Static-X - Cult of Static (Nu Metal, Industrial Metal, 2009)

It's truly sad that this is the album they ended the band on, an album with very few redeeming qualities. The lyrics are abysmal and clunky, which matches the restrictively mechanical instrumentals. We're talking mechanical in terms of a rusted, dangerous factory machine, not a well-oiled, slick machine like Meshuggah. They aren't just phoning it in, they're using a fucking telegraph.

The vocals are the most monotonous I've ever heard. The only decent songs on here that rise above this dreadful sludge were the ones co-written with Tony Campos (Lunatic, Z28 and Stringwray) as the rest were written solely by Wayne Static. There isn't much to talk about instrumentally beyond the inane decision to feature two guitar solos on Lunatic, one of which is played by Dave Mustaine of Megadeth. Neither are incredibly impressive or fit the song well at all.

I bought this album on release and I have no idea why I haven't just thrown it out, it's that worthless. Not worth the purchase, not worth the download and definitely not worth the listen. I'm sure there's a Jonestown joke somewhere here when it comes to the album title, but I don't feel putting in any more effort than the band did for this album.

1.5 / 10

Highlights: "Lunatic", "Z28" and "Stringwray" (the video below is mislabeled)

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AMENRA - Mass V (Post Metal / Sludge, 2012)

Their finest work yet - AMENRA surpass their influences/peers to truly come into their own on "Mass V." For its entire four track, 42 minute length, they don't waste a moment, using every single second to create an ominous, brooding atmosphere towards its crushing crescendos. Far superior to the Rosetta and Cult of Luna albums that came out a year later, they essentially show the bigger players in the game how's it done.

I was originally had gripes with the vocals that came across as grating at first, but after listening through this a couple of times, they've truly grown on me. If you have an interest in atmospheric metal/rock, this is a must-listen. Don't waste your time reading a lengthy review, go listen to it now!

9 / 10

Highlights: All of it. Seriously.

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The video below is one of the singles released for the album. Sadly, it omits the opening section of the song with beautiful clean vocals (the only part of the album that features any such vocals), but it's still worth listening to in order to get an idea of what this album's about.

What's this blog for?

This blog is basically gonna be for reviewing music, video games and anything else I have an interest in. I might do some other stuff with it, who knows? These reviews will likely lean on the short side but I could also write some longer ones later if I feel it's necessary for what I'm talking about.