Absence [Import]

Absence [Import]

Track Listings

1. End of the Century

2. Everlasting Ward

3. First Drop

4. Slain Memories

5. Day to Depart

6. Prey of the Tempter

7. Here We Lie

8. All Veiled

9. Dream and the Escape

10. Great Anonymous Doom

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
The latest work from the Finnish band mixes some folk elements into their death metal and the result can best be described as beautiful. The production is fat and crystal clear, the song material is great with a floating atmosphere, and the vocal is varied and perfect for this type of music. Death vocals are mainly used, but elements of clear male and female vocal appear every now and then and contributes to further variation. For fans of melodic death metal. Spinefarm. 2005.

Absence,Noumena,Spikefarm,Heavy Metal

In the Absence of Truth
Average customer rating:

Another Post-Rock classic

Not something I'd listen to much

A change for ISIS

Apparently musicians aren't allowed to grow (4.5/5 stars)

Isis gets better...

In the Absence of Truth
Isis
Manufacturer: Ipecac Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
General | Rock | Styles | Music
Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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Every Red Heart Shines Toward the Red Sun

Clearing the Eye

Panopticon

Oceanic

No Heroes

ASIN: B000I2K9JW
Release Date: 2006-10-31

Tracks:

Wrists Of Kings
Not In Rivers, But In Drops
Dulcinea
Over Root And Thorn
1000 Shards
All Out Of Time, All Into Space
Holy Tears
Firdous E Bareen
Garden Of Barren

Customer Reviews:

Another Post-Rock classic.......2007-07-05

In my mind, no Isis album has let me down. True, In The Absence of Truth is completely different than say, Celestial or Oceanic, but isn't every musical band allowed to change to the constant flow of time? The answer is yes! The True wonders of this CD are:
"Not In Rivers, But In Drops"
"Dulcinea"
"Garden of Light"

Though....all songs on this CD are completely spectacular. Truely, another post-rock classic

Not something I'd listen to much.......2007-06-07

I'm all for change and growth, but this is still easily my least favorite Isis album. The material isn't necessarily bad, it's just so over-produced that it comes off as plodding and mechanical, and the band's vocals never have been and probably never will be strong enough to be given such a prominent place in the mix. There are a couple of good tracks on there, but, for my money, it's not as strong as their previous works.

A change for ISIS.......2007-04-04

Being a many-year fan of ISIS, I was skeptical from the beginning about this CD coming out since the band started talking about how they were going to be playing shows with Tool. As expected, many people who were only recently introduced to ISIS saw this CD only as a comparison to Tool's music. This CD is pretty good, but not great for ISIS potential. Hearing tribal style drums on nearly every song gets repetitive, especially after hearing the unique and talented drumming from previous albums like Oceanic and SGNL 5. I have no problem at all with the vocals. Aaron has an strong clean voice.

Overall, I'd say this is a good CD to add to your ISIS album collection, but it is no where near my favorite. ISIS has moved towards a different side of their own music in the Absence of Truth, and there's nothing wrong with that. It's just a lot more mellow than their earlier music. Good album, but not great.

Apparently musicians aren't allowed to grow (4.5/5 stars).......2007-03-30

I'm going to address two things in this review. One is the reason I'm writing it to begin with, and the second is something I shouldn't even waste my time on, but will anyway.

The album wasn't like their previous albums, and Aaron Turner has never been a "singer" in the truest sense of the word. Not keeping that in mind, some people are going to be disappointed.
However, once I listed to the album, I was pleased with how well it turned out. There isn't anything on here that's going to resemble what's found on Mosquito Control. What you are going to find are a collection of songs that display the eloquence and dynamic tendencies that Isis has been developing upon since unleashing Oceanic upon an unsuspecting metal market. Literally, from start to finish, you're going to be on a musical journey that plays out something like a religious experience with a well orchestrated blend of heavy guitars, prominent bass lines, electronics, tribal drums, and vocals that have the feel and sound of an instrument. The music remains well-layered and well-composed like their previous releases, but if anything, have come to sound more mature than what they've released in the past.
Bottom line: If you like Isis, underground metal with a brain, and/or Tool and aren't one of those brown-nosing kind of Tool fans, than you'll dig the CD.

Second part, I love how all these people come up on here and start with the Tool comparisons. It's funny to me because I remember 5 years ago when I first got into Isis, any time I'd mention the word Isis people automatically started telling me about how they're nothing but a Neurosis ripoff. At the time, while Neurosis was heavily influential to Isis's sound, Neurosis did a lot to help Isis gain recognition. Fast-forward to Isis relocating to California, where Justin Chancellor (and the rest of Tool) takes an interest in Isis, jams on a song with them on Panopticon, and then invites Isis to support them for their 10,000 Days tour. The way I see it, Isis's peers have shown to be influential upon them. At the same time, Isis continues to become further and further recognized within the music community and will probably start to entice some mainstream label offers much like Mastodon. Bands like Tool and Neurosis show interest in Isis because while we live in a world where the mainstream media would love nothing more than to shove all the other unit-shifting radio crap down our throats, Isis has not only shown influence by the musically relevant groups they've been associated with, but have also continued to show an alarming sense of originality which is one of the main reasons why they've earned (and deserve) a fan base to begin with.

Isis gets better..........2007-03-22

This is an excellent record. Isis specialize in dynamic soundscapes, and this time around there is an added emphasis on percussion. Fans of Tool should really enjoy this. Their live show is much better, however, so I'm not sure this album relates how powerful and articulate this band really is. The major flaw here is that the exclusion of lyrics from the cover and the undecipherable vocals make it next to impossible understand what the songs are about. This is probably intentional, but it certainly takes away from the listening experience somewhat. Nonetheless, Isis have a well defined artistic vision and that makes them one of the best bands around.

Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas / Daniel Barenboim

Average customer rating:

Barenboim's Beethvoen
One of the very best ever
dead in the water
Sublime expression nourished by a colossal vision!
Performed with great enthusiasm

Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas / Daniel Barenboim

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Mozart:The Complete Piano Sonatas and Variations
Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet
Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies and Piano Concertos
Chopin: The Piano Works
Schubert: The Piano Sonatas

ASIN: B00000C2KP
Release Date: 1998-10-20

Tracks:

Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2 No.1: Allegro
Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2 No.1: Adagio
Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2 No.1: Menuetto: Allegretto
Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2 No.1: Prestissimo
Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2 No.2: Allegro vivace
Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2 No.2: Largo appassionato
Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2 No.2: Scherzo: Allegretto
Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2 No.2: Rondo: Grazioso
Sonata No.3 In C Major, Op.2 No.3: Allegro con brio
Sonata No.3 In C Major, Op.2 No.3: Adagio
Sonata No.3 In C Major, Op.2 No.3: Scherzo: Allegro
Sonata No.3 In C Major, Op.2 No.3: Allegro assai

Tracks:

Sonata No.5 In C Minor, Op.10 No.1: Allegro molto e con brio
Sonata No.5 In C Minor, Op.10 No.1: Adagio molto
Sonata No.5 In C Minor, Op.10 No.1: Finale: Prestissimo
Sonata No.6 In F Major, Op.10 No.2: Allegro
Sonata No.6 In F Major, Op.10 No.2: Allegretto
Sonata No.6 In F Major, Op.10 No.2: Presto
Sonata No.7 In D Major, Op.10 No.3: Presto
Sonata No.7 In D Major, Op.10 No.3: Largo e mesto
Sonata No.7 In D Major, Op.10 No.3: Menuetto: Allegro
Sonata No.7 In D Major, Op.10 No.3: Rondo: Allegro
Sonata No.22 In F Major, Op.54: In tempo di Menuetto
Sonata No.22 In F Major, Op.54: Allegretto - Piu allegro

Tracks:

Sonata No.4 In E Flat Major, Op7: Allegro molto e con brio
Sonata No.4 In E Flat Major, Op7: Largo con gran espressione
Sonata No.4 In E Flat Major, Op7: Allegro
Sonata No.4 In E Flat Major, Op7: Rondo: Poco allegretto e grazioso
Sonata No.9 In E Major, Op.14 No.1: Allegro
Sonata No.9 In E Major, Op.14 No.1: Allegretto
Sonata No.9 In E Major, Op.14 No.1: Rondo: Allegro comodo
Sonata No.10 In G Major, Op.14 No.2: Allegro
Sonata No.10 In G Major, Op.14 No.2: Andante
Sonata No.10 In G Major, Op.14 No.2: Scherzo: Allegro assai

Tracks:

Sonata No.11 In B Flat Major, Op.22: Allegro con brio
Sonata No.11 In B Flat Major, Op.22: Adagio con molta espressione
Sonata No.11 In B Flat Major, Op.22: Menuetto
Sonata No.11 In B Flat Major, Op.22: Rondo: Allegretto
Sonata No.12 In A Flat Major, Op.26: Andante von variazioni
Sonata No.12 In A Flat Major, Op.26: Scherzo: Allegro molto
Sonata No.12 In A Flat Major, Op.26: Marcia funebre sulla morte d'un Eroe: Maestoso andante
Sonata No.12 In A Flat Major, Op.26: Allegro
Sonata No.13 In E Flat Major, Op.27 No.1: Andante - Allegro
Sonata No.13 In E Flat Major, Op.27 No.1: Allegro molto e vivace
Sonata No.13 In E Flat Major, Op.27 No.1: Adagio con espressione - Allegro vivace

Tracks:

SONATA NO.8 IN C MINOR, OP.13 'PATHETIQUE': Grave - Allegro molto e con brio
SONATA NO.8 IN C MINOR, OP.13 'PATHETIQUE': Adagio cantabile
SONATA NO.8 IN C MINOR, OP.13 'PATHETIQUE': Rondo: Allegro
Sonata No.14 InC Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': Adagio sostenuto
Sonata No.14 InC Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': Allegretto
Sonata No.14 InC Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': Presto agitato - Adagio - Presto agitato
SONATA NO.23 IN F MINOR, OP.57 'APPASSIONATA': Allegro assai - Piu allegro
SONATA NO.23 IN F MINOR, OP.57 'APPASSIONATA': Andante con moto
SONATA NO.23 IN F MINOR, OP.57 'APPASSIONATA': Allegro ma non troppo - Presto

Tracks:

Sonata No.15 In D Major, Op.28 'Pastoral': Allegro
Sonata No.15 In D Major, Op.28 'Pastoral': Andante
Sonata No.15 In D Major, Op.28 'Pastoral': Scherzo: Allegro vivace
Sonata No.15 In D Major, Op.28 'Pastoral': Rondo: Allegro ma non troppo
Sonata No.21 In C Major, Op.53 'Waldstein': Allegro con brio
Sonata No.21 In C Major, Op.53 'Waldstein': Introduzione (Adagio molto) - Rondo (Allegretto moderato - Prestissimo)
Sonata No.19 In G Minor, Op.49 No.1: Andante
Sonata No.19 In G Minor, Op.49 No.1: Rondo: Allegro
Sonata No.20 In G Major, Op.49 No.2: Allegro ma non troppo
Sonata No.20 In G Major, Op.49 No.2: Tempo di menuetto

Tracks:

Sonata No. 16 In G Major, Op. 31 No. 1: Allegro vivace
Sonata No. 16 In G Major, Op. 31 No. 1: Adagio grazioso
Sonata No. 16 In G Major, Op. 31 No. 1: Rondo: Allegretto - Adagio - Presto
Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 'The Tempest': Largo - Allegro
Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 'The Tempest': Adagio
Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 'The Tempest': Allegretto
Sonata No.18 In E Flat Major, Op.31 No.3: Allegro
Sonata No.18 In E Flat Major, Op.31 No.3: Scherzo: Allegretto vivace
Sonata No.18 In E Flat Major, Op.31 No.3: Menuetto: Moderato grazioso
Sonata No.18 In E Flat Major, Op.31 No.3: Presto con fuoco

Tracks:

Sonata No.24 In F Sharp Major, Op.78: Adagio cantabile - Allegro ma non troppo
Sonata No.24 In F Sharp Major, Op.78: Allegro vivace
Sonata No.25 in G major, Op.79: Presto alla tedesca
Sonata No.25 in G major, Op.79: Andante
Sonata No.25 in G major, Op.79: Vivace
Sonata No.26 In E Flat Major, Op.81a 'Les Adieux': Das Lebewohl (Les Adieux): Adagio - Allegro
Sonata No.26 In E Flat Major, Op.81a 'Les Adieux': Abwesenheit (L'Absence): Andante espressivo
Sonata No.26 In E Flat Major, Op.81a 'Les Adieux': Wiedersehn (Le Retour): Vivacissimamente - Poco andante - Tempo 1
Sonata No.27 In E Minor, Op.90: Mit Lebhaftigkeit und durchaus mit Empfindung und Ausdruck
Sonata No.27 In E Minor, Op.90: Nicht zu geschwind und sehr singbar vorzutragen

Tracks:

