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The Official Review Discussion Thread
https://forum.metal-archives.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=7444
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Author:  ~Guest 82538 [ Tue Sep 18, 2012 7:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

Pr0nogo wrote:
@Cattle Decapitation, that album is actually pretty sweet. Obviously, this is all opinion, so... shit.

The album is good in what it tries to achieve, although it treads a style which I don't like much, but is it that good? An album which has six 100% in eight reviews? I sincerely doubt it. ;)

Author:  Pr0nogo [ Tue Sep 18, 2012 12:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

You have to remember that each review is indicative of only what a single person believes. What you have is six people who believe that the album is worth a 10/10 score. I'm sure many others believe otherwise - yourself included.

Author:  Acrobat [ Tue Sep 18, 2012 12:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

I'm pretty puzzled as to why Metal_Jaw thinks South of Heaven is a "technical" album.

Author:  BastardHead [ Tue Sep 18, 2012 12:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

Metal_Jaw is testing my ability to remain objective. It takes every ounce of my strength not to delete every review of Reign in Blood that contains anything other than glowing praise.

Author:  ~Guest 82538 [ Tue Sep 18, 2012 12:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

Pr0nogo wrote:
You have to remember that each review is indicative of only what a single person believes. What you have is six people who believe that the album is worth a 10/10 score. I'm sure many others believe otherwise - yourself included.

I know man, it's just weird to see such a thing happen because MA usually doesn't work like that. What I mean is that usually you get more of the opinions of longtime objective reviewers who compare new releases against the general panorama of metal in its totality, rather than a row of fanboys all giving out perfect scores.

It's not the "way of MA", eh, so one tends to be somewhat suspicious. :-P

Author:  Zodijackyl [ Tue Sep 18, 2012 1:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

Napero's review of Annihilator's "Alice In Hell" is an excellent read - I feel the same way about the album, but I never though it it in that much depth. It's something that sounds good, but I rarely returned to listen to, and I agree about the shortcomings. Perhaps the best description is "the spirit has been downgraded from a Tasmanian devil to a ferocious baby alpaca." - it makes it seem like it's polished for instant consumption, pretty on the surface but perhaps without the depth that makes something top shelf.

Author:  metroplex [ Tue Sep 18, 2012 2:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

I just want to say that UltraBoris review of Master Of Puppets is probably the best, most accurate review i've read so far.

Author:  ~Guest 82538 [ Tue Sep 18, 2012 4:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

Hey Zodi, reading your review of Koloss was the equivalent of listening to an actual Meshuggah album. I guess you made the best of it then! :evil:

Author:  Napero [ Tue Sep 18, 2012 6:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

Zodijackyl wrote:
Napero's review of Annihilator's "Alice In Hell" is an excellent read - I feel the same way about the album, but I never though it it in that much depth. It's something that sounds good, but I rarely returned to listen to, and I agree about the shortcomings. Perhaps the best description is "the spirit has been downgraded from a Tasmanian devil to a ferocious baby alpaca." - it makes it seem like it's polished for instant consumption, pretty on the surface but perhaps without the depth that makes something top shelf.

Thank you for the kind words, sir. I remember Alice in Hell being the first thrash album I heard that left me a bit cold despite the superficial excellence. I didn't want the review to turn into a personal pile of memories from the 100 Years War era, but the feeling is curiously enough still there when I hear it.

Author:  Wilytank [ Wed Sep 19, 2012 10:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

"anyone who uses the term "thinking man's metal" deserves to have an eight-string guitar broken over their head."

Though I kinda like this album, I do find this quote to be so true.

Author:  ~Guest 82538 [ Thu Sep 20, 2012 7:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

Hey hells_unicorn, could you answer me on a doubt I have regarding your Odalheim review please? I've read it and I seem to have missed the point of your intro where you talk about the different extremes between death and black. Where you referring to Viking aesthetics that you later on talk about or something more? Because you mention Dissection and Unanimated and I got somewhat confused on what was your point in the end.

Could you please clarify that?

Author:  hells_unicorn [ Thu Sep 20, 2012 8:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

androdion wrote:
Hey hells_unicorn, could you answer me on a doubt I have regarding your Odalheim review please? I've read it and I seem to have missed the point of your intro where you talk about the different extremes between death and black. Where you referring to Viking aesthetics that you later on talk about or something more? Because you mention Dissection and Unanimated and I got somewhat confused on what was your point in the end.

Could you please clarify that?


I was referring more to the musical aspects, specifically how the melodic contours of Odalheim were much more consonant and the atmosphere was lighter than the typical Behemoth or Incantation album, or even mainline Swedish bands like Grave, but was still much heavier than bands like Enslaved from the black metal side of the coin. I was attempting to describe the unique middle ground between the deeper and generally heavier aspects of death metal and the lighter, frosty character of Scandinavian black metal that the album occupies musically, which is comparable to Dissection and Unanimated, though naturally not exactly the same.

The Viking aesthetics were largely absent from the works of Dissection and Unanimated, unless memory fails me, and I was speaking to that more from the standpoint that most traditional death metal bands tend not to focus on that particular subject for the duration of an entire album, though that's pretty much common knowledge to anyone who has visited Unleashed's profile here.

Author:  ~Guest 82538 [ Thu Sep 20, 2012 8:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

hells_unicorn wrote:
androdion wrote:
Hey hells_unicorn, could you answer me on a doubt I have regarding your Odalheim review please? I've read it and I seem to have missed the point of your intro where you talk about the different extremes between death and black. Where you referring to Viking aesthetics that you later on talk about or something more? Because you mention Dissection and Unanimated and I got somewhat confused on what was your point in the end.

Could you please clarify that?


I was referring more to the musical aspects, specifically how the melodic contours of Odalheim were much more consonant and the atmosphere was lighter than the typical Behemoth or Incantation album, or even mainline Swedish bands like Grave, but was still much heavier than bands like Enslaved from the black metal side of the coin. I was attempting to describe the unique middle ground between the deeper and generally heavier aspects of death metal and the lighter, frosty character of Scandinavian black metal that the album occupies musically, which is comparable to Dissection and Unanimated, though naturally not exactly the same.

The Viking aesthetics were largely absent from the works of Dissection and Unanimated, unless memory fails me, and I was speaking to that more from the standpoint that most traditional death metal bands tend not to focus on that particular subject for the duration of an entire album, though that's pretty much common knowledge to anyone who has visited Unleashed's profile here.

Ah, I get it now. Thanks for taking some time to explain it further. ;)

You have no reviews for other Unleashed albums, how do you think Odalheim compares to the back catalogue?

Author:  hells_unicorn [ Thu Sep 20, 2012 8:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

androdion wrote:
Ah, I get it now. Thanks for taking some time to explain it further. ;)

You have no reviews for other Unleashed albums, how do you think Odalheim compares to the back catalogue?


I was planning on starting their discography actually, and I was going to work backwards just like I did on Arch Enemy's discography. I'd put Odalheim up at roughly the same level as the first 3 Unleashed albums (all of which I really enjoy), and above most of what happened afterward. Granted, I haven't had a chance to listen to Midvinterblot, Hammer Battalion or Sworn Allegiance yet (I have all 3 on order and they should be getting to me in the next couple days, I'm still stuck in the era of CDs lol) so that opinion is subject to some change.

Author:  ~Guest 82538 [ Thu Sep 20, 2012 9:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

hells_unicorn wrote:
androdion wrote:
Ah, I get it now. Thanks for taking some time to explain it further. ;)

You have no reviews for other Unleashed albums, how do you think Odalheim compares to the back catalogue?


I was planning on starting their discography actually, and I was going to work backwards just like I did on Arch Enemy's discography. I'd put Odalheim up at roughly the same level as the first 3 Unleashed albums (all of which I really enjoy), and above most of what happened afterward. Granted, I haven't had a chance to listen to Midvinterblot, Hammer Battalion or Sworn Allegiance yet (I have all 3 on order and they should be getting to me in the next couple days, I'm still stuck in the era of CDs lol) so that opinion is subject to some change.

More Unleashed is always a good thing, and even better if it's in physical format! ;)

Sworn Allegiance is good but not great, it's a bit cheesy particularly in the lyrics but has some very cool songs and some real firepower. Midvinterblot takes that formula and expands it to the point where I can say it's one the band's best, really catchy yet "rifftastic" songs, I really like that one. I still have to check out the remaining three after that one but all in due time.

But since you put Odalheim in such a great level I think it might be sooner rather than later.

Author:  ~Guest 285672 [ Sat Sep 22, 2012 10:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

Just reviewed Azure's Moonlight Legend. I can't believe no one's done it yet. Such a gem.

Author:  ~Guest 82538 [ Sat Sep 22, 2012 11:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

Good review mate, not bad for an early effort in writing. ;) I know I should review that album, I mean I almost publicized it for a few weeks here on MA, but I've been faltering in my will to write in the past few months. Let's just say that my inner self is not in pen and ink mode. I'd like to take a swing at that album though, I wouldn't rate it that high nor put it on the same level as Far Away From The Sun and Slaughtersun but I'd say it warrants a solid 75/80 in my book. The production is too dry and I think that a bit more warmth would make the album sound even better.

I do love the style though. :)

Author:  droneriot [ Sun Sep 23, 2012 6:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

http://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/E ... and_Ov_Dog

Ex Deo are not Italian...

Author:  TheStormIRide [ Sun Sep 23, 2012 6:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

droneriot wrote:
http://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/Ex_Deo/Caligvla/334887/Left_Hand_Ov_Dog

Ex Deo are not Italian...


Canada... Italy... They're practically neighbors. At least Ex Deo's lyrics are centered around the whole Italian / Roman thing.

Author:  oneyoudontknow [ Sun Sep 23, 2012 7:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

That is why he talks about 300.

Author:  TheStormIRide [ Sun Sep 23, 2012 7:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

oneyoudontknow wrote:
That is why he talks about 300.



Greek / Italian / Canadian / Macedonian Close enough

Author:  ~Guest 82538 [ Sun Sep 23, 2012 9:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

The 300 reference isn't actually geographic so no harm no foul. The only thing that bugs me is how he calls them Italian when he knows the band is comprised of all Kataklysm members.

