The Mars Volta - De-Loused in the Comatorium

Rating: 10
Links:
- Official Website
- Last.fm
- Storybook of De-Loused In the Comatorium

The siren-like sound opens up to the world, it's perfectly symmetrical high pitched pulsation accompanied by all too foreign crypticism and codes. Powerfully charged words lead further into powerfully charged arrangements, and the wailing begins, desperate and desolate at its core. The melting pot that is "De-Loused" is composed of bouncing, jazzarific guitar taps, the emanated Latin American sounds of struck bongos, havoc wrought by cataclysmic and alternating snare hits and kicks, and an air of anguished cries from metaphysically-withdrawn drug addicts. The keys aim to please and the skitchy electronica hums, layering itself between sound and sound, between all musical motion, an all but abrasive complement. "De-Loused" is a concept album about a friend of The Mars Volta who committed suicide after possibly realizing he did not want to accept his reality, and found himself disgusted by it; at least, that's a guess, and the very basis of the album's story. "De-Loused" is an amazingly horrific blend of fantasy and reality. I've come across many a review that did not exactly praise this album, but when it comes down to it, as stubborn as I am about my musical taste and certain bands... about this band, I've got to leave it to the principle of "to each their own." It's in many ways a love-hate thing... and I can't help but love it. I couldn't really tell you why, to be honest. At least, for the most part, you need to listen to it for yourself.

Album Highlights: Just go listen to the album all in one sitting.