Black Metal

Black Metal

Track Listings

1. Black Metal

2. To Hell and Back

3. Buried Alive

4. Raise the Dead

5. Acid Queen

6. Bloodlust

7. Teacher's Pet

8. Leave Me in Hell

9. Sacrifice

10. Heaven's on Fire

11. Countess Bathory

12. Die Hard

13. Don't Burn the Witch

14. At War With Satan

Tracks:

Hells Bells
Shoot To Thrill
What Do You Do For Money Honey
Givin The Dog A Bone
Let Me Put My Love Into You
Back In Black
You Shook Me All Night Long
Have A Drink On Me
Shake A Leg
Rock And Roll Ain't Noise Pollution

Album Description

AC/DC's 1980 album digitally remastered and reissued in a special digipak plus a 16 page full color booklet containing all original album art, many unpublished photos, classic memorabilia and new 2003 liner notes. Epic.

Amazon.com essential recording

Most critics complain Back in Black, the album AC/DC recorded after the death of their original lead screamer Bon Scott, is ridiculously juvenile, obvious, snickering, bludgeoning, derivative, single-minded about sex and booze, a big cartoon. All true, of course, and--on rock 'n' ragers like "What Do You Do For Money Honey," "You Shook Me All Night Long," and the title track--all great. As Scott's replacement Brian Johnson reminds us, loud and crunchy, no-holds-barred "rock and roll ain't noise pollution...it makes good, good sense." Never trust anyone who refuses to drink domestic beer, laugh at the Three Stooges, or crank Back in Black. --David Cantwell

Customer Reviews:

This album defines great Rock 'N' Roll music........2007-07-30

In my opinion this album is the greatest Rock 'N' Roll album ever. I strongly recommend you to buy this if your a rock fan, it is a must have. On another note I read some of the 1 star reviews and I urge you to disregard what they have to say for a few reasons. One reason is they put some false facts in their reviews (not all but a few) which clearly shows their lack of knowledge concerning this great rock band. Also I saw some of their other reviews for other cds. They gave 4-5 stars for bands like greenday and I think Beyonce (some crap like that)though their were a few who gave great bands like Metallica 4-5 stars. One more thing is that AC/DC makes great rock music, think about it. Its powerful yet simple and usually about the definitive rock 'N' Roll topics which are women/sex, alcohol, and good times. The songs of Back In Black are great rock songs which many people love, from credible rock/metal musicians to the average person.

Dollars and (common) cents........2007-07-20

I'm going to rate this CD based on a $1 per song cost to total cost for the entire CD (Apple and Rhapsody charge $1 per song). Unfortunately, iTunes doesn't carry any AC/DC songs at the moment.
This CD is perfectly priced. 10 great songs for $10. If you don't already own the CD, the popular songs you'll know are Hells Bells, Back In Black and You Shook Me All Night Long. If you like them, then the rest of the songs on this CD won't take long to grow on you. Especially, Let Me Put My Love Into You. I promise that this CD will not disappoint.
This is one of my three favorite Hard Rock/Heavy Metal albums from the early 1980's. The other two are Judas Priest's "Screaming For Vengeance" and Def Leppard's "Pyromania".
Hope this helps.
Darium

Simply put, THIS is rock and roll!.......2007-07-11

I can't really think of anything too specific to say about "Back in Black". One day, I bought the album, listened to it and had one of the biggest musical joyrides I can recall! Critics may despise AC/DC, but that's no reason to neglect this album! In fact, this qualifies not only as being one of the biggest-selling rock albums of all time, but one of the greatest. That being said, "Back in Black" is probably the first album people will think about whenever AC/DC is mentioned, and while they have a great selection in their catalogue, this is, no doubt, their finest hour.
From the guitar crunch of the Young brothers, from Malcolm's rock-solid rhythm playing to Angus's legendary riffs, licks and solos, this no doubt qualifies as a great guitar album. Then comes in the rhythm section of Cliff Williams on bass and Phil Rudd on drums, and while Phil Rudd may not have the same chops as John Bonham, Phil still makes his drums sound larger than life, which makes for a great cornerstone of the AC/DC groove. And then...Brian Johnson. Who would have thought after such a great lead singer as Bon Scott passed away, Brian Johnson would be able to fill in his role, and fill it in greatly, as well. His voice may take some getting used to, but he definitely sounds best on this album.
In addition, the remastering is excellent. The volume is up and there's no static or unneccesary noise that ruins the sound. After all, there's nothing as disappointing as hearing a great song like it was recorded a mile away! Anyway, this album is just flat-out excellent for those who dig such a sound. Ten songs at a little over forty minutes, and a cross between a hard-rock crunch and an old-school groove for each song, AC/DC did just about everything they could right on this album.
As a summary, this album will make you forget your problems, imagine these guys on stage at night in a big, sold-out arena, playing these rockers loudly and proudly, and, of course, prove to be a testament of time and rock and roll. And remember, take no pressure from the critics. Be your own person! Rock out and feel good about it! And remember, "rock and roll ain't noise pollution...it just makes good, good sense!" Peace!

One of the best CDs ever...REMASTERED.......2007-06-27

I owned an original copy of Back in Black and played it constantly. It's an ideal CD for road trips and just incredible rock from beginning to end. I didn't think anything could possibly improve it until I heard the remastered version. Suddenly the bass comes out more, the drums are even more in your face, the vocals are clearer, it just ROCKS even more. There are plenty of bad remasters out there of various classic albums, but thankfully, this is not one of them.

The rebirth of AC/DC .......2007-05-16

Hands down the best AC/DC CD. This is the cream of the crop, and it doesn't get any better than this. To this day, each song rocks loud and hard, and vocalist Brian Johnson was never better. A must for any hard rock collection, your ears will be bleeding.