Sonata No.28 In A Major, Op.101: Allegretto ma non troppo
Sonata No.28 In A Major, Op.101: Vivace alla Marcia
Sonata No.28 In A Major, Op.101: Adagio, ma non troppo, con affetto - Tempo del primo pezzo - Allegro
Sonata No.29 In B Flat Major, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': Allegro
Sonata No.29 In B Flat Major, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': Scherzo: Assai vivace - Presto - Tempo 1
Sonata No.29 In B Flat Major, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': Adagio sostenuto
Sonata No.29 In B Flat Major, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': Largo - Allegro - Prestissimo - Allegro risoluto (Fuga a tre voci, con alcune licenze)

Tracks:

Sonata No.30 In E Major, Op.109: Vivace, ma non troppo - Adagio espressivo - Tempo 1
Sonata No.30 In E Major, Op.109: Prestissimo
Sonata No.30 In E Major, Op.109: Tema: Andante molto cantabile e espressivo - Variazioni 1-6
Sonata No.31 In A Flat Major, Op.110: Moderato cantabile, molto espressivo
Sonata No.31 In A Flat Major, Op.110: Allegro molto
Sonata No.31 In A Flat Major, Op.110: Adagio ma non troppo
Sonata No.31 In A Flat Major, Op.110: Fuga: Allegro ma non troppo - L'istesso tempo di arioso - L'istesso tempo della Fuga - Meno allegro
Sonata No.32 in C minor, op.111: Maestoso - Allegro con brio ed appassionato
Sonata No.32 in C minor, op.111: Arietta: Adagio molto semplice e cantabile - Variazioni

Customer Reviews:

Barenboim's Beethvoen.......2007-06-27

I heard Bachaus play all Beethoven recitals at Carnegie Hall, in NYC. At that time he was the acknowledged master of the Beethvoen Sonata. With Barenboim, the old order changeth, yielding place to new. These recordings have fire, tempestuousness and passion, all emotions that belong in Beethoven.

One of the very best ever.......2007-02-15

This set has to be experienced. The clarity of these performances is beyond belief. If it's not the best set of Beethoven Sonatas, it is certainly among the very best. Take for example the first movement of Sonata number 21. It is so easy to have a performer play all the notes just as Beethoven wrote them and yet leave the listener in a morass of confusion without the slightest idea of what he had in mind. Not here. The ideas pour forth in a white light that has to be experienced. It really has to be experienced!! I love these performances. I will play them until I die. Oh...and the recordings are technically excellent. At least when played through Levinson electronics and Maggies....superb!

dead in the water.......2007-01-12

Sorry, I just don't like Barenboim's renditions. Beethoven is my favourite composer, depending on my mood that is, and nothing moves me as his music can. But I just don't get Barenboim's renditions... doesn't do a thing for me. Something of Beethoven's depth and richness gets totally "lost in translation".

Better off finding a better performance of these if you really want to be "blown away". My favorite "Beethoven" conductor would have to be Herbert von Karajan; and as for individual pianists my all time favorite is Maurizio Pollini, whose performances are exquisite, in both technique and expression! If you are a music lover you should really check his work out if you haven't already. My favorite Beethoven CD by him is "Die Spaten Klaviersonaten" (Beethoven) by Deutsche Grammophon in their "legendary recordings" series. It is a real gem! (the sound quality is excellent also)

Sublime expression nourished by a colossal vision!.......2006-03-23

Thanks to this immense and untiring activity in the field of the orchestral direction, his vision as pianist has enriched himself quite a lot: Barenboim performs these well known Sonatas with a splendid architectural construction; according Schnabel `s tradition.

And that is a very remarkable good point in this musical moment where the pianist technique is eclipsing and even annulling the personal approach in the most of pianists all over the world. Honesty, conviction, vision and commitment dress those interpretations loaded of expression and personality.

In the great tradition of the great Beethovenian keyboard giants of the past, Daniel explores and plays every little bar with that well felt intensity of someone who in Beethoven `s there is much more than simple music. In Beethoven the music is not a goal by itself; but a revelation superior to any philosophy; all his musical legacy possess values that are placed of the standards. There is not art without second intention and that is precisely what Barenboim has made with this fabulous cycle of Beethoven Sonatas.

If you really want to listen remarkable performances far beyond of the trivial conventionalisms, go for this record.

Performed with great enthusiasm.......2004-05-16

This is classic early Barenboim (he was just 24 when he started recording this set in 1966). He is very enthusiastic and expressive (if you don't like him, he "takes liberties" and "shows off"). The slow movements are veerrry slow, and the fast ones really rip. Pianissimo is extremely soft, and fortissimo rattles the windows! [My wife insists that I wear headphones for late-night listening.]

Tracks:

Adelaide Op.46
Der Tod Und Das Madchen D531
Auf Dem Wasser Zu Singen D774
Nacht Und Traume D827
Adelaide D95
Selve Amiche, Ombrose Piante
O Del Mio Dolce Ardor
Intorno All'idol Mio
Pur Dicesti, O Bocca Bella
L'Absent
Ou Voulez-Vous Aller?
Absence
Ser
Orpheus With His Lute
Linden Lea
Hands, Eyes And Heart
C'est Ainsi Que Tu Es FP 121 (Metamorphoses No.2)
Priez Pour Paix FP 95
La Belle Jeunesse FP 42 (Chansons Gaillardes No.7)
Sweeter Than Roses
I'll Sail Upon The Dog Star
Evening Hymn

Amazon.com's Best of 2000

It's a truism by now that countertenors have made a notable comeback in our time, but David Daniels--Amazon.com's Opera & Vocal Artist of 2000--isn't about to rest on his laurels. As if his recent successes weren't enough to set him apart, on this recital album Daniels forays beyond the countertenor's stereotypical domain of the baroque to interpret lieder of Beethoven and Schubert, as well as French mélodies and Vaughan Williams. A stunningly beautiful disc. --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-05-30

The German and French art-song developed in parallel,but although they shared the same creative process based on the two key elements of words and music, they are distinct one from the other in their aim. Beethoven was one of the first to usher in the 'Leid'. Between 1795 and 1796 he drew inspiration from Friedich von Matthisson for his cantata 'Adelaide'. In 1814 Schubert set the same poem for his own 'Adelaide'. More than three-quarters of Schubert's songs are nature pictures as is 'Auf dem Wasser zu singen' on this disc. Other composers included on this recording are:Caldara-Gluck-Cesti-Lotte-Gounod-VaughanWilliams-Poulenc and Purcell.This disc absolutely delighted me. I can think of only one other countertenor who could have "pulled off" the variety of songs Daniels performs on this album. Most of them are quite well-known at least to singers and actually could be considered trite but not the way David Daniels sings them. He is so skillful with strong tone production when needed and always perfect diction. I marvel at the way he can implement the highly dramatic Italian aria and then sing the light "wispy" French songs. My personal favorites are "Adelaide" by Schubert. "Ou voulez-vous aller?" by Gounod and "I'll Sail Upon the DogStar by Purcell. In fact, if you are a Daniel's fan you MUST hear the Dog Star!!!!!

