It's a good review, but it seemed to focus too much on comparing H&A to their older albums and not enough on the actual sound of the album itself.
Also for me the intro was also misleading and doesn't really define the album, as it was the only bad track imo.
Anyways, it was still a well written review and the Baltimore comparison/concept was cool

I know, you make some completely fair points... it just seemed reasonable for me to compare this to their past releases because that was the most outstanding flaw, the devolution. This review was more geared towards the already-strong fanbase of PRR and less towards a new listener, and in doing so I skimped out a little on describing the sound, I realize, but I was really having trouble keeping this review down, length-wise. Thanks for reading!

Album Rating: 4.0

So, if I liked the second one and wouldn't mind more of the same, then this is worth getting? That's what I took from the review.

Album Rating: 3.0

Well that was disappointing. Although I like the comparisons to the other albums, since my main concern was how this sounded compared to the dark third

Yeah Willie, sorry if the review was a little cluttered, but this is similar to the second one, I think, it just felt a little stale because they've already walked down that path.

It has hints of their first album, too, in the latter half, but for the most part this is electronic-based.

Oooo another negative SA review! I'm probably gonna 5 this one if I ever get a chance to hear it. I liked Amor Vicinct Omnia a bit more than The Dark Third, the latter being kind of repeditive to me.

lol Desolater you realize that the vast majority of my reviews are overwhelmingly positive, but you only comment
on the ones that are neutral/negative, right?

Xenophanes this thread is in desperate need of more Charlie Kelly

I know, you make some completely fair points... it just seemed reasonable for me to compare this to their past releases because that was the most outstanding flaw, the devolution. This review was more geared towards the already-strong fanbase of PRR and less towards a new listener, and in doing so I skimped out a little on describing the sound, I realize, but I was really having trouble keeping this review down, length-wise. Thanks for reading!

Optimistically speaking, Hammer and Anvil's poor showing and stagnancy only accentuates what they did so well on The Dark Third.

ha I didn't notice, but thanks Bully, appreciate it : )

isn't your ban up soon?

Album Rating: 3.0 | Sound Off

Review is pretty accurate and looks very similar to what mine would've been had I chosen to write a review rather than a soundoff. Such a shame.

cheesy's got my back.


I'm gonna call you "cheesy" from now on.

where is the sun man from?

"lol Desolater you realize that the vast majority of my reviews are overwhelmingly positive, but you only comment
on the ones that are neutral/negative, right?"

I thought that was funny too, I just have no interest in the other bands you review. Pretty sure I've read some of your positive reviews too and there's usually at least one section where you tear them a new hole I think.

Album Rating: 4.0

this review is poor. All it is is someone pining for a sound they preferred on a debut album, of which I thought there were a couple of duff tracks on. It's up to the artist what direction they go in, and whilst some fans may not like it, others do. That's the way it goes.



Personally, I really like the album. I thought it sounded a bit empty on first listen, but it has grown more with each listen.

I thought that was funny too, I just have no interest in the other bands you review. Pretty sure I've read some of your positive reviews too and there's usually at least one section where you tear them a new hole I think.

that's 100% entirely erroneous you're just making things up

this review is poor.

sorry you didn't like it, sir

It's up to the artist what direction they go in, and whilst some fans may not like it, others do. That's the way it goes.

yeah. oh.

I had no idea they were releasing a follow up to AVO so quickly...I hope it's better than that one...one of the biggest disappointments of the year after such a strong debut. Oh well...and AnotherBrick, speaking as someone who has lived right outside of Baltimore...I have never seen anyone express jealousy over this city

if you didn't like AVO you'll hate this...
and Baltimore has its nasty spots but I live right here and it's not too bad

The problem with your criticism is that it seems to be based around the notion (although it isn't explicitly stated) that progressive rock is inherently superior to electronica, and that by moving from the former to the latter, the band has regressed and lost artistic merit, which is ridiculous. The Dark Third wasn't a great album because it was prog, it was great because the songs were great. If it had been an electronica album it still would have been tremendous. I'm inclined to agree that this is their worst album to date, but it's simply because the hooks are generally weaker. They also clearly aren't treading the same ground here; aside from both being electronics-heavy, this album has a much more industrial sound while AVO was closer to synth-pop, and liking or disliking one won't necessarily affect one's opinion of the other.