Listen to the entire new album Razia’s Shadow: A Musical now in the player to the right and please leave a comment with your thoughts!
The album is available as a preorder in The FBR Webstore that includes an instant download of ‘Life Is Looking Up.’
October 24th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
amazing so far, bravo!
October 24th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
You, sir, are a musical genius.
Words cannot express how epically gorgeous and perfect this album is.
Thank you.
October 24th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Thomas…babe…wow…amazing
October 24th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
this is so amazing.
my preorder’s being a bitch,
so thanks so much for posting the album here.
:]
it’s so amazing.
October 24th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
I can’t wait to open my mailbox and find this gorgeous album there waiting for me.
October 24th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
OMG!!! It’s so gorgeous
October 24th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G all I need to say it’s so great
October 24th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
wow this is truly amazing
the end and the beginning is so complex and beautiful
October 24th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Wow. Just… wow.
October 24th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Thomas…I love you. I don’t care if that sounds gay, but I love you. I’ve been dying to get this CD from my preorder and it has yet to arrive, but now you’ve made my life.
I love you
October 24th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
I’m really impressed.
Like, beyond impressed.
This is amazing
October 24th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
this is the most genious thing. ever. seriously,
if this is not taken to broadway i might just cry haha
amazing work!
October 24th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
YOU ARE MY NEW HERO!!! thank you thank you thank you for getting Brendon Urie to do this!AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
October 24th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Holy crap! I can’t even put into words how awesome this sounds! I have goosebumps running up and down my arms and legs. It’s so good. I can’t wait till I have the physical copy.
Greta sounds BEATUIFUL.
October 24th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
jesus.
i’ve told you over & over that i believed this was going to be the best album of 2008.
thank you for proving me right.
thomas i’m thinking about pre-ordering this for a second time so i can have an unopened copy.
you’re a genius.
October 24th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
hahah wtf. BEAUTIFUL.
There we go .. Fail.
October 24th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
this all i’ve hoped for and more, i’m sure jyll and i will see you in november in chicago.
October 24th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
let me just first say that i had not ever even heard of forgive durden until the end of september and i heard life is looking up. so i just took a chance and pre-ordered the cd off fueldbyramen. now let me just say that the story line is phenomenal and the characters are excellent. please do this again and make this into a movie.
October 24th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
intricate, spiraling, impassioned. i love it completely. i’ve listened to it three times end to end consecutively. i can’t stop because it’s SO good. each song is filled with desperate intensity. thank you so much for sharing this genius with us.
October 24th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
i only get 30 second clips! grrr…i’ll just have to wait
October 24th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
I am amazed. I thought this album would be excellent, but I was wrong. It’s PERFECT. I’ll never encounter anything better than this…unless it’s another album by you, of course.
October 24th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
The End And The Beginning give me chills (:
I can’t wait for this record omg
October 24th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
I absolutely love this. It’s so *different*; the music is amazing and I was so caught up in the story.
October 24th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
beautiful! I love it! I cried at the end though. It was sooo amazing!
October 24th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
wow, really impressed!
amazing album.
if there was a visual for the album, like an actual musical, it’ll be a hit!
October 24th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
omg i cant wait im hoping that my mom will get m ethe cd for christmas its absolutley amazing !!
October 24th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Oh. My. Gosh.
I am so impressed by this album. It’s so different and unique but so beautiful. I love it! Nice job!
October 24th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
My regards and gratitude to you for giving us this music. This album comes at a time in my life that fits into the theme and subtext of it. Thank you and see you in November.
October 24th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
I cried, but this is definately the greatest album of ‘08, and maybe of the decade.
October 24th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
man, this is incredible. it’s like avant-garde, but totally logical. people will look back and find inspiration in this, which is definately positive. congrats and can’t wait to pick it up on tuesday.
October 24th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Oh! What a flawlessy crafted musical masterpiece!
Thomas- I just fiished and am seriously on the verge of tears, for many reasons. Among them, the fact that I have been waitiing for your new album for the longest time, that I have been waiting for an album with this…this DEPTH and honesty and exquisite talent! The story itself was enough the bring my emotions swimming to the surface, each song set ablaze a different feeling, even memories! I truly cannot thank you enough for not allowing yourself to fall into a category, to explore with great depth and enthusiasm any genre that you desire, without fear of being accepted into what considered “in”. This is truly a classic that I will be sharing 50 years from now. You are special even among the special people who get to do this for a living, you are truly a genious and a master in your work. This album is perfect, it’s everything an album should be, and much more.
This also makes me sad as I attempt to compose this small, insignificant thanks, because surely this will finally get you the recognition you deserve, and your close-knit little group of fans, of friends even, may be swallowed in the sea of pop-culture and MTV and other such nonsense. Just know that all of us love you, are so proud of you and this album, you’ve really made the grade.
See you on October 29th in Austin! I hope I can thank you in person for this personally life changing piece of art.
October 24th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
it. wont. work.
i am SO dissapointed.
October 24th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
wow that was amazing, greta and brendon sound really good in the last song
October 24th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
wow. i was almost in tears on the last song. best thing i have EVER heard.
October 24th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
I am so impressed. This is amazing. I love you.
October 24th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
:O
woooooooow. That was SOOO good. I was screaming at my computer through the whole thing… the ending :’(
I loved it. It was absolutely fantastic! I can’t wait to buy it Tuesday..
