California
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (13 July, 1999)
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Editorial Review

Nobody ever accused Mr. Bungle of being suckers for a good melody. The syncopated blasts of cartoonish noise that fill 1991's Mr. Bungle and 1995's Disco Volante are one part speed metal and one part Speedy Gonzalez. Initially, the band served as a more aggressive outlet for singer Mike Patton, widely known for his work in Faith No More. But with Faith No More no more, Patton and Mr. Bungle decided to sweeten the Bungle batter with a little songcraft. California boasts harmonies (yes, harmonies!) that would make the Brothers Wilson proud. Opening with a chorus of seagulls and crashing waves that gives way to slide guitar, strings, and Patton singing (not screaming), the poppy yet symphonic "Sweet Charity" announces that this is not your bike messenger's Mr. Bungle album. Songs like the easy strummin' "Retrovertigo," the sultry Scott Walker-esque "Pink Cigarette," and the orchestral "Vanity Fair" make California 1999's golden-hair surprise. --Bill Crandall ... Read more

Reviews (197)

Movie Sound Track?
This Album defintely has that Sound Track feel to it.which makes it perfect.All of it is amazing and off the wall.that is why I love this band so much, each album is totally different from the last and you can't expect ANYTHING at all from them, except that it is going to be amazing in some way or another.

Get this album only because Patton is in it, and because it is an amazing piece of musical artwork.

Essential for fans of unique or experimental music.
"California" is a stunning record-- breezy, harmony laden, off kilter music, embracing and disgarding dozens of genres.In many ways, it also for me appears to be the most heavily influenced by Mike Patton.His penchant for theatrical and somewhat overblown (not necessarily a bad thing) comes out pretty heavily in this one.Mind you, I approach this from a drastically different standpoint than many others-- I came to Patton from John Zorn and am a huge Beach Boys fan, and in many ways, this sort of sounds like the two of them were the peak influences.Take "Air-Conditioned Nightmare", with its syncopated, vocal driven rhythms, bringing up and disgarding genres with an ease that only John Zorn seems to manage well.

Overall, the album feels like a psychotic lounge record-- its a number of ballad forms that dominate the record, but they're all really engaging and worth repeated listens-- check out "Sweet Charity", the brilliant "Retrovertigo" (if Patton's singing at the chorus doesn't stop you in your tracks, I don't know what will), or "Pink Cigarette".Mind you, the emphasis on ballads shouldn't distract from other great song fomrs, the album dives into the totally bizarre on pieces like "None of Them Knew They Were Robots" and "Golem II: The Bionic Vapour Boy", maintaining a stunning level of quality.

As if this wasn't enough, the Brian Wilson influence exerts in the production too-- the album has that same sort of Phil Spector/Brian Wilson lush wall-of-sound genius production vibe that you really don't get anymore.

In the end, the record is brilliant, start to finish.Its a shame we'll probably never see anything else from this ensemble (details are sketchy, but my guess is that Patton and Spruance are unwilling or unable to reach anything resembling common ground on either a personal or musical level anymore).Highly recommended.

Warped pictures in cracked frames.
Mr. Bungle's California is perhaps the greatest musical mindf--k of all time.

Why is that? It certainly isn't as *overtly* weird, noisy, or crazy as the previous two Mr. Bungle releases, let alone even more deranged avant-garde collectives such as John Zorn's Naked City, The Boredoms, or even Patton's own Fantomas.

No, this album could be described as accessible, even mellow at times. This is Mr. Bungle?

Indeed it is. Whereas previous albums wore their psychosis on their sleeves with lots of random genre-hopping schizophrenia, the genius of Mr. Bungle's third (and sadly final) release lies in its rather Lynch-esque demeanor; some fairly messed-up stuff lies underneath the glossy pop exterior. Consider the opening number, Sweet Charity. You've got a nice toe-tapping tropical melody, Beach Boys-esque harmonies, and Mike Patton toning down his usual vocal anarchy in favor of sweet crooning. But the sound is... off, perceptibly minor-key and dark. This ain't Brian Wilson. And once the lyrics start evoking imagery of "bombs and scarecrows singing"... uh-huh. Pure Patton all the way.

The insanity continues unabated in the more frantic None Of Them Knew They Were Robots, which takes swing and bends it into something truly frightening, and The Air-Conditioned Nightmare effortlessly parodies '50s surf pop and adds its own dark spin on things. The old Bungle muse is resurrected briefly with Ars Moriendi, which can only be described as "Gypsy-polka-techno-thrash" (!). Then there's a weird "New Age/inspirational" piece (The Holy Filament); a funky and bleepy-bloopy videogame/musicbox ditty (Golem 2..); a deliciously cheesy '50s lounge-lizard spoof complete with hilariously overwrought backing vocals (Pink Cigarette); and a seemingly innocent do-wop parody with lyrics that'll have you doing a double take (Vanity Fair).

It all finishes with the crowning moment of madness, Goodbye Sober Day. Throw together bits of lounge, bossanova, electronica, Gregorian chants, thrash, and Patton's own take on the Balinese Monkey Chant (!!!) and let 'er rip. Music like this is the reason why I am a total Patton sycophant. Trey Spruance, Trevor Dunn, and others do a top-notch job backing Mike, as always.

Anyway, if you love music that's slightly cracked; your favorite Zappa album was Cruising With Ruben & The Jets; or if you simply dig talented chops with a deranged sense of humor and hummable melodies, add California to your collection post-haste. ... Read more

Asin: B00000JG41
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Mer de Noms
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 May, 2000)
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Editorial Review

"A Perfect Circle is not a side project," proclaim the members of Perfect Circle. It's a caution worth heeding, since the most identifiable name in the band is that of vocalist Maynard James Keenan, lead singer of Tool. On the other hand, one wouldn't be much inclined to file this one under "side project" anyway. The musicians involved go to great lengths to create something distinctive, and if the uniformity of sound can be attributed to the fact that guitarist Billy Howerdel (whose previous songwriting credits include Tool, the Smashing Pumpkins, and David Bowie) is responsible for the lion's share of the music, well, the others aren't exactly marching in lockstep. Keenan's vocals here are quite different from anything heard from him before. Subtle, thoughtful, sober, they're a far cry from Keenan's work with Tool, which is what makes this album more than a side-project curiosity. Mer de Noms has a life all its own. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

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Reviews (608)

Is Judith that only good song?
I have to say...I hate this band...they are even worse than Saxon but better than Tool or System of a Down...oh...what sh**! I hate this kind of music!

Another 5 star review for an amazing album
When this first came out, I wasn't really old enough to appreciate it.I heard Judith on the radio and it rocked, but I was fairly unfamiliar with the rest of the CD.Now that I'm a little older, I can't say enough good about it.The CD has everything from the rocking Judith to 3 Libras, which is probably the most beautiful song I've ever heard in my life.Orestes is right up there with it, even though it's not quite as popular.Overall, I can't say enough great things about this album, and if you don't have it yet, you are truly missing out on one of my favorite CDs ever.

