Howard the Duck

a bit of a disclaimer here, i have never liked the comic at all, not even during the famed Alan Moore run, i have only liked the movie and that's only because Michael Jai White is in it and i love him

so i ain't exactly excited about an album based on Spawn

from the spoonfeed:-

1) What are this albums' strengths?

From the first 2/3rds of the album, Iced Earth is using a slightly different approach than their usual Iron Maiden meets Blue Oyster Cult approach, the riffs are almost Metallica-lite and the vocals are stronger than usual. I Died For You, once again, showcases Iced Earth's penchant for power ballads.

2) What are its weaknessess?

The final two tracks are boring and overlong and mediocre. And let's face it, the Spawn story isn't exactly the stuff of legends and not only that, the lyrics are too literal.

3) How does it compare to the artist's other work?

I have Something Wicked This Way Comes, which is slightly inferior to this. The EP Realms is stronger than this. But the covers/tribute album is the most fun thing I heard from them.

4) Favourite songs?

I Died For You and The Depths of Hell

5) What feelings did this album evoke?

well, it's not gonna increase my interest in the comic - a feeling of outdatedness, I suppose, though some of the faster tracks invoke some teenage hormones

6) How does this album fit into your regular rotation?

Don't think I'll listen to this much in the future.

7) What stood out to you about this album's themes, musically/lyrically?

Nothing much, it's a literal transposition of the comic. Musically, something like thrash-lite.

8) If you've had any noteworthy experiences with this album, what have they been?

I Died For You is evocative and heart-wrenching.

9) What do you know about this album's creation? Any interesting facts or anecdotes?

Nope. McFarlane approving this is probably due to greed and not much else.

10) How does this album represent the chosen theme?

Pretty blah theme overall. I have no interest in Spawn.

11) How does this album compare to other albums nominated for this theme?

Ok-ish. Ziggy Stardust is light-years ahead.

12) How does this album compare to others in its genre?

As a power-metal album, it's fine. Not really up to the standards of Nevermore or even Helloween, I guess.

13) Can you recommend similar albums to this?

Stratovarius' Elements Pt. 1

14) What does this album's artwork say about it? Is it well paired with the music?

i hate repeating myself - I HATE SPAWN

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Malaise is THE dominant human predilection.