Into Darkness

Into Darkness

Track Listings

1. Oppression Freedom

2. Oppression (Reprise)

3. Servants Of The Warsmen

4. Goden

5. Powers And Might

6. Destiny

7. Eternal Frost

8. Into Darkness

Tracks:

O Lux Beata Trinitas
Jube Domine/In Principio
Come And Do Your Will In Me
Christe Qui Lux Es
Lectio Ysaye Prophete/Surge Illuminare
As One Who Had Slept
Medie Noctis Tempus Est
Vidi Civitatem
The Lord's Prayer
Quinque Prudentes Virgines
The Bridegroom
Inventor Rutili

Amazon.com

Darkness into Light is the title of this new Anonymous 4 CD, and, indeed, many of the works refer to the perils and glory, religiously speaking, of the former and the latter, respectively. Sprinkled within the eight 12th- to 14th-century hymns, all beautifully performed and interestingly varied in tone and use of voices, are four works by the contemporary British composer John Tavener, one of which is receiving its recorded premiere and was composed for Anonymous 4 and the Chilingirian Quartet. It is called "The Bridegroom," and in its 17-plus minutes examines the metaphor of Christ-as-Bridegroom, with the strings standing for Christ and the four voices, in the words of the composer, for "the people of the world, full of that longing which is a kind of Divine eros." Be that as it may, it contains some wonderful high-lying vocal lines, many short, phrases and a series of long-held, fading-out notes. The effect is very interesting and the string quartet adds to the mystery. The other three Tavener works are in the same vein. Whether or not one subscribes to Tavener's only occasionally convincing brand of religiosity, the performances here--of his music and the rest--are gorgeous, as the Anonymous 4 sing with their usual combination of abundance and absolute purity--an odd combination, but a unique one. The ear is constantly enchanted here, even if one finds the ancient piety more appealing, universal, and convincing than the modern. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

The Etheral Tavener.......2006-09-05

I bought this CD a week ago and have listened to it every night at least once. I am a fan of church choral music. This album has some of the most interesting, moving and uplifting music I have listened to. I put Tavener up there with Talis, Gorecki, and the giants of the past.

A Beauty that aches.......2004-02-20

I'm not sure how I just happened upon John Tavener for the first time in my life. Where has he been hiding?

This album struck me much the same way Palestrina's Pope Marcellus mass struck me the first time I heard it. It's the kind of music that makes you lean back with your mouth open; wordless at the music that would be too divinely beautiful to touch if you could see it. It makes me whisper soft praises at the sheer love that God has inspired in certain musicians.

I like the medieval songs interspersed with Tavener's pieces. A perfect combination.

Heavenly music without equal.......2003-12-15

I ordered DARKNESS INTO LIGHT shortly after its release earlier this year, and I have listened to and enjoyed it immensely many time over since. Having recently ordered Anonymous 4's WOLCUM YULE, I was inspired to finally write a review of this masterwork collection of choral music.

DARKNESS INTO LIGHT's "subtitle" if you will is MEDIEVAL & MODERN--A MYSTICAL JOURNEY. I could think of no better way to describe the mood these works set: you do feel a sense of mystery and anticipation as you "journey" from one hymn to the next. I use the word hymn in the general sense, as the works have more than just a liturgical or religious sound that comes forth upon listening again and again. I literally get chills and am enthralled in particular by the Tavener selections presented here (Come and do Your will in me is I believe the most beautiful choral work of Tavener's and the most beautiful permformance I have heard from Anonymous 4 ever!)

Anonymous 4 in collaboration with the Chilingirian Quartet lavish great care and passion on these four pieces as they do with the entire album. The Tavener works are certainly the highlight if you are a devoted collector of his music as I am.

Not only is the singing and musicianship of both quartets astounding, the packaging for the CD is itself quite attractive and informative. Harmonia Mundi has placed the CD within a book that opens to display the four-color liner notes booklet. No need to fumble with removing the booklet from a traditional jewel case--a nice touch for those of us who enjoy reading the essays and production notes associated with a classical recording. The booklet is quite handsome, and includes two color plates, one probably attributable to Hieronymus Bosch, and one from the Tres Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, 15th c. France. Also included are librettos in English, French and German.

