Angel Dust - Of Human Bondage (10 tracks) +Album Reviews

A good CD, but I expected better.

Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 05/24/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"With their 2002 release Of Human Bondage, Angel Dust opted for a much heavier sound than on their previous couple of releases. Unfortunately it leaves the band straddling the fence between their thrash roots and the power metal sound that has made them a success. They just can't seem to find the right mix of the two styles. Personally I think they should stick with the traditional power metal sound they had on Bleed, which I believe is their best album to date.

The schizophrenic nature of the album is most evident in the dramatic contrast between all-out thrashers "The Human Bondage" and "Unreal Soul" with the more melodic power metal songs "Forever" and "Freedom". It's like they could have made either a great thrash album or a great power metal album, but by dabbling in both styles they just weakened the overall album. That being said, Of Human Bondage is still a decent metal album. It is just hard to accept a 'decent' album from a band that has shown it is capable of greatness. I do, however, give Angel Dust credit for their daring cover of Seal's "Killer". It was very well executed, and is probably my favorite track on the whole album.

If you are new to Angel Dust, and thinking about checking them out, I would suggest starting with their 2000 offering Bleed. If you are already a fan, I would still recommend Of Human Bondage. It is definitely the work of a more mature band, but it's far from their best work. Unfortunately it is their final recording to date. The band keeps promising a comeback, but so far that has not happened.

NOTE: Early pressings of this album came with a bonus CD sampler from Century Media that showcased the label's other traditional/power metal bands (including Blind Guardian, Jag Panzer, and Iced Earth)."

Strong Follow up to "Enlighten The Darkness"

keith wright | NY, NY | 03/06/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Angel Dust's new release "Of Human Bondage" may surprise some people by its heaviness. Overall, its heavier than ETD, but it still has those progressive elements that we love from the band.
First of all, the production is flawless, with pounding drums, and the crunchiest guitar sound I've heard so far this year. The title track is a mid-tempo bone crusher, that has one of the heaviest riffs towards the end of the song. The vocals are as great as ever, and the songwriting/riffing is top notch. There are no clunkers here. If I had to find something to nitpick, it would be the fact that the solos are not very prominent. (Then again, Angel Dust was never a band to highlight the 2 minute guitar solo.) Killer tracks here are: Of Human Bondage, Inhuman, Unite, and Got This Evil. Fans of Thrash, and Powermetal will find something to enjoy here."

Growing On Me Fast !!!.....

Masked Jackal | Ft. Lauderdale, FL United States | 11/04/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I never liked this CD when I first bought it. I listened and reviewed this the day it came out after only one spin. I didn't like it either. I was expecting much more from Angel Dust. After time went on, I decided to give it a solid listen not based on comparison of "Bleed" and "Enlighten".....Today, I must say that this is very good. It's got all the ingredients of a great release. It's not as hard hitting as their previous efforts, but it is very enjoyable from start to finish. This is Angel Dusts' most creative effort IMO. It may not be as heavy as "Bleed" or "Enlighten", and it may not be as melodic either. It is however the most complete out of the three from start to finish...."Human Bondage" is an excellent change of pace so to speak. It's got a mixture of Thrash/Speed/Heavy Metal. It's also laid-out very well. The songs are well placed, and the whole feel to it is very solid. I'd be going out on a limb to call this the best release from Angel Dust, but after it gets it's hooks into you, I'm sure you'll find it very impressive....To any of you who are expecting a more "Enlighten" feel, don't give up on this and get discouraged like I did. Give this CD a chance to grow on you before tossing it aside....You wont regret it in the end.If your new to Angel Dust, and would like to check them out, I would start with "Bleed". My favorite Angel Dust release....ANGEL DUST RULES!!!"

Keep us Together, Don't Silence our Souls

Matthew Jordan | Saint Joseph, IL United States | 10/17/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of those type of albums, where if you play it enough, you'll begin to like it. When I bought this album and gave it the first spin, I have to admit I didn't care for it. It's not following after "Bleed" or "Enlighten the Dark". It seems the band on this outing, was going for a more industal sound to the music. In some cases they sound like Nevermore because of this. As for the title and the music's direction ...It was a album that seemed to be a forced effort and the lyrics very sad leanings and the morbed sound many of these songs leads me to believe the band barely made it thru this recording at all. As you all know, Angel Dust break up a little while after this release. There Have been rumors and such that they plan to reform in one way or another, but on't hold your breathe. Now lets Review the tracks on this album: 1. The Human Bondage - The song is sort of a way to some up the ground covered on this album. It's quite a good track. ...95%2. Inhuman - Heavy and futuristic sounding. Perhaps the fasted song on here, and it has one of the most touching Chorus's of the album. The song seems to about Robots taing over mankind after mankind made them. ...100% 3. Unreal Soul - One of the more straight forward metal tracks on here. By the way, yes they cuss in this song, which is something that never seems to happen in the style of powermetal. ...90% 4. Disbeliever - A softer song with a odd feel to it. It is not the song I catch myself playing much. It's just seems to drag on too long. ...80% 5. Forever - It's a odd song. It's got a bit of a Marlyn Manson type keyboard in it. The Song is about holy wars. I think this song has to be one of the best songs Angel Dust has ever done. ...100% 6. Unite - Semi-heavy song, but the vocals are pretty interesting. It seemed like this songs real messenge was of the band breaking up. ....95% 7. Got This Evil - Semi heavy song, It's keyboard parts are bleak. The problem I have with this song is the Chorus which just doesn't fit at all. ...85%8. The Cultman - Weird Softer song. Very mystical sound to it. The lyrics are odd as well. It's one of the more interesting tracks on here. ....95% 9. Freedom Awaits - Cool keyboard sound effects and a decent beat. It reminds me of something off the album "Enlighten the Darkness". ....90%10. Killer - This is a cover of a song by Seal. I have no clue how Seal'd version sounded, but this version is very interesting. It's semi-heavy with this very eletric chorus thanks to the Keyboards. ...95%If you like this album, I also suggest: Angel Dust- Enlighten the Darkness, Angel Dust- Bleed, Nevermore- Dreaming Neon Black, Nevermore- Dead Heart in a Dead World, and Angel Dust- Border of Reality."

Great human bondage

joe siegel | Canada | 06/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I cannot believe the couple of bad critics I have read here about this album. Altough it is not as awesome as Enlighten the darkness (a six stars album), Of Human Bondage is for sure a five stars album. It is their heaviest album, maybe too heavy for Angel Dust's own good... still it contains great songwriting, there are no weak songs. If I had to choose the best song, it is Disbeliever, a truly amazing song. If you already like Angel Dust, buy it, you won't regret it. If you're looking to buy your first AD album, you should start with Enlighten (one of the best ORIGINAL metal albums I have ever heard."

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