Average customer rating:

Dearly departing Ozman
Five out of Ten songs = 5 stars
Ozzy's Back
Very good album, very consistent.
Ozzy rocks

Black Rain
Ozzy Osbourne
Manufacturer: Epic
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

United Abominations
Libertad
Snakes & Arrows
The Dio Years
Minutes to Midnight

ASIN: B000PAAIXY
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

Not Going Away
I Don't Wanna Stop
Black Rain
Lay Your World On Me
God Bless The Almighty Dollar
Silver
Civilize The Universe
Here For You
Countdown's Begun
Trap Door

Amazon.com

Ozzy returns with a startlingly heavy ninth studio album, a record filled with vows to continue his rock 'n' roll ways ("Not Going Away," "I Don't Wanna Stop"), meditations on the state of a world that has changed surprisingly little since Black Sabbath's early days ("Black Rain," "God Bless the Almighty Dollar") and the obligatory ballad ("Here for You," which can be read either as a letter to a lover or a love letter to his fans). With longtime guitarist Zakk Wylde providing plenty of brutal, soul-searing riffs and solos, there's no shortage of reasons to throw the horns, raise your fist, and yell. The rhythm section of Mike Bordin (drums) and Rob "Blasko" Nicholson (drums) is simply the best since Randy Castillo and Phil Soussan joined up for 1986's The Ultimate Sin and fires most accurately on the title cut, "Lay Your World On Me" and "Countdown's Begun." There's no "Crazy Train" or "Mama I'm Coming Home" here but Black Rain is a more convincing statement for it. The promises Ozzy makes here are sincere, he's not going away anytime soon--and he's still got plenty of game. --Jedd Beaudoin

Customer Reviews:

Dearly departing Ozman.......2007-07-31

You MUST buy this if only for collections sake. Since this will be his last album (or so says he) you Must savor it!!
Mr. Ozman Sir, you are a master artist of your genre, your contributions to R & R will be grieviously missed.
Even though I love only 2 of the songs, I will listen to this and cherish the music and your voice and lyrics.
You are a delicious little addiction of mine.

Five out of Ten songs = 5 stars.......2007-07-24

When I first listened to this CD, I was blown away because the first three tracks were all songs that I liked and I began thinking that this could become the best Ozzy album EVER! Those thoughts quickly evaporated as I listened to tracks 4-7 and found myself wondering how things went so wrong in the middle of the album. Tracks 8-10 restored my excitement and left me with mixed feelings after my first listen.

Since then, I have found that I absolutely love the songs "Black Rain" and "Countdown's Begun". I have played those over and over and I feel they really carry this album. "I Don't Wanna Stop" is probably my third favorite and then "Not Going Away" would be next. For the fifth best track, I would have to decide between the ballad "Here For You" or "Trap Door".

I know a lot of people have complained about the packaging for the CD, but I would like to remind everyone that Ozzy was giving away FREE concert tickets in those early release CDs. I am sure the thin packaging and cardboard slip cover helped cut down on the CD processing costs. This may have helped Ozzy to be able to give away an entire tour for free. I would also appreciate liner notes and better packaging, but if you had to choose between that and free concert tickets, I think the tickets provide a lot better value so I find it hard to complain.

When I think about this CD overall, I find that I really enjoy about half of the ten songs and find the others somewhat forgettable. For this reason, I decided to give it five stars, even though I don't truly feel it is worthy of that high of a rating (maybe 4.5 stars??). I suppose my logic is anytime you find an album that has five out of ten good songs that you like, I think that qualifies as an excellent album.

Ozzy's Back.......2007-07-18

Finally!!! A new Ozzy album. Good album; although a bit on the soft side (similar to Down to Earth). This album is filled with thick Zakk riffs and licks, which was worth the purchase. If you're an Ozzy fan, it's worth the purchase, if only to add to the collection.

Very good album, very consistent........2007-07-17

At first, I was not blown away by this. But after a few more spins, I really started to like it. It is not as heavy as some of his earlier stuff, but it is better than most of his later work. I like most of the songs. There are no big standouts, but not any really low points either. The album is pretty even and if you like any other work from Ozzy, you probably will enjoy this.

My favorite track is "Lay Your World On Me" and my least favorite is "Trap Door".

My favorite Ozzy album is "No More Tears" followed by "No Rest For The Wicked" which were the first 2 albums Ozzy used Zakk Wylde. I do also really like "Diary Of A Madman", but only for the few standouts it has. I did not care much for "Down To Earth" which was the last album Zakk was on.

Along with this album, I am currently listening to Megadeth-United Abominations, Dream Theater-Systematic Chaos, and Kamalot-Ghost Opera.

Ozzy rocks.......2007-07-13

Ozzy rocks with this one. I would highly recommend it. Many of the songs are on current topics, war, global warming, but with the Ozzy and Zakk Wylde sound we've loved throughout the years. His voice has never been better.

Average customer rating:

a great successor to black halo
Kamelot has created their own Metal Genre!
good but could be better
Missed their mark!
Well worth the money!!! Bogus DVD or not!