October 24th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
it … thomas.. this is amazing…. i loved meet the king.
October 24th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
I absolutely love it. I have always been a big fan of musicals and when I heard about Razia’s Shadow, I became hooked. Thank you forgiving us a wonderful story.
October 24th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
I absolutely love it. I have always been a big fan of musicals and when I heard about Razia’s Shadow, I became hooked. Thank you forgiving us a wonderful story.
October 24th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
I already left a comment on your myspace, but I thought i’d tell you again! ever since i received my pre-order, i’ve been listening, following, and absolutely adoring razia’s shadow. you are quite possibly the most brilliant musician of our time. i sincerely hope you get the recognition and success you deserve!
October 24th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
wow…this is so amazing. and perfect
October 24th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Such a good album, definitely going to be my top of the year. I can’t wait to get the deluxe edition and read through it and see you at the grog shop in November. stoked!
October 24th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
I was on ap.net and this album stream came up on the news feed.
i’m so happy i clicked it.
this is what music is all about.
this will end up fighting Jack’s Mannequin/The Glass Passenger for my AOTY
October 24th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
This album is amazing! I am so happy that I pre-ordered it. Its supposed to arrive tomorrow:D
October 24th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
well done man. listening now through a little bose - sound quality is impeccable. finally some solid, creative, and unique jams to enjoy… hot damn. what a great friday night treat.
October 24th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
ahhh, This is absolutely beautiful!! It’s True love is gorgeous and I adore the ending!! I can’t stop listening to any of it … it’s so amazing! Thank you for making something so beautiful.
October 24th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
wow
what a great album/ story/ musical
i hope you can get all these people to go on tour with you and make a Razia’s Shadow Live Tour!!!
October 24th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
This is really really good. Better than i even imagined.
October 24th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
This is my new favorite album. Next to it nothing else seems as good. The whole story is amazing, plus i was laughing hysterically during Doctor Doctor which is a great thing. I like to picture Shawn Harris actually playing that part in like a musical haha
October 24th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
This is my new favorite album. Next to it nothing else seems as good. The whole story is amazing, plus i was laughing hysterically during Doctor Doctor which is a great thing. I like to picture Shawn Harris actually playing that part in like a musical haha
October 24th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
This is the most amazing thing I’ve ever listened to. Thank you for doing this. It’s really awesome, and beautifully composed. I’m so excited for you!!! This is definitely something to be remembered by if you wanted to be.
October 24th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
I’m in love
=P
I’m buying it fer sure!
I never expected Brendon’s part to end up killing someone! =O
October 24th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
geniosity. this makes my heart melt and beat at the same time. oh yeah–its that good. it makes my heart defy the rules of our current universe. keep being so awesome.
October 24th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Amazing! Can’t wait to get this for my own, I’m so inspired by it!
October 24th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
in love……enough said
October 24th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
i shall see u 2morrow in orlando sir. cant wait.
October 24th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
i’m in love with this. No joke. I’m not even being biased about it, it’s not because Brendon Urie is singing on it. It’s really amazing for serious.
October 24th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
awesome sauce
watch out broadway
October 24th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
simply amazing. i know nothing about forgive durden, but hearing these songs makes me love them.
October 24th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
it makes me smile.
October 24th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Bravo! That was amazing! It was all so clear in my head, it was almost as if I were seeing it live.
Fantastic job!
October 24th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
man if this pre-order doesnt come in tomorrow ill practically die having to wait through sunday
October 24th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
man if this pre-order doesnt come in tomorrow ill practically die having to wait through sunday
October 24th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Yeah, this is very very wonderful.
i’m in awe.
fantastic fantastic fantastic.
October 24th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Wow, this is incredible! I love musicals, so of course when I heard about this album I freaked out. My personal favorite character is The Doctor; Shawn Harris does creepy really well. I just wish there were more songs!
October 24th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Amazing job Thomas. Couldn’t ask for more.
October 24th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
This is very good. Urie sounds amazing, and I love the story.
October 24th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
this album just made every other album i have ever listened to sound like metro station(that is a huge compliment because metro station makes quite possibly the worst “music” ever)
aoty for sure, probably top 3 if not #1 all time
October 24th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
anyone know where i can possibly torrent it
but, dont worry, i preordered, i just want to burn it for my teacher
October 24th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
This is so amazing! I absolutely loved it. I pre-ordered so I can’t wait to get ahold of it. I’ve been a huge fan of Forgive Durden for a while now, and this just blows me away. Just so awesome.
October 24th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
It’s so *lush*
I love how interesting it is and how much is going on. Thank you for such a creative and amazing album.
October 24th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
I think it says something about the writing when it caused me to tear up a bit at the end. I don’t want to say about what because I don’t want to spoil it for someone who hasn’t fully listened, but wow. You are a music genius.
October 24th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Mind-blowingly brilliant, Thomas (and Paul!). I was at the listening party and all I could think afterward was “I can’t wait two weeks to hear this again! I just can’t!” And I didn’t have to.
Plus, my pre-ordered limited edition arrived early - yesterday! I’m beyond thrilled with it, and am just waiting to download my pre-ordered iTunes version on the 28th so I can have the extra tracks. AND for the Nov. 7th show in San Francisco (maybe I can get my limited edition autographed?)!
Everyone sounds fantastic on this. Every*thing* sounds fantastic on this. Sorry I can’t think of anything more interesting to say about it, but I’m listening to it again as I write this, and I’d much rather listen to your words than write my own, which pale in comparison.