Outstandingly beautiful- a great legend in our time.......2005-06-22

This is a truly unique voice. David Daniels has an opulent timbre which he uses here to achieve sheer excellence. As much as I hate for his career to be upstaged by anything, knowing that he was tutored by Marilyn Horne seems to establish her vocal qualities as a suitable metaphor. It's that rich, opulent tone and secure vibrato that you don't get with some mezzos, let alone countertenors. No thin-ness here; no `hoot' and nothing shrill. He still has control though, and produces clean, even tones where appropriate. Think of the dramatic requirements of `Der Tod und das Madchen' and the celestial purity of `Absence' or `Ser'- he more than merely achieves the standards, he surpassed them and has set his own seal of distinction.

The choice of songs/arias is itself brilliant and Mr. Daniels' technique needs high praise. As a very minor observation, his diction, though good, doesn't come across as completely idiomatic. This is a VERY minor issue though. The pianist, Martin Katz is very responsive to the style of singing. Mr. Daniels' ability to sustain a phrase with grace and beauty is matched by Mr. Katz's sensitive touch and timing.

In parting, I recommend the ethereal experience of `Orpheus with his lute' (my favourite). The words, a Shakespearean sonnet, are of a straightforward beauty and the melody is from another realm but the singing? Mr. Daniels vocal control and phrasing are exquisite and his tone is sublime. Close your eyes and listen to this one quiet evening. "In sweet music is such art, killing care and grief of heart. Fall asleep, or hearing die." A lute and a song- a simple combination; yet profoundly moving beyond the raging elements. Thank you David.

Follow the Leider...For He Is David Daniels.......2004-08-18

Countertenor David Daniels takes a breather from his beloved Handel arias this time around for a recording of sheer beauty and most often tranquility, all the more surprising given the wide variety of tempos and international breadth of the program spanning five centuries. German leider from Beethoven and Schubert sits alongside Italian baroque songs followed by alternating French and English art songs. The 22 selections, once again reflecting his consummate musical taste, require him to sing in four different languages, and this South Carolina-born and -bred singer handles the daunting task with complete ease.

The result is a seamless recital, and the disc flows like an unfolding dream starting with Beethoven's enchanting "Adelaide". Schubert's "Naucht and Traume" highlights the purity of his tone and is as perfectly performed as any of his most moving opera arias. The Gounod pieces, especially "L'Absent" and the title track, have a sonorous quality that feel very much like lullabies, the sole exception being the lively "Ou voulez-vous aller?". Poulenc's "La belle Jeunesse" continues along this vein, a whirling dervish of a number referred in the accompanying booklet as an "invitation to debauchery". But these tracks are more the exception as Daniels achieves a lovely sense of vocal beatitude throughout.

The standout tracks have to be the three beautiful and somewhat more contemporary-sounding Vaughan Williams songs capped off by "Hands, eyes and heart", short and poignant, it is my favorite moment on this recording. The Renaissance-era Purcell selections provide the appropriate ending though, in particular, "Evening Hymn" sparked by the growing melismas on the hallelujahs. Whether he exhibits an astounding vibrato or the purest of tones, the man knows how to use his incredibly flexible voice and apply it intelligently to each song. Martin Katz accompanies with great precision and completely recognizes the individual style each song requires. It makes for a perfect pairing between singer and piano. This is a recording to treasure.

Countertenors: They're not just for Baroque Anymore!.......2004-03-23

OK, so it's a bad pun. Shoot me.

But get this wonderful disc! Daniels talent is well-served by this varied program.. he goes beyond Handel to sing Beethoven, Gounoud, Vaughan-Williams.

Don't just buy this for the novelty of countertenor singing: the singing would be 5 star had any mezzo (Bartoli, van Otter) sung with this sensitivity. It's superb in every regard.

Beyond Gimmick.......2002-08-01

At first it seems odd...countertenors are supposed to stay within certain boundaries. We let them have Baroque music, and even Gluck, and of course we let them have 20th century things written specifically for them, especially Britten. But to hear a countertenor singing Schubert, Beethoven or French melodies goes against our expectations. So we think, this must be a gimmick. But then Daniels voice takes over and such questions disappear.

Daniels sings this music as if it was inteneded for the countertenor. His sensitivity to the intimate marriage of text and music is phenomenal and his tone is always light and lyrical. I prefer this to many overblown sopranos that I've heard. Daniels weaves a spell that few singers of any voice type can match.

The Gounod is particularly beautiful. I had not been familiar with Gounod's art song before, and I've been missing something. L'Absent brought tears to my eyes just as the best Melodie of Duparc or Faure. And he sings Schubert as if he was born to it.

Tracks:

Dixit Dominus
Welcome As The Dawn Of Day
Harlequinade & Aeolus
Who Is Like Unto Thee, O Lord?
Musette
Gloria in excelsis Deo
Esurientes implevit
To God Who Made The Radiant Sun
Hear My Prayer, O Lord
Andante From Trio Sonata In D Minor
Oh! Fair Cedaria
In Jehovah's Awful Sight
In furore iustissimae irae
Alla Hornpipe
Be Welcome Then, Great Sir
Country Dances I And II
Erbarme dich
Overture To The Summer's Absence Unconcerned
La Rejouissance
Salvator noster
Dona nobis pacem

Customer Reviews:

Going for Baroque.......2003-01-09

Here lies master collection from ten years and fifty discs of examples from baroque era performed by choirs, soloists and instrumentalists.

Conducted by energetic Robert King and his King's Consort, this is just superb!

Tracks:

Intro
A Breath Beneath
Necropolis
From Your Grave
Heaven Ablaze
Summoning The Darkness
Shattered
I, Deceiver
My Ruin
Seven Demons

Album Description

Growing up in the shadow of some of the greatest Death Metal acts of all time, Tampa, Florida's THE ABSENCE are ready to claim their birthright, and reignite the Tampa Death Metal and U.S Death Metal scenes. Meshing the best of European influence with the undeniable southern Death influence, THE ABSENCE has emerged with a new brand of American Death that showcases a vast array of musical metal motivation. Smart arrangements, furious riffs and attention to writing actual songs with masterful instrumentation, set THE ABSENCE apart from many of today's younger acts. The title track, "From Your Grave" best encapsulates THE ABSENCE; culling the best from masters like IRON MAIDEN, to influences like CANNIBAL CORPSE and pioneers like AT THE GATES. Having already toured with national acts CANNIBAL CORPSE, IMMOLATION, GRAVE, SIX FEET UNDER, MASTODON, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, NAPALM, DEATH, SUPERJOINT RITUAL, DARK TRANQUILITY, UNEARTH, NILE and STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, THE ABSENCE have paid their dues and will take the next step in the natural progression: WORLD DOMINATION.

