Keys Open Doors - Deadset

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...Evanescence originally came to fame in 2003 with brilliant gothic master pieces such as Bring Me To Life, Going Under and My Immortal. The Open Door although very different from it's predecessor Fallen still maintains the brilliant chugging guitars, piano driven rock, haunting lyrics and of course Amy Lee's angelic voice. Despite the lost of two of the key song writers Ben Moody and David Hodges, Amy Lee has taken over the reins (along with Terry Balsamo) with grace creating a more personal and flawless album than the last. This album is very much (as it has been hailed as) 'The Amy Lee Show' from majority of songs about her personal experiences to her alone adorning the cover (once again) to her overpoweringly superb vocal skills. The concept of having one leader of a band in which so many have struggled with works brilliantly... Read review

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Advantages: An album that gets better the more often you hear it. And you should hear it a lot.
Disadvantages: The band your mum would probably like - which is never fun

...to oppose them is a harder question) include the unbelievable The Cedar Room, the opening song from their live act and a track so outrageously beautiful that it becomes one of the instant must hear songs on the album. Their recent release 'The Man Who Sold Everything' works so much better here in context with the rest of the album, its low key optimism wonderfully refreshing. Title track 'Lost Souls' is a captivating track, owing much to the sound of 69-70. Which is no bad thing. Overall, 'Lost Souls' is the album that can argue the statement 'No one makes 'em like that any more' They still do, but you just wanna know about Sub Sub. And that's your loss and our gain. The sound is Syd Barrett influenced, with more than touches of The Doors, Led Zep and all the other dinosaur bands that we drag out to make comparisons Buy this album. It... Read review

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Advantages: All round, still probably their strongest album lyrically and musically.
Disadvantages: Songs of despair - but beautifully cast

...to find such despair written about in such a touching manner, and, as the song reaches its intense climax, only the heartless could fail to be moved. "Worthless Lie" is a love song in a similar vein of despair, though perhaps not as tunefully strong as "Hold On"; the final verse I find the most touching on the whole album, a quiet, deathly ending highlighted by the strength of the line "Fumbling for the keys to death's door". And "Prettiest Eyes"? Who else but Paul Heaton would or could write a song about the enduring love between a 59- and a 60-year old? "Take a look at these crow's feet, just look/Sitting on the prettiest eyes". A truly beautiful love song, without slushiness or triteness. Heaton proves it CAN be done. And the rest? Comfort for the lonely in "Especially For You"... the humourous "revenge" of the spurned lover... Read review

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