“Live for your love every day.”
October 24th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
I’m back haha. I just have no idea how to express how much I love this. It’s a beautiful story that you love despite it’s tragedy. It’s so east to follow despite the depth, as long as you listen you can understand what is going on.
October 25th, 2008 at 3:50 am
SOOO GOOD
I LOVE YOU
October 25th, 2008 at 5:01 am
im on like my tenth time through. its too good. i cant listen to anything else. like it all sucks. except this! AHHH!!
October 25th, 2008 at 5:02 am
Omg this album is so amazing! I got the special edition in the mail yesterday and I sat down with the script and listened… Dammmnnn It was good, I have never heard anything like it ever it is just too brilliant for words
October 25th, 2008 at 5:54 am
October 25th, 2008 at 6:19 am
I got my preordered album yesterday in the mail. I got home from school and it was in my mailbox.
I dropped everything that i was holding and did a little jig when i saw it.
I then ran to my room and took out my cd player, cleared off the dust, and blasted the volume.
It was amazing. I was reading the script along with the music and everything was perfect. The words were so beautiful. The story line was astounding. I actually did cry at the end.
The music and singing is indescribable.
I do have one complaint, which probably has nothing to do with you. My cover has a big slash across it. I made a hypothesis that when the FBR store was unpacking them, my cd was ontop and it was cut by the box opener.
October 25th, 2008 at 6:38 am
You should be proud of yourself, Tom. You did an absolutely fantastic job on this album, and I don’t think I’ll be putting it down for a long time. I can’t wait to see what you do next.
October 25th, 2008 at 6:41 am
Thank you thomas…. your music certainly will give us wonderful moments
Thank you!
October 25th, 2008 at 7:00 am
unbelievable. Fantastic job man, you must feel amazing having this see the light of day.
October 25th, 2008 at 7:02 am
thomas bring some forum action back!!!
October 25th, 2008 at 7:43 am
wow, AMAZING
(L)*
October 25th, 2008 at 8:09 am
wow.
i don’t think i can breathe.
October 25th, 2008 at 8:16 am
It’s completely amazing and beautiful. You should be so proud of yourself.
October 25th, 2008 at 8:20 am
when i commented i hadnt heard the end and the begginning but wow it is absolutley chilling i would buy a video or mvie of this if they came out with one i would this is so chilli ng really real ….when i heard it i wished to be there ….
October 25th, 2008 at 8:22 am
thomas is kind of, most definitely batman.
October 25th, 2008 at 8:40 am
Thomas, i am SO PROUD of you. i was so worried when you said the original band had broken up. then you gave us little previews online - and i had mixed feelings. then i saw you live, and got real ampted up! hearing THIS and im BLOWN AWAY! you did such a great job. you and all those involved have masterfully crafted such an amazing piece of work - the lyrics are so romantic and well-worded, the voices all compliment each other so well!! this is destined to be my favorite album of my life - i cant wait to buy it and listen all the time! best of luck, i hope it gets the recognition it deserves!
October 25th, 2008 at 8:57 am
Thomas, this is absolutely brilliant. I got it in the mail yesterday, and I am in love with it. It’s so insane. Words can’t describe how much I love this. It’s just, indescribable. Everything about it is just, brilliant. You should be so proud of yourself. And honestly, the ending made me want to cry. I probably would have, had I not been surrounded by other people. Thank you for writing this.
October 25th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Oh my god.
Epic.
October 25th, 2008 at 9:19 am
I just finished listening. It’s beyond amazing & I’m completely adn totally enraptured. One of the best albums I’ve ever listened too. I could simply visualize the whole thing on stage while listening. I can’t wait to have the actual album in my hands. Thanks.
October 25th, 2008 at 9:29 am
wouldn’t it be great if fueled by ramen sent my pre-order on time? since they surely will not because they are jackasses, thanks for posted the album up here. i’m sure its a huge weight of your shoulders to finally get it out there.
favorite tracks:
1.toba the tura
2.it’s true love
3.meet the king
October 25th, 2008 at 9:56 am
this album has got to be the best thing i’ve heard all year!!! (and i listen to a lot of albums lol)
i really hope you get a chance to get a concert together with all the characters. you should film it so everyone can get a chance to see this masterpiece in action
<3
October 25th, 2008 at 10:02 am
Wow, amazing amazing amazing work; this album is gonna change my life
October 25th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Incandescent, radiant, brilliant & just plain genius.
I’m speechless.
October 25th, 2008 at 10:25 am
3 days \o/
October 25th, 2008 at 10:40 am
yeah. i’ve been listening to this all night/day. i could totally hear some rudy awesomeness in the end and the beginning. holy crap!
October 25th, 2008 at 10:43 am
thomas, it is absolutely amazing.
October 25th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Wow. Just wow, I really don’t know what else to say. Absolutely beautiful. I’m looking forward to hearing it again and again and again!!
October 25th, 2008 at 11:00 am
I am absolutely mesmerized. I am definitely hoping to see a broadway and a movie version!
^-^
October 25th, 2008 at 11:03 am
Chris Conley is not a good singer.
Other than that it’s very good.
October 25th, 2008 at 11:14 am
OHMAHAG!!! I JUST got it in the mail!!!
