Mushroomhead Album: “XX”

I am a 30 year old Mom in Missouri who normally listens to Tori Amos and Natalie Merchant. This 20 year old kid at work thinks it is funny to have me listen to "his kind" of music...all metal types. I play along and listen to his CD then give them right back. Well the joke was on him with this one. I absolutely fell in love with Mushroomhead! This is one of the best albums I have ever heard. Musically and lyrically it is just perfect. I love that they mix the heavy guitars and violent drums with the lighter synth stuff(I don't really know how to describe it)...whatever it is it is brilliant.

When I first heard of Mushroomhead, they were catching a pretty bad rap from the front man of Slipknot, Corey Taylor. Since I was such a huge Slipknot fan, I dissed them too. One day, though, out of sheer curiosity, I decided to download one of their songs just to see it. It was These Filthy Hands. Once the song was over, I needed more. Later on that day, I [bought the CD]. After listening to the entire thing three times, I was left with such a touched feeling inside. The double threat vocals of JMann and Jeffry Nothing is enough to melt anyone's heart and blow their mind. The feeling, power, aggression, sorrow, and regret that is put in their songs and lyrics is enough to make anyone a believer, not to mention the ouotstanding musicians in the band that tie it all together. This is one CD that you will regret not buying, trust me.

...All I can say is that this cd did not disappoint me in any way, because it ROCKS! There is something for everyone on XX. If you like rap, Techno or metal, you're in for a treat, because it's all in this album. You will also be surprised to note the presence of a piano. Why be surprised? Faith no more did it already you say? Well unlike faith no more these guys can actually make a piano sound hardcore! I think the piano is most prominent on the track "These Filthy Hands", where it is used as a backdrop for the heavy bass, guitars and angst filled lyrics: "Don't catch me If I fall, I may have jumped (you never know), You don't know me at all!" Are the words, which blend perfectly on the aforementioned track. XX is mushroomhead's debut cd, but the songs contained within are nothing new to the legions of underground fans that purchased albums at their shows. It's more of a "Best of" for them...I highly recommend this cd, for a change from the redundancy that is nu-metal. So what are you waiting for?...

..there was Mushroomhead. Forming back in 1993, this Cleveland, Ohio act is well known for their diverse musical styles and their odd stage shows, which take on an almost circuslike air. Since then, they have released albums, building a fiercely loyal fanbase in Ohio, and with "XX," they move nationally. Made up of eight extremely talented members, the music is very unique. It is very heavy, yet not the open aggression of Slipknot, instead building structures in each song, all of which are awash in creative instrumentation, such as massive basslines and keyboards/sampling. The tightness of the group made my jaw drop; I havent heard a band play so tightly together in years. The group seems very mature and focused, as well as patient, building up each song to perfection. While the image of the band will definitely be compared to Slipknot, the style and sound is very different. The vocals are what truly make the music work. Like the instrumentation, they build up patiently, where the two singers play off of each other to make the songs have that perfect flow, moving from beautiful mellow singing to a fierce growl the next. With such astounding songs as "Bwomp," "Never Let It Go," and "Before I Die," the listener will no doubt be stunned by how talented bands can truly become with time and patience. Truly one of the few unique forces in the music world today.

Yet another great album, metal and rock are finally getting some great bands together again. This is a prime example of pure talent in a genre overflowing with "trying to hards" and not quit cutting it. A welcome releif.

On a side note, I can't help to notice all the crap being slung around about who wore masks first. Does it really matter? When people buy albums is it for the music or for the cool masks the musicians have? I for one don't care who has a mask or who wore it first. If they don't rock will you still buy the album as long as they have a mask on? I think not. Much love to metal and hard rock.