[Kiejt]

IF I was still into that kind of music, I would probably like it.
It's not bad tho... Just not my cup anymore

[Cyanea]

amazing! completely different from the first album
it's not really my cup of tea either, i like the music, but those vocals completely ruin it for me
don't think i'll be buying this one

[Lintti Lover]

THIS is the best news of the year right here. It is getting pre ordered first thing in the morning..I just PRAY that if he tours, that its not when I'm still in Canada (unless of course they come to canada!)

[Belial]

It's 10x better than the new HIM.

[PhiLiz]

First, on the genre of the album:
This isn't exactly Black Metal... In fact, it can only be related to BM to some degree. It has some hints of more extreme sounds in some musics but more than half of the songs are far from Black Metal. There are also some touches of Melodic Black Metal and a lot of the riffs are reminiscent of some early Ajattara and Dark Metal in general. Finally, there's a distinct symphonic sound throughout the album which is also in line with some Dark Metal bands.

In general this has some moments that can be connected with Black Metal but it's not a Black Metal album.

Now, my appreciation:
I think the album it's pretty decent. It's not overwhelming but it has some good moments.
These moments come mostly out of the riffs. The guitar work is very good and dynamic. A nice mix between straightforward aggressiveness ("Euroshaman" and "Who Turned The Lights Out" come to mind) and a more Melodic and elaborated work. About these last parts you have a kind of link to some riffs in HIM but a lot heavier and faster than everything Lindström's main band has ever done. Songs like "I Saw Myself" and "I Have Never Wanted To Be Number One" have some melodies that could be in some HIM album if it weren't for the much heavier sound.

The keyboards appear very nicely and add a symphonic touch to the album without making it too mellow. The best song on the album - "Neolithic Way" - is much graced by this since it features a nice balance between some great riffs and atmospheric and spacial keys. The drumming is pretty standard for the genre and Black Vomit Bolton gets the job done with competence.

Most of the album follows the aforementioned pattern but there are some weird passages and songs that don't connect with the mostly rough sound of the album. "I Have Never Wanted To Be Number One", for example, is the more accessible track of the all work.

The vocals are mainly harsh growls. It can also be heard some clean vocals during the chorus and some stranger passages. This clean parts are a hit and miss... Sometimes they fit the melodic sound well and sometimes they just go nowhere making the songs to soft and mellow.

All in all, it's good for what it is. There is a little bit of repetition, the album suffers from some inconsistency and some of the more melodic moments are a bit uninspired. However, the stand-out tracks like "The Mentat", "Who Turned The Lights Out" (the most Black Metal track of the whole work) and "Neolithic Way" make the album worthwhile.

PS - There are available links to listen to the album (minus "Neolithic Way") and they're perfectly legal (although it looks like a mistake by the band's management). If I'm allowed by the Staff I can post the links here.

This post has been edited by PhiLiz: 15 March 2010 - 02:47 AM

[evelyn]

PhiLiz, on 15 March 2010 - 02:44 AM, said:

PS - There are available links to listen to the album (minus "Neolithic Way") and they're perfectly legal (although it looks like a mistake by the band's management). If I'm allowed by the Staff I can post the links here.

Where, and what makes them perfectly legal, even if it might be a mistake by the management? Official websites are perfectly fine of course, but if it's on stuff like megaupload.com I guess the copyrightholder not really knows about it (and therefore better not post it here).

[PhiLiz]

evelyn, on 15 March 2010 - 06:53 PM, said:

Where, and what makes them perfectly legal, even if it might be a mistake by the management? Official websites are perfectly fine of course, but if it's on stuff like megaupload.com I guess the copyrightholder not really knows about it (and therefore better not post it here).

I was referring to Bandcamp. I said it was probably a mistake since the band's main page at that site doesn't show any track as you can confirm. However it's possible to access the songs via direct links to the songs. I believe this site only allows band members or band management to put songs online so it's not illegal just an (un)happy mistake. I think they must have noticed since they removed one of the tracks ("Neolithic Way") after just a few hours online.

The site is somewhat similar to MySpace and therefore I don't think it's illegal but I'll wait until I get green light from someone on the Staff to post them (or not).

