Search - Various Artists :: Unquiet Grave: Unearthing the Underground

A Good Compilation

09/22/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"While I don't feel that this addition to the Unquiet Grave Series is as good as its predecessors it still comes out as a good compilation. It was nice to see that this time around they found acts from all over the world instead of just Europe and the U.S. For any fans of Voltaire the first disc alone is worth the small price. I never thought I'd see the day that I'd hear a drum machine and synthesizers in a Volaire song. Freaky but good. But anyone interested in the underground goth rock, ethereal, industrial, or new to this compilation, black metal scenes should be pleased to find some great new bands on here."

Three stars for content, four stars for price

Scott Sweet | Colorado Springs, CO | 02/01/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This third collection features more unsigned bands than than the prior two. I'm not slamming DIY; I just didn't enjoy these songs as much. The song selection is handled by different people than on "Graves" I and II (Spahn Ranch's Athan Maroulis). Since some of these songs are on MP3; GO AND LISTEN TO THEM FIRST. (I grabbed it at first sight and ran to the register like the lab rat I am.) After all, this sampler costs five bucks more than the previous two did. Maybe it's for the gatefold packaging.Disc 1 has some highlights. Cleopatra uses the old trick of starting with a popular single (Voltaire's "The Man Upstairs (Heavy Drama Mix)." Many of the songs are goth-aimed, but they go overboard with mournful, untrained vocals and synth drums. I know I sound like a crotchety old-schooler, but I just turned 31. 3SKS wins for sheer guts on "Mendocino Girl"; "Time After Time" is still Cyndi Lauper's song even if you leave out the chorus. This Ascension ("Mysterium") is always a welcome addition. Paralysed Age's "Famine" sounds like Peter Murphy doing a Cure cover, so of course I liked it. Ocean 8 achieves a cool Cocteau Twins/Wendy & Lisa vibe with "Fireworks." On Disc 2, Messy opens with a decent piece of jazz-goth ("Make You Believe"). The second disc is more EBM/industrial overall than the first. Skip five tracks, and Mindless Faith lays down a good beat with "All These Years." Skip five more tracks, and Grace Overthrone's "Fight" is the best song on either disc, a good mix of dancefloor industrial and metal guitar. Aenima's "Earthlore" has a world music-tinged Miranda Sex Garden appeal.The first two collections spoiled me on this one. If you're big on discovering new music, this may work better for you. I'm just looking to spare you the ARRGGGHH! factor."

Good price, fair music, one great rare remix

dustinasche | Club Orpheus, Baltimore MD | 06/14/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I had to ask Voltaire himself where to find the Heavy Drama mix of The Man Upstairs and he directed me here. The Heavy Drama mix is catchier and better suited for clubbing than his typical accoustic style. Just don't take him too seriously and you'll be okay. I'm just crazy like this, but I bought this collection for that one song.Other than Voltaire, his is a good two disk collection of underground goth and features a wider variety than previous compilations in this series. If you're looking to expand your library in a safe and economical way, compilation disks are the way to do it, and this has something for everybody, although few people will enjoy the entire collection."