Author:  TheStormIRide [ Sun Sep 23, 2012 10:01 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

androdion wrote:
The 300 reference isn't actually geographic so no harm no foul. The only thing that bugs me is how he calls them Italian when he knows the band is comprised of all Kataklysm members.


Well maybe he means Italian Canadian. You know, how all the Italian descended people from the US say they're Italian and have Italian flag licnese plates and watch Jersey Shore... But on a super cereal note: Maurizio does have a very Italian sounding name! :thumbsup:

Author:  ~Guest 82538 [ Sun Sep 23, 2012 10:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

Maurizio is of Italian descent but he is actually Canadian, as is Kataklysm. It's a rather small mistake on a decent review though, nothing to make a big fuss about.

Author:  DarthVenom [ Sun Sep 23, 2012 10:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

For what it's worth, I always like reading these enthusiastic reviews. Despite my previous indifference to Ex Deo, now I want to Youtube the album and see if I want to pick it up.

Author:  TheStormIRide [ Sun Sep 23, 2012 10:28 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

androdion wrote:
Maurizio is of Italian descent but he is actually Canadian, as is Kataklysm. It's a rather small mistake on a decent review though, nothing to make a big fuss about.


Agreed! Now it's time to finish some more reviews of my own. I've been slacking lately.

Author:  droneriot [ Sun Sep 23, 2012 10:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

Definitely a decent review, that "Italian" thing just jumped out at me. :)

Author:  droneriot [ Sun Sep 23, 2012 12:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

Earlier in the M-A IRC channel caspian wrote "occaisonal", and I assumed it was an accidental typo. But in his new review he does it again, three times!

http://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/B ... 68/caspian

Author:  caspian [ Sun Sep 23, 2012 5:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

guess it's like my than/then thing which took me a fair while to get over. I still swear that they never taught me that at school. Makes pretty obvious sense that the I would go after the s, haha. It's probably in every review I've ever done.

Author:  hakarl [ Tue Sep 25, 2012 8:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

OzzyApu's review of Shining's Halmstad is poorly written in parts, with seemingly nonsensical descriptions such as
Quote:
At the heart the dreary, docile tone holds well among riffs of humid despondency.
and
Quote:
The condescending climaxes of “Ytterligare Ett Steg…”[...]


Perhaps my not understanding what humid despondency is has something to do with the fact that I also don't like Shining.

Also, why don't I understand this sentence:
Quote:
You wouldn’t even expect the bass guitar to exist unless the bassist remembered to plug it in.

Author:  Zodijackyl [ Thu Sep 27, 2012 10:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

Ilwhyan wrote:
OzzyApu's review of Shining's Halmstad is poorly written in parts, with seemingly nonsensical descriptions such as
Quote:
At the heart the dreary, docile tone holds well among riffs of humid despondency.
and
Quote:
The condescending climaxes of “Ytterligare Ett Steg…”[...]


Perhaps my not understanding what humid despondency is has something to do with the fact that I also don't like Shining.

Also, why don't I understand this sentence:
Quote:
You wouldn’t even expect the bass guitar to exist unless the bassist remembered to plug it in.


That last sentence is a poor way of suggesting that the bass isn't plugged in, because he can't hear it.

Author:  marktheviktor [ Sun Sep 30, 2012 6:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

The recent Odalheim review is a very good read. And "..crushing your feeble skull for the glory of Asgard" is the most gnarly sentence I've read to describe such an awesome band.

Author:  OzzyApu [ Mon Oct 01, 2012 8:52 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

I'm back after taking a little bit of a break from the forums. Probably missed nothing but anyway when I went to go submit two reviews, I noticed it said "publish" and when I clicked and ok'd, my reviews were instantly accepted. Anyone else getting that? No extra points were given, though.

Author:  autothrall [ Mon Oct 01, 2012 12:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

OzzyApu wrote:
I'm back after taking a little bit of a break from the forums. Probably missed nothing but anyway when I went to go submit two reviews, I noticed it said "publish" and when I clicked and ok'd, my reviews were instantly accepted. Anyone else getting that? No extra points were given, though.


The same happened for me this morning, Ozzy. Wild.

Author:  Alhadis [ Mon Oct 01, 2012 12:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

Yeah, we've decided that there's a selection of users whose reviews are of consistently exceptional quality for it to warrant immediate acceptance. Don't go abusing your privileges now. ;)

Author:  Metantoine [ Mon Oct 01, 2012 1:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

Metal scribes \m/

Author:  Metal_Detector [ Mon Oct 01, 2012 1:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

Cool. Am I one? :D

Author:  oneyoudontknow [ Mon Oct 01, 2012 1:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

now THAT had just confused me a lot ...

Author:  Metantoine [ Mon Oct 01, 2012 1:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

Maybe you shouldn't ask for it, eh? :)

Author:  droneriot [ Mon Oct 01, 2012 2:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Official Review Discussion Thread

Metal_Detector, click on "write a review" and see if the button at the bottom says "submit" or "publish", it's that simple. :P

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