Neurosis Album: “Pain of Mind”

I can understand how people who became Neurosis fans due to their material from the mid '90s to now would be taken aback when hearing this, their 1987 debut album, for the first time. Hey, imagine how we original fans felt back in 1990; We were introduced to Neurosis through this album (or their demo) and the Abberation EP that came out afterward. They were a raging hardcore band. In 1988, if you were still into hardcore, you were into Neurosis. When the second album (Word As Law) came out, it was a little off-putting to some fans. It was still kinda hardcore, but it was different. It was experimental. A little sterile sounding. Slightly artsy-fartsy. 'Post-hardcore', I suppose. And then the third album (Souls At Zero)... that was when they really changed. And not everyone thought it was for the better. The word "pretentious" was thrown around quite a bit by some fans, and the record was nicknamed "Sales At Zero" by some. (OK, actually it was probably only my friend who called it that.) But that was the direction they wanted to take and they've pretty much stuck to it ever since. Next thing you know, everyone had tribal tatoos and pierced eyeballs and stopped bathing. But yeah, some of us were able to adjust and get into the new approach. Still... this is how it began. So show some respect, ya freakin kids.

you people don't know what you're talking about. it's albums like pain of mind and word as law that gave neurosis their start. without albums like this you wouldn't have your precious times of grace and through silver in blood (not that those aren't also good albums). this was the first album i heard by them and it made me the neurosis fanatic i am today. just because you aren't fans of hardcore doesn't mean this is a bad album-

Neurosis is kinda hard to tell in means of their style of music. They really diversify.. "Pain of Mind", somewhat crosses between hardcore and perhaps punk. But other songs have a twist, such as metal mostly. All in all they give off a vibe of pure talent. Both in lyrics and music.. the two collide and you're left with this song that blows your mind.

It happens over and over.. and you'll see as you sit there, it's something that's new. They pop in where Napalm Death and the Dead Kennedys meet. If you're thinking of this title, it's worth the buy.

although i am a huge neurosis fan this cd just doesn't have the cool ambience or the darkness. this isn't even the same style, it's hardcore, but the worst part it's not even good hardcore. i don't think i like one song on this cd. the only reason i got this cd is because i like neurosis so much. if you like neurosis get through silver in blood, times of grace and enemy of the sun, i think you can just leave the rest alone.

Only a brief review is neccesary. If you like Neurosis, its probably not because of this. So, if your thinking of purchasing it, back away! Get Times of Grace, Through Silver or As the sun Sets. THIS IS NOT NEUROSIS!