DE-LOUSED IN THE COMATORIUM

Simply put, De-loused in the Comatorium is the greatest progressive rock album released in recent memory. It is the reinvigoration of a genre, and I can't help but wonder what is possible if the quality stays consistent. DitC is a mish-mash of old and new influences covering the gamot of the musical world. Free-jazz, salsa, punk, and dub music all make appearances on this conceptual journey, but progressive rock is the solid basis on which this city was built. The music is energetic, fast, loud, and rockin'. Omar and Cedric of At the Drive-In sure dropped the emo but did not drop any of the energy or power that made ATDI famous. However, there are downsides. The album is a concept album, but the lyrics are quite cryptic and confusing. It can be fun to decipher, but an easy-going listener will probably avoid such attempts. Also, if you don't like long, instrumental jams and solos, you may be turned off by many of the tracks. However, there is no such thing as a perfect album, and this is the closest thing to a masterpiece I've seen since I first popped in The Wall and Thick as a Brick. Incredible album - a must hear.

If you want to give it a try, first listen to Televators. If you enjoy, go for Take the Veil Cerpin Taxt and Cicatriz ESP.