It's a BIG year in music!

Whew! 2012 was a pretty good year in metal/rock music. We saw new singers, live albums, new albums! New albums included: Lacuna Coil - "Dark Adrenaline", Epica had "Requiem for the Indifferent". We also had a few new vocalists, Xandria brought us Manuella Krauller with "Neverworld's End", and Kamelot debuted Tommy Karevik on "Silverthorn. And even Tarja gave us her first solo live album and dvd "Act 1".

As awesome as 2012 was for music, 2013 promises to be even better!!

Amaranthe is due to release their sophomore album "The Nexus" on March 26th. "The Nexus" boasts 12 full tracks with a possible 5 bonus tracks including acoustic and remixes of songs off of the "Amaranthe" album. Review soon to come!

Edenbridge's website is buzzing with updates about their new album "The Bonding". Not much has been said as of yet except for the fact that they are asking the fans to support the orchestra. I'm excited to see and hear what they've got planned!

Leaves' Eyes has briefly said on their website that they are planning a new album to be called "Symphonies of the Night". Other than the title, there really hasn't been much said about the album. Even though there is almost nothing known about it, I don't doubt that Leaves' Eyes will amaze us once again!

And the most personally anticipated album to be released this year that was only recently confirmed is from the "Queen of Metal" herself, Tarja Turunen! She has said on her blog that there are going to be choirs, multiple languages and some intense vocals... and that's just one song!! As she said herself the album is going to be "killer, killer...". I couldnt agree more!

Last year Amberian Dawn surprised us with announcing that lead singer Heidi Parvainen would be leaving the band at the end of the year. Shortly after, Amberian Dawn pulled a "Nightwish" and changed the wonderful operatic vocals out for the more "pop-ish" vocals. New vocalist, Capri, has some vocal power, but it's a huge difference in vocal styles. So to really show her off, Amberian dawn is planning a somewhat re-release of some of their big hits off of all four of their previous albums called "Re-Evolution". I'm excited to hear how different the songs are with the new voice!

Within Temptation has promised a followup to their hit album "The Unforgiving". Virtually no information to date has been released about it except for the fact that it is out sometime in 2013. From the "vibes" that I got when they announced the album, it appears that it may be a continuation of the story that "The Unforgiving" started. I'm hoping that this is true. The story from the comic books that were released alongside the album seemed to be chopped off, so I really hope they continue it!

As of yesterday Simone Simons of Epica announced that a DVD of their 10th Anniversary show, entitled "Retrospect", will be released. An official date hasn't been released or anything about the dvd, but with the live orchestras and the special guests (like Floor Jansen, ex After Forever and Revamp) it promises to be an incredible show!

And Speaking of Floor Jansen and Revamp, when Floor came back from the touring as guest lead vocalist for Nightwish she announced that she was already working on a new Revamp album. Once again, not much is know about the album, but with Floor Jansen involved, it should be nothing but awesome!!

Van Canto has also mention on their website that they are also in the process of writing a new album. After releasing "Break the Silence" in 2011 they tooka 1 year hiatus and then they got back to work. Hopefully during that year the creative juices were still flowing so they can but out another crazy awesome album! 

The only other release that I am anticipating is the North American release of Nightwish's movie "Imaginaerum". So far there has only been a European release of the score and the pre-order for the movie. Hopefully we Americans wont have to wait long before this release comes out!

The only artist that I am expecting to release something this year is the band Lunatica. Not much has come out of the band since their release of "New Shores", but they have said that they are working on it. Hopefully we wont have to wait long.

As of February, Evanscence has been celebrating the 10 year anniversary of their album "Fallen". One of the ways they are celebrating is by releasing the album on a colored (purple) vinyl LP. I sincerely hope they continue the tradition with their other albums: "Anywhere But Home", "The Open Door" and their self titled album "Evanescence".

