Search - Course of Empire :: Telepathic Last Words

How the hell did this album escape public acclaim?

Harvestman | Chantilly, VA | 04/12/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The envelope of progressive metal has been breached. There is no genre that this band or this album can safely be put in. Despite the fact that I am an extraordinarily picky listener, I have found in this recording an extraordinary depth and variety that satisfies me far beyond the typical recording I listen to. While many "experimental" bands are adept at adding a lot of fluff to a disc, there is not a single throwaway track on this disc. The best thing about this album is that it manages to be boldly innovative without being weird simply for the sake of being weird. This group was clearly too experimental to gain wide commercial acceptance but also too polished to be embraced by dogmatic metalheads. Although this is certainly not the first band to perform or record with two percussionists, this is the first band with two percussionists I've heard of that really makes memorable rhythms. The percussive rhythyms on this album have a narcotic quality. The Magreb/Near Eastern elements are very effective here, yet it doesn't take any illegal substance to appreciate them. How should I describe the vocals? Vaughn Stevenson doesn't sound like anyone I've heard before. His voice sounds midrange/nasal in spots but not to the extent that it sounds annoying. There is enough intentional warble in his voice to offend the typical metalhead, but the heavy-handed guitar playing would probably scare away most of the fans of British alternative music. Despite the hypnotic pulse beats you hear on some of the tunes on this CD, there's no mistaking this disc for techno! The beats are made by flesh-and-blood percussionists with drumsticks and with digitally altered timbres for optimal effect. There seems to be plenty of musical space in this recording so that every instrument can be heard (although the drumming of both percussionists sounds blended). For the fans of the heaviest rockbands: If you enjoy the kind of rigid ensemble playing where the whole band is playing using a jackhammer for a metronome, then you will not be able to appreciate many of the sumptuous subtleties this disc offers. For more open-minded listeners: If you do not find a way to get your hands on this album, you are depriving yourself of one of the most amazing recordings produced in the nineties."

Superb!

bob613 | Qc, Canada | 04/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album takes a couple of listens to really get into (like a Tool or Matthew Good album, for exemple), but when you do get into, you'll want to stay there. This is not thoughtless-sing-alond-and-don't-think music, this is an exercice of style and a good one. A mix of metal, industrial, rock and even pop, but always a good mix.The only thing to hold against Course of Empire on this album is that they sometimes take too long to finish a track. While New Maps (or Neli Maps if you prefer) and Information are great metal-industrial songs of perfect lenght, songs like Persian Song and Respect take too long to finish. That said, it's really a minor detail.The best songs on this album (without taking anything from the others) are definitely in the last segment of the album, starting with 59 Minutes and ending with Respect. I often quote the lyrics from 59 Minutes : "Nothing will save you from human behavior, Nothing will save you, you built your own savior." Then there's Freaks that you can listen when you're mad (it helps!). Captain Control is the pop song on the album, and it's a catchy one. Then comes Respect, which is the song you'll want to listen to loud. Well, the first half of it anyway (I said earlier it should have been shorter).So, from the great intro (I could just listen to Radio Teheran and the first seconds of New Maps over and over) to the hidden track, this is a wonderful achievement. If I would to compare this band to any other, it would be Stabbing Westward. Both bands are worth checking out. So do it. Now. Come on now! Carry on."

COE are way too good

bob613 | 01/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Coe may have been a little ahead of their time as some have stated but that does not change the fact that they are extremely unique. They brought a type of music that you do not find in most bands in existencd today or any day for that matter. Their first album, a self titled masterpiece will forever be regarded as one of the greatest albums ever recorded by virtually everyone who has given it the time of day. You know it if you have heard it to be true, period. It was groundbreaking irregardless how well known it was or was not. Their second album,titled Initiation was not nearly what the first album was but still was very good. (the first was too hard too follow up). This album I am reviewing, Their third and final album Telepathic Last Words, is just as good as the last one but still cannot match the first. I especially like the songs Neli Maps and The Information. I almost forgot to mention the Infested Single cd which has the song JOY on it. It is a beautiful song and worthy of repeated listenings. God blessed Course of Empire that is for sure. I will always cherish my Coe cds and encourage anyone reading this to try and find the firt cd at least. After hearing the first you will own them all. In New York it is getting harder to find but not impossible. God bless and goodnight"