As the Dark Against My Halo

This is a wonderful album. As a long time fan, I am overjoyed that it lives up and exceeds my expectations. Fans will be pleased. Better yet, the sound may appeal to a wide array of people, and expand the fan-base. Give it a try!

A new Cruxshadows CD? YES! I own every CD Rogue has produced, and have driven over 200 miles twice to see him and his band in concert. I've used his music as ongoing inspiration in graphic design and writing fantasy for years, and have found only one other group (Within Temptation) that features such strong archetypes in their work. Rogue said once that some of his music has been inspired by a series of dreams in which angels featured. All I know is that his creations work as doorways through which I can walk, spiritually as well as creatively. He's fun to watch perform too...and gives great hugs. If you know the lyrics to his songs and sing along, he may even sing directly to you on one of his wanderings through the audience at one of his concerts. Thank you, Rogue, for being utterly consistent and holding to your dreams, your faith and your vision for over ten years. Thank you also for your warmth and touching in an often all-too-cold world.

I have a ton of favorite CXS songs. They're one of my absolute favorite bands. Rogue is nothing short of a genius. I can't get enough of their music, never get tired of it. There's always a song to fit a certain mood. To be honest I didn't think my list of favorite CXS songs would grow longer. Obviously, I had no idea what brilliance was about to come. As the Dark Against My Halo is not just one of the best CXS albums ever made, it's one of the best albums PERIOD. I listen to the whole thing straight through, which is difficult these days. Rogue said at the CXS concert at Dragon*Con this year that he believed it was the best work they'd ever done. I completely and utter concur. It is just pure brilliance! Every song is powerful in its own way. The lyrics are just soul-wrenching. The music pounds through the speakers and flows through your body. My favorites are... well, all of them. I adore "Indivisible," especially prominent in my ear because of my newly-engaged status. "Halo" will make you feel empowered, optimistic that you can take on anything. "Valkyrie" makes you feel courageous, and you can almost see the story of the song unfold in your mind. "And I Believe" is short and sweet but Rogue's soaring vocals get you so amped for the album to start (you should have seen him open with this at D*Con, holy cow!). "Burning" is gut-wrenching and desperate. "Quicksilver" is an old favorite, very strong. "Angelus Everlasting" is so beautiful, and every word he's singing he means. I COULD GO ON! But I won't. This album is worth EVERY PENNY and I hope fans and people just stumbling across will buy it and love it. Every band member in the CXS is important, but Rogue just steals the show every time for me. I know that's a no-brainer, but these songs are coming from so deep inside of him, he is a wonderful, beautiful human being, and I will always be such a fan of his work. BUY THE ALBUM!

From "And I Believe" through "Africanus", As The Dark Against My Halo is simply outstanding! Rogue and CSX have outdone themselves on virtually every track. 5 years was a long time for us to go without a new studio release, but it was well worth it. If you're a CSX fan, you should already own this album! If you're on the fence about Cruxshadows, then I highly recommend this album. You won't be disappointed!

They evolve more and more with each album. Another great album. A must have for all Cruxshadows fans old and new.

This album is trite and bland. Sound-wise it's just a watered down repeat of their last several albums and theme-wise it's shallow and pretentious, filled with pseudo intellectualism / introspection. I love CXS, but this is highly disappointing.

My heros when I was just 13 years old and still my heros many years later. I love you CXS!

Angelus Everlasting is SO. GOOD, actually, this entire ALBUM. is good. I couldn't get through listening to the entire thing inside the first few tries because I was so satisfied by the first half of the album I didn't get to the second half. HA. The sound of this album as ever, proves the leaps and bounds this band continually makes in all walks of life. I love you Cruxshadows!

As mentioned by other reviewers, Cruxshadows fans have been waiting five years for a new album. They won't be disappointed! The new songs remind me of why The Cruxshadows are one of my favorite bands. "As the Dark Against My Halo" is mostly electronic-driven, like their previous album. One of my favorite aspects is that with two violinists, there is some beautiful layering, like at the end of "Burning." The album has a good mix of fast, dance-y songs and slower ones. My personal favorites are Burning, Quicksilver, Angelus Everlasting, Sentinel, and Dark Matter. Keep it up, guys!

Bravo!!!! One of the best albums yet!!!