Various Artists - End of Days

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VARIOUS ARTISTS

This collection of tunes served as the "soundtrack" for the much-maligned Arnold Schwarzenegger movie, in which Arnie battles the devil (I kinda liked it myself). Anyway, there's some great stuff here, but there's some mediocre stuff as well.

The first song on the CD is "Camel Song" by Korn and it's all right. Nothing to write home about. It's a draggy little number with a whining guitar in the background that wouldn't change your life if you never heard it again.

Next is "So Long" by Everlast, an atmospheric little number that sounds like the music you hear after you've drank too many beers and watched "Twin Peaks." It's slow, it's kinda creepy but it ain't half bad.

"Slow" by Professional Murder Music is up next and it's a groovy piece with whispery vocals.

Limp Bizkit provides "Crushed" next and, of course, they had a big hit with this. It sounds like a cross between Coolio and the Beastie Boys.

Of course, the big news on the "End of Days" soundtrack was the inclusion of the new Guns'n'Roses song, "Oh My God." The verdict: Axl and company (whoever that company may include now) have kept their pioneering edge. "Oh My God" is a fresh track that reflects the songwriting styles and musical risk-taking that made Guns'n'Roses the legends they have (almost) become.

"Poison" by Prodigy is next on the CD and the track plays like an industrial background for some of the film's action.

Rob Zombie offers a remix of "Superbeast" next and, of course, that track kicks serious ass as always.

The ultra repetitive "Bad Influence" by Eminem is next and this is a good place to hit the "next" button on your CD player. Stilted rap through and through.

"Nobody's Real" by Powerman 5000 is next and is a fine example of why this band is one to watch. "Nobody's Real" is a killer rock track with a steady tempo that builds into a driving chorus. Great stuff.

Stroke's "I Wish I Had" follows and it's a weird, David Bowie like number that just sort of meanders along. Hit "next" again.

"Sugar Kane" by Sonic Youth and "Wrong Way" by Creed close out the CD with less than explosive results.

In summary, "End of Days" ain't a bad CD, but it ain't a great one. Kinda like the movie.

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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