Good. but not better than Tool
I am a die hard Tool fan. The only reason I was ever interested in a Perfect Circle is because Maynard is a great lyricist and vocalist. It's a good album. I especially love "Orestes". the opening riffs and Maynard's emotional singing will have you listening to that song on repeat. But my favorite song is "Magdalena" because it gives me this 80's rock type feeling whenever I listen to it and Maynard's passion in his singing about how he would sell his soul for one kiss from this woman is so deep. A perfect circle is a great band. They are definitely a lot softer than Tool but they still have emotional and creative lyrics and music just as Tool does (because of Maynard of course). The only reason I give this album 4 stars and not 5 is because I love Tool and I can't wait until Maynard reuinites with them for a new album. Tool is more hard rock/metal and artistic. The drummer in a Perfect Circle is no match for the drummer of Tool. MAYNARD! OKAY. YOU HAVE AN EMOTIONAL AND SOFT SIDE! US TOOL FANS GET THE IDEA! BUT GO BACK TO TOOL ASAP!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Asin: B00004T99Z
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Rock   

Mr. Bungle
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (06 August, 1991)
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Reviews (109)

Heaps Sick!
One of my favourite albums of all time.
Try listening to it on an ipod in a packed train when your bent.

Mr. Bungle's musical madness
Some say there is a thin line between genius and insanity. Mr. Bungle walked all over it.

Mr. Bungle's self titled debut defines unpredictable. Some bands have frequent key, time and tempo changes. Mr. Bungle takes all these elements, adds to them frequent genre shapeshifting, a level of catchiness (but not commericialism) and sophomoric potty humor.

However, Mr. Bungle are far more intelligent than their lyrics may suggest. Your average musician could not execute the very difficult and complex music. Despite this, none of the band members step out for wanky solos even with their ability. Each instrument plays its part and does it well. The guitar, drums, bass and various brass instruments lay down a unique sound tapestry that is funky and at times downright scary. Styles like death metal, thrash, funk, jazz, are all traversed. It all sounds like a sick sonic circus. Check out Quote Unquote for an example.

The music has so much depth that you shouldn't expect to figure it out on first listen. Mr. Bungle is one of those albums where you discover new things everytime you listen to it.

Atop the sea of sound, are Mike Patton's manic vocals. He gives a great performance here. Going from his bratty The Real Thing singing voice, to his Angel Dust smooth deep voice, to his forceful Epic style rapping, to a gutteral roar, to high pitched screams, and everything in between. His vocals add a whole new dimension to this album. Check out his powerful screams in My Ass is on Fire, and Love is a Fist as well as his singing on Stub a Dub.

Quote Unquote starts off with silence, followed by the sound of breaking glass. This is one of the scariest songs I've ever heard. The ominous keyboards, a massive funky riff, and jazzy ambience make this a standout.

The next song Slowly Growing Deaf is a funky lounge rock song interspersed with Nintendo samples. I love the part where Patton goes "Ears are ringing" over and over again atop Trey Spruance's atonal yet perfectly rational guitar squiggles.

Squeeze Me Macaroni is a fast paced jazzy, rap laced song with funky slap bass and frentic vocals. The lyrics are suggestive food puns which are hilarious.

Carousel is insane little ditty with a bit of ska mixed in. Patton seems to sing "Will Warner Brothers put this record on the shelf" in the pre chorus. It totally breaks down toward the end with Patton and co. pretending to throw up followed by Mr. Bungle's version of carnival music.

Egg is a funky jazzy piece with a great vocal line of "blah blah blah...". The band muses about chickens, eggs and other random things. It culminates with Patton saying "There's no place like home" in different voices including a hilarious old granny voice.

Stub a Dub is an entertaining, and often quite pretty eulogy to a dead dog. Starts off with serene keyboards and piano topped by Patton's great crooning vocals. As this is Mr. Bungle, the songs gets insane with crazy keyboards and bass. There's a riff in here that reminds me of the first song. The best part of the song is the part where Patton goes "throw a stick bring it back...". Beautiful guitar there.

My Ass is on Fire is one of my favorites with boundless energy. The screaming leading up to the chorus is impressive and powerful. Drums and bass perfectly compliment the music at the chorus. I also like the guitar riff here. The song ends with Patton screaming "Redundant" while the band breaks down.

Girls of Porn is a catchy and dirty song with plenty of sexual references. The funky riff here is cool. I like the chorus too.

Love is a Fist is another great song. The soft jazzy parts here transform into the thundering chorus with a thrashy riff. Check out the scream 3 minutes into the song. The in between song chatter here is funny too.

The final song Dead Goon is an apt closer. It starts slow before a great Patton vocal line. Bassist Trevor Dunn is particularly impressive here. He has a great jazzy bassline at 2:00. Outstanding job here.

Mr. Bungle is one of those albums that you rediscover with every listen. Though it is not for everyone, anyone with an open mind can appreciate this.

the band dog fashion disco wishes they were
MSI are worthless trash for idiots who want to be different. Mr. Bungle however were, and are still to this day, amazing. ... Read more

Asin: B000002LPW
Sales Rank: 2673
Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Experimental    4. Experimental Rock    5. Funk Metal    6. Heavy Metal    7. Pop    8. Rock   

Incesticide
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 December, 1992)
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Editorial Review

Originally intended as a stopgap record following the massive success of Nirvana's Nevermind, the archival Incesticide album has taken on an added significance in light of subsequent events. Consisting of outtakes, demos, non-album singles, and live BBC sessions, it's a fascinating if less-than-truly essential listening experience. Highlights include the rip-roaring childhood memoir "Sliver" and its caustic companion (from a pre-Nevermind single) "Dive." There's also a brilliant cover of the Vaselines' "Molly's Lips." Particularly harrowing, however, are Kurt Cobain's liner notes, which at times sound eerily like his suicide note, deriding the fame and money that came upon him like a tsunami, and ultimately wiped him out. --Daniel Durchholz ... Read more

Reviews (151)

Great for all the wrong reasons
Before I begin to review this CD, I feel forced to ask a question; why review albums that you hate?I just spent like 15 minutes reading reviews about how people hate Nirvana and their "sloppy music" and such...if you don't like something why 1) spend your energy writing about something you hate and 2) cursing the world with your negativity when we certainly neither asked for nor require it.

