Search - Cruxshadows :: Fortress in Flames

An everlasting love affair with CXS

R. Saunders | Boise, ID USA | 11/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I booked and promoted this band to play in my home city, Boise this autumn. I had heard The Cruxshadows before as I already own 'Mystery of The Whisper" and our local djs have consistently played their "club" favorites at our weekly event. However, I was completely unprepared for what I was about to witness on the night of their show here. And what I saw was this: unprecidented, mesmerizing music and a fabulous show - the likes of which I had never been privileged to see. Rogue's voice, the musicianship of all the other band members and their solid, unwavering talent is really difficult to dispute. My husband is not really a fan of this type of music, but he was dully impressed, thoroughly enjoyed the show and now calls himself a fan. He regularly asks where the cd is in the house so we can play it.



This is the first full-length album of theirs that I have listened to besides 'Mystery', and I have to say it really blew me away as compared to this other album. I enjoy 'Mystery', but I think Fortress in Flames is clear evidence of evolvement that The Cruxshadows have undergone in their development into musical maturity. Others on this review board have stated their normal dislike for EPs, and I wholeheartedly agree that this album breaks the mold. It doesn't even matter that some of the songs are represented with different remixes twice. They are all outstanding and superbly produced, with no apparent redundancies coming though.



This music doesn't necessarily fit into a gothic category, although it appeals to many fans of gothic music and so-called goths. It is really obvious though, once you listen to this album and give it a fair chance...without allowing yourself to be affected by whatever predjudices you possess and stereotypes you carry already about so-called "gothic" music...that you will at the very least consider this one of the better albums you've heard in a long time. At best, it will get you hooked immediately and cause you to be a Cruxshadows fan forever."

Maybe not Gothic, but certainly raucously good fun.

Azurestrangelove | Upstate NY, USA | 04/26/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Cruxshadows are an absolute delight for the high octane synthpop/EBM fanatic who has dark and gothic tendancies. In fact I am surprised that this band is not mentioned more in Synth/EBM circles, although I suppose some might take that classification as an insult( I don't think it is ). While I do have a hard time calling this album 'Goth' when comparing it in the shadow of the magnificent "Mystery of the Whisper", I can say that the band certainly know how to pull out all the stops when it comes to making a quality EP( Yes, this is actually an EP, but you'd never believe it ).



Rogue's vocals are amazingly emotional and the poetry seasoned throughout in the lyrics is top notch--But that's nothing new. Every song is brilliant and beautiful, especially Citadel, which is interpreted on this album a LOT. But I'm not complaining. Every version of the song is like hearing it for the first time. It is not merely remixed for dancefloor purposes or to appeal to diehards who want as many alternate versions as possible, it is by far what might have REALLY been meant by the term 'reinterpretation'. Each version is completely different yet strangely beautiful, and the whole 13 track disc could easily pass as a whole album( well, it truly is, let's not kid ourselves here ). The soundscapes vary from a brooding moodiness( Eyes to Heaven, Winterborn ) to utter frenzied pandamonium( Dragonfly, Citadel ) and yet they are a unified body of work that you wont mind listening to over and over, no matter your mood.



I admit that it initially took me a short while to warm up to "Fortress in Flames". I cannot sing enough Praise for "The Mystery of the Whisper" and would indeed recommend it over this album if you're looking for a more gothic sound. That is why I was initially taken aback a bit at 'Fotress..'. As great as it is, it does not have a lot of the instrumental experimentation that "Mystery.." had, such as the haunting violins and dark organ sounds that distinguished Mystery as eerie and 'Gothic". Of course everyone has their opinion of what goth really is but I think this album clearly falls into the dancefloor EBM catagory, albeit with superior lyrics and a unique charisma that most bands of that genre lack.



If you're looking for some Gothic sounds, dig a little deep into the CXS catalog. But if you love electronic music that's deep and dark, then I can't stress my recommendation enough.



"

I Love This Cd, Best Band Ever.

Cruxshadows Girl | Fostoria, OH USA | 01/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I listen to Fortress in Flames over and over everyday. I love it aswell as everything The Cruxshadows make. This Cd has great electronic tunes and fun dance beats. I catch myself dancing and moving everywhere whenever I listen to it. I recommend it to every Cruxshadows fan, it is a great CD. And for those who have never listened to The Cruxshadows, you should give this CD a try. I'm sure you'll fall in love with them just as I have. There is so much talent behind their music and Rogue is the master of great music. I would love to meet him and the band to tell them how much their music means to me. Give them a try, I know you'll be pleased.



~Christy-Blondcoz85~"