Ghost Opera
Kamelot
Manufacturer: Steamhammer/SPV
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Paradise Lost
Unia
Systematic Chaos
Systematic Chaos
The Black Halo

ASIN: B000PA9PMY
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

Solitaire
Rule The World
Ghost Opera
The Human Stain
Blücher
Love You To Death
Up Through The Ashes
Mourning Star
Silence Of The Darkness
Anthem
EdenEcho
The Pendulous Fall (bonus track)

Amazon.com

Kamelot's latest power metal offering seems unlikely to win the collective the kind of major attention its sought for more than a decade now. While vocalist Roy Khan still emits his signature siren wail and guitarist Thomas Youngblood crafts riffs that crunch with more power than your average fast food taco, the band still lacks a unique identity, alternating between its status as a Queensryche retread or vying for listeners more attuned to Korn and Avenged Sevenfold. "Rule the World" certainly stands as one of the outfit's heaviest works to date and "Mourning Star" carries with it its own kind of majestic beauty but repeat listens reveal that Ghost Opera is little more than by-the-numbers power metal, of the kind that didn't really work when Helloween released Keeper of the Seven Keys two decades ago and still fails to satisfy today.--Jedd Beaudoin

Album Description

American Melodic Metal masters Kamelot are back with the follow-up to their breakthrough epic The Black Halo. Ghost Opera is simply one of the most diverse metallic listening experiences of the year, containing all of the melody, power, passion and crunch that have earned them the undying respect of metal-heads around the country and around the world. The first pressing contains a bonus DVD featuring the video of Ghost Opera and a making of feature. Catch Kamelot on tour across North America late this summer!

Customer Reviews:

a great successor to black halo.......2007-07-31

The Black Halo is consistently one of my favorite albums. I was expecting to be let down by their next work. It's a bit different than their last album, but after several spins it has grown on me. I'll leave it to more capable reviewers to detail and contrast the albums. If you liked The Black Halo, then pick this up.

Kamelot has created their own Metal Genre!.......2007-07-27

Ghost Opera takes the band another step forward and now it seems with massive touring and videos that set a new standard the band is finally getting the recognition they so long have deserved. The new album experiments with several new ideas but somehow they never lose or abandoned their sound. The band has really created their own Genre since they sound like noone else!!

good but could be better.......2007-07-27

I have been a fan of Kamelot for five years now and this is far from thier best work. Don't get me wrong, the cd does grow on you the more you listen just like most of thier work. If you want to hear this band at the top of thier game i would suggest the forth legacy or karma.

Missed their mark!.......2007-07-26

Songs seem very repetitive. Also, has some rip-off "Phantom" music to create the ghostly effect. Khan needs to stop with the attempt at soft singing. His vibrato kills all of the ballad style singing and his voice sounds way over trained. I am all about great vocals and this album does a poor job of showcasing them. Khan can sing better than this. Lose the heavy vibrato. I am a Kamelot fan but the album left me wanting more. Maybe next time guys.

Well worth the money!!! Bogus DVD or not!.......2007-07-23

I REALLY like this album and am glad to see that Kamelot is continuing to evolve and mature. So many bands of this genre begin to get stagnant and eventually stale after every album begins to sound the same.

But I'm kind of conflicted as well due to one simple fact. I can think of many, many cases where a certain album by a band is a better album overall than it's predecessor, but that predecessor just happens to have that one single song that is better than anything on the newer release. Of course this is all personal opinion but two genre examples that quickly come to mind are Ozzy and Maiden.

I feel that Diary of a Madman is better overall than Blizzard of Oz though nothing on Diary quite equals the one-two punch of "Revelation (Mother Earth)" and "Steal Away the Night". And while I think Piece of Mind is superior to Number of the Beast overall, it doesn't have anything that tops the magnificent "Hallowed Be Thy name".

Ghost Opera is like this; while I think it's (slightly) better overall, I haven't heard anything that tops Black Halo's "March of Mephisto". But, reading the reviews, I see that many fans like Halo better overall anyway.

In any case, I really like "Rule the World", "Love you to Death", "Up Thru the Ashes", "Edenecho" and the bonus track "The Pendulous Fall". And, if the band continues to evolve in this way...I can't wait for the next one!! But I have to say the "bonus" DVD wasn't worth it, only 2 videos and one was a making of..., but, then again I haven't seen one yet that didn't come with the DVD so I wonder how much cheaper it would have been?

Now if they'd just come to Atlanta (or anywhere closer than a 10 hr drive) so I can go see them!!!! Because, judging by the "One Cold Winter's Night" DVD and what I'm hearing on Ghost Opera..... I'd sure like to!!!

Average customer rating:

Amazing
Worthy Follow-Up to Demigod!!
Even better than the real thing...
RIPPING!!!
Behemoth does it again!

The Apostasy
Behemoth
Manufacturer: Century Media
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Ithyphallic
Icons of Evil
Fiction
Doomsday X
In Sorte Diaboli

ASIN: B000R7I2I8
Release Date: 2007-07-17

Tracks:

Rome 64 C.E.
Slaying The Prophets Ov Isa
Prometherion
At The Left Hand Ov God
Kriegsphilosophie
Be Without Fear
Arcane Hereticae
Libertheme
Inner Sanctum
Pazuzu
Christgrinding Avenue

Album Description

The Polish metal kings have returned with a new offering, The Apostasy, which is destined to become both the defining release of the band's career and one of the most revered and dynamic offerings the genre has seen in years. Behemoth will kick off their worldwide touring cycle with a second stage headlining spot on Ozzfest 2007.

Customer Reviews:

Amazing.......2007-07-29

This is my first Behemoth album and I love it. This is the best Blackend Death Metal cd/band ever. All the songs flow together and the musicianship is amazing. My favorite song are Slaying The Prophets Ov Isa, Prometherion, At The Left Hand Ov God, Be Without Fear, Arcana Heritcae, Libertheme, and Christgrinding Avenue. I just got this today (July 29) and i'm already recommending it. I can't wait to see these guys at Ozzfest.

Worthy Follow-Up to Demigod!!.......2007-07-26

Truthfully, I was afraid that Behemoth couldn't follow up to their 2005 masterpiece, Demigod. Then, I saw Nergal on the cover of Decibel magazine growling at me to stop worrying and buy the album. So I did. And I was not disappointed. Though all the tracks are good, "At the Left Hand of God" is outstandingly creepy, thanks to the choir and the acoustic guitars. Also, I think Behemoth gets the award for coolest album closer title with "Christgrinding Avenue." With songs about Babylonian demons and ancient Rome, you can't go wrong.