For most bands releasing a collection of b-sides and demos on the heels of a ground-breaking album would be a career-ender.Lucky for us Kurt Cobain didn't care, because this is maybe the best example of what Nirvana was about.Some are fast (Mexican Seafood) some are slow (Big Long Now) and some are freakishly brilliant (Aneurysm).I don't know how anyone could be a "casual" Nirvana fan, so if you like any Nirvana songs get this cause you'll like this too.And they think this guy killed himself?...HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA good luck picking your nose on that much smack, let alone using a shotgun.Anyone who has done smack knows its impossible.

Great NirvanaAlbum
Nirvana's 3rd album may not live up to Nevermind....but that does not stop it from being a great rock album. Yes, this album does "sag" a bit in the middle but with songs like Dive, Sliver, Aneursym, and Big Long Now......this album rocks out hard...with great guitar and Bass. Although, only a true Nirvana fan can experience this album in whole, a new fan can also enjoy this album. Nirvana is a great band, and Incesticide is a great album from a great band.

In my opinion, the best Nirvana
This album went by so fast in the 90's, that I barely remember it coming out. Luckily, a friend picked it up recently at a second-run store. This is in my mind the best Nirvana album I've ever heard. It's more punk than the poppy Nevermind, more avant-garde than the fairly New Wave In Utero, and it's funny. Kurt did have a sense of humor, it's just that sometimes he got packaged otherwise. The liner notes are great too, giving a little taste of some of the things Kurt was thinking before In Utero.

When I was a kid, Nirvana was the big name, but Pearl Jam was my band. The heroin induced pop of Nevermind wasn't as appealing as the soulful Eddie Vedder. Now that first Pearl Jam CD sounds overwrought, and In Utero and this CD actually sound like music for adults. Give it a shot, but unless you like the stranger, more dissonant side of music, you probably won't like it.

Mexican Seafood is the pick of the bunch. ... Read more

Asin: B000003TAB
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Grunge    3. Pop    4. Rock   

Aenima
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 October, 1996)
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Editorial Review

With its heavy-duty distortion, weighty rhythms, and cynical lyrics, Tool is a heavy metal band for the '90s. Rather like Metallica circa ...And Justice for All, the sound is focused heavily on texture, with vocals and guitars layered one atop the other, and heart-pounding drums underlying everything. There's not a whole lot of variety on Tool's second full-length album--most of the songs start off fairly low-key, kicking into high gear for the chorus, and repeat--but Maynard James Keenan's distinctive voice, the prog-rock stylings over a heavy metal base, and a supremely unhealthy dose of vitriol make this the perfect album to bang your head to. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

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Reviews (988)

Simply Amazing
This album is a wet dream for every heavy music fan with a brain. Beautifully layered guitars, a throbbing heart-beat bass line and rock solid drumming, teamed with Maynard's thought provoking and poetic lyrics, make for a near perfect sonic assault that will make you think. Go out and buy all of Tool's albums. WARNING if you have attention deficit disorder, or have trouble understanding any more complex themes than "breaking stuff" or "Daddy didn't love me" you may be better off listening to Limp Bizkit or Korn.

Amazing, intriguing, thought-provoking. The best.
This isn't just the best metal album ever made. In my opinion it's the best album ever made, all categories. I felt I had to write something and try to contribute towards the 5 stars overall this album deserves. I don't blame the people who gave it one star, it's their opinion, and maybe this album isn't for everyone. First of all, you have to like music. Second, you should like metal. Third, you should be enough interested in life and like the medium of music to express aspects of life. I have owned this album for seven years and it still grows. I can still cry listening to it, just because of the beauty, the pure energy this album conveys. A masterpiece, from the first second to the last. A lesson in life.

I'll have a Maynard James Keenan with pilau rice, thanks!
Whoa! Everyone seems to have an opinion on this. Tool fans seem to go out of their way to convince the casual buyer that this record is the work of absolute genius, and that it will change you life etc. Being a rather naïve and gullible individual I decided to give the album a whirl. I lay down, put my headphones on and prepared to be swept up in the brilliance that is tool and left drooling. Well, I fell asleep but I tried I really did! It's just this album is so monotonous!
A song about fisting? Yeah, I know it supposed to have a whole *deeper meaning*, but its still stupid, not to mention bloody painful. The five star reviewers make this album out to be intensely thought provoking and some even go as far by saying that it's so hard to comprehend that only a select few will grasp the true meaning. That's a load of codswallop! You don't have to be really intelligent to get this, there's nothing to get, its just pretentious whining. Albeit twisted to make it into *music for pseudo intellectuals*. I'd rather listen to korn, at least they're straight forward about it.
Tool fans are quick to insult the average human being for disliking their favorite band by dismissing them as ignorant twits. No, it's just the music is so dull I'm sure over exposure is enough to make anyone brain dead for a little while. My brain cells came out waving a white flag about half way through. I had to listen to skinny puppy to perk them back up again. In a way, tool fans remind me of born again Christians, as in you're either a blind follower or a total waste of space. It's like a cult. Perhaps that's the appeal. Does being a tool fan make you better then other people? If you think so then you are a sad, sad person. Perhaps you think my tiny brain just can't grasp the fact that tool are the best band in the world and that Maynard James Keenan (sounds like an Indian dish) is a god. Personally I think he's laughing his wig off at all of you. But anyway you can't be swayed. To the curious buyer, I'd listen to the samples and look up some of the lyrics before you start believing all the hype. By the way I just want to say the `secretary' from Boston is a plagiarizer. (...)Oh and one more thing. If Maynard James Keenan moved to Spain and (under Spanish law) married Pilar Gòmez Dìaz, her name would remain Pilar Gòmez Dìaz. If they had a daughter christened Mercedes, she will be called Mercedes James Gòmez. If she got married to Juan García Martìnez she would keep her original name but her son, Pedro, would be called Perdro García James. You see where this could go! Having such a long winded name is a danger to Spanish society!
Have you just read all that? If you have, you now know what listening to a tool album feels like. It's simple and easy to understand but presented in such a difficult and presumptuous way, that it just gets annoying and unnecessarily tedious after a while.
... Read more

Asin: B00000099Y
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Opiate
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (10 March, 1992)
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Editorial Review

As the title of Tool's 1992 debut implies, they're none too impressed by religion, though other targets--fear ("Cold and Ugly"), hypocritical moralizing ("Jerk-Off"), nonconformity ("Hush")--get their time in the spotlight as well. Opiate is a collection of heavy, aggressive, cynical music (though the tail end of the title track sounds more like acid rock), packaged in songs noticeably shorter than on their later efforts (Undertow, 1993, and Aenima, 1996). While not as impressive as Undertow, arguably their finest effort, Opiate has a definite appeal. If ear-crunching riffs and enraged lyrics are what you go for, check this one out. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

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Reviews (180)

Pink Floyd with Distortion
At first I thought this album was boring, and I left it in my cd case untouched for months. But one day I was at my friends house and found "Salival." I started listening since all the other cds were Blink182 and Green Day and I realized the abstract metal that is Tool. So later, I put on Opiate with a new attitude and I realized how f***ing awesome it was. I dont think I need to get into a track by track review because every song is deserves 5 stars.

The reason why I like this album is because of the awesome guitar riffs, fantastic drums, heavy basslines, and of course... Maynard's emotional and heart-piercing vocals that portray his intricate lyrics. One of the few bands that have talent now adays.

Beginning of the end!
An awesome album that began the airwave takeover in the early 90's! With bands like Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots, etc. the rest of the "Grunge" bands were slaying the hair bands by the dozens and making way for the new age rock and metal groups. With just a short track listing "Opiate" is six songs strong with a little craziness added at the end! Taking teachings from the psychadelic philosophies of Timothy Leary and applying them lyrically, Maynard James Keenan will blow away any vocalist that may come to mind. The early days also gave us Paul D'amour (bassist) with sweet riffs like "Cold and Ugly" and "Jerk-off." Ex Green Jelly drummer Danny Carey will never disappoint. (If you get a chance, listen to 46&2 off Aenima, it'll blow your mind!) Lets not forget Adam Jones the craziest guitarist I think I've ever heard! Using electronic toys over the pick-ups of his guitar he's made quite a library of strange medleys. To riff off.... this album I must say is brilliant in its own way for the competition that was around at that time. Alot of strange stuff mixed in with the lyrics and some ground breaking new ideas, but a must have for any TOOL fan!!!

Haven't heard this...
...but it might me the best Tool album ever...why? because it is so short! I hate Tool! Aenima is the worst album I have heard so I guess this isn't good either...listen to real bands like Sepultura, Slipknot and Korn...they are very good! ... Read more

Asin: B00000098O
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Undertow
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (06 April, 1993)
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Editorial Review

Arguably their finest album, this follow-up to Opiate showcases Tool at their best, assisted by clean, crisp production, without the muddiness of Aenima. Edgy guitar riffs are complemented by spitting, heavy bass, especially on "Sober" and "Crawl Away". Lyrically, Tool are at their vitriolic best, targeting religious hypocrisy ("Intolerance," "Sober"; always a popular theme), the loss of innocence and its consequences ("Prison Sex"), and deliberate ignorance ("Swamp Song"). Henry Rollins makes a guest appearance on "Bottom," which, along with "4 Degrees," deals with questions of identity. Undertow is also Tool's most musically adventurous album, lacking the occasionally numbing sameness of Aenima, and with considerably more sophistication than their previous work. Very highly recommended. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

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Reviews (331)

"These are the cries of the Carrots!"
One of the best albums for this genre of the 20th century! With a strong theme for water throughout this album it is and always will be one of my own personal favorites. After the release of "opiate" (1st album) Tool was looking for their first full length album. With as much hard riffing, philosophy induced, fine tuned musical genious that we come to expect from TOOL it is still a hit now. "Sober" is one song that you can mention to even the most miniscule tool fan and expect one helluva reaction!Prison sex, Flood, Swamp Song... these songs make it impossible for you to even think about anything else when it comes to music.With the recent induction of Justin Chancellor to take over Paul D'Amour on bass guitar, Tool just gets better and better! Tell you what; If you can listen to "Sober" "Bottom" "Swamp Song" "Undertow" and not like Tool... congratulations, you need to be committed!

Better Than Aenima!
Just Garbage! Haven't heard this album but it is garbage! It must be! All the other Tool albums have been garbage...this can't be an exception!!!

Regarding the reveiw just before this one...
The review prior to this comment is sort of useless and boring, but that doesn't really bother me, because at least 'Robert Evans' gave this record the rating it deserves.However, I feel that Robert should know that this album is not titled "Undertool," as he delusionally seems to convinced of.Instead, it has been dubbed 'UnderTOW,' a large, complex word meaning "a current beneath the water's surface, moving in an entirely different direction from any surface current."

I know that this word sometimes may sound similar to the word 'undertool,' but unfortunately one should be aware of what it IS that they're talking about before they open their mouth (or, in our case, begin typing), especially in the case of TOOL.

If, Robert, you are planning to review TOOL's 2001 release "Lateralus," I feel compelled to tell you that it is called "Lateralus," and not "Latter Alice," as you no doubt assume.Forgive my bluntness and keep pumpin' out reviews!

... Read more

Asin: B000000993
Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal    2. Heavy Metal    3. Pop    4. Progressive Metal    5. Rock   

Antichrist Superstar
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (08 October, 1996)
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Editorial Review

Marilyn Manson started out as a depraved, marginally talented group of freaks that played a caustic but undeveloped brand of metallic industrial noise. Then Trent Reznor stepped into the studio for seven months with the band, and Manson emerged with the most intense, visceral, mechanical metal album since The Downward Spiral. Antichrist Superstar is a horror-house of grisly atrocities that stains as indelibly as a bathful of warm blood. Brooding rhythms collide with corrosive samples and buzzsaw guitar riffs, while vocalist Marilyn croons irresistible melodies in the voice of a vagrant regurgitating broken light-bulb shards. Essential listening, regardless of how much input Reznor had.--Jon Wiederhorn ... Read more

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Reviews (363)

great cd...but i hav another issue
This review is just to say something. has anyone else noticed that stupid idiot reviewer 'Himo pohonen' or sum rubbish who has been goin round calling all the music cds he hates 'pieces of s**t' and not justifying any reasons at all - just for the sake of bein an IDIOT. i must have looked up at least 10 of my favourite cd's in the last week and his same thing is there every time. marilyn manson is my favourite band and hes comin on complainin about jesus and religion and NOBODY CARES! this is reviewing the cd not a church...go pray on it. i am not a goth myself but this is not the place for this. i hope other people have seen what i mean with this guy...dont listen to his reviews if you're hoping for a reason to buy a cd.

This Album Is Not Truly Dark Or Satanic, It Is Just Stupid!!
Marilyn Manson had been credited for being the most vile, evil, and disgusting person on the planet since the early 90's. Manson is just a dork that could never get attention, so he attempted to become the biggest freak. From what I know about mainstream "dark" music, this is probably one of it's most famous albums. This album is just a poser with his poser band behind him, creating music that shocked people (I don't know why, it is about as dark as Britney Spears). For true dark music, old school black metal defines it. Mayhem, Darkthrone, and Emperor are all black metal groups that make Manson look like a Christian both musically and lyrically. Manson never did anything that evil, he just did stupid props that were more "perverted" than evil. Black metal does truly evil things such as church burnings, murder, cannibalism, and occult related activity-Manson never did anything like that! So forget Manson's stupid poser goth rock, get in touch with the black metal scene for truly evil music and lifestyles.