The 12 tracks are as as follows:

1) Vespers hymn: O lux beata trinitas
2) Jube domine/Lection: In principio
3) TAVENER: Come and do Your will in me (voices & strings)
4) Compline hymn: Christe qui lux es
5) Lectio ysaye prophete/Lection: Surge illuminare
6) Tavener: As one who has slept (voices & strings)
7) Nocturn hymn: Medie noctis tempus est
8) Leccio libri apokalipsis/Lection: Vidi civitatem
9) TAVENER: The Lord's Prayer
10) Alleluia: Quinque prudentes virgines
11) TAVENER: The Bridegroom (voices & strings)
*world premiere recording
12) Hymn for the New Light: Inventor rutili

This album must be heard to be appreciated. Whether you are familiar with Tavener and the quality of Anonymous 4 & the Chilingirian Quartet's recordings, or are new to all this, do yourself a tremendous favor and get a copy now! The production quality is nothing less than superb, as you would expect from Harmonia Mundi and the ladies of Anonymous 4.

This is my personal selection for CLASSICAL MUSIC ALBUM OF THE YEAR.

Completely Enchanted by this Exquisite CD.......2003-11-03

My son played this CD for me this evening and I promptly ordered it online and then continued to listen to the entire CD 5X's! This is the most hauntingly beautiful CD I've heard in years. A long-time fan of Anonymous 4, I am absolutely delighted in what I perceive to be their best recording to date. I enjoyed listening to the 12th-14th c. hymns and absolutely love the new works by Tavener. Since I particularly enjoy listening to Anonymous 4 CD's while at work, I am eagerly awaiting this latest CD to listen to while I work this winter! This CD is inspiring as well as beautiful.

The Bridegroom.......2003-07-19

I haven't actually listened to this entire album yet, but I will buy it just for "The Bridegroom," and I suggest you do the same if you enjoy chant-style vocal music at all. Tavener uses minor seconds all over the place to keep us on the edge of our seat, and his ancient style of chant combined with nouveux harmonies are absolutely exhilirating! Definitely listen to this one!

Average customer rating:

From Solo Piano Publications

Out of the Darkness, Into the Light
Michael Stribling
Manufacturer: Leela Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

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Immersion: Two

ASIN: B000L22UT6
Release Date: 2007-01-01

Tracks:

- Driven
- Out of the Darkness, Into the Light
- Northern Lights
- Letting Go/Afterthought
- Seven Faces of Home
- Ripples of Awareness
- Reflection
- Longing
- Water Nebula
- Glory and Honor/A Glimpse Beyond

Product Description

The follow-up to the #1 debut album (Songs of Hope and Healing), "Out of the Darkness, Into the Light" is a collection of 10 new age instrumental compositions that celebrates the journey from our ego-driven nature to higher levels of awareness and consciousness. There's plenty of evocative heart music here, with lush harmonies and moving melodies.

Customer Reviews:

From Solo Piano Publications.......2007-01-19

"Out of the Darkness, Into the Light" is multi-instrumentalist Michael Stribling's follow-up to 2006's chart-topping "Songs of Hope and Healing." I haven't heard Stribling's earlier work, but I sure like this CD! Most of the ten tracks are ambient and spacious, but there are a couple of very rhythmic, uptempo pieces that make you sit up and take notice. The piano appears in several of the pieces, but this is much more of an electronic CD. Stribling's mission is "to help others in their journey toward wholeness through the gift of music, by creating works that inspire and uplift the human spirit" (from his website). Stribling calls his label "Leela Music," and "leela" means "divine play," so this music obviously comes from a rich variety of sources. Stribling has been playing the piano since he was seven, and was a percussionist for Johnny Mathis early in his career. After several years working as a studio musician, playing in musical theater, and radio announcing, Stribling went back to graduate school in 1981 and became a marriage and family therapist. After working in that field for many years, life changes brought him back to music in 2005. Lucky us!

