Customer Reviews

Hidden Faces

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm suprised that this album doesn't get much attention, because it should, this was the album before they started sounding so much like the Sisters of Mercy. It has a more rock-sounding edge than thier previous albums, but they still retain their original style. The songs on this CD are varied from rockers like "Out of the Rain" and "Sing a Sing" to the more danceable/ electronic "Going Around 97" and "Child in Me" and the songs that are in between both goth-rock and dance like "This World" and "Special Friends". THIS IS CLAN OF XYMOX IN THEIR OWN STYLE THAT MADE FAMOUS. If you want to hear what they sound like in the 90's get this one first!

I acquired this CD a long time ago, in Europe, and I notice that on it, track 8 is titled HYPOCRITE (running time 4.43) instead of TROUBLED SOUL.

I also want to mention for people complaining for the album not being available in the US that if they make a search (popular music) on amazon with:
xymox hidden faces
+ GO
they will be presented with other (import) versions of this cd, AVAILABLE FOR BUYING on amazon. (also with track 8 titled HYPOCRITE).

I tried to listen to samples of other clan of xymox cds, but could not find something as appealing as this one (maybe the samples are too shorts).
What I like in this one is a dark and sad side.

( I'm rating the music here, not the lyrics: )
My favourite songs are tracks :
10 Piano piece (just a 1 minute 4 hands piano piece I would say)
11 Your vice
12 November

then come
3 Going round 97'
4 The child in me

then
1 Out of the rain
6 It's all a lie
13 The story ends

but the rest is good too, whith the average quality quite outstanding.
(I sometime buy a CD just for 1 song: here there are plenty worth the buying)

I don't listen to this CD very often, but when I do I'm never disappointed, because it really has something original.

Total running time : 55:15

This is supposedly a marked comeback as they reintroduced Clan of to their name and a damn good album it is . From the crashing Out Of The Rain to the haunting Wailing Wall and Piano Piece to The Story Ends this is one of the best Xymox release and is much better than the follow up Creatures which while good can be a little too much at times and be somewhat over the top . Nevertheless it is fantastic to see a great band as good as this still going strong .

I pondered between 4 & 5 stars, & as much as I love this cd, I'll give it 4 just cuz I've played the 'Twist of Shadows', 'Creatures, & self-titled albums more than this one (though I bought this at the same time I bought the self-titled one). Anyone that has any other Xymox albums shouldn't by any means forget this one. To me, this is their most 90's sounding album they made, and in some ways one of their more radio-friendly albums like 'Twist of Shadows'. It actually at some points kept with the tradition of some of the late 90's electronic sounds that were being popularized by bands like Garbage and many others. So like Garbage, it has an electronic/rock blend feel with dark undertones. Vocally, I only hear subtle similarities to Sisters of Mercy's Andrew Eldritch, but that's just me. Personally, I think their vocal styles are pretty distinct, & although I like both bands & singers, I prefer Ronny Moorings voice.

There are many catchy songs on here, like the opening track "Out of the Rain". I like the bluntness of the lyrics, although at first when I heard it, the guitar riff was just sooo 90's I was like "this is Xymox?", but I liked it anyway. The next track "This World" was actually the first track I had heard off this album from a random Napster download, which made me curious to hear the rest of the album, & it's my 2nd fave track off the album. "Going Round '97" is a good cruising song, & I'm still wondering if there's another earlier version of it from another album or single. "It's All a Lie" is my 3rd fave track cuz of it's power of staying in my head & it's dark relaxing mood. I think "Sing a Song" could've been (or could be) played on the radio cuz well, it's talking about songs playing on the radio for one thing, & it's a good cheerful driving song. "Troubled Soul" is also 1 of my faves, which kewl dark windy sound effects in the background remind me of similar effects used on the 'Creatures' album on "Taste of Medicine". And of course I've left out a few other tracks & the instrumental tracks, which are good as well. But to save the best for last...the last track, fittingly called "The Story Ends" is by far my favorite becuz of its dreamy guitar chords, & I just love the impression it gives throughout the song. It's also a good closure for the rest of the album. If you can find this anywhere, good luck cuz its hard to find. I suggest ordering it online though, which is the way I got it. Get this if you must add another Xymox album to your collection, &/or if yer just hungry for some good, dark, unknown late 90's material.

I've been waiting for the past 8-9 years for a decent release from one of my favorite 80's bands. The last two albums were huge disappointments, but I absolutely love this album. Sure, it's not as great as Medusa and Twist of Shadows, but the more I listen, the more it grows on me. It's a great mix of their original music (Clan of Xymox) as well as some tracks that could have come from their Pheonix and Twist of Shadows eras. Get it if you're a fan--I highly recommend it!

and definately not the last. I was turned on to them by the local nightclub and was pleasantly surprised with a mixture of darkwave and dance. Tracks like "This World" and "Go Round'97" make you want to throw on the fishnets and hit the clubs, where as "It's a Lie" and the previous track "Wailing Wall" make you want to sulk in your lonliness. The Clan's move to Tess Records has definately given the Clan the chance to reach a wider audience. I look forward to seeing them live locally next time around...

Why this album is not available in the US is beyond me but I guess that is the way with back catalogue these days in the States. This album is their perfect come back album in 1997 , back to their old roots of 4AD. The album is really diverse and now I can see why. Their later releases diplay such a variety of craftmanship and style that Ronny Moorings is a total genius who can write any song he likes and make it sound his own.
This Album contain 3 club hits Like "OUT OF THE RAIN", THIS WORLD and the re recording of Going Round , this time in a more agressive manner.
The rest of the album is full of gem like ambient songs like It's All A Lie, Wailing Wall, Your Vice , November, The Story Ends etc.
Just P_E_R_F_E_C_T

I took a break from even trying any of their new stuff after Headclouds but this was fantastic. I'll probably not be afraid to give Creatures a shot after hearing how Ronnie's gotten back to the bands roots while keeping the style current.

OK, I like everything Xymox does - even the much despised "Headclouds" (which was the one before this one). There is a distinct Sisters of Mercy sound to parts of this CD, but with the characteristic Xymox dark/spacy textures. Surprising enough in places to be more interesting than some of their previous albums. A real solid work.

I love this CD! If you like Goth, Industrial, Electronic....you must own this CD! This was my first experience with C.O.X. and it has impressed me since purchasing from Amazon.com. I guess I have to buy the Creatures title now since I've hopped on the wagon. Favorite Tune: "This World".