∆V

I really feel horrible when I dislike an album that someone sent to me. I understand the time, effort, and emotion that was put into each track, and I really hate to tear that down just for my personal opinion. It makes me feel like a snob. However, this new album from Strange Land is exactly what I'm talking about, as I really can't stand it.

Strange Land has morphed through different sounds and incarnations, and this current version is a two-man band featuring Sean Gill and Brad Klotz. These two do an admirable job of providing instrumentation and vocals for the entire album. I applaud them for this.

The band utilizes a brand of progressive rock/metal that leans upon heavily distorted, raw guitars and a bleak, unfeeling atmosphere. It has roots in punk rock, methinks, and also in heavy metal and Tool. This is certainly no descendant of Dream Theater. The music is unimaginative, full of roaring distortion that never really goes anywhere or serves any purpose. The guitars are right on the edge of annoyance for me, as I'm not a big fan of the harsh, raw side of the instrument. The instrumentation isn't the weakest part of the album, however.

The guys both provide vocals for this album, and, unfortunately, the vocals range from horrible to somewhat manageable. The shrill, punk style that is used irks me to no end, especially when it seems the band has something deep to say. Forget that, though, as any profundity is lost in the immature sound of the vocals. The vocals really do ruin the entire album.

There are some bright spots here and there. Actually, the instrumental "Luke's Blue Serial" is a genius track full of brass instruments and sheer inspiration. I was shocked when I heard it! The rest of the album, however, is nothing but mediocre style, sloppy musicianship, and horrible composition. It's listenable, but barely. I do not recommend this album at all.