The CD opens with "Driven," a piece whose pounding beat and intoxicating rhythm I find completely addicting. In the car, I had the volume up to the point of being almost painful and kept hitting the "repeat" button on the CD player. My piano students could probably hear me coming from several blocks away! Sure to bring a smile and more than a few head bobs! From there, we get down to more serious business. The title track takes us on a journey that begins with the feeling of dark mystery that is non-threatening, but not entirely comfortable. As the piece unfolds, it explores several themes, gradually brightening until it breaks into the light as the darker theme fades out. "Northern Lights" gives the feeling of floating in darkness that is deep, but also very peaceful and beautiful. Various sounds suggest the changing colors of the Northern Lights as they melt from one breathtaking hue to another. Gorgeous! "Letting Go/Afterthought" is much more introspective and melancholy. The middle section of the piece is solo piano, personalizing it even more. One of my favorite tracks is "Longing," which begins with a very simple but compelling rhythmic theme that suggests a plucked stringed instrument. That theme continues throughout the piece as string washes add fullness and color. Becoming more orchestrated as it evolves, the simple theme comes to the forefront from time to time. As feelings of longing are, the piece is tinged with sadness and loss, but is not without hope. Very effective! "Glory and Honor / A Glimpse Beyond" begins on a jaunty, upbeat note. More melodic than most of the works, it also has an infectious rhythm and a playful spirit that segues later to the ambient feeling of crystalline open space and of floating peacefully on air.

"Out of the Darkness, Into the Light" is a fascinating musical journey and one that I really enjoyed. Recommended!

Handel - Messiah / Vyvyan · Sinclair · Vickers · Tozzi · Royal PO · Beecham

Average customer rating:

Beecham's noisy Messiah
The Big Victorian Handel 'Messiah': Indulge Yourself!
Comfort Ye!
Familiarity hasn't bred much affection
Thanks to Jon!

Handel - Messiah / Vyvyan · Sinclair · Vickers · Tozzi · Royal PO · Beecham
George Frideric Handel , Sir Thomas Beecham , Jennifer Vyvyan , Monica Sinclair , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , Jon Vickers , and Giorgio Tozzi
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tracks:

Messiah: Overture - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
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Messiah: Air: He Shall Feed His Flock; Come Unto Him (Contralto & Soprano) - Monica Sinclair
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Messiah: Chorus: He Trusted In God - John McCarthy
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Messiah: Air: The Trumpet Shall Sound (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
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Tracks:

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Messiah: Chorus: Let All The Angels Of God Worship Him - John McCarthy
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Amazon.com essential recording

Sir Thomas Beecham's Messiah has become notorious among baroque purists (like this writer) for embodying the worst excesses of pre-1960 Handel performance: ponderous tempos, stentorian opera singers, huge lumbering choruses and orchestras, crashing cymbals, clanging triangles.... Well, we'll need a new straw man: this performance is WONDERFUL. Jon Vickers and Giorgio Tozzi negotiate Handel's writing surprisingly well; Jennifer Vyvyan takes to it naturally. The chorus and orchestra (yes, including trombones, tuba, triangle, and cymbals) may obscure the part-writing, but they fill the music with power, grandeur, and faith. If Mozart could re-orchestrate Messiah, why not Beecham? This may not be Handel's Messiah as such, it may even be a period piece itself--but it's magnificent. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

Beecham's noisy Messiah.......2006-12-23

Here's the famous Messiah from Thomas Beecham and forces that uses crashing cymbals, enhanced timpani and brass to make it sound like a collusion between classical forces, a rock band and Canadian Brass. Listen to second CD excerpt from "Hallelujah!" for the opening cymbal crash to get an idea of what's going on.

This performance has been debated for 40 years as to whether it is musically adept, musically correct, an exemplar of the English choral tradition, or just a big old batch of fun at Handel's expense. I first owned this during a time when I also owned a recording Handel's "Royal Fireworks Music" featuring 40 woodwinds. The two made roughly an equal amount of noise.

There isn't much question this performance is completely out of step with the way Handel is performed in most venues today. Check out the wonderful Jon Vickers' highly operatic opening aria, "Comfort ye", then compare that to any leaned-out period group you've heard. You'll get another idea of the dimension of Beecham's project.

While not on the agenda of the Flat Earth Society, the only real interest in a performance like this -- especially having to endure it on three CDs when just about everyone else puts it on two -- is nostalgia or history, whichever happens to be the case for you.

