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  • The best show you're NOT watching...

    8 Eki 2008, 21:40 yazan xmothlightx



    It's about a guy who can bring the dead back to life with a touch for one minute. If it exceeds one minute, then someone else has to die. So he uses this gift to help solve crimes. If he touched the people he brought back to life again, they stay dead - forever.

    It's got the most amazing cast in existence, including Ellen Green (Little Shop of Horrors), and Kristin Chenoweth. And it's BEAUTIFULLY shot.

    Tune in Wednesdays on ABC for a serious treat!

    Kristin Chenoweth Within Temptation ElaneDeleriumEnigmaThe GatheringArtesiaNightwishCharlotte MartinVienna TengSarah BlaskoTrobar de MorteAutumn's Grey SolaceAmethystiumCarrie UnderwoodKelly ClarksonRachael YamagataHoward Shore
  • My Treasures

    28 Eyl 2008, 10:08 yazan GothEngel

    Yes, I buy CD's :)

    Adas
    Gezeiten

    Adversus
    Winter,So Unsagbar Winter...
    Laya

    All My Faith Lost ...
    As You're Vanishing In Silence
    The Hours

    Amber
    Rabenflug

    Amber und Gefährten
    Bardensang

    Arcana
    ...The Last Embrace
    Inner Pale Sun
    Raspail

    Artesia
    Hilvern
    Cants d'Automne

    Ashram
    Ashram
    Shining Silver Skies

    Ataraxia
    The Moon Sang on the April Chair
    Saphir

    Autumn Tears
    Love Poems for Dying Children, Act III: Winter and the Broken Angel
    The Hallowing

    Black Heaven
    Kunstwerk
    Negativ

    Carved in Stone
    Tales of Glory & Tragedy

    Dark Sanctuary
    Les Mémoires Blessées
    Thoughts: 9 Years in the Sanctuary
    Exaudi Vocem Mean Part 1

    Deine Lakaien
    April Skies

    Der Blaue Reiter
    Paradise Funèbre, L'Envers du Tristesse
    Silencis

    Die Irrlichter
    Koboldtanz
    Elfenhain
    Angelus Ad Virginem
    Aventiure

    Die Streuner
    Gebet eines Spielmanns
    Fau

    Die verbannten Kinder Evas
    Dusk And Void Became Alive

    Divina Commedia
    Non omnis moriar

    Dudelzwerge
    Non Authentica

    Dunkelschön
    Torenvart
    Irfind
    Nemeton

    Elane
    The Fire of Glenvore
    Lore Of Nen
    The Silver Falls

    Elend
    Winds Devouring Men

    Faun
    Licht
    Renaissance
    Totem

    Finisterra
    Als die Erde eine Scheibe war...
    Kein Evoë - Kein Requiem

    Gothica
    Night Thoughts

    Green Highland
    Farewell to a FriendHekate

    Hekate
    Goddess
    Mithras Garden Limited Edition

    Hexperos
    The Garden of the Hesperides

    Illuminate
    Die Zeit der Wölfe

    Lacrimosa
    Fassade
    Angst

    Mirabilis
    Sub Rosa

    Persephone
    Home
    Letters To A Stranger

    sToa
    Silmand

    Collection d'Arnell~Andréa
    Exposition: Eaux-Fortes et Méandres

    Novalis Deux
    Ghosts Over Europe

    XVII° Vie
    Llewella
  • 10.000 plays

    4 Ağu 2008, 17:05 yazan dark_tower

    Ok, bored here! It's been quite a long time since I wrote my last journal, so here I am commemorating reaching 10.000 plays (after the last reset) by posting my current top 50!

    1. Inkubus Sukkubus
    2. Mediæval Bæbes
    3. Nightwish
    4. Qntal
    5. Enya
    6. Ataraxia
    7. Arcana
    8. Dead Can Dance
    9. Loreena McKennitt
    10. The Soil Bleeds Black
    11. The Birthday Massacre
    12. Nox Arcana
    13. Blackmore's Night
    14. Tori Amos
    15. Tristania
    16. 浜崎あゆみ
    17. Of the Wand and the Moon
    18. Tarot
    19. Louisa John-Krol
    20. Clannad
    21. Sopor Aeternus & The Ensemble of Shadows
    22. Leaves' Eyes
    23. Within Temptation
    24. Midnight Syndicate
    25. Hagalaz' Runedance
    26. Death in June
    27. Cyndi Lauper
    28. Hannah Fury
    29. Estampie
    30. Madonna
    31. Howard Shore
    32. Sarah McLachlan
    33. Mind.In.A.Box
    34. Sarah Brightman
    35. Theatre of Tragedy
    36. BONNIE PINK
    37. 相川七瀬
    38. Omnia
    39. Trobar de Morte
    40. Blutengel
    41. Faun
    42. Artesia
    43. The Moon Lay Hidden Beneath a Cloud
    44. Faith and the Muse
    45. Tarja
    46. Moya Brennan
    47. 宇多田ヒカル
    48. Ayria
    49. Caroline Lavelle
    50. Agalloch

