The Summary Judgment Reviews:

	Title: God Says No Artist: Monster Magnet Label: A&M Records Release Date: 10/30/00 Rating: 5 Skulls
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Submitted by Pestilence (1/11/01):
I have been a big fan of MM from the beginning. I picked up a copy of the first album in 1991 on the suggestion of my deadhead stoner friends, NOT my metalhead buddies. They knew what I was into, and man they had me pegged on this one. The music of MM could aptly be described as stoner rock/ doom, but these terms alone do not do it the justice it deserves. It is simple music in structure; much like Danzig’s solo material, and it is played through old tube amplifiers giving it a warm and fuzzy (really fuzzy) nostalgic touch. The music is full of catchy riffing making it very accessible (This is my non-metalhead fiancee’s favorite metal band; case in point), but Dave does not even attempt to follow any trends in the pop scene. The music is also unique in the fact that it doesn’t just sound like someone else trying to capitalize on the glory created originally by the mighty Ozzy-era Black Sabbath. You can distinctly hear the progression from album to album, and you can tell that this is Dave and crew alone. You gotta respect that kind of integrity, there are plenty of bands out there that have this not at all (Mecrappica for one). The other thing I love about this band is the fact that the lineup has been consistent from the beginning. McBain left after the first album (I think he is on The Simpsons now exclusively), and other than that no lineup changes occurred until Dave and crew brought on a new second guitarist several albums later. Considering that Dave writes almost all of the music himself, that is a sign of true loyalty to your friends, one quality that enticed me into the metal scene in the first place. But enough of my rambling, this is supposed to be a review of the new album.
Upon first listen to God Says No, I thought I was hearing a throw back to the more distorted and extreme stoner melodic ramblings of the first album, mixed in with touches of MM’s more recent efforts. Well, I was wrong. I went back and listened to each album in succession and realized that this is indeed nothing more than another forward progression for these guys. And it really smokes! I don’t think this band has the ability to disappoint me, and granted I am completely biased, but this music is as solid as ever.
The album starts out with a bang giving you three rockin’ tunes to get you back into the Magnet mood. It begins with “Melt” which pretty much accomplishes its title. It is a weaving tapestry of upbeat distortion and psychedelia that drags you right in, and well…begins the brain meltdown (mmm…melty). It is followed up by “Heads Explode” and “Doomsday” which each do similar damage in their own way. The title track comes next slowing things down a bit and providing a spacey ballad, which for me pretty much slams organized religion right where it hurts. I could be wrong, but I believe Dave is exploring the inherent contradictions that exist between all of the naturally created pleasures on this planet (both chemical and physical) and the religions that teach them as “wrong”. Living theological hypocrisy, Dave is certainly the man on this one. This is followed by a flowing late 60’s sounding dance tune called “Kiss of The Scorpion”. On this one you can almost see the swirling colors and pulsing lights accompanying the music in your head (plus the scantily clad free-loving beauties dancing suggestively and invitingly around - yeah, in your head!). Next is another classic rockin’ MM tune called “All Shook Out”. “Gravity Well” follows, and this one adds in a new element to the MM sound. Swampy Zeppelin-esque guitar work takes you on a Dave-created journey through the bayou. I don’t know the rest of the album well enough to specifically comment on the remaining tracks, but I can at least say that there is not a single disappointment represented here.
This is a must have for fans of MM, and as good as a starting point as any for new listeners. Outside of the U.S., this should be a fairly easy record to find. Those of you residing within the borders of this fine country will either have to pay the import prices or wait for the as of yet unspecified release date to come.

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