My personal favorite version is in the 4-CD box of "Messiah" and "Israel In Egypt" where Andrew Parrott leads his Taverner Choir & Players and some of the best early music singers including Emma Kirkby, Emily van Evera, Margaret Cable, David Thomas, and Joseph Cornwall. HIs Messiah isn't perfect -- it uses a countertenor for a bass in one aria -- but it is more moderate than most PPP recordings and has a wonderful romantic edge to most of the score. It comes with a top notch recording of "Israel in Egypt" and still costs less than the Beehcham.

The Big Victorian Handel 'Messiah': Indulge Yourself!.......2006-12-16

We live in an era when purity of intent and respect for composers' works is at an all time high. Not only are we blessed with superb 'authentic' performances on period instruments and with small choruses and countertenors and state of the art bel canto singers for Handel's evergreen "Messiah", there are many superlative recordings that are as polished as any one work on current recordings. Supposedly we are hearing Messiah the way Handel envisioned it. Perhaps so, but who is to say that had Handel the resources available today he wouldn't have jumped for joy at the drama of the old British Choral Societies version that Sir Thomas Beecham conducts on this anything but dusty recording from many years ago. The 'Old School' had its good points.

Beecham goes all out with an orchestration, while attributed to Sir Eugene Goosens is also probably some of Beecham's own inimitable tinkering, that adds instruments not only in numbers but also in color and depth of sound. Winds double strings, percussion includes the full battery instead of just tympani, the big cello and viola sound stand equally with the big violin sound, etc. The chorus is huge, and while this allows the big dramatic moments to be intense, the fine diction Beecham demanded remains solidly intact.

The soloists are in an operatic class of their own. Jennifer Vyvyan and Monica Sinclair were major singers when this recording was made and their singing is big and well ornamented. Jon Vickers and Giorgio Tozzi bring Verdi into the room and he is a welcome visitor to Beecham's vision of this work.

For this listener, who prefers the 'correct, authentic' performance, this recording and others even older that celebrate the BIG Messiah are a delight. And that just proves that performance standards, no matter the interpretation of the conductor, are paramount: Beecham gives a solid, convincing interpretation to the operatic Messiah. It is lush, and huge, and absolutely wonderful to hear again! Grady Harp, December 06

Comfort Ye!.......2006-10-30

If your not familiar with "Messiah" don't let the reviews scare you - this is certainly a great choice for your first or only recording. There is a lot of feeling in the playing and singing, and i feel it is quite respectful not only of the composer, but the subject matter. It includes a booklet with all the lyrics, and an essay by Beecham himself about the piece. It is a complete recording, with a "bonus cd" of extra verses not usually performed (as explained in the essay). The audio quality is great for the time it was recorded. Its much more worthy to be listened to and contemplated than to be put on as backround music at Christmastime. The price is certainly reasonable in light of the quality of the performance.

Familiarity hasn't bred much affection.......2005-11-02

I first became acquainted with this recording at the tender age of 12 when I received the original Soria edition as a Christmas gift. I remember being intensely disappointed at what seemed to me then as more circus than music. Time has mellowed that negative reaction and gives a more balanced assessment of Beecham's achievement - I bought the CD reissue after all. It still doesn't inspire much affection in yours truly although I can appreciate the soloists' contributions, particularly Tozzi. The lamented Vyvyan was in better voice with Boult. Here she has a rapid vibrato and a curious way of articulating the high notes. The orchestrations seem to maintain more of the clarity of the writing by concentrating on the bass and the top without clogging up the middle voices in the manner of the Victorians. There are three pieces where it just doesn't work at all to these ears: the brassy "All we like sheep," "Hallelujah" (which summons visions of Fucik's 'Entry of the Gladiators' every time I hear it), and the disintegration of the obbligato trumpet into flute noodlings in "The trumpet shall sound," in a lightweight performance that is at odds with the grandeur of the text. I'll also admit that the splashy brilliance of "For unto us a Child is born" and the surging drama of "Surely, He hath borne our griefs" are very satisfying.

In the forty some recordings I own (and the many performances I've attended) there's no best and no definitive. This is one I respect but don't care to hear very often.

Thanks to Jon!.......2005-03-08

This recording is worth having first of all beacause of the credible singing of Jon Vickers! Yes, he really sings on the words. The "Comfort Ye" and "Every valley..." have a knew dimension after Jons reading of the score. Of course I know that in tradition we want a very much more lyrical voice to this masterpiece. But he's not alone here, and now we are already into the problem; the choir! It's just terrible, yes terrible!
I'm just ending up with "Thanks to Jon!"

