Artist: Cephalic Carnage
Label: Relapse Records
Release Date: 4/18/00
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Title: Exploiting Dysfunction Artist: Cephalic Carnage Label: Relapse Records Release Date: 4/18/00 |
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Abyss's Review:
This disc has long been anticipated by me. Ever since I first saw them live, I believe it was at last year's March Metal Meltdown I've been trying to get my hands on some of this. As I've written before, Cephalic Carnage has one of the most impressive live shows in all of metal today. Sewing immaculate technical ability with an unparalleled stage presence, they tear every audience to shreds. I almost wonder if leaving the thin air of Denver, CO has slowed them down at all. Maybe they're even crazier under lack of oxygen. The only question in my mind was from my internal pessimist, and he asked, "How are they going to screw this up on disc?" I'm happy to report that they've captured themselves perfectly, the experience is even that much more exciting due to the quality production (quite different than the sludge sound at MMMII.)
"If you are currently envisioning John Denver's "Rocky Mountain High," you couldn't be further off. (Not to mention the fact that you're most likely on the wrong site.) "
For those of you that don't know what these guys are all about, they play, as they themselves put it, Rocky Mountain Hydro-Grind. Now be sure you read that correctly, if you are currently envisioning John Denver's "Rocky Mountain High," you couldn't be further off. (Not to mention the fact that you're most likely on the wrong site.) So what is Rocky Mountain Hydro-Grind you ask? It's for those people who think to themselves, "You know, I like grindcore, but I wish it was just a little more chaotic." Grindcore mixed with low-end death and some crazy sounds and samples is what's on hand, and it's done beautifully. Even some of the better bands that dabble with these hybrids often come out a little disjointed, but these guys make it seem easy. Stop on a dime time changes combine the musical elements beautifully, and the mixture of varied genres of music are done so well that even those who hate it when songs suddenly turn non-brutal, won't even mind. Somehow they've gotten the blistering rhythms to flow effortlessly into fuzzy, jazz-inspired, wah guitar. I would say (and so has the band themselves) that Mr. Bungle (esp. Disco Volante) is a definite influence. Unlike other bands that go this way, these guys make it work.
"It's for those people who think to themselves, You know, I like grindcore, but I wish it was just a little more chaotic." Basically this album is a must for all fans of grindcore, and will be in heavy rotation by all but the most closed-minded deathheads. But I'll even go out on a limb and say that this is an album that all fans of metal (and music in general) should have in their collection. If you can't find this album order it! If I said anything else it would be a waste of space. Outstanding songwriting, technical proficiency, and an amazing live set (Hell, they play Acid Bath songs live for Christ's sake!) I'm only saddened that it is so brutally heavy that most music lovers will never get the chance to experience it.
Death's Review:
Don't like the brutal first ten seconds of the new Cephalic Carnage album? No problem, before you can even form an opinion, it totally changes gears. A brilliantly produced, stylistically packaged (weird, freak-laden, but well-designed album cover!) and expertly performed work of intelligent, jazzy, death- metal-leaning grindcore, Exploiting Dysfunction lives up to, and perhaps even surpasses, the intricately crushing yet complex modern stylings of label-mates Dillinger Escape Plan. Yet they are undeniably more metal than Dillinger, and perhaps even weirder. Yes, to accurately describe Cephalic is an art form in and of itself -- Zappa meets Morbid Angel meets Pink Floyd meets Dillinger really can only take you so far.
"The crazy sounds and unconventional song structures which envelope every minute of this recording take Exploiting Dysfunction to a totally new level -- one I doubt the average VH1 Rock Show viewer will ever understand." Did I mention that this is a weird record? It is. The band is really all over the place. Not in a sloppy way, mind you, but rather in a stop on a dime, million ideas per track kinda way. The kinda way you have to be an excellent musician to even contemplate undertaking. The killer drums and interesting guitar sounds are only the beginning of the fun. The crazy sounds and unconventional song structures which envelope every minute of this recording take Exploiting Dysfunction to a totally new level -- one I doubt the average VH1 Rock Show viewer will ever understand.
The fact that there is a death metal band in there somewhere is not altogether lost on this recording, and not only because of the totally cool list of bands which get the lyrical shout-out in "Gracias," the album's best track. Several downtuned and heavy death metal riffs are present, as well as the mandatory double-bass drumming (where appropriate), squealing guitar noises, blast beats and death metal screams (try "Observer to the Obliteration of Planet Earth," the waaaaaay downtuned beginning to "Cryptosporidium," or the insanely slow and heavy beginning to "Gracias" for an example of the more death metal-ish tracks.) But Cephalic obviously strives for something more than to be the next Morbid Angel. Exactly what that is, however, I'll have to admit is probably far beyond my own personal comprehension.
"Cephalic obviously strives for something more than to be the next Morbid Angel."
Rating Revised for Metal Judgment Anniversary
Hel's Review:
Don’t go into this album expecting to hear anything you’ve heard before. Unless, of course, you are already familiar with Cephalic Carnage. If you do, you already have a pretty good idea of what you're getting into. Otherwise, you may be unprepared for the maniac sonic attack within.
It is experimental, to say the least. Time changes galore. Music in motion - shifting, twisting, churning. "But is it heavy?", you ask. Why yes, son, it is. The vocals are best described as "death" - translation: mercifully unintelligible.
"It is experimental, to say the least. Time changes galore. Music in motion - shifting, twisting, churning." Exploiting Dysfunction - the word "dysfunction" carries with it negative connotations. Consider, if you will then, the connotation of exploiting the aforementioned. If you find that notion disturbing, I would advise against reading the lyrics. Fortunately, the average person won’t be able to understand the vocals, so even the squeamish can enjoy the music.
Each song has something to recommend it. Let me give you a sampling. "Hybrid" is just that - a dizzying mixture of mellow atmospheric guitar and its polar opposite in guitar sound. "Rehab" embraces scary guitar noises, menacing and whimsical at once, ending with a solo by the lawnmower from hell.
All over this disc, you find melodic slow passages mixed betwixt maniacally fast ones. "Observer to the Obliteration of Planet Earth" is one notable example of this. "Driven to Insanity" includes a sample featuring the voice of none other than Joe Pesci. And if you can make it to the bonus track, the patient Simpsons/Cephalic Carnage fan will be rewarded.
My favorite song on the record is clear, of that I am sure. "Gracias" is damn cool. The band's thank-you roster disguised as a song. This one the underground metal fan will want to sit down and read. It’s entertaining to see which bands are mentioned, as well as a great song.
"If you are able to appreciate music that you can barely even comprehend, you should give this a listen." Bookending "Gracias," you will hear the same voice found on the bonus track. If you enjoyed the fellow kicking off the kick-ass track, look for his encore performance with special guest critic Homer Simpson. Yeah, I know I ruined the surprise, but now you’re more likely to make a conscious effort to hear it, aren’t you?
This is a great album, if for nothing but the sheer chaos of it all. But the excellent musicianship is what makes it all work. If you are able to appreciate music that you can barely even comprehend, you should give this a listen.
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