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The Damagex$7.45
    (49 reviews)
Best Price: $7.45
For fans of goth , alternative rock and metal. Nuclear Blast.
MPN: 6613 - UPC: 727361661328
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Customer Reviews
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A great new band finally releases a full-length album!!!      By AKRRL7358VJIS on 2002-06-22
I've been a fan of Tapping the Vein for some time now, ever since first hearing their music [...] and seeing their live shows. It was quite a thrill to finally buy their first full-length album, and it was well worth the wait. This is a band with the right mixture of musical talent and emotion to make it big in the gothic/electronic scene. [...] and adding in their own touch of melancholic beauty, they've created an album that is bound to satisfy. The reworked version of "Butterfly" takes the original and ups the musical ante, using more sonic experimentation and just improving an already wonderful song. The same can be said for "Beautiful," "Everything," "Broken," and "Falling In," all songs from the previous two EPs that gave the band a name. Aside from that, we have six new songs that show the band continuing on the path that their fans know and love, while at the same time expanding on it. The electronics are lush and even more present, but without overpowering the organic element of the band members. The music is moody, but it is real and not contrived like all the "woe-is-me" electro-gloom bands in the genre. And then there's Heather Thompson's amazing voice. She can carry the softest notes with such sweetness before going into a wailing scream. My new favorites on this album are "Sugar Falls" (a song that reminds of latter-day Cure), the title track, and "Hurricane." The album artwork is a great visual effect as well, slightly reminiscent of designs used by Projekt bands like Attrition. Tapping the Vein are sure to take their place among the gothic/electronic elite. They have the musical chops, they have the attitude, and above all...they are just that damn good. Give it a listen...you won't regret it.
Metal fans avoid at all costs!!!!!!!!!      By A1IK1AJ5N7NXTY on 2004-06-15
What the hell was a great label like nuclear blast thinking when they signed this band!? Other than the ocasionally guitar every ten minutes there is absolutly nothing metal about this band. While I've got nothing against females in metal, this girl may be the worst singer I've ever heard and should go join some pop band where we'd only have to hear her when the channel accidently gets turned to Mtv. Though I absolutly hate this album, I'll give it an average rating in the interest of fairness since I'm not the best person to judge pop albums, and that's exactly what this is. Metal fans interested in bands with female vocalists should check out Lacuna Coil, Alas, The Gathering,Epica, Nightwish, Brave, and Within Temptation and Rhea's Obsession because they are all a million times better than this.
Tragic diva seduces the nation      By AHMQW5BTBK12X on 2002-07-27
Tapping the Vein successfully recreates the studio sound when playing live. Every band in the do-it-yourself arena could take a page from the book of this quartet, to learn what it is like to be among the hardest working rock bands to grace the planet in decades. Despite their continued growing popularity, the band members remain humble and extremely close to their fan base, which only endears them even more to the throngs who have come to love them and their music.Doe eyed beauty, Heather, is the front woman who caresses our ears with lyrics that are at once seductive and then fiery. She can deftly pull you in then hurl you out into the stratosphere with the drive and energy that comes from each note in her blessed tiny throat. Her range can go from seductive kitten to fiery dragon in a split second, which often surprises and delights those who hear the band for the first time. Now recently signed to the Nuclear Blast label, they are not hurting for work by any stretch of the imagination. Wherever they play, they sell out the venue and pack them in until it is standing room only which includes the tops of the tables if necessary. Their fans are legion and loyal from one state to the next and is growing faster than a virus in an enclosed space. Tapping The Vein stretches each range of tragic emotion on every recording and delivers it without wallowing in murky pity party type of sounds. The rock is edgy yet danceable. The lyrics are poetic and painful, and the vocalist is a true Diva if ever there was one. Having had the good fortune to watch this band play live, it is uncanny how Heather imbibes the character for each song and delivers a new persona with each one. She does not utilize flashy costume and makeup changes. In the blink of the eye, she pulls some inner switch to become one with the song. The skill with which she accomplishes this makes you *think* there was a scene and costume change. The four members that make up this band demonstrate a tightly knit camaraderie where each will work off the others energy in order to involve the audience. Whether you hear them on CD or see them live, you are immersed for a time into their world and truly will come away grateful for the experience of such deft musicianship. It is only a matter of time before this band is a major phenomenon.