Customer Reviews:

EPIC!.......2007-07-10

I loved every bit of this album and I am still finding it wonderful. The guitar work is absolutely fantastic. The lead singer with his lion like beard, brings a rough voice that is a strong mid-level death metal growl that remains understandable and his lyrics only boost the songs that much more. Three cheers for these guys, can't wait for their new album in August.

The Next At The Gates?.......2007-05-09

Out of all the At The Gates influenced bands, I think The Absence creates the best music. In fact, I am completely willing to say that From Your Grave is a superior album to Slaughter Of The Soul. I was exposed to them when I heard the title track on a late-night metal radio show. Ever since then, my interest in them peaked and I had to get the album. After the first listen, it was quite evident that this is a five-star CD. The only flaw I can think of is that From Your Grave is far from original. However, that isn't enough of a reason to deduct a star.

1. Intro - Just An Intro
2. A Breath Beneath - 4.5/5
3. Necropolis - 5/5
4. From Your Grave - 5/5
5. Heaven Ablaze - 4/5
6. Summoning The Darkness - 5/5
7. Shattered - Interlude
8. I, Deceiver - 5/5
9. My Ruin - 4.5/5
10. Seven Demons - 5/5

Paul Metal King doesn't know anything.......2007-02-09

Please disregard his review. This cd is amazing. Sounds a bit like old Melodic Death metal you haven't heard since high school. If At the Gates and In Flames had a baby The Absence would be it. From your Grave is a powerful metal cd which captivates your soul with great guitars and superb songwriting.These guys are destined to get really big in a few years.Unearth, Dozen Furies and everyone else doesn't do guitar harmonies as good as these guys . If you like these guys then check out "Against the Elements" from Beyond the Embrace because they sound similar.

wow, not your every day scream fest........2007-01-18

To preface this review, I'm in the office. I don't have the time or resources to review each song thoroughly.

First off, this album is up to par production-wise. I know this has been a problem for many metalblade releases in the past. This cd sounds great.

If you are a guitar player, this album is for you. Every song is littered with tasteful, skillful shredding that doesn't get stale. I don't like most of the current crop of metal guys like evergrey, in flames, KSE, etc., but "The Absence" is great. They have a real future if they can follow this up with a strong effort.

If you like anything melodic and can handle serious heaviness, buy this album right now. The band is a bunch of super nice Florida guys.

Missing the Glory days of Melodic Metal? Look no further.......2006-08-30

The ABSENCE - From Your Grave
-
Let's be honest here folks... Making a splash in the pool that is melodic metal is not an easy task now-a-days. You have dozens upon dozens of talented young bands that are making Melo-Death. One thing most of them lack is the roots of the genre... getting more caught up in the glory of Euro-inspired guitar melodies but selling the true-genre short with either, over ambitious break downs or Emo-filled power choruses. And this, my friends is where The Absence really shines! `From the Grace' comes off as something closer to In Flames `Whoracle' then say Soilwork's `Stabbing the drama'.

Honestly, The Absence hasn't reinvented anything with this release, but it is still a fantastic homage to the older days of Melo-Death. All the musicians are competent in their own rights... As expected the guitar playing (Peter Joesph & Patrick Pintaville) is superb. From great riffs to fantastic leads, the melody flows consistently from beginning to end. The bass (Nick Calaci) is pushed a bit far in the back (which is sadly typical in metal) but provides a good backdrop for the guitar interplay. The drumming (Jeramie Kling) is tight, and seems quite focused. I enjoy the fact that he doesn't overdue it behind the kit, showing restraint which is something that many other lack. The vocals, handled by Jamie Stewart, are your standard, At the Gates-Rasp, but it works well for them... Like mentioned above this CD sounds like it came out in 1995 not 2005. Also the production of Erik Rutan is incredible really capturing their music in a timeless feel, yet giving it a modern clean-up.

So what will the future hold for this Tampa 5-piece? If `From Your Grave' is an indication, (which obviously it is...) things can only progress, after all this is their debut.

Favorite Songs: Seven Demons, Heaven's Ablaze, Summoning the Darkness and A Breath Beneath
-4.25 Stars

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Average customer rating:

Another dark journey... Yawn.
One Word - Wow!
Best album in 15 years
Absolutely Brilliant!
THIS CD ROCKS!!

An Absence of Empathy
Frameshift
Manufacturer: ProgRock Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Unweaving the Rainbow
Elements of Persuasion
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Revolutions Per Minute

ASIN: B0007SME0E
Release Date: 2005-04-12

Tracks:

Human Grain
Just One More
Miseducation
I Killed You
This Is Gonna Hurt
Push The Button
In An Empty Room
Outcast
Blade
How Long Can I Resist
When I Look Into My Eyes
What Kind Of Animal

Product Description

"Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent This quote illustrates what this album is about. It is about violence -- human violence, to be precise. It is ever-present and, in varying degrees, ingrained in all of us. Just like wood grain, violence is inherent to our nature, but the question is, what factors determine who lets is show through and how does it show itself? The same questions haunt the protagonist of An Absence of Empathy. He is a curious individual who wants to know why the media is filled with news about murder, rape and war -- and he is afraid that he might have the potential for violence himself. He starts to research the subject, but it isnt enough. It cant show him what motivates the person that acts violently or what plagues them, and it doesnt make him feel the pain of the victims. His desire to understand one of humanitys most basic traits leads to a series of vivid dreams dreams that appear to be so real that he cant escape this dreamworld until it is all over. In them, he becomes the killer, he becomes the rapist, he becomes the soldier, he becomes the mother crying for her daughter who was raped. The first song introduces the theme and illustrates how our main character is plagued by his questions about humanitys major flaw. He starts a journey into the minds of other people to experience violence firsthand. At the end of the album, he draws his own conclusions, and asks himself if there is nothing else to us besides hurting each other. The answer he finds is worthy of discovery. An Absence of Empathy takes you into the psyche of several different people who are either experiencing or acting out violence. Each form of violence is dealt with in two songs, each one shedding light on a different point view of the scenario. For example, one song illustrates a torture scene from the point of view of the torturer; its counterpoint takes you into the same room, this time from the point of view of the tortured. Another pairing is about violence in schools. One song deals with a teacher using psychological violence towards his students (who then rebel), while the other song is about a school shooting.