2013 promises to be an incredible year for music! It's only March and these are just the bands that have given any hints or have actually confirmed anything about a possible album. These artist have never let us down in the past, and I'm sure that this year will be no different! \m/

Within Temptation New Album!!!

Woohoo!! Within Temptation just posted this on their website!!! http://www.within-temptation.com/

"Hi everyone,
We have been, and we are still hiding in our studios since winter started. With every writing session new things are happening. We are experimenting a lot and are trying to hold on to this magical feeling.
We are looking forward to the moment that we can share with you where this journey has taken us.
We are excited to have found a new enthusiastic label partner, BMG Rights, with whom are aiming for a release in autumn, which perfectly fits the mood of the album. As soon as we can, we will share more information about the new album. In the mean time we will see you on the road this summer!
Sharon, Ruud, Stefan, Martijn, Jeroen, Mike and Robert"

I'm so excited!!!!

My Symphonic Metal and Rock Music Collection... So Far...

So, I decided that I wanted to see what it would look like if I actually listed out my entire collection of cds, vinyls, box sets, dvds, blu-rays.... whatever is in my metal/ rock collection.

After Forever
 - Invisible Circles, 2004, Digi-Pak
 - Mea Culpa, 2006, Jewelcase
 - After Forever, 2007, Jewel/Slipcase

Alyson Avenue
 - Omega, Jewelcase

Amaranthe
 - Amaranthe, 2011, Jewelcase

Amberian Dawn
 - River of Tuoni, 2008, Jewelcase
 - Clouds of Northland Thunder, 2009, Jewelcase
 - End of Eden, 2010, Jewelcase

Delight
 - Breaking Ground, 2008, Digipak

Dunwich
 - Heilagmanoth, 2007, Digipak

Elysion
 - Silent Scream, 2009, Jewelcase

Epica
 - The Phantom Agony, 2003, Jewelcase, Signed
 - We Will Take You With Us, 2004, Jewelcase, Signed
 - - We Will Take You With Us DVD
 - Consign to Oblivion, 2005, Jewelcase, Signed 
 - The Score - An Epic Journey, 2005, Jewelcase, Signed
 - The Road To Paradiso, 2006, Photo-Sound-Book, Signed
 - The Divine Conspiracy, 2007, Jewelcase, Signed
 - - The Divine Conspiracy, Double Picture Gatefold LP
 - Chasing The Dragon, 2007, 7" Picture Vinyl
 - The Classical Conspiracy, 2009, Jewelcase, Signed
 - - The Classical Conspiracy, Deluxe Digipak with Photos
 - Design Your Universe, 2009, Digicase
 - - Design Your Universe, Nuclear Blast Strictly Limited Edition 106/500
 - - - Design Your Universe, Double Gatefold LP
- This Is The Time, 2010, 7"Vinyl
 - Requiem For The Indifferent, 2012, Digicase, Original Printing (SOSD No Vocals)
 - - Requiem For The Indifferent, Deluxe Digipak
 - - - Requiem For The Indifferent, Double Gatefold LP

Evanescence
 - Fallen, 2003, Jewelcase
 - - Fallen Songbook
 - Anywhere But Home, 2004
 - - Anywhere But Home Songbook
 - The Open Door, 2006, Digipak
 - - The Open Door Songbook
 - Evanescence, 2011, Digipak, Deluxe Version
 - - Evanescence Songbook

Gwyllion
 - The Edge Of All I Know, 2009, Digicase

In Tenebris
 - In Tenebris, 2007, Jewelcase

Halestorm
 - Halestorm, 2009, Jewelcase

Kamelot
 - Epica, 2003, Jewelcase
 - The Black Halo, 2005, Jewelcase
 - One Cold Winter's Night, 2006, Jewelcase
 - - One Cold Winter's Night, 2 DVD Set
 - Ghost Opera, 2007, Jewelcase
 - Poetry For The Poisoned, 2010, Digipak, Deluxe Version
 - Silverthorn, 2012, Limited Edition Box Set