    I'm particularly proud of Inkubus Sukkubus being at #1 because I love them so fucking much. Arcana and The Soil Bleeds Black so high are cool too.
    Two great new entries that I think will go way up are Louisa John-Krol and The Moon Lay Hidden Beneath a Cloud.
  • About my Top 50

    19 Mar 2008, 11:36 yazan dark_tower

    Well I'm just bored, so here you are...

    1. How did you get into 30? (坂本真綾)
    I heard her song Cloud 9 on Wolf's Rain and I fell in love... I got all of her songs from animes she sang in, and then all of her albums. She's one of the first artists I got into.

    2. What was the first song you ever heard by 22? (Nebelhexë)
    Totems.

    3. What's your favorite lyric by 33? (OLIVIA)
    I am tripping out on myself
    I am tripping out on myself
    I have to watch my thoughts
    Before they come to life
    Before they come to life

    I have to get you out of my head
    I have to swallow my tongue
    I have to find where I went
    Before she comes to life
    Before she comes to life

    They're coming to get me
    She's coming right towards me
    They're coming to take me away
    She's getting closer
    (From 'Mint')

    4. What is your favorite album by 49? (Delerium)
    I would like to say Karma because there's Silence on it, but I'll go with Poem.

    5. How many albums do you own by number 13? (Qntal)
    Everyone except the latest one, Translucida.

    6. What is your favorite song by 50? (Máire Brennan)
    I think it's 'To the Water'.

    7. Is there a song by 39 that makes you sad? (BONNIE PINK)
    Mmm no, she doesn't have any sad song.

    8. What is your favorite song by 15? (浜崎あゆみ)
    Together When...

    9. What is your favorite song by 5? (Nox Arcana)
    Their music is more soundtrack-like so it's hard to choose... but I would say The Forgotten.

    10. Is there a song by 6 that makes you happy? (Tarja)
    Uh... no.

    11. What is your favorite album by 40? (Carla Bruni)
    Those Dancing Days Are Gone.

    12. What is your favorite song by 10? (Loreena McKennitt)
    The Bonny Swans.

    3. What is a good memory you have involving 29? (KOTOKO)
    I was really into her when I just moved to Bologna... It was a really nice time of my life :)

    14. What is your favorite song by 38? (Siobhan Donaghy)
    Goldfish.

    15. Is there a song by 19 that makes you happy? (Sarah Brightman)
    None in particular.

    16. How many times have you seen 25 live? (Lisa Gerrard)
    I wish I had...

    17. What is the first song you ever heard by 23? (Aural Vampire)
    Freeeeze!!

    18. What is your favorite album by 11? (The Soil Bleeds Black)
    Alchemie.

    19. What is your favorite song by 1? (Mediæval Bæbes)
    Isabella.

    20. Have you ever seen 14 live? (Dargaard)
    No.

    21. What is a good memory involving 27? (Moya Brennan)
    I can't think of anything...

    22. What is your favorite song by 16?(Maple Bee)
    Around for Eva.

    23. What is the first song you ever heard by 47? (Ataraxia)
    Preludio.

    24. What is your favorite album by 18? (Midnight Syndicate)
    I don't know, they're all really similar.

    25. What is your favorite song by 21? (Girls Aloud)
    Call the Shots.

    26. What is the first song you ever heard by 26? (Trobar de Morte)
    I think it was El Vals De Las Hadas De Otoño, but I'm not sure.

