Beyond the Darkness

Balzac | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 5, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Rykodisc
• ASIN: B0000AB13Q
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #290,995 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The influence of horror-punk cult icons the Misfits has stretched well beyond the band's original modest successes to win over successive generations of headbanging fans and influence numerous musicians. A prime example of that reach is this 16-track compilation by Japan's premiere quartet of skeleton-suited horror punks. Released on the Misfits own label and mentored by the masters themselves, this collection displays Balzac's rabid-speed-metal instincts and an occasionally zippy pop sense that owes at least a few bangs of the head to the manic, cartoon energy of the Dickies. There are moments early on ("Wall," "The Black Light Shines in ‘99") when it sounds like the band's triple-time fury just might permanently shred vocalist Hirosuke's voicebox or flail a limb or two loose, while later tracks like "Out of the Blue II" seem more rooted in the traditional lead guitar assault of Atsushi and the gang vocals of "Tomorrow" and "Monster II." The energy of their blitz-pop is impressive, if a bit two-dimensional, but there are hints here of some real promise beyond the "1-2-3-4-GO!" mentality, too. Includes three live cuts as well as a bonus DVD containing four videos and a "making-of" short. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Jap Horror punk.... How ammusing!, October 11, 2005

By 

Bando - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beyond the Darkness (Audio CD)

Ok, in a nutshell, this band is basicly what would happen if the misfits came from Japan instead of here. These guys sound, look, and basicly are the japanese version of the misfits. While they do have a slight twinge in difference. (basicly they are more poppy) That is all balzac is. Now, that might sound like a bad thing, but I assure you it's not. As you might know already, this is balzac's first U.S. Album and it's a darn good one. Every song is quality horror punk material, not to mention the few live cuts at the end. From the dark and gloomy intro to catchy Silence of the century, all these songs have personality. A trait that many punk albums lack these days. Honestly, there aren't any throwaway songs here. Every one is original and fast hit you in the head tempo.

That's not to say that there aren't some flaws, even though they're minor ones. I'd have to say my biggest complaint is the vocals. Given, this guy has a great voice, and the chorus "whoah whoahs" are done very well. It's just that I can't inderstand a word he's saying!!! Clearly these guys need to go back to english school before they release another album, or at least give us some lyrics. I could also talk about how the CD gets just a bit repetitive around track 13, but it's not that big of a deal.

Oh, and of course the DVD! Well, what can I say? Four well done videos...and a decent "making of" short. That plus the CD is a good deal for the 8 bucks I laid down for it.

All in all, I'm very glad I bought this. It's a nice addition to my and any punk lover's collection. Heck, 20 above average misfits-esque songs and a DVD! I'd pay double what I paid for it.

5.0 out of 5 stars balzac = amazing!, April 10, 2008

By 

Jeff Bell "keep" (tucson, az) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beyond the Darkness (Audio CD)

balzac are of course compared to the misfits without question, but the band itself are amazingly talented artists with a unique sound all their own! if you don't have this or other balzac albums...what are you waiting for?

5.0 out of 5 stars Best band around, September 27, 2007

By 

Tanner Cartwright "Wesker1982" (Montana, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beyond the Darkness (Audio CD)

I had lost all hope in current music until I heard Balzac. Balzac is by far one of the best bands I have ever heard. My only problem is that I haven't seen a Balzac show yet!