Xenorazr
Kenneth E. Rathburn
User

Reviews 8
Approval 96%
Site Rank 510

Soundoffs 153
Album Ratings 154
Objectivity 71%

Last Active 09-24-09 5:17 pm
Joined 07-06-09

Forum Posts 2
Review Comments 141

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Eternal Tears of Sorrow Sinner's Serenade
Eternal Tears of Sorrow's debut only faintly hints at the band's true sound as expanded upon in future releases. What this album contains more of, instead, is a heavier, more rampant style which holds up well enough. Yet even if this is the first album one listens to by the band it's rather clear it isn't a style that seems to fit the band well and the limited production does restrict what potential can be found. Taken for what it is, however, there's still some stellar material that might get the curiosity of die-hard fans.
3.5
03.13.10
Iron Maiden Brave New World
In some ways, Brave New World feels like a mix between its two Baylay-era predecessors except with sharper production and Dickinson on vocals. That is to say that the album is a good progression with some invigorating guitar moments thanks to two returnees without departures. Although, one can begin to get a sense of Somewhere In Time deja vu with the album still lacking any true classics. Instead, like most Maiden albums, Brave New World sounds like a classic in small sections during a few songs. Altogether, it still makes for an enjoyable listen with good enough pacing and enjoyment to avoid dragging out.
4
03.07.10
Iron Maiden Virtual XI
Maiden definitely improve upon The X Factor here. The songs, though still long, generally avoid dragging out thanks to a quicker pacing. And Blaze Baylay's vocals are noticeably superior this time around, as he can now carry out louder vocal styles (though he's still in Dickinson's shadow). Even with a lack of truly excellent songs, Virtual XI shows that a band who have already established themselves highly in the metal community don't need to be dismissed over one member being replaced.
3.5
03.07.10
Slipknot Iowa
For the first half of the album's runtime, Slipknot seem to have improved upon their self-titled predecessor. The music is heavier and generally more visceral with production that is improved as well as a more commanding and consistent flow. However, all of this can?t be carried for the album's runtime, especially given the much prolonged title track which concludes this otherwise improved successor. Thus, we have what is, at first, a fairly strong effort that grows weary once the proper runtime passes.
3
03.07.10
Slipknot Slipknot
Slipknot serve up a thrashier slice of nu metal on their debut mixed with some slower, distorted moments. Generally this translates well but there's not quite enough real charisma here and the overall execution ultimately leaves much to be desired.
3
03.03.10
Iron Maiden The X Factor
Iron Maiden encounter an odd conundrum on The X Factor, primarily due to Blaze Baylay replacing Bruce Dickinson. The themes, concepts and instrumental aspects of the album are all great, with some slow, dark and atmospheric moments making up most of the highlights. However, Blaze reveals himself as a severely limited vocalist, especially compared to Dickinson. Though he sounds fine when doing slow undertones, when he tries going for louder styles his weaknesses definitely show. Fortunately, this doesn't hinder the album to the point where it isn't enjoyable. Thus, we have a competent release by Maiden overall, but not one that comes to m
3.5
03.01.10
Iron Maiden No Prayer For The Dying
Not so much a return to roots for the band as much as it is just a more straightforward version with a slight, but noticeable change in vocal style. And in-spite of its bad reputation, No Prayer for the Dying is really a solid album that has received, as far as I'm concerned, unwarranted criticism. If this is bad, then half of The Number of the Beast is condemnable.
3.5
02.26.10

» last.fm/Xenoraiser
Recent Tracks:

Skyfire Shadow Creator
Skyfire Shadow Creator
Eternal Tears of Sorrow Sweet Lilith Of My Dreams
Amorphis Forgotten Sunrise
Emperor Ye Entrancemperium
Emperor Alsvartr (The Oath)
Iron Maiden The Thin Line Between Love and Hate
Iron Maiden Out of the Silent Planet
Iron Maiden The Nomad
Iron Maiden The Fallen Angel
Most Played:

1) Amorphis 108 plays
2) Shadows Fall 101 plays
3) Dimmu Borgir 67 plays
4) Scar Symmetry 64 plays
5) Amon Amarth 50 plays
6) Iron Maiden 41 plays
7) At the Gates 40 plays
8) Pantera 35 plays
9) Slipknot 34 plays
10) Children of Bodom 33 plays
shoutbox » all posts 
  • NeutralThunder12 pretty much.
    February 27 09:10 AM
  • NeutralThunder12 Haha you'll just have to wait and see. I'll say this; I've been a Maiden fan for years, but I just went back and listened to their entire classic era. I'll give you a small hint lol: It's above a 1 and below a 5. And I like that you've been listening to them lately, I saw your Maiden ratings and must say, I agree with you mostly on everything except Piece of Mind.
    February 26 02:04 PM
  • CustardPlug o.O
    August 30 04:18 PM

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