Stu*** Lyrics!
This is just piece of sh**! Marilyn Manson makes bad music--- Trust Jesus Christ today...only he can save you from the lake of fire...He loves you more than you can imagine...no matter what you have done...just accept His love! ... Read more

Asin: B000001Y2U
Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal    2. Heavy Metal    3. Industrial Metal    4. Pop    5. Rock   

Pretty Hate Machine
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 November, 1989)
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Editorial Review

Considered the breakthrough album that delivered a more palatable version of industrial music to the commercial audience, Pretty Hate Machine left its dingy mark on pop culture. The abrasive "sonarchy" of the album was first churned by despondent club-goers who roiled with the rhythms and aligned with the angst-ridden convictions. Since its release, the album's tempered deviations came to signify an aesthetic reverie for machine-driven martyrdom. Permeated by hissing engines and dissonant strains, the tracks cascade outside channels of modern complacency. Hits like "Head Like a Hole" and "Down in It" are recognized by the acidic beats, piercing riffs, and lyrical hostilities which snare the listener with disparaging rhapsody. Not for the light-headed, Pretty Hate Machine afflicts the inner sanctum and strikes a nerve. --Lucas Hilbert ... Read more

Features

• Import

Reviews (319)

Genius
Trent Razor is a abosulte GENIUS...His lyrics are so angry and yet can be depressing...He has some true talent.

Groundbreaking.
Hailed as the album that brought pop sensibilities into industrial music, "Pretty Hate Machine" is a real breakthrough in its genre.Nine Inch Nails (aka Trent Reznor) constructed an album of pain and anguish, of a mood of loss and anger, or mourning.The arrangements are sparse, far moreso than Reznor's later work, and its a much more pop record than any of his other material, and its got its own unique charm to it.

The album succeeds best when Reznor keeps the backgrounds simple enough to really allow his voice to carry the work-- blessed with the ability to really invest passion into his singer, he excels at the morbid ballad "Something I Can Never Have", prodded gently by the mournful piano line and the fantastic "Sin"-- full of anger and rage over a straightahead beat, Reznor really cuts right into it and the results are nothing short of stunning.The infectious rhythms and the great delivery together with an irresistable chorus hook sink the song right in your head.Add to that a couple really great angry tunes to open the record up (the anthemic "Head Like a Hole" and "Terrible Lie"), a great wacky piece with a funky bass line that threatens ballad form even as it rejects it ("Sanctified"), and a couple pieces with confessional lyrics and great delivery ("Kinda I Want To", "The Only Time") and you've got a great record.In fact, the only thing on here that doesn't really work for me is closer "Ringfinger"-- it always seemed a bit lifeless.

One other thing Reznor excels at is a sense of unity in his works-- "Pretty Hate Machine" is successful not just as a collection of songs, but as an album with a unified feel.It does drag a bit on the second half (although "Sin" is there to shake it up), but overall its a fantastic debut.Recommended.

I don't see what the craze about this album is...
Maybe I have a different preference of my music than this album. There are a few good songs on here, but what kind of music is it? I couldn't help but to feel it was a mixture of pop and metal. I will say that is an interesting blend, but it came out all mixed up.

I listened to this album and it sounds to me the man is angry and heading into a hole he can't get out of. Behind his lyrics is the twisted sound of his guitar and crazy sounding electric funk beats.

On the other hand, some songs like "Sanctified" and "Head Like a Hole" are pretty good. They have a cool groove to them. These songs sound like they actually tried to make something meaningful.

I'm not going to be rude, but this album was not as good as everyone says. You could grab someone off the street who has had a tough life and they could probably write lyrics to the same extent as well as music like Trent Reznor. I can't really "feel" his pain because his lyrics are whack and confusing. I just had to listen to the instruments rather than his voice.

However, this is just my opinion. It did start a cult following and many other artists cop this style of music. Millions of fans can't be wrong about this album if they all enjoyed it.

If you're like me, you'll probably be more interested in artists like Screaming Trees, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and Nirvana. ... Read more

Asin: B000000GPY
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Industrial    3. Industrial Metal    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. United States of America   

Broken
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (22 September, 1992)
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Editorial Review

As a placeholder between the full-length Pretty Hate Machine and The Downward Spiral, Broken packs a serious punch. Angrier and less poppy than Machine, this EP is full of noisy hooks, if such a thing is possible (check out that guitar riff on the full-throttle "Wish"), and much closer aesthetically to the industrial subgenre that informs Trent Reznor's music. As song titles like "Help Me I Am in Hell" suggest, Broken is a work of undiluted rage, which is, of course, a big part of its appeal. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Features

Reviews (213)

Nine Inch Nails - 'Broken' (Interscope) EP
'Broken' was like a follow-up EP to the 'Pretty Hate Machine' CD,as NIN vocalist/frontman/producer Trent Reznor was experiencing some legal hassles regarding putting out new NIN material.I remember playing this six song EP over many times when it first came out.Liked the industrial metal goods,such as "Pinion","Wish" and especially happening "Happiness In Slavery" as I used to put this song on my home answering machine.Very well done.

White hot anger.
When I first got "Broken" years ago, I thought it was brilliant-- I was young, somewhat isolated, and angry, it worked well for me.In the intervening years, I've discovered its not really quite the record I thought it was.Reznor was evidentally having a pretty bad time with a lot at this time, and he composed a slab of white hot anger-- there's really nothing else at all to it but that.Now this isn't necessarily a bad thing, but when you're not there, it gets monotonous at times.

Mind you, at some point last year, I was angry and felt betrayed, and I put on "Broken", and it worked for me, but since I've gotten over that anger, it hasn't worked as well again (on a side note, as I was 26 at the time, the line "no new tale to tell, 26 years, on my way to hell" seemed to have an odd resonance...).

Still, its got its moments-- "Help Me I Am In Hell" is fantastic, a slice of calm admist the storm of the piece, and as far as blasts of pure anger go, they really get no better than "Wish".The rest of the EP proper is ok, "Gave Up" I used to really love until I saw Reznor do it live and suddenly the version on record, which struck me as quite a bit overproduced didn't work well for me, and "Happiness in Slavery" I just find downright annoying.

This one's been released in two forms, with a 3" single accompanying it, with a whole bunch of blank tracks after the EP itself (six songs), or as just eight tracks.The bonus material (however its in there) is two pieces-- a cover of Adam and the Ant's "Physical" anda Pigface's "Suck" (which Reznor did with that group).The former is sort of the next step of the "Sin" single cover of "Get Down Make Love"-- it also clearly points the way to the future, oozing with a bizarre sensuality even as it maintains a feel of anger and torment."Suck" is closer in mood to the "Broken" tracks, though a bit more varied, with a nice funky bassline.

"Broken" is a great piece when you're in the right mood, but it lacks the subtlety and depth of Reznor's later work.