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Darkness Into Light

Darkness into Light
Priscilla Herdman
Manufacturer: Flying Fish Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Customer Reviews:

Darkness Into Light.......2007-01-04

This music is like soul food, as odd as that may sound. I haven't heard this album in almost 13 years. My parents raised us on folk and bluegrass, so this album was great. Her voice is pure and strong, and still very tender. I am so thrilled to have found this!!

Average customer rating:

great work from Jim Steinman
Loved it so much I got the rights!
The Confidence Man
The Confidence Man

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Jim Steinman (Composer) , Ray Errol Fox (Lyricist) , Bobby Blume , Yancey Arias , Bruce Yeko , Jeff Olmsted , George Costacos Best , Norbert Leo Butz , Tom Christensen , Rayme Cornell , Jean Fox , Lauren Fox , Shani Glance , Andre de Shield , Mark Nadler , Terry Waldo , Julia Murney , Jamison Stern , Eric Michael Gillett , Thomas Stamet , LaChanze , Garrett Long , Chuck Cooper , Andrea Marcovicci , and K.T. Sullivan
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Customer Reviews:

great work from Jim Steinman.......2006-06-16

Jim Steinman, known for his operatic-style rock music (Meat Loaf, Bonnie Tyler, etc.) has shown a more classic style of him in this one-of-a-kind musical. He takes several styles from the Civil War era and twists them with modern musical treatments.

You can hear many bits and pieces of music used in this album that Steinman uses much later in some of his rock songs, such as the intro to Making Love Out of Nothing at All, chorale phrases from The Future Ain't What it Used to Be and many others.

If you are a Steinman fan, this is a must!! Ray Earl Fox does a great job with the lyrics and they compliment the music to a tee.

Loved it so much I got the rights!.......2004-05-26

Upon hearing this musical I loved it so much I went out and got the rights to direct it onstage this October in Cincinnati! I was always a fan of Jim Steinman's music, but I now also have a great respect for the lyrics of Ray Fox. Fox is a wordsmith much in the tradition of Stephen Sondheim, with intricate wordplay and quick patter. I would suspect that it was his early work with Fox on this project that led Steinman himself into developing into a world class, phrase twisting. lyricist himself. And of course you have Steinman's great ear for melody, but with a much different feel than his Rock music. A great lost treasure of American theater (come see it in October!)

The Confidence Man.......2004-04-02

One of the undiscovered classics of the century. I hope to produce the first Australian production in November 2005. This show has a long and winding history, but I'll leave all that to the liner notes. Ray Errol Fox is one of the greatest lyricists of all time. I have never seen another talent like him - expect for Rupert Holmes - and these are the men I hold among my chief inspiration. Jim Steinman, the composer, whom many of you will remember from Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell has actually re-used many of these tunes in his subsequent projects. If you want the original version of his closing song from Pandora's Box, listen to Track One. "Milady" and "Something of this Masquerade may Follow" were re-used for TANZ DER VAMPIRE. Thank God this was finally released. It's a beautiful, heroic and courageous, discovered-at-last masterpiece of American musical theater.

The Confidence Man.......2004-03-07

When a friend gave me "The Confidence Man" as a Christmas gift, he advised me that I would be in for a treat. I was somewhat skeptical since I had never heard of it, but since it was based on a Herman Melville novel, I was intrigued. And it had music by Jim Steinman. I liked the story, of course, and the music, but it was the lyrics (by Ray Eroll Fox) that captivated me. They are witty, literate and consistently surprising. I find something new to admire every time I listen. Anyone into American musical theater shouldn't be without this one!

Beautiful Darkness: Celebrating the Winter

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Wonderful!
Intoxicating

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Customer Reviews:

Wonderful!.......2003-12-02

This is one of my favorite CDs this season. The songs are simply lovely. Sond of the songs have words that are spoken rather than sung as poems or stories being told. Beautiful flutes, bells ringing, guitars and the like. Its very gentle music that you just want to sit and absorb. The lyrics are beautiful - poetic blessings, celebrating our change of seasons, the winter, the wildlife. A few have a celtic sound to them but most do not. The voices, music are just so harmonious, melodic, wonderful. This cd was just what I needed to celebrate the darkness. An amazing work. I wish I could find more like this one!

