Fretplay.com Celtic Frost CD reviews Celtic Frost guitar tabs Celtic Frost CD reviews Celtic Frost tabs Vanity/Nemesis


Celtic Frost - Vanity/Nemesis Audio CD

A fair review of the Celtic Frost "Vanity/Nemesis" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Celtic Frost reviews here, or go back to the Celtic Frost tabs.

Celtic Frost Band: Celtic Frost
Title: Vanity/Nemesis
Rating:
Release Date: 1999-11-01
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Heart Beneath 2: Wine in My Hand (Third From the Sun) 3: Wings of Solitude 4: Name of My Bride 5: This Island Earth 6: Restless Seas 7: Phallic Tantrum 8: Kiss or a Whisper 9: Vanity 10: Nemesis 11: Heroes

NOOOOO
After listening to about 3-4 songs, I had to put this away. I know I'm almost 20 years late in saying this, but about a week ago, I went through my uncle's old LP collection and found this. THIS IS AWFUL! This is a slightly heavier Bon Jovi. The only positive thing about this is atleast its not as bad as Cold Lake is. THAT IS 100% GARBAGE.

But in the end, all is good, as Celtic Frost released one hell of an album, the epic Monotheist, which I recommend tenfold over this.


Mellow Death
The old, old school Death Metal sound may have mellowed a little, but `Vanity/Nemesis' is full of sharp ideas, combining Metal and Rock in a forward looking combination. While this is no `Into The Pandemonium', it's no `Cold Lake' either.

And there in lies the problem. It probably seemed too far ahead for the time, leaving many an old school Thrasher scratching his mullet and thinking "???"

Tom G. Warrior had gone back to his God-given Fischer surname, which might well have been a clue, and had finally let his Rock roots loose. Devouring big bites of the '60s and '70s, there are big Beatles-influenced melodies, nods to the old-style Glam Rock sounds (and image) of David Bowie, and stripped back, basic Metal and Rock. Fischer had let his legendary voice ripen a little, sounding more like a gravel throated Blues shouter than a blood curdling Death growler. Unfortunately, Fischer struggles to hold a tune, and some of the songs, "Wings Of Solitude" in particular, really suffer.

The music throbs in a slightly subdued manner. For a band which once produced total Death/Thrash blurs, the controlled aggression of songs like "The Heart Beneath" and "Wine In My Hand (Third From The Sun)" would have been unimaginable five years earlier. It's all pretty solid, and grabs the attention, but doesn't hold it, like past masterpieces such as "Into The Crypts Of Rays" or "Circle Of The Tyrants". The whole album plays more as background music than a lead piece. Still, it's quite a good hangover album.

The newfound maturity was perhaps a bridge too far for Celtic Frost. Fischer seemed to lose interest in the genres of Metal he'd been so influential on, and from the apathetic reception this album received upon release, it seemed his audience had lost interest in him.


One of my all-time favorite albums
My first exposure to them was when I bought this album waaaay back when I was in high school. I have a somewhat unique experience with Celtic Frost. I had not heard a single song from the album -- I just bought it on a whim. It's one of the best musical decisions I have ever made. I love this CD. It is great from start to finish. So many great songs, but "The Heart Beneath" and "Wings Of Solitude" have always been the standouts in my mind.

Going back in time to listen to their older stuff, I always found I was more partial to this disc, which seems to be the opposite reaction from most CF fans.

I don't know how to classify this CD or this band. They were truly unique. I guess I would just label this disc a great heavy metal album with great songwriting and catchy hooks, but just enough raw energy and production to give it a "dirty" feel. It's not a polished metal masterpiece, but it is infinitely listenable. Just an all-around kick ass rock 'n' roll record.


Yes, that's 5 stars
So many have avoided this simply because it came after the misfire of "Cold Lake". I'll keep it short. Don't be like them. This is only a hair beneath the first three releases in terms of overall quality. The crunching angular riffs are deeply satisfying and the odd tunings are put to excellent use. Once you give it a chance you won't want to take it out of your player for some time.


not bad.
the riffs are good, but the vocals still sound a little too glam and the album cover looks too glamish. blows "cold lake" away, but so do most albums from any genre of music. overall it's pretty heavy. i really " a kiss or a whisper", "wine in my hand, and" the heart beneath".


You can see a complete list of all Celtic Frost discography, or go back to the Celtic Frost tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

Search guitar tabs

#ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
[ Search tabs | Guitar tabs | Bass tabs |
Easy guitar tabs | Guitar solo tabs |
Acoustic guitar tabs | Guitar chords |
How to read guitar tabs ]
Forum topics
Music forums
- Bands and artists - Songwriting and lyrics - Tablature talk - Promote your band
Instrument forums
- Guitar basics - Gear & accessories - Bass guitar
Community
- The pit - Site Feedback - Reviews
[ User survey | About us | Privacy statement ]