I agree with the reviewer who said that Synth-Pop has killed Goth.

When will people ever realize the they must learn from the past for the present or future to have value. The Cruxshadows only exist because of those who came before them. They do not exist in a vacuum.

I'm so sick and tired of all you kids doing "the goth thing" for a couple years suggesting that this barrage of electronic music is now what comprises Gothic music.

CRUXSHADOWS IS TO GOTH WHAT MCDONALDS IS TO FOOD...VOMIT INDUCING GARBAGE.


"Hear the gears of evolution grinding"   June 13, 2004
 24 out of 25 found this review helpful

The Cruxshadows have been around for a little while, and have thus had time to perfect and hone their musical talent. This newest release shows off how they've evolved as a band, as well as how creative they can be. The Cruxshadows really have revolutionized the trip-hop genre by taking this musical style and molding it to be something entirely their own. They have taken an older, very characteristically 80's sound and added sumptuous layers that reek of eclecticism, but in a good way!

Omnipresent throughout Ethernaut are lushly rich textures complemented by outstanding lyrics and vocals. Aside from the characteristically "trip-hop"/EBM electronic and highly danceable beats, Ethernaut is sprinkled with the gorgeous sounds of violins and guitars. Though this combination seems like it would clash caustically, the Cruxshadows pull it all together quite well into a most delectable treat for the receptive ear.

A lot of the creative talent found in this group stems from Rogue (how very fitting a name for a group such as this), the lead singer/songwriter. His vocals tend to straddle the line between spoken word and singing, and his vocals are backed by the amazing, soaring vocals of both Rachel and Stacey. The lyrics on this album, as tend to be distinctive throughout most of the Cruxshadows works, are the Egyptian/Roman mythology themes. For example, this album covers the battle of Troy. Rogue does an outstanding job of mixing emotional, heart-wrenching lyrics along with history and mythology into a rather enticing and accessible array of danceable, artistic music.

Though this group might not appeal to every fan of trip-hop, or industrial/gothic music because of the fact that they are a slightly different, they do have a lot to offer to those willing to listen. Indeed, some might consider this style of music to be an acquired taste. However, the Cruxshadows do a wonderful job of making trip-hop/industrial/EBM/darkwave (as they really do overlap into all of these genres at various points) music more accessible. If you are new to the genre, or to the Cruxshadows, then this (and/or "Mystery of the Whisper") is a great place to start! This is a band that only continues to get better and better!


It's got Synth-Pop/Techno - but where's the Goth music?   January 28, 2004
 21 out of 42 found this review helpful

All these Synth-Pop/Techno wanna-be Goth bands have completely destroyed the Goth scene forever.

What ever happened to Gothic Rock? When did it turn from something cool to something so lame and predictable? Where's the creativity? All these bands sound alike now. Techno, techno techno, synthpop, synthpop, synthpop. We used to have Goth bands with different sounds within the genre, now all the clubs play this synth-pop and techno stuff, which has absolutely and utterly no relationship with what Goth started out as.

I'm sorry but since I have taste and a sense of history I just can't listen to this drivel.

Lame - boring - repetitive - soulless music


"Angels Never Die" - A View From A Non-Goth   February 28, 2006
 16 out of 16 found this review helpful

I know very little about Goth music, my listening experience of the genre has been limited to 'Dead Can Dance' and 'This Mortal Coil.' However I do know what I like and 'Ethernaut' turned out to be a complete surprise! This is good stuff!!

Cruxshadows darkwave, synthpop sound reminds me of several popular new wave groups from the '80's. The Thompson Twins, The Smiths and Pet Shop Boys immediately came to mind while playing this CD. However they most remind me of Depeche Mode. Being Goth in intent the lyrics are obviously much darker and foreboding, I guess that's where the name darkwave comes into play. All and all a highly entertaining listening experience.


yet another phenominal masterpeice   December 27, 2003
 11 out of 12 found this review helpful

Words cannot fully express just how awesome this album is. It is definitely progress made by the Cruexshadows' limitless talent. Ethernaut is an exquisite, existential exploration. It seems that Rogue's soul has no boundaries, and neither do his lyrics, as well as his haunting voice, with which you will have no choice but to sing and/or dance. Rachel never ceases to impress with her violin, you almost want to join it in it's tears. Chris makes sure that there is plenty of awesome sound effects and beats to keep you wanting more. Stacey puts a lot more backround vocals into this album, which adds a whole new dimension to Ethernaut compared to other albums. I would recommend this album to anyone who loves music. I would also recommend seeing this band live, they are the best live show I have ever seen, and they are always sure to make time to interact with their fans afterwards. If you are buying your first Cruexshadows album, this is definitely a great one to start with!