Customer Reviews

Best of Theatre of Hate

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There are several CDs available from this legendary Post-Punk/Death Rock act, however, this particular collection seems to be the most comprehensive and contains the best tracks from the band. It of course includes their biggest club hit, the stomping desert chic of "Do You Believe In The Westworld?" as well as other classic tracks like "Solution" and "Original Sin" which were anthologized on many of the Cleopatra Gothic Rock collections. But two of the band's more melancholic and haunting songs like "Judgment Hymn" and "Omen Of The Times" appear on here too, which are my two personal favourite tracks from the band.

Theatre Of Hate were unique in that they incorporated well-placed saxophone/brass arrangements in their music, such as on "The Murder Of Love." However, the dark, edgy punkish vibe is retained (and it definitely doesn't creep into ska territory!) The delightfully off-key vocals also contribute to the band's unique sound, while the sharp edgy guitars and tight organic rhythmic backdrops capture the classic, traditional majesty of early Goth Rock.

Having influenced many bands both in the Goth scene and the alternative underground, Theatre Of Hate are tastefully memorialized here and should be heard by more fans of dark music. They share similiarities with early Cult, Fields Of The Nephilim, Joy Division, and the earlier works of Death In June but possess a sound and character that was distinctly their own. This is the best place to start with the band, and this double disc studio collection may very well be the only CD you really need to get your fix. A necessary milestone for any Goth Rock collection....

I have tons of CULT offerings. Thought I would try TOH. I am blown away. I mean, I have a Cult shrine, really. I can't seem to get away from this hypnotic intensity that TOH puts out. Wow, I don't want to share it. I don't want peeps putting it down because they don't "get it". I'm looking for more. I have Ten Years After and it's cool, too.
Thanks, Kirk, you're so wierd.