Axis Of Evil

Babylon Mystery Orchestra | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 12, 2008)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Babylon Mystery Orchestra
• ASIN: B0014EWWZC
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #653,740 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Babylon Mystery Orchestra-Axis of Evil, March 21, 2008

By 

Elizabeth Frady (Georgia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Axis Of Evil (Audio CD)

For those unfamiliar with Babylon Mystery Orchestra, it's important to recognize one thing. This music is the artistic expression of one man. Sidney Allen Johnson is a true artist. He is in singular control of all of his musical content, production, instrumentation, vocals, lyrical content, and distribution. This allows for something unique. He has the highest level of access to pure expression available. And he is doing something with it. I'll leave the listener to find understanding and interpret BMO's message-but let me say this. The artist makes frighteningly bold statements, and takes great risks. Axis of Evil, along with all Babylon Mystery Orchestra's musical offerings are challenging to the listener to say the very least.

The music on Axis of Evil is majestic, as is the style of the artist. The songs can best be described by saying that they are beautifully arranged, orchestral, hard rock, sometimes heavy metal, darkly vocalized treasures. If you are a rock and roll fan of any type, you're going to be aesthetically pleased by this music, and often-you are also- just going to rock out. Comparisons to other bands have been made, but I, personally don't find them relevant. The music is unique.
Mr. Johnson knows what he is doing in that studio, and the one-man-band aspect of the songs is absolutely seamless.
One of my personal favorites on Axis of Evil is "When we Ride...you Die"-it bears the beautiful trademark orchestra sound, and has an exciting drum arrangement that is infectious. The song, "Crusader" lyrically can be seen as a call to an offensive on terror. Musically, it's got great driving guitars, a guitar solo that shreds, and an ending that gives a certain chill. "Diabolus Apocalypse" is mesmerizing ,with a lovely, eerie guitar solo. The song that ultimately has become my favorite, is "Illuminati". This song is just beautiful. Haunting, almost. It's filled with wonderful acoustic guitar sound. The kind of song you find yourself listening to over and over just to transport you to that feeling again. The lyrical content is of course, so thought-provoking as well. Makes for a masterpiece.
And, I can't go without mentioning "Martyr". This song is different somehow. The vocal delivery on all BMO's offerings is strong. But, on "Martyr" there is something going on; at least to me. There is a delivery of these vocals that evokes a different emotion. BMO's vocals are dark, aggressive, and almost threatening. This time I was moved. The song is beautiful, and almost painful-addressing the subject matter soberly, and solemnly.

If you are a rock and roll fan, a music fan, a fan of poetry, a fan of the arts of any kind you owe it to yourself-(trite as that expression is, it absolutely fits) to listen to Axis of Evil. You will forevermore see art in a different way. Babylon Mystery Orchestra provides you with a stunning booklet as accompaniment to guide you through the story. There is beautiful artwork to be seen, also. You don't get that anymore. In fact, you don't get what this artist is doing at all, ever-except with BMO. The man is doing something no one else is doing. In a way that is not being done by anyone. Personally, I think we all deserve that kind of experience in music; as opposed to the meaningless, commerce-driven offerings that are forced upon us by the industry with such great regularity. This CD is a strong, courageous piece of work. If you cherish your freedoms, if you think....if you love great music. It's essential.

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Album With Powerful Lyrics, February 25, 2009

By 

Brother MOLOCH 969 "MolochSorcery.com" (Cleveland, Ohio) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Axis of Evil (MP3 Download)

I bought this album download because I was intersted in hearing Sidney's other work. I have another download of his called "On Earth As It Is In Heaven" which I love and figured this one was worth a try. I wasn't disappointed.

I'm not one for lyrics that are preachy on my Metal albums however I do like lyrics that hit home. Metallica was one of the first who I believe tackled social issues such as politicians (Master of Puppets), televeangelists (Leper Messiah), ravages of war (One & Disposable Heroes) and few Metal bands have ventured into this genre from a mainstream pointo f view. Most tend to drown themselves in liquor soaked teen angst or b*tching about how tough their were/are.

On this album, Axis of Evil, Signey tackles the growing domination of the Jihad mentality from radical, extremist Muslims. I don't see this as any sort of Anti-Islam message but rather a message to warn people of the radical extremists who dedicate their lives to the idea of a hallucinated holy war against the world for not adoping Islam.

With that said, the music is phenomenal. How else does one describe something that just kicks you in the butt? The track, "We Ride, You Die" has a great opening riff with a bit of a sands of time sort of feel to it. You get the idea of a thousand Jihad wariros on a horseback charging into battle against the infidels of the European Crusaders.

The track entitled "Islam" is a ripping tune as well with a catchy melody and lyrics that bite at the listener. "Jihad is on your horizon, Surrender yourselves to Allah, Cursed are the children of Babylon, Cursed in the name of Islam!" Rough lyrics to be sure but in some anti-West videos, you'll see things being repeated similar to this against the infidels or those who refuse Allah. Powerful stuff indeed.

The track, 'Crusader' is another that opens with a heavy riff that comes off the deep end and grabs you by the shorts and slams you against the wall. Then we have 'Xenophobic' which is one of my favorites. "Creep across our borders, they consume our hopes & dreams, procreate like animals, they steal from you and me; They don't speak our language, and they don't wanna learn, Assimilation to our world, is not in their concern!" These are intense lyrics that are mixed with itnense musical riffs.

I rate this five out of five stars because it is intense & musically inspiring. Give it a listen. The songs are direct & to the point with the music as tight as Sidney Allen Johnson can make it.