Even better than the real thing..........2007-07-21

...this cd destroys everything you listen to...
...revolutionary...
...great snuggle music...
...buy this cd...
...it will grant you immortality...
...and dramatically improve your love-life...
...seriously...

RIPPING!!!.......2007-07-19

FINALLY THE NEW BEHEMOTH MY FIRST ALBUM BY THEM WAS DEMIGOD AND FROM THEN ON I WAS HOOKED THE GUITAR PLAYING ON THIS ALBUM IS EXCELLENT AND INFERNO IS A DRUM MACHINE IF YOU HAVEN'T BOUGHT THIS ALBUM I RECCOMEND IT TO ANY BLACK METAL/DEATH METAL FAN YOUR COLLECTION WON'T BE COMPLETE WITHOUT IT BUY IT NOW!!!

Behemoth does it again!.......2007-07-17

Once again... Behemoth delivers a spectacular album... and continues to surprise the listeners with new elements. I really love the chants and soprano vocals among all the other 'middle eastern' sounding instruments... it adds a lot to the music. The guitar work and drumming still draws from the vein of Demigod, but it lookes like they drew a little bit from their Zaios Kon Kultos album *forgive me all you deadly serious fans if I spelled it wrong*. The vocals aren't as blended together like they were in Demigod, but still have that excellent growl that lets you knew 'yep... this be Nergal and crew....' I pretty much can't name a favorite here because every track is good... no let downs so far.

Average customer rating:

new songs are good live...
Pretty good album but...
Not their best.....
Its good, just not Great
"What Can Be Safely Written"

Ithyphallic
Nile
Manufacturer: Nuclear Blast Americ
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Apostasy
Doomsday X
Icons of Evil
Last Kind Words
Fiction

ASIN: B000R7I2HE
Release Date: 2007-07-17

Tracks:

What Can Be Safely Written
As He Creates So He Destroys
Ithyphallic
Papyrus Containing The Spell To Preserve Its Possessor...
Eat Of The Dead
Laying Fire Upon Apep
The Essential Salts
The Infinity Of Stone
The Language Of The Shadows
Even The Gods Must Die
As He Creates So He Destroys
Papyrus Containing The Spell To Preserve Its Possessor...

Customer Reviews:

new songs are good live..........2007-07-26

I just saw Nile last night at a small club in Albuquerque between ozzfest shows and it was amazing. I picked up the new cd as well, and its good, though not all that much different than the last two albums. Black seeds... is still the best in my opinion. The new songs came off great live even before I had heard them recorded, these guys certainly are not slowing down. While a lot of the stuff is not immediately catchy, the utter weirdness of many of the guitar parts makes it worth repeated listening. The major downside to the new album is the lack of explanations for the lyrics. I always look forward to reading Karl's essays and they are not here...
I think the best part of the live show (besides the band), was this dude standing next to me who after every song yelled, in his best death metal growl, "Nile!! f*** yeah!!!" for like an hour...

Pretty good album but..........2007-07-26

One day Nile is going to wake up & realize they've made a whole bunch of egyptian metal albums. These guys have got to have other interests. Even Fear Factory realized you cant have a whole career around singing about robots. Maybe Nile should make an album about egyptian robots or just sing about satan like every other death metal band...lol

Not their best............2007-07-25

Need some cliff-notes on the natures of Cthulhu or Azathoth? Got a corpse lying around that you need to animate and torture forbidden secrets from? On the lookout for a good curse or incantation? Then, this album is for you.

With that said, if you're like me and bought this for the music, then you might not be blown away. Granted, the production is first-rate, the musicianship is top-notch, and the lyrics are *beautiful*; but, song hooks that are more prevalent in earlier Nile albums are few and far in between on this one. Even the more memorable tracks, such as As He Creates.... and Even the Gods Must Die.... leave a tepid feeling at best.

The bottom line? If you're a dyed-in-the-mummy-wrappings Nile fan with every album and in the pit every time the band comes to town, buy it. If you're looking to get into Nile, I'd recommend going with one of their earlier albums, such as Amongst the Catacombs of Nephren-Ka.

Its good, just not Great.......2007-07-25

I loved Nile's Last 2 albums to Death, but this one seems alot less happening? like The riffs aren't as ripping, i find it more boring but maybe thats just me...Some stand out tracks but in comparison to there last album its sorta lackluster.

"What Can Be Safely Written".......2007-07-24

Nile's "Ithyphallic" re-cements the band's place at the top of death metal's pantheon of reigning kings. Yet another in a string of fantastic, well-produced metal discs in which they somehow manage to outdo themselves, Ithyphallic is just what you would expect from a new Nile release- dense, gloomy and intelligent progressive death metal with a style all it's own and a level of musicianship that is nearly unparalelled in the genre.

Some changes that fans of Nile will be interested in on this new release since their departure from Relapse records is the new production "sound", which is absolutely crushing and dense, while at the same time clear as a bell. Definately the best production Nile has ever had, in which you can distinguish each instrument with clarity. This is especially noticeable in the guitar solos and vocals...in the past they have been sort of murky in the mix, but on Ithyphallic, they jump right out and grab you.

Some other changes worth mentioning for longtime Nile fans are the inclusion of more Lovecraft-inspired themes ("What Can Be Safely Written" and "As He Creates..."), an even higher level of technical guitar proficiency ("Papyrus....." features a ridiculously convoluted and massive harmony riff reminiscent of Decapitated) and sadly, the lack of any inclusion of Karl Sander's fascinating liner notes and commentary on the source material of the lyrics. Really the only caveat, and certainly nitpicking, but a disappointment for longtime fans like myself. The best death metal album of 2007. Absolutely mandatory.