    27. What is your favorite album by 3? (Inkubus Sukkubus)
    The Beast with two Backs.

    28. What is you favorite song by 2? (Nightwish)
    White Night Fantasy.

    29. What was the first song you ever heard by 32? (Faith and the Muse)
    Bait and Switch.

    30. What is you favorite song by 8? (Hannah Fury)
    It Was Her House that Killed Nessarose.

    31. How many times have you seen 17 live? (Enya)
    Never.

    32. Is there a song by 44 that makes you happy? (Autumnal Blood Moon)
    No for sure.

    33. What is you favorite album by 12? (土屋アンナ)
    Strip me?, which technically is her only real album.

    34. What is the worst song by 45? (Milla)
    Bah... I don't dislike any of her songs.

    35. What was the first song you ever heard by 34? (宇多田ヒカル)
    I think it was Passion.

    36. What is you favorite album by 48? (Miranda Sex Garden)
    Suspiria.

    37. How many times have you seen 42 live? (Brídín Brennan)
    Never.

    38. What is you favorite song by 36? (Clannad)
    Of this Land.

    39. What was the first song you ever heard by 28? (Blackmore's Night)
    I really don't remember.

    40. What is you favorite album by 7? (The Birthday Massacre)
    Walking with Strangers.

    41. Is there a song by 31 that makes you happy? (Of the Wand and the Moon)
    No.

    42. What is your favorite album by 41? (Katharine Blake)
    Midnight Flower. Well that's her only album.

    43. What is your favorite song by 24? (志方あきこ)
    西風の贈り物.

    44. What is a good memory you have involving 46? (Caroline Lavelle)
    When I finally found her albums after months of searching :D

    45. What is your favorite song by 35? (Hexentanz)
    Bringer of the Luciferian Flame.

    46. Is there a song by 9 that makes you happy? (Artesia)
    No.

    47. What is your favorite album by 4? (Tristania)
    Weedow's weeds.

    48. Who is a favorite member of 37? (Tori Amos)
    Obviously Tori.

    49. What is the first song you ever heard by 43? (Arcana)
    Our God Weeps.

    50. How many albums do you own by 20? (Hagalaz' Runedance)
    All of them.
  • Music Surveys Are More Interesting Than Cleaning Bedrooms

    15 Mar 2008, 00:19 yazan eternal_purity

    1. How did you get into 30? (Rhapsody of Fire)
    Hm. I'm not exactly sure. I had heard of them and they were pretty popular so someone online gave me several tracks from their album Triumph or Agony.

    2. What was the first song you ever heard by 22? (Artesia)
    Probably L'aube Morne.

    3. What's your favorite lyric by 33? (Ani DiFranco)
    Ha! I've only ever heard one song, "Not a Pretty Girl". I guess my favorite line from that would be: I am not an angry girl//But it seems like I've got everyone fooled//Every time I say something they find hard to hear//They chalk it up to my anger and never to their own fear.

    4. What is your favorite album by 49?
    I don't have a number 49. My second 48 is Aly and A.J. I never bought a CD, man. I only have two of their songs.

    5. How many albums by 13 do you own? (Nightwish)
    Four. I bought Wishmaster and Once. Downloaded Oceanborn and Over the Hills and Far Away EP.

    6. What is your favorite song by 50? (Gwen Stefani)
    Out of the three that I have, I would say I like Cool the best.

    7. Is there a song by 39 that makes you sad? (3 Doors Down)
    Um. Kryptonite, if I'm already in a somewhat melancholy mood.

    8. What is your favorite song by 15?
    I don't have a 15 but my last 14 is Kamelot. So, favorite song? Tough. Maybe Lost and Damned. Or The Haunting. March of Mephisto? Or, Forever. GAH I DON'T KNOW. They should be higher in my list.

    9. What is your favorite song by 5?
    I don't have a 5 either! Okay, my last 4 is Lacuna Coil. So favorite song. How about songs: Comalies, Heaven's A Lie, Stars and Enjoy the Silence.

    10. Is there a song by 6 that makes you happy? (Lunatica)
    Hell yeah. Lunatica makes me very happy. They're not sad music at all. Anyway, Emocean makes me feel good though I'm getting tired of that song by now...

    11. What is your favorite album by 40? (Pink)
    PINK? She's my number 40? wtf. I only have one song: Stupid Girls.

    12. What is your favorite song by 10? (Britney Spears)
    HAHAHA. I would say Everytime.

    13. What is a good memory you have involving 29? (Apocalyptica)
    Um. I was on their Wikipedia page and I saw that Adam from Three Days Grace was a guest singer so I was like, "WHOOAAA I NEED THAT SONG".

