Cheesy band names aside, Feersum Ennjin is Paul D'Amour, a founding member of prog-metal heroes Tool, and this is his first full-length solo release. No surprise that there are several Tool-style rockers here. In fact, the opener, "Fishing Grounds", will quickly appeal to fans of his old band. "The Wilderness" is an epic rocker that brings to mind Failure -- anthemic (and melodic) modern rock with progressive elements. Some good stuff here. (Dissociated Press)
This California group's fifth full-length shines a new light on the duo's darkly sensual grooves. Formed in the mid-90's amidst the industrial rock frenzy, programmer Statik and vocalist kaRIN have steadily built a solid reputation and audience, fully independently, and their work has been instrumental in diversifying an increasingly testosterone-laden electronic dance/rock scene. They have befriended and worked alongside artists like Tool, Skinny Puppy, and Prince, but fittingly, it's their own work that garners them the most attention. "These Eyes Before" is a collection of 10 covers, beginning with Pink Floyd's "Breathe", which is transformed into a lovely and fantastic soundscape with an appropriately spaced-out vibe, and of course kaRIN's smooth and ethereal vocals. The Moody Blues' "Nights In White Satin" is also respectfully updated, with a superb mix of organic instrumentation and sleek programming. Other standouts? Depeche Mode's "I Feel You" is trippier and better-produced than the original. Bowie's amazing "Space Oddity" is given a wonderful modern electronic cyber-grafting, with kaRIN's breezy vocals pointed to the celestial heavens. Chris Isaak's "Baby Did A Bad Thing" effectively brings some smoldering, gritty rock to the table, and Fleetwood Mac's percussive "Tusk" is recreated, with actual marching band, and it all closes out with another Pink Floyd classic, "Comfortably Numb". Normally, I'd shout "heresy", as some things are just sacred, but Collide admirably pull it off, adding a cool and deep layer of mood to the song's already-potent melancholy. A superb release, and perhaps their best yet. (Noiseplus Music)
This California act's fourth full-length CD strikes with a powerful and dynamic blow, balancing the heavy with the sweet as well (or better) than any band I can think of. Anchored by the tough and darkly-evocative electronic grooves of programmer/instrumentalist Statik, and led by the sensual, ethereal vocal stylings of kaRIN, Collide's modern rock attack is multi-faceted and melodic. Some place them firmly in the 'industrial' or 'gothic' category, but here Collide move way past those classifications and take bits of hard rock, as well as swirly shoegaze aspects, into their lush mix. 'Chaotic' features drums by Tool's Danny Carey and bass by Curve mastermind Dean Garcia, and this synthesis of live instruments with Collide's electronic foundation makes for one of the band's finest, and most sonically well-developed songs to date. 'Head Spin' is a twisted pop song with an unusual tempo, while the thumpy and hallucinogenic 'Two Headed Monster' could almost be mistaken for Skinny Puppy (who Collide have been known to associate with), if not for the cool and seductive female vocal. The dramatic 'Shifting' shows an almost orchestral side, and this vibe works well, showcasing this group's skill at any style they tackle. Simply, 'Two Headed Monster' is Collide's best work thus far, and any follower of dark and stylish modern rock should investigate now! (Noiseplus Music)
First heard on the soundtrack to the otherwise repugnant first Underworld film, Puscifer is a more personal solo outlet for the evidently boundless creativity of Maynard James Keenan (who many of you know as the enigmatic Tool / A Perfect Circle frontman). With this new project, Keenan is at his most internalized - a microscope on his own weird thoughts and obsessions, and without the crutch of a band's input. From creepy hip-hop-inflected unclassifiables (“Queen B”) to dark and slinky electronic soundscape mantras (“Vagina Mine”) to more rock-oriented efforts (the industrial-edged “Undertaker”) to demonic funhouse mirrors (“Drunk With Power”), Puscifer offer a variety of twisted, provocative, and sometimes frightening moods and textures - and it's all tongue-in-cheek. Very enjoyable and a fascinating counterpoint to Keenan's other work. Listen for a guest spot from one Brian Lustmord, too. (Puscifer Entertainment)
Cheesy band names aside, Feersum Ennjin is Paul D'Amour, a founding member of prog-metal heroes Tool, and this is his first full-length solo release. No surprise that there are several Tool-style rockers here. In fact, the opener, "Fishing Grounds", will quickly appeal to fans of his old band. "The Wilderness" is an epic rocker that brings to mind Failure -- anthemic (and melodic) modern rock with progressive elements. Some good stuff here. (Dissociated Press)