Black Rain (Includes Bonus Ozzfest Ticket Offer)

Average customer rating:

It's Ozzy - and he goes green
I guess Sharon is proud ozzy shouldn't be
Black Rain
Ozzy never Quits
St. Anger

Black Rain (Includes Bonus Ozzfest Ticket Offer)
Ozzy Osbourne
Manufacturer: Epic
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

United Abominations
The Dio Years
HELLYEAH
Libertad
Minutes to Midnight

ASIN: B000PA9Q4G
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

Not Going Away
I Don't Wanna Stop
Black Rain
Lay Your World On Me
God Bless The Almighty Dollar
Silver
Civilize The Universe
Here For You
Countdown's Begun
Trap Door

Album Description

In February, Ozzy Osbourne made the ground-breaking announcement that Ozzfest will be free for all this summer. In continuing to give back to his fans, a limited number of specially marked copies of Black Rain -- Osbourne's first studio album in six years -- will contain a unique code which can be redeemed for reserved seats to the Ozzfest show of your choice. If you pre-order Black Rain Limited Edition now, you will receive the specially marked copy of the album on or around the May 22nd release date (subject to Amazon.com order/shipping policies). The CD will contain a unique code that you can redeem for two reserved seats beginning June 8th at 9PM ET -- four days before tickets become available to the general public. Seats are available on a first come, first served basis. Once the reserved seats have been taken at a show, general admission seating will become available (based on venue availability).This version with limited offer has the same content as the regular edition CD.

Customer Reviews:

It's Ozzy - and he goes green.......2007-07-20

Come on - It's ozzy. It'll never be his best album, but how many 'best albums' do we see at his age? I doubt when i want to hear ozzy, I'll think to put this CD in first, but at least he gave us something above the static they're putting on the radio these days. Ozzy's career has become one of leisure, and I think rightfully so. He's given so much to music that he has earned the right to put out albums like this in his latter career. I own this CD because I own every ozzy album. It's not his best, but it's not bad either and there are a couple of songs definitely worth hitting 'repeat.'

I guess Sharon is proud ozzy shouldn't be.......2007-07-15

I am old enough to have been there in the day when the wizard of OZ first hit with Black Sabbath. Great Stuff. Then when OZZY went solo, better stuff. This new stuff is very poor stuff, even my late 20s and late 30s aged co-workers held their nose (both ozzy fans). Its a stinker, repetitive, muddy, tired

Black Rain.......2007-07-03

There are quite a few songs on this CD that I listen to routinely! I hate when you buy a disc and all but 2 songs suck! Ozzy did a good job on this one....I was very pleasantly surprised. He hasn't lost his mojo!

Ozzy never Quits.......2007-06-27

This is not about drugs or death but the troubles that life and wisdom bring. I enjoyed all the songs on this album, if you enjoy ozzy then this is a no brainer

St. Anger.......2007-06-21

I was really excited when i thought ozzy was coming back strong. After the last cd I hoped he'd go back to the ozzmosis sound or possibly farther back. Ofcourse not. The only good thing about this cd is that I got two free seats to ozzfest that would have been 80-100 dollars otherwise. This is almost as big of a dissapointment as when Metallica released St. Anger minus a few good moments on the cd. The difference is that Ozzy isn't going around saying its the best thing he has ever done because he's done so many great things and knows it is no match. I just have a hard time believing it's zakk wylde on the album. It does sound like him, however I can't believe he would do this to ozzy. I just hope he keeps on trucking until he croaks.

Average customer rating:

Missing a Digit
There are no flowers in Birmingham
Sabbath finds their groove
The founders of a genre
No Explanation or Introduction Needed for This Masterpiece

Paranoid
Black Sabbath
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

British Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

$7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

$7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Black Sabbath
Master of Reality
Black Sabbath, Vol.4
Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
Sabotage

ASIN: B000002KHH
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

War Pigs/Luke's Wall
Paranoid
Planet Caravan
Iron Man
Electric Funeral
Hand Of Doom
Rat Salad
Jack The Stripper/Fairies Wear Boots

Amazon.com essential recording

Though most of Black Sabbath's classic material from this album ("War Pigs," "Iron Man," "Fairies Wear Boots," and the title track) can also be found on the collection We Sold Our Soul for Rock & Roll, Paranoid is essential for the completist. One of the best albums from one of the bands to define heavy metal, this album is chock-full of the best stuff from Sabbath's Osbourne years. (Where else will you be able to hear "Rat Salad?") The music isn't exactly complex, but it doesn't need to be; its importance lies in its evocative power, with which any teenager will be able to identify. --Genevieve Williams

Customer Reviews:

Missing a Digit.......2007-07-19

I believe it was Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath fame who played his guitar with the use of only three fingers. Fact or fiction?

There are no flowers in Birmingham.......2007-07-15

It's amazing that this band existed during the era of "flower power" and peace and love. On the other hand, maybe that IS the reason they existed. In any event, you should have this record, if only as a reference point for "heavy metal". I like it, even though I'm more of a jazz/blues cat.

Sabbath finds their groove.......2007-07-11

Many would argue that this is the best Sabbath collection ever created. I would agree in that this is the Black Sabbath showcase, the mold, the direction for which all later releases would follow. Where the superb debut album lacked direction, "Paranoid" picks up the slack: Ozzy found his vocal style niche, and the album's production and sound were now nailed down; we now hear well structured, polished songs rather than extended, sometimes aimless jams. It is hard not to compare this to the debut album since they were released within such a short period of time. To be fair, "Paranoid" almost sounds like a different band. That's not to say the first album was poorly made, just different, perhaps even a bit more creative....Sabbath finding their way. Some may actually prefer the more raw debut effort, with it's "dirty" loose jam feel. With Paranoid, it's almost as if Sabbath were brought in off the street and given a shower, fresh new clothing, haircuts and a shave; the band was now flying in formation, and as a result, the songs as a whole are just a bit more listenable than the prior effort. Although most have heard this album countless times since its release, to this day it is hard to deny the magnitude of the triple punch of War Pigs, Paranoid, Iron Man and then Fairies Wear Boots on side two when first heard. Side one of the vinyl, with the exception of "Planet Caravan" goes down as downright brilliant, albeit some may say musically overly simplistic. The lesser known songs are also a treat, such as "Electric Funeral". All in all, no hard rock record/cd collection should be without "Paranoid".

