November 24, 2005 - Filled with 30 bone shattering, fist pumping, unreleased and never before heard songs, the Masters Of Horror two disc soundtrack to Showtime's Masters Of Horror series, is a must have for rock and metal fans alike.

The Masters Of Horror CD, which displays unique and chilling artwork and opens to form a cross, harbors rock and metal songs to satisfy a variety of tastes.

Mudvayne's heavy and melodic "Small Silhouette" is the opening track and is loaded with catchy guitar riffs and lyrics. It's the type of song that won't get old after playing it five times in a row.

Norma Jean follows with "Shaunluu." If you're not a fan of Norma Jean this song will instantly turn you into one. The screaming vocals are complemented with tranquil and harmonious guitar, bass, and drum lines.

It Dies Today's meaningful "Enjoy The Silence" is anything but silent. With lyrics that are sure to linger in your head long after the song is done, "Enjoy The Silence" comes across as an intense and emotion filled anthem.

Funeral For A Friend, Andrew WK, Armor For Sleep, and Scary Kids, Scaring Kids pick up the pace of the soundtrack with speedy tempos that forbid you to sit still.

Shadows Fall's "This Is My Own" is nothing short of perfection. Harboring intense drum beats and electrifying guitar lines "This Is My Own" sets an example for today's metal. The lyrics along with the vocals are awe-inspiring and are sure to get you to play the song over and over again.

The Bled, Murder By Death, Thursday, and Bloodsimple tear up the soundtrack and show off their talent. Murder By Death crosses unique vocals with distinctive lyrics in "End Of The Road." Thursday slows the soundtrack down a bit with calm, yet impressive, "Division St."

Bloodsimple's "Overload" is a perfect illustration for rock bands to study. Bloodsimple's powerful vocals complement the skillful guitar and bass lines and are unlike the majority of the clichéd rock songs overplayed on the radio.

Mastodon's shredding guitar work in "Megalodon" is the highlight of the Masters Of Horror soundtrack. "Megalodon" exhibits intricate riffs that leave you craving more. The drummer races to keep up with the guitarist and does so in a way that the beats are embedded into your muscles and left flowing through your veins. You're forced to tap your hands through the entire song.

Death By Stereo and Fall River wrap up disc one with catchy songs that ironically harbor all of the impressive elements displayed throughout the songs on disc one.

System Of A Down's Serj Tankian joins Buckethead to perform "We Are One" in the opening song of disc two. How Tankian's vocals get as fast as they do is beyond me. Buckethead definitely teamed up with the right vocalist to create a notably inimitable song.

Rise Against, The Bronx, From Autumn To Ashes, and Every Time I Die take over the first half of disc two and compete to see who can perform the hardest. Ultimately, Rise Against tears it up and keeps your head banging during the whole song.

Matchbook Romance isn't known for their complex tunes, but their grinding determination led them to construct an acoustic piece that left me obliged to give them much deserved credit. "In Transit (For You)" is composed of tender lyrics that erupt into a climax and then soften to diversify the song. It was wonderfully done.

Bedlight For Blue Eyes' "Hindsight" is another beautifully done piece. Its alternative style complements the vocals amazingly and was enough to make me want to look into more music from the band.

Despite the title of the soundtrack, Alkaline Trio lightens up the CD during "We Can Never Break Up." The buoyant music and appealing lyrics give light to the otherwise "dark" soundtrack.

Avenged Sevenfold and In Flames define what metal is about during songs "Beast And The Harlot" and "Discover Me Like Emptiness." Their heaviness is mixed with appealing vocals in both songs. In Flames' "Discover Me Like Emptiness" intensifies as the song progresses. After the song ends you're left ravenous for more.

A Change Of Pace blends screaming and punk vocals during "The Thin Red Line" and despite many stereotypes about this style they pull it off quite well.

Bear vs. Shark and Gratitude are like a breath of fresh air to this soundtrack. Their brilliantly composed songs "Victoria Iceberg" and "If Ever" are mixed with an aptitude of refreshing vocals and satisfying musical authority.

Fear Before The March Of Flames and Yesterday's Rising wrap up the soundtrack with deep and heavy dominance. Yesterday's Rising's "Contrast Of Light And Dark" compiles distinctive screams and soothing melodies that mask speedy guitar riffs and bled smoothly with pleasing drum beats.

The hour long Masters Of Horror series is aired on Showtime Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights at 10:00 pm Eastern Time. (check your cable listings for exact time.)

CD Review by Shannon Swanson © 2005 - Florida Entertainment Scene - All Rights Reserved.