Chiodos - Bone Palace Ballet

[Drew Beringer]

Chiodos – Bone Palace Ballet
Release Date: September 4, 2007
Record Label: Equal Vision

Each major company has a flagship product. Nike has their Air Jordan line, Apple is more popular than ever thanks to the iPod, and when you think McDonalds, you think Big Mac. Well, comparatively speaking, Chiodos’ second album, Bone Palace Ballet, is Equal Vision’s flagship album of 2007. With their debut album, 2005’s All’s Well That Ends Well, selling over 100k (which caused a re-issue of said album in 2006) and being one of the most popular bands on this year’s circuit of the Warped Tour, Equal Vision has big plans involving Chiodos taking over.

Produced by Casey Bates (Gatsby’s American Dream, Fear Before The March Of Flames), Bone Palace Ballet is shorter than the debut, therefore making the album much easier to digest, as All’s Well tended to get on the repetitive side after a while. The piano is also much more of a focal point on Ballet, carrying many tracks including the ballad “Intensity In Ten Cities.”

But the high-powered vocals and guitar work are still very present throughout the album. Beginning with a few heavy breaths from vocalist Craig Owens, “Is It Progression If A Cannibal Uses A Fork?” kicks off the album with a titillating piano sequence and machine gun drumming until the guitars kick in with Owens’ high-pitched wail. “Bulls Make Money, Bears Make Money, Pigs Get Slaughtered” has a waltzy undertone to it and features guests vocals from Jesse Korman (The Number 12 Looks Like You) and Nick Martin (Underminded). “A Letter From Janelle” is emotionally heavy, while “I Didn’t Say I Was Powerful, I Said I Was A Wizard” is a fast paced track taking aim at the band’s critics.

“Teeth The Size Of Piano Keys” is a swift kick in the scrotum, as Owens’ screaming dominates the intro. The song is unrelenting throughout, with Owens’ proclaiming that “there was no living creature as foul as I/and all my poems were false.” The orchestration displayed in “Life Is A Perception Of Your Own Reality” adds a different element to Chiodos’ sound, and “If I Cut My Hair, Hawaii Will Sink” is vintage Chiodos. The aforementioned “Intensity In Ten Cities” is all piano, and sets up the closing track beautifully. Martin joins Owens on vocals again in pulse-pounding “The Undertaker’s Thirst For Revenge Is Unquenchable (The Final Battle).” It closes out the album in dramatic style, as it is the hardest track on the album. The only flaw is the cheesy poetry recited by Owens at the very end. It does not deter from the final track, though, as it finishes out Bone Palace Ballet on a high note.

Unless you were born yesterday, it is fairly obvious that Chiodos is not a favorite of the majority of users on the site. Whether it be their image, their sudden rise to popularity, their ridiculous song titles, or people being sick of the genre, they are a band many love to hate. Yes sometimes the lyrics are little cliché, and to be honest, Bone Palace Ballet will not change opinions, as it is a progression from All’s Well That Ends Well. But Chiodos does the genre well, fusing harmony with chaos that very few bands can pull off, plus Owen's vocals are fantastic. Chiodos have only begun to take over the world, but Bone Palace Ballet is a nice step in that direction.

Track Listing:
1. Is It Progression If a Cannibal Uses a Fork? - 3:26
2. Lexington (Joey Pea-Pot with a Monkey Face) - 5:22
3. Bulls Make Money, Bears Make Money, Pigs Get Slaughtered - 3:28
4. A Letter from Janelle - 3:16
5. I Didn't Say I Was Powerful, I Said I Was a Wizard - 4:09
6. Teeth the Size of Piano Keys - 3:23
7. Life Is a Perception of Your Own Reality - 3:46
8. If I Cut My Hair, Hawaii Will Sink - 2:23
9. Intensity in Ten Cities - 4:34
10. The Undertaker's Thirst for Revenge Is Unquenchable (The Final Battle) - 4:37
Produced by: Casey Bates

Chiodos are:
Craigery Owens: Vocals
Radley Bell: Keyboards
Pat McManaman: Rhythm guitar
Matt Goddard: Bass guitar
Jason Hale: Lead guitar
Derrick Frost: Drums

Official Website (http://www.chiodos.net); Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/chiodos)

[Drew Beringer]

Haha, I am so excited for all the shit I'm gonna get! Good thing I'm used to it.

[TheDemosRock]

Great review. Love this band, really like the record.

[Tom Good]

I think it's a good review Drew. I saw a bunch of kids at Best Buy today grabbing copies left and right. Weird. I haven't given it a good listen yet, but I liked the music of the last album.

[MasonR5]

based on the songs i've heard so far, i'd definitely give it a better score than 81, but that's just me.

probably gonna go pick this up later today.

[princesschad]

Great band.

[Thug_Nasty]

i didnt even realized this came out today. im going to best buy after school to pick up my copy.

but only 10 songs? im going to pissed if they have a re-issue with more songs in about a year.

[zafran27]

best cd of the summer

[Winnie the Pooh]

lollllllll "craigery"

[Praetor]

There are some decent songs on this CD, just like the last one, but it's just too full bad ones for me to give it higher rating than a 70%. Solid review.

[Jason Tate]

I do not have enough thumbs to point downward.

[Blake Solomon]

i had never heard band before Warped this year, but i didn't much like what I experienced then. Good review, though.

[Fades2Black]

Good Cd and a fair review

[irthesteve]

sweet review, i am stoked to get it today

[TheArdentLove]

I've listened to about five songs so far and I like it. A step up from their debut. Nice review!