Katra
 - Beast Within, 2008, Jewelcase
 - Out of the Ashes, 2010, Jewelcase

Lacuna Coil
 - in a Reverie, Re-release 2005, Jewelcase
 - Unleashed Memories, 2001, Jewelcase
 - Comalies, 2002, Jewelcase
 - Karmacode, 2006, Jewelcase
 - Visual Karma, 2008, 2 DVD Set
 - Shallow Life, 2009, Jewelcase
 - Dark Adrenaline, 2012, Deluxe Digipak

Leaves' Eyes
 - Vinland Saga, 2005, Digipak
 - Legend Land EP, 2006, Jewelcase
 - We Came With The Northern Winds, 2009, Deluxe Digipak, 2CD 2DVD
 - Njord, 2009, Digipak
 - Meredead, 2011, Digibook

Luca Turilli's Dreamquest
 - Lost Horizons, 2007, Jewelcase

Nemesea
 - Mana, 2004, Digipak
 - In Control, 2007, Limited Digipak
 - Pure: Live at P3, 2009, Jewelcase
 - The Quiet Resistance, 2011, Jewelcase

Nightwish
 - Angels Fall First, 1997, Jewelcase
 - - Angels Fall First, Double Picture LP
 - Oceanborn, 1998, Jewelcase
 - -  Oceanborn, LP
 - Wishmaster, 2000, Jewelcase
 - From Wishes To Eternity, 2001, DVD
 - Over The Hills and Far Away EP, 2001, Jewelcase
 - End Of Innocence, 2002, DVD
 - Century Child, 2002, Jewelcase
 - Once, 2004, Jewelcase
 - - Once, Eurpean Cover, Jewelcase
 - - - Once, Double White Gatefold LP
 - End Of An Era, 2007, Jewelcase
 - - End Of An Era, Deluxe 2CD DVD Digipak
 - - - End Of An Era, Blu-Ray
 - - - - End Of An Era, 3 LP Box Set
 - Nightwish 1997-2001, Deluxe Digibook
 - Once Upon A Nightwish, Biography Book, Signed
 - Dark Passion Play, 2007, Slipcase-Jewelcase
 - - Dark Passion Play, Double Gatefold LP, Signed
  - - - Dark Passion Play, Nuclear Blast Strictly Limited Deluxe Edition, 1544/2000
 - Made in Hong Kong (and in various other places), 2009, Jewelcase
 - Imaginaerum, 2011, Digipak, Deluxe Edition
 - - Imaginaerum Double Gatefold LP

Revamp
 - Revamp, 2010, Jewelcase

Sonic Cathedral
 - A World Of Sirens, 2008, Jewelcase

Tarja Turunen
 - Henkäys Ikuisuudesta, 2006, Jewelcase
 - My Winter Storm, 2007, Digipak
 - - My Winter Storm, Deluxe Extended Edition Digipak
 - - - My Winter Storm, Double White Gatefold LP
 - My Winter Storm Tour Book
 - Die Alive, 2008, Digipak
 - The Seer EP, 2008, Jewelcase
 - - The Seer EP, Double Clear Green LP
 - Tarja Turunen & Harus: Live at Sibelius Hall, 2011, Digipak
 - - Tarja Turunen & Harus: Live at Sibelius Hall, Blu-Ray
 - What Lies Beneath, 2010, Digipak
 - Falling Awake, 2010, 10" Vinyl
 - - Fallink Awake, 7" Vinyl
 - I Feel Immortal, 2010, Digipak
 - Until My Last Breath, 2010, Slipcase
 - Underneath, 2011, 7" Vinyl
 - What Lies Beneath Dreamers Box Set, 2011, Strictly Limited Deluxe Box Set
 - Act 1, 2012, Digipak
 - - Act 1 2DVD, 2CD Mediabook with Signed card
 - - - Act 1 Double Gatefold LP
 - - - - Act 1, Blu-Ray

