Customer Reviews

Meta

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

'Meta' is by far the best Assemblage 23 album since the 2001 underground classic 'Failure'. What I particularly like about this album is the sincerity that A23 frontman Tom Sheer evokes in his voice, and the music on this album seems more progressive and technical than some of his prior efforts. The production is excellent. My favorite songs are "Damaged", "Binary", "Decades", and "Old". If you like futuristic synth pop music with a little edge this is a great album to add to your CD collection. A must have for fans of VNV Nation and Pride And Fall.

I've been following Tom/A23 for about five years now and this really is his best work. His vocals have mellowed and become more lyrical, and Meta contains a much larger range of styles than previous albums. His lyrics have always been good, but I believe he surpassed himself this time: 'Decades' and 'Old', in particular, are amazing. It's nice to hear an EBM artist breaking some new ground.

I am new to this kind of music and it's a good start to listen to this one.
I usually listen to metal music but when I hear this album, my ears accept the tune :)
I guess "Meta" and "Storm" are good introductions to Assemblage if You want to hear the band.
I'm going to have all the releases of this band soon.

I have to admit I have been more of a casual Assemblage 23 fan in the last several years I have been listening to EBM. From what little I heard, Tom Shear's music was a bit on the monotonous side for me. That is until now. I always wanted to get the latest A23 album META but never got around to it...until recently. In the past the material I heard was good but didn't really stick with me. META is the first A23 cd that I could really sink my teeth into. The cd opens up with "Decades [V2}" the most awesome club song that I have heard in recent years. Every time I listen to the song, I crank up the stereo and start dancing. The song has catchy pop hooks and a lot of energy. It is hard not to want to dance to this song. Another great song that makes me want to dance is "Sorry". Of course there are a few slower songs on the album. Of the mid-tempo songs on the album, I liked "Damaged" the best. I can feel the emotions that Tom Shear emits when he sings this song. No matter how many times I have listened to META, I have not been able to find a song I did not enjoy. For me Tom Shear finally executed an album where I love the entire album. META is flawless in my eyes.

Tom Shear has done what many fans are afraid their favorite bands will do, and that is take a new direction. Tom's sound in Meta is headed in a different direction, but one that I find quite likable. His first albums were very digital and robotic (in a good way), but this album is much more fluid and beautiful, so to say. Definitely something to check out. A personal favorite is "Madman's Dream"

I knew this day would come. Tom outdoes himself each release and this one is the pinnacle. The production value and melodies are phenomenal. The playful abandon with his vocals blew me out of the water! The lyrics are his best yet!! Don't wait buy this one immediately...it requires your ear this instant!

Start to finish...genious.

Each album that Tom Shear creates and produces brings a new level of musical exploration and deeply rooted lyrics. When it comes to EBM or electronica, Assembage 23 albums avoid overly repetitive tracks and are uniquly layered and composed melodies and rhythms. Each song is filled with lyrics that touch a chord with intrinsic, social, and political issues. Beautifully crafted and produced!

Tom Shear, the man behind Assemblage 23 combines melodic vocals and meaningful lyrics (E.g. the song "Ghost" is a stab at religion, "Madman's Dream" deals with the events surrounding hurricane Katrina, "Old" is a somber picture of lost memories and feelings due to age, while "Binary" metaphorically suggests viewing the world with an open mind. Each song has a more or less poignant underlying statement which enhances the listening experience as a whole.) with sweeping electronic rhythms to create a set of songs that is sure to satisfy any futurepop fan. A great cd; I highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of VNV Nation, Imperative Reaction, or The Covenant, etc.

I can't get enough, honestly, I can't. A23 are pure genius! I mean the always get me! Everytime they come out with a piece of gold!

Just awesome, buy the MP3's or the CD, you will be happy with whatever you choose!

I am yet again astounded by the magical brilliance of one Tom Shear. 'Meta' is Tom's latest release and it is electro-industrial radiance. The years of performing has not tarnished or staled Tom Shear, infact the time and experience has marshalled him to predominance in the electro scene. With the album starting off with a newer, more polished dance friendly version of Decades, you know this album will be a hit. Following Decades (V2) is Raw which harks back to Assemblage 23's 'Defiance' album.

Another great industrial themed song 'Sorry' has poignant emotions not sung by Tom since his last heart-breaking performance in Disappoint. The album version of 'Binary' which has become a EP single in its own right, is included here. Probably Tom Shear's most experimental song is 'Madman's Dream' where Tom endeavours to mix some rhythmic flavouring into this song.

The last three songs of the album are less convincing and probably mere fillers. 'Crush' has a catchy industrial driving beat and would be good remixed by a DJ like Tiesto or Sammy. The last song 'Old' is a nice ending to this marvelous awe-inspiring effort. It is also filled with some meaningful lyrics about age and a ballad to oneself growing older.

This album is for any Assemblage 23 fan. A must add to the collection of this impressive artist.