Whoa, now he's really getting angry!
(4.5 Stars)

"Broken" is an essential EP that serves as a bridge between the dance/pop feel of "Pretty Hate Machine" and the intense, anguish of "The Downward Spiral". All of a sudden, Trent sounds a helluva lot angrier and LOUDER..much louder.

"Wish" is a heart pounding kickstart, with a maddening, rapid beat and abrasive, metal like guitars. This is *intense* stuff, way more intense than anything on "Pretty Hate Machine".

The same applies to "Last", which ranges from raucous to even more raucous! The omnious instrumental "Help Me I Am In Hell" leads into the killer "Happiness In Slavery", which is pretty risque stuff, lyrically, for 1992. The verses are nice and noisy, and the chorus is a bit more beat heavy like that of "Pretty Hate Machine". Controversy aside, it's an awesome song.

Finally, there's "Gave Up", with its machine gun-like beat and acidic, anguished chorus. Noticing a trend here?

Oh wait, there's also two hidden tracks. There's the sexual grind of "(You're So) Physical", and the industrial-funk of "Suck". More good stuff.

"Broken" may not be a full length album, but it's an essential EP to own, as it shows how Trent evolved from his "Pretty Hate Machine" into his "Downward Spiral". And changing sound aside, it also has some awesome songs. ... Read more

Asin: B000001Y5J
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Industrial    3. Industrial Metal    4. Pop    5. Rock   

Downward Spiral
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (08 March, 1994)
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Editorial Review

Nine Inch Nails are a pretty amazing phenomenon when one considers what they--um, he--have done with just a few studio recordings. The Downward Spiral, NIN's second full-length album, is just as packed with vitriol as Pretty Hate Machine and the EP Broken--and has just as solid a base of pop hooks that go a long way toward explaining NIN's popularity. Most recognizable is the down-tempo single "Closer," which remains a staple of dance clubs everywhere. But for the most part, the album is all heavy beats and aggressive guitars--industrial music with a pop angle. That winning combination is what makes Trent Reznor a law unto himself, becoming insanely popular while the main body of industrial music retains its subculture status. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (518)

Great
absolutely wonderful cd!!! blends great musical talents into one, everything i wanted in this album i got. In 10 years i have to say this album will gain much more status than it already does. The lyrics are so deep, u get a chill going up your spine with every song. Trent blends his unmistakable voice, into heart pounding music, that is such a thrill. I have to say no nin cd compares... though they are good this is an essential album. Please i really encourage you to get this album.

The strong points in this album are in every song. many people have said that no two songs are alike... u may get tired of hearing but it is very true. My favorites are reptile, mr. self destruct, heresy, and closer. Such anger and agression goes into this cd, but yet u have a feeling of sadness in these songs.The softer songs, like piggy, hurt, and a warm place( musical) are Absoulutely wonderful. I have rarely found an album of this anger and sadness. I see some reviews that are negative, and the reason i think this is so is because of its controversial lyrics... or u are damn fans of pop, or rap. Great cd.

I had almost nothing to complain about on this album. their were a few things though that i dint like, its very hard to say that there are things i disliked.... but i have two, i didnt care for big man with a gun. Im sure if im clueless but... it really doesn't have those great lyrics im used to in trent reznor. though the only real meaning i can think of this song is being a satire against rap. The second and last thing i didn't care for was the screaming in the becoming, it felt he was forcing something into a beautiful song he shouldn't. The first time i heard that song i really didn't care for it, but it grew on me and its pretty good... i just wish the screaming was outta of it, and the mechanical voice, but other than that perfection!
I am only 14, yes 14, but i do have all nin studio releases...phm,tds,tf, and i just got the new cd A-WITH-A TEETHA.... great album, and heard nin plans to come out witha nother cd in one year or so..... NIN RULES.

the only nin cd i have
tis is the only nin cd i have its very good espicaly because the album has story i burned broken and with teeth but they dont amount to this one.with teeth is a dissapointment because it had to many fillers and when you tok 6 years to make a 13 track cd thats just being lazy

The day NIN came of age...
The Downward Spiral (1994.) Nine Inch Nails Halo Eight. Their second full-length album, and third source of original material.

Trent Reznor assembled his musical project, Nine Inch Nails, late in the eighties. It's not likely he knew just how successful his group would become, though. Even after just five years, Reznor had changed his musical sound drastically. What started as a techno-rock experiement (as chronicled on 1989's Pretty Hate Machine) was quickly shifting toward the darker, more sinister grounds of goth/industrial music (1992's Broken EP was the first release that hinted at this new sound.) The second full-length Nine Inch Nails album arrived in 1994. How would The Downward Spiral be received? Would it become revered as an industrial rock masterpiece, or would it literally be Reznor's downward spiral in the music business? Read on for my review of the album.

This album is a masterpiece of industrial rock, no questions asked. It's this album that gained Nine Inch Nails the vast majority of their fame and audience, so it's not surprising to see just how high of a level some fans of the group hold it on. In just five short years, Trent Reznor had shifted his musical stylings drastically. Although I personally preferred the band's earlier sound (the techno-rock one featured on Pretty Hate Machine), I feel that this change in sounds did the band a lot of good. This is a much darker and more agressive album than anything that came earlier, and perhaps that's the reason it won the group so many fans. The most popular song on here would have to be the radio hit Closer, but it's far from being the only good song Trent and company have to offer this time around. Kicking things off is the hard and heavy industrial rocker Mr. Self Destruct, which will grab a tight hold of your attention and never let do. It's immediately followed by the bass-heavy Piggy, which is one of the band's most unique-sounding tracks. And who could forget classics like Heresy and March Of The Pigs? And the gloomy ballad Hurt? Every track on here is unique; no two sound alike, further establishing Trent Reznor as a musical genius. Where this album succeeds, it succeeds beautifully. And where it doesn't succeed.... never mind. It succeeds in everything it does. This is a Nine Inch Nails masterpiece, and millions of fans will back me up on that claim. If you only want to buy one Nine Inch Nails album, and you want to get one that epitomizes everything the band stood for in their prime, The Downward Spiral is the one you should get.

There are many different editions of The Downward Spiral available. There's the original CD release, the Dual Disc version, and the Deluxe Edition. The original CD release has no bonus material, but it is the cheapest version, so any new/potential fan should get that version of the album. The Dual Disc one costs more but has a whole DVD side worth of interesting band info. However, there aren't any bonus tracks, so that version is for die-hard fans ONLY. The Deluxe Edition has a whole second disc worth of bonus material, but it is ridiculously overpriced, as are most CDs in the Deluxe Edition series. However, despite it's overpricing, the Deluxe Edition is best, since you get a whole bonus disc worth of Nine Inch Nails rarities. Still, whatever version of the album you decide to buy is up to you.