Van Canto
 - Tribe of Force, 2010, Digipak

Whyzdom
 - From The Brink of Infinity, 2009, Jewelcase

Within Temptation
 - Enter, 1997, Jewelcase
 - The Dance EP, 1998, Jewelcase
 - Mother Earth, 2003, Jewelcase
 - Mother Earth Tour, 2003, DVD
 - The Silent Force, 2004, Jewelcase
 - - The Silent Force, Deluxe Digipak
 - The Silent Force Tour, 2005, 2DVD Set
 - The Heart of Everything, 2007, Jewelcase
 - Black Symphony, 2008, CD/DVD Jewelcase
 - - Black Symphony, Blu-Ray
 - An Acoustic Night at the Theatre, 2009, Jewelcase
 - The Unforgiving, 2011, Digipak, Deluxe Edition
 - - The Unforgiving, Double Gatefold LP
 - The Unforgiving Comic #1
 - The Unforgiving Comic #2
 - The Unforgiving Comic #3
 - The Unforgiving Comic #4

We Are The Fallen
 - Tear The World Down, 2010, Digipak
 - Cirque Des Damnes, VIP Digital Download Card

Xandria
 - Neverworld's End, 2012, Jewelcase

Xystus
 - Equilibrio, 2008, Digipak
 - - Equilibrio, Deluxe DVD 2Cd Digipak


Whew!! I think that's it... like I said... for now!

Anette Leaves Nightwish

*****Originaly posted on October 2, 2012*****

So, yesterday Nightwish announced that they and Anette have parted ways. I can say that it was something that I didn't fully expect. But I have mixed feelings about it.

For one, I always thought that Anette's voice, while beautiful, wasn't the right fit for Nightwish. Don't get me wrong, I loved the albums "Dark Passion Play" and "Imaginaerum". Each of them had songs that easily get stuck in my head. Where I think her voice didn't fit is the power songs. There's an aspect of Anette's voice that is beautiful but is to "pop-ish" for Nightwish. When I think of Nightwish, I think of soaring arias and beautiful operatic vocals.

Second, after doing only a few minutes of research, I think I have found out why they have decided to go separate ways. On Anette's blog "anette-olzon.blogspot.com" she stated:

"I was never asked if it was ok they used Elise and Alica in the show last night. I don't think it's a good decision they made and I'm sorry for those of you who came to see the whole band but got something else. But I was very ill and this decision wasn't mine."

I realize that she was sick and in the hospital, but if there is someone willing to step in for one show to keep from canceling the show, use them and keep the show going. It's a huge financial loss for a lot of people involved if the show is cancelled. Her point about "To think a show is more important than the humans in the band is for me, so totally not in this world." I somewhat agree with. But, it's also pretty selfish to think that the entire show revolves around you. I think that the guys in Nightwish saw this and called her out on it.

However, I think it does show, to some extent, that Tarja wasn't the complete "diva" that she was made out to be. Being that this is the second vocalist that Nightwish has gone through. In the open letter to Tarja, Toumas said "You were always the only one who wanted more money from the shows...This "compensation and more money from everything" -attitude..." Basically saying that Tarja was the one being greedy. But, in Anette's defense, it sounds like the guys from Nightwish are the greedy ones after all.

All in all, I think it's sad that Anette and Nightwish had to part on such terms. I wish Anette the best of luck in whatever career she pursues, musical or not. As for Nightwish, I am anxious to hear who the next vocalist will be and what the next album will sound like.

Oh, and best of luck to Floor Jansen finishing out the Nightwish Imaginaerum tour!!! I wish I could go to one of those concerts!!

Tarja - What Lies Beneath Review

*****Originaly posted on November 20, 2011*****

Ok, so this blog is WAY overdue. Especially since the album is almost a year old. "What Lies Beneath" is Tarja's sophomore release, a follow up to her amazing debut album "My Winter Storm". This album explores new areas and atmospheres when compared to her first album.

