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Vektor - Outer Isolation review



Reviewer:
7.5

483 users:
8.57
Band: Vektor
Album: Outer Isolation
Style: Progressive thrash metal, Technical thrash metal
Release date: November 2011


01. Cosmic Cortex
02. Echoless Chamber
03. Dying World
04. Tetrastructural Minds
05. Venus Project
06. Dark Creations, Dead Creators
07. Fast Paced Society
08. Outer Isolation

Oh shit, the Killjoy is reviewing a thrash metal album. Brace yourselves.

ADD-friendly review: This is not the worst album of the revivalist thrash movement I've come across.

In spite of my pseudo-crusade against anything revivalist, I admittedly found Vektor's Outer Isolation to be a clear step above the rest. Now, I compared these guys to Toxik when I first listened to the over-hyped debut, Black Future. They immediately built success off that sound, a highly technical form of thrash metal that even drew some appreciation from the prog crowd. Yet, people kept telling me how much more they had in common with Voivod, so I took a break and caught up with those old school thrashers.

Basically, if you listened to these guys before listening to Voivod and you didn't know Voivod is to thrash what Black Sabbath is to old folk's home, you'd think Vektor were being ripped off. Then you throw in Destruction, Coroner, Watchtower... all bands clearly miles ahead of Vektor, but all awesome bands. Which makes this awesome.

A proper review should focus more on the music than this, no? Well it's hard to focus on what's being presented here because it's all been done before and so much better. Ignoring the '80s and taking this for what it is (a contemporary thrash release), it's pretty cool shit. It's aggressive/progressive balls-to-the-wall-wrecking-your-neck-punishment-for-decadence. The problem is there is absolutely no identity. Like so many revivalist bands, it just makes you want to listen to the masters that did it better more than 20 years ago.

These are undoubtedly incredibly talented musicians capable of pulling off some of the most technical thrashing you've heard in the last decade. They write their songs with direction and magnitude (oh yeah!), the lengthier tracks refusing to wander around aimlessly; the shrieking vocals are pitched to perfection, almost spine-chillingly so; and the overall power keeps the album flowing without the stripped down heavy/power influence so many thrash metal outfits seem to be falling victim to.

If you're too lazy to check out thrash metal's golden years, then Vektor will help you re-live the past. If you're the "I read the book before it was a movie" kind of person, there isn't anything special going on here.


Rating breakdown
Performance: 9
Songwriting: 8
Originality: 4
Production: 7





Written on 03.12.2011 by I'm total pro; that's what I'm here for.


Comments page 5 / 7

Comments: 193   Visited by: 732 users
06.12.2011 - 07:35
Troy Killjoy
perfunctionist
staff
Written by bloodface on 06.12.2011 at 07:34
more of a fan than not of the thrash resurgence and a huge fan of voivod.

I think it's safe to say you'd definitely like this then.

It's probably the best thrash release of the year to be honest.
----
"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."
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06.12.2011 - 10:17
Rating: 10
Hey folks, this is Erik from Vektor. Troy, thanks for the review! It was a slight disappointment (and put a little *sad face* on me) to see the overall score and originality score, but you were upfront and honest with what you heard, and I appreciate that immensely regardless. I'm sorry you don't feel that we bring anything new to the table though, it was tough hearing that hah. But we do aim for originality, despite your claim about it haha, but it's a tough feat to accomplish these days. Overall, you wrote a good review and I thank you for it!

And to those defending Vektor and our music I thank you as well for believing in our writing and capabilities, but let's lighten up on all of this. It was an honest review, however brutal, and it's refreshing to hear fair and cohesive criticism. Hats off to you Troy.

Also, to those inquiring about Demolition, we consider it a demo regardless of its overall running time. Anyway, I'm looking forward to being on here and hearing more feedback about the album, and I hope the rest of you are enjoying it!

-Erik
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06.12.2011 - 10:22
Troy Killjoy
perfunctionist
staff
Written by erikwithafro81 on 06.12.2011 at 10:17
Hey folks, this is Erik from Vektor. Troy, thanks for the review! It was a slight disappointment (and put a little *sad face* on me) to see the overall score and originality score, but you were upfront and honest with what you heard, and I appreciate that immensely regardless. I'm sorry you don't feel that we bring anything new to the table though, it was tough hearing that hah. But we do aim for originality, despite your claim about it haha, but it's a tough feat to accomplish these days. Overall, you wrote a good review and I thank you for it!