I’m in love now***
October 25th, 2008 at 11:43 am
OMAGAAWD! This is the greatest album I’ve heard in a while. Like, I was excited when I found out that Forgive Durden was releasing a new album, then I was REALLY excited when I heard that it was going to be a “musical” themed album, and NOW I am just really, really happy that I can listen to it early, ’cause it’s pretty darn amazing! Yay, Razia’s Shadow! And everyone featured on it (coughbrendonandgretacough)!
October 25th, 2008 at 11:54 am
The album is everything I thought it would be. It’s blissful originality in majestic symphony.
October 25th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Thomas, Paul: No words can describe this album. “Pure genius” is close, but it is so-so-so-so much more than that! “Great job” or “Nice work” does not suffice for how amazing, emotional, and artistic this musical is. I cannot see myself putting down this CD for a very, very long time. All I can say is thank you. Your hard work has most definitely payed off.
October 25th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Wow. This is everything I thought it would be and more. Absolutely amazing!
October 25th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
after listening for this since 11(almost 6 hours now) i believ that holy te seas is quite possibbly the gretest song EVER, props to you mr dutton
October 25th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Thank you SO much for putting this up. I’ve been following along ever since i found out that Greta and Brendan were on the album. It’s the best music i’ve heard in a long time.
October 25th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
WOW! i cant wait for my pre-order to come in the mail. it was epic! amazing job!
October 25th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
This album absolutely blows my mind…well done
October 25th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
after listening a bit more… i think holy the sea may be the best song.
October 25th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
um, i think some people owe me new pants because i totally just messed mine in the happiest way possible
October 25th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
I’ve had Wonderland on my computer for… well, for a really long time, and I’d never really listened to it much because I couldn’t really get into it, if we’re being honest here. Being a big Panic fan (I know, I know), I heard The Exit a while ago when it leaked or whatever and fell in love, really and truly. I didn’t understand the story very much, but I absolutely loved it and couldn’t stop raving about it. Then, a friend who was equally excited about Razia’s Shadow sent me the link to this. I’ll confess, someone on livejournal ripped the tracks into mp3 format and I downloaded so I could listen on my iPod through headphones (headphones always make everything better, don’t they?), but I’m placing my preorder through the FBR webstore tonight. I want a hard copy of this, no question.
I love what you’ve done with this, so so much. It’s so innovative and great, and the arrangements are huge and sweeping and breathtaking. I’m not a big fan of regular Broadway musicals, honestly because the vocals are unoriginal, for the most part. I hate that every star of a musical sounds exactly the same because they’ve all been through the same vocal training. And that’s what I love about Razia’s Shadow: you and all of the guest stars have such a wide range of vocal talents that it makes the record really interesting to listen to. Could you imagine it being sung by the cast of Rent or something? Um, no way.
I also love how the story is the classic battle between good and evil, but it’s played out in less of the heroic-Odyssey-style-epic format with all these perfect heroes and glaringly evil villains. It’s more like a fantasy novel, with flawed heroes that you want to root for.
Overall, this is just mind-blowing. I’m pretty much dead here, after listening for the better part of two days. I am so glad you took the chance to do something a little bit out of the ordinary, because it’s amazing. It won’t be long before every band wants to do their own musical, lmao. <3
October 25th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
one of the best albums ive ever heard! this would be amazing liiivee
October 25th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Thomas.. you have truly outdone yourself. The musical talent you posses is just amazing. No other person could have ever pulled this off, and you did more than that. You took artists from several different bands and brought them all together into a story that everyone can relate to one way or another. You unfolded a story and created a timeline of events that will bring memories and emotions to anyone who listens for ages to come. As the story developed, I got more and more into each character’s actions and feelings, and even felt like part of the journey. This piece of art has really changed my outlook on music and also on life. Before, I was trapped in a place called Wonderland, but now I can’t seem to get out of Razia’s shadow.
October 25th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Beautiful.
Absolutely beautiful.
Beyond words.
Beyond thought.
Broadways calling. Or it should be soon.
But have you guys even thought of this…
Cirque du Soleil?
That production with Razia’s Shadow would be epic.
October 25th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
As I was listening to this on my parents “deluxe studio” headphones last night, I was overcome with this full and warm feeling in my heart. As I finished the album for the first time I felt like standing up, clapping, and yelling “BRAVO” like the Bravo man does every Saturday for the Metropolitan Opera.
I updated my status on Facebook so often with lyrics that I thought were amazing and thoughts I had while listening. I did it so often that my friends were wondering what was going on. I linked all of them to this and I really hope that you get the recognition you deserve for this.
As a violinist in my youth orchestra I found that the software instruments blended quite nicely. I wouldn’t have known if you hadn’t said that you used software instruments.
This album has made me a fan of a number of the bands that have guest vocalists on it (although I still don’t like PATD, this album contains the 2 songs I think he sounds okay on).
I love this album, I love everyone who worked on it, and I can not stop thanking you for coming up with the story line and amazingness.
October 25th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
AMAZING
I so want this album even more than when I heard about it. I wanted to cry on the last song….that’s damn good! You need to have a musical for this, I so would pay to watch it
October 25th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
That was the best album I have ever heard in my life. I will show this album to my kids and my kids kids and my kids kids kids! (and for the record I know this is gay but i cried during The End And The Beginning).
October 25th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
(p.s. see you at Harper’s Ferry!)
