The Batlord

Oh I've been meaning to listen to more Phil Ochs anyway.

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rubber soul

Oh, I bet you have (as he diabolically cackles)

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rubber soul

I’m not going to get as extensive with my reviews as I did in the last album club, but be assured I’m listening to the album closely

Anyway, when I think of Goth Rock the first band that comes to mind is the Sisters of Mercy, a band I happen to like a lot. And I’ve heard these guys a little as well as they are from basically the same era, the only real difference is that the Fields of Nephilim wasn’t quite as commercially successful.

Anyway, on the album. It has the standard opening you might expect from a goth album but then it gets into the real darkness that is For Her Light. A pretty good start and a good segue into the next track.

At the Gates of Silent Memory is very classical and moody sounding. I might also mention that I disagree with Trolls on the vocalist. I think Carl McCoy’s vocals are quite fine and probably better than Andrew Eldritch of the Sisters.

After the quick rocker, (Paradise Regained) we get back to the darkness in Submission. This doesn’t seem as strong to me as Silent memory. I do like the use of the wah-wah though.

Sumerland is the longest track on the album clocking in at eleven minutes and change. It also is the track that reminds me the most of Sisters of Mercy, the Goth band, besides Bauhaus, that I most use as the barometer for this genre. Maybe the most commercial track?

The album finishes off with Wail of Sumer (and ) And There Will Your Heart Be Also. I kind of skimmed through Wail of Sumer but I like the slow moodiness of the final track. It’s a good way to end what I think is a solid album overall.


Favorite tracks: At the Gates of Silent Memory, And There Will You Heart Be Also

Least favorite: Submission

Overall rating: (7.5/10) Not the first album I’d go for as a goth rock fan (which, for the record, I’m not, just a genre to enjoy from my standpoint), but definitely a decent listen. And you could do a lot worse. Good pick, SGR

The Word has spoken

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adidasss

Well I heard it so just a few thoughts. Very 80s sounding, jangly guitars and atmospheric sounds. Quite an easy listen. I liked the instrumentation and the vocals and since I have a condition of not being able to pay much attention to the lyrics, they didn't factor into the experience at all. Standout track for me is For her light for the hook (Paradise regained basically has the same hook). I wish they had more of a mix of this type of melodic and catchy hooks with atmospheric sounds. After a while it does begin to drag a bit so I guess you have to be in a "moody" mood to listen to it repeatedly. But overall not bad, glad I heard it. Maybe I'll check out Sisters of mercy or something similar as mentioned by rs.

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“Think of what a paradise this world would be if men were kind and wise.” - Kurt Vonnegut, Cat's Cradle.

Last.fm

Trollheart

Spoiler: he's not Doctor Octopus!

Hey RS! What do you mean you disagree about the vocalist? I said I liked him!

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Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

Lisnaholic

^ Yep! I can confirm that. I was the one who twisted TH's description into a grumble - so i guess it's me you have to disagree with, rs.

Wot, adidasss? No rating out of ten, like the rest of us.

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"Am I enjoying this moment? I know of it and perhaps that is enough." - Sybille Bedford, 1953

rubber soul

Okay, so I got Trolls and Lisna mixed up. Can't imagine that ever happening.

Anyway, yeah, I think Sisters of Mercy is definitely the artist to check out if you're curious about Goth Rock. I'd also check out Bauhaus in the days before Peter Murphy decided to become Barry Manilow or something.

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adidasss

I'd go with a solid 7/10.

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“Think of what a paradise this world would be if men were kind and wise.” - Kurt Vonnegut, Cat's Cradle.

Last.fm

Trollheart

Okay people I want to see albums, album recommendations, album nominations. If I don't, I'm liable to do something crazy. I mean it! I'll - I swear to god I'll do it! - I'll nominate one myself! Don't push me, I'm warning you! I'll do it! I'll bloody do it! You think I won't, but I will. I've got terrible albums and I'm not afraid to nominate them! Think about it: how'd you like to have to listen to Genesis, or Marillon or.. or... or PHIL COLLINS! Oh yeah, I'm just that crazy!

You have been warned...

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Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

Lisnaholic

haha! As you ask so beguilingly, I'll make my nomination, but I have to ask: What's the rush? As long as we have a buffer of a few albums to look at, why not wait for further nominations to drop as needed and enjoy the suspense of "What will FETCHER nominate?"

My nom is "Program Music 1" by Kashiwa Daisuke, released 2007:-

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"Am I enjoying this moment? I know of it and perhaps that is enough." - Sybille Bedford, 1953