Scars of the Vladimirs - A Retrospective Best of '97 - '05 by The Vladimirs

A best of album for one of my favorite bandsbradd wrote on June 08, 2007

A best of album for one of my favorite bands, The Vladimirs has been released via Blood and Guts Records. "Scars of The Vladimirs" is a best of-retrospective of the band's diabolically dark musical creations from the years 1997 through 2005. The songs vary from the band's debut self titled album to their most recent release 'The Odds Are Against Us'. There are also other surprises like an unreleased version of "Desolation Angels" and the songs "Cannibal Campout" and "If the Boots Fit" that are featured on the very rare Vlads album 'Hits and Near Misses'. I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical because whenever there's a tribute album or a 'best of' album, as true, hardcore fans, we are very judgmental to what songs are on the album. All I can say is this album has the perfect variety of songs. There were some songs I was surprised to see on here and others I was surprised that weren't on here; but in the end, I couldn't have hand picked the tracks any better. Songs featured from the 1997 debut album are: "Midnight Rendezvous" "Can't Come Around Here No More" "My Black Van" "Grave Girl" "Transylvania Dream" "I Saw You at the Drive-In" "Never Too Late…" **Their debut album is perfect in almost every way (with the exception of the production/sound quality). With this album it was almost like a new genre of music was introduced to me and for that, I am forever grateful. Every song they used from this album is a favorite or in close second as one. My favorites from this list would be "My Black Van" and "I Saw You at the Drive-In". They're both classic Vladimirs songs. Songs featured from the 1997 "So Fine Concubine" e.p. are: "Alyssa Is a Graverobber" **The second album released in 1997 by The Vladimirs. A 10 track e.p. featuring 4 live tracks and two covers- Twisted Sister's "Ride to Live, Live to Ride" and the Undead's "Evening of Desire". While 'Alyssa' isn't the best track on the album, it's still a damn good tune. Songs featured from the 1998 "Night Gallery" album are: "Deadman's Highway" "Angel in Black" "Give Me Dead Love" "Doom's Day Eve" **This is without any doubt the band's finest album (until the release of 'The Odds') and is extremely dark and raw and its sound served as a venom that seeped deep into the souls of those who listened to it. "Deadman's Highway" could be my favorite Vladimirs song of all time. Every horror rock fan should own this album. Songs featured from the 2004 release "The Odds Are Against Us" are: "My Love Will Haunt You" "In The Veins" "Nekromantik" "Lost Along the Way" "Waste of Flesh" "Near Miss" "Scarred Heart" "Her Black Hearse" "Desolation Angels"-previously unreleased version **This is one of my favorite albums of all time. Every song from this album is a gem and so many of the songs hold a special place in my heart. The darkest lyrics and best overall music are on this album. There's a good reason why a little less than half of this retrospective album features song from 'Odds'. The alternative version of "Desolation Angels" is great! The song has a demo version feel to it, but the guitar solo is different and absolutely amazing. It's a prime example of why Brian Day is one of my favorite guitar players. This album is an hour and fourteen minutes of the best music there is out there right now. Most of the time, 'best of' albums are mediocre, but this truly is the perfect album to honor one of the top horror rock bands and one of my personal favorites bands. I know the band is currently working on a new album entitled "Serpent Girl" and have undergone a lineup change where long time drummer (of 9 years) Ash Thomas (he's an amazing drummer) left and has been replaced by Eric Tuffendsam (formerly of Rufio). I wish Ash the best in his future endeavors and Eric the best of luck as the new drummer of the Vlads. If you're a fan of gritty, saw-to-the-bone horror rock with some of the best musicianship you can experience, this would be a perfect album for you. Even if you've only heard one or two Vladimirs songs, this is probably the best way get to know the band and their talents. Do yourself a favor and get this album. Even if you get it and only like one or two songs, it'll be more than worth it. Reviewed by TJ@ BlackAngelPromotions

Review this album and get 1 Karma Point