Intoxicating.......2002-02-23

How does one begin to describe absolute musical and lyrical beauty? Beautiful Darkness is that description. It is mysterious, passionate, elegant, grand, heavenly, intoxicating and down to earth all at the same time. The artists on this CD have given music lovers a rare gift with this recording.

Average customer rating:

Darkseed's best effort
New Gods!!!!
Can Darkseed top this album?!
Dark & moody
If you miss old Paradise Lost

Diving into Darkness
Darkseed
Manufacturer: Nuclear Blast Americ
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Give Me Light

ASIN: B000046Q8A
Release Date: 2000-08-29

Tracks:

Forever Darkness
I Deny You
Counting Moments
Can't Find You
Autumn
Rain
Hopelessness
Left Alone
Downwards
Cold Under Water
Many Wills

Customer Reviews:

Darkseed's best effort.......2004-10-12

Fourth album from German Gothic Metal band Darkseed. Diving Into Darkness is their best release to date. There are no bad songs on this album. The vocalist Stephan Hertrich has improved his vocal efforts compared to early records. Also the songs are better than the songs from their previous albums. The guitars are heavy and there are some excellent lead melodies. I also like the added electronic sounds. They give the songs something extra. The most important aspects on the album are the vocals and the vocal melodies. Every song makes you want to sing along with the dark/melancholic tunes. On occasion the vocalist uses his heavier Death Metal influenced vocals, from their earlier albums, but most of the time he uses his clean melancholic vocals. The songs are mostly mid-tempo and slow. I must admit that the songs are not really diverse or complex, but the excellent songs make up for that minor flaw. The only real letdown is the drum-sound. Their former drummer, who I think, was a session drummer on this album, plays the drums. Unfortunately the drum-sound is really bad. Because I am not a drum fanatic, I can live with it. If you're a fan of melancholic Metal, and you like newer releases from bands such as Ever Eve, Tiamat are Paradise Lost, then check out Diving Into Darkness.

New Gods!!!!.......2001-09-08

I bought this cd two months ago and its been in my car since then. It's perfect, unmatchable and glorious (this is a new high in gothic metal, surpassing paradise lost!!!). the vocals are really similar to james hethfield's, but much much better, plus, stefan can growl amazingly. the music is hard but beautiful, and the tecno soundscapes really adds some deep and dark feeling to the songs. hopelessness is the greatest "hard rock gothic ballad" song ever known by mankind!!!!

For those who play an instrument like me, this cd is the one that makes you thing "[...]why I don't come up with something like that!!!!"

Can Darkseed top this album?!.......2001-07-27

Darkseed have outdone themselves with "diving into darkness".... by far one of the best albums i have ever heard! their previous album "give me light" displayed no hints at what they had in store for their next album. the music of "diving into darkness" is dark and very heavy with electronics thrown in to enhance the overall mood of the album..... not the happy rock songs found on their previous albums. 'diving into darkness' reminds me of 'give me light' era Darkseed jamming with 'one second'-'host' era Paradise Lost while covering Rammstein.

Dark & moody.......2001-01-27

This is definitely Darkseed's best album to date. With "Diving into Darkness" Darkseed has honed their songwriting skills considerably. The songs are for the most part midtempo doom-rockers and have plenty of catchy hooks.

Overall, the album is driven by crunchy, distorted guitars and a punchy rhythym section. The vocalist sings in a Nick Holmes/James Hetfield style for the most part, occasionally punctuated by death growls. Electronics and synths are featured on this album much moreso than on previous releases, but they mixed tastefully into the songs so they don't dominate but rather add character and atmosphere. No one will mistake this for Depeche Mode.

If you like your metal moody and melodic, then this is for you.

If you miss old Paradise Lost.......2000-11-19

Darkseed's latest is truly their greatest. Their song structure is more straight-forward, but the melodies and vocals are better than ever. This CD reminds me alot of Icon era Paradise Lost or latter day Sentenced. If that sounds cool to you go buy it!

Average customer rating:

Finally a Messiah with fervor!
Great recording!
Good and Bad
This is a great recording!