This post has been edited by PhiLiz: 16 March 2010 - 02:50 AM

[Belial]

PhiLiz, on 15 March 2010 - 02:44 AM, said:

First, on the genre of the album:
This isn't exactly Black Metal... In fact, it can only be related to BM to some degree. It has some hints of more extreme sounds in some musics but more than half of the songs are far from Black Metal. There are also some touches of Melodic Black Metal and a lot of the riffs are reminiscent of some early Ajattara and Dark Metal in general. Finally, there's a distinct symphonic sound throughout the album which is also in line with some Dark Metal bands.

In general this has some moments that can be connected with Black Metal but it's not a Black Metal album.

Now, my appreciation:
I think the album it's pretty decent. It's not overwhelming but it has some good moments.
These moments come mostly out of the riffs. The guitar work is very good and dynamic. A nice mix between straightforward aggressiveness ("Euroshaman" and "Who Turned The Lights Out" come to mind) and a more Melodic and elaborated work. About these last parts you have a kind of link to some riffs in HIM but a lot heavier and faster than everything Lindström's main band has ever done. Songs like "I Saw Myself" and "I Have Never Wanted To Be Number One" have some melodies that could be in some HIM album if it weren't for the much heavier sound.

The keyboards appear very nicely and add a symphonic touch to the album without making it too mellow. The best song on the album - "Neolithic Way" - is much graced by this since it features a nice balance between some great riffs and atmospheric and spacial keys. The drumming is pretty standard for the genre and Black Vomit Bolton gets the job done with competence.

Most of the album follows the aforementioned pattern but there are some weird passages and songs that don't connect with the mostly rough sound of the album. "I Have Never Wanted To Be Number One", for example, is the more accessible track of the all work.

The vocals are mainly harsh growls. It can also be heard some clean vocals during the chorus and some stranger passages. This clean parts are a hit and miss... Sometimes they fit the melodic sound well and sometimes they just go nowhere making the songs to soft and mellow.

All in all, it's good for what it is. There is a little bit of repetition, the album suffers from some inconsistency and some of the more melodic moments are a bit uninspired. However, the stand-out tracks like "The Mentat", "Who Turned The Lights Out" (the most Black Metal track of the whole work) and "Neolithic Way" make the album worthwhile.

PS - There are available links to listen to the album (minus "Neolithic Way") and they're perfectly legal (although it looks like a mistake by the band's management). If I'm allowed by the Staff I can post the links here.

Great critique, and yeah if one were to pigeonhole its genre based on sonics alone, I'd say it falls more under the melodic/extreme metal banner.

As for links to the music, I have the following vibe: links to streaming tracks are ok, links to downloads off of official band/label sites are perfectly fine, links to rapidshares or other actual mp3 downloads are NOT ok.

[Cyanea]

here's an interview with Linde for anyone interested:
http://azm-magazine....up-3242010.html

[Katherinelove]

Thanks for sharing

[evelyn]

"Don't miss the bad ass Daniel Lioneye video contest!!!"
http://www.redmusic.com/lioneyevideo/

[Khorosho]

Music: HIM guitarist talks about his side project Daniel Lioneye

"While the members of Finnish goth-rock band HIM are out on tour promoting their latest album, guitarist Mikko Lindstrom, who goes by Linde (pronounced Linda) takes a moment to talk to IN from his hotel room in Vancouver. Though there are certainly questions that could be asked in regards to HIM, this interview with Linde is one that is focused on Daniel Lioneye, the side project of Linde that has led to a second studio album and a North American debut for the Finland-based metal band. (...)"

http://www.inthiswee....php?id=2280916

[evelyn]

You wouldn't think it's possible, but Linde in deed speaks:

http://www.examiner....-Daniel-Lioneye

[inxu]

I just listened to the album on Spotify and it's soooooooo different from the previous one. Way more heavier. And I actually quite like it but currently I'd rather listen to the first DL album.

[Dani Arrow]

I like it. Linde finally shows it! Probably a reaction to the poppier HIM albums released lately ;-)

[HIMika666]

every time i listen first album i am surprized how talanted Ville is....oh yes, i am his fan....but everything he does he does perfect....
to talk about Lioneye...then i like music, but not the way of Linde singing

[the black angel]

should be interesting

[kak666]

Great album, hardcore metal as fook!

I got a few hardcore metal people who hate HIM to listen to a couple of tracks today, they loved it and couldnt believe it was by members of HIM, defo more respect for Linde. I love the change of style and hardcore sound, damn good album!