And to those defending Vektor and our music I thank you as well for believing in our writing and capabilities, but let's lighten up on all of this. It was an honest review, however brutal, and it's refreshing to hear fair and cohesive criticism. Hats off to you Troy.

-Erik

Always nice to hear from the band. Thanks for the comment.

And while it wasn't the most positive review I've ever written, I'd still like to see what you guys come up with next.
----
"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."
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06.12.2011 - 10:34
Rating: 10
Written by Troy Killjoy on 06.12.2011 at 10:22

Written by erikwithafro81 on 06.12.2011 at 10:17
Hey folks, this is Erik from Vektor. Troy, thanks for the review! It was a slight disappointment (and put a little *sad face* on me) to see the overall score and originality score, but you were upfront and honest with what you heard, and I appreciate that immensely regardless. I'm sorry you don't feel that we bring anything new to the table though, it was tough hearing that hah. But we do aim for originality, despite your claim about it haha, but it's a tough feat to accomplish these days. Overall, you wrote a good review and I thank you for it!

And to those defending Vektor and our music I thank you as well for believing in our writing and capabilities, but let's lighten up on all of this. It was an honest review, however brutal, and it's refreshing to hear fair and cohesive criticism. Hats off to you Troy.

-Erik

Always nice to hear from the band. Thanks for the comment.

And while it wasn't the most positive review I've ever written, I'd still like to see what you guys come up with next.

Well, we're always striving for new ideas, and you know what they say: "3rd time's a charm!" Haha, hopefully we can wow you with the next one!

Really though, thanks for the honesty. Constructive criticism only makes us want to work harder to better ourselves to outdo what we've done. We'll get you on board, all in due time my friend .

Do you at least have a favorite track that stands out, or any "great moments" from the album?
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06.12.2011 - 12:01
Milena
gloom cookie
staff
Written by erikwithafro81 on 06.12.2011 at 10:17

Hey folks, this is Erik from Vektor. Troy, thanks for the review! It was a slight disappointment (and put a little *sad face* on me) to see the overall score and originality score, but you were upfront and honest with what you heard, and I appreciate that immensely regardless. I'm sorry you don't feel that we bring anything new to the table though, it was tough hearing that hah. But we do aim for originality, despite your claim about it haha, but it's a tough feat to accomplish these days. Overall, you wrote a good review and I thank you for it!

And to those defending Vektor and our music I thank you as well for believing in our writing and capabilities, but let's lighten up on all of this. It was an honest review, however brutal, and it's refreshing to hear fair and cohesive criticism. Hats off to you Troy.

Also, to those inquiring about Demolition, we consider it a demo regardless of its overall running time. Anyway, I'm looking forward to being on here and hearing more feedback about the album, and I hope the rest of you are enjoying it!

-Erik

You rule man. There's a lot of people who can't take a harsh review.
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7.0 means the album is good
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06.12.2011 - 16:04
Rating: 8
Daniell
_爱情_
elite
Written by Deadmeat on 04.12.2011 at 22:27

Written by Troy Killjoy on 04.12.2011 at 22:18

Out of the 200+ albums I've listened to this year, maybe a dozen or so could be considered original. As in, worthy of more than a 6 in the originality department.

ok your review is positive. say it more times to believe it yourself.

as you are a staff member and not a "stupid asshole lurking on the net" i wonder how the fuck you can listen to 200 albums (or more) in a year and be fully able to understand them. how the f**k can you write reviews for albums you've listened only 1,2 or 5 times? this is extremely unprofessional, especially froma staff member as you are.


Dude, don't be Vonpire 2.0. The fact that Troy rated the album lower than you doesn't mean that he didn't understand it. Neither does it mean that he is unprofessional.

If you liked the album a lot more, it's ok. But it's not ok to bash others for having a different opinion.
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06.12.2011 - 16:24
X-Ray Rod
Skandino
staff
Written by erikwithafro81 on 06.12.2011 at 10:17
Hats off to you Troy.


Hats off to you too Erik, you can't imagine how great it feels when a band appreciates the reviews and are also perfectly mature about it. I highly enjoy when musicians are professionals when it comes to take criticism... Specially when they are far better at it that some of their fanboys.

While I agree with Troy's review I have to say that I did enjoy what I've heard so far. Keep the good stuff coming!
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Written by BloodTears on 19.08.2011 at 18:29
Like you could kiss my ass
Written by Milena on 20.06.2012 at 10:49
Rod, let me love you.
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06.12.2011 - 18:14
Rating: 9
Deadmeat
Necrobutcher
Written by X-Ray Rod on 06.12.2011 at 16:24

Written by erikwithafro81 on 06.12.2011 at 10:17
Hats off to you Troy.


Hats off to you too Erik, you can't imagine how great it feels when a band appreciates the reviews and are also perfectly mature about it. I highly enjoy when musicians are professionals when it comes to take criticism... Specially when they are far better at it that some of their fanboys.

While I agree with Troy's review I have to say that I did enjoy what I've heard so far. Keep the good stuff coming!

that's ok. i don't mind sounding extravagant if these guys are going to come here and show how respectful they are.

@daniell: i never did that for this purpose. generally i never cared for the rating of 7.5 (i never mentioned that) but only for some other aspects (which i mentioned of course).
----
Υou've sold your human essence to the cold world of dead and empty things... You're SOLD!
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06.12.2011 - 19:02
Troy Killjoy
perfunctionist
staff
Written by erikwithafro81 on 06.12.2011 at 10:34
Do you at least have a favorite track that stands out, or any "great moments" from the album?

My favorite songs are the opener and closer, which ties into what I thought was the album's greatest strength: long songs that don't lose their focus. It's obvious you guys spend some good quality time making sure 18 minutes' worth of music doesn't go to waste. And I think that's especially noticeable in thrash metal, regardless of who I think you're ripping off.
----
"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."
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06.12.2011 - 19:45
Rating: 10
Written by Milena on 06.12.2011 at 12:01

Written by erikwithafro81 on 06.12.2011 at 10:17

Hey folks, this is Erik from Vektor. Troy, thanks for the review! It was a slight disappointment (and put a little *sad face* on me) to see the overall score and originality score, but you were upfront and honest with what you heard, and I appreciate that immensely regardless. I'm sorry you don't feel that we bring anything new to the table though, it was tough hearing that hah. But we do aim for originality, despite your claim about it haha, but it's a tough feat to accomplish these days. Overall, you wrote a good review and I thank you for it!

And to those defending Vektor and our music I thank you as well for believing in our writing and capabilities, but let's lighten up on all of this. It was an honest review, however brutal, and it's refreshing to hear fair and cohesive criticism. Hats off to you Troy.

Also, to those inquiring about Demolition, we consider it a demo regardless of its overall running time. Anyway, I'm looking forward to being on here and hearing more feedback about the album, and I hope the rest of you are enjoying it!

-Erik

You rule man. There's a lot of people who can't take a harsh review.


Written by X-Ray Rod on 06.12.2011 at 16:24

Written by erikwithafro81 on 06.12.2011 at 10:17
Hats off to you Troy.


Hats off to you too Erik, you can't imagine how great it feels when a band appreciates the reviews and are also perfectly mature about it. I highly enjoy when musicians are professionals when it comes to take criticism... Specially when they are far better at it that some of their fanboys.

While I agree with Troy's review I have to say that I did enjoy what I've heard so far. Keep the good stuff coming!

Thanks guys. It's tough to hear of course, as we put everything we had into this album. But in the end people are going to have different outlooks on what we do. I appreciate the negative side of Troy's review because it wasn't really bashing on us and calling us a shitty band. He was only explaining how he heard things from times past, but acknowledged that he did enjoy it and still said some really nice things about how good of players we are (thanks for that!) And with the next album we'll get Troy completely on board like I said haha.

Written by Troy Killjoy on 06.12.2011 at 19:02

Written by erikwithafro81 on 06.12.2011 at 10:34
Do you at least have a favorite track that stands out, or any "great moments" from the album?

My favorite songs are the opener and closer, which ties into what I thought was the album's greatest strength: long songs that don't lose their focus. It's obvious you guys spend some good quality time making sure 18 minutes' worth of music doesn't go to waste. And I think that's especially noticeable in thrash metal, regardless of who I think you're ripping off.

That's awesome that you dig the long ones, I honestly wasn't expecting that haha.

And Deadmeat, thank you as well for the defense, it's nice having fan support like that too.
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06.12.2011 - 20:33
Valaskjalf
Account deleted
Written by Deadmeat on 04.12.2011 at 22:27

Written by Troy Killjoy on 04.12.2011 at 22:18

Out of the 200+ albums I've listened to this year, maybe a dozen or so could be considered original. As in, worthy of more than a 6 in the originality department.

ok your review is positive. say it more times to believe it yourself.

as you are a staff member and not a "stupid asshole lurking on the net" i wonder how the fuck you can listen to 200 albums (or more) in a year and be fully able to understand them. how the f**k can you write reviews for albums you've listened only 1,2 or 5 times? this is extremely unprofessional, especially froma staff member as you are.


Whoops Troy, I think you insulated him by giving his favorite band less than a 10....
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06.12.2011 - 23:24
Rating: 9
Deadmeat
Necrobutcher
Written by Guest on 06.12.2011 at 20:33

Written by Deadmeat on 04.12.2011 at 22:27

Written by Troy Killjoy on 04.12.2011 at 22:18

Out of the 200+ albums I've listened to this year, maybe a dozen or so could be considered original. As in, worthy of more than a 6 in the originality department.

ok your review is positive. say it more times to believe it yourself.

as you are a staff member and not a "stupid asshole lurking on the net" i wonder how the fuck you can listen to 200 albums (or more) in a year and be fully able to understand them. how the f**k can you write reviews for albums you've listened only 1,2 or 5 times? this is extremely unprofessional, especially froma staff member as you are.


Whoops Troy, I think you insulated him by giving his favorite band less than a 10....

probably you are the most stupid here. i said thousand times that i never cared about the rating of the review...
----
Υou've sold your human essence to the cold world of dead and empty things... You're SOLD!
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06.12.2011 - 23:29
Troy Killjoy
perfunctionist
staff
The thread's over guys. If Erik would have posted on the first page it would have been over. We've moved on.
----
"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."
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07.12.2011 - 06:06
Lit.
Account deleted
Can't believe I missed all this.
It's like waking up from a nice nap to find out your home's been torn apart by Nuclear war.
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07.12.2011 - 07:11
Rating: 10
Whoblehwah
This finally gets a review and it from a whiny elitist? Lol.
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07.12.2011 - 08:14
Troy Killjoy
perfunctionist
staff
Written by Whoblehwah on 07.12.2011 at 07:11
This finally gets a review and it from a whiny elitist? Lol.

Trollfail.
----
"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."
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07.12.2011 - 11:59
Angelic Storm
Melodious
I see it so often, that a band's members themselves show more decorum, maturity, and yes, open mindedness, than many of their fans.

I also suspect that having his music compared to Voivod, Destruction, and the likes would make Erik and his bandmates more than a little proud.
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07.12.2011 - 14:14
@gent_-_orange
Written by Angelic Storm on 07.12.2011 at 11:59


I also suspect that having his music compared to Voivod, Destruction, and the likes would make Erik and his bandmates more than a little proud.


Agreed with this, Thrash as a whole stopped being original a long time ago anyway, All a thrash band should do nowadays is deliver a good ass kicking with great riffs and well written songs and this is exactly what Vektor has done with both albums.
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07.12.2011 - 19:27
Valaskjalf
Account deleted
Written by Deadmeat on 06.12.2011 at 23:24

Written by Guest on 06.12.2011 at 20:33

Written by Deadmeat on 04.12.2011 at 22:27

Written by Troy Killjoy on 04.12.2011 at 22:18

Out of the 200+ albums I've listened to this year, maybe a dozen or so could be considered original. As in, worthy of more than a 6 in the originality department.

ok your review is positive. say it more times to believe it yourself.

as you are a staff member and not a "stupid asshole lurking on the net" i wonder how the fuck you can listen to 200 albums (or more) in a year and be fully able to understand them. how the f**k can you write reviews for albums you've listened only 1,2 or 5 times? this is extremely unprofessional, especially froma staff member as you are.


Whoops Troy, I think you insulated him by giving his favorite band less than a 10....

probably you are the most stupid here. i said thousand times that i never cared about the rating of the review...


Your grammar is shocking...stupid one
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07.12.2011 - 20:37
Troy Killjoy
perfunctionist
staff
Any more useless debating will be deleted. Consider this a warning.

EDIT: that doesn't mean you can't debate my review with me, but don't start debating about irrelevant crap with other users
----
"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."
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07.12.2011 - 20:56
Rating: 7
BitterCOld
The Ancient One
admin
Hi everybody!

for starters, it's awesome to see a member of band, particularly an established one, chime in on a review. especially when the review does contain some criticism of the album rather than just someone blowing smoke.

beyond that, if pointless bickering continues by others, I will have zero problem in "clean up, Aisle VEKTOR" and removing posts.
----
get the fuck off my lawn.

Beer Bug Virus Spotify Playlist crafted by Nikarg and I. Feel free to tune in and add some pertinent metal tunes!
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08.12.2011 - 00:22
D.a.n
Written by Troy Killjoy on 07.12.2011 at 20:37

Don't start debating about irrelevant crap with other users


Meaning we are only allowed to discuss irrelevant crap with you? Fair enough!