[Drew Beringer]

lollllllll "craigery"
I lol'd at it too, that's how it's printed in the booklet, so I went with it haha

[mjfitzge]

like the reviewer said, i understand why people don't like them.

but i do, and i'm looking forward to getting the cd after work.

[Drew Beringer]

I do not have enough thumbs to point downward.
http://www.sunsettheatre.com/images/crankybob.jpg

[traumalikerain]

The only songs that are good are the ones they put on the internet before: Is It Progression if a Cannibal Uses a Fork?, Teeth The Size of Piano Keys, and The Undertaker's Thirst For Revenge Is Unquenchable (The Final Battle). All the other songs sound like his other band cinematic sunrise, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's just not for me.

[Steve Henderson]

Chiodos’ second album, Bone Palace Ballet, is Equal Vision’s flagship album of 2007
Ummm...ever heard of a little band named Circa Survive?

[Loveisa4lttrwrd]

I just realized how pointless a "pre-order" of this album was. I did the whole shirt deal at Warped but instead of getting it earlier, like I anticipated, yesterday was a holiday. Therefore making it impossible for me to get it because the post doesn't' run on holidays. So, now instead of simply purchasing it at Best Buy I have to wait until the mail lady makes it to my house. Everyone else gets to hear this before me.

[tonighttonight0]

good review. i love this album

[corybarker]

Good review Drew. Would have given it a similar score.

But I'm still pissed that there is only 10 tracks.

[Kurt Retenauer]

you don't deserve shit for it.. it was a great review. it came off as unbiased which is more than anyone can ask for.

[dustyfloors]

All releases today got put on the backburner because of the office season 3 dvd.
This will have to wait until next week.

[ontheeverglow]

The only songs that are good are the ones they put on the internet before: Is It Progression if a Cannibal Uses a Fork?, Teeth The Size of Piano Keys, and The Undertaker's Thirst For Revenge Is Unquenchable (The Final Battle). All the other songs sound like his other band cinematic sunrise, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's just not for me.

wrong

the only song that sounds even remotely like cinematic sunrise is "...wizard"

[ontheeverglow]

The production on their album before this one was absolutely horrendous, thank god they stepped it up this time.


The new album is fantastic and the strings in a bunch of the songs really adds a feel of epic-ness to the tracks. Much, MUCH better than "All's Wells.."

[huntingbears]

i fthink the string arrangements are cheesy, same with some of the piano lines.
And the lyrics are very sub-par, even compared to all's well
I just feel like they are gonna be the new hot topic/from first to last/mallcore-type band.

I don't really like this cd but it could just be that i just grew out of them.
I mean all of my friends enjoy it, and i guess it is a solid chiodos release.

[grizbo]

Stoked. Nice review.

[Drew Beringer]

Ummm...ever heard of a little band named Circa Survive?
Chiodos will sell more, Steve. When EVR's director of media and publicity includes a hand written note in the package he sent me exclaiming how much he loves this album, it tells me a lot.

[MasonR5]

i don't understand how people think Craig Owens' vocals are annoying but LOVE Anthony Green's voice.

[inCinerate.1028]

i rly like the album. teeth the size of piano keys is by far the best song.

[werealldudes19]

All's Well Ends Well > Bone Palace Ballet
good review though

[Steve Henderson]

Chiodos will sell more, Steve. When EVR's director of media and publicity includes a hand written note in the package he sent me exclaiming how much he loves this album, it tells me a lot.
No way in hell (I hope).

What does that have to do with sales anyway?

[werealldudes19]

it just seems to lack the edge that all's well had.
maybe I was wanting something a little more hXc haha

[Praetor]

i don't understand how people think Craig Owens' vocals are annoying but LOVE Anthony Green's voice.
Listen to the opening vocals in "Is It Progression If...?," then compare it to Ant's voice in "The Greatest Lie." Also, listen to both of their live voices, without all the studio magic to help.

Answer: Anthony is by far the superior vocalist. I don't hate Craig, though; I would give him about a seven.

[Bruycker]

i don't understand how people think Craig Owens' vocals are annoying but LOVE Anthony Green's voice.

It's a different genre, Craig's voice is flat out and without feeling, Anthony does it with more feeling(Chorus we're all thieves). That's how it sounds to me

[Bruycker]

and on topic
I won't check this cd out.
I loved the last one but I really grew out of this kind of music...

[Praetor]

and on topic
I won't check this cd out.
I loved the last one but I really grew out of this kind of music...
Even though I didn't particularly care for it, I would encourage you to give it a listen; it's very different from their debut.

[Drew Beringer]

No way in hell (I hope).

What does that have to do with sales anyway?
Nothing it's two different points. The folks at EVR are stoked on this record, and this will outsell Circa Survive.

[themostdeplete]

Ummm...ever heard of a little band named Circa Survive?

they will not sell more records than chiodos.

Listen to the opening vocals in "Is It Progression If...?," then compare it to Ant's voice in "The Greatest Lie." Also, listen to both of their live voices, without all the studio magic to help.

Answer: Anthony is by far the superior vocalist. I don't hate Craig, though; I would give him about a seven.

you gotta be fucking kidding me. anthony green is a great studio vocalist, but his live vocal talent is fucking pathetic. he'd rather be spazzing out and flailing his arms and neck, or creating impromptu lyrics than trying to sing on key. he's just lucky he is a great frontman and has a shit load of hype.

craig would dominate anthony green in a singing contest any fucking day. he can do low growls and the high falsettos, and just has a better range in general.

[...generic...]

Drew were you drunk when you wrote this....haha

[Steve Henderson]

Nothing it's two different points. The folks at EVR are stoked on this record, and this will outsell Circa Survive.
I would still be surprised if it did...that would mean a very good opening week.

