I guess that after ten years of hard work Circle Of Pain deserve this really luxurious double live CD release that includes all their hits. Alongside the DVD release (of the same album) this one works both ways: their old fans will remember while the new fans will learn. Let's see...
Circle of Pain spawn a career of more than ten years. They kick-started with a mini CD titled Life Is On TV (1995) that was followed by a tour and the first full length CD in 1996 titled "Borrowed Time. This album helped the band go on tour supporting acts like Saxon (respect) and Axxis. The 3-track CD's single Back To Bosnia was not something extraordinary but thumbs up for the band since the proceeds from this single were donated to the Bosnia Refugee Fund. Several tours followed with many known bands on the bill. It took them a while but in 2001 the band released a very interesting concept titled Paradox Of Destitution.
This live album is the live interpretation of that concept album. Fully packed with an orchestra, Circle Of Pain delivered a great show for more than 100 times! Of course the double CD also contains songs from the rest of the band's career.
For the technical aspect let's just say that the band is so flawless on stage it makes it really hard to realize if this is live or a studio recording! Yeah, the audience doesn't help that much (since it doesn't manage to add to this live feeling) but the production is ultra cool / smooth. Vocalist Uwe Johann is at times amazing, ok he does carry his native accent, but this is something I always liked. What's the point if all singers sound like they are from the U.S.A.?
The orchestra really rises to the occasion in this one. The interaction with the Metal instruments is quite discreet. Maybe a bit too discreet if you ask me but I can accept that. In conclusion this live album will satisfy all the band's fans (and I know they are many). Check it out (and do the same for the DVD)!