Never Trust Another Person's Opinion on Music      By AFN3I0KETK4BW on 2005-02-01
This is some overproduced, soulless candy pop pretending to be angsty. If you are a parent, and you want to keep your 8 year old from listening to Tool, you could distract them for a while with this. It's safe.
It also is not very good. It's quite bad. But, I'm not into bands that sound like the Spice Girls, so if you are, you might like this.
I found this band since I like Garbage, and, har har, this band is supposed to be like them. No, not by a long shot.
Poignant, Soaring Emotion      By AI10LRV2U5B3G on 2003-08-18
Tapping the Vein's first full-length album, The Damage, is just unquestionably beautiful! It has the ability to fill you with real, pure emotion, something which is so rare and precious in this day and age. This album is a true measure in contrasts: catchy for when you don't want to think and powerful for when you do. There is something to be gained from every listen... this is something that simply cannot be missed.I was immediately thrown into this album from hearing the chorus break of an early version of "Butterfly": "What am I? / I wish I was a butterfly..." Heather intoned, her voice and the mysterious piano layer beneath it literally haunting my dreams for that night. On top of that, the lyrics were just awesome: "I'd be / anything... / anything other than the things I have been... / I'd slip right out of my skin / so I wouldn't have to do it again..." That was enough to make me realize I absolutely had to own this album... and I was not disappointed! Heather's voice can sweep every emotion in a second; from pure, visceral anger to a quiet, wistful disregard, it's all here. Her portrayal of the human psyche is truly commendable; one feels that they know EXACTLY what she's singing about, and then she screams that "You don't know the darkness like I do." Admittedly, Damage will make you THINK... and that is the mark of a truly great album. Backing her voice is a swelling collection of rock and electronica that perfectly fits this razor-sharp edge between happiness and anger, between joy and sadness, between euphoria and frustration. After experiencing the songs on this album, one finds themselves coming away with an unbelievable change in awareness-- it's that powerful, and Heather's voice is that moving. The Damage is a dark album, there is no question about that. But its darkness is so beautiful, so exuberant and so alive with possibility that it is hard not to fall in love with the unbelievable sound that is Tapping the Vein. HIGHLY recommended!
- What was Nuclear Blast thinking???
     By A230Z7M6UYT0FU on 2003-08-21
Beautiful gothic music... this??? Don't make me laugh. Where are the guitars? You only get a few seconds worth of guitar in any given song. The rest is just boring, repetitive mellow music that would put you to sleep if not for Heather's painfully horrible vocals. I just can't understand why a great label like Nuclear Blast would sign such a lackluster artist to their artist roster. It's not gothic, it's not metal, and it sure as hell is not beautiful. And why all the freaking programming? Use guitars, people! They were created so that humans could create music that has more complexity than what rapper apes can produce. In short, this is a Mariah Carey album with sporadic electric guitars.
- I really want to like this band...
     By AZQDTW5TSHCFZ on 2005-10-20
I do. Heather Thompson is a talented vocalist and has a very likeable sound, the band behind her are competant and the music is quite good but....
I guess they're just a little too mainstream for my taste.
They really shouldn't be hidden away in this little corner of amazon - it's very misleading. I highly recommend that you download a couple of songs and get a feel for the band before you buy this album. If you like them, great, go buy. If not...well, a couple of downloads is surely better than paying for the whole album.
Look, if you're reading this review, do download a couple of tracks. They certainly are worth your time. Just not my taste, that's all.
- Lacking Lyrics
     By A2TEZ8RSXRS6RZ on 2003-08-06
This group had a good sound, but reading the lyrics while listening to this album for the first time left me disappointed. Every song has the same theme: no one has suffered like me. Too much self-pity and selfishness. Even accepting that as being typical of this kind of music, the lyrics aren't even very intelligent... like bad poetry from a depressed high school student. However, if you're the type of person that can appreciate the music without paying too much attention to the lyrics, then you should be fine.
- One of top 5 all time bad CD's ever!
     By on 2003-11-05
I heard this was a goth/industrial type band, boy did I feel ripped off when I got my Nocturne CD's. I have never heard worse female signing in my life, if your a fan of goth/industrial related music save yourself the money, this is not for you.