[Praetor]

they will not sell more records than chiodos.



you gotta be fucking kidding me. anthony green is a great studio vocalist, but his live vocal talent is fucking pathetic. he'd rather be spazzing out and flailing his arms and neck, or creating impromptu lyrics than trying to sing on key. he's just lucky he is a great frontman and has a shit load of hype.

craig would dominate anthony green in a singing contest any fucking day. he can do low growls and the high falsettos, and just has a better range in general.
:shrug: Most the videos I've seen of Ant haven't been perfect or anything, but they've all been pretty solid (see: most recent AOL Sessions.) And even my best friend, who has called this album his AOTY (hahaha) and has seen Chiodos live twice has admitted that Craig is a pretty poor vocalist.

[Steve Henderson]

you gotta be fucking kidding me. anthony green is a great studio vocalist, but his live vocal talent is fucking pathetic.
False.

[Drew Beringer]

I would still be surprised if it did...that would mean a very good opening week.
All's Well That Ends Well did very well.

[The_New_Cancer]

Freaking love this CD. Been listening to it non-stop for a few days now. Every song on it's great, but "Wizard..." is just a bit strange. There's something off about that song. Dunno what though. *shrug*

Great review though.

[c234567892]

I think the only thing I really hate about this album is the cover.
Overall the songs are pretty good. I'd still rather listen to Alls Well, or their really early stuff off of The Best Way To Ruin Your Life or The Heartless Control Everything, which I still think is their best stuff.

and, Anthony>Craig
Circa>Chiodos

[mr chainsaw]

The vocals were terrible when I saw them live. Some neat music though.

[AEast317]

still havent listened to it, gonna give it a listen on the way to class

[SemiFict10n]

Good reveiw, I can't get the CD until Friday though =(.

[Bruycker]

Even though I didn't particularly care for it, I would encourage you to give it a listen; it's very different from their debut.

I'll think about it!

[ACA]

Note to bands:

It's not "progressing" just because you slow down your riffs and layer them with "interesting" chord progressions. Chiodos is a band that thrives on their heavier, fast sound. When they slow down it doesn't work, at all.

I wouldn't ever argue that Chiodos is doing anything incredible with music, but at least All's Well That Ends Well (and especially a lot of their Bros-era songs) were fast and fun.

-ACA

[demondays524]

i'm listening to it now
it's great so far :D

[iandestructable]

i'm popping my knuckles and doing wrist excercises in preparation for the metal fingers this cd will force out of me.

[themostdeplete]

False.

false? or it's a fucking opinion. i've seen them 4 times and anthony green has failed to impress me as a vocalist. i think a lot of people get sidetracked by the fact that he is an amazing performer, but a piss-poor live vocalist. he changes the lyrics constantly, decides to not sing certain lines, fails to hit high notes, etc etc.

[themostdeplete]

:shrug: Most the videos I've seen of Ant haven't been perfect or anything, but they've all been pretty solid (see: most recent AOL Sessions.) And even my best friend, who has called this album his AOTY (hahaha) and has seen Chiodos live twice has admitted that Craig is a pretty poor vocalist.

the reason the aol sessions sound so good is cause anthony is probably sitting still, not flailing around.

and i dont know, the few times i've seen chiodos, craig was spot on vocally.

[helpme364]

this album fucking sucked. one of the biggest disappointments of 2007.

[Praetor]

the reason the aol sessions sound so good is cause anthony is probably sitting still, not flailing around.

and i dont know, the few times i've seen chiodos, craig was spot on vocally.
I definitely agree that Ant sounds better when he's sitting down and can't flail...but I don't think that changes my opinion that Ant sounds great without studio magic. Oh, well, agree to disagree? Haha.

[xerovision1]

weak cd :\

[bankrom]

I think it's a good review Drew. I saw a bunch of kids at Best Buy today grabbing copies left and right. Weird. I haven't given it a good listen yet, but I liked the music of the last album.

I agree with that. I would listen to the record twice as much if I could somehow get "Craigery's" vocals out of the mix. They're ok, but the music is much more enjoyable (for me).

i didnt even realized this came out today. im going to best buy after school to pick up my copy.

but only 10 songs? im going to pissed if they have a re-issue with more songs in about a year.

Get ready to be pissed.... you know it's gonna happen.

I do not have enough thumbs to point downward.

Seven?

Note to bands:

It's not "progressing" just because you slow down your riffs and layer them with "interesting" chord progressions. Chiodos is a band that thrives on their heavier, fast sound. When they slow down it doesn't work, at all.

I wouldn't ever argue that Chiodos is doing anything incredible with music, but at least All's Well That Ends Well (and especially a lot of their Bros-era songs) were fast and fun.

-ACA


I agree with that.

[Clark]

I won't be buying this album until they change the title, artwork, and song titles.
false? or it's a fucking opinion.
No, it's false.

[Daniel Thompson]

I do not have enough thumbs to point downward.

I'm with you...

[Daniel Thompson]

i regret ever pre-ordering this album.

[ACA]

i'm popping my knuckles and doing wrist excercises in preparation for the metal fingers this cd will force out of me.

Um what

[aolsux]

the album's isn't bad, but Owens should fuck Chiodos and focus on Cinematic Sunrise. The two demo sampler I received from Warped shits all over the Boner Palace

[valoo]

where is the black earth tiger review

[turncoat93]

the album's isn't bad, but Owens should fuck Chiodos and focus on Cinematic Sunrise. The two demo sampler I received from Warped shits all over the Boner Palace

haha boner palace
that made me lol

[Co and Ca]

If I had a vagina, then maybe, MAYBE, I would like this band.

