Falling Under the Spell...
Lillian nin | Dayton, OH | 08/05/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After hearing "The Cruxshadows" at my local dance club, I could not rest until I heard more. On vacation in New Orleans I found this CD at Tower Records and from the first time I placed it in my cd player I had a new favorite band. Not since the 1980's has a "goth" band belted out such beautiful poetry. Not only does Rogue so powerfully recite Edgar Allen Poe's Annabel Lee that one might feel that the spirit of Rogue and E.A. Poe may have crossed paths some where along the way, but the multi-talented vocalist has taken his own, sometimes heart wrenching but always captivating, poetry and transformed it into song.Songs such as "Ave Maria" paint a portrait that displays the beauty, but also the empathetic essence, of what Gothic music should be. Such is also true of "Heavens Gaze"--a must have for anyone who truly loves the spirit of Goth. Anyone who listens to this song will fall under the magic spell of Rogue's voice as he sings of the gods and angels, it seems as though he may be leading the modern gothic generation in a high powered sermon that assures us there is beauty in all things... even sadness. Rogue's frequent reference to Angels in "Ave Maria" and "Heavens Gaze", as well as many of his other songs, leaves you with a reassurance only reverand Rogue can produce. Join me and fall under the spell of the magical voice and lyrics of The Cruxshadows and the angel whose folded black wings inspired him to tell the world."
This CD is full of greatness!
tanya_29 | St. Louis, MO | 02/01/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Every song on this cd is amazing. Cruelty was the first Cruxshadows song I've ever heard and I still absolutely adore it. Ave Maria has become one of my most favorite songs, as has Love/Tragedy. I was lucky enough to watch Rogue do Annabell Lee in concert and it was one of the most powerful things I've ever seen. I love the poem, yes, but Rogue's voice and charisma take it to another level. You have to see this band live!!"
Worth the full CD price!
Aurora Grabill | MA United States | 09/08/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Any die-hard Cruxshadows fan will apreciate this remix/new album. Only 3 of the beautiful 7 tracks are remixes, and well done ones at that. Each remix captures the song at a new angle, throwing you into a different light. The other songs tell stories of love and misfortune through the usual stunning violin work and Rogue's gorgeous voice, though nothing is stale sounding. Plus, it comes with a Cruelty video! What else do you need?"