Music Review: Worlds Collide by Apocalyptica

“Worlds Collide” by Apocalyptica: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

I was browsing around the iTunes store the other day and noticed this album on one of the pages. I was intrigued that this was just about one of the coolest names for a band I’d ever heard, so out of curiousity I wanted to listen to some clips. I was completely blown away. I think I officially have a new favorite band. I must have been living under a rock not to know about this band before. They’re from Finland and really haven’t gotten the exposure they deserve in the U.S. This is the most original band I’ve heard in a long time. The closest comparison I could make might be to compare some of their tracks to “Afterlife” by Avenged Sevenfold. These guys are well studied in Classical music, not afraid to include string instruments, but have a hard metal/rock sound. Guests on the album include Adam Gontier (Three Days Grace), Corey Taylor (Stone Sour/Slipknot), and Dave Lombardo (Slayer). The music brilliantly combines moving melodies with hard, edgy rock, in a deep, layered sound, and it really works. I was emotionally moved by this music. Totally blown away, and it only gets better and better with every listen. If I had to be shipped to a desert island with only one album, make it this one. The album was released in October 2007 and is available on iTunes and other online music stores, as well as enlightened record stores. I could not recommend this album more highly.

Breath of Fire III and Mega Man Legends for the PSP: Canceled

I was extremely disappointed to find out this morning that two of my favorite games on the original Playstation that were in production as PSP remakes have been CANCELED: Breath of Fire III and Mega Man Legends. I have very fond memories of playing these games, especially Breath of Fire III, and I was really excited about these releases. What a great idea it was for them to release these greats again. Lately, I’ve really been enjoying a remake of another Playstation classic: Final Fantasy Tactics and realizing that playing a great game again years later can be even better than the original experience. But, alas, we won’t get that opportunity with these other two worthy games. Meanwhile, we’ve got a real dry spell coming up the rest of this year for the PSP, unless there are some earth shattering announcements at E3. The PSP REALLY needs more games, especially more good games – so the fact that these cancellations occurred is completely baffling. Whoever made the decision needs to be slapped upside the head. I would sure like to see another development studio pick up these projects and complete them PLEASE! That’s probably what it’s going to take for them to ever get finished. The PSP needs more good games, they don’t need to be cancelling projects like these with so much potential.

And by the way, we need a remake of Tactics Ogre from Atlus on the PSP too!