Review by Jack on March 20, 2002.

Edguy is a German power metal band that is featured within the same vein of pompousness as Sonata Artica and whilst better than Sonata Artica, they both do not possess the same mastery over their metal that innovative bands like Rhapsody do. However, do not make the mistake of thinking that Edguy are not brilliant musicians, because that line of thought could not be further from the truth. The pit-fall that Edguy (and Sonata Artica) fall into is a willingness to not expand and open their horizons. I mean we have all heard Stratovarious before, why must we listen again and again and again?

Tobias Sammet of Avantasia-fame created a brilliant album in “The Metal Opera” (all be it with some help from some other celebrity power metal folks). It was a stand out album and definitely worthy of album of the month at Metalbite.com. Why in the hell did he come together with the rest of Edguy and put together such a disappointing album in “Mandrake"? Edguy as a collective possess an extraordinary amount of talent, yet let themselves down as a band with writing tired music with boring and unimaginative chorus/choir sections.

It is ridiculously frustrating to see Edguy, who have the potential to strive and reach for the power metal throne, write some pretty mediocre stuff. If Edguy were some untalented and worthless power metal band I wouldn’t care, as “Mandrake” is not an overly bad album, it is just sad that Edguy have not fully realized their potential.

Bottom Line: If it was most other bands, I could probably get away with recommending this album, but being the talented outfit that Edguy are it is extremely hard to say this album is worth a look because of the frustrating abilities of these guys. Still if you are craving more “Silence” from Sonata Artica than give this album a look. Very, very average record from a very, very above average outfit.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 5
Production: 8
Originality: 3
Overall: 4

Rating: 5.8 out of 10

Review by Jack on March 20, 2002.

Edguy is a German power metal band that is featured within the same vein of pompousness as Sonata Artica and whilst better than Sonata Artica, they both do not possess the same mastery over their metal that innovative bands like Rhapsody do. However, do not make the mistake of thinking that Edguy are not brilliant musicians, because that line of thought could not be further from the truth. The pit-fall that Edguy (and Sonata Artica) fall into is a willingness to not expand and open their horizons. I mean we have all heard Stratovarious before, why must we listen again and again and again?

Tobias Sammet of Avantasia-fame created a brilliant album in “The Metal Opera” (all be it with some help from some other celebrity power metal folks). It was a stand out album and definitely worthy of album of the month at Metalbite.com. Why in the hell did he come together with the rest of Edguy and put together such a disappointing album in “Mandrake"? Edguy as a collective possess an extraordinary amount of talent, yet let themselves down as a band with writing tired music with boring and unimaginative chorus/choir sections.

It is ridiculously frustrating to see Edguy, who have the potential to strive and reach for the power metal throne, write some pretty mediocre stuff. If Edguy were some untalented and worthless power metal band I wouldn’t care, as “Mandrake” is not an overly bad album, it is just sad that Edguy have not fully realized their potential.

Bottom Line: If it was most other bands, I could probably get away with recommending this album, but being the talented outfit that Edguy are it is extremely hard to say this album is worth a look because of the frustrating abilities of these guys. Still if you are craving more “Silence” from Sonata Artica than give this album a look. Very, very average record from a very, very above average outfit.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 5
Production: 8
Originality: 3
Overall: 4

Rating: 5.8 out of 10

Review by Jack on March 20, 2002.

Edguy is a German power metal band that is featured within the same vein of pompousness as Sonata Artica and whilst better than Sonata Artica, they both do not possess the same mastery over their metal that innovative bands like Rhapsody do. However, do not make the mistake of thinking that Edguy are not brilliant musicians, because that line of thought could not be further from the truth. The pit-fall that Edguy (and Sonata Artica) fall into is a willingness to not expand and open their horizons. I mean we have all heard Stratovarious before, why must we listen again and again and again?

Tobias Sammet of Avantasia-fame created a brilliant album in “The Metal Opera” (all be it with some help from some other celebrity power metal folks). It was a stand out album and definitely worthy of album of the month at Metalbite.com. Why in the hell did he come together with the rest of Edguy and put together such a disappointing album in “Mandrake"? Edguy as a collective possess an extraordinary amount of talent, yet let themselves down as a band with writing tired music with boring and unimaginative chorus/choir sections.

It is ridiculously frustrating to see Edguy, who have the potential to strive and reach for the power metal throne, write some pretty mediocre stuff. If Edguy were some untalented and worthless power metal band I wouldn’t care, as “Mandrake” is not an overly bad album, it is just sad that Edguy have not fully realized their potential.

Bottom Line: If it was most other bands, I could probably get away with recommending this album, but being the talented outfit that Edguy are it is extremely hard to say this album is worth a look because of the frustrating abilities of these guys. Still if you are craving more “Silence” from Sonata Artica than give this album a look. Very, very average record from a very, very above average outfit.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 5
Production: 8
Originality: 3
Overall: 4

Rating: 5.8 out of 10

Review by Jack on July 19, 2003.