[themostdeplete]

I won't be buying this album until they change the title, artwork, and song titles.

No, it's false.

nope. still an opinion. eat a dick.

Um what

- ACA

[themostdeplete]

I definitely agree that Ant sounds better when he's sitting down and can't flail...but I don't think that changes my opinion that Ant sounds great without studio magic. Oh, well, agree to disagree? Haha.

i just wanna say that for a 14-year-old, you sure put some users of this website to shame. congrats on not being a completely obnoxious moron. :buddies:

[Take Heart]

Oh man, that guitarist has a fucking sick name. Pat Mcmanaman? That has to be a stage name, it is too cool to be real.

[ArTkY_]

I've only given it one listen, but I can't say I'm impressed. I think my music tastes have changed a lot over the last two years. Definitely not a bad album, I'd give it around a 7.

[mattybobviously]

Tried to listen to it twice... just couldn't get that far into it.

[bowarrowapple]

i loveee chiodos, but first spin i think its kinda weak. there is so little focus on the instruments, theres a ton of keys now and vocals, and instruments they wont play live. i personally think this is a cinematic cd craig wanted to release. i think i will eventually love it, but i think their next cd will be pretty heavy.

[Praetor]

i just wanna say that for a 14-year-old, you sure put some users of this website to shame. congrats on not being a completely obnoxious moron. :buddies:
Hahaha, thanks.

[boykosaurus]

i fthink the string arrangements are cheesy, same with some of the piano lines.
And the lyrics are very sub-par, even compared to all's well
I just feel like they are gonna be the new hot topic/from first to last/mallcore-type band.

I don't really like this cd but it could just be that i just grew out of them.
I mean all of my friends enjoy it, and i guess it is a solid chiodos release.

ha! mallcore...perfect

[boykosaurus]

:shrug: Most the videos I've seen of Ant haven't been perfect or anything, but they've all been pretty solid (see: most recent AOL Sessions.) And even my best friend, who has called this album his AOTY (hahaha) and has seen Chiodos live twice has admitted that Craig is a pretty poor vocalist.

I've seen chiodos three times...each time the band rocked and craig blew most of the time

[AEast317]

after first listen i like it.

[Blake Solomon]

Hahaha, thanks.



i bet you never get tired of the "boy genius" comments!

[Dan CiTi]

I kind of hate this band, but the music itself isn't too bad usually.

[MyWorldEntire]

After my first spin, I must say this sounds pure genius. Even when they slow things down, they still kick ass.

[newfoundmichael]

Haha, I am so excited for all the shit I'm gonna get! Good thing I'm used to it.


Haha, I'm a pretty big Chiodos fan and this disapointed the hell out of me. I thought it was a good review and a decent score. (I would give it something in the low 70's high 60's).

[Dan CiTi]

Wait, this music is slowed down from the last album? Then I'm not even downloading it then.

[kbauer]

Bone Palace Ballet[/i] will not change opinions, as it is a progression from All’s Well That Ends Well. But Chiodos does the genre well, fusing harmony with chaos that very few bands can pull off.

Perfect way of summing up Chiodos. Im sure a few people have posted a reply like this before but it's so weird remembring Craig from Chiodos Brothers in the southeast Michigan scene and rising all the way up to the status theyre at commercially. Just weird to me but I like it, nomatter how absolutely trashy and skanky their main fanbase has become.

[Praetor]

i bet you never get tired of the "boy genius" comments!
Haha, I know, I'm an attention whore.

[kaityangst]

great album :)

[saysmydoctor]

This review so lacked bias.

[/sarcasm]

[Praetor]

This album so lacked bias.

[/sarcasm]
1. That doesn't make sense.
2. I think you meant "review."
3. A review is essentially a more in-depth opinion about something. How can you give your opinion without bias? Of course Drew is biased towards this band. He enjoyed the debut, and enjoys this album. Everybody that writes a review is biased. I don't think you understand what that word means.

[Dan CiTi]

the album's isn't bad, but Owens should fuck Chiodos and focus on Cinematic Sunrise. The two demo sampler I received from Warped shits all over the Boner Palace

I'd have to agree.

[Praetor]

aolsux, please email me that Cinematic Sunrise demo CD if you have time.

[newdesign]

Haha, I am so excited for all the shit I'm gonna get! Good thing I'm used to it.


Drew, we've never met in real life and probably will never get the chance to. However, I would shake your hand in honor of your complete honesty with this review. I got the album on Friday and have been anxiously waiting for someone on this website to tear it down from the standards it actually has. I detest the screamo/emo genre and the complete lack of musical resonance and aesthetic harmony most of the bands out today have, but Chiodos honestly have more potential than any of them. You did a perfect job of treating this review fairly and every one who logs into this damn website like it's a daily fashion should recognize it. Bone Palace Ballet is a home run and will put Chiodos on the map. "Intensity in Ten Cities" isn't overly cheesy; it's probably one of their best songs to date; perfectly described by you as a "ballad." Well done, man. Very well done.

~Adam

[Dan CiTi]

1. That doesn't make sense.
2. I think you meant "review."
3. A review is essentially a more in-depth opinion about something. How can you give your opinion without bias? Of course Drew is biased towards this band. He enjoyed the debut, and enjoys this album. Everybody that writes a review is biased. I don't think you understand what that word means.

lol.

[newdesign]

i don't understand how people think Craig Owens' vocals are annoying but LOVE Anthony Green's voice.



EXACTLY!!

OR DASHBOARD

OR COVER REBER!!!


Give me a break. The funny thing? More than 90% of this website that spends way too much time doing obligatory-online-bitching couldn't hit half the notes that Craig Owens hits, myself included.