    14. What is your favorite song by 38? (Backstreet Boys)
    Larger Than Life. That song OWNS.

    15. Is there a song by 19 that makes you happy? (Dargaard)
    HAHAHAHAHAHAA. Dargaard. Making me happy. HAHAHAHAHAA.

    16. How many times have you seen 25 live? (Delain)
    Zero.

    17. What is the first song you ever heard by 23? (Autumn Tears)
    Where the hell does Last.fm get this stuff. I'm ready to delete Autumn Tears from my music collection. Like I'm going to remember what the first song I heard by them. Something from Love Poems For Dying Children, Act I. That's all I know...

    18. What is your favorite album by 11? (Subway to Sally)
    Easy. Herzblut. The album pwns all other German albums!

    19. What is your favorite song by 1? (Epica)
    Please. There's a reason why they're my numero uno.

    20. Have you ever seen 14 live? (Sirenia)
    No. I'd love to once they settle on a singer who lasts more than one album. But...Monika's gone so I should be rejoicing.

    21. What is a good memory involving 27? (Collide)
    Nothing. This band is DEFINITELY being kicked out of my music collection.

    22. What is your favorite song by 16? (Dashboard Confessional)
    As Lovers Go. Beautiful lyrics.

    23. What is the first song you ever heard by 47? (Sarah McLachlan)
    Angel, on Star 101.3 FM radio.

    24. What is your favorite album by 18? (Nox Arcana)
    Carnival of Lost Souls. Never heard anything like it.

    25. What is your favorite song by 21? (Green Day)
    Wake Me Up When September Ends. LOVE IT.

    26. What is the first song you ever heard by 26? (Yellowcard)
    Ocean Avenue, baby.

    27. What is your favorite album by 3? (Emilie Autumn)
    This is hard because I don't like either album (Opheliac and Enchant) all that much. It's more like half of one and half of another that I LOVE. But, I'm going to say...Opheliac. I think.

    28. What is you favorite song by 2? (Elane)
    Another toughie. The thing I love about this band is that their albums carry on like a story and the songs connect very well together. I can't answer this question.

    29. What was the first song you ever heard by 32? (Nsync)
    I don't know. Bye Bye Bye? Like I'm going to remember from 10 years ago...

    30. What is you favorite song by 8? (The Birthday Massacre)
    Blue. By a narrow, narrow win.

    31. How many times have you seen 17 live? (BBMak)
    None. And I can't ever see them. They broke up. *wails*

    32. Is there a song by 44 that makes you happy? I don't have a 44 but my last 43 is Weird Al Yankovic. White and Nerdy makes me laugh.

    33. What is you favorite album by 12? (Christina Aguilera)
    I don't listen to her albums, really. Just a bunch of songs here and there.

    34. What is the worst song by 45? I have two 45's. My first 45 is The Calling. Only have one song and IT IS SUCH AN AMAZING AMAZING SONG I LOVE IT TO DEATH SO MUCH THAT IT DESERVES ALL CAPS AND NO PUNCTUATION AND 1337 LOLZ.

    35. What was the first song you ever heard by 34? (Enya)
    May It Be, from the LOTR soundtrack.

    36. What is you favorite album by 48? First 48 is Weezer. I have one album: Make Believe. And it's a damn good album.

    37. How many times have you seen 42 live? According to my counting, 42 is actually Stolen Babies. None. And I don't really want to.

    38. What is you favorite song by 36? (Tiesto ft. Christian Burns) They only have one song together: In the Dark.

    39. What was the first song you ever heard by 28? (Destiny's Child)
    Um. I think it was Survivor.

    40. What is you favorite album by 7? (Evanescence)
    Fallen, ftw.

    41. Is there a song by 31 that makes you happy? (Therion)
    Huh? I don't even like Therion that much. Stupid iTunes shuffle.

    42. What is your favorite album by 41? (Autumn's Grey Solace)
    None. I'm thinking about deleting "Within the Depths of a Darkened Forest".

    43. What is your favorite song by 24? (Tiamat)
    Divided.

    44. What is a good memory you have involving 46? (Theatre of Tragedy)
    Opening the Amazon package and marveling at the artwork for Aegis.

    45. What is your favorite song by 35? (Joanna Pacitti)
    No idea who she is. Really. Her song "Watch Me Shine" is a decent song, though...