The founders of a genre.......2007-06-24

There is absolutely no reason this album should not be rated 5 stars. It should be 6 stars, probably 7. Its Sgt Pepper for metal.

Tony Iommi lost the ends of his fingertips, he shouldn't even be able to play the guitar. I imagine they'll make a movie out of this fact someday. For those of you who wonder how someone with prosthetics plays, he downtuned his guitar (the 'heavy' sound) and played riffs. These two things established the sound of an entire genre that the world now labels as 'metal'. Can anyone other band lay claim to something like that?

Ozzy gets extremely lucky, first with Iommi, then Rhoads, now Wylde.

Anyway, even if you don't dig metal as much as me or anyone else, you might still enjoy this. War Pigs, Paranoid, and Iron Man. The most famous Sabbath songs, all on one little disc thats so old you can get it dirt cheap now.

War Pigs also showcases on of the best guitar solos ever.

No Explanation or Introduction Needed for This Masterpiece.......2007-06-21

If every single C.D. in the world was to be wiped off the earth, but I was allowed to keep just one album, "Paranoid" would be that album. That's how strongly I feel about this album, and that's how utterly vital I believe this band is and how much I respect Black Sabbath. Ozzy, Tony, Geezer, and Bill were (and still are) four hard-working, blue-collar gentlemen, who appreciated a good tune and a stiff drink as much as you or I. They respected the `peace and happiness' thing that all the other bands were singing about, but they wanted the other side of life (the dark and depressing side) to make an appearance as well. Their environment and lives were shown through the music that they created (which was very misunderstood), and it definitely worked for A LOT of people. Say what you want about the band, whether you praise and exalt them or ridicule their guts out, because not one solitary person can deny Sabbath's contributions to the metal genre and their influence on every single metal band in the business...PERIOD! Since their inception, Sabbath have been creating historical and monumental work, significantly making their mark on the music industry in more ways than one could ever imagine. And what makes me sick is the so-called metal fans saying stuff like "oh yeah, Paranoid's an okay album, but it's just so overrated" or "sure the songs on there are {hip} enough, but they get overplayed so much it's repulsive". Hell, if anything, Paranoid doesn't get ENOUGH credit in our society, and about the songs being overplayed, chew on this thought. Those of you who agree with this reviewer, remember the very first time you heard Paranoid. Whether that golden year was in 1970, '80, '90, 2007, or whatever, just close your eyes and think back to the feelings you felt when this inexplicable album was spinning. The throbbing your neck endured after head banging to the title track, the raspy and sore feeling in your throat after singing along to "War Pigs", the chills and goose bumps you got when the main riff for "Electric Funeral" was underway, or how about the disappointment of having to buy new speakers after "Iron Man" blew out your old ones. Yes, all of those feelings (and many more) are why you immediately adored this album and in turn treasured it in your hearts forever. I'm here, not to urge everyone to buy this album (because if you truly love metal, then you already own this), but to restore the admiration that one should feel about this incredible album, and to reinstate the motto that Sabbath started so long ago: "We sold our souls for rock n roll"!

Average customer rating:

The Dio Years, not something that should be overlooked!
... Don't Own "The Dio Years" But This is What I Think it Could've Been ...
It's about time
New Dio-Sabbath songs
\m/

The Dio Years
Black Sabbath
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

British Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Snakes & Arrows
United Abominations
Black Rain
HELLYEAH
Black Rain (Includes Bonus Ozzfest Ticket Offer)

ASIN: B000NA77YO
Release Date: 2007-04-03

Tracks:

Neon Knights
Lady Evil
Heaven & Hell
Die Young
Lonely Is The Word
The Mob Rules
Turn Up The Night
Voodoo
Falling Off The Edge Of The World
After All (The Dead)
TV Crimes
I
Children Of The Sea (Live)
The Devil Cried
Shadow Of the Wind
Ear In The Wall

Amazon.com

The idea of Black Sabbath without Ozzy Osbourne was a form of metal sacrilege in 1980, at least until people heard Ronnie James Dio belt out "Oh no, here it comes again..." to open the reformed band's Heaven and Hell. Dio's low-growl had a yowl, squaring frightfully with Tony Iommi's more reined-in crunch. And Sabbath was reborn, playing faster than they had with Ozzy and drawing crowds. Five tracks from Heaven make it to this set, where four from successor, Mob Rules, show up. The winners from each: "Neon Nights" and "Turn Up the Night," both quick, hefty wailers, steamrolling on sheer riffing tonnage. Dehumanizer rekindled the Sabbath/Dio marriage in 1992, showing speed metal's intervening influence--and the band holds up well, racing atop Vinnie Appice's iron-armed drums and Iommi's relentless, intentionally range-limited riffs. Then there are the three new tracks, all benefiting from 2006's richer low-end production and metal's return to a slower grind--where Iommi is more thrilling doling out sludge, as on "Shadow of the Wind," where chords sound slo-mo and blessedly narrow in range. Yes, "Ear on the Wall" closes the set in a hurried, fast- (not speed-) metal vibe, but at best the band is deliberately mid-tempo, making a raucous noise you're happy for after all these years. --Andrew Bartlett

Album Description

Honoring the time Ronnie Dio spent with the band, Black Sabbath's hits "Neon Knights," "Lady Evil," and "Die Young" are featured on this compilation spanning 1980-2006. David Ling contributes liner notes and live versions of "Children of the Sea" and "Country Girl" are showcased.