This was Trent Reznor in his prime, both commercially and musically. It's not surprising that this is the release most people remember Nine Inch Nails for. If you only buy one album from the group, and you want one that shows you everything the group stood for in their musical prime, this is the album to buy. I give it my highest recommendation and a five-star rating. No other industrial rock album even comes close (except, of course, other Nine Inch Nails releases.) ... Read more

Asin: B000001Y5Z
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Damaged
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

Founded by guitarist/songwriter Greg Ginn, Black Flag exploded out of L.A. in 1981 with a debut album so confrontational that MCA Records refused to release it, stating that Black Flag was "immoral" and lacking "redeeming social value." When the album finally came out on Ginn's own SST label, it was clear why MCA recoiled, as Black Flag's skinhead look and hardcore sound signaled a new chapter in punk--and rock in general. With Henry Rollins's venom-dripping vocals leading the way, the album features such hostile teeth-gnashers as "Rise Above" ("Try to stop us/It's no use"), "Six Pack" ("I got a six pack, and nothing to do"), and, of course, "Life of Pain."--Billy Altman ... Read more

Reviews (111)

Best punk album ever?
Maybe not. But it might be. The whole thing is a surge of adrenaline. Henery is so genius on this album. He can make his voice punky screams in songs like rise above and he can make his voice turn into vicious shouts of hardcore on songs like damaged 1. This album truley defines the 80s punk scene. I'm not a huge fan of any black flag albums after this but with this and the first four years comp, they end up being one of the best punk acts to this day.

Must have
With all due respect to Dave 115, this is THE definitive album (yes, I'm old) of the Cal-Punk era.If anyone wonders where Nirvana, Rancid, NIN, Chili Peppers, geez...any REAL band got their infulence, then check this out.

This ablum got me through many an episode of my life.

If you don't have this, you ain't punk.

Etched in stone...

grossly over-rated
It's ok, it's nothing to write home about.
A terrible production, a few memorable songs. Singer Henry Rollins has a charm (if you can call it that)
Overall I just find this to be a great example of the Rolling stone Magazine's stupidity.
They rate this album as one of the top 250 of all time, which puts a picture of a load of dribbling baby's in my head. Bar the opening track where he shouts 'society's all F'ing cool, think theyre smart can't think for themselves, laugh at us behind our backs- I find satisfaction in what they lack' the disc is a drag, and never lives up to those opening moments.
While 'spray paint the walls' (track two) is somewhat punk and healthy, the rest fails by not being an 'anti-parent' record (as it was 'slated by mca was it?), but just a dumb record. Even tv party reminds me of those boys who think drinking beer and watching tv is not depressing.
Even if there was nothing left in my brain I would'nt do that more than once a month.
Don't go buying this if you are an in any way normal person who does not like noisy hardcore punk of early 80's america.
just scrapes three stars for what it is. Magnificent cover. I'm sure it's one of the best covers of all time, but as for rolling stone, these people really need to check themselves. They are missing too much


... Read more

Asin: B000000LZ2
Subjects:  1. American Punk    2. American Underground    3. Hardcore Punk    4. L.A. Punk    5. Pop    6. Punk    7. Rock    8. United States of America   

Rage Against the Machine
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (10 November, 1992)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $9.99
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Editorial Review

Not since the days of the Clash and the MC5 has rock seen such political force as in the uncompromising debut from this L.A. quartet. Expanding the hip-hop/metal style of bands such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage tap the spirits of vintage Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, coupled with hardcore punk intensity and Public Enemy-style grooves. "Bombtrack" opens the LP with a shot of adrenaline and singer Zack de la Rocha's infuriated chorus of "Burn, burn, yes, you're gonna burn!" The intensity doesn't let up an inch on the militant "Killing in the Name" (with the inspiring chant, "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me!"), the ultrafunky "Bullet in the Head," and the engrossing "Fistful of Steel." Tom Morello combines time-honored metal guitar riffs with sounds that suggest a hip-hop scratcher over a rhythm section that simply takes no prisoners. Intelligent and aggressive, this is unimpeachably one of the best hard-rock records ever made. --James Rotondi ... Read more

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• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (496)

Ridiculous
This CD is ridiculous.When I put it in my CD player and put the headphones over my ears I was expecting a good album.I wasn't expecting to be dancing in ecstacy for forty minutes in my bedroom.

Review from a centrist Liberal
Yes, there are liberals who hate this garbage too. This political crap is nothing but extreme left-wing propaganda spreading their brainwashed views of political correctness in the same way that FOX News does it from the other extreme side of the political spectrum. What I find absolutely ridiculous about 'RATM' is that they're a rock band spreading hatred towards rich corporations, and yet Sony is their record label. Ha!! Let me laugh for a minute, because that's like Ozzy Osbourne being signed by a christian label. If RATM were true to their beliefs they should be signed to an indie label. I'll need to remind you people that I'm not a right-wing nut or a neo-con who worships O'Reilly and Hannity, because in the same way that RATM sucks, so do artists extreme right wings idiots like Toby Keith and Darryl Worley spreading their false patriotism and using it as a tool to make more money from 9/11.

I have to give RATM props because Tom Morello is a great guitarist, but other than that these guys are nothing but a bunch of hypocrites.

The Definitive Rock Album of the 1990s
Rage Against the Machine's self-titled, debut album was the definitive rock album of the 1990s and, more than any other album from its time, has influenced the mainstream rock genre as it flows through the airwaves today. Although Rage's influence on the evolution of rock music has generally been overlooked and understated by critics, if one were to analyze the current state of rock music, he/she would be hard pressed to argue that it could still be what it is today without Rage.

Rage spawned the rap/rock revolution (for better or worse), infused rock music with intelligent social and political commentary at a time when the genre was severely lacking it, and helped rock music evolve to its current state. Listen to the entire album once, all the way through, and you will see why. An amazing band, with amazing musicianship, lyricism, and insight, Rage should go down in history as one of the most influential rock bands of its generation, although it seems as though the scope of its influence may always be overshadowed by other deserving bands such as Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Regardless, what's most important is that the music will always be there for us to enjoy, and the music can never lie.

Trust me and the others who have taken the time to express their opinions on this album -- if you are a true fan of rock music, you owe it to yourself to own this album. ... Read more

Asin: B0000028RR
Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Heavy Metal    4. Pop    5. Rap-Metal    6. Rock   

Live & Rare
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (19 January, 1999)
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• Import
• Live

Reviews (54)

Better than Live at the Grand Olympic Auditorium
This "official bootleg" is a telling compilation of various Rage concerts throughout the mid-90s and may represent the final phase of "old school" RATM.What do I mean by old school?From the beginning up until the Evil Empire days, Rage's live concerts emphasized speech and wicked guitar improvisations.Oddly, this sense of adventurism faded out around the time BOLA was released... and it's quite obvious too.The "Bullet in the Head" solo on this disc destroys the one on Grand Olympic Auditorium."Zapata's Blood" is a recognizable live track to any hardcore Rage fan and this may be the best performance of the song ever.The bonus demo cuts are pretty good, and "F*ck tha Police" is a wild ride.But the real treat is "Hadda be Playing on the Jukebox", an 8 minute poem that tells a story by its guitar work alone.

