The Best / Luchshee (2 CD)

Unfortunately, this latest compilation is nothing to write home about. The tracks have not been remastered, and sound control lacks; while the songs from Aria's more recent albums are loud and crystal clear, the older ones are low and muffled. The necessity of adjusting the volume with every song makes the album less enjoyable and the whole listening experience unpleasant, to say the least.I have four notes on the song selection: First, overall, I think it is fair. There are no new songs, but all Aria's greatest hits seem to be present, and they represent the band well through the years. I realize, though, that it is a personal matter, and someone will always be disappointed. Second, this collection's Chimera is not the one from 2001's album of the same title but the instrumental version from 2000's Truckers-2 (great version; I love it). Third, The Calm, featured here, is the duet between Valery Kipelov and Udo Dirkschneider which was recorded in 2001 and included in 2002's The Calm (not so great; the version from Chimera is better, in my opinion). Last, although this album was released in 2009, 2006's Armageddon is not represented in it at all (plain awful).I am not happy with this compilation, and if I could return it, I surely would. I suggest that you skip it and buy some of Aria's main albums instead.

If you love metal and good old ass kicking rock music then you would be a fool not to own this CD. I is some raw awsome music that you just won't be able to get enough of it.