I think massive orders are a bit stressful for multiple reasons - like, if it *does* get lost/stolen... Also in Canada, we do sometimes get charged duty. I've been lucky though - I've only been charged 3 times over the last 2 years, which isn't too bad. Most people in Europe get charged duty a lot, esp. via EMS shipments. The US I don't think gets charged. Duty is a two-fold problem for me: 1) well, the money (even though its not the end of the world) 2) Package-damage (the most important reason). Customs officials aren't terribly nice with packages and HMV's packaging for larger orders is good, but isn't really designed to withstand customs opening it. You see, they put the CDs on a piece of cardboard, wrap that up with heavy plastic wrap, then glue that to the bottom of the box. Customs has to open the box from the bottom, so that fucks everything up. The last one they opened up, they opened up the plastic wrapping around the CDs and one got lose and was stuck to the top of the box. Suffice to say, I'm still traumatized by that - thank fuck nothing came damaged.

This is also a problem for western Canadians only, but that new mail processing plant really sucks and they've had problems with packages getting stuck in conveyer belts and shit, having to move them with long sticks, etc. I've received a few boxes that came maimed (thank fuck the contents were fine).

I guess huge orders are also really good with coupon promotions. Getting a 50-100 dollar rebate coupon is pretty nice. My largest order (around $300) was done with a 30% rebate coupon. Coincidently, I finished my Onmyo-Za collection with that one - no duty either. Huge orders are pretty fun, but I do find CDs often get lost in the shuffle from that - whereas smaller orders I tend to focus on them more. No wait, that's kinda bullshit - I have tons of neglected CDs for whatever reason. But I do try to play everything 3 times before filing them. I kinda slacked off from my policy from last year of playing Japanese CDs 1 time per dollar spent ("If I'm gonna get financially crucified by these things, I'm gonna get my money's worth!").

Man, that is kinda useless because regular CDs will outlive me anyway, and my Japanese CDs get ripped to FLAC and put into plastic sleeves anyway. I do kinda like Japanese papersleeves though, but I dunno if I can justify replacing a bunch of old CDs with those though. Its disturbing at how often classic bands get their back catalog reissued over there.

It also looks like all members are going to contribute songs - no shock, considering how many songs there are Matatabi wrote the last 2 albums completely.

Since they're signed, I'm kinda hoping for a rapid succession of albums. They do have 2 demo mini-albums (before "Dream") with terrible mastering and man I'd love to see every song on those properly re-recorded ("Passion") is from one of those.

Those are with their first vocalist and are pretty damn good ("Determination" being my favorite,, at the moment). As mentioned many times, I'm quite happy with their latest album. Strangely enough, it seems to be their worst charting album.

I'm playing that Around the Nation album now and it seems ok. It isn't blowing me away as much as I'd like, but maybe it'll grow on me. Production could be better. At least I'm equipped now to tell apart the 2 vocalist in Art of Gradation. Not sure if I'd call this metal. Not sure what I'd call it honestly. Hrmm... J-Rock!

[edit]It looks like Alhambra's drummer left and got replaced by Mahatma's drummer (apparently Mahatma will remain active). The good news is, it looks like Alhambra is recording. I'm baffled how Yuhki is pulling this off while recording that new Galneryus and Hibiki is also recording the new Light Bringer and Merdelas. Goddamn workaholics!

Oh god, that sucks. I've never had any real problems with USPS other than that house mix-up thing. And yes, the US is duty-free which is a nice thing for me. It is true that huge orders make you more likely to skip over things. My personal rule is to try and listen to everything at least once properly behind my nice setup at home before I ever listen to it anywhere else.

Didn't know that. Kongo Kyuubi does have a lot of variety on it. Wouldn't guess that it's all from the same guy.

Passion is pretty mindblowing piece of work. Everybody solos really tastefully and extremely well. Might be my favourite track on that one.

Yeah, I've been wanting to pick up that Around the Nation album pretty soon. On my next order I suppose. Well, Ibuki is slightly lower pitched, so I can get that much.

Damn, I need to try and get the rest of Alhambra's stuff one of these days. Well, I guess these guys have to make a living somehow although I don't really think they get much back on the record deals. Maybe things work differently over there.