[diehtc0ke]

I do not have enough thumbs to point downward.Gotta agree though I like Chiodos.

[shoop]

best cd of the summer


rrrrrright hahahaha

[Dan CiTi]

EXACTLY!!

OR DASHBOARD

OR COVER REBER!!!


Give me a break. The funny thing? More than 90% of this website that spends way too much time doing obligatory-online-bitching couldn't hit half the notes that Craig Owens hits, myself included.

Saying Chris from Dashboard sounds like Anty G is like saying Conor Oberst sounds like Freddie Mercury.

[Praetor]

EXACTLY!!

OR DASHBOARD

OR COVER REBER!!!


Give me a break. The funny thing? More than 90% of this website that spends way too much time doing obligatory-online-bitching couldn't hit half the notes that Craig Owens hits, myself included.
Cover Reber, lol. And last time I checked, no loving parent would name their child Dashboard.

[cahrishurr]

Im going to check out this album soon but i dont know how much i will like new Chiodos because ive moved on from this genre. I do, however love Alls Well That Ends Well.

[wtfmates]

the album's isn't bad, but Owens should fuck Chiodos and focus on Cinematic Sunrise. The two demo sampler I received from Warped shits all over the Boner Palace

You made me laugh while i was smoking. And it fucking hurts when that happens.

[lushintransit]

I think the review was really accurate and well written. You're really getting a knack for writing killer introductions!

[xjewxcorex]

i think that it's a decent album. i actually like it better than the first album but that's just me.
i'm an electro junkie so i like all the sequencing tracks they put in. i personally think that it makes for a more epic release. i
the new chiodos albums is cool and creative. it's not like unique creative but it's creative how they do what they do. they're pretty technical. i don't know what all the circa vs. chiodos stuff is for. they're both amazing.
and i tihnk alls well is not as good, i tihnk it's more rehashed sounding then the new one. whatever.

[cahrishurr]

wow i love "Intensity In Ten Cities"

i dont find this album horrible, in fact i sorta like it and i agree with your statement that they do their genre of music well and thats a hard thing to accomplish

[Dan CiTi]

Cover Reber, lol. And last time I checked, no loving parent would name their child Dashboard.

Dashboard is a cool name.

[xjewxcorex]

Dashboard is a cool name.
true story.. it's kind of like a celebrity child name. like apple or pillow

[iheartmariokart]

i personally think that craig can sound like a dieing baby on his realllly high notes, but i love his lower stuff (which is still pretty high). The album is pretty hit or miss, with much more misses than hits. good review though.

[Pandax777]

I thought it was siiiick.
did anyone else try getting the ringtone?
it's not sending me the text message.

[kah1367]

i must say
i was definitely not a chiodos fan before hearing this album
but it blew me away
i was highly impressed
i cant stop listening to a handful of songs off the new album

[Grybo]

my music store's releases for today were shipped late so i cant buy it until tomorrow, shit sucks

[hellogoodbye758]

A 81? This album is such a step in the right direction for this band. No two songs sound the same, the piano is ridiculuous, and craig has never sounded better. this deff. in my top 5 for the year, and i suggest anyone with half a brain should pick this up.

[kearn1tm]

I loved the last album with a passion, and Craig Owens possesses a very enjoyable voice (see also: Cinematic Sunrise). I can't wait to pick this up. Great review.

[.KillMoneen.]

its a solid album.

[I Shot Chicago]

very excited for this album, i just wish they would lay off the weird song titles.
it's getting pretty old.

[Nolessthanblink]

Got this. It's good!

[chyeahhchelsie]

It's an amazing album. I love them.

[c234567892]

You made me laugh while i was smoking. And it fucking hurts when that happens.

I fucking hate when that happens. It's one of the worst feelings in the world. It happened to me like 6 times today.

[newdesign]

Cover Reber, lol. And last time I checked, no loving parent would name their child Dashboard.


You know what I meant asshole

=]

[ProudlyLastPlac]

As far as the album, I'm slightly inclined to listen to it occasionally, which is how I felt about the last one. Just never really grabbed me

this deff. in my top 5 for the year, and i suggest anyone with half a brain should pick this up.

But I will disagree with that statement entirely. Not top five material. Not with releases with Every Time I Die, Four Year Strong, Foo Fighters, Say Anything, Coheed and Cambria, Emery, and Thrice still on their way or also released today.

The Big Dirty>>>>>>Bone Palace Ballet

[whyte39]

As far as the album, I'm slightly inclined to listen to it occasionally, which is how I felt about the last one. Just never really grabbed me



But I will disagree with that statement entirely. Not top five material. Not with releases with Every Time I Die, Four Year Strong, Foo Fighters, Say Anything, Coheed and Cambria, Emery, and Thrice still on their way or also released today.

The Big Dirty>>>>>>Bone Palace Ballet


you forgot jimmy eat world, and saves the day

[newdesign]

Saying Chris from Dashboard sounds like Anty G is like saying Conor Oberst sounds like Freddie Mercury.


Anty G? Does he honest to god go by that? Or are you trying to be cute or something?

Anyway, my point was describing whiney emo voices. I love Dashboard and everyone else, but it's stupid when someone who likes "whiney emo" music detests another band for having that same quality. I wasn't comparing Chris or Cove to Anthony Green or "Craigery."

Haha. I would love to see that on a birth certif.

[soonbesleeping]

Very fair review Steve. i know this place is turning into punknews.org with all the negativity, but it's nice to seem something fair unlike alot of things on this site. Ahhh, tate. this must be like a perfect storm of hatred for you, us and bates.