    46. Is there a song by 9 that makes you happy? (Xandria)
    India. Yay for my homeland.

    47. What is your favorite album by 4? (Within Temptation)
    Mother Eartn pwns all.

    48. Who is a favorite member of 37? (Superchic)
    WHAT.THE.FUCK. Who the hell are these people. One song. I only listen to "One Girl Revolution".

    49. What is the first song you ever heard by 43? (After Forever)
    I only like their one song: Energize Me.

    50. How many albums do you own by 20? (Rammstein)
    Two. Rosenrot and Reise Reise.

    Within Temptation 3 Doors Down Elane Rhapsody of Fire Nox Arcana Artesia Nightwish Evanescence BBMakAfter ForeverKamelotLunaticaBritney SpearsSireniaSubway to SallyCollideEpicaDashboard Confessional
  • Three ancient lovesongs

    6 Ara 2007, 14:31 yazan Epitymbidia

    A few days ago I was thinking about creating a personal tag as I was in urgent need for some new music, adequate for a special mood. I really thought it to be easy to find some name for it as I just needed something to describe music which soothes and calms, which is gentle and somewhat "soft"... I just wanted a personal category perhaps for a cup of green tea and some Jane Austen or Virginia Woolf. But what name should I use?

    I am an aquarius who really fits the cliche - or let me better say the stereotype, concerning the "mental processes". I had brooded over a possible name quite a long time when I suddenly thought that I could use a figure from the ancient Greek mythology. I really love the ancient world, most especially the Greek, and I would love it even if I had not studied philosophy.
    So as I wanted something to tag music with which I can forget the everyday stress I chosed to use "forgetfulness", personified in Lethe, and I named it . For those of you who possibly don't know: Lethe is one of the rivers of Hades, the underworld, and it's personification as a naiad. Those who drink from it experience complete forgetfulness.
    Isn't this just perfect for such wonderful artists like Ataraxia, Narsilion, Artesia or Vas?





    As I began to tag music with this wonderful creation I realised that there are many artists who really don't fit in this new category. Some make music which is simply too harsh although it is quite ambient, the songs from others are often too dark, apocalyptic and martial as if I could listen to them while reading "Pride & Pejudice"... The solution was easy to find: I simply needed another tag. I had the name quite fast in mind: . I decided to use Eris, Greek goddess of "strife" (named Discordia in Latin), because I just love the fact that she is responsible for the Trojan War: The goddesses Hera, Athena and Aphrodite had been invited to the wedding of Peleus and Thetis (they would become the parents of Achilles), but Eris was unwelcome because of her unbearable inclinations. She therefore tossed into the party the Apple of Discord... Well, I guess I won't have to tell the whole story.
    And isn't it interesting that Lethe is one of her daughters? So with this I have another wonderful poetical tag for artists such as Der Blutharsch, Ordo Rosarius Equilibrio, Conscientia Peccati or Of the Wand and the Moon.





    As I thought about this wonderful "pseudo-dualism" I again realised that this is not enough, that I absolutely urgently needed to tag my most beloved classical artists as well in this way... Sure, I could listen to Claudio Monteverdi or Antonio Vivaldi the whole day, and it's the same with the arias interpreted by Maria Callas, that's no secret at all, and it's also nothing special about it - but I decided that it would be nice to have a special tag I could use while working. Something to categorise music which is good to concentrate. (And I just wanted another lovesong, I admit it...) The choice was as simple as the last one: Mnemosyne, of course. What could be better than the personification of memory? was guite obvious. Another fact is important: She was also a river in Hades, counterpart to the river Lethe (how logical...). I guess that there's no need to tell that Zeus and Mnemosyne created the nine muses.
    So the Mater Musarum shall help me along with composers like Thomas Tallis, Carl Maria von Weber, Frédéric Chopin and Georg Friedrich Händel.





    What is next? Are three tags of this form sufficient? I know that I am a person tending to exaggerate... So I foresee what will happen: Lovesongs for Melete, for Terpsichore, for Euterpe and Erato... One for each of all the Muses, one for each Titan, one for each Giant. One for every single ancient Greek Deity, wouldn't that be just great? Hm, I guess I better should chose only one, and that had to be Apollo. He is the archer-god of medicine, healing, light and truth; as the patron of Delphi he is also an oracular god; and as the leader of the Muses (hence his second name "Musagetes") and master of their choir he is the god of music and poetry. And he is male - that is of great importance.