So, I'll break it down:

1. Anteroom of Death - The album opener. The song starts off with what sounds like instrumentalists coming in, picking up their instruments and warming up. The playing stops, and a feint laugh from Tarja. Then the song begins. It sounds very Victorian when it starts. Slow and rhythmic. Tarja's vocals are very classical during this part, but it is short lived. When the chorus starts up, so does the band. But only for the chorus, then we're back to the classical sound with a little bit of the band playing until the chorus. The bridge of the song, Tarja is assisted by the a cappella - metal group Van Canto, making it a very unique aspect to the song. This song is a great album opener, it shows that she still has her classical roots, as well as her metal background, but that she still has something new in store.

2. Until My Last Breath - The album's second single. Tarja said that she wrote this song as a way to remember the passing of Michael Jackson. How a star's death can bring them back to the spotlight. The song has some epic guitar riffs, and the vocals to match. I love the chorus in this song:

"Until my last breath
You'll never know
Until you feel the silence
When I am gone
Now it's vanishing
Everything
What we might have been
Only know your praise
Call my name
But you wont see again"

3. I Feel Immortal - The album's first single, and first ballad. The keys in this song are beautiful. I cant really say much about this song, except the fact that it is beautiful and powerful!

4. In For A Kill - WOW! That is the word that describes this song. For me it takes the place of "Ciaran's Well" that was on "My Winter Storm". This is her "hear how good I can sing" song. I love the orchestra in this song. Tarja hits some of her highest notes on the album in this song.

5. Underneath - The albums third single. This song is a very empowering song. It starts off with just the keyboard and her voice, later the orchestra softly joins in. The band eventually joins in adding a power to the the song. Yet again, Tarja provides us with another awesome chorus:

"Underneath
Something inside me invisible
Turning the fragile unbreakable
But they cannot take away
Cannot take away
What I believe
You cannot take away
Cannot take away
What's underneath"

6. Rivers of Lust - The second ballad of the album. It's a beautiful song. The band never really comes in, but her use of vocals, choirs and orchestra make it a wonderful addition to the album.

7. Dark Star - Quite possible the heaviest song she has done on her solo career. The addition of male vocals (Phil Labonte) are reminiscent of her days with Nightwish. This was a quick favorite of mine when I first listened to the album. This song is a complete 180 from her song "Underneath", an uplifting song. This song is really talking down.:

"Where are you now

Are you proud of the life you wasted?
Wearing the crown of illusion you created
You'll never know what it feels like to shine
You're the master in your own mind
But a slave to all
You are a dark star"

8. Falling Awake - The album's first single. This song show off that even though she is classically trained, she can still put out a good mainstream song. This song has a very pop feel to it, yet still being metal!

9. Archive of Lost Dreams - This song is very soft, slow and beautiful. Very close to "The Reign" from "My Winter Storm. This song also introduces its main character "Naiad".

10. Crimson Deep - The last song on the album, other than the bonus tracks. Also the album's longest song at 7:36. I like this song because it gets back to her gothic metal roots.

Bonus Tracks: (By far the most bonus tracks I've ever seen on an album)

11. We Are - A great song to show Tarja's soft side and her strong side. The guitar solos in this song are very unique. I've never heard anything like them.

12. Naiad - This is by far my favorite off the album. Not only was this song the first song that Tarja released the lyrics to almost a full year and a half before the album was released, but it also is where the album gets it title. This so also talks about the album's character: Naiad. Unfortunately this song talks about the end of her life and eventually, through music alone, her death. This song builds a wonderful atmosphere around this character. It's almost ethereal.

" What lies beneath
beyond the ocean's door
tranquil is the kiss
of the azure rising deep
sleeping ever more
Naiad's mystery
what lies beneath."