- Pop Disguised as Something Else
     By A2USB8PBNTIS5E on 2004-10-16
What can I say but "huh"? Yes the lead singers voice is beautiful. The music is "nice". But all this praise and kudos for this cd must be written by band members, record execs and family and friends. Truly not worth a $1. Nothing original - sounds like alot of the garbage on the radio these days. Save your $$ and buy something real and exciting - Radiohead perhaps.
- Once upon a time. . .
     By AH0ZEYJB3NNSE on 2005-11-02
I imagined my turds had more creativity than this band.
Turns out I wasn't imagining.
- Great new band!
     By AGAGRR7QBWVAL on 2004-12-16
I was looking for a band that had a gothic sound and a great female vocalist.When I ordered this I wasn't sure what I would be getting. Heather's voice gave me goose bumps! She made me feel what her voice and lyrics were expressing.She has a strong voice ,you can actually understand what she is saying ,not like other female goth singers whose voice can hardly be heard over the loud instruments or where they sing the same three notes over and over.She is Pat Benatar gone goth!She is up there with Amy Lee only with stronger vocals. This band's sound is unique too. I can hardly wait for their new CD.
- much darker
     By A358KSPZ752C78 on 2005-04-14
Tapping the vein is one of 3 best bands i've ever heard.That's all i have to say;that they are not trying to make listeners or producers happy with their music;they just share their emotions in a really artistic,powerfull way.
All the songs in the album are dark and mournfull,although the vocalist;Heather;never goes into silly brutal vocals.Her voice is not so good,but definetely strong and unique;and great at translating her feelings;and especially the burning feeling in her emotions.
the album reaches to s many places and tastes.opening track; ledge,is a far cry from the rest of the album;it is much more positive;although it is not so positive at all.The following two tracks;butterfly and sugarfall;lack some powerfull climax to end the song;so it is easy to have a wrong opinion about the band by listening the album in order.
The album starts to show its potential in track 4 and the quality of the songs rise from that point;to the climactic closure with falling in;which is also a far cry from the rest of the album;whether it's music or it's dominant emotion;and it is much harder then the rest of the album.Feels like the band tried to make a depressive;but easy to listen album;but decided
to show what they "can" do when they want with a final shocking track,which is already a classic for me.
- Very Disappointing
     By AG74VGV2SSUYA on 2005-08-23
After recieving recommendations from Amazon and another web site that I might like Tapping the Vein, I decided to get a hold of one of their albums to see what I thought.
The first thing I noticed was the very poppish sound, which was quite unexpected for a band that was portrayed as being industrial/goth. After a little more time, I heard the occasional guitar, but still much less than expected. Most of the time, the songs sounded like a less hard version of Evanescence.
Then, there's the singing. Heather can sing pretty well, but the screaming she keeps doing in the songs is a lot less pleasant to the ears. It's not the fact that she's screaming - there are plenty of women singers out there that can carry it off well in a song - but that her screams sound very coarse and rough, and very non-musical. She definitely needs some voice training in that department.
I spent about ten minutes listening, skipping from song to song after I had enough of each one. There was just nothing about the album that made me want to listen to it again. This is a prime example of why I never buy music without giving it a good listen, as I would have been very disappointed had I spent my money here, when so many other artists are out there that I want to get.
I would highly recommend that everyone else take the time to do the same - obviously some people like this album, but plenty of others don't. Don't be one of those people who feels they've wasted money - make sure you know you want this before you buy it.
- Outstanding
     By A2WKBZO1YT3HN0 on 2002-04-26
The very first time I heard TTV was on the Unquiet Grave set from Cleopatra Records, the song was Butterfly and I was hooked on this band instantly because of Heather's strong (seems like that word just doesn't cut it) vocals and the way the music just seems to hit that "high white note" that gives me goose bumps all over. Needless to say that I immediately bought the Butterfly and Undone EPs and I was in heaven. Now with this release my loyalty to this band has only increased, although I am not crazy about the new versions of the older songs, (if it ain't broke don't fix it) I don't know if the band "had" to re-record the older songs or not but I wish they had just left well enough alone. However the new songs are just exquisite and exactly what I would have expected. I am so very pleased with the end result that the negatives of the retread older songs are completely eclipsed by all the beauty in this music. If you do not already own the two previous EPs (and you should) go and get them, the older versions are indeed better than the new ones. They just sound so much better arrangement wise. And hell there are other songs, really good ones I might add, on those other discs.