Handel: Messiah

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

Christmas at Trinity

ASIN: B00002R16A
Release Date: 1999-11-30

Tracks:

Messiah: No. 1 Overture
Messiah: No. 2 Arioso For Tenor
Messiah: No. 3 Air For Tenor
Messiah: No. 4 Chorus
Messiah: No. 5 Recitative For Bass
Messiah: No. 6 Air For Bass
Messiah: No. 7 Chorus
Messiah: No. 8 Recitative For Alto
Messiah: No. 9 Air For Alto And Chorus
Messiah: No. 10 Arioso For Bass
Messiah: No. 11 Air For Bass
Messiah: No. 12 Chorus
Messiah: No. 13 Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)
Messiah: No. 14a Recitative And No. 14b Arioso For Soprano
Messiah: No. 15 Recitative For Soprano
Messiah: No. 16 Arioso For Soprano
Messiah: No. 17 Chorus
Messiah: No. 18 Air For Soprano
Messiah: No. 19 Recitative For Alto
Messiah: No. 20 Air For Alto And Soprano
Messiah: No. 21 Chorus
Messiah: No. 22 Chorus
Messiah: No. 23 Air For Alto
Messiah: No. 24 Chorus
Messiah: No. 25 Chorus
Messiah: No. 26 Chorus

Tracks:

Messiah: No. 27 Arioso For Tenor
Messiah: No. 28 Chorus
Messiah: No. 29 Recitative For Tenor
Messiah: No. 30 Air For Tenor
Messiah: No. 31 Recitative For Tenor
Messiah: No. 32 Air For Tenor
Messiah: No. 33 Chorus
Messiah: No. 34 Recitative For Tenor
Messiah: No. 35 Chorus
Messiah: No. 36 Air For Alto
Messiah: No. 37 Chorus
Messiah: No. 38 Aria For Soprano
Messiah: No. 39 Chorus
Messiah: No. 40 Air For Bass
Messiah: No. 41 Chorus
Messiah: No. 42 Recitative For Tenor
Messiah: No. 43 Air For Tenor
Messiah: No. 44 Chorus
Messiah: No. 45 Air For Soprano
Messiah: No. 46 Chorus
Messiah: No. 47 Recitative For Bass
Messiah: No. 48 Air For Bass
Messiah: No. 49 Recitative For Alto
Messiah: No. 50 Duet For Alto And Tenor
Messiah: No. 51 Chorus
Messiah: No. 52 Air For Soprano
Messiah: No. 53 Chorus
Messiah: Amen

Customer Reviews:

Finally a Messiah with fervor!.......2005-10-20

I've hunted a thrilling performance of The Messiah through 240 versions so far. This is the best I've found. Some are self-conscious, dutifully singing as instructed. Some are almost childish in their lilt. Some are overblown with so much bombast that you can barely hear the heart of the music. Some are concentrated on faithfulness to the original instruments. If you want a performance that will make you shiver with the power and joy of the music, this is the one. The singers are singing about GLORY. They sound as if they are ecstatic. The musicians are at one with the music and they create a virtual cathedral wherever this CD is played, just close your eyes. Or, let your own imagery, be it celestial, or of great oceans...carry you away.

Great recording!.......2003-09-22

There are so many performances of the Messiah out there that it is very difficult to point to a difinative one, but I'd put this in the catagory of the "very good" ones. As other reviewers have said, every performance is different and has its own character. Each has stronger and weaker points. Here the conductor and musicians have made good, solid musical choices. There is an amazing attention to detail which is not so obvious the first listen through but which makes the piece shine. The tempos seem to be right on, and there is no frivolous over-embellishment by the soloists. There is no attempt to be showey. The dramatic dynamics in the first section of the overture are interesting, but seem to work after you hear it a few times. This performance also includes sections which are often omitted (Second half of "He shall feed his flock," "Thou art gone up on high," "Great was the company of the preachers," and "Death where is thy sting"). I prefer the more intimate quality of a small ensemble of musicians to the mega-performances by the London Philharmonic, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, etc.. As with this performance, the smaller group lends a clarity to the music, where the larger ensembles can get a little "muddy" at times. Just my personal preference. Overall, this is a very good performance, and certainly the low price (being on the Naxos lable) makes this a clear choice.