13. Still of the Night - Yes, Tarja does Whitesnake, and does an amazing job! I actually prefer her version over the original. I know others may disagree, but its a personal preference. Her operatic vocals bring a whole new dimension to this classic song.

14. Little Lies - This is a great head-banging song! I love rockin' out to this song. Great lyrics! I have a feeling that this song goes with her song "Enough" from "The Seer" EP.

"Take my faith with an open hand and warm embrace
My confidant
Use my words
Take the good away and leave the worst to sell me out

Little lies
Little lies
Making up tragedies
Nothing is what it seems
Who cares what is real
Little lies
Little lies
Only to entertain
The message is all the same for those who believe"

15. Montañas de Silencio - This song is sung entirely in Spanish. I love it when she puts a classical song on a metal album. There is nothing metal about this song. It's just a beautiful song about solitude.

16. The Crying Moon - The final bonus track. Personally this song could be grouped with the songs "Enough" and "Little Lies". Basically saying for a final time that she has moved on. This song has a very unique sound to it with very interesting vocals.

Finally, this album is available in both jewelcase and in digi-pak. But the most amazing edition is the "What Lies Beneath Dreamers Box".

Dreamers Box Contents:

- Deluxe Version of "What Lies Beneath"

-"Anteroom of Death"

-"Until My Last Breath"

-"Naiad"

-"Dark Star"

-"Underneath"

-"Little Lies"

-"Still of the Night"

-"Rivers of Lust"

-"In For A Kill"

-"I Feel Immortal"

-"We Are"

-"Falling Awake"

-"Archive of Lost Dreams"

-"Crimson Deep"

- Bonus Cd

-"Dark Star" (Tarja Lead Vocals Version)

-"Montañas de Silencio"

-"If You Believe"

-"The Crying Moon"

-"Underneath" (Orchestral Version)

-"I Feel Immortal" (Single Version)

-"Falling Awake" (Featuring Jason Hook)

-"The Good Die Young (The Scorpions Featuring Tarja Turunen)

-"Naiad" (Extended Orchestral Version)

- A 56 page hard cover 12" book containing High Quality photographic pictures and lyrics for all songs

- 2 Picture Vinyl 180g pressing of "What Lies Beneath" in a hardcover Gatefold cover, unique for this box

- A 12" Photograph signed by Tarja in its own spined sleeve.

- a 2GB Brushed aluminum CardPac with Tarja's Logo containing all music videos and "Making of"

- An Authentic Venetian Mask

- Certificate of Authenticity

This Boxset is strictly limited to ONLY 500 COPIES.

And I'm VERY proud to say that I was able to find one! And it's worth every penny!

All in all, I love everything about this album!

We Are The Fallen - Tear The World Down Review

*****Originaly posted on November 20, 2011*****

While in my endless search for more music, I come across bands that are awful, some that are ok, and a select few that are amazing. We Are The Fallen goes into the "Amazing" category. I was quite surprised at the music. Its dark and haunting, yet powerful and beautiful. Yes, I know, half of Evanescence's ex-members create a good part of the band, so their styles are similar. And even though I've only been a fan for a couple of months, I'm already sick of people comparing Evanescence's Amy Lee to We Are The Fallen's Carly Smithson. Both are phenomenal vocalists in my opinion. So, that being said: lets get to the review.

A friend of mine told me about this band when we were talking about the "good ole days" of Evanescence. I went home and listened to the 30 second clips on iTunes. I immediately went to Best Buy and bought this album. Carly's powerful vocals, with Ben Moody's songwriting were a perfect match. I'm glad that I ripped this CD into iTunes because I would have burned holes into the disc from the overplaying.

Now, onto the tracks:

1. Bury Me Alive - The album's first single. This is an amazing song about trying to save someone from a horrible situation but they keep going back into it.

"I watched you let yourself die,
Now it's too late to save you this time."

I love everything about this song. It really shows off what this band can do.