- Enjoyable, but redundant.
     By A1LI1S017JOM7N on 2002-07-02
I had a chance to catch Tapping The Vein in Minneapolis where they opened for King's X. They were a great live act and complimented the show rather well. They exude a great deal of emotion and power, and their music is high energy and engrossing. I just had to order their CD. Of course, almost all bands sound better live (you just can't capture that experience on a live album). However, I was dispappointed with The Damage CD. I found the songs repetitive in their nature, and almost predictable. I just couldn't get into listening to the whole thing. A lot of this can be blamed on me. It's not my real style of music, but I thought the adventure would be worth it. I'll just have to keep them in mind for "live show only" status.
- Try it.
     By AAKQV9F1KSGRQ on 2003-07-30
I was browsing around looking for some new goth music (my latest rapture), and I came across this album. After reading the reviews, I decided, "A lot of people from different backgrounds seem to like this, I'll try it." What still throws me the most is that I paid [$$] for this album. It is priceless. Interestingly, the first time I listened to it I was in the car and thought, "It's good, definitely a unique sound." Over the next week this album became an obsession. I now place it among my favorite albums of all time (you know, the ones you take on trips or traveling because you can handle listening to EVERY song over and over). I have recently heard this group labeled as hard rock, metal, and goth. I would say this: no matter what you're into, this album can reach your soul--and you'll be wanting more. Mind you, this is not written by a fan of the genre, but a fan of music; I'm a History teacher who listens to 2Pac on his way to a graduate course on Mozart. Try it.
- If only........
     By A3NI5F4O1LOY3H on 2005-10-12
........I could've found a female vocalist of Heather's caliber, I would NOT have "retired" from live playing...I spent 5+ years searching, and she was only 4 hours away from me!!! Her range,emotion,and lyrics are incredible,in my very humble opinion. This is a very talented band that deserves recognition.I'm old school,Hendrix-Van Halen influenced, so I'm not much into sampling -translation;it's so far over my head that I can't even see daylight,and since I've got Adult A.D.D. every time someone starts to show me we get about as far as.."OK, first you gotta..." before I drift off to my happy place :( - I "served time" in L.A. so I know how this business REALLY works-it ain't how good you are,it's all about if you "look" right, and who you know- Somebody needs to sit down,listen to their work,and give this band the break it deserves! The CD is well produced, the band seems pretty tight, the music varies so that nothing comes off repititous, and you already know how I feel about the vocals!!!Their label really dropped the ball on this one,I hope someone out there picks it up!! You cannot classify this music. It is not Goth,pop,or any other "label" you wanna stick on it. It is just very good music!I'm a stone cold,half deaf-by now-bust out all the glass within a half mile radius rocker,and I almost ran off the road the first time I heard "The River-(Undone EP)" BUY IT.NOW.YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!
- Judge for yourself
     By A2SJJ66341LS3Y on 2006-02-07
I've been reading through the reviews of this album, and I've had a few good laughs. The things people get offended about... There are those who see the Nuclear Blast label, and expect something very specific, in terms of the musical style. Well, Nuclear Blast has every right to sign different acts, and you have every right to choose whether or not you listen to them. Who buys music just because it's on specific label? I choose to listen before I buy, unless I know the band well in advance.
Enough moralizing. I listened to this album online some years back, and I've wanted it ever since. The sound is very much like Kidneythieves, mixing goth-ish rock with electronica and indeed pop. I believe that's why some people won't like it, since it's rather hard to place. But it happens to fall well within my taste. The lead singer Heather has a very interesting voice, which is often rather beautiful, but also powerful and slightly awkward at times. To me, that makes for a very interesting listening experience, and I feel that the band would be a lot less interesting without her. The musical arrangements are not *that* fantastic, apart from a few songs like "Butterfly," but her passionate, penetrating voice elevates this band above the masses.
In short, if you're thinking of buying this just because it says "Nuclear Blast" on the cover, give it a listen first. This is not a goth metal act. But it is a fine example of dark electronica with goth *rock* elements, and a band that deserves some more recognition.
