Serpent Is Rising [Import]

Styx | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 30, 2000)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Msi
• ASIN: B00000K41M
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #714,062 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Digitally remastered using K2 Mastering technology, this is a Japanese reissue of the hit Chicago-based rock group's third album, originally released on the Wooden Nickel label in 1973. 10 tracks, including 'Witch Wolf' and 'Winner Takes All'. Also features the original cover art. 1999 release.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very underrated!, August 1, 2000

By	Fredrik Nilsson (Umeå, Sweden) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Serpent Is Rising (Audio CD)

This is Styx third album and probably their most forgotten one. If you find a review of this album it will probably be a bad one, but I think this is the best Styx from the Wooden Nickels years. Witch Wolf is pure hard rock, and The Grove of Eglatine is Dennis DeYoung at his best (James Young sings on most of the tracks). Young man is probably the best song on the album and As bad as this is very moody. Side two is a little weaker but the title track is worth mentioning because it's the heaviest Styx song ever. This is not pop, many of the songs I would even call Heavy Metal. Maybe that is why most Styx fans don't like it. I have friends who like Black Sabbath and Deep Purple who used to tease me for liking Styx until they heard this album. Maybe it's not classic Styx, but it's classic hard rock!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Early Styx at their best, May 18, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Serpent Is Rising (Audio CD)

I am a collecter of undiscovered rare music gems, and this ranks up there as a good one. This album was obviously very heavily influenced by JY and John Curulewski. Both guys bring a dark presence to the music which seemed to be an early Styx trademark, and worked well but was underappreciated. Serpent Is Rising has a lot of different things on it; rocking songs by JY (Witch Wolf and Young Man), a slow accoustic song by Curulewski (As Bad As This), a hilarious campy tune (Plexiglass Toilet), a pirate song (Jonas Psalter), a JY/DeYoung singing duet (22 years), and somewhat of a mini concept (The Serpent is Rising/Krakatoa/Halleluhjah Chorus). Serpent is Rising is a very dark song with dual lead guitar harmonies and sung by John Curulewski followed by the sinister recital of Krakatoa. At first listen the song Serpent is Rising really blew me away as I was surprised at how evil sounding it was.
Too bad this album was discontinued in the U.S., but it's worth the price. In my opinion The Serpent is Rising has strong enough material to stand the test of time (unlike Kilroy Was Here). The sound is raw, unpolished, and has a lot of fire behind it. The vocal harmonies are top notch in true Styx fashion. I suppose the church song Halleluhjah Chorus is on the album to ensure that fans don't take the dark album too seriously.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Styx's last with Wooden Nickel, June 30, 2008

By	Johnny Boy "The Record Collector" (Hockessin, DE) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Serpent Is Rising (Audio CD)

'The Serpent Is Rising' featured the last of the Wooden Nickel years. A year later, in 1975, Styx would sign to A&M Records, leaving their old label Wooden Nickel behind. It was then when Wooden Nickel shut down their record company, after Styx signed.

1974's 'The Serpent Is Rising' features several great tunes, most notably one of my all-time favorites 'Witch Wolf.' It is a classic song. Another classic is definitely 'The Grove of Eglantine.' Dennis' voice is superb here, as is the guitar playing of John Curulewski and James Young.

Of course, there is the two-disc 'The Complete Wooden Nickel Recordings' that is out. My advice would be to pick that set up instead, because the album is featured there, digitally remastered and everything.

But for those who truly love Styx and want more than their A&M recordings, 'The Serpent Is Rising' is definitely worth a listen. My advice would be to buy this along with 'Equinox,' Styx's first record with A&M Records. They sound great together.

Overall, this is a great record that should definitely be given a listen. Sure, Styx's A&M years got far more attention, but their Wooden Nickel years are just as good.

Highly recommended for any Styx fan. Probably Styx's best record under the Wooden Nickel label.

ENJOY!!!