2. Burn - This song has a similar sound to "Bury Me Alive". Also, it seems to run in the same vein too. It's like the person that "Bury Me Alive" is talking about, but from their point of view. They know their in a horrible situation, but there is something that they don't know how to fight is pulling them back.

3. Paradigm - I'm not going to lie, I was mis-pronouncing this word for the longest time until I heard this song. Again, this song runs in the same vein as "Burn". It's about hating someone you love, or loving someone you hate. A paradigm in itself. (I love it when songs take their title to a whole new level.) This is the first song on the album where I can really see where people could compare them to Evanescence. It's strong, yet haunting.

4. Don't Leave Me Behind - This song is right on the verge of a ballad. It starts off soft with the keyboard and guitars being the focus. Then the chorus starts with the pounding drums and that wonderful rock we all love!

5. Sleep Well, My Angel - The first true ballad on the album. For me, its VERY reminiscent of "My Immortal". This song is about having to leave someone you love, but thinking about what you are giving up if they do leave. But, also realizing that you are making life better for the other person by leaving. There's lots of emotion that comes up. You can also hear it in Carly's voice thats a hard song to sing. When I first read the lyrics to this song I got a little choked up.

"Watching you sleep for so long,
Knowing I can't turn the rain into sun anymore
I've given you all that I have,
Now I stand here, too scared to hold your hand.

Afraid you might wake to see
The monster that had to leave

'Cause you see the shelter as the storm
Holding wind to keep you warm,
You are everything to me, this is why I have to leave,
So sleep well my angel."

6. Through Hell - This became a quick favorite for me. It's a great song to belt out and get some anger out. \m/ This song is a good reminder that most of the thing we fear are all in our head. And that its ok to shed a tear every now and then.

"The nightmares inside here
My dark fears
All in my head again
The nightmares I might hear
All my tears pull me through hell again"

This song also brings to mind a quote: "If you're going through Hell, keep going." Basically saying that if you're going through Hell, keep going because ,sooner or later, you're going to get out of it.

7. I Will Stay - I like songs that talk about and endless love or an undying devotion. This songs lyrics are simple and short. This song also shows off two sides to the band, both the soft, mellow and slow parts, but still showing the harder side.

8. Without You - This song is a complete 180 degree turn from the last song. This one is all about the end of a relationship and how liberating it can be to remove that person from your life.


"Oh I let you go to feel the light outside
Oh I without you I just feel so alive
There must be more to life
Than I just left behind
Oh I without you I just feel
I just feel so alive"

Need I say more about this song?

9. St. John - This was my first favorite on the album. To me, this is the most Evanescence-esque song on the album. Very close to "Haunted". I've heard many interpretations about this song, ranging from religion to an insane asylum. You just have to hear this song and decide for yourself.

10. I Am Only One - The final ballad on the album. The violins on this song add an extra level to the song. This is another intensely emotional song. It brings images of someone mourning the loss of a very close loved one.

11. Tear The World Down - The albums title track. A very haunting and soft opening, would be great for the start of a haunted house movie, leads into the song itself. Carly shows off her deeper vocals to start the song, then her normal belting resumes. This wraps up the album very well, bringing back all the emotions and themes that were in the rest of the album: loss of love, loved ones returning then tearing everything apart.


"My loveless life
I'm lost in you tonight
Waiting for you to turn around
Only to tear the whole world down.
My darkest night
Your arms that hold me tight
Waiting for you to turn around
Only to tear the whole world down.


All my love is lost
All my hope is gone"


Bonus Tracks:

12. Samhain - Another song with the haunting sounds that made this band what it is. That and Carly's amazingly strong vocals. This girl know how to belt!

13. Like A Prayer - Yes, unfortunately, this is a Madonna cover. But, it's not a bad one. I'm not a fan of Madonna, but We Are The Fallen's cover of this great. Unfortunately, when this song gets stuck in my head, people wont know that I'm singing the cover and not Madonna.... :-/

All in all, I love this album and am highly anticipating their next release! Wether an Evanescence look-alike band, or something completely unique, I think every gothic rock fan should give this album a listen!

