A while back I had the chance to review the second CD from this band. The self titled release was a heavy metal treat that was totally unexpected. They proved to be one of those good time bands that are just great fun. Not trying to do anything but provide the listener with a sonic blast of old fashion heavy metal in the style that anyone who is familiar with the Cruë, Ratt, Pappa Roach, etc… will find as one helluva headbangers dream.
Now they have released a DVD/CD package that includes both of their albums on one disc and a DVD filled with all their videos, band interviews and behind the scenes of them on tour and making each video.
Starting with the DVD you will find a wealth of great music and the videos to go along with it. Some done live, some in a rehearsal and some are the professional made releases. They also have put many interviews on here with the band. Between the songs there is in depth talk with the participants about the making of the videos and the history of the band. I was really impressed by what I found out about the group. The work ethic and the commitment they exhibit along with the stories and just their insight on the whole Freakhouse experience is well worth purchasing this package for if only to see this once as with so many videos of this nature, after you have seen it, there is little reason to revisit it very often. Luckily they give you the option of only playing the videos. Otherwise you would want the remote handy for sure.
The CD has all the recorded material from their first two discs. Starting out with their second release Freakhouse and following that with the album Beautiful Misery. This might be the best strategy to put them in reverse order as the second release is so much cleaner and more refined. They have really stepped it up and it shows. Being able to hear them at their best and then to hear where that definitive sound came from is very cool. While I am not saying that Beautiful Misery is a bad album, it does not have the same power and punch as the follow up disc. The title track "Beautiful Misery" is one that will let you know for sure who you are listening to and "Liars, Inc. is another very good song that anyone who has a Dell computer should recognize as it has been put on every one that has been produced since this album came out. But, there are some obvious missteps on this album too. "Love Hates Me" with LA rapper LOWD is a disaster and much of the other material is good but just not that compelling.
All in all this is a worthwhile package with a vast amount of terrific straight forward heavy metal for the most part. It will show you where these guys came from and where they would like to go from here. If you are new to this band this is a great way to make your introduction. If you are a fan already, I bet you are looking where to buy it before you read this line. Just go get this special priced set and enjoy a bit of good time metal that could very easily fuel your next alcohol filled adventure.
Track listing CD:
1. Living the Lie
2. Dead on the Inside
3. Stitches
4. Cold
5. No Way Down
6. Pushing Away
7. Dream
8. Submit
9. Listen to the Voice
10. Creep
11. Plowed
12. Disconnected
13. Beautiful Misery
14. Man or Machine
15. Peel Away the Skin
16. Cleansing
17. Love Hates Me
18. Liars, Inc.
19. Vallum
20. Senseless
DVD
1. Liars, Inc
2. Dead On The Inside
3. No Way Down
4. Beautiful Misery
5. Senseless
6. Disconnected
7. Peel Away The Skin
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