[Shatter590]

another home run for the DrewB

[ProudlyLastPlac]

you forgot jimmy eat world, and saves the day


Dammit. My bad.

[Drew Beringer]

Very fair review Steve. i know this place is turning into punknews.org with all the negativity, but it's nice to seem something fair unlike alot of things on this site. Ahhh, tate. this must be like a perfect storm of hatred for you, us and bates.
oh hey, my name is Drew :-p
another home run for the DrewB

thank you

[KittensPewPew]

What is with all the violins and horns and crap? It is so sad, It is like that movie that looks good in all the previews, but turns out they showed the best parts on the commercials. All the best songs on this album have been up on their myspace for the last couple weeks and months.

They should stick with the heavier sound in the songs like Teeth the Size.. or The Undertaker's Thirst...

Bulls, Bears, and Pigs is pretty good also but in a whole I am really disappointed in the lack of decent instrumentation and too big a focus on weak keys, violins, and crappy emo poem lyrics.

[stevoemo]

man, i gotta get his one!

[Loveisa4lttrwrd]

oh hey, my name is Drew :-p

I had to go back and make sure you wrote this. That threw me off. Anyway, did you see them at Warped in Indy? Craig sounded horrible but the 3 times I had seen him prior he was spot on. On a completely unrelated note, how is Ball State, I go to Purdue. :)

As for the cd, I think it's pretty solid. I would just have to complain that it's too short. Other than that, "If I Cut My Hair, Hawaii Will Sink" is my favorite track. "Intensity In Ten Cities" is probably one of the best slower songs released by any of the bands in this genre. Too many hardcore/emo/screamo/whatever bands try and fail miserably with slower songs. But for some reason, perhaps my speakers are just shitty, the bridge in Bulls Make Money... when the guy from Underminded is screaming sounds really off to me or maybe I'm just wrong.

Also, I wonder why Craig cut back on his screaming, maybe he tore up his vocal cords, and how the live show is going to translate without the members of Undermined and The Number 12. Who will do the screaming? I know Brad can.

[Gumbyjag]

I bought this today along with The Big Dirty. Haven't listened to any of them yet. Great review, Drew, it felt just. I predict this will be a total sleeper album like All's Well That Ends Well where it took months for people to get it. I really hope so with all of these negative thoughts. I agree with whoever said that Chiodos is one of the only bands in their genre that have massive potential. I also agree with Drew with what he means by Chiodos being the "flagship band" for Equal Vision. They are way more popular than CS or any other band (sans Coheed, but they're shared w/Columbia) currently on EV's roster. Kids are eating this shit up.

[FaceLixeMurder]

excellent follow up album

[Praetor]

You know what I meant asshole

=]
It's in my nature to mock people who say stupid, or at least, less than smart things.

[baton]

decent album, i just listened to it and it surely didn't hurt my ears. and Bulls Make Money, Bears Make Money, Pigs Get Slaughtered is pretty much amazing, guest vocals are great, and bass sound is impressing at some part heh

[Bruycker]

Even though I didn't particularly care for it, I would encourage you to give it a listen; it's very different from their debut.


I guess I'm liking some songs. But this won't last to long...

[Bruycker]

haha the poem is really cheesy

[loaded45]

This album doesn't really stand up well all together. Hearing the tracks on their myspace made me have high hopes for it, but it fails as a full length. I dont' even have the same feelings I have for their first cd, and I loved that for like 3 weeks, stopped listening to it, and then was never able to get back into it. As long as equal vision has acts like Circa Survive and the Fall of Troy, I have no reason to get into this band.

[xMooreLove15x]

this album is absolutely amazing. ever since i saw chiodos live at warped, i haven't stopped listening to them. whether it's all's well that ends well or bone palace ballet, i won't stop listening to them.

i've fallen in love.

[DeGausseR187]

i liked the old album, but this album really impressed me...definitely a step up, didnt expect this from them. The vocals really improved.

[DeGausseR187]

This album doesn't really stand up well all together. Hearing the tracks on their myspace made me have high hopes for it, but it fails as a full length. I dont' even have the same feelings I have for their first cd, and I loved that for like 3 weeks, stopped listening to it, and then was never able to get back into it. As long as equal vision has acts like Circa Survive and the Fall of Troy, I have no reason to get into this band.

thats why i never listen to tracks before i can hear the whole cd, it tends to ruin it for me..i like to hear it as a whole.

[jay_klinkhammer]

This band destroys Brand New, easily.

[checkitfool]

I have somewhat of a love-hate relationship with Chiodos. I can't help but love their music, yet whenever I hear someone around me mentioning that they "totally love Chiodos! They're like my favorite band!" I always have the urge to completely dominate the person (verbally) for liking them, and it's pretty much for the same reasons that Drew listed off.

And I still have pretty much the same view of them after this album too.

The vocals deserved a better score, in my opinion.

[checkitfool]

This band destroys Brand New, easily.

...How did Brand New enter this discussion?

[Vismund_Cygnus]

Great review.

I got a chance to hear some of the track for this album. It is a little different, but still a decent record.

[airik625]

good review for a good album

[woominlee2]

I still don't the CD...but I plan on getting it soon!

[ThePerfectLens]

Great article.

I love chiodos.

But i have no money for the new cd.

Fuck.

I love the undertakers thrist for revenge and if i cut my hair.

[nick reed]

not really a fan. all the songs sound the same to me except "teeth the size of piano keys" and the undertaker one.

pretty big disappointment.

[Jaster]

This album is terrible. 37/100

[newdesign]

It's in my nature to mock people who say stupid, or at least, less than smart things.

