Customer Reviews

Fortress in Flames

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I booked and promoted this band to play in my home city, Boise this autumn. I had heard The Cruxshadows before as I already own 'Mystery of The Whisper" and our local djs have consistently played their "club" favorites at our weekly event. However, I was completely unprepared for what I was about to witness on the night of their show here. And what I saw was this: unprecidented, mesmerizing music and a fabulous show - the likes of which I had never been privileged to see. Rogue's voice, the musicianship of all the other band members and their solid, unwavering talent is really difficult to dispute. My husband is not really a fan of this type of music, but he was dully impressed, thoroughly enjoyed the show and now calls himself a fan. He regularly asks where the cd is in the house so we can play it.

This is the first full-length album of theirs that I have listened to besides 'Mystery', and I have to say it really blew me away as compared to this other album. I enjoy 'Mystery', but I think Fortress in Flames is clear evidence of evolvement that The Cruxshadows have undergone in their development into musical maturity. Others on this review board have stated their normal dislike for EPs, and I wholeheartedly agree that this album breaks the mold. It doesn't even matter that some of the songs are represented with different remixes twice. They are all outstanding and superbly produced, with no apparent redundancies coming though.

This music doesn't necessarily fit into a gothic category, although it appeals to many fans of gothic music and so-called goths. It is really obvious though, once you listen to this album and give it a fair chance...without allowing yourself to be affected by whatever predjudices you possess and stereotypes you carry already about so-called "gothic" music...that you will at the very least consider this one of the better albums you've heard in a long time. At best, it will get you hooked immediately and cause you to be a Cruxshadows fan forever.

The Cruxshadows are an absolute delight for the high octane synthpop/EBM fanatic who has dark and gothic tendancies. In fact I am surprised that this band is not mentioned more in Synth/EBM circles, although I suppose some might take that classification as an insult( I don't think it is ). While I do have a hard time calling this album 'Goth' when comparing it in the shadow of the magnificent "Mystery of the Whisper", I can say that the band certainly know how to pull out all the stops when it comes to making a quality EP( Yes, this is actually an EP, but you'd never believe it ).

Rogue's vocals are amazingly emotional and the poetry seasoned throughout in the lyrics is top notch--But that's nothing new. Every song is brilliant and beautiful, especially Citadel, which is interpreted on this album a LOT. But I'm not complaining. Every version of the song is like hearing it for the first time. It is not merely remixed for dancefloor purposes or to appeal to diehards who want as many alternate versions as possible, it is by far what might have REALLY been meant by the term 'reinterpretation'. Each version is completely different yet strangely beautiful, and the whole 13 track disc could easily pass as a whole album( well, it truly is, let's not kid ourselves here ). The soundscapes vary from a brooding moodiness( Eyes to Heaven, Winterborn ) to utter frenzied pandamonium( Dragonfly, Citadel ) and yet they are a unified body of work that you wont mind listening to over and over, no matter your mood.

I admit that it initially took me a short while to warm up to "Fortress in Flames". I cannot sing enough Praise for "The Mystery of the Whisper" and would indeed recommend it over this album if you're looking for a more gothic sound. That is why I was initially taken aback a bit at 'Fotress..'. As great as it is, it does not have a lot of the instrumental experimentation that "Mystery.." had, such as the haunting violins and dark organ sounds that distinguished Mystery as eerie and 'Gothic". Of course everyone has their opinion of what goth really is but I think this album clearly falls into the dancefloor EBM catagory, albeit with superior lyrics and a unique charisma that most bands of that genre lack.

If you're looking for some Gothic sounds, dig a little deep into the CXS catalog. But if you love electronic music that's deep and dark, then I can't stress my recommendation enough.

I listen to Fortress in Flames over and over everyday. I love it aswell as everything The Cruxshadows make. This Cd has great electronic tunes and fun dance beats. I catch myself dancing and moving everywhere whenever I listen to it. I recommend it to every Cruxshadows fan, it is a great CD. And for those who have never listened to The Cruxshadows, you should give this CD a try. I'm sure you'll fall in love with them just as I have. There is so much talent behind their music and Rogue is the master of great music. I would love to meet him and the band to tell them how much their music means to me. Give them a try, I know you'll be pleased.

~Christy-Blondcoz85~

Great interpretations on the mixes. My favorite is definitely the Razed in Black mix of "Cassandra", that alone makes this CD worth it.

Not to mention the Clan of Xymox remix of "Never Surrender", the Neuroactive remix of "Love & Hatred" or the Subway to Sally remix of "Winterborn".

I have to agree that Dragonfly is my favorite new song of the bunch.

All in all, very diverse and clever.

Im not realy a fan of goth at all but both bands "paralysed age" and "cruxshadows" are realy good even for a deathmetal fan like me. I quess good music, atracts every one. If your into good musicianship, originality, and, well produced album then get it. I dont like goth music and yet i love cruxshadows. Order it!

Hot on the heels of ?Ethernaut? comes another Cruxshadows EP with lots of content at a little price. You can expect a few brand new, unreleased songs, in addition to ?Ethernaut? remixes by Clan Of Xymox, Razed In Black, Iris, Subway To Sally, Alice 2, In Strict Confidence, Neuroactive, Absurd Minds, Ego Likeness, and others. Buy and not die:)

I am not usually a big fan of remixes, period. But I must say, I was pretty impressed by the wide variety of interpretations of the original songs from the album "Ethernaut". One of my favorites was the Ego Likeness remix of "Cassandra", there were very beautiful female vocals. Subway to Sally's take on "Winterborn" was quite a spin from the original, very cool! All of the remixes were very different though, not just the typical remix with an extra drum beat or two thrown in. Along with the remixes, there were also 3 brand new songs. "Dragonfly" was my favorite, very well written lyrically, and very danceable, but the other two were not far behind! Everything was very well put together, and I am very pleased to add this to my collection of Cruxshadows CDs!

I'm a 38 year old System administrator... and I figured that this wouldn't be my cup of tea. But on recommendation by one very good author, "John Ringo" who you'll find lots by on this website[...]. I picked up this one. And he's a fan as well.

Fanfrick'ntastic music. Winterborn is extremely good song, the lyrics alone hearken back to days long gone. The performance is great in all 3 versions, and I'm not usually a remix guy either.

I have to go read some more reviews to find more such good stuff by them.

The youtube stuff also is very well done out there, both the video by the band and a remake someone did with "The 300" as the backdrop.

My copy of this cd got here in the mail earlier today. It is fantastic. The remixes on here were really good. My personal favorite was the remix of Winterborn. Overall, if you like Cruxshadows, you won't be disappointed as I personally don't think there's a bad song on here...and I listened to this cd three times in a row while typing up a pathology paper. Get it! You'll be glad you did!

I hardly ever pick up an EP, (cruxshadows exempt of course) BUT, this one was definatly worth it. The remixes were worthy of being heard (i am not a remix person), I particulary like the Xymox Clan's remix of Citadel. The new songs are wonderful; Dragonfly being my favorite of them. The new guitarist really adds a it to it, and as much as I miss stacys sound, I know i will love his. Must Buy.