- Goth `easy listening'?
     By A2ZMF26TY2GH8G on 2006-05-17
I'm not sure how to describe this band's sound. I can certainly hear the Goth genra in it but it's remarkably generic. There is nothing outstanding or original about it. All the way through the album I was waiting for it to get started, to really shine or give me something that I hadn't heard a thousand times before. It was all just so...bland. At times I could almost believe I'm listening to a Goth remixed Avril Lavigne album (*shudder*).
Despite my dislike of the generic style of this band, I don't think the musicians untalented. In fact I can say that they seem to know their business and they play together well. The album is also well balanced. It's just so unremarkable it's painful. There is no excuse for this when they have the talent.
- absolute beauty
     By A30BLGBQD0FX1K on 2002-04-22
I've anticipated this release for quite some time. The entire album is phenomenal. I've been following this Philly band since 1997. Everyone I've ever introduced to Tapping the Vein has never had a bad remark, so I highly recommend checking this out -their first full length album release!
- Delightful Surprise...
     By A20Z18G1XKENRJ on 2002-05-31
I've never heard of Tapping the Vein untill one day last month when I happened to notice the "Down with the Devil" tour was coming by a local club and really, I went to the show only for the fact that Seraphim Shock was there.. I really didnt care about any other performances and especially since I have not heard of TTV I didnt expect much.. all I can say is wow.. this band is really great.. falsely dubbed "gothic" alot of people may be missing out on this one.. I listen to all kinds of music and this is just in a league of its own.. give them a chance and you'll love it.. it took me just a few seconds of seeing them at that live show to know that this is one of those rare bands with actual talent..
- Talented, powerful, genre-crossing *rock*
     By A9TAVLS2Y52A5 on 2002-06-29
It's a bit amusing to read other reviews that are quick to offer their opinions about what Tapping the Vein are or aren't. "They're not a goth band," or "they're not really metal," or any number of variations on those themes. Frankly, who cares?Tapping the Vein will either go down as one of the most tragic victims of the industry's demand to categorize music, or one of the boldest heroes who lead the charge against that monster, and as a betting man, my money is firmly on the latter. While Type O Negative built a solid fanbase by mining both the gothic and metal genres, TTV takes things a step further by reaching into alternative rock and electronic rock, bringing simple and yet varied programming to the table that sets them apart from the rest of the goth/metal crossover crowd. The Damage is a disc that could be placed in one's collection next to Stabbing Westward, Garbage, Depeche Mode, Type O Negative, Theatre of Tragedy, or Blondie with equal validity. Listeners are advised to quit wasting their time trying to figure out what The Damage is or isn't, and simply focus on the fact that the album is nothing short of stellar. Re-working tracks from the band's first two EPs, Butterfly and Undone, as well as bringing some brand new tunes to the party, The Damage is a finely-crafted and well-produced document of the rise to success of a band that draws their influences from many wells. While people naturally focus on the vocals of diminutive powerhouse Heather Thompson, each member of the band truly pulls their own weight, and then some, working together in a seamless fashion that demonstrates their years of constant gigging together. Expect powerful female vocals that will make teeth rattle without resorting to nu-metal screaming or black-metal shrieking, subtle yet compelling electronic programming, and instrumentation that is, quite simply, rock 'n' roll. TTV's signature sound sets fiery choruses up against quieter, slower verses, creating songs that flow in a dynamic and exciting fashion - although like any good band, they aren't stuck in a rut, either. Given that this is a budget priced release as well, fans of rock music of any description would be well advised to give this disc a try. On the off chance you don't like it, rest assured that one of your friends will happily take it off your hands.
- nothing to shout about
     By A30KOED2O09QJS on 2003-01-24
Tapping the Vein's first CD is a decent effort, just nothing exceptional. None of the songs really stand out, and Heather's voice doesn't display much range (especially when compared to her European counterparts), coming off as a slightly rougher version of Cyndi Lauper. As for categorization, it is only marginally Goth or metal, though this is not a criticism.
- Seductive, great mood-music
     By on 2003-07-17
Beautiful, angsty, brilliant. I can really relate to this music (even though its not for everyone). The vocals are powerful and emotional at times, and soft and subtle at others... Absoloutely beautiful.
