Customer Reviews

Rose Clouds of Holocaust

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

 

 

Many people were left disappointed with this follow-up to the brilliant Death in June album But What Ends When Symbold Shatter. In my opinion, Rose Clouds of Holocaust is a quite logical progression to the Symbols and I tend to view the 2 albums as 2 parts of a single work. Listening to Rose Clouds you shall find much Nordic mysticism, absolutely wonderful and at times chilling lyrics, superb vocals (except for the usual cameo appearance by Davit Tibet whose vocals may be a tiny bit annoying :) and a rather minimalistic musical accompaniment of mostly Douglas' guitar. The artwork is also quite fine. Many might disagree but I think that Rose Clouds of Holocaust is undoubtedly one of the best apocalyptic folk albums ever recorded.

Roseclouds of Holocaust is, in my opinion, the best Death In June album -ever- released. Along with others, this album features guest vocals from Rose McDowall and David Tibet (both of Current 93). Very dark, yet peaceful enough to put you in a trance leading you towards the valley of never never land. It's another work of art that flows well from start to finish, with soothing acoustic guitars, other atmospheric goodies, and Douglas P.'s almost monotone voice - this is not only just a great album, but it's a MUST HAVE. If you're a DIJ fan, you have it. :)

An incredible follow up to But, What Ends... With a couple breaks in the flow, it is, a Divine accomplishment. The album will soothe and soothe until the drums of the title track rock your very soul with Gnostic thunder! Not the best, but close!

"Rose Clouds" is a sister album to "But, What Ends When The Symbols Shatter?" and ALMOST as good. Both represent the shift from DIJ's earlier "rockier" sound to an acoustic, graveside troubador style. (It's a great CD.)

Douglas Pearce lulls you along with his gentle, half-spoken vocals. As you pay attention to the lyrics, you realize this stuff isn't tranquil at all. Death in June is comparable to Legendary Pink Dots (If you haven't heard either band before, that probably didn't help a whole lot.) The horns and vibraphones give the whole album a Syd Barrett, 60's atmosphere.

"Luther's Army" is an acoustic anthem, if there is such a thing. "Rose Clouds of Holocaust" was the second DIJ song I ever heard, and it's one of their best. The verse gives you the feel of the whole album: "Rose clouds of holocaust/rose clouds of flies/rose clouds of bitter/bitter, bitter lies"

The tone of resignation and disbelief in God, combined with the soothing deceit of the acoustic guitar make this a gotta-have. "Rose Clouds..." and "But, What Ends..." are a good introduction to folk with all the hope sucked out, or "apocalyptic folk."

Not the type to write reviews. All I can say is I love the album, I'm honored to have it and listen to it at my leisure. Definitely worth the money.

I just recently bought a few Death in June albums after hearing some really good songs by them (Tick Tock, All Pigs Must Die, Daedalus Rising,...) All of the reviews seem to written by hardcore fans, so I thought I'd give newcomers a little perspective. I bought this album because it was so acclaimed by all of the fans. It is so awful that it pains me to listen to it. The only reason I didn't give it one star is because it has a nice booklet.
The CD is pretty much just poetry read in a menacing voice over acoustic guitar. The music is nothing special, although it can be good at times. Some of the songs sounded like they would be really good if they were just sung. The 'singing' is really monotonous. The lyrics are so pretentious, it reminds me of that friend that everyone has that wants to read their 'deep' poetry to you, but it is really just embarrassing to listen to. Hey, I'm a fan of good lyrics too, but this is just laughable.
If you are going to buy your first Death in June CD, I'd recommend All Pigs Must Die or maybe The Corn Years.
I really wanted to like this album, and I don't mean to rag on it, I'm just giving a different perspective.