Celtic Frost Album: “Vanity/Nemesis”

I have a somewhat unique experience with Celtic Frost. My first exposure to them was when I bought this album waaaay back when I was in high school. 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.

I'll keep it short. So many have avoided this simply because it came after the misfire of "Cold Lake". 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.

THE DVD DID NOT ARRIVE IN THE CONDITION THAT WAS DESCRIBED WHEN I ORDERED IT WHEN IT ARRIVED I OPENED IT AND IT WAS ALL SCRTCHED UP AND IT KEPT SKIPPING ON EVERY OTHER SONG, THANX FOR NOTHIN.

Forget 'Cold Lake', the Frost is back grunting and groaning, with heavy and catchy tunes. The heart beneath and the wings of solitude are standouts but the whole album is good-get it!

While "Vanity/Nemesis" may be far from being Celtic Frost's best effort, it is surprisingly good, considering the fact that it followed the infamous "Cold Lake" album. There is some faster thrash-style material on this album, as well as the more groove-oriented stuff Celtic Frost was occasionally known for (think "Procreation of the Wicked" and "Babylon Fell"). The songs are strong overall, with more emphasis on melody than the earlier albums. Unfortunately, Tom's vocals are not quite as strong on this one, and it brings the album down a bit. Overall, this album is really for the Celtic Frost completist, who already owns the classic earlier material, and wishes to complete his/her collection. Buy the old stuff first, and then give this hidden treasure a try!