Customer Reviews

Into the Ice

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

 

 

If you are scavenging the wasteland for some Goth that falls into the abyss where Death in June, Current 93, and TMLHBC have taken their thrones for all eternity, then "Into the Ice" is NOT what you are looking for. To be brutally honest, "Into the Ice" is kind of cheesy; the cover (its artwork insinuating Metal rather than Goth) should have given you a hint! That said, you should seriously consider adding this CD to your collection, because it is well done (for what they are trying to accomplish). There's one major problem I've found with this release: The "I can't get that song out of my head!" phenomena happens. Don't try to associate PA with the sound of other bands (some have said that PA is trying to emulate The Sisters, for example) because this would be doing PA a disservice. I can understand why some people may label them as generic copycats who lack any specific talent, but I feel that the sum is greater than the parts in the case of this band -- meaning that the instruments/vocals come together very well here. I own tons and tons of tracks by Goth bands and none of them really sound quite like the tracks on "Into the Ice" which, by the way, also are not homogeneous within the CD itself. I bought this CD for the track "Self Control," which I've heard frequently OnTheEdgeRadio, and I was expecting the worst from the rest of the CD because the only other song I had heard by PA was "Bloodsucker 2000" (it sounded like junk to me). Instead, I found a series of catchy tunes that amounted to a satisfying purchase, good for repeated listening.

this is one of my favourest, what did i say, it IS my favourest album i bought this year!!
every track on this cd leads us back to the early goth sound at the end of the 80ties. sacrifice appears on one of the older material of them, but that doesn't make it boring: it's a new version that is more powerful.
my favourite song: into the ice
leads you into the cold and deep soul of mary shelley's frankenstein.

Don't let the cheesy Nordic metal cover art deceive you - this album is to be filed somewhere in the midst of Nosferatu, The Damned, and Two Witches at their most focused and masterful. Germany's Paralysed Age is one of the few traditional organic Gothic Rock bands left that has the potential to flourish. Led by deep male vocals (riddled with an oh so appropriate foreign accent for that extra vampiric cred), Paralysed Age rely on light yet resonant power chord crunches, thick bass lines, admittedly flat yet suitable female vocal accompaniments, and rock based drum programs. The songs are catchy and rich with memorable choruses and pop hooks, and the entire package is enhanced by a warm and dense production.

Inspired by the classic Edgar Allen Poe chiller, "Berenice" kicks the CD off on a soaring and incredibly infections note. The song has nearly everything a Goth Rocker could want - though upbeat and poppy, it is enriched by a mischievous decadence and has a kind of dark splendour that hasn't been tapped since perhaps the Sisters or Rosetta Stone. "Berenice" is a fantastic track that needs to be heard and played repeatedly. The album's title track, though offering a more delayed gratification, eventually weasels its way into the conscious and will remain there for a considerable time. A late blooming track that I liked but grew to love after consecutive listens. "My Sweetest Return" is a dark, plodding track, which features the talents of record label mate Rachel McDonnell of The Crüxshadows. Minor keyed synths stab jaggedly as the willowy violin drifts above the foggy gloom, before angular power chord crunching appears alongside Michael's macabre crooning and chilling whispers.

"Your Coldest Smile" is a beautifully melancholic track, with strong bass lines rumbling throughout, overdriven guitar chords panning from speaker to speaker, and ghostly synths seeping in, gray and foreboding. In some ways, I am reminded of early Xymox when absorbing the antiquated icy charm of the song. The absolute magnificence of "Ocean," the album's masterpiece, appears fifth on the disc. The first time I heard this song, I knew it was one of the best Goth Rock tracks I have heard in years. Anthematic and peppy yet awash with a gorgeous sensual gloom, it reminds me of what Big Electric Cat could have been. The fantastic overdriven, jangling guitars sweep above the dense orchestral landscapes with grace and finesse, and the vocal melody is sung in earnest and with a lovelorn moodiness. A climactic interlude (the guitar work recalling The Damned's recent work) is accentuated by bellowing, pleading vocals and an epic instrumental passage - a wonderful reminder of Gothic Rock's enduring emotional power.