October 25th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Words cannot express how devastatingly in love I am with this album. I’ve been listening for the past 3 hours and I keep picturing everything happening on a Broadway stage in my head. Though, it is hard to imagine Max as a brown spider.
You’re a genius.
October 25th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
You’re friggen amazing. Consider my mind blown and my socks rocked
October 25th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Thomas, j’ignore si tu vas lire ceci car c’est si loin dans la liste de ces beau messages que tout les autres ont écrit pour toi, mais j’aimerais te dire:
I have admired you for so very long. I have loved your music and listened to it so it would calm my nerves and get me to sleep. I’ve shown examples of your lyrics to friends in order demonstrate what I thought was pure genius. I must let you know that this album,(as I am currently listening to it) is BLOWING my mind. I honestly didn’t check out your myspace for a while and when I learnt of your upcoming cd I was over joyed. You are a genius.
I cannot wait to own this masterpiece.
October 25th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
I really thought that albums in general couldn’t get any better than Wonderland, then I listened to Razia’s Shadow, and I was proven wrong. This album is so epic and creative, that words cannot describe it. Keep up the amazing work. You are truly a group of AMAZING musicians with amazing gifts.
October 25th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Amazing!
as always it is above and beyond
good work!
October 25th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
this would make a PERFECT Hayao Miyazaki film
October 25th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
I totally cried…..Then I made my sister listen to it and then we cried together.
October 25th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
i never thought about it that way, ashlyn.. and im all for that idea!
October 25th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
dude you deserve this… it has been a long time coming… i’m glad people finally see your worth and value… i’ve seen it ever since when you’re alone you’re not alone… your gift is your prose and music friend!
see you in milwaukee soon!
October 25th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
Wow … I was looking forward to this ever since my friend showed me the first released song / website … and I wasn’t disappointed at all.
Easily one of the best albums of ‘08.
October 25th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Thomas, this is not only one of the best albums I’ve ever heard, but the best album (in my opinion) to EVER come out of Fueled By Ramen. As I type this, I’ve got a window open in Finale, to arrange it for full symphony - the last time I loved an album enough to do that was The Black Parade. Regardless of the fact you’ve already done that, I NEED to have my school’s orchestra playing this, need it like burning, and asap.
I am dead, Thomas Dutton, as dead as Adakias, and it’s all your fault. You and your stupid amazing awesome music, ugh.
October 26th, 2008 at 12:14 am
Amazing album, bro. Bemis, Conley, and Urie were amazing. My only gripe (and it really is my only one) was the ending. What happened with the princess man? Did Doctor Damuya keep her as a slave? ‘Doctor Doctor’ set things up so perfectly, and it just went nowhere.
Other than that, I absolutely loved it. And this is coming from someone who usually doesn’t go for more poppy sounding music.
October 26th, 2008 at 12:19 am
This is beyond musical genius. My friend and I have been talking about it nonstop. We have tickets for the show in Austin on Wednesday and have been counting down ever since we bought the tickets, 63 days. I was in the car running errands and I had to turn the radio off because nothing compared. I cannot wait till the day that people finally realize what I did a long time ago. That you truly are an incredible artist with lyrics that kick everyone else to the ground.
October 26th, 2008 at 12:52 am
Hey, I really enjoyed listening to the whole musical! If I closed my eyes, it felt like I was listening to a Broadway musical. =)
“Doctor, Doctor” is so weird (in a good way), it reminds me a bit of Sweeney Todd.
I liked the whimsical opening of “meet the king”.
my fave so far was “the end and the beginning”.
Are you going to play these songs at The Troubador?
October 26th, 2008 at 6:30 am
casey, kris, AND nic?!
how fucking epic
October 26th, 2008 at 6:40 am
Love the album, already spun it in my CD player about 10 times but i have a couple of questions.
1) in the script, with such songs as “toba the tura” and another later on (cant rememebr and dont have the booklet in front of me) when it’s says/written as “O,” is it a simple “oh” or is it the character speaking to O, the scientist?
2)Do certain events happen between the songs that arent described in the narration? And by this I mean such events as Ahrima being banished to the dark and then “the oracle” takes place. So did he go to the oracle or did the oracle find him?
3) Why, at the end, did Adakias have to die for the world to be united? I thought all they needed was for the two destined ones to find true love, which occured. In the same idea as my previous question, if the songs do just move seemlessly, then why didnt Pallis and Anhura ask Doctor Dumaya to help Adakias? Although i guess if that happened, the finale wouldnt be as grand as it is.
Again i just want to say i love the album, definitely a candidate for my Album of the year, if not the front runner. I just had these couple of questions (not critiques! please dont take them that way!) about things i might have missed or misunderstood.
October 26th, 2008 at 6:48 am
One of the best albums i’ve heard this year. I constantly find myself singing most of the key phrases (the repeated ones), throughout the day. I will say this though, with the narration tacked onto the beginning or end of each track, it kind of ruins the potential for some of these tunes to be on mixtapes. for example, “the missing piece” and/or “it’s true love” would be perfect mixtape songs and potentially still be. But that’s more of a personal thing then me saying “the narration ruins everything.” It doesn’t, it enhances the story and the final narration always makes me want to hear the album again, at which point i just hit play and start the journey from the beginning.
October 26th, 2008 at 9:04 am
any b-sides from the labum that we wil levr get to hear?
