piet Sielck...a sound engineer/producer and also guitarist. Mr. Sielck hooked up with Kai Hansen (Helloween/Gamma Ray) back in the early 80's and actually was involved in an early iteration of Helloween before quitting to focus on producing. Mr. Sielck also provided backing vocals/effects and was a sound engineer on the early Blind Guardian offerings and was a big influence on them back in the day.

These 2 elements (along with excellent Hansi Kursch-like vocals from Jens Carlsson) come together to create a celebration of melodic speed metal in its most classic and pure form. Some rock critics will scoff at the fact that S.C. are doing nothing new and are reliving glory from days past. Well..that's the point. This is a glowing tribute to the form of metal we all love. That classic era of Blind Guardian that some of us still long for. Thomen Stauch deserved to make an album like this and should be thanked for it. Same with Piet Sielck. They've earned this album.

The production is phenomenal, the guitars are in-your-face. The distortion is high but still allows you to hear the intense melodies in the riffs. The songs sort of flow together, but standouts are "Evil Eyes", with its very catchy chorus, "Between the Devil and the Seas", and "When Hell Awakes." This is essentially Tales from the Twilight World Part 2...with modern production qualities. That is not a knock on S.C. I think you'd agree this is a compliment.

So, in closing, as a long-time (and current) Blind Guardian and power metal fan in general, I HIGHLY recommend this CD. Thomen Stauch and Piet Sielck deserve a lot of credit for making an album of this high quality. It is an instant classic. Their experience and attention to detail shine through. Another plus is that a good young vocalist emerges here in Jens Carlsson. This would be money well spent. I haven't taken it out of my CD player in 3 days...you won't be able to either.

WELL DONE.

Blew Me Away.......2005-11-20

What can I say?! Among the best metal releases in the past several years. Founded by former Blind Guardian drummer, Thomen Stauch, Savage Circus brings back the power driven melodies of Guardian's yester-year. For fans of classic albums such as Somewhere Far Beyond and Imaginations From the Other Side, Dreamland Manor is a must!

Fast, heavy, highly technical, orchestral when appropriate, killer vocals (from Persuader's Jens Carlsson), and just plain BEAUTIFUL music... I have nothing bad to say about any song on this album. From the first few beats of Evil Eyes, true metal fans will be mesmerized. The opening anthem will have you singing along by the 2nd chorus, and inadvertantly raising your hands triumphantly more than once.

Between the Devil and The Seas offers more of the same melodic power as Evil Eyes, and Waltz of the Demon has even more of a sing-along quality. Track 4, Tomorrowland, is by far my favorite song on the album. Smart and inspirational lyrics excite the imagination. IT - The Gathering is a treat for any Stephen King fan before things slow down a bit for the obligatory chick tune, Beyond Reality, which is amazing in its own right.

When Hell Awaks and Born Again by the Night are two more signature sing-ables, while Ghost Story provides a harder edge near the end of the album. Incidentally, both Evil Eyes and Ghost Story can both be heard at the Savage Circus website, www.savage-circus.com.

This one gets SIX stars!

Dance Music:

1. The Naked Truth [Explicit Lyrics]
2. The Only Way to Beat Us to Cheat Us [Explicit Lyrics]
3. The Way It Is [Explicit Lyrics]
4. Tongues [Explicit Lyrics]
5. Tragic Epilogue [Enhanced] [Import]
6. Traxx from Da Waxx [Explicit Lyrics]
7. U Know Me [Explicit Lyrics]
8. Underground Platinum
9. Very Best [Import]
10. You Can't Hold Me Back [Explicit Lyrics]

Dance Music

dance music

Dance Music

Sirena [Enhanced]

Brahms-Strauss

Best Music Of The War Years

The Improvisor

Settin' the Woods on Fire

At Her Best

Best of: 1952-1956 [Import]

Bartók for Orchestra

American Songs

Best Coast Jazz

Big Bands Of The Swinging Years

Beat Music

20 Grandes Exitos [Import]

Verdi: Overtures; Verdi-Mackerras: The Lady and the Fool

Tain't Nobody's Business