Customer Reviews:

The Dio Years, not something that should be overlooked!.......2007-07-31

The Mob rules, Lady Evil and TV crimes are just some of the many diamonds that shine and sparkle from the Dio years. Always in the shadow of Ozzy, particularly when Ozzy Osbourne's solo career got off to a great start, Dio was never quite able to establish himself as the "next great singer" of Black Sabbath, but regardless of people's feelings of loyalty towards Oz, Ronnie James Dio still has to be recognized for his own style and signature voice during his tenure with Black Sabbath. I am glad that this CD has been released and have been enjoying it a lot since purchasing it. The quality is top notch and this really is, in my mind a great collection of the best Dio material that comes from the Black Sabbath sessions.

... Don't Own "The Dio Years" But This is What I Think it Could've Been ..........2007-07-27

"The Dio Years" was released this past (April) to promote the up-coming reunion with Dio and the other members of Black Sabbath, who are simply calling themselves "Heaven & Hell" these days. Well, since I don't own
this CD, I can't really tell you about it that much, but I do have most
of the tracks on this set minus the three new ones.

Here is a list of tracks which should've been included, but were excluded
due to time constraints, and the fact that this sampling of the Dio era
of Sabbath is presented on only a single disc:

Children of the sea (studio version from HEAVEN & HELL)
Wishing Well
Sign of the southern cross
Country Girl (MOB RULES)

Computer God
Time Machine
Too Late
Master of Insanity
Letters From Earth (alternate mix) (DEHUMANIZER)

Neon Knights (LIVE)
Heaven and Hell (LIVE VERSION WITH DIO's RANT)
Slipping Away (LIVE W. DRUM SOLO)(LIVE AT HAMMERSMITH ODEON)

I don't think I'm gonna get this one, even if I can find it used.
However, I own the Re-mastered Editions of the three Sabbath/Dio albums
from the 1980's, as well as DEHUMANIZER (1992). ... And I'm
waiting for the new Live album "Live from Radio City Music Hall" by
the Heaven & Hell Project (Iommi + Dio + Butler + Appice), which will hit the shelves on August 28th, 2007.

It's about time.......2007-07-26

To me Ozzy era Sabbath was the greatest band EVER ! Dio era Sabbath was (and currently as Heaven And Hell) is an awesome band . This compilation is great "greatest hits" of the Dio years. The Dio Sabbath albums were all very good . Heaven and Hell , Mob Rules and the very under rated Dehumanizer are all first rate classic metal . This Rhino cd , "The Dio Years" does a great job of representing those 3 albums . The only bad choice of songs on this cd (in my opinion) is the Live Evil version of Children Of The Sea. I think they should have put the studio version on here instead. There was no need to represent Live Evil , yes it was a decent album , but the studio version is much much stronger. The 3 new songs are all classic Dio era Sabbath songs . Get this cd !

New Dio-Sabbath songs.......2007-07-25

Basically this is very good selection from the four Dio sung Sabbath albums, however, some of my favorites are missing. But the major advantage is the three new songs, which are just fabulous. Classic Sabbath tones, dark, mystical but also feels like the last Dio album called Dehumanizer.

\m/.......2007-07-24

If you like the classic Sabbath with Dio then this is a no brainer to purchase. You get the remastered classics plus 3 new songs. I would have paid the 10.99 just for the new songs. They are very good. I wish Sign of the Southern Cross and Country Girl had been included on the CD.

Black Box: The Complete Original Black Sabbath (1970-1978)

Average customer rating:

THE GREATEST BAND EVER
the ozzy years
Black Box!
nice box!
The greatest black box ever

Black Box: The Complete Original Black Sabbath (1970-1978)
Black Sabbath
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

British Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Hard Rock & Heavy Metal | Rock | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Box Sets at 30% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Heaven And Hell
Complete Studio Recordings
Metalogy
The Mob Rules
Dehumanizer

ASIN: B0000DII8S
Release Date: 2004-04-27

Tracks:

Black Sabbath
The Wizard
Wasp/Behind The Wall Of Sleep/Bassically/N.I.B.
Wicked World
A Bit Of Finger/Sleeping Village/Warning
Evil

Tracks:

War Pigs/Luke's Wall
Paranoid
Planet Caravan
Iron Man
Electric Funeral
Hand Of Doom
Rat Salad
Jack The Stripper/Fairies Wear Boots

Tracks:

Sweet Leaf
After Forever
Embryo
Children of The Grave
Orchid
Lord Of This World
Solitude
Into The Void

Tracks:

Wheels Of Confusion/The Straightener
Tomorrow's Dream
Changes
FX
Supernaut
Snowblind
Cornucopia
Laguna Sunrise
St. Vitus' Dance
Under The Sun/Every Day Comes And Goes

Tracks:

Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
A National Acrobat
Fluff
Sabbra Cadabra
Killing Yourself To Live
Who Are you?
Looking For Today
Spiral Architect

Tracks:

Hole In The Sky
Don't Start (Too Late)
Symptom Of The Universe
Magalomania
The Thrill Of It All
Supertzar
Am I Going Insane (Radio)
The Writ

Tracks:

Back Street Kids
You Won't Change Me
It's Alright
Gypsy
All Moving Parts (Stand Still)
Rock 'N' Roll Doctor
She's Gone
Dirty Women

Tracks:

Never Say Die
Johnny Blade
Junior's Eyes
A Hard Road
Shock Wave
Air Dance
Over To You
Breakout
Swinging The Chain

Tracks:

Black Sabbath (Promo Clip)
Paranoid (Live At The Beat Club)
Iron Man (Live At The Beat Club)
Blue Suede Shoes (Live)