    "Thunder on, O thou, with thy flaming steeds,
    Phoebus, bringer of day, into infinite space!"
  • I miss Dwight. Congratulations universe, you win.

    23 Eyl 2007, 03:25 yazan wintersknight

    It's been only a million years since I've posted an entry, so I figured it was time! So here's an entry filled with comments on the albums I have loved and hated this year, along with a few observations.

    Sorry if I sound vague sometimes, I'm getting sleepy. xD

    Nox Arcana - Shadow of the Raven. I need to pick up a volume of Poe's works. I love this cd to death. If I read any complaints at all about it, it's that the sound is canned and lacks the feel of other NA cds. Nonetheless, this album is brilliant and worth a listen.

    Favorite tracks: Melancholia, Madeline's Lament, Haunted Memories, Legacy of Sorrow, Mysteries of the Night, Morbid Reminiscence, Lenore, and A Dream Within A Dream.

    Artesia - Chants d'Automne. I love this cd. SO much. I was blown away by it, and I think they are better than Dark Sanctuary, even. It's in French and it has such a mystical feel that it takes me on a journey every time.

    Favorite tracks: Invitation, Chant d'automne, La maison des Feins

    Hannah Fury - Through the Gash. Watch out world, because Hannah's gonna take over! I was so excited for this release, and it holds up to her other work

    Favorite tracks: You Had Me, Where the Wounds Are, The Apple, Carousel.

    Karmacoda- Illuminate. I felt let down this year by the trip-hop genre, there were only two cds that came out of it that I love. This is the first one. Gods, I love Karmacoda. What an underappreciated act, featuring the lovely vocals of Heather Pierce. DO yourself a favor and treat yourself to Karmacoda today.

    Favorite tracks: Turn, Glow, Endings, Ambient Song.

    Tearwave - Tearwave. Not a lot of good shoegaze albums this year, but Projekt has a winner with Tearwave, so this is an act to watch.

    Favorite tracks: Emotional Cocoon, Lady Aurora, Dream Bliss

    Noe Venable- The Summer Storm Journals. Noe, Noe Noe. What an amazing woman. This album is very easily a contender for top ten best-of lists. She gives me goosebumps.

    Favorite tracks: Prayer for Beauty, Sea Of Possilibity, Ice Dragons

    Katharine Blake - Midnight Flower. Despite the fact she is behind Miranda Sex Garden and Medieval Baebes, this album isn't that well known. And it's a pity, because people are missing out on a very soothing folk album. I listen to this one when I fall asleep. It's a bit different than the Katharine most people are used to.

    Favorite tracks: Midnight Flower, Song Of The Twilight Faeries, Frozen On The Morn

    Minnie Driver- Seastories. She was a singer before she became an actress, so she's not Mariah Carey or anything similar. Her first album was amazing, but her second is leaps and bounds above that. Please, please give Minnie a chance.

    Favorite tracks: Cold Dark River, London Skies.

    The Moon and the Nightspirit- Rego Retjem. It's sung in Hungarian but retains a mystical feel. For fans of fantasy music that want to be transported to other realms. :)

    Favorite tracks: Orokke, Szarvaslélek.

    The Secret Meeting- Ultrashiver. Whoa, is this cd ever sexy or what! I'm not a big fan of Collide except for a song or two, but this album is WICKED!

    Favorite tracks: Am I Here, Touch, Every Little Thing

    Au Revoir Simone- The Bird of Music. I hope this band grows musically, but their first two albums are superb. Light, fluffy music, and I enjoy it. :)

    Favorite tracks: Fallen Snow, Dark Halls, Night Majestic

    Mermaid Kiss - Etarlis. One of my all-time favorite artists already, despite the fact I've only had their music a short while. I first found this artist through this siteand was itching to get their discography. Well, I have it and was knocked off my feet. Their delightful music hovers between soft rock and ambient pop, with a style that is all their own. They have gone through a couple of different vocalists - Evelyn Downing and Kate Emerson. I love the way this band is evolving, and they are one to watch.

    http://www.mermaidkiss.co.uk/

    Favortie songs: Walking With Ghosts, Siren Song, Dark Cover, A Different Sky

    All My Faith Lost...- The Hours. This is their third cd, if you count their album Chamber Music, which never got released due to copyright issues. They have improved drastically since that and When You're Vanishing In Silence, and the result is one of the most ethereal and dreamy albums of the year. I could weep for it's sheer beauty.