October 26th, 2008 at 11:41 am
This is so amazing i wrote and re-re-wrote at least 7 comments. I can’t find words to describle how this album moved me. Before this album i felt hopeless, like there was nothing to live for untill I heard those words “Live for your love everyday.” Once I heard that I began to cry. I cried so much I couldn’t hear the rest of the song (and as much as i try, i still can’t listen to the song with out crying) ((I’m crying as I’m writing this too)) those words touched me so much that now I feel like I have something to live for. All I have to do is love and hope and it will save me. It’s so simple but so life changing. This album is motivating me to stay alive, because one day I will find someone who I will love enough to change not only the world, but myself, all I have to do is believe. Now my little saying is “If adakias can do it, so can I.”
So thank you for this, I hope to God you get the recognition you deserve, and I for one will be sharing this with as many people as I can. If this helped me, who knows what it will do for someone else…
I love you and thank you.
October 26th, 2008 at 11:48 am
This album made me believe in love again. I don’t know what I’ll do with out this. I’m thinking about buying a new iPod just so I can listen to this with out being destracted by other bands. This better be on broadway or something, you totally deserve an Tony like no other. :]]
October 26th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Amazing.
October 26th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
I’ve been playing the album non stop, its Amazing. I really wish we can see this staged some day!
October 26th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
I absolutely love this CD. Every single song has the most beautiful melody and chord progression. And the lyrics are amazing and I love the alliteration in The End And The Beginning. I don’t know if I’m imagining it, but I feel like in Doctor Doctor he’s channeling The Joker. Especially when he’s laughing. And I think I see the Moulin Rouge influence with the maharajahs and how she chooses Adakias over them. I love this so much. Thank you.
October 26th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Words cannot even describe how much I love this album. Seriously. I’m very involved in musical theatre and this actually reminded me of a musical. The storyline was beautiful. Usually there’s a few songs in a particular musical that I don’t really like, but I can’t say that about Razia’s Shadow. All the songs are gorgeous.
Great work, and thank you for sharing this lovely music with us!
October 26th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Thomas, this entire album is so cohesive and fantastically engaging. It’s really a great story. I can’t wait to pick up my copy and, even though you probably won’t be playing Razia’s Shadow songs there, I also can’t wait to see you in New York next month. Great job!
October 26th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
i cant stop listening to “the missing piece”! i love lizzie’s voice on it, esp at the “everything seems to fade..” part! i think thats what im gonna judge if i really like someone or not - if “everything seems to fade, when i see her face.. the sky and trees all blur everytime i look at her” love those lyrics!
October 26th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
thomas… i won’t listen to the last 3 tracks because they are so sad… it’s like knowing the ending of into the wild… and not wanting to see him die.
well done.
October 26th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Flawless as far as I can hear. But I wouldn’t expect anything less of Forgive Durden…Doctor, Doctor made me smile. My two favorite bands collaborating? Genius.
October 26th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
can you post the lyrics?
October 26th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
You nailed it!
That was awesome!
October 26th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Oh my goodness.
There’s so many amazing things I could say but since I’m listening to the album right now, it’s kind of got me dazed and I can’t really think.
Except about Max Bemis dressed up as a giant spider.
You and your brother made a great work of art here, Mr. Dutton. (:
October 26th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
I felt like you should know I got my copy of Razia’s Shadow this morning, and I listened to it…and it’s really wonderful =]
October 26th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
I must say, this is a great piece of work. It’s been playing in my head ever since I first heard it. I enjoy the way that stage musical and contemporary styles have been combined to create something new. Nice job to everyone involved ^_^
October 26th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Honestly, this album is so beautiful. Hands down, album of the year for me =]
Wow.
It’s just, beyond words.
It is literally all I’ve been listening to.
Stunning work.
October 26th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
wow…genius
October 26th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
this.
is.
amazing.
i have no words.
October 26th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Wow. I really really love this.
Great concept, execution, everything. You’ve got yourself a new fan.
October 26th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Oh Thomas.
I love this.
It’s so beautiful.
I can’t wait till I get my pre-order.
October 26th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
This whole album is so amazing.
I can’t wait to buy my copy
Genius work
October 26th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
wow i already posted a comment but i keep listening through the album more and more everyday and i am blown so far away. i have a love for razia’s shadow beyond any expectations i ever had! some of my friends had never listened to your music before but i told them to come to the website and check it out. they loved it. even a first timer can recognize the intelligence and thought you put into each and every song. each song is like a piece to a puzzle. i am in total and complete awe because words like epic, genius, astounding, incredible dont even begin to cover what razia’s shadow holds. i fell in love with the story to be told and the characters that unfold. thank you soooo much for straying away from the typical pop bs that takes over the radio these days. your music is so abstract and innovative and different in the BEST way. i seriously can never view music the same way again and will be a life long fan. i hope you know how much your fans absolutely love and idolize you. you have delved into a new land of music and left a pathway for only the smartest and most amazing artists to follow.
October 27th, 2008 at 5:15 am
1 day =D
October 27th, 2008 at 5:18 am
Congrats, Thomas & Paul. I never feel compelled to actually leave comments thanking artists for their work; I’m the kind of person that just buys the album and goes about her way. But this. I listened to the album with the lights out and my headphones on last night, and my mind was blown. This is utterly gorgeous stuff. Brilliant, brilliant. I don’t think I’ll be listening to anything else for several months. Thank you!