Good and Bad.......2000-04-09

I was more interested in "The Messiah" for the religious content than as a music critic, but this was too much. The strings are tinny. The orchestra is plodding. The soloists and choir are thankfully very good and seem to understand the meaning of the words. It is a shame the sound mix is uneven. The male parts come across loud and clear, but the poor women. For instance, No. 9 Oh thou that tellest..., the soloist sounded like she was singing in an echo chamber far from the mike. This is one of the most disappointing versions of "The Messiah" I have heard in a long time.

This is a great recording!.......2000-02-11

I was really surprised with the new that the Messiah's New World premiere was held at Trinity Church in October 1770, twenty-eight years after it was written. This fact only will make one proud in having this CD among his collection.

Anyhow, this is nothing more than a historic detail and would not count if this recording had not an outstanding first-rate ensemble of singers. Without doubt there is no definitive version of Messiah. Each one has its own distinctive touch and feeling and exploring it is always a pleasant journey through imagination.

As stated by the conductor: "we must concede that performing Messiah with twenty singers and an appropriately balanced instrumental ensemble represents, at best, an imperfect comprimise", it will be easy to understand that this recording does not stand among the greatest and will probably carry some imperfections. I will mention two that kind of disppointed me a little bit. The Overture and the Chorus Worthy is the Lamb, for some reason misses the habitual vigor and strenght. Everything else is great and this is definitely a worth buying.

Disturbs the Air
Average customer rating:
Disturbs the Air

Manufacturer: Black Plastic Sound
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CADLMC
Release Date: 2005-08-09

Into Darkness
Average customer rating:

''DEAFENING SCREAM's..AHHHHHHHHAAAHHH!!!!!'' DOOM DEATH!!!

Into Darkness
Winter
Manufacturer: Nuclear Blast Americ
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
General | Rock | Styles | Music
General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000008ME5
Release Date: 1993-02-16

Tracks:

Oppression Freedom
Oppression (Reprise)
Servants Of The Warsmen
Goden
Powers And Might
Destiny
Eternal Frost
Into Darkness

Customer Reviews:

''DEAFENING SCREAM's..AHHHHHHHHAAAHHH!!!!!'' DOOM DEATH!!!.......2005-10-06

First off ..SKREW the STUPID digipack re-release thing a ma job!!

GET AN ORIGINAL JEWEL CASE NUCLEAR BLAST AMERICA VERSION..with all the REAL atrwork..granted that was not even the first press.. but its the one to own!! you have to have the real BLACK AND WHITE artwork!!! IT'S THE ONLY WAY!!

This was released in 1990!!! same year as ''LOST PARADISE'' and these are the TWO most important albums in DOOM DEATH..they influneced the whole bunch!!

WINTER was from NEW YORK..and it show's!!!! NEW YORK is a very ERIE place..full of all sorts of nasty HISTORY and what not!!

Ok now onto the ALBUM!!

WINTER wer against the RAP*E of mother earth..and against ZOG..WELL ''BIG GOVERNMENT'' it seems..VERY NICE!!

This is the most DISTURBING..HATEFUL..ERIE..thing ever made!!!! I remember when I first got this( for like 7$ new haha!) I thought my world was gonna END!! I WAS FLOORED!!! NEVER HAD I HEARD SUCH..HELL!! AND THE BASS PLAYING IS SOMETHING I OWE MY SOUL TO!! YOU NEVER THOUGHT IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE TO GET AN EARTH QUAKE OUT THAT BASS RIG DID YA?? WELL WINTER DID!!! EVEN MORE SO!!!

EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS IS DREAD..PURE DREAD!!! THESE GUYS TAKE THE CAKE FOR THE SLOWEST BAND THAT EVER LIVED!!

I really cant say anymore before I start to eat my own FLESH!! this album is in my BRAIN!!! I cant get rid of it..no matter what I try!! ITS A BURDEN!!!!!! BUT A DARN GOOD ONE!!

ONE THE BEST FUKKIN ALBUM's.. ever made!!!!!!
IF YOU CAN FIND THIS AND UNDERSTAND IT..then you may be a winner in LIFE!!!

ALL HAIL WINTER!!!!!!!!!! DOOM FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WINTER..WINTER..WINTER..WINTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Music Info:

Music Info

music info

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