It seems to happen when becoming ecstatically charged with passionate responses. People tend to forget the correct usage of proper nouns and pronouns and the rest of correctly written English. But, needless to say, this is only a goddamn internet forum and most people don't take the time of day to care or be poignantly aware enough to notice. You must be an acception, congratulations on your (minor/meaningless) success that I, for some reason, still seem to care about.

[Praetor]

It seems to happen when becoming ecstatically charged with passionate responses. People tend to forget the correct usage of proper nouns and pronouns and the rest of correctly written English. But, needless to say, this is only a goddamn internet forum and most people don't take the time of day to care or be poignantly aware enough to notice. You must be an acception, congratulations on your (minor/meaningless) success that I, for some reason, still seem to care about.
After taking ten seconds skimming that, I can tell you *exception.

[newdesign]

After taking ten seconds skimming that, I can tell you *exception.


Very good, sir. And might I add, I enjoy your avatar for this upcoming fall season. I'm glad to know there are people on this website that have an appreciation for intellectual conversation (regardless if it takes place on this website).

[soonbesleeping]

[quote=Drew Beringer;7510850]oh hey, my name is Drew :-p

oh wow, im so sorry, there was so much more i was going to say so i was typing fast, but i'm sorry again Drew

[im_wide_awake]

craig owens is a notre dame fan
but that doesn't change the fact that this CD is amazing
the new devil wears prada is pretty sick too

[krishasaheadake]

need to check it out

[Of Machines]

This album:

:thumbdwn::thumbdwn::thumbdwn::thum bdwn::thumbdwn::thumbdwn::thumbdwn: :thumbdwn::thumbdwn::thumbdwn::thum bdwn::thumbdwn::thumbdwn:


Alls Well is SO much better...wtf were they thinking when they wrote/recorded Lexington (Joey Pea-Pod With a Monkey Face)!? Thats some terrible pop-rock shit. The albums got a couple solid tracks but damn...I wouldn't give it over 70% for sure. Craig Owens doesn't belt out as well as he did in AWTEW--and in the first song he's got some weird trailing off thing going on that sounds terrible. It seems like the rest of the band is moving on (theres some decent musicianship) while Craig is keeping them back. Someone please get rid of Craig or give him a wake up call??

:abduct: (plus I wanted an excuse to use this emoticon)

[TuskandTemper]

Absolutely amazing album, can't stop listening to it....

Awful review.. this CD deserves a better one.

This album isn't shorter song wise... their first album had 13 tracks, but 2 were interludes, and one a prelude. Every track on Bone Palace Ballet counts as a full song, and there are 10 of them. Also, (among other things) Chiodos doesn't stand alone as Equal Visions only talent for 2007.. may i remind you of Circa Survive?



great album, go buy it you lazy sons of bitches.

[TuskandTemper]

To "OF MACHINES":

get rid of Craig? you're a gigantic moron.

[Of Machines]

To "OF MACHINES":

get rid of Craig? you're a gigantic moron.

I am a gigantic moron--Okay, so is everyone else on here with an opinion then. Shut the fuck up. I think the album is terrible compared to Alls Well that Ends Well. I was expecting much more of the sound of "The Undertakers..." rather than a bunch of songs with Craig whispering into the mic.

[DGlazier]

Chiodos...keeping screamo ridiculous.

[DGlazier]

This band destroys Brand New, easily.

Are you fucking kidding me? Holy shit. Enjoy your extra small baby blue t-shirt and your girlfriend you share pants with. Screamo is dead.

[iamthebullgod]

soooo...I'm pretty sure "The Undertaker's Thirst For Revenge Is Unquenchable (The Final Battle)", in addition to having an incredibly badass name, is one of the best freakin "hardcore dancing" hits of the century. Like...in 20 years, when Time Life does infomercials trying to capitalize off the death of EMO, and they put out the "Hardcore Hits" series, this will be a flagship song....

In contrary to a song on their last record, it makes me want to hardcore dance in my living room, even though Chiodos would never allow it....lol

okay...bad joke...i'm done.

[iamthebullgod]

Are you fucking kidding me? Holy shit. Enjoy your extra small baby blue t-shirt and your girlfriend you share pants with. Screamo is dead.


that was the funniest shit i've read in a loooooong time.....

I must not get out much...lol

[shinigamifive]

Chiodos...keeping screamo ridiculous.


Are you fucking kidding me? Holy shit. Enjoy your extra small baby blue t-shirt and your girlfriend you share pants with. Screamo is dead.



Haha thats funny ass shit. And fortunatly quite true. That said I dont know why people hate this band so much. I find that they're one of the few (so called) hardcore bands out there right now that I actually enjoy. I like craigs voice, I like his screams, I like the guitar work, I love the drumming.

The names are a little...over the top: "The Undertaker's Thirst For Revenge Is Unquenchable (The Final Battle)" ?? Wtf is that? Sounds like something you'd find on the dethklok cd...


I lurk.

[B_McKee60]

it pretty much seems like people either hate chiodos or love chiodos, i dont ever really see an in between. i still havent picked this one up yet but i really liked All's Well That End's Well

[MMLP86]

the poem at the end of the album is anything but cheesy...i think that was the only thing i didnt agree with whoever wrote this review....and its was def. a progression and growth from alls well

[Shatter590]

i like it so far.

[ItsCountEjacula]

It took a few listens but I really love this album. I was a big fan of "All's Well That Ends Well" when it first came out and even re-purchased it when it was reissued. I think Chiodos really made a more mature album this time around and I would highly recommend this disc.

