Rough Edge: Nostradameus CD Reviews

NOSTRADAMEUS

"Illusions Parade" (AFM; 2010)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Nostradameus rocks like a locomotive on "Illusions Parade."

The music on this CD is clearly metal, however it's got a with a keyboard-heavy, melodic flavor that gives it a 1-2 punch that I found refreshing. Still, as much as I liked this CD, I found the vocals were sometimes overdone and hard to understand.

As for content, I know there is a plot line in there somewhere but, even after numerous listening, I failed to find it. As much as I liked the band's 2007 release, "Pathway," I found this release somewhat lacking. Still, I'm just going to kick back, relax and enjoy the music.

The production value of this CD is outstanding, of course, far superior to much of the music out there right now.

Nostradameus has put together another great release with two distinct sides: vocals that are hard to follow and music that is simply outstanding.

For more information, check out http://www.nostradameus.com.

"Pathway" (Locomotive; 2007)

Reviewed by Snidermann

What’s in a name? Nothing really. You can have a rocking band with a crappy name but, if the music is good enough, you should be able to get past it. Any dunce can come up with a great name for a band but, if they don't deliver, that's all it is: a name.

Nostradameus is a band with both a killer name and the power to deliver a musical punch. "Pathway" has it all: outstanding music, powerful musicians and a shitload of talent.

"Pathway" is commanding right from the start and, although I admit I'd never heard of this band before, a quick visit to their website tells me they have been releasing music since 1998.

As I was listening to this CD, I found myself enthralled by the music and that just does not happen to me, as least not with anything new. The presentation here is larger than life, full of excellent symbolism that transported me to places unknown and the more I listened to it, the more I find myself really getting into the entire musical arrangement.

By the end of 11 tunes, I was breathing hard and had an elevated heart rate. I thought I ran a mile and all I did was listen to a CD ... a great CD at that.

"Pathway" is one of the very best overall performances I have witnessed in quite a while. Now I will have to go out and get some of this band's earlier recordings and find out what else I've been missing.

For more information, check out http://www.nostradameus.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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