It is rare that you come across an album that is as much an experience as it is a collection of songs, but 'Once' is that and more. Aptly titled 'Once' to represent the start of a story, this orchestral metal album takes you away on an epic journey.

Tarja's operatic vocals soar high above the boldness and beauty of the full orchestra. Detailed images are created and in the song 'Siren', you can almost feel the sea spray on your skin.

As the 6th album from the Finnish quintet, this is simply an unmissable, inforgetable masterpiece.

 

 

 

Having never been a fan of electronic music, nobody was more surprised than I was by the sheer beauty of Darren's second solo offering. This album takes you on a journey to the darkest corners of the man's heart and mind. Stand-out tracks include: 'Darkness', 'Dublin Sky', 'Void', 'Sense of Humour' and 'Ego'.

The sheer honesty of the lyrics come as a surprise at times, but that's not to say they're too personal to relate to. Any person who has lived can understand the feelings of love, loss, hurt and the coming to terms with it all that this album is themed around.

On this CD, Darren seems to have ditched the typical ballads that he is famous for, in favour of something altogether deeper. there's no 'love songs' on this album, but both 'Light' and 'Feel' are positive songs about putting faith and trust in another person.

There's definitely some potential blub hits here too, such as the danceable first single, 'Popular'. Other upbeat tracks include 'I Like The Way', 'Love and Attraction' and 'Hero'.  However, there's something rare and special about these songs, despite their hit quality, they're anything but mindless. The lyrics are still beautiful, well thought out and full of meaning.

Tracks such as 'Sense of Humour', 'Feel' and 'Ego' have a dreamy quality that creates a tapestry of sounds, beautifully flowing together.

Overall, it is an album full of contrast, with titles such as 'Darkness' and 'Light', and even in its most upbeat moments, there is a touch of melancholy. This is definitely an album everyone should hear, an amazing blend of sound and emotion that has the power to affect you for life.

 

 

 

Incredible. It's rare for an album to render me completely speechless, but this beautifully haunting album had me captivated from start to finish.

The dark, layered sound manages to send a shiver down your spine and an ache in your heart simultaneously, whilst the raw, heart-wrenching lyrics weave their way into your brain.

Above it all, Matt Belamy's vocals are haunting and clearly sincere.

Muse are one of the most interesting Birtish bands around right now and this album is certainly not to be missed.