[ItsCountEjacula]

the poem at the end of the album is anything but cheesy...i think that was the only thing i didnt agree with whoever wrote this review....and its was def. a progression and growth from alls well

I agree completely! ;-)

[heresxthisxrain]

I absolutley love this album. It is a piece of art in my eyes. Fans of this music that write music will probably second me when i say the songwriting is genious in most songs. from the discordent notes and tritones to the melodic piano and guitars, it is nothing but golden. and as for the "cheesy" poetry and "cliche" lyrics, lots of people love this kind of writing. if your a fan of shakespeare youll love a good portion of the lyrics and poems in this album. its a guilty pleasure to alot. whether they want it to be or not.

[tragic ending x]

Pretty good. Like most of the songs. :-)

[omgshe'sdead]

The ideas are good, the execution is bad. They need a new singer as well.

[blessthefall89]

i didnt know the singer from the number12 was in that song

[EchoPark]

I was bummed when Chiodos pulled out of the Soundwave Australia Festival earlier this year and were replaced by Infectious Grooves:-|

Great Review

[SomedayTheFire]

nearly a year later and it finally hits me
this album is AMAZING to me now, after so many listens wanting to like it, it finally hit me :)

[guiltyvisionary]

not bad of a review.
although i don't know anyone that hates chiodos.
this album, IMO, is probably among the best of the genre of this generation.

[fearxmexdear]

im seeing them tomorro! :D

[CarouselBoy]

so I've stayed away from this band just cause I've heard almost nothing but negative stuff and I haven't wanted to like them but I've been listening to Bone Palace and it's really grown on me. Guess you shouldnt always listen to the majority

[Ouch]

I am pretty mid range on Chiodos. While they do have the talent to be a good band, Craig constantly **** up every song they produce, while the rest of the band sort of sticks to cliches. From their highlights, I know that they can be a good band, but most of their stuff just doesn't show it.

[circatbs]

i didnt even realized this came out today. im going to best buy after school to pick up my copy.

but only 10 songs? im going to pissed if they have a re-issue with more songs in about a year.

this came out 9/4/07 and a re-release is coming out on 10/28/08 so..... get with it

[Thug_Nasty]

this came out 9/4/07 and a re-release is coming out on 10/28/08 so..... get with it
wow. i posted this over a year ago when the original came out, shithead.

[mrs.craigowens.]

this was a good review. but i think you dont give the band enough credit.
im a die hard chiodos fan
and i see no reason for anyone to not fall in love with them
:)

[ghsNICK!]

This review actually hit the head of the nail.
It's one of my favorite albums of all time.
Great Review!

[Joey (J-Train)]

this album was fucking amazing. I wasn't a big fan of Chiodos before but then I finally gave them a listen and bam i regret not listening to Chiodos earlier. this album is a complete progression from their previous album for Craig's voice is definetly better and the orchestra compliments the album very well. one of my favorites of 2007

[texasuckfest]

the only band doing good on EVR. Scary.

[chelseaxsmilexD]

92%... Lexington wasn't that good. It was the first song I heard from Chiodos, then I heard One Day Women Will All Become Monsters... bad start for Chiodos, then I heard the first track and then the wizard one (i know what they're called, i'm just lazy.) and I loved it... then I heard Undertaker.... I YELLED IN EXCITEMENT!!!!

[chelseaxsmilexD]

Ummm...ever heard of a little band named Circa Survive?
yes... they're not as good as chiodos.
they are still great however.

[chelseaxsmilexD]

This album:

:thumbdwn::thumbdwn::thumbdwn::thum bdwn::thumbdwn::thumbdwn::thumbdwn: :thumbdwn::thumbdwn::thumbdwn::thum bdwn::thumbdwn::thumbdwn:


Alls Well is SO much better...wtf were they thinking when they wrote/recorded Lexington (Joey Pea-Pod With a Monkey Face)!? Thats some terrible pop-rock shit. The albums got a couple solid tracks but damn...I wouldn't give it over 70% for sure. Craig Owens doesn't belt out as well as he did in AWTEW--and in the first song he's got some weird trailing off thing going on that sounds terrible. It seems like the rest of the band is moving on (theres some decent musicianship) while Craig is keeping them back. Someone please get rid of Craig or give him a wake up call??

:abduct: (plus I wanted an excuse to use this emoticon)
how do you do that emoticon?

[chelseaxsmilexD]

im seeing them tomorro! :D
i don't care... but I LOVE YOUR NAME AND YOUR FREAKING HEADLINE THING BENEATH YOUR PICTURE!!! FOR STEVIE WONDER'S EYES ONLY!!!!!! THAT'S MY FAV PART OF THE SONG.... bitch.... lolz :-)

[ajl1992]

One of the best albums of all time in the sceen

[UntamedLazyeye]

Before I ever heard chiodos, ive heard of them. Good things, bad things, just downright cruel things. I don't get where all the hate comes from. I love this album, the vocals are the best ive heard in a while. the lyrics are good and at some times great. The instrumentals not only keep the album flowing, but the piano parts put it over the top, without the piano this would only be an average album. This is easily in my top 10 of all time.

[P_atdfreek34]

Haha, I am so excited for all the shit I'm gonna get! Good thing I'm used to it.
You dont deserve to get any :) i think you did a good, honest review, in my opinion Chiodos up until Illimunaudio was probably the greatest post-hardcore, emo, screamo band out there with emarosa, and Escape the fate (with Ronnie Radke) trailing them its just good to see someone voice their opinion of the album as well and see it from a different point-of-view

[P_atdfreek34]

I've listened to about five songs so far and I like it. A step up from their debut. Nice review!
not their debut as a band but as chiodos they still were chiodos bros. just no one knew them as that until they released the deluxe of alls well that ends well when it had queen of diamonds and Lindsey quit lollygagging