Remagine (cd + dvd)

by

After Forever

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I was never really into After Forever. Like The Gathering and a host of other bands, they always played second fiddle in my mind to bands like Nightwish, Within Temptation, and Lacuna Coil. But I'm glad I gave their latest effort a listen. This album totally rocks. The annoying growling is minimal and Floor Jansen's vocals are absolutely beautiful. What sets it apart from the earlier stuff of thiers I've heard is that this album JAMS. That, and their other stuff always seemed incomplete somehow. Like the songs were unfulfilled ideas. No really memorable or catchy melodies. This album is different. It is headbanging AND beautiful. Highly recommended. The only reason I give a 4 instead of 5 is that it doesn't quite rise to the level of the other bands I mentioned. But, it may rise in my estimation over time. I will definitely be listening to it A LOT.

After Forever is one of my favorite bands,I discovered them by accident and the first song I heard from them was their cover of Iron Maiden's classic 'The Evil That Men Do' and I was blown away...the vocals blew my mind and the rest of the band was so tight and the production was amazing! So I went out and bought the entire collection,I also immediately bought this one 'Remagine' with the hopes that they would have some really catchy songs to go with the outstanding musicianship that exists in this band and on some of the songs like the beautiful 'Forever' I got my wish,my favorite song on the CD is Face Your Demons with some really thought provoking lyrics and it is very catchy,but the rest of the songs don't quite stick in your head,it is more music to listen to if you want to be impressed by top notch vocals and great musicians

I keep hoping that they'll eventually either go in a more commercial writing direction or if needed,hire some outside writers because this band is far too talented to be left out of the mainstream

the upside - some of the best female rock vocals I've ever heard,some really strong songs like 'Face Your Demons' "strong' and 'Forever'

great production

the downside - the songs are just not very memorable (which I really hate to say)

the bottom line - if you (like me) are a fan of great female vocals and some heavy rock music (like Evanescence) then check out this great band,they've got a lot of potential and I'm anxious to see where they can go in the future (the cover of Iron Maiden's 'Evil That Men Do' shows just what they can do with a great song) definitely worth checking out if you like great musicianship but the lack of songwriting abilities makes the asking price a bit too much to shell out,if you can find it cheaper (like 10 bucks or less) it's definitely worth buying...I love this band and I'm rooting for 'em...donutman says so!!!