- YOU MUST BUY THIS CD!!!!!!!!!!!!!
     By AH5NGBXKIT1BN on 2003-10-03
Without a doubt, one of the most amazing bands I have heard in quite some time. Heather Thompson's sheer vocal power can go from soft, sweet singing to all out grrrowl in an eyeblink. Truly a vocalist like you have never heard, with her controlled power....and the band? Awesome-as I told them in the e-mail I wrote to Heather a while back-bands like Garbage, Joydrop, and Curve had better watch their backs around TTV. They are on the rise, so hop on board. Don't say I didn't tell ya!
- Definately worth buying!
     By A2AIPIHG22I5PJ on 2004-05-12
I stumbled on this CD when desperately searching for some GOOD female rockers. I love this CD! She can really belt out a tune or she can be soft. Actually I like when she starts out soft and kicks butt at the end. She makes you feel what she's singing. I just ordered one of their previous CD's from the website (tappingthevein.com). I know it'll be just as great. You can't go wrong with this band.
- You don't know the darkness like I do
     By A8TM0MI3D9T29 on 2006-03-17
First immpressions are a strange thing. With music, more and more, it's to the point where you won't like the CD at first but the more you listen to it the more you'll like it. I've grown accustomed to this treatment but Tapping The Vein's The Damage isn't one of those CDs, and that, my friends, is a refreshing change of pace.
The Ledge is just the perfect opener. It's powerful enough to catch your attention and delicate enough to hold it. Heather Thompson has a very distinct voice, though her yells are reminescent of Lullacry's Tanja. If you don't like Lullacry, never fear, because Heather's vocals are so much better than Tanja's. As for the rest of the band, well, they successfully created the perfect overall mood for the entire CD. At times the music has an industrial feel, other times it's heavy, and still other times it's dreamy enough to match Heather's ballad style singing.
As far as the songs go, top notch. I heard Again and Hurricane prior to buying this and was floored by their beauty, but when you listen to the CD in it's entirety there's no doubt that you'll be wondering why you've never taken the time to listen to Tapping The Vein before. The lyrics could be the shining point of this band. Mostly they tend to be of the darker variety. Too often bands don't cover that mood as well as they very well could, the lyrics are just far too depressing. Tapping The Vein's writing style isn't overly depressing though, the subject matter is dark, nothing more.
My favorite songs are The Ledge, Butterfly, The Damage, Broken, and Falling In. For each song weighing in at 4+ minutes (excluding The Ledge), this CD flies by. I get sucked into music easily but since I got The Damage I haven't stopped listening to it and I'm not tired of any single song yet either. If you like female-fronted bands then do not look this over.
- I'm sure most would overlook this album
     By ATICP3ZKQWE9D on 2006-05-18
And I don't blame people for it. On par with music and politics, musical tastes are subjective, so it shouldn't follow that just because some other yahoo online writes a rave review about it, or because it's classified as this or that, or because it's on a certain label, that one will like it.
As for my experience with the album and artist itself, I have heard better from their EPs. This is not to say I am disappointed in the album, as I enjoy quite a bit of it. It makes for good chillout music, and if you take the lyrics into account, I must applaud Heather Thompson for being able to convey emotions in a way that reach out to the listener.
Overall, the mood is dark and gloomy, and while one may classify such lyrics as emo, these lyrics are far from the new genre of lyrics that glorify self-mutilation and selfishness in relationships. In fact, if I have come away with anything from listening to this album, it would be that communicating your emotions, however gloomy they may be, is a good thing, especially when in this day and age, speaking of emotions other than love, lust, and anger are looked down upon.
To me, this album is truly artistic, and though the music may be rather simple in some aspects (structure, lyrics, etc.), it's what makes the album stand out amongst the crowd.
I personally enjoy bands that are able to blend genres together and become something that's not easily classifiable, and it amuses me that other people automatically generalize stuff they don't like as 'pop.' Although I must say that this album has a slight poppy undertone, there is absolutely nothing overly mainstream about it.
- like wow
     By A5ZRLSE1A2A09 on 2006-07-16
As a newbie in this genre I think THE DAMAGE is awsome. I'm an old fart and can understand whats going on.
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