'Alternate Endings' becomes the first compilation to ever impress this writer!
Compilation CDs, a word that would normally make me shudder. Be it the latest Trend-Core bands on the front cover of a CD, or be it 'Now 42' and the rest of the chart prattle that usually comes out, compilations usually have little to offer me in terms of enjoyment. 'Alternate Endings' however is a different beast, as a genuine showcase of a unique and varied mix of bands, with no real bad songs on offer, this is a compilation CD I can see myself listening to again!
We certainly get an eclectic mix of music on this CD, opening with 'The X-Stream' from French-Canadian Metallers Voivod we would be forgiven for thinking we might be in for a CD of the style of progressive punky metal that Voivod espouse, but no, this is soon followed by the chilled-out meanderings of 'The Shortest Day' from The Gathering's latest album 'Home', which is again contrasted with the inclusion of Swedish death metal band Dissection and their song 'Starless Aeon'. As a sampler of everything on offer from The End records (alongside Mascot, Osmose and Unrule Sounds) this CD definately works, theirs a wide variety of artists on show and if you like anything which include the word 'Metal' their is undoubtedly something that'll take your fancy on this CD. As a unified listening experience however it doesn't really work, which is pretty much inherent to the type of CD it is, the switching between so many and so different styles of metal makes it a rather disorientating experience, you find you've just got into the style of a band before you're switched away to something entirely different. '
Alternate Endings', true to its name, also offers alternate cuts of several songs such as 'Neonate' by Giant Squid or 'Falling Snow' by Agollach, whilst I haven't heard the originals of these songs and therefore cannot comment on how different, or how good they are in relation to the originals, I am sure that they provide something of interest to fans of the band. Compilation CDs are a pretty common occurrence, but it is little touches like this that makes 'Alternate Endings' interesting and puts it a touch above the rest.
This CD certainly got me interested, and it's fulfilled its expected purpose on me as their is a rather eclectic little outfit called Unexpected with their song 'Megalomaniac Trees' which I shall certainly be looking into... and hopefully this CD will offer something new for anyone else who cares to give it a listen. If you're willing to sift through a few so-so and average bands and look for the real gems, 'Alternate Endings' will provide