Never heard of VAMPIRE: THE MASQUERADE? Get this anyway!
Odilon | Oak Park, IL USA | 10/11/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There are currently record label notes displayed on this page explaining that "this is not a compilation specifically *about* vampires; rather, it is a collection of songs which touch on some of the themes of vampirism....specifically those explored in the 'Vampire: The Masquerade' game." For those who, like me, don't see the big difference, I'll explain it another way. As the cover says, it's a soundtrack for the roleplaying game VAMPIRE THE MASQUERADE (VtM). This is music supposedly from the Succubus Club, the game's fictional dance club. The 13 songs here correspond with VtM's 13 vampire clans - not songs written about specific clans but (the liner notes say) songs imagined to be popular with each clan. As a soundtrack, it's as evocative as VtM at its best. However, while none are totally inappropriate, some selections fit their clans less strongly. For example, Beborn Beton's "Hemoglobin", seemingly does nothing with the Assamites' Middle Eastern origins. Also, complete lyrics would have helped me better appreciate how songs represented their clans.For those unfamiliar with VtM, this collection stands on its own well. It's just good music. Because of the dance club setting, uptempo pop rhythms dominate- often accompanying chilling lyrics as in Mission U.K.'s brisk rocker "Last Beat of Your Heart" However, there's a variety of Goth styles represented- from Wench's sensuously languid "Heart of Darkness" to Carfax Abbey's ear-melting "Soul to Bleed" .Other favorites: the Cruxshadows' "Deception" (the included video is a treat), Kristeen Young's wailing vocals in "Rotting on the Vine", Seraphim Shock's snarlingly horrific "Prey", Bella Morte's lush "Fall No More" and Diary of Dreams' eerie waltz "Blind in Darkness". No real clunkers but I liked Neuroactive's technopop "Superficial" least. Also, those unfamiliar with VtM's Tzimisce clan may not appreciate the camp humor of Paralysed Age's "Bloodsucker 2000.""
Mmm! Chocked full of AB positive and 80's-goth goodness!
Morgan Phillips | Savannah, GA United States | 07/30/2004
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I have a fondness for this album because I am a big roleplayer, and this album can be great background music for a game of Vampire if you're into the 80's goth rock style of vampire, which I know a lot of people are.
Tracks like "Fall No More" and "Deception" are really well written and make for fantastic casual listening, not just ambiance music. Songs like "Bloodsucker 2000" or "Cold From Fever" are laughably bad.
This album is for goth enthusiasts, but I venture to say that others might find something they like here, too. If 80's-style vampire dance music is your thing, for god's sake- get this album and suck some blood! Otherwise, you might try a nice merlot and the soundtrack to "Interview with the Vampire" instead.
1. Deception - The Cruxshadows- 4/5
2. Prey - Seraphim Shock- 3/5
3. Bloodsucker 2000 - Paralysed Age- 1/5
4. Heart of Darkness - Wench- 4/5
5. Cold From Fever - Sunshine Blind- 2/5
6. Fall No More - Bella Morte- 5/5 (#1 song of the album)
7. Soul To Bleed - Carfax Abbey- 3/5
8. Beborn Beton - Hemoglobin- 4/5
9. Last Beat of Your Heart - Mission U.K.- 4/5
10. Rotting On The Vine - Kristeen Young- 3/5
11. The Night Is Young - Nosferatu- 3/5
12. Blind in Darkness - Diary of Dreams- 2/5
13. Superficial - Neuroactive- 4/5
"
Music from the Succubus Club
Veronica H. Barnhart | Carlsbad, New Mexico United States | 06/16/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is the ( ). Cruxshadows sets the tone with the firstsong "Deception" and is soon followed by the in your facegoth/rock song "Prey" by Seraphim Shock. The CD slacks off until Bella Morte's "Fall No More". Then another pretty cool song "Soul to Bleed" by Carfax Abbey. I don't really care for the other songs until the last song. Even though I only liked a few songs from it, Music from the Succubus Club is a must buy for goth/rock and darkwave fans. END"
One of the best CD's out there
Tom | Somewhere near Philly | 03/08/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Consider this disc a guest pass of sorts to the musical mysteries of The Succubus Club. But don't take that too literally, our bouncers are not known for their sense of humor..and you'd still never get in dressed like *that*.." -DJ Damascus(Toreador)Music from the Succubus Club is the first ever Soundtrack made for V:TM. As the liner notes explain, it is not a CD *about* Vampires, but instead a compilation of the best tracks that can be heard within the walls of thisInfamous haven for the undead(No, the club does not exist, sorry). Every piece of music has been carefully selected, and the artists all contribute excellent pieces It starts out with "Deception", a new track by the popular Goth/synthpop artists, "The Crüxshadows". This is a brilliant starting track, for it truly sets the atmosphere and gives you an idea of the *excellent* music favored in the Club. It is my favorite Crüxshadows track to date, and has an excellent hook.."pray for daylight, pray for morning, pray for an end to..our deception". Indeed. The song has a bit of an Irish sound thanks to the beautiful violin playing of Rachel McDonnell. Man can she play. Also included on this CD is a Music Video(Playable on Mac/PC) of "Deception". The next track, "Prey" by Seraphim Shock, is quite a bit more brutal, but also excellent. The vocals are fantastic, and the guitars make the track truly scream. "Bloodsucker 2000", a remix of the hit track by Paralysed Age, is a great new rendition of the song and the new synth work really adds to the melody. Other songs have a considerably bloody edge, none more so than "Hemoglobin" by Beborn Beton. Killer Track(pardon the pun)! Nosferatu, Mission U.K., Carfax Abbey, Neuroactive, Wench, Sunshine Blind, Bella Morte, Kristeen Young, and Diary of Dreams are the other impressive talents that head up this fantastic CD. I have to say this CD really does seem like it wouldbe played beginning to end in Helena's Club, something that would make the night truly come alive. This CD makes a great addition to any party, V:TM gathering, hell, it makes for a great listen while walking down Philly(or any other city..Chicago for example? :) ) just enjoying the night. I think you will all enjoy this compilation. Also, as I said, be sure to check out the Crüxshadows "Deception" video on the CD!"
Great Collection
David N | Tampa, Florida | 04/03/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I don't play Vampire, The Masquerade, but bought the CD because of the songs on it. The collection is a very good mix of romantic/gothic/industrial/synth. Some groups, like Cruxshadows are relatively new to the scene, while Nosferatu is a classic. Diary of Dreams represents current German goth, and Beborn Beton is usually more of a romantic, dark synthpop group. Not all winners, but a good solid compillation. Actually, one of the better comps and much better than most sound tracks."