October 27th, 2008 at 5:55 am
this is incredible! last night I sat down with my headphones and listened to the whole thing through. i could see the entire story going through my head, i could even see the facial expressions on the characters! wonderful wonderful wonderful job. it’s beautiful!
October 27th, 2008 at 11:09 am
I really like it and now I’m positive I’m going to buy the CD. Even if it’s not the most amazing thing to me since sliced bread, I can’t help but applaud artists when they’ve worked so hard at creating something so unique and beautiful. I’ve only listened to it in its entirety once and I already have my favorite tracks (It’s True Love, Doctor Doctor). I’m sure it’ll only grow on me as I listen to it more and more.
Very well done, Thomas.
October 27th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
I got my special delux edition of the cd today. I have waited several years for my favorite artist to put out something new and this totally blew me away. Tom do you still happen to record music for bands?
October 27th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
pure genius.
i got it in the mail yesterday.
i CANNOT stop listening to it.
October 27th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
brilliant. this is absolutely incredible. it’s so unique and beautiful and… ahhh! i love it!
October 27th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
I first heard about this album because of Brendon (I’m a huge PATD fan) being in it, and the concept of a musical album sounded really interesting, so I had to go listen to a few songs. I first fell in love with “The Exit”, amazinggg song, and then “The End and the Beginning” (which has made me cry, more than once). <333 First one I heard. And now I’m listening to all the others and damn, they are all amazing- the whole album is fantastic. I think I will definitely buy it tomorrow. :3
Great job, Thomas, this is beautiful.
<333
October 27th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
I was introduce to forgive durden about 2 weeks ago and i was very pumped for razia’s shadow. I also got my hands on wonderland and didnt stop listening to it until razia’s shadow came in the mail about 2 days ago. It is truly inspiring. I also was able to see you tonight in Dallas and it was a great show. Just wanted to show my appreciation. Thanks
October 27th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
“homies, this is paul, the other brother. i’m overwhelmed by the positive reception thus far, thank you all so much. it is great to see people enjoying the thing because it was a long and difficult process, but we are perfectionists, or maybe just i am. i’m most proud of thomas for organizing this unacceptably huge project and promoting it on the road. ok, back to school. and vote if you’re eligible.”
October 28th, 2008 at 2:20 am
awww, paul
October 28th, 2008 at 10:01 am
WE LOVE YOU GUYS! Thanks for creating such an amazing album.
October 28th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Brilliant. it almost made me cry at the end! it’s beautiful!!
October 28th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Wow… This is the first CD I’ve bought in 5 years… It’s amazing.
October 29th, 2008 at 6:48 am
this has to be one of the most amazing album’s I’ve heard in a while.
i did cry at the end.
October 29th, 2008 at 8:10 am
This is utterly amazing. I’ve never heard anything like it in my life. I ended up crying - and like I just said in another comment to someone else. It’s amazing, because I picture this all in my mind and I see the words, and the actions taking place.
Everyone on this… is freaking.. awesome.
Bravo. *claps*
October 29th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
i luv this cd
October 29th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
I’m going to be completely honest with you and admit I have never before listened to you before. I read about this in the PATD bulletin and am listening to it and wow. A musical? What a wonderful concept. The music is fantastic and you have a beautiful voice boy. I’m still registering that you made a fucking musical. That’s genius! Poetic. Thank you for doing this. The world needs TRUER music. I’m going to have to pick up a copy and show my sister haha.
October 31st, 2008 at 9:07 am
It’s rare to see someone from our generation tackling an endeavor like the one you have undertaken. Thanks for proving that art and culture can still intersect at the point of brilliance. Keep up the great work, you guys have never failed to impress.
November 1st, 2008 at 7:46 am
I love this!!! It is one of the more intellegent ideas that have ever come into exsistance. I’m so glad that you have come up with something that is so out of the ordinary and complex., and that it was done classically, like it was an old opera. A true fairy tale, not an overplay of something that we have heard a thousand times. Its truely the best thing i have ever heard! I love it to death, keep up the amazing work!
November 1st, 2008 at 9:20 pm
This is my third comment. Just as Shelley (she and Camille bought me a ticket to see you in Austin but my parents wouldn’t let me go, sad day :[) said, I have been telling people to listen to this album and many of them have never heard any of your music, and they said this was their favorite thing ever. They all recognize your talent, and they all like different types of music. Many of them know nothing about music and are into that “pop bs that takes over the radio these days” as Shelley puts it, and a lot of them are into the death metal that is full of screaming and indecipherable lyrics (if there are any lyrics at all). Really, Thomas, everyone can see how genius this musical really is. As my friend Claire has just stated, “nothing else compares.”
Also, I’m really sad that I didn’t get to see you when you came to Austin. Shelley and Camille met you, and Camille called me right after she talked to you. I literally cried because I missed the chance to talk to my main musical influence and basically my hero–you, Thomas Dutton. Camille called me when you guys were onstage, and I could hear the sheer beauty of the music even on the phone. Really, Thomas–if Razia’s Shadow doesn’t get you the recognition we all know you deserve, I don’t think anything will.
And is it true that you’ve sold movie rights? I read an article that you’d given the rights to someone.
November 2nd, 2008 at 12:11 pm
It’s a little late, but all I can say is, this is absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much.
November 3rd, 2008 at 9:44 am
Without a doubt the most incredible album that I’ve heard in a very long time.
