Search - Iris :: Wrath

They're the delivered ones.

R O C K E T | The Twin Cities, MN | 09/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Being an enormous fan of the previous album (Awakening), my expectations for Wrath were astronomical. That is the only reason I felt the slightest bit let down by it initially. However, with each listen I like it more and more (which is exactly how Awakening was for me too) and now I absolutely freakin' love it! It does use significantly more guitars, which may at first seem offputting to synth purists, but soon you realize that those classic Iris melodies are all still there, and in top form, and the guitars don't take away from any of the brilliance. The one track that reigns supreme in my eyes is the wonderful, vengeful "Hell's Coming With Me." It's one of the darker and faster tracks from this album. I love it - it makes me want to go kick the butt of someone who's done me wrong. On the opposite end of the spectrum is my definite least favorite, "Guide On Raging Stars." Sadly, I think the music in this track is beautiful, but vocally it's disappointing - especially the bridge, which is strange and discordant and just doesn't sit right with me. Despite these things, though, I still like the song a lot and wouldn't even consider skipping over it. Other favorites are "No One Left To Lose," "It Generates" (which has an awesome, slightly creepy sampled outro that's one of my favorite moments), "Appetite," "Intercede Light," and the touching closing track, "Delivered One," which is musically reminiscent of Radiohead or even Death Cab for Cutie. The former three seem like the most obvious choices for singles, but the album really is great from beginning to end. It has much more consistency or flow than Awakening (which is neither a bad thing nor a good thing). I loved the diversity on Awakening, but I like that Wrath is somewhat thematic - almost conceptual. For those familiar with Iris, Wrath will not disappoint in the end. For those new to Iris, you NEED to own both Wrath and Awakening. Classics to the last drop. Iris is at the very top of their game, right alongside (and possibly even surpassing) genre-mates De/Vision, Mesh, Camouflage, and of course the one that started it all: Depeche Mode."

A TRUE FIVE STAR MASTERPIECE

David Michael Gettis | BERGEN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY | 11/05/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Iris' third album, Wrath, proves the band is here to stay for the long run. It is their best album yet, with a coherent, edgier feel, yet it still maintains true excellence in melody. The album can be listened to straight through without skipping a song. They're all great. My favorites are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8, but they're all great. Track 8 is their edgiest/roughest track ever produced, and I love it. When Reagan sings, "Ain't gonnnna beeee pretttty!" it's sick. Awesome. There's no point going into the album song for song, because they're all standouts. Once again, a true five star masterpiece of lushness, melody, maturity, great vocals, edge, and a spirit that's TRUE. You believe it. Nothing fakely produced. The album is REAL and it grabs hold and never lets go, stirring deep emotions within. With this album, they prove further to me that they're currently the best in their genre. If you love this CD, also check out Cause and Effect, Mesh, Michigan, Wideband Network, Strange Angels, Camouflage, Null Device, De/Vision, Infam, Distain!, and Beborn Beton."

Very good album

Orlock | Ottawa,Canada | 05/31/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After waiting about 2 years for a new album , it does not disappoint! After listening to this album I have to say that it continues right where Awakening left off. Wrath is more edgier with added guitars to the music. I would love to see a re-mix album of Wrath done by Iris , however with SYNTHS ONLY PLEASE!"