From the first time I heard "Megalomaniac
Trees" on a sampler from The End Records, it was imperative I further
investigate these Canadian "crazies," or surely be driven to the
brink..."In a Flesh Aquarium" is undoubtedly the retarded red-headed
step-child that mad Uncle Lou defiled regularly while imbibing 80-proof
goat piss and rusty nails (and I have NO Uncle Lou, by the way). Insanity
cubed. A diverse mish-mash of styles heaped up hot n' ready on your metal
plate (I hear bits of Believer, Cynic, Cryptopsy and Dimmu Borgir...and
that was after the first "sniff"!)...and DO be sure to take it
ALL in or it's NO dessert for YOU!!! Good luck, cuz this puppy will require
some major overtime! Progressive Death / Black / Classical / Circus / Bobo
the dancing-monkey music...just like Prego...It's in there! Take a sixty-minute
ride on the wild side as violins, piano, various horns, keyboards, tech-drums
(oh yeah, plenty of up-front, twangy bass and some of that "geetar"
to!) and a plethora of spastic vocalizations ranging from whispers to gothic
female to banshee-shrieks paint a canvas of side-show proportions. Blasting
one moment, switching gears on a pin-head the next to find something "unexpected,"
chaos speaketh clearly to me. With the amount of overload this album cranks
out, it may seem surprising to many that there are still plenty of memorable
parts to be found. Amongst the scatter-shot structures and mayhemic melodies,
there be a wealth of catchiness. (It's true!) Just don't be surprised at
what you may catch! Upon receiving "In a Flesh Aquarium," I proceeded
to spin the disc five times that night