This collection really is only for die-hards.
Funeral For A Friend have been moving along quite steadily for the past few years but they have still yet to break into the mainstream consciousness. Perhaps much of that has to do with their association with the "emo" youth culture of today where many bands of their ilk are enveloped together and mocked by more elitist, seasoned rock fans.
Nevertheless, FFAF (as they are often referred to) as are a decent enough band with a seriously powerful back catalogue behind them. This nine track album is a collection of odds and sods to accompany this year's earlier release, 'Welcome To Armageddon.' The opening track 'High Castles' is a brand new thumping song and one that really gets the blood flowing but the rest of the album is rather a mixed bag. 'Medicated' is a standard remix and the couple of acoustic numbers that close the album are nothing to rave about; those being 'Old Hymns' and 'Welcome Home Armageddon.' The live tracks such as 'Sixteen' prove that this band is the real deal when it comes to onstage performances.
Overall, this collection really is only for die-hards while newcomers should check out the previous album releases.
Neil Daniels