Dawnrazor/The Nephilim/Elysium/Earth Inferno/Singles and Mixes (5 Albums

The chances are that if you're reading this then you already know who Fields of the Nephilim are/were and what these albums are about, in which case what your probably really interested in is specifics such as the remastering quality and the additional tracks.OK, first things first then, a note on the Beggars Banquet website states that Elizium was remastered from the analogue originals but that the other recordings had to be remastered from digital sources for various reasons and it does sound as though most of the recordings have been remastered (or at the very least re-EQ'd) with the exception of Earth Inferno which to me sounds identical to the original. The remastering is subtle and sympathetic and not harsh and "in your face" as some other remasters have been, and as such there is a noticeable improvement over the original releases on this score - Dawnrazor now has more depth, sounding less tinny and sparse, The Nephilim is certainly clearer (and not at all muddy) and Sumerland (from Elizium) now has the same sonic balance as the rest of the album.Next then we have the additional tracks which appear either tagged onto the end of their associated album or on an additional disc of Singles and Mixes, giving us all 5 versions of Psychonaut, 4 versions of Moonchild and 3 versions of Blue Water to name but a few. We don't get the live versions of Power and Vet For The Insane from the Moonchild 12" but we do get the full length version of In Every Dream Home a Heartache (with the false ending that was previously edited out on the Revelations compilation). So on the whole, a fairly exhaustive collection of songs that (nearly) includes all the bands recordings from their Beggars Banquet days.So, all in all, a nicely put together collection of all the Fields of the Nephilim's recordings (well, nearly) in one box set.

Without doubt the finest Gothic band to have walked the earth in dusty boots!This box set is just the best £15 anyone could spend, it contains the first three albums, live cd and rarities disc.Dawnrazor (1987) displays great promise and includes some great songs but sounds like a collected body of songs rather than being an album proper. The sound is kinda generic for Beggars Banquet at the time so the band don't sound as unique and coherent as in subsequent albums; next is The Nephilim (1988) and the magic begins. Moving, haunting, emotive, this album sweeps you along bathed in strings, hypnotic bass and then Mc.Coy's sublime vocals. A truly great album which with songs like 'Moonchild' and the brooding yet epic 'Last Exit...' how could it get better? Well, strangely enough with 'Elysium' (1990). This is the masterpiece, this album from its opening note to the final fade is just beyond praise, still for me the epitome of the gothic genre. All the mood, atmosphere and depth of the previous album but here is a warmth and serenity that wraps around you and takes you somewhere otherworldly.As amazing now as it was the first time I heard it! Then comes 'Earth Inferno' (1991), a live album that shows that this band can capture all the facets that make their music so captivating even on stage. Well recorded for the time and with all the essential songs 'Earth Inferno' is a great testament to the creativity and musicianship of the band (particularly with this original line-up).The bonus disc 'Singles & Mixes' is a little treasure box of alternate versions and mixes (all good, not messed with too much)! Often imitated, these are the godfathers of gothic music (along with Bauhaus, Sisters of Mercy etc of course), later releases on other labels are 'Zoon' (1996), 'Fallen' (2002) (a conroversial release as Carl Mc.Coy claims the album was unfinished and not ready for consumption (it was released during a rift between Mc.Coy and Jungle Recs.) but is actually very good!! 'Mourning Sun' follows in 2005, a new line-up and a cleaner sound,(title track amazing)! Then most recently 'Ceremonies' (2012), a wonderful live collection also with DVD that leaves me gasping for more. New material is promised. Soon I hope!

Chances are you already familiar with the band so I won't go into detail about the albums tracks, so I'll just mention the bits that are extra. Firstly, I've compared the albums to the original releases and it does appear that they have been remastered. The good news is they don't fall foul of compression. The sound is clear but still maintains the depth of sound and all tracks sound better than before. The difference is small, but it's there. The mixes and singles CD is a great extra and something I've wanted for a long time as most of the tracks found here were only available on vinyl (although some were included on a limited 2 disc version of revelations). The version of psychonaut that is bassless for the first 4 minutes or so is great and although released on CD single is quite rare, so great to have it included. Likewise with 'In Every Dream Home A Heartache'. The only thing I would change, and this is nit picking to be honest, is that the single version of 'psychonaut should have been on the 'Nephilim' album, not 'Elysium', which it is here. Just due to it being produced by Bill Buchanan. But as I say, this is really nit picking. Each CD comes in a thin cardboard sleeve with the original art work and all are housed in a rather lovely box. For the price this is a steal. Worth getting even if you already have these albums. A great release.

Fantastic collection of tracks from the best band of its genre.Ever.Brilliant discs, some have tracks even I have never heard before.All brilliantly produced and scanning many years since the bands formation in the 80's.Carl McCoys voice is extraordinary and the music suitably dark and evoking the themes he is fascinated by, supported by incredible drumming and guitar solos.Fantastic value for money, if you have even a passing interest in this type of music, buy this collection now!

Pretty much everything the original Fields of the Nephilim line-up did in one box. Fantastic for fans and well worth investigation for casual or curious listeners.

This trio of albums is absolutely fantastic. It gives you the chance to enjoy such a great band and their sublime music.