Customer Reviews

Damaged

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It would be easy to do as others seem content to do and lump Course of Nature in with all the other radio-friendly, easily accessible modern rock bands flooding the airwaves these days. You know - Daughtry, Nickelback, Creed, Three Doors Down, etc. And it wouldn't be entirely inaccurate to make that sort of comparison. Damaged is, afterall, a very listenable rock album. What sets them apart from the pack though, is that they are the under-appreciated masters of this genre. They've demonstrated that on this album! Where the other guys might go for a smooth, conventional song structure and sound Course of Nature are unafraid to substitute faster (dare I say punk?) riffs and in many places stattaco rhythms reminiscent of Helmet. Track 3, "Time is Slipping Away" is an excellent example of this and is one of the stand-out tracks on the album. In some respects this album reminds me of Gavin Rossdale's Institute - strong punk/hardcore influences but masked with a slick production. The difference here is that Course of Nature have got it *just* right - struck the perfect balance between being radio worthy and serious, intense rock. If nothing else, at least check these guys out. While I can't promise they'll be your new favorite band, they'll certainly help block out those other lousy bands they're associated with. And be sure to check out their video for the lead track, Anger Cage which is directed by and stars lead singer Mark Wilkerson's wife Melissa Joan Hart.

I honestly thought that these guys disappeared into obscurity when they didn't release anything in the years following "Superkala". Their first effort was solid, but not necessarily ground-breaking. Fast forward six years, and Course of Nature is back with Mark Wilkerson supported by a completely new lineup and a new arsenal of music. If I remember right, I read that it took so long to release another album because there was constant fighting between the band's management and the record label, and the relationship finally collapsed.

Now that all the bad stuff is taken care of, C.O.N. has released what I believe is the ground-breaking effort they need to finally get on the map. There is definitely a more mature sound to these songs, lyrically and musically. Wilkerson sings with a passion that I felt wasn't always there in the first album. Of course, with a six year lapse, a person is bound to grow alot from the experiences that occurred individually and as a band. The tracks that stand out for me are...well, all of them. I can't really put one song over another. But don't take my word for it...

After waiting for 5 years and returning from relative obscurity, late 2007, Course Of Nature returned back on the alt-rock scene playing two of their new tracks from the album 'Damaged' at New York Square on New Years Eve. I have been a long time fan of this band having loved Course of Nature from the first time hearing 'Caught In The Sun' off their first album Superkala. And in Jan of 2008 they released Damaged which heralded two radio single hits in 'Live Again' and 'Anger Cage'.

The break has helped this group develop a new harder yet more palatable sound and the absence allowed each to do other projects and hone in their skills. The experience of the past has come out radiantly in this sophomore album. Like other reviewers, I feel the album is a tad too short and they could have easily added 2 or 3 more songs. But the quality of the songs on offer is exceptional.

The second track 'Right Before My Eyes' is a clincher for me. This song is exceptional and the lyrics are high impact. The 10 songs on this release are all anthems of life, lyrics filled with feelings and emotions. I must state my favourites were 'Memory Of You' and 'Live Again'. Whilst none of the songs outshines Caught In The Sun, Memory of You comes close.

'How Great Are You' is a superb track that the lead singer Mark Wilkerson penned for his wife and it is a upbeat tempo. 'World At War' is an angst driven theme of the world today

Overall this album is a must buy for any C.O.N fan and you will not be disappointed. The album whilst short is quality assured and you will come out of listening satisfied beyond all measure. I loved this album and it is one of my current most listened to tracks.

After 6 years I couldn't believe they only had 10 songs in 38 minutes in them. I also feel they lost the edge they had over the Puddle Of Fuel groups out there. The CD just sounds very generic to me, not the fresh new sound they had with Superkala. But it's good to see them back, hopefully they'll put more thought into their next CD and won't wait 6 years to do it.

In 2002 Course of Nature released their first album and due to the single Caught In The Sun, the record was quite popular for a while. Then CON disappeared from the Music scene for nearly 5 years. I have to say it might have been worth it due to how good this album really is.
Many of you have probably heard the first single off this album Anger Cage. If not, it is a fantastic song and it's a great way to open the album. Throughout the whole album there are fantastic melodies and riffs that any fan of good rock music will love.
This album is easily good enough to listen all the way through without having to skip one song. There are two slower songs and the rest are pretty much fast paced.
Here are my favorite tracks:
1.Time In Slipping Away
2.Anger Cage
3.The Window
4.Memory Of You
5.World At War
The rest of the tracks are nearly as strong so don't let this review make you think this is all the record has to offer. Pick this up if you liked their previous music. Also if you are a fan of Daughtry, Breaking Benjamin, or Nickelback you'll probably love these guys.

I had never heard of Course of Nature until a friend had it on his iPod. He only had Anger Cage, which was awesome, so I got the entire album and its one of those albums you can listen to the ENTIRE thing without getting sick of the music. I haven't heard an album like this since "We are not alone" by Breaking Benjamin! I highly recommend it!

When looking up a CD I was thinking about buying I noticed this unique album art in the section "Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought." So I clicked on it and it was the smartest thing I have done in a while.

Course Of Nature is such an amazing rock band. I wish they were more known because there music is great. DAMAGED is such a diverse sounding CD in which I love every song. Too bad there are only 10 on here but it is well worth it. Fans of rock will easily get hooked with Course Of Nature's music. The guitars are good and the lyrics are great. The lead singer as one of the better rock voices. At times one can almost hear a mix of Breaking Benjamin, Seether and Shinedown.

The best tracks on this CD have to be "Anger Cage," "Memory of You," and "Live Again." The sound of this band is almost hard rock but it is not at the same time. I like the diversity found amongst this CD. Honestly check this band out.

I think this is one of the most original album of this genre!!! Its very different and every song sounds like there was a real effort in the making... Im not too sure about their first album, I think it was all over the place, with the exceptions of wall of shame, caught in the sun and 1000 times...anyway this one is classic southern hard melodic rock kind of thing with a fast modern rock beat!!! Buy this

This is a great CD! I've been following this band for awhile now and I can say they only get better with each effort. With the right choices for releases, this could be their breakout disc! Every song is good. Their harmonies, instrumentation, lyrics... It's one of the few CD's out today that you'll get your money's worth.

i only wish there were more albums to buy from this band. these are some amazing artists!