SWITCHBLADE and CRUXSHADOWS

Corpsey · 08-04-2007, 12:07 AM

If you listen to much Dark Wave, then you might have heard of these two bands, Switchblade Symphony and Cruxshadows. Instead of a dorky face off like Korn and Disturbed, how about... seeing which one of these Dark Wave bands in a competition?

Myself, I'd say Switchblade Symphony. I have yet to buy an album of theirs, but the songs of theirs I've heard are just glorious and rather experimental. Cruxshadows certainly gets plenty of kudos, but I love the two dollish women that put together Switchblade Symphony.

Beneath the Shadows · 08-04-2007, 12:14 AM

The Cruxshadows. Switchblade Symphony is good, they definitely have some talent, but a lot of their stuff ends up sounding like the same thing, over and over. Whereas with the Cruxshadows, the style remains consistent (per album) but each song is definitely unique.

To be fair, though, I've listened to just about everything the Cruxshadows have put out, but only one album by Switchblade Symphony.

KontanKarite · 08-04-2007, 03:01 AM

Cruxshadows. Eye of the Storm brings me to tears every single time. By far my most favorite band, so I'm biased.

I honestly haven't given Switchblade a listen to. I probably should though, especially if you think they can compete with CXS.

TopHaggardDoll · 08-04-2007, 03:28 AM

My boyfriend is seeing The Cruxshadows live soon....I'M NOT! *jealousy*

I love that band, they're amazing. I don't get why they have random female dancers for no reason though. It's like Slipknot...with their 4 useless members.....well...bad example....Slipknot is just one big useless member. You get what I mean though.

Beneath the Shadows · 08-04-2007, 03:33 AM

The dancers are there to help act out the theme of each song. And so look pretty.

delicti · 08-04-2007, 04:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KontanKarite

I honestly haven't given Switchblade a listen to. I probably should though, especially if you think they can compete with CXS.

Make sure you pick up Serpentine Gallery, it's their classic.

Corpsey · 08-04-2007, 05:00 AM

I was just about to point out that album, I'm currently trying to track down a copy of the Deluxe Edition.

I'd suggest searching for the songs "Clown", "Dollhouse", "Blue", "Gutter Glitter", "Witches" and "Rain" if you just want samples. Clown and Blue are my favourites.

Beneath the Shadows · 08-04-2007, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corpsey

I was just about to point out that album, I'm currently trying to track down a copy of the Deluxe Edition.

I myself have only seen it at one location... the Virgin Megastore on Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA.

(If you can find your way to Hollywood and Highland, it's within a couple minute's walk.)

delicti · 08-04-2007, 05:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corpsey

Myself, I'd say Switchblade Symphony. I have yet to buy an album of theirs, but the songs of theirs I've heard are just glorious and rather experimental. Cruxshadows certainly gets plenty of kudos, but I love the two dollish women that put together Switchblade Symphony.

Switchblade Symphony's album "Serpentine Gallery" took 5 years to make, and it is a masterpiece. The Drool EP is alright, and nothing after that really does anything for me.

The Cruxshadows' album "Telemetry of A Fallen Angel" is actually pretty good, although most people my age think it's shite. Everything after that is a slow decent into house and techno, and doesn't belong anywhere near a goth or industrial club, despite the popular opinion.

I'd Switchblade Symphony, because they at least had the good sense to break up before selling out (Tina Root's new stuff... blech); the Cruxshadows seemed intent on it from the onset. I saw The Cruxshadows during the Love & Tragedy tour, and Rogue was already acting like a rock star. I'm sorry, but part of the reason I'm in this scene is I don't have to put up with head-up-the-ass rock star types.

I guess you could argue that Switchblade Symphony is Darkwave (it's about as good a label as any), but the Cruxshadows have been new style EBM for quite some time.

Aaroneet · 08-04-2007, 05:12 AM

In a face off, I might have to say that the Cruxshadows would win over Switchblade Symphony simply because their music seems to be done in a way that the listener can connect with more easily. Their more likely to have a bigger fan base, and possibly do.

delicti · 08-04-2007, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corpsey

I was just about to point out that album, I'm currently trying to track down a copy of the Deluxe Edition.

What's on the deluxe edition? Hopefully some rarities, or something to make it worth it?

Corpsey · 08-04-2007, 05:40 AM

Absolutely, apparently (according to Happy Dude who owns the fucker) there are several bloody rare tracks on there, including my favourite, Blue.