If you are a fan of In Flames, and additionally Gardenian then I assume that Passenger's self-titled debut record would have initially come across as something of a boon to you. Like you I was getting a bit giddy with excitement at the prospect of a collaboration from both Anders and Niclas. I went to the Century Media website and downloaded a track – 'In Reverse.' It was a solid song with catchy riffs and Anders in fine vocal form, making "Passenger" worth checking out, I thought.

However, once I actually listened to the entire record I was in for a rude shock. Not only did 'In Reverse' make up one of the most accomplished tracks on "Passenger" but the rest of the material from Passenger must surely rank as some of the most insipid and dry song compositions that have ever come to pass as a record. Frankly, I feel disgusted with both Anders and Niclas for this dismal excuse for a record. They would have been much better advised to release an EP or MCD worth of their best stuff (which is 2-3 tracks at best)... gauge a general consensus as to how they feel about it, maybe ask how some of the 'honest' fans feel about it, and then go to work on making a full record.

Effectively what we are presented with are a few decent songs that are comprised of some catchy hooks; 100% grooving material and topped with the enormously talented Anders on vocals. I have no problem with this whatsoever. What I do have grave difficulties accepting are the tracks, which lack heart, soul or whatever you want to refer to it as. Having Anders carry these songs with his vocals, without really formulating creative song-writing just bores people to tears and is exactly what Passenger have come to town with.

Bottom Line: Pedestrian songwriting and mediocre creativity have ensured that Passenger will remain exactly that – a simple passenger on the musical highway. Strictly for fans only, but even then you ought to approach with caution.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 4
Atmosphere: 3
Production: 7
Originality: 5
Overall: 3

Rating: 4.4 out of 10

Review by Jack on July 19, 2003.

If you are a fan of In Flames, and additionally Gardenian then I assume that Passenger's self-titled debut record would have initially come across as something of a boon to you. Like you I was getting a bit giddy with excitement at the prospect of a collaboration from both Anders and Niclas. I went to the Century Media website and downloaded a track – 'In Reverse.' It was a solid song with catchy riffs and Anders in fine vocal form, making "Passenger" worth checking out, I thought.

However, once I actually listened to the entire record I was in for a rude shock. Not only did 'In Reverse' make up one of the most accomplished tracks on "Passenger" but the rest of the material from Passenger must surely rank as some of the most insipid and dry song compositions that have ever come to pass as a record. Frankly, I feel disgusted with both Anders and Niclas for this dismal excuse for a record. They would have been much better advised to release an EP or MCD worth of their best stuff (which is 2-3 tracks at best)... gauge a general consensus as to how they feel about it, maybe ask how some of the 'honest' fans feel about it, and then go to work on making a full record.

Effectively what we are presented with are a few decent songs that are comprised of some catchy hooks; 100% grooving material and topped with the enormously talented Anders on vocals. I have no problem with this whatsoever. What I do have grave difficulties accepting are the tracks, which lack heart, soul or whatever you want to refer to it as. Having Anders carry these songs with his vocals, without really formulating creative song-writing just bores people to tears and is exactly what Passenger have come to town with.

Bottom Line: Pedestrian songwriting and mediocre creativity have ensured that Passenger will remain exactly that – a simple passenger on the musical highway. Strictly for fans only, but even then you ought to approach with caution.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 4
Atmosphere: 3
Production: 7
Originality: 5
Overall: 3

Rating: 4.4 out of 10

Review by Jack on July 19, 2003.

If you are a fan of In Flames, and additionally Gardenian then I assume that Passenger's self-titled debut record would have initially come across as something of a boon to you. Like you I was getting a bit giddy with excitement at the prospect of a collaboration from both Anders and Niclas. I went to the Century Media website and downloaded a track – 'In Reverse.' It was a solid song with catchy riffs and Anders in fine vocal form, making "Passenger" worth checking out, I thought.

However, once I actually listened to the entire record I was in for a rude shock. Not only did 'In Reverse' make up one of the most accomplished tracks on "Passenger" but the rest of the material from Passenger must surely rank as some of the most insipid and dry song compositions that have ever come to pass as a record. Frankly, I feel disgusted with both Anders and Niclas for this dismal excuse for a record. They would have been much better advised to release an EP or MCD worth of their best stuff (which is 2-3 tracks at best)... gauge a general consensus as to how they feel about it, maybe ask how some of the 'honest' fans feel about it, and then go to work on making a full record.