Elysion - Silent Scream Review

***Originaly posted on January 7, 2011***

Elysion was quite a suprise. I found it through the iTunes "Other Listeners Bought" section for another band, Whyzdom (That I am still coming up with an opinion about, review to come soon). I was a little turned off by the dark nature of the album cover, the whole bug-eyed mask and the Victorian funeral dress. It was a little creepy.... But I decided to give it a quick listen, at least give them something of a chance. I was astounded! The crisp voice of lead vocalist Christianna blended with the heavyness of the band perfectly. This Greek band is comparible to bands such as: Evanescence, Nemesea, Lunatica, and Within Temptation.

Album breakdown:

"Dreamer" - The opening track. Starting off the song is some softer synth keys that lead into the heavy metal of the band before softening again to the vocals. Christianna shows off some of her vocal power in the chorus of this song. Speaking of the chorus, it has some great lyrics:
"I will be always a dreamer,
Always Fighting for more than I can have
I will be always a dreamer
And I'll never think I've had enough
Dreams come true if you believe them
Hit the brakes, let no one on your way
I will be always a dreamer"
Maybe its just me, but they hit a chord with me....

"Killing My Dreams" - Here we start again with the synth keys, but the band starts up quicker. Christianna's vocals are muffled for the first part, but it works. The song talks about how we all just stand back and let things happen to us, instead of standing up and saying "that's not right". Yet again we have another great chorus:
"We are all being used
Our lives have been abused
Still, no one resists
I guess, there's nothing to lose
I'm no longer confused
You're killing my dreams"

"Never Forever" - Another song where Christianna shows off her vocal prowess. Rather interesting lyrics though, I have yet to figure out what this song is about... but it sounds great!

"Weakness In Your Eyes" - The first ballad on the album. The softer and beautiful side of Elysion, but it shows some of their harsher elemnts towards the end.

"Don't Say a Word" - Opens with a dreamy sort of feel, then goes into a toe tapping beat. Good vocals in this one, but for me this song doesnt really stick out on the album. Not a bad song, just not one that shines.

"The Rules" - I like the message this song brings, People don't realize their stupidity and cruelty, and people like that need to go away. Although the band doesn't sugar coat it like that...:
" Breaking all the rules
Rising of the fools
I just wanna see them hanging"
It's a bit morbid. But it is a "gothic metal" band, so i guess it's expected to some degree.

"Bleeding" - This is a great song, on the verge of being a ballad, the chorus is strong but the verses are soft.

"Walk Away" - This song is probably the "hardest" song on the album. Great guitar riffs open the song and give the rest of the song great depth. The verses talk about how people just want to bring you down and "throw you in the dark sea's bottom". But the chorus is empowering and talks about standing up and being the better person and walking away from fights that have no true winner, even if it makes you look weak in their eyes. This song definately shines on the album.

"Loss" - Good, powerful song. It talks about wanting to forget a past relationship that you want to forget, but seem to be powerless against the memrories of it. This is probably the most "pop" sounding track on the album, I could see an artist such as P!nk doing a cover of it.

"Far From The Edge" - The second and last ballad of the album. This is another song that gets lost in the album for me. There isn't much that makes the song stick out on the album. It's not a bad song, there's just not much special about it.

"Erase Me" - The final track on the album. This song starts with an "interview" of sorts, setting a tone for the song. This song brings me images of a sad and lonesome individual with a bleak outlook on life.
"All I do is breathing in.
All I do is breathing out."
A good song to end the "metal opera", if you will.

All in all this is a great, solid album. I see great things to come from Elysion. For this being the debut release of the band, it is very well polished.

I give this album a 8.5 out of 10.

New Blog

So, I've decided to close my old blog down and start some new ones that have different topics. This one just happens to be about one of my favorite things: music!