This CD may not be as accessible to Rage newbies as Grand Olympic Auditorium, but will be an instant classic to true fans.

A Great Live Rage Album Not To Be Missed
A great collection of live and rare songs from Rage Against The Machine, one of the best live acts in modern rock. I still remember Rage's charged performance at Woodstock '99 and how bad they made Metallica, the band going on stage after them, look. The two rare tracks are merely mediocre, although they may be of interest to hardcore fans. One especially noteworthy performance is Rage's cover of NWA's anti-police brutality anthem, F*** The Police. They turned a great old-school gangster rap song into an even better one. Chuck D. of Public Enemy, a large influence on Zack, also makes an appearance on the CD. This album is not to be missed, although it makes you want to kick yourself for not seeing Rage live when you had the chance.

great for all rage fans
i am a big fan of rage against the machine, i own all their cds. i bought this one a few days ago. even though its expensive, its worth the money. this cd has songs fromtheir first self titled cd, and other songs not on any other rage cd. they are really good live and this cd is sweet. i recommend it to all fans of them. ... Read more

Asin: B000006ZMC
Sales Rank: 21724
Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Pop    4. Rap-Metal    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop   

White Pony
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Audio CD (20 June, 2000)
list price: $17.98
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Editorial Review

Sensual and mellow haven't been adjectives associated with aggro band Deftones--until now. The quintet's third outing finds their aural punch softened and deepened, lending songs such as "Digital Bath" a sultry, layered edge. More Tool than Pantera in its sonics, White Pony, in fact, includes a collaboration with Tool/A Perfect Circle singer Maynard James Keenan in the haunting "Passenger." Fans of the band's earlier, harder albums will still find some satisfaction in these developments. "Elite" boasts chunky riffing and metal/rap leanings, while "Korea" is anguished and edgy. More striking, however, are songs like the quirky, futuristic, fervent "RX Queen" and the gentle "Teenager." If you're in the mood to mosh, 1995's Adrenaline and '97's Around the Fur are better choices. For a different Deftones journey, however, delve into this diverse, dynamic, and heady album sans preconceived notions and let White Pony take you on a wondrous ride. --Katherine Turman ... Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (410)

My first Deftones album...
I'm a big fan of Chevelle, Slipknot, and Linkin Park. Yes Linkin Park, and from the reviews I've read about Deftones' albums it doesn't seem like many of their fans like Linkin Park. But oh well, I like Linkin Park and Deftones. This is my first Deftones album and overall I have to say its pretty good. It has some good songs and some alright songs but you have to listen to most of them several times to get to really like them. Anyway, here are my ratings on the songs:

1. Feiticeira 2/5 - Not a great song to start the album off with but its an alright song.
2. Digital Bath 3/5 - I like this song. Its got a nice beat to it.
3. Elite 1/5 - Too much screaming. Not a very good song at all.
4. Rx Queen 4/5 -Love the song. Great beat. Well done.
5. Street Carp 2/5 - Lame lyrics.
6. Teenager 2/5 - An ok slow beated song. Kinda boring.
7. Knife Prty 4/5 - Don't like the lyrics. Love how he mixes the guitar with his voice.
8. Korea 3/5 - In my opinion the heaviest song on the album.
9. Passenger 5/5 - My favorite song on the album. Love the lyrics. Love the beat. Just wish the 1st chorus could have been repeated a few more times. The 2nd one just isn't as great.
10. Change(In the House of Flies) 4/5 - Good song.
11. Pink Maggit 1/5 - Worst song on the album.

Go Deftones!!!
Hell yes! This album finally sees Deftones reaching damn near sonic perfection! I liked Adrenaline, I VERY much enjoyed Around the Fur, and I LOVE this album. This album is filled to the brim with everything I love about this band! "Feiticiera" is brilliant...did you notice how the song has no chorus, but it flows so well, you don't even realize it at first?? This is a very easy album to get totally lost in. Chino's voice sounds better than it ever sounded before, the guitars grind, blister and blugeon the ears, while trippy synth washes and strange soundscapes interweave themselves into the songs, the bass is deep and rich and the whole album has a very subtle and hypnotic intensity to it. Although it's considerably less in-your-face than Adrenaline and Around the Fur, I think White Pony is in some ways, even heavier than those albums. The guitars here are about as sludgey and razor-sharp as they always were, but in terms of mood and atmosphere, this is one hell of a heavy, heavy album. I remember when I bought this album...it was at the beach one summer. I went out and bought this and came back to relax in the sun and listen to it. It was a GREAT experience...This is perfect blasting VERY loud on lazy hot summer days. Just let it play and don't worry about skipping any tracks...they're all good. Actually "Elite" is the only track I get a bit tired of sometimes, but it's still a good song. If you get one Deftones album, get this one. It's filled with more great, smart musical ideas than most alternative metal bands have EVER thought of in their entire careers.

Party, Party!
Deftones is just another nu metal band. The album is alright but it feels like they had not nothing special to give. I personally like this Deftones album more than any other album...well I have only listened to "Around the Fur" album and this, so I cannot much to say...but at least this album seems to have many fans and critics popularity. The music is like some kind of between Tool And Korn. I think this band has had influences from them...if not straightly then other way. Also Machine Head and Venom can be very close. The riffs are just like Korn's at least "Korea" sounds like some riff in Korn's Issues..."Falling Away from Me" or Korn's "Here to Stay". The peaceful one "Teenager" is so bad that I have to say I hate that song...I don't think nu metal bands should make peaceful songs because they (most often) sound terrible. The album's opening is great...the songs "Digital Bath", "Elite", and "RX Queen" are quite OK...but then two next ones are horrible...they have that kind of sound that they sound like they would have been sung by death people...quite creepy. I also hate the song "Change (in the House of Flies)"...it sounds like some sick p*rv*rt would be harassing me. "Pink Maggit" is also horrible...and it is too long too...and too peaceful. It is a good thing that there's some good song in the middle of the album...like "Knife Party" and "Korea"...also "Passanger" is quite OK...after some listening times...it sounds like Tool's "Schism" in "Lateralus" album...the only Tool track I like.
Stars: Elite, Korea, RX Queen ... Read more

Asin: B00004TL21
Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Heavy Metal    4. Pop    5. Post-Grunge    6. Rap-Metal    7. Rock