Review by Adam M on November 8, 2012.

This album by My Dying Bride marks a sort of return to the classic sound of the band from their early period. There is not a great deal of experimentation to be found here, but simply a number of downtrodden yet at the same time romantically appealing songs. The first couple of songs are among the better ones to be found here and the second one 'The Poorest Waltz' in particular resonates with echoing vocals and a cascade of massive riffs throughout. Other tracks such as 'Like A Perpetual Funeral' are noteworthy as well.

The song structures are very traditional with an emphasis on huge brooding riffs and the occasional violin thrown in for good measure. There are times when experimentation is appropriate for a band, but when such an established sound is done so well, might as well stick to the basics. This makes for an impressive year for the English pioneering Doom Metal acts. Each of Paradise Lost, Anathema, My Dying Bride and Katatonia released a strong album that lived up to their early established reputations over the course of the season. What’s more impressive about this is that these are some bands that have seen lots of fluctuations in quality over the years. However, it’s been an impressive display this year with them all finding an appropriate sound for the times. In the case of My Dying Bride and Paradise Lost in particular it is very close to the original sound that made them so popular and successful in the first place.

"A Map Of All Our Failures" feature excellent song-writing, moods and the amount of sorrow that anyone would ever expect from My Dying Bride at their peak. The riffs are strong and the melodies memorable, although at the same time there isn’t any revolutionary on display either. My Dying Bride fans will be fully satisfied by this excellent offering, especially.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 9
Originality: 8
Overall: 8.7

Rating: 8.9 out of 10

Review by Jack on October 1, 2001.

Australia’s psychedelic metal monstrosities, Alchemist, certainly choose interesting material to cover within their metal exploits. None other than Jeff Wayne’s “War of the Worlds” has been covered by these ambitious Aussie metal icons.

Alchemist have always been the sort of band that gets off on incorporating world music influences such as Middle Eastern modifications within their guitar riffages and general metal mayhem, unfortunately for Alchemist they reside within the Australia metal scene, and as such get very little exposure to the world. The Aussie metal scene is very stagnant in acts trying to promote music overseas.

“Eve of the War” is comprised of a cover song, two live bits of material, a remix and two songs from past albums. ‘Eve of the War’ without being covered is a fucking fantastic tune and really brings out some nostalgic elements, and when given that heavy psychedelic metal tinge, makes it really uncontrollably awesome. The two live tracks are really a special treat for the more ‘out there’ metal fans (those into Tool, Tiamat, and Samael sort of bands), ‘Yoni Kunda’ has Aboriginal inspired written all over it, and is played time and time again live in front of Alchemist’s fans in Australia. ‘Chinese Whispers’ the second live jewel is ultimate and Opeth-like in stature and prowess. Yet it will appeal more to Tool fans than Opeth lovers, such is the doppleganging nature of Alchemist. ‘Chinese Whispers’ contains those middle-eastern elements that Tool utilised on “Lateralus” without sounding plagiaristic, but possessing melodies and harmonies all of its own.

Unfortunately the next two tracks are a bit of a let down, on your average run-of-the-mill band these songs would fit right in, but Alchemist do not fit this bill. ‘Koni Yunda’ “is just pure fuckin disco and I have no idea what they were thinking while recording this crap...”(Chris ‘Zgred’ 3/10/2001) (statement pertains perfectly to this rubbish Alchemist recorded). ‘Brumal (A View From Pluto)' ruins the whole tempo that “Eve of the War” had created up unto this point. ‘Worlds Within Worlds’ fortunately ends the MCD well with tasty samples and groovy death-styled riffs.

Bottom Line: Perfect introduction to Alchemist. “Eve of the War” is cheap as chips and contains solid and innovative material from one of Australia’s finest acts.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10