Amazon.com

One can make the case that the Beatles, while the most important band of all time, wasn't the most influential. Decades after Black Sabbath laid down the commandments of heavy metal--lyrically, not for the squeamish; musically, dynamic and resolutely heavy--their impact remains improbably undiminished. One needed only to hear the first notes of the eponymous track on their eponymous 1970 debut to know that a new régime had arrived. And while one could (and should!) have mocked them, they would not be stopped. Black Box includes the eight albums recorded between 1970 and 1978 by the founding lineup--Tony Iommi, Bill Ward, Ozzy Osbourne, and Geezer Butler--in one suitably weighty package. Forgoing bonus tracks (aside from an entertaining but brief four-track DVD extra), the box is rounded off with an impressive 80-page booklet. While the foursome was considerably less fearsome by the time they checked out with Never Say Die, more than half of this collection represents heavy metal with a lasting impact. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews:

THE GREATEST BAND EVER.......2007-07-26

This is the band that is responsible for heavy metal as we know it . This is the GREATEST band to ever record ! This 8 cd box set is all you will ever need . I have been a huge Sabbath fan since first hearing Master Of Reality back in about 1973 . Here you get 8 amazing cd's with remarkable remastered sound that will blow you away. Since there is really no need to discuss Black Sabbath , Paranoid , Master Of Reality , Volume 4 , Sabbath Bloody Sabbath and Sabotage , every metal fan knows these cd's as the classic's that they are. There is still 2 more very under rated cd's here . Technical Ecstacy and Never Say Die. Not enough people recognize these cd's , but I truly like both of them . True they are not the classic type Sabbath that the other 6 are . They are still excellent , heavy , hard rockin' albums . Technical Ecstacy has the great Back Street Kids , You Won't Change Me , Gypsy and All Moving Parts . Never Say Die has the great title track along with Shockwave , Juniors Eyes , Hard Road and Over To You . These are 2 cd's that should not be pushed to the side . If you own this box set or plan on buying it , check out these 2 forgotten Sabbath cd's . As usual , with all Rhino box sets this is a first rate effort . The box is beautiful , the book is amazing ,it contains all the lyrics , a great memo and some excellent photos. This is worthy of 10 stars .

the ozzy years .......2007-07-20

wow the box set is the best ever if u dont own any black sabbath cds with ozzy and not sure were to start id say by this althouth this is not all of ozzys work wheres past lives i mean this is all the studio stuff but all in all this is an amazing box the book has a little histiroy photos and a bouns dvd the dvd has four songs on it by this if u are an black sabbath fan u wont regret it

Black Box!.......2007-07-19

Black Sabbath's gotta be one of my favorite bands now. I wanted to get some of their records and the "Black Box" seemed like a good starting point.

Black Sabbath, in my opinion created some of the most brilliant songs, ever! True music enthusiast should at least own their first 4 albums.

For the people thinking the "Black Box" is a rip off, think about it. You get the first 8 Black Sabbath CDs, that's $80+ if you get them individually, (and the ones in the box set are remastered too), and a sexy velvet hardcovered biography of the history of Black Sabbath, all inside a blackend box that could of been crafted by Satan himself, all for around $60. I don't see how this is a rip off...

nice box!.......2007-07-14

here we have it all 8 sabbath records with ozzy fronting, nothing new whats so ever we have all heard these songs before but let me tell you it sounds fresh, remastered you hear little things in the songs you may have missed before. one thing that i would like to clear up is upon purchasing this box set i was reading other reviews and noticed someone stated that the medley tracks mainly on the selt titled album had been seperated into individual tracks, this is not the case they are still medleys. maybe they changed it for different pressings of the box set (highly unlikey) but it matters not this is black sabbath how it was intended.

The greatest black box ever.......2007-06-16

The reason I bought this is because if I ever wanted to experience Black Sabbath then I should just get this and listen to all the albums that Ozzy was on. Boy was I in for a ride! I have listened to the albums from beginning to end and there are key tracks that I had loved on each album but then hearing them along side with the other tracks makes them even more attractive. Like the segue of "Am I Going Insane" with "The Writ" and many others. I absolutely LOVE this box set. The SUEDE book goes through each album and track explaining them which is cool and i watched the dvd and it's very good just makes you wanna trip out and watch.

So if your thinking of getting this then DISH out the money and get it. It's totally worth the price!

Average customer rating:

Musci with Passion
Whoaaa....now THIS is music!
Fantastic !
A little Nugget of perfection
One of the Great Unknowns

Once
Nightwish
Manufacturer: Roadrunner Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Century Child
Oceanborn
Wishmaster
Angels Fall First
Over the Hills and Far Away

ASIN: B0002ZYE1Y
Release Date: 2004-10-05

Tracks:

Dark Chest Of Wonders
Wish I Had An Angel
Nemo
Planet Hell
Creek Mary?s Blood
The Siren
Dead Gardens
Romanticide
Ghost Love Score
Kuolema Tekee Taiteilijan
Higher Than Hope
White Night Fantasy
Live To Tell The Tale

Album Description

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

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

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

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

So, are you ready for Nightwish?

Customer Reviews:

Musci with Passion.......2007-07-26

This album contains some very stirring music that is full of passion. Close your eyes and listen and it will take you places in your imagination.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Music Info:

Music Info

music info

Recommended Music:

And Other Bits of Material [Extra tracks] [Import]

Eden Roc

Great 20th Century Flute Music

Bright Lights and Country Music

A Time And A Place

Hot Chocolate - Greatest Hits [Import]

Footloose the Musical (1998 Original Broadway Cast) [Cast Recording]

Favorite Arias

Greatest Hits [Import]

Franck: Symphony in Dm; Roussel: Symphony No3

If [Import]

First Torch Singers, Vol. 3: 1935-1940

Esa Noche

1943-1945

Soul of an Angel