    Favortie songs: Angelike, The Waves, Luminal, Ocean Sea, Ivory.
  • 2007, Musically Speaking, Thus Far

    13 Tem 2007, 00:33 yazan sirensongs

    Well, it seems like its been over a year and a half (!) since I have last written a journal entry, so I guess maybe it is about time for me to write one as I have been overwhelmed by the amount of amazing music that has come my way lately. There is so much, I don't even know where to begin! And still so much I have yet to listen to...

    I really meant to do a best of 2006 list, but procastinator that I am, I never got around to it, and I think that maybe it is too late to do one now. So I will focus instead on 2007. Here, not in order of preference (as that changes depending on my mood), but in alphabetical order instead (in hommage to the nerdiness instilled in me by library work), is a mish mash list of my musical adventures thus far in 2007.

    Current Favourites of 2007

    After Forever - After Forever
    Amber Asylum - Still Point
    Artesia - Chants D'Automne
    Autumn Tears - The Hallowing
    Backworld - Good Infection
    Faun - Totem
    Imperia- Queen of Light
    In the Nursery - Era
    The Moon and the Nightspirit - Regö Rejtem
    The Secret Meeting - Ultrashiver
    Stormfågel - Ett Berg Av Fasa
    Sopor Aeternus & The Ensemble of Shadows - Les Fleurs du Mal
    Virgin Black - Requiem Mezzo Forte (I'm sure the next two parts of the trilogy will be just as amazing!)

    Honourable Mentions (May or may not make the final best of 2007 list upon further listens...)

    Ataraxia - Kremasta Nera
    Elend - A World in their Screams
    Epica - The Divine Conspiracy
    Daemonia Nymphe - Krataia Asterope
    Dwelling - Ainda É Noite
    Hannah Fury - Through the Gash
    Miriam - When Beauty is Invisible
    Pearls of Dew - Alpha
    Tearwave - Tearwave

    Releases I Am Looking Forward to in 2007

    I'm too lazy to look up release dates and album titles, so artist names will have to suffice! Of course there may be more, but these are the ones I can think of off the top of my head. I hope they all actually come out in 2007...

    Am'ganesha'n
    Corde Oblique
    Haggard
    Hexperos
    Irfan
    Narsilion
    Omnia
    Trobar de Morte


    And then there are all those great albums that I have discovered recently that did not come out in 2007 that I would love to make note of. But, partially due to lack of time right now and even more due to laziness, I shall have to save those for another time, if ever...
  • Medieval/Celtic/Folk/Neoclassical

    26 Nis 2006, 13:03 yazan khayman

    I`ve discovered a fair amount of bands playing the abovementioned styles, however I am fairly certain there are lots more out there and I`m hoping some of you people might point me in the right direction by mentioning bands I haven`t listed here -- provided they play /// stuff, that is -- especially the medieval part. You`ll know what I mean by neoclassical, celtic and folk, if you know the bands I have listed in this entry.

    There`s Faun, who are simply fantastic in my opinion. I just love their songs Andro and Ne Aludj El, can`t get enough of them. The second one is sung in Hungarian (my, uh, father tongue? :P) and even though the accent isn`t quite there (it`s a very difficult language, they say), it sure kicks ass.

    Daemonia Nymphe -- masters of ancient Greek music. Truly amazing instrumentation there. ;)

    Arcana -- going through a surprising change with his latest album, Peter Bjärgö still kicks major ass. I especially like the new album`s (Le Serpent Rouge) middle eastern influences, I`d be delighted to learn about more bands that play similar music.

    Shannon -- Amazing medieval music with added acoustic guitars. I hear they`re from Poland, I previously imagined them coming from Ireland or perhaps Germany.

    Chamber -- Although it`s music, the vocalist and the guitar/occasional drums make it stand out. And what amazing vocals they are! Very recommended.

    Chirleison -- I`m guessing this is neoclassical, has female vocals which sometimes sound nice, sometimes odd (in a bad way).

    Corona Borealis -- This is the band of Kristian Nordeide, who used to be a guest musician on older Aeternus albums, playing the folk parts. I have to say Aeternus sound like utter shit ever since they switched from excellent black metal to crappy death whatever music, but this here is medieval stuff at its best, having absolutely nothing to do with the sound of Aeternus.