Effectively what we are presented with are a few decent songs that are comprised of some catchy hooks; 100% grooving material and topped with the enormously talented Anders on vocals. I have no problem with this whatsoever. What I do have grave difficulties accepting are the tracks, which lack heart, soul or whatever you want to refer to it as. Having Anders carry these songs with his vocals, without really formulating creative song-writing just bores people to tears and is exactly what Passenger have come to town with.

Bottom Line: Pedestrian songwriting and mediocre creativity have ensured that Passenger will remain exactly that – a simple passenger on the musical highway. Strictly for fans only, but even then you ought to approach with caution.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 4
Atmosphere: 3
Production: 7
Originality: 5
Overall: 3

Rating: 4.4 out of 10

Review by JD on February 5, 2013.

I had been reviewing a whole lot of Death Metal lately, and finding it becoming repetitive and rather weak. Italian based Humangled was another Death Metal band sent for me and I was not very excited at this time. The last few Death metal albums I had reviewed were not stellar outings to say the least, so I was not getting my hopes up.

Taking cues from bands like Carcass and Death, Humangled sets out to play some very straight forward Death Metal of the mid 90's era with a slight injection of Death‘n’Roll in places. The five piece seems very competent musicians by what was being offered on their album "Odd Ethics", yet the music as a whole seems to lack any originality to it... and that is with having the help of the great engineer/multi-instrumentalist by the name of Dan Swano. I think Mr. Swano made this album sort of palatable, but even he could not work any miracles.

Across this extended EP, it comes clear that the band is set in copy mode, giving very little in the way of anything remotely original. They play standard Death Metal quite competently but that is about it as it becomes old very fast in the very first track. Humangled lacks the certain spark that is needed to get it to a place where they can stand out. That spark is developing their own sound and style.

In doing the Death Metal in a safe and standard way -meaning doing it like everyone else- they have produced a little lower than average Death Metal album even though they seem to possess the talent to do a fuck whole lot better. It is disappointing to say the least, especially when they had a good producer to help - and failed still.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 5
Atmosphere: 3
Production: 3
Originality: 1
Overall: 1.5

Rating: 2.7 out of 10

Review by JD on February 5, 2013.

I had been reviewing a whole lot of Death Metal lately, and finding it becoming repetitive and rather weak. Italian based Humangled was another Death Metal band sent for me and I was not very excited at this time. The last few Death metal albums I had reviewed were not stellar outings to say the least, so I was not getting my hopes up.

Taking cues from bands like Carcass and Death, Humangled sets out to play some very straight forward Death Metal of the mid 90's era with a slight injection of Death‘n’Roll in places. The five piece seems very competent musicians by what was being offered on their album "Odd Ethics", yet the music as a whole seems to lack any originality to it... and that is with having the help of the great engineer/multi-instrumentalist by the name of Dan Swano. I think Mr. Swano made this album sort of palatable, but even he could not work any miracles.

Across this extended EP, it comes clear that the band is set in copy mode, giving very little in the way of anything remotely original. They play standard Death Metal quite competently but that is about it as it becomes old very fast in the very first track. Humangled lacks the certain spark that is needed to get it to a place where they can stand out. That spark is developing their own sound and style.

In doing the Death Metal in a safe and standard way -meaning doing it like everyone else- they have produced a little lower than average Death Metal album even though they seem to possess the talent to do a fuck whole lot better. It is disappointing to say the least, especially when they had a good producer to help - and failed still.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 5
Atmosphere: 3
Production: 3
Originality: 1
Overall: 1.5

Rating: 2.7 out of 10

Review by JD on February 5, 2013.

I had been reviewing a whole lot of Death Metal lately, and finding it becoming repetitive and rather weak. Italian based Humangled was another Death Metal band sent for me and I was not very excited at this time. The last few Death metal albums I had reviewed were not stellar outings to say the least, so I was not getting my hopes up.

Taking cues from bands like Carcass and Death, Humangled sets out to play some very straight forward Death Metal of the mid 90's era with a slight injection of Death‘n’Roll in places. The five piece seems very competent musicians by what was being offered on their album "Odd Ethics", yet the music as a whole seems to lack any originality to it... and that is with having the help of the great engineer/multi-instrumentalist by the name of Dan Swano. I think Mr. Swano made this album sort of palatable, but even he could not work any miracles.

Across this extended EP, it comes clear that the band is set in copy mode, giving very little in the way of anything remotely original. They play standard Death Metal quite competently but that is about it as it becomes old very fast in the very first track. Humangled lacks the certain spark that is needed to get it to a place where they can stand out. That spark is developing their own sound and style.

In doing the Death Metal in a safe and standard way -meaning doing it like everyone else- they have produced a little lower than average Death Metal album even though they seem to possess the talent to do a fuck whole lot better. It is disappointing to say the least, especially when they had a good producer to help - and failed still.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 5
Atmosphere: 3
Production: 3
Originality: 1
Overall: 1.5

Rating: 2.7 out of 10