Gospel Cola

Atomic Opera | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 25, 2000)
• Original Release Date: April 25, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Metal Blade
• ASIN: B00004SG68
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #369,620 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant...and Deserving of More Attention, June 7, 2000

By 

Ockham's Razor (Ohio, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gospel Cola (Audio CD)

Amazing album. Amazing band. There is true creative and music genius behind this group and behind the concept of "Gospel Cola". Though Atomic Opera have a distinct sound all their own and sound like no one, if you need a comparison think the groove and crunch/sludge of King's X with the progressiveness of Galactic Cowboys...topped off with more varied instrumentation (cello, mandolin, dulcimer, recorder, ocrina, Chapman stick, etc.), more complex arrangements and some of the most amazing, insightful and intelligent lyrics to grace music in a long, long time. They pull no punches. Incisive, bold and inspired - just like their music.

I loved Penguin Dust, but felt the songs all had a "sameness" about them...not so here. Every song is distinct and stands alone in arrangement, rhythm and structure. There's a sense of artistry and musical vision here that was a bit lacking in their previous efforts - though they're all good. It seems like Frank and Kemper's vision for AO is finally coalescing!

Excellent album...you owe it to yourself to pick this up.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fans of the Housten-metal sound: thirsty?, October 20, 2000

By 

Matt from www.prog.web.com - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gospel Cola (Audio CD)

Comparable to Kings X and Galactic Cowboys stuff in many ways, I found myself enjoying this material perhaps even a little bit more. The prog characteristics of this album are not over-the-top, but the band does implement some odd time signatures and incorporates a lot of different instruments into their hard rock setup (cello, mandolin, dulcimer, ocarina, chapman stick, and organ, just to name a few). Best of all is the great sense of melody that permeates the album, with tasteful vocal harmonies and musicianship throughout. There is a bit of a modern/alternative rock flavor to the music, evidenced by the 12 short, catchy songs that make up the whole of the album, but I still found the song-writing to be quite interesting. Favorites include "Silence" and "Muse", with another handful of tracks being of near the same caliber. Fans of Kings X and Galactic Cowboys definitely need to add this to their list.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very deep, February 14, 2001

By 

Ed - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gospel Cola (Audio CD)

The lyrical content of this album is extremely deep. The songs all have a unique perspective on each's respective subject. A few previous reviewers have called this album preachy, and have given one star reviews based on that fact. The last thing on my mind when I hear lines like "Does my life suck as bad as yours?" is preachiness. The truth is, they can't stand bands that use words or phrases like "Jesus" or "Word of God", and they really hate anti-abortion songs. The lyrics obviously come from the heart and thus are not meant to be preachy; they are simply the writer's deepest thoughts on a particular subject. That's how great artists make great art, by putting their struggles and emotions into their work. But I guess that's only allowed if religion is left out. I applaud Frank Hart and company for boldly saying what's on their minds. In addition, some of the riffing is bone-crunchingly heavy. Malediction and Muse blow the doors off live. Check them out if you can.