Dee dee dee dee dee dee dee dee. Dee dee dee dee dee dee dee dee. Dee dee dee dee dee dee dee dee. Dee dee dee dee dee dee dee dee.

I had no idea that the album took 5 years to make. The moment I am able to pull in a stable income I must get it.

Nitocris · 08-04-2007, 06:19 AM

I love Switchblade Symphony. I have to admit, I've only ever heard one Cruxshadows song, and while I enjoyed it I wasn't extremely impressed. Would you guys recommend their best, most mind-blowingly awesome songs to me?

delicti · 08-04-2007, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nitocris

I love Switchblade Symphony. I have to admit, I've only ever heard one Cruxshadows song, and while I enjoyed it I wasn't extremely impressed. Would you guys recommend their best, most mind-blowingly awesome songs to me?

Well, mind-blowing songs by the Cruxshadows, I cannot recommend, as there really are none available. However, I remember these being dancefloor classics at one point:

Marilyn, My Bitterness
Monsters
Hanged Man

Their new dancefloor classics attracts people with rainbow tights and glowsticks, so you won't see them on my setlists, that's for sure.

Corpsey · 08-04-2007, 07:08 AM

Dragonfly, Deception, Foreverlast, Siren Song, Winterborn are my Cruxshadows favourites. I prefer the classical version of Winterborne though, not the electronic version of it. Much more vibrant and energetic, if that is what you are after. It's really the only song I can think of that might blow you away.

Vyvian Blackthorne · 08-04-2007, 07:40 AM

Good goth...I think this is a bit ironic. I always felt Switchblade Symphony were the Cruxshadows in 1996 or years ago; but CXS kind of took their spotlight. I personally like them equally.

Oh, and I guess I'd say the Cruxshadows. They've accomplished a bit more. But I must credit Switchblade for something: I may be discovered for saying this, but they actually got Drac into goth rock in the first place. So I definetly think our scene needs that band. Alot.
Goth Forever
Goth Forever
Goth Forever

honeythorn · 08-04-2007, 08:40 AM

I cannot choose. I love both. Gutter glitter is probably my favourite Switchblade song, and ....Oh gods I can't choose a CxS one!

badteccy · 08-04-2007, 08:42 AM

MUCH LOVE for Switchblade Symphony...they were the door for my love of Darkwave.

Velvet_Mansfield · 08-04-2007, 08:55 AM

If I have to pick one, I guess I'll go with the Cruxshadows simply because I've heard more of their songs. I really love them both though.

KontanKarite · 08-04-2007, 10:02 AM

I would reccomend, mainly for the message, is Winterborn and Eye of the Storm. Maybe even Happy Birthday.

What draws me to CXS so much is not that they're "underground" or obscure, but they're rather upbeat for a "goth" group and the lyrics are just amazing.

DeathChii · 08-04-2007, 11:18 AM

I love 'em both but I'd have to say switchblade comes on top. Only because I am a fan of female vocals =P

Beneath the Shadows · 08-04-2007, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KontanKarite

I would reccomend, mainly for the message, is Winterborn and Eye of the Storm. Maybe even Happy Birthday.

What draws me to CXS so much is not that they're "underground" or obscure, but they're rather upbeat for a "goth" group and the lyrics are just amazing.

I wonder... how can CSX be considered "underground" when they're one of the biggest names in the scene?

KontanKarite · 08-04-2007, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beneath the Shadows

I wonder... how can CSX be considered "underground" when they're one of the biggest names in the scene?

You're right. I didn't articulate my point very well. They aren't obscure at all. They aren't really underground. Yes, mainstream wise, they're underground. But they're NOT.

So that wasn't really my point on why I love them so in the first place. But that last bit on my post probably wasn't very clear. I was mainly eluding to the common idea that goth had to be extremely obscure and underground for extra goth points.

MIRON · 08-04-2007, 12:17 PM

They both had very promising beginnigs and both had their moments in the sun (or I guess in their case I should say "in the moon"). SWITCHBLADE just lost it alot faster than the CRUXSHADOWS did. Bottom-line is, I wouldn't buy a new SWITCHBLADE album but I might buy a new CRUXSHADOWS. Neither band, however, sounds all that original anymore.

Godslayer Jillian · 08-04-2007, 12:41 PM

The Cruxshadows are the best darkwave band of all.
Then it's Diary of Dreams in my opinion.
And then it's Switchblade Symphony.