The sincerity and intensity of "Ocean" gives way to a playful cover of "Self Control," an 80's pop track originally recorded by Laura Branigan. Another track that has received some successful club play, and sparked the amusement and nostalgia of elder Goths and baby bats that had their ears tuned to FM radio when they were growing up. A fun and creative cover, that perfectly translates into the band's concept.

"Darkened Skies" is a return to the successful formula of mid paced, subtlety synthetic structures while "Dawn Of Life" is a more melodic ballad that though a decent track, lacks the strength of early songs. "Dunes" is another slower track, somewhat reminiscent of Ikon, though with more effective reverberated washes of processed guitars. "Get Faster, Reach Devil" is perplexing in it's lyrical meaning, but it is a return to more upbeat pastures. However, it is ultimately a weaker track that lacks the punch and sincerity of "Berenice" and "Ocean." The final two tracks fail to provide any grandiose or climactic finale, and the album ends on a rather mediocre point, but that is not to say that the album leaves the listener feeling dissatisfied.

While Paralysed Age places their greatest treasures and shiniest gems on the first half of the disc, the album itself is an impressive feat, and well worth investigation for fans of guitar driven Gothic Rock, as there are several tracks that rank alongside the greatest anthems of Goth's second wave in the 1990's. Get in touch with Dancing Ferret discs and pick this up without hesitation.

* Extracted from my review at StarVox.net

Only the last track I liked. I bought this because Empire of the Vampire is such a good cd. This one on the other hand lacks much of what Vampire offers. Almost seems like two different bands.

This is a great album for anyone who's into the 80's sounding electronic/goth rock in the vein of the Mission, Love Like Blood, Children on Stun, etc. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing astounding or groundbreaking about the Paralysed Age, you've all heard something similar to this, probably back in the 80's, but the music is very quality nevertheless. I have two of Paralysed Age's albums, the other being Empire of the Vampire, and this is the one I would definately recommend, I think the song quality, structure and composition far exceed Empire. If you're looking for a good retro 80's goth rock band, check out the Paralysed Age.

For those of you who thinks Him is a great goth rock/metal band...Think again, just listing to "paralysed age" who are much superior and not cheesy or repetitive and their songs doesn't get old like him's songs. Catchy,original,great vocals, and, haunting melodis...Worth your money! Better then u2,him,and all of that garbage. Order it!! Also make sure you buy paralysed age's "empire of the vampire" great stuff man.

If you are a fan of dark music you can't go wrong with the "Dancing Ferret Discs" label. Paralyzed Age is one of their best artists. Their first offering "Empire of the Vampire" blew me away. It is meat and potatoes all the way through with no filler. "Into the Ice" keeps with this young tradition. My favorites so far are "Ocean" and "Darkened Skies". If you doubt you can go to the "Dancing Ferret Discs" site on MP3.COM and try before you buy. Enjoy!
Vita ests prete

Michael

There are 12 songs on this CD by Paralysed Age. Unlike the previous CD I reviewed, ?Empire of the Vampire?, this one has a more rock sound than a techno sound and is not what I?d think of when I think ?Goth? music.
Also unlike ?Empire of the Vampire? both of the duo?s members that make up this group sing, though Andrea sings primarily backup. I think her voice blends nicely and helps reduce some of the repetitiveness that I can find annoying. I really liked the fact that the lyrics for 11 of the songs are printed in the CD insert.
Half of the tracks left me feeling neutral. This isn?t bad music but it tends to be a bit repetitive and more techno sounding. The ones I really liked had a rougher edge to them and Andrea sang in several of them adding a softer vocal to the rock sound. The title song, ?Into the Ice? is probably my favorite track though the ?torture? or SM theme to ?Sacrifice? was a close second. Still too many lyrics for me to use in a game or a scene personally.
There is a cover of Laura Branigan?s song ?Self Control? which is a fairly good version though it is odd to hear the lead vocals in a man?s voice. Of course, Branigan?s voice wasn?t particularly feminine.
Once again, I find myself only really disliking one of Paralysed Age?s songs on a CD. ?My Sweetest Return? was just too repetitive and actually started making my head ache. For a moment, I was worried that the following track, ?Your Coldest Smile? was going to fall into the same category by the female backup softened the edges even.
In the end, I?d say that this CD is more than the typical Goth music or techno music you might be used to. The interesting rock edge to it, coupled with Andrea?s backup vocals and cover make it a nice surprise.