With the recent decline in musical quality, it is refreshing to hear something this innovative and spectacular. Thank you, Forgive Durden, for proving that musical quality doesnt have to be sacrificed to create a great conceptual album.
Peace
November 3rd, 2008 at 1:04 pm
not to start being negative, but im almost wishing you had some regular Durden for us to listen to - the whole musical/story gets a little repetitive once you listen to it a couple times because none of the songs really stand on their own..
November 6th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
WOW
WOW
WOW
Greetings from Germany
WOW
November 8th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
I am beyond impressed. I heard this for the first time last night at around eleven and every waking hour since then I have been listening to this masterpiece.
You deserve all the praise above and more. Well done.
November 8th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Also, I hope to meet you tomorrow in Seattle. :]
November 15th, 2008 at 11:43 am
I love the album, i can honestly say im hooked. by the way… thanks a lot for the update about the music video for life is looking up *cue sarcasm*. i wouldnt have known about it if it hadn’t mentioned it in the hush sound’s myspace.
November 21st, 2008 at 5:56 pm
words in my mind lyrics…
You might want to come over and check us out at www.mindmovies.eu!…
November 26th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
joke christmas gifts…
The term is used colloquially for any kind of Linkback.. This enables…
November 27th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
AMAZING. i missed the missing piece while i was away for a week and i am listening to it right now and it makes me happy.
November 29th, 2008 at 10:49 am
joke christmas gifts…
Nice! You are truly brilliant….
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:23 am
unique christmas gifts for him…
Bravo. It is about time someone delved into this….
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:49 pm
unique romantic gifts…
That is sweet! I wish my wife would understand it….
December 5th, 2008 at 7:55 am
brilliance of the seas…
There is only one way to skin this critter, and that is a whole lot of anger and rage….
December 5th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Jack…
I’ve learned so much from this blog. Hopefully others can find value in my site as well….
December 6th, 2008 at 10:20 am
HEEY BOYS!
Im from Mexico! (H)
shit, OMG I LOVEE THE CD IS JUUST AMAZING! really its pretty, beatiful with a great history, I Really likee :D, its just pretty
i know the this has nothing to do with the cd, BUT!
Please if you read this, I like to tell them that the boys PANIC AT THE DISCO!, PLEASE COME FROM TO MEXICO! PLEASEE!! especially TO MONTERREY Because here are alote a fans they want they come!, i dont know to much english, and I hope not laugh that some words do not agree much with the other I am a little awkward to write ^^”
BUT I HOPE THEY COME TO MEXICO!
I REALLY HOPE! 
I Like so much Fueled by ramen and decaydance and i have many ideas that I would like some day to tell Pete about Fueled By Ramen and Decaydance, I know that sounds stupid but the fans from mexico us to be able to buy things from the store of fueled by ramen, is more difficult for us to the Latino fans Week for fans of the united states or another country, I hope they can get in contact with me jajajaja, is that all this sounds stupid, but what I want as many fans Latinas.
well I gotta go
PLEASE! READ THIS! jajaja
bye,bye
Annie♥;
December 8th, 2008 at 2:13 am
craig mp3 player…
It has since been implemented in most other blogging tools. This enables authors to keep track of who is linking to, or referring…
December 8th, 2008 at 10:07 am
unique christmas gifts for him…
Next time, you may want to elaborate a little more….
December 8th, 2008 at 10:10 am
headphones forum…
It has since been implemented in most other blogging tools. This is similar to comment spam but avoids some of the safeguards designed…
December 9th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Razia’s Shadow: A Musical is just beautiful… everything about it-the lyrics, melody, voices. It’s just… a WOW album. I barely heard your music today and the first song i heard, got me hooked… The musical is beautiful.
December 10th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
iPod downloads…
How did you manage to come up with this post? I would like to know….
December 11th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
craig mp3 player…
Some weblog software programs, such as Wordpress, Movable Type and Community Server, support automatic pingbacks where all the links…
December 12th, 2008 at 6:08 am
craig mp3 player…
Some weblog software programs, such as Wordpress, Movable Type and Community Server, support automatic pingbacks where all the links…
December 12th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Hi!
My name is Jessika!
December 14th, 2008 at 6:37 am
romantic christmas gifts…
Interesting!…
December 15th, 2008 at 2:49 am
Thank you for sharing info.
December 20th, 2008 at 2:27 am
unique gifts teacher…
The term is used colloquially for any kind of Linkback. (Blogger now has backlinks - very similar to the trackback feature in Movable…
December 29th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
So,
I was wondering if you would be looking at doing a film or stage production with this?
I just had a couple of suggestions if it was, in terms of whether you’d be adding dialogue or not and also visual things.
There also were a couple a continuity things that didn’t make sense to me–nothing that was big deal, probably just in my head, but that maybe you’d want to look at if you were planning to go to stage or screen with this.
Anyway, I know this is kind of a late comment, ’cause I got Razia’s Shadow when it first came out; I think it’s a great piece of work, the orchestration in particular is very strong, there’s a very nice blend of percussion and melodic percussion, especially in “Life is Looking Up”.
Great Job, and thanks for this!
Charlotte
December 30th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
hello…
wow…
December 30th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
unique romantic gifts…
My Mp3 player is awesome….
January 2nd, 2009 at 2:07 am
Well, very interesting article … thanks
January 2nd, 2009 at 8:15 pm
hello…
I have already seen it somethere…