    Irfan -- once again neoclassical, I`d assume, with female vocals (sometimes mildly operatic, other times middle eastern). Has nice middle eastern influences (drumming and such), quite cool.

    Ophelia's Dream -- clearly one of the best neoclassical bands around these days, their songs are very beautiful and enchanting. One of their songs, ÇalDe Torrente sounds like it`s Christopher Lee singing, wonderful stuff!

    Tenhi -- kickass folk from Finland. Too bad I don`t understand a word from what they`re singing (even though Hungarian and Finnish are supposed to be sister languages -- yeah, right), however their music is simply wonderful, very emotional. All their albums are great, their latest one, Maaäet still requires more listens from me, but I love it anyway.

    Ulver -- Kveldssanger and Kveldssanger only. Strikingly beautiful and relaxing folk, amazing vocals and acoustic guitar work. By far the best Ulver album, in my opinion (I really dislike their new pretentiousness, plenty of bands do their new style in a better way).

    Vàli -- Oh my goodness, simple acoustic guitars and that`s it. Sometimes a flute or two thrown in and a very small amount of female oooohs and aaaaahs. Wonderful relaxing music. Their only (afaik) album is called Forlatt.

    Vox Vulgaris -- Bagpipes ftw! Essential medieval music. Just listen to the track ÇalRókatánc and you`ll see what I mean. Not to mention that rókatánc is a Hungarian word, it means foxdance.

    Estampie -- Medieval stuff, however I haven`t listened too much yet. What I heard I liked, except for the occasional operatic female vocals.

    Satolstelamanderfanz -- Dang, that`s a long word! Medieval once again, one of the many German bagpipe medieval bands. Good music!

    Schelmish -- Although their music is mostly medieval, they have other random influences from time to time. Probably the weirdest thing I heard was that live track from 'Miroque vol. XII', it`s called Douce dame jolie and it`s medieval french rap (?). Yeah I know how that sounds, but it definitely deserves a listen; I may hate rap music with burning passion, but this is funny stuff. I mean c`mon, medieval rap? Heheh...

    Omnia -- Simply amazing, they call their music neoceltic. A bit similar to Faun and definitely recommended; I`ve seen a couple of live videos with these guys, they kick major ass.

    Cherche-Lune -- Neoclassical and beautiful at that, plenty of violins. I only have their 1994 album, I`m not sure if there are any more.

    Artesia -- the dudes at the Prikosnovenie label sure know their stuff. Once again emotional and wonderful music, very similar to older Arcana, albeit less bombastic. I`m sure Arcana fans would love this. :)

    Dark Sanctuary -- Neoclassical/heavenly voices/ethereal/etc etc etc. All in all nice music from France. Arcana influences here and there with classical instrumentation.

    Gothart -- This is how medieval music is to be done: simply amazing. They reworked many well-known medieval songs and they made them sound great. Nice production too!

    Karl Sanders -- I don`t like Nile myself, never been much of a death metal fan (with some exceptions, of course). But Karl`s solo stuff was definitely worth looking into, middle eastern/egyptian folk/ambient stuff. Very well done.

    Sarband -- More medieval with female vocals and nice percussion.

    Potentia Animi -- They make medieval music with bagpipes and drums, sounds quite energetic and well produced. And the song Gaudete has absolutely hilarious lyrics. The accent is, as usual with people trying to sing in latin, not good, but the text is really funny. :D

    sagentoeter -- Very nice viking folk, similar to Fire + Ice, but has a much more authentic feel.

    Am'ganesha'n -- Similar to Dead Can Dance, yet quite different since these guys don`t focus on singing wankery like DCD, but more on the instrumentation. Which r0x0rz.

    Cornix Maledictum -- Bagpipe medieval from Germany, a bit overproduced in my opinion, but quite good nonetheless.

    D'Arcadia -- acoustic guitar, flutes, drums, various other percussion, female vocals = good music.

    Narsilion -- mostly neoclassical, however it has a strong fantasy feel. Teh thumbs up!

    Des Teufels Lockvögel -- German bagpipe medieval; nothing wrong with that! Bagpipes ftw! And they don`t overuse them either, which is a good thing.

    Okay, there are some more I haven`t listed, but you get the picture.

    I`m hoping to receive about 1320983190832 recommendations. Thanks in advance. :)