Customer Reviews

The Devil's Bris

5 star:		(83)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

To quote the man, himself, "Good enough for Goth."

I ran across Voltaire completely by accident. I bought a Projekt CD in a used CD store, a holiday CD of all things, because I love irony. Goth Christmas songs. Ho ho ho! Well, turned out I actually liked it, so a friend of mine hopped online on the Projekt website and found out where to buy their CD's. Hot Topic, wouldn't ya know? She bought me a compliation CD from there for Christmas and Voltaire had two songs on there: "Good Night, Demon Slayer," and "BRAINS!" both songs I'd never heard before, but soon fell quite in love with. Not long after, I happened to make a pilgrimage up to a North Denver record store that actually carried a few of Voltaire's disks. I bought "The Devi's Bris" on total impulse and the rest was history.

I grew up listening to folk music, and I gotta say, it's refreshing to hear new music without the heavy use of drum machines and synthesizers--not that I don't love those too, mind you, but Voltaire's simple melodies and modest accompaniment are a refreshing change of pace for burnt out eardrums. Voltaire's songs convey a deep sense of irony and dark wit in their lyrics, something you just don't hear very often in songs anymore. (When did "I did it all for the cookie" become great songwriting??) And for Godsakes, Voltaire actually ENNUNCIATES when he sings, so you can really understand what he's singing! AMAZING!

When you've had it with the radio and would rather drive a spork into your jugular vein than listen to another Linkin' Park song, put on "The Devil's Bris", or any other Voltaire CD for that matter, for something altogether new, yet comfortably familiar.

I first heard Voltaire when my friends and I were looking for a song to use for a music video salute to our favorite villain on television. (Arnaud from Sci Fi's "The Invisible Man") Someone suggested "When You're Evil," and I was hooked. The musicality is artistic and interesting. The lyrics are a blast! I can totally recommend it.

I first became curious about Voltaire after seeing his name in ads for Projekt, a label who has many other artists whose music I've enjoyed. After hearing a bunch of weak and staticky samples of "The Devil's Bris" over the 'net, I decided the CD might be worth buying. After just listening to the first track once, I became enchanted by the witty lyrics and beautiful instrumentals. The rest of the CD was truly a joy to listen to. Being a fellow New York City goth, I can truly relate to the problems expressed in "The Man Upstairs". Hearing Voltaire's spin on "Shalom" was like a breath of air after hearing so many irritating versions cranked out of keyboards by guys in those t-shirts with a tux drawn on them at bar mitzvahs. This CD will definetly be getting alot of play; I've already gotten tons of scratches on it and I've only had it about a week (maybe I'll go buy another copy)! I love the cover art and Voltaire definetly has a universe of talent.

I went to Megacon and met Voltaire. I was having a bad day, and I wanted to either get "Ooky Spooky" (cd) or "Oh My Goth"(book). When I found out that he did not bring the latter and ran out of the former, I was at a loss. He suggested (very nicely) that I get this one. I did not dispute this out loud, but mentally I was thinking "I know only one or two songs from this one and once I hear those a hundred times, I will get bored with this cd." Well, I am pleased to say that I couldn't have been more wrong if I had tried. Every week (or month) I seem to find a new favorite. This week, "Snakes" A few weeks ago, it was between "Raven's Land" and "Anniversary."

Warning: Must have a twisted sense of humor and a love of screaming violins to enjoy. Do not mix with boy bands or Britney Spears. May cause maniacal laughter and schemes to plot the destruction of annoying people. If symptoms persist for more than an hour, take two songs from "Then and Again" and call me in the morning.

Voltaire amazes me with his creativity. Somehow he combines old world musical compositions and instruments with his own brand of dark humor and sarcastic wit and makes it work! If you enjoy original material without all the fluff of love found and/or lost, you will love Voltaire! He's kinda sexy too!

This cd is incredible! Voltaire has a sound all his own that takes modern day arrangments and uses instruments from an older day to produce them. The music on this album is some of the best I've heard, but the lyrics are even better. Voltaire is the only artist I can think of that can get away with having one of the most romantic songs I've ever heard in "Anniversary" to having a song with a refrain of "die die die die die" in "Ex-lover's lovers", but he makes it work. Then, there is the perfect simplicity of "Owee" and the absolute insanity of "The Chosen" ("Roses are red, violets are blue, if I'm schizophrenic, then I am too") If you like Gothic-type music and you like stringed instruments such as the cello and violin, then "The Devil's Bris" is a must. This cd has become one of my favorites to the point that I hardly even loan it out to friends!

I first heard Voltaire through an obscure college radio station about two months ago. I immediately downloaded a few songs on Napster to get a better feel for the album. I was blown away. The next day I went down to my local record store - only to find they didn't carry it. So, I special ordered the cd and not-so-patiently waited almost two weeks for it. When I finally got the cd, it didn't come out of my cd player until two days ago - when I got his new cd Almost Human. This is also a must-buy. But be certain you get the Devil's Bris first for there are a few references in songs that will make no sense if you haven't first heard the Devil's Bris. The Devil's Bris is an all-around excellent album goes from satirical melodies such as "The Man Upstairs" and "When You're Evil" to a heartfelt song like "Anniversary". He touches all the bases with this album, which makes this music enjoyable to almost everyone. I have had my family and friends listen to this cd, and everyone found something they liked in the album, despite their vastly different tastes in music. I strongly suggest anyone to buy this album, especially those with a dark sense of humor.

I listen to this CD every night before I go to sleep because it rocks so much! Voltaire is so cool... 'When You're Evil' is a really neeto song...I love Voltaire! THIS CD ROCKS!

This Cd is really great. Not only is it the type of music you would listen to while caked in mud, sliding over a cliff, it's the type of music you listen to caked in mud, sliding over a cliff, holding the hand of the person you love. It is romanic, dark, twisted, and best of all humorous.

This album absolutely floored me with its lush melodies and excellent vocals. I honestly can't think of any complaints about this CD. The lyrics cover a wide spectrum--there's black humor, anger, and soul-searching. If nothing I've said so far appeals to you, get it for "Shalom." It's simply perfection.