Customer Reviews:

Another dark journey... Yawn........2007-05-18

The Absence of Empathy has another "prog" band going down the dark road - mental health, insanity, evil, etc. (pick your poison). Sadly, I bought many of the reviews and their ratings and picked up this CD. While Frame-Shift is a talented band and the clouds broke on a few singles, the lyrics and weak middle songs clouded the skies again (the last song was aweful). I'll spare you a track by track review. Overall, based on my taste, the vocals were adequate and the band was pretty good. Henning Pauly is an accomplished guitarist, but was never allowed to let loose for long. Also, the band introduced some unusual special effects (trying to be industrial?). Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't.

My biggest complaints are these: many of the songs repeat the chorus or the tag line over and over and over... almost as though they didn't know what else to say. Plus, this is a really dark album. Okay, psycho killer captures victim(s) and tortures them to death. Great. Nice stretch. Really brightened my day. Finally, much of the music never built up enough momentum... sometimes a song would start out with a nice hook or a great intro, only to stagnate and grow repetetive later on - never fulfilling the promise.

This album is like a Terrantino film, without any of the humor. Some of the songs are listenable (if you avoid the dark message). Just One More (song 2) was a bit of a highlight for me. However, overall, this CD won't be played much anymore (I listened to it 4 times).

I give it a generous 3 stars because there are a couple nice hooks and a couple of unexpected surprises - after a lot of repetitive choruses. I'm not trying to offend anyone, but Skid Row is MUCH better than this.

One Word - Wow!.......2006-12-09

I have to admit I bought this CD for Sebastian Bach's vocals, but have to say I am very impressed with Pauly's guitar work. The sound harkens back to the crunchy riff-driven metal/rock songs of the past. This is the CD Skid Row should have made. The vocals are clean and powerful, and the music is very well done.

While the lyrics are dark and sometimes disturbing, the songs will still win you over. A perfect example is the song "I Killed You" where a man finds his lover with another man and shoots both of them. Terrible, terrible story, but the music / vocals overwhelm the listener.

This CD is much different that Frameshifts previous CD with Dream Theater's James LaBrie on vocals. That CD, good in it's own rights, had a more ethereal sound, while "Empathy" is more "in your face" rock.

Best album in 15 years.......2006-10-05

I have to admit that I only bought this album because it had Bach on lead vocals, and to tell you the truth I didn't really expect much (especially considering the shmables that was The Last Hard Men). But, I was astounded after a few listen how great this album actually is. There is not one weak song on here, they are all killers, and Bach is in terrific form. Easily the best release of 2005 and possibly the best album I've heard since the release of Slave To The Grind - which also had Bach on vocals. Coincidence?

Absolutely Brilliant!.......2006-08-18

This is a masterpiece of an album. Henning Pauly is a genius who merges together odd meter, ripping guitar and odd keyboard sounds to create one of the best pieces of aggressive progressive metal ever created. Henning brought in Sebastian Bach to do the vocals and he has NEVER sounded better. Damn, that man can sing (shame he is such an idiot).

Buy this album. It will blow you away!

THIS CD ROCKS!!.......2006-04-23

This is one of the most original and creative recordings I have heard in a long time. The concept behind this album is interesting but it's mostly the song writing and performances that put it over the top. "I Killed You", "This Is Gonna Hurt" and "In an Empty Room" are my favorite tracks. I've had this CD for months now and still can't stop listening to it. When I first got it, I had to ask, "Who is Henning Pauly and why haven't I heard of him before?" This level of musicianship and songwriting are not something you hear every day. Of course, I've known about Sebastian Bach for many, many years but I have to say his performances on this album are even more inspiring than anything I've ever heard him do with Skid Row. From reading their two respective websites, it sounds like they had somewhat of a falling out - that's a shame because the combination of the two is awe-inspiring. I really wish I'd be able to hear another collaboration by the two someday.

Average customer rating:

Fantastic!

The Very Best of José Van Dam

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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ASIN: B0006VYEHS
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Tracks:

Le Veau D'Or Est Toujours Debout
Vous Qui Faites L'Endormie
Si Les Filles D'Arles Sont Reines
Voyons: 'Pour Hoffmann'...Dans Les Roles D'Amoureux Langoureux
Scintille, Diamant
Bien Des Jeunes Gens
Lakme, C'est Toi Qui Nous Proteges!
Tra La La...Quand La Flamme De L'Amour
Elle Ne M'Aime Pas
Ah! Malgre Toi, Poete
Parjure!
Louange A Vous
Voyez, Thebains, Voyez - Barbara Hendricks
Dors, O Cite Perverse!
Quand Apparaissent Les Etoiles - Teresa Berganza
Je Suis Le Chevalier Errant - Teresa Berganza
Ecoute, Mon Ami - Teresa Berganza

Tracks:

I. Villanelle
IV. Absence
VI. L'Ile Inconnue
Tendrement Enlaces, Ma Chere Bien-Aimee
Danse Macabre
Clair De Lune
Chanson Romanesque
Chanson Epique
Chanson A Boire
Chanson A Dulcinee
Elegie
I. La Maitresse Volage
II. Chanson A Boire
III. Madrigal
IV. Invocation Aux Parques
V. Couplets Bachiques
VI. L'Offrande
VII. La Belle Jeunesse
VIII. Serenade
Malvina
Wo Ist Er?
Wird Dir Nicht Bange?
Die Frist Ist Um
Herr, Lehre Doch Mich
Libera Me, Domine

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic!.......2005-11-02

This collection represents Jose Van Dam at his best. The two arias from Faust are a little low for him but he sings them with great musicality. The aria from Mireille which is a rarity is sung brilliantly. Mr. Van Dam gets up to those high notes so easily. This collection mostly contains French Repertoire which was ideal for his voice. Several of the arias are rarely performed and I think should be performed more often. The few German selections are very effective as well. I think he was one of the finest Brahms Requiem soloists of all time.

Mr. Van Dam is still singing well at age 65. I think he is one of the finest singers and musicians because everything he sings means something to him internally. That is something that defines a great artist for me. I highly recommend this collection because it is a tool for singers to learn how to pronounce French properly. The diction is so clear that you can practically write it down.

Average customer rating:

Jennie Tourel Live at Alice Tully Hall

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Tracks:

Per Pieta
Rose Et Colas: La Sagesse Et Un Tresor
An Die Hoffnung
Ich Liebe Dich
Trois Chansons De Bilitis: La Flute De Pan
Trois Chansons De Bilitis: La Chevelure
Trois Chansons De Bilitis: Le Tombeau Des Naiades
Mignon's Lied
Vergiftet
Uber Allen Gipfeln Is Ruh'
Comment' Disaient-ils

Tracks:

Doubt
Vain Temptation
None But The Lonely Heart
Romance
Elegy
Absence
Laughing Song
Si Mes Vers
O, Quand Je Dors
Le Barbe Bleu

Average customer rating:

Disappointing
Lousy sound, horrible editing but some great moments.
reformation of DEEP PURPLE MK II
great reunion show 1985
A wasted opportunity

In the Absence of Pink - Knebworth 1985
Deep Purple
Manufacturer: Connoisseur Coll.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Live in Europe
Live at the Rotterdam Ahoy 30/10/00
Live in Paris 1975
Mk III: The Final Concerts
Live in Montreux 1969

ASIN: B000006Y3U
Release Date: 1992-01-01

Tracks:

Highway Star
Nobody's Home
Strange Kind of Woman
Gypsy's Kiss
Perfect Strangers
Lazy
Knocking at Your Back Door

Tracks:

Space Truckin'
Difficult to Cure
Speed King
Black Night
Smoke on the Water

Album Details

The Heavy Metal Monolith's Outstanding Performance Captures at England's Knebworth Festival in 1985. Includes Stellar Live Versions of all their Classics Like "Smoke on the Water", "Strange Kind of Woman", "Highway Star" and Many More.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing.......2007-03-15

Ritchie's guitar tone is awful. Glitchy sounding. I've heard he was mixing his guitar tone with a guitar synth around this period. Unless you are a Blackmore nut, like me, buy the Stuttgart set from the '93 tour. Ritchie plays AND sounds awsome.

Lousy sound, horrible editing but some great moments........2002-11-22

This is a live CD from the newly reunited Mk II version of Deep Purple, consisting of Lord, Blackmore, Gillian, Paice and Glover. It comes from the tour to support the Perfect Strangers album. It consists of most of a concert, but is missing 2 tracks. Each disc is 50 minutes long.

The sound is loud and noisy. Deep Purple was always a loud band and even set the record for the loudest concert ever. But, they always had a crystal clear sound. This recording is horrible. It is noisy and painful to hear at times. On some tracks, you can even hear the audience talking. The editing is bad, with sharp cuts between some of the tracks. Other parts could have used some trimming. The cheering between tracks goes on too long in some parts. They could have cut out Gillian's stupid remarks between songs.

But, most of the music is great. There are only a few bland tracks, like Highway Star and some of the newer songs, which are just noisy copies of the studio versions.

On most of the tracks, the band really opens up and twists the songs in new ways, similar to how the band used play in seventies. There is a lot of energy and many great solos. Both Lord and Blackmore get into classical and neo-classical music, playing everything from Bethoven to Ravel.

At times, it sounds like Lord is copying Keith Emerson, and even breaks out into America, a popular staple of the Nice and Emerson, Lake and Palmer. Of course, there is some argument of who came first, Lord or Emerson. They both started introducing classical music into rock around the same time. (Before being a pioneering Hard Rock band, Deep Purple was a pioneering Progressive/Art Rock band).

The sound is so poor, I give it 3 stars. The music rates 4 stars. This album is certainly much better than the live album, Nobody's Perfect. The best Deep Purple live album is the original Live and Rare (not to be confused with the New Live and Rare), but it is currently out of print. Next best would be Made in Japan.

reformation of DEEP PURPLE MK II.......2001-03-26

yes you can ask Ian Gillan, why he did the reformation in the DP reunion 1985 Perfect strangers era? The answer is easy, because Gillan, Glover, Blackmore, Paicey and lordy wanted to repeat their long time ago huge succes in the periode of Mk II early 70's. The reunion tour was succesfull, and the fans have celebrated together with the band. This show was recorded in Hertfordshire England at the Knebworth Park....Deep Purple reached as the loudest rock band on that night. They had circa 300.000 audiences. The fans who have waited for almost 10 years, were really enthusiastic to see the band live again. The opening songs like Highway star, Strange kind of woman, until the final song Smoe on the water and Speed king are great, there are no bad songs on this album. Noticement: The Deep Purple's final era with MK IV Bolin line up was disbanded in 1976, David coverdale formed later his own band called Whitesnake.

great reunion show 1985.......2000-11-13

the band have reformed again in 1985, after their demise in 1976. The first singer Ian Gillan returned back to the Purple in 1984 to replace the 2nd singer in the middle 70's David Coverdale. While Coverdale was still busy with his new band Whitesnake, Gillan took a place as a vocalist again,...this cd presented their reunion Tour in the UK. This double cd has alot of the old songs of Mk II hey days. And absolutely the high light of the tour in 1985. The fans have been waiting for so long to see the band live again.....a Must for all deep purple fans! they are louder and energic than led Zeppelin!

A wasted opportunity.......2000-05-30

This 2CD set could have been great - instead its adequate. Firstly the good stuff - the band sound fired up to be back on home turf for their first UK comback gig and for the most part they deliver an enthusiastic 'glad to be there' performance, albeit with the odd mistake (wake up Blackmore!). The track selection is pretty good too. But ......... what lets this release down is the appalling packaging and some very dodgy decisions on the sound / editing. It seems the BBC lost two of the original tracks, so this may account for the poorly spliced editing. However what is unforgiveable is the sound quality on 'Lazy' - it's significantly different and far worse than the rest of the set. In fact it sounds like a bootleg or a bad soundboard tape that was slipped in as an afterthought ( to replace one of the Beeb's missing tracks perhaps ?). Frankly, it's so bad it should have been left off. Overall, if you're a Purple collector, you will probably want this CD and for the most part you won't feel ripped off, but it's fairly ordinary for something that could have been really special.

Average customer rating:

Incredible
Culture for Dollars
Startling and well executed avant-hip hop.
Diggers are lookin' for this but the crowds want sh!t
Dark and Heavy

Absence
Dälek
Manufacturer: Ipecac Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

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From Filthy Tongue of Gods & Griots
Abandoned Language
Negro Necro Nekros
In Cod We Trust
Labor Days

ASIN: B0002OOUK0
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Tracks:

Distorted Prose
Asylum (Permanent Underclass)
Culture for Dollars
Absence
A Beast Caged
Koner
In Midst of Struggle
Eyes to Form Shadows
Ever Somber
Opiate the Masses

Customer Reviews:

Incredible.......2006-03-24

I'm not a huge fan of hip-hop. I listen to it sometimes, but it's not something I listen to regularly. That said, I love this record. Dalek makes industrial, experimental hip-hop, with heavy, simple, and very catchy beats, very good lyrics with a typical rapper voice, and a wall of noise above the beats. The noise is the interesting part. It's very much derived from industrial music, and can go from simple to quite complex. They also use a turntablist, who spins samples of people talking mostly. Their lyrics focus on social commentary, with very little swearing, usually used where necessary.

Standout tracks include the opener, "Distorted Prose," which has a very interesting electronic sound used between verses, and a catchy bass riff, which is introduced after the line "How the F*** am I gonna shake your hand if we've never been seen as equals?" "Culture for Dollars" is a great track as well, featuring an ambience which includes bagpipes and other folky sounds. The slow, melodic, "Ever Somber" is the third stand-out, with its slow beat and very melodic, yet very noisy ambience.

Overall, this album is fantastic, while it all sounds very similar, it's interesting enough to keep you quite entertained. I'd recommend this to fans of non-commercial hip-hop and fans of experimental rock.

Culture for Dollars.......2005-09-21

Ok, i'm not exactly the biggest rap/hip-hop fan but this past year I stumbled across a group that has sparked a new found interest in the genre. The name of the group: Dalek.The first thing to attract me to them was the label they were signed to which is Ipecac, which just happens to be Mike Pattons(of Faith no more/Mr.Bungle/Tomahawk/Fantomas/etc fame) label. I was already a fan of other bands on his label(namely Isis,Fantomas,Guapo,Bohren and der club of gore) and was just checking out the others when I stumbled across Dalek. The other thing that peaked my interest in them was that they have as much in common with noise-rock/industrial(they also did a split album with kraut-rock legends Faust) as they do with hip-hop and rap. They seem to place as much if not more emphasis on the music behind the beat and lyrics, featuring a droning/ambient/industrial feel which seems to swirl around you and permeate your senses and definetely takes more than a few listens to take it all in. Definetely refreshing compared to mainstream standards. What else is that they have a couple instrumental tracks which is unheard of in modern rap.The lyrics are also of interest, pretty much attacking mainstream rappers and their motives, which rang true with what I thought of them as well, an example from the song "Culture for Dollars"..."Who trades his culture for dollars? The fool or the scholar?Griot?Poet?Or white collared?". This has definetely changed my views on rap and I have now come to realize just as with other forms of music, it seems the better quality you want, the more you have to break away from mainstream norms and head for the "underground". This is easily one of my picks for best of 2005. Highly Recommended.

If anyone can recommend some more underground rap that is intelligent and creative it would be most appreciated.

Startling and well executed avant-hip hop........2005-04-08

Dalek, probably best known amongst experimental rock circles than hip hop circles, is an interesting ensemble. I've actually come to them from their association with Faust (i.e. through experimental rock circles), and having spent quite a bit of time hoping to find hip hop/rap presented in a unique manner (as opposed to the usual programmed and prefabricated structure typically used in commercial rap) and without the sort of degrading, insulting or appalling lyrics that are often present (Gil Scott-Heron said it best when he said, "four letter words or four syllable words won't make you a poet). I also have a heavy interest in the turntablism (a la DJ Spooky). What I've found in Dalek is something rather interesting and intriguing.

"Absence" is an interesting record, Dalek's raps are rhythmically well execued and lyrically engaging-- again, without spontaneous or pointless use of vulgarity. If it gets his message across, he'll do so, but the words are chosen with a purpose. While I may not always agree with what he says, it is well presented and informed.

Musically, the album moves through noise and industrial modes, its clear the influence of the aformentioned Faust on the band-- largely the beats are laid back behind a droning noise-- the album also lacks the thumping bass so common in rap, instead putting an emphasis on the music's entire dynamic range. Add to this creative use of a turntable from a percussion standpoint-- often times, its the foil for Dalek's vocal. If there's a complaint to be made though, its that the droning and industrial noise background can sometimes get a bit trite-- its largely a similar feel throughout the record. Nonetheless, when I usually encounter something with this much reptition of form, I don't often listen to it, but this record is engaging enough to keep me coming. A result of this similarity is that there's not a lot of standout tracks, although lyrically I find "Asylum" and "In Midst of Struggle" to be the most engaging, rhythmically "Culture for Dollars", and musically, the opener "Distorted Prose" (in many ways the standout on the album) and the instrumental interlude "Absence", which does clearly illustrate how much Dalek has learned from his avant-garde roots. And check out the great scratching throughout, but particularly on "A Beast Caged".

This album is unlikely to gather an audience as it should, but for fans of avant-garde, experimental, and unique music, this is definitely a great record to check out. Recommended.

Diggers are lookin' for this but the crowds want sh!t.......2005-03-01

It's the very literal version of a nightmare on wax. Oh my diety, this is very much an offensive battle. This is a grind, a hell hole, a smartistic way of putting words together, and most importantly. . .a ride that you want to stay on even though your ticket was acquired by accident. Put some phones on and pretend you were expecting it.

Dark and Heavy.......2005-02-15

Dalek plays hip hop unlike any you've heard before. This is powerful stuff. Some of these tracks are the most dark and sinister sounding songs I've heard in a long time. Its actually heavier than most metal I've heard recently and they do this without playing metal guitar riffs. The whole album is great but the 3rd song, Culture for Dollars, is just immense. After listening to this on headphones the beats just seem to stick in my head forever.

This isn't as diverse as the previous album, Filthy Tongues, as the band focuses on a more consistent sound this time. Not necessarily a bad thing, just more consistent. There isn't as much of a tribal vibe to it and I didn't notice any tabla percussion like the other albums, but this record still features some weird interludes and soundscapes. Its tough to describe their sound. They basically create an atmosphere with a lot of dark tension that evolves around beats that are simple but are very deep and very heavy. It sounds like many of their sounds come from guitars that were recorded with delay and looping effects mixed with feedback that create a chaotic and trippy sound anchored nicely by the beats.

Also Dalek's vocals are powerful and they fit the music perfectly. Awesome lyrics too, not your typical commercial rap nonsense. If you like hard music and want something different then check out Dalek. I can't say enough about these last 2 albums they've released. I probably listen to them more than anything else I've picked up the last 2 years, and I hardly own any hip hop or rap albums.

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O Pt.1 [CD-single] [Import]

Meus Momentos [Import]

Night and Day

Nothing's Real

Sacred Songs

Rainy Day Music (Limited Edition w/ Bonus CD) [Limited Edition]

Large Afternoon

Madrid-Memphis [Import]

Bach: B Minor Mass; St. Matthew Passion; St. John Passion; Christmas Oratorio

Now That's What I Call Christmas!