Best Music Ever
Mikail Goykhman | Cambridge, MA | 11/07/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I just got my hands on this album I was expecting something more in the genre of Therion, Nightwish, and perhaps other Symphonic Metal bands. However, this band is completely differnt from the above, not that Therion is bad, they're awesome as well. However, Haggard has much more depth to it. The music never has a simple repeating beat, there are intricate transitions and parts for all of the 16 members of the band. Even the vocals are amazing, which range from operatic female vocals to the black/death grunts of the male vocalist, however the this is no death metal. The male vocals are perfectly in place and as someone added in a previous review, the vocals add to the angry/sad tone of the music in certain places. Seriously though, I am not a fan of death metal and only occasionaly listen to black metal (Check out Tvangeste, awesome band that utilizes a whole orchestra as well, however the vocals are more toward black metal), but this music is awesome. It's more toward the classical genre, however a fan of Symphonic Metal will love this as will anyone who has an appreciation for good music."
Bold new direction for country legend
Truman Chipotle | Dallas, TX, United States | 11/06/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Country legend Merle Haggard has long been declaring his fascination with the music of Dimmu Borgir. But now he has finally taken the bold step of letting that new influence come through in a radically different album. The slide guitars have been put through so many processors that they aren't even recognizable, and Mr. Haggard's voice has also been heavily changed and processed. This is heavy, intense music from a great master. The album has its flaws but overall I think it works. Listen closely to track 3 and you will hear the melodic line from the classic "Mama Tried", re-worked into a punishing metal symphony. You really can teach an old dog new tricks, and Merle has proven it here! Four stars!"
Just thought i should clear this up
11/12/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ok 1st of all i'm not a kid but anyway, whoever said that Merle Haggard did the vocals or took in any part of this makes me want to laugh. the vocalists name is Asis Nasseri No where even close to Merle Haggard these guys are from Germany. anyway...these guys are just amazing the perfect blend of Classical Music and Doom Metal."