Artist: Strapping Young Lad
Label: Century Media Records
Release Date: 3/22/05
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Title: Alien Artist: Strapping Young Lad Label: Century Media Records Release Date: 3/22/05 |
Judgment Committee Reviews | Rating |
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5 | ||
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Abyss's Review:
This is the album Strapping Young Lad fans have been waiting for since City. I gave SYL four skulls, but admitted that I was probably being too charitable (and I was) because that record was a definite disappointment. So it is with caution that I approached Alien, but it became obvious within just a few spins that this album is comparable to the mid-nineties heyday of this band.
"One word review: Caustic." This album borrows both from SYL and City, and the reason it succeeds where the previous album failed is that the songwriting is far more focused and engaging. The overall sound has improved as well. The sound is thicker, a sonic tapestry that incorporates layer upon layer of sound. The impressive rhythm section is built upon and built upon until it is encapsulated in a death shroud of guitars, synths, and vocals.
There is also a great deal of emotion on this album, and Mr. Townsend's vocals have never been so expressive. His angry rants come through loud and clear, but he also utilizes a warmer, haunting drone that one might associate more with Ocean Machine than this band. The end result is awesome music that hits on every emotion while retaining carnal impulse and artistic integrity.
This album starts a little slowly, but gains momentum quickly and never relents. Songs like "Love?" and "Possessions" are a testament to the genius of this sick Canadian, and make it quite obvious that he's got more left in him. All Hail The New Flesh! One word review: Caustic.
Death's Review:
I loved SYL. Alien picks up where that album left off, although I think SYL is better. The riffs are more intricate on the last album, the songs overall are catchier. That's not to say that Alien doesn't deliver, it does. You get everything you expect from Strapping Young Lad, namely, pounding Gene Hoglan double-bass drumming, funny samples, crazy Devin Townsend vocals and tight riffing. It's just that the record as a whole feels a bit more routine. Sure, there are parts that stand out and catch your attention, like the beginning riffs of "Skeksis" that sound like something Rich Ward would be playing with Fozzy, and the catchier tunes like "Love?" and too a lesser degree, "Shitstorm." But all in all, I was hoping for something a notch more, something that would absolutely blow me away. While this is definitely a good album, I found myself wanting to like it a bit more than I actually did. Still, there's a lot of killer material here. Long time fans will rejoice; new fans should start with City and even SYL before working their way here. Personally, I love this band live - I would have loved to have seen them on this summer's Ozzfest - can't you just picture Devin screaming at the crowd, calling them cunts, and then stirring up a massive pit at 11:30 am in the blazing summer heat? I know I can. For now, I'll listen some more to this record, but I like it slightly less than past efforts.
"Long time fans will rejoice."
Hel's Review:
Listening to Alien made me say to myself, "And I thought the last one was great..." Strapping Young Lad has certainly upped the ante with their latest effort. Where to begin? Well, let's start with the feel of the album - there is something electric about it. It's not just fun to listen to, it's exciting.
"It's not just fun to listen to, it's exciting." It is the sort of record that makes you daydream about seeing the band play the songs live. "Love?" is an instant favorite, with its entertaining lyrics and catchy as hell chorus. The things that I adore about the band are too many to mention (though here's two: Devy's lyrics and Gene's drumming), and all of them are showcased brilliantly here. Ok, so the last track, “Infodump,” is a waste, but as I see it, brilliance is entitled to a little eccentricity.
This is an album that all metalheads need to hear. If I were picking bands that I think everyone on the planet should love, Strapping Young Lad would certainly be on the list. And Alien has helped them move even higher in the ranking. Buy the album, and even more importantly, go see them live.
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