Mushroomhead
Beautiful Stories for Ugly Children
Megaforce
2010
I decided to review Mushroomheads last release for mlm for a few reasons. Two long standing members ‘Pig Benis’ and ‘Gravy’ left the band and have been replaced. Both members were with the band for a long time and it came as a huge surprise to the community. Pig Benis was an awesome bass player and came up with some distinctive grooves. Both members will be sorely missed, but change can be exciting and bring something new to a band. There are now rumours that a new album is on the horizon or at least an E.P.
Mushroomhead have always been a band that people should admire but the band never quite get the respect they truly deserve. A road hardened and experienced band that have learnt their lessons the hard way this is a band that deserves your attention!
First impressions of this band will no doubt revolve around their appearance. The band all wear masks and their videos revolve around shock and horror. I can hear it now "Slipknot rip-off act". I am not going to go into the whole Slipknot vs. Mushroomhead debacle on here. Both bands are now at a point where they wish to bury the feud and there is talk that the two bands may unite for a tour! Check out the Facebook group (http://www.facebook.com/groups/filthymaggots/) and add you support to see this happen. Anyway, I have always found that with this bitter argument about who was first and who is copying who has distracted attention away from the music.
Beautiful Stories for Ugly Children is the second record for second vocalist Waylon. His predecessor J Mann was extremely popular with fans and Waylon had big shoes to fill. J Mann whilst a talented lyricist had limited singing ability which mainly meant that he shouted. This was fine as the bands other long standing vocalist, Jeffrey Nothing, provides plenty of singing talent. The difference between the two vocalists added depth to the songs. Mushroomhead albums have always been known for their deep and thought provoking lyrics. For me, although J Mann was amazing, Waylon provides the band with greater dexterity being able to sing and shout. The bands last effort, 'Savior Sorrow', had really pushed the band and was more radio friendly in places than previous albums. Savior Sorrow spawned five singles with full music videos for each and the album was toured for three years. Lil Dan joined the band in 2006 to be a touring drummer and then became a fully-fledged member for the release of Beautiful Stories. So here is a breakdown of Beautiful Stories for Ugly Children:
Come on
A real message of intent. Whilst not the most intelligent of lyrics that Mushroomhead have produced this song will get fans pumping their fists and will no doubt be a firm favourite live. Check out the rather violent video for this song.
Inspiration
A heavy song that draws you in right from the start. A good mix of vocal styles on the song which gives the song that extra layer of depth. There is enough here to keep listeners interested over many listens.
Slaughterhouse Road
This song was a grower for me. Listen to this song a few times and the way the song builds to the climax at around 3.00 mins and then comes back down with a final verse is brilliant. The guitar work will have people air guitaring away.
I'll Be Here
One of the more accessible songs on the album with both vocalist trading there vocal talents off against each other. Some solid keyboard work too. A great song that is an enjoyable listen.
Burn the Bridge
My personal favourite song on the album. A brutal song that draws the listener in chews them up and spits them back out by the end. The drumming on this song is particularly good. After the buildup the song completely changes at 3.14 and song then showcases perhaps Jeffrey Nothings most impressive vocals on the album before descending into a heavy chugging riff to bring the song home.
Holes in the Void
A little rest bite for the listener now. A slow pace song that builds up nicely for guest vocalist Joe Altier (ex-Brand New Sin) to bring the song to a close. A different song for the band but they pull it off well.
Harvest the Garden
The tribal drumming at the beginning is incredible and really brings the listener in again after its slower predecessor. This song has the most variety of styles in it.
The Harm You Do
A slow paced song that features the vocal talents of both singers. This song does take a long time to get into. It is by no means the best song on the album but it's not a bad song.
Your Demise
A heavy song with dark undertones of a bell ringing out throughout the song. A guitar solo from Gravy is the highlight of this song.
The Feel
A slow paced song that lets the passionate Waylon take on the majority of the vocal work. A good song none the less and will have the listener singing along.
Darker Days
A nice way to signify the end is nigh. A heavy song that leads to a sweet breakdown at the end. This will leave the listener wanting more.
Do I know you?
A short album closer, which I'm not really sure what the point is of this song. It's not a bad way to end the album but whereas the last song left you wanting more, this song makes the listener think "Why?"
Overall this album has some big highlights but it is nowhere near as experimental and different as Mushroomheads early albums, in particular their debut self-released L.P. This band has carved themselves a music niche and has proved themselves time and time again as pioneers in the industrial metal scene. If you are a Slipknot fan then I implore you to leave your prejudices at the door and give Mushroomhead a listen. The music is completely different and Mushroomhead are a powerful and unique band.
7/10
by RazorRich for mlm