Anathema - A Natural Disaster (2003, Music For Nations)

The name of the album and the first notes immediately reveal what's inside this record. This is depressive music on the verge of suicidal. Anathema are no strangers to making this type of music, yet their style has drifted away completely from the metal genre. I've left my adoration for their works at Judgement.

This was the only CD I didn't manage to listen to in full. I gave up on the record in the middle of track 2 but listened to another 4 more tracks when the CD-player randomizer decided it was going to be Anathema day. This record is dangerous in the car as it can induce excess depression or relaxation depending on your feelings for the music.

Anathema are known for their Pink Floyd influences and this record manifests this influence vividly. One can recognise the sound effect similarity from a mile away, "Are you there" is a prime example of what I'm saying. My friends also recognise influences from Depeche Mode.

Style: Doom Rock
Rating: 6 - Incompatible with my moods yet better than their previous "A Fine Day to Exit".
CoC Review
Lyrics

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Battlelore - Sword's Song (2003, Napalm Records)

These Finnish elves appeared on the scene in 2000 with their demo Warrior's Song and being signed with Napalm Records I knew about them from the very first moment. I regretted buying their records immediately fearing they were going to clone other Tolkien based bands. It was only until last month that I started listening to Battlelore, and in doing so I realise that I've wasted four years of music.

Like Tolkien metal masters Summoning, Battlelore imports Tolkien's works into a metal album. The similarity between the two bands stops at that. In Sword's Song, the integration of Kaisa Jouhki female vocals and Patrik Mennander growls create an excellent modern variant on Tolkien's themes. I fell in love with Jouhki with her elvish mythical female voice. At last somebody is trying not to sound like Tarja anymore.

Style: Heavy Tolkien Based Metal with growls and female vocals
Rating: 9 - All songs are brilliant - Best Album in CD.
Lyrics

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Inflames - Soundtrack To Your Escape (2004, Nuclear Blast)

Bleqqqqqq ..... Burrrrrrr .... Mbbbleeqqqq .... x10 other vomiting sounds. What were inflames thinking with this record! If I wanted Korn I would have gladly got a Korn record. If you ever have heard inflames before and liked them, there is a good chance that you'll loath this album as it sounds nothing like inflames. Inflames have turned new metal sounding completely like Korn. Mind you, I like Korn so it's not a case of musically likings.

The Swedish quartet moderately experimented with their sound but I never thought they can arrive at this. I believe in change into something original, but cannot contain my frustration when changing style into a direct copy of another band. The only reason I continued listening to this bull was out of hope that at some time the record will change, but my wishes never materialised, except "In Search for I".

Style: Swedish Attempt at New Metal
Rating: 4.5 - Failed attempt at change
Coc Review
Lyrics

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Saltatio Mortis - Das Zweite Gesicht (2002, Napalm Records)

After the Inflames review I've regained my smile. This is what I call a cool original album, which was well rewarded by constant plays during the last weeks. The official proof that this is a good record is that my better half liked it despite her absolutely zero tolerance to folk music. The record is a mix of bagpipes, folk influences and electronic sounds. This perfect sound balance is enhanced by German lyrics.

There's not a single ugly song with Heuchler and Dunkler Engel being the best. Mea Culpa should be played on repeat mode at work.

Style: Folk metal with a club sound adaptation
Rating: 8.5 - Original and uplifting and very appealing

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Type O Negative - Life is Killing Me (2003, Roadrunner)

There is little to say about this album. This is a normal Type O album with all you'd expect from Type O Negative, humour, grove and a inimitable deep voice. A good record which nobody will complain about for our garage nights.

Style: Type O Negative
Rating: 7.5 - Good but nothing special
CoC Review
Lyrics

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Summary

Best Album: Battlelore - Sword's Song
Worst Album: Inflames
Original Album: Saltiato Mortis