AMPUTECHTURE

This album is not only by far the best put out by The Mars Volta, but is also the best progressive album altogether released in a very long time. Endless complaints about too much noise and filler can now be put to rest, as this album is 76 minutes of pure, quality MUSIC. Let me assure you, this album will blow you away. Fans of Genesis and King Crimson especially will love the influence that can be heard throughout the album. Omar A Rodriguez-Lopez has never sounded better (as if he wasn't good enough in de-loused or Frances), and Cedric sings higher than what would normally be humanly possible. Jon Theodore turns in another strong performance, and there are several bass lines that allow Juan to shine (especially in Viscera Eyes). Here's a track by track breakdown:

Vicarious Atonement (9/10) - A wonderful opener with nice vocals and guitar riffs by Omar. Beautifully haunting would be the best way I could describe it.

Tetragrammaton (10/10) - This song completely blows me away every time I listen to it! The shift from the slow, haunting opener to the chaotic intro of Tetra is incredible. Theodore shines all throughout the album, but in this track especially, as does the rest of the crew. It's truly an epic that can hold it's ground next to Supper's Ready, Close to the Edge, Gates of Delirium, you name it. Probably the best song on the album IMO.

Vermicide (8/10) - This song being the album's single (and too radio friendly), might play a part in why I don't like it as much as some of the other tracks, but it is still a great song nonetheless. Fans of "The Widow" and "Televators" will enjoy this one. Fits in the album very well.

Meccamputecture (10/10) - Great saxophone part in this one, not to mention an oustanding entrance that brings the tempo back up after the slower Vermicide. Cedric really shines in this one.

Asilos Magdalena (7/10) - Beautifully written track written completely in Spanish, fits very well separating the crazyness of Meccamputechture and Viscera Eyes. Some may like this one more than I do, but I'm only giving it an 7 because I much prefer the faster, chaotic offerings that TMV offers in some of the other tracks. It's still a great song.

Viscera Eyes (9/10) - Another great song, starting off with the first couple verses in Spanish. The bass line at 5:55 is INCREDIBLE. This part of the song is so chill, i love it!

Day of the Baphomets (10/10) - Amazing song which features quite possibly my favorite percussion solo of all time, and by far my absolute favorite part of the album when Theodore goes crazy on the bongos and cowbell (he must have had a fever) at the 9:48 mark. Sheer brilliance!

El Ciervo Vulnerado (8/10) - An interesting way to close out the album, as it sounds very similar to the opener (awfully reminiscent of the way Frances began and ended). It would have gotten an 9 if it were put anywhere else in the album, but I much prefer the endings of Frances and De-Loused (i absolutely LOVE take the veil) as opposed to this. Once again, its still a great song and interesting way to close out a true masterpiece.

in conclusion: my soul < frances the mute < de-loused in the comatorium < amputechture