But on a serious note: Erik, reading your comments was so refreshing and energizing! It's great to see a metal artist respond to criticism (though 7.5 is a high rating for the Killjoy, mind you!) in a mature, clever, polite, open and humble way as you did. You said: Hats off to Troy for the review. I say: Hats off to YOU, Erik!.
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08.12.2011 - 01:06
Rating: 10
Whoblehwah
Written by Troy Killjoy on 07.12.2011 at 08:14

Written by Whoblehwah on 07.12.2011 at 07:11
This finally gets a review and it from a whiny elitist? Lol.

Trollfail.


Not trolling, just sayin'.
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08.12.2011 - 01:10
Marcel Hubregtse
Grumpy Old Fuck
elite
Written by Whoblehwah on 08.12.2011 at 01:06

Written by Troy Killjoy on 07.12.2011 at 08:14

Written by Whoblehwah on 07.12.2011 at 07:11
This finally gets a review and it from a whiny elitist? Lol.

Trollfail.


Not trolling, just sayin'.


what's is elitist and whiny about the review?
----
Member of the true crusade against European Flower Metal

Yesterday is dead and gone, tomorrow is out of sight
Dawn Crosby (r.i.p.)
05.04.1963 - 15.12.1996

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08.12.2011 - 02:36
Grody2themax
Written by erikwithafro81 on 06.12.2011 at 10:34

Constructive criticism only makes us want to work harder to better ourselves to outdo what we've done. We'll get you on board, all in due time my friend .


mm...hopefully this means getting working on being hella original since that has been the biggest constructive criticism . It would be awesome to hear a super original band with an underlying "classic" extreme metal sound, sort of like what Revocation has done (but they venture off too far sometimes for some "true" metal heads to enjoy...) I'm definitely digging the sci-fi/space theme. It would be cool to see where you guys take that in the future
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08.12.2011 - 09:01
Rating: 10
Whoblehwah
Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 08.12.2011 at 01:10

Written by Whoblehwah on 08.12.2011 at 01:06

Written by Troy Killjoy on 07.12.2011 at 08:14

Written by Whoblehwah on 07.12.2011 at 07:11
This finally gets a review and it from a whiny elitist? Lol.

Trollfail.


Not trolling, just sayin'.


what's is elitist and whiny about the review?


"ADD-friendly review: This is not the worst album of the revivalist thrash movement I've come across."
"Basically, if you listened to these guys before listening to Voivod and you didn't know Voivod is to thrash what Black Sabbath is to old folk's home, you'd think Vektor were being ripped off."
"A proper review should focus more on the music than this, no? Well it's hard to focus on what's being presented here because it's all been done before and so much better."
"If you're too lazy to check out thrash metal's golden years, then Vektor will help you re-live the past. If you're the "I read the book before it was a movie" kind of person, there isn't anything special going on here."

That shit. He spent half the review crying about how Vektor sounds similar to other bands instead of actually talking about Outer Isolation. Then when he finally did talk about the album it was just a short paragraph. What kind of unprofessional bullshit is that?
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08.12.2011 - 09:15
Troy Killjoy
perfunctionist
staff
Written by Whoblehwah on 08.12.2011 at 09:01
What kind of unprofessional bullshit is that?

Already addressed this question multiple times.
----
"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."
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08.12.2011 - 09:20
Rating: 10
Whoblehwah
Written by Troy Killjoy on 08.12.2011 at 09:15

Written by Whoblehwah on 08.12.2011 at 09:01
What kind of unprofessional bullshit is that?

Already addressed this question multiple times.


Well excuse me (princess) for not reading through all the comments.

Reference no one ever gets ftw.
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08.12.2011 - 09:25
Troy Killjoy
perfunctionist
staff
Written by Whoblehwah on 08.12.2011 at 09:20
Well excuse me (princess) for not reading through all the comments.

Reference no one ever gets ftw.

The last time someone called me princess I was in my ex-girlfriend's basement wearing a blindfold and a tutu. Thanks for helping me reminisce.
----
"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."
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08.12.2011 - 11:00
Rating: 8
Daniell
_爱情_
elite
Written by Troy Killjoy on 08.12.2011 at 09:15

Written by Whoblehwah on 08.12.2011 at 09:01
What kind of unprofessional bullshit is that?

Already addressed this question multiple times.


All that poor kid says is: "you dared rate the album lower than me, I hate you!"
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