Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant in its simplicity., September 2, 2001
Anyone that has read my reviews knows that I love bands like Spiral Architect, Dream Theater, and Tourniquet. These are bands that explore the technical and imaginative possibilties of heavy metal. But every now and then I like to sit back and listen to an album where the focus is on emotion and the songs, not just the neat instrumental parts or solos. That's where albums like DRACONIAN TIMES come in.This isn't one of those albums in which you are going to blown away by the band's technical ability - not that Paradise Lost are bad musicians. It is one of those albums in which the band seems to savor each note and drumbeat as it flows from their being. Nick Holmes is not one of those whiny singers who tries to impress you with a double digit octave range. Instead, he has the type of voice that consistently resonates with feeling. Not to mention, his ability to write darkly beautiful lyrics without having to resort to shock tactics is something that all lyricists that write about darkness need to learn. I also love Gregor Mackintosh's guitar playing on this album. He is one those players that brings more out of note than most shredders do out of a hundred. He has great control over textures, sometimes using a wah-wah pedal, as well. Albums like this prove that you don't have to be a virtuoso like Eddie Van Halen or Neil Peart - nothing against them - to put out a great heavy rock album. While you do need a little bit of musical knowledge, the most important ingredient is emotion. That is what all music should be about. Overall rating: 5 definite stars.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Draconian = Metal, September 25, 2003
This is like some other reviewer rightly said, the most overlooked metal album of the 90s. If you are one of those people (like me) lamenting the death of metal like the days of old Metallica, Megadeth etc, just pick this album up and you will know what I am talking about. Draconian Times really came during a draconian time for heavy metal and it filled such a big gap. With incredible ENCHANTMENT, the epic album begins and goes only from strength to strength. Hallowed Land, an superb song with chugging guitars of Aaron Aedy will smash you and so does Last Time and Once Solemn. If you hear Once Solemn with your eyes closed, you could really mistake it for old Metallica, the heavy thrashing guitars, excellent vocals, heavy drums etc. Shadow Kings, Elusive Cure, Shades of Gods all live up to the great titles. But the standout track of this album has to be FOREVER FAILURE...this is one of the best songs PL has ever written. You have to buy to CD to believe what I am saying. Even if you dont have any PL albums, this is a great way to start. It marks the progression of the band, which started as a death metal outfit, to what it eventually became. PL is the most underrated and highly talented band in the world. Every single work of this genius band is incredible and every single self-respecting metal fan should possess them....
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing, March 1, 2004
I'm a fan of most genres of rock, ranging from soft rock to death metal. And I can say one thing, and that is that I've never heard another album out there like this one. Draconian Times is probably one of the best rock albums I've ever had the opportunity to buy. This cd proves that you don't have to be the fastest and craziest musician to write a great song. I've owned Draconian Times for quite a while now and I still have not become sick of hearing it. If you want an album that will blow you away with originality, buy this cd.
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album Draconian Times 
