Roadflower - Rise & Shine

Advantages: a strong metal album
Disadvantages: none

...Arch Enemy's 2003 release 'Anthems of Rebellion' was the album that initially got me interested in them after hearing the amazing single, and third track on the album, 'We Will Rise'. Angela Gossow's roaring vocals carry the songs boldly and competently and the twin guitars of brothers Christopher and Michael Amott are truly amazing. Solid bass lines are provided by Sharlee D'Angelo with Daniel Erlandsson doing a sterling job on drums. The album opens strongly with the first full track 'Silent Wars' and carries on all the way through to the end. There is a brief reprise from the crushing guitars in the form of tracks 'Marching on a Dead End Road' and 'Anthem' allowing Christopher Amott and Michael Amott respectively their own chances to shine in their own short instrumental tracks. This album is a must have for all metallers... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Great, solid, metal album. Excellent drums and guitar.
Disadvantages: Loses out on the power of Iowa.

...While Slipknot came around in the Nu-Metal boom of the 90's, they certainly stood out from the crowd, and showcased a solid metal act that would survive the rise and fall of Nu-Metal. Their third album is a brutal, pacy record that has some deep, though-provoking lyrics and shows off some excellent musical techniques. Crushing guitar riffs and heavy, insane drumming make this album a strong purchase for any metal fan. However, Slipknot are showcasing a little more emotion than just anger in this album, with songs Vermillion and Vermillion Part II shining through as unique in Slipknot's crushing array. Alot more technical, powerful and thought provoking, but just not as heavy. Songs like The Nameless, Duality, Before I Forget and Vermillion will become classics for them, but songs like Welcome and Opium of the People show perhaps... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: orioginal
Disadvantages: not enough we want more

...Busta Rhymes's rapping abilities shine through the whole of the album, and this 3rd album from Busta continues the theme of millenial destruction that appears from 'the coming', 'when disaster strikes' to latest offereing 'extinction level event: the final world front'. Starts off with a dramatic introduction, mixing a serious message with Busta Rhyme's distinctive humour. The album opens well with 'everybody rise', an energetic old skool piano based groove. There is a mixture of different sounds, from symphonic textures such as the opener, to more minimal urban funk like the swizz beatz produced 'tear da roof off'. The album is daring to mix with commercial R'n'B sounds, on his steamy duet with Janet Jackson 'What's it gonna be' while going far to the other side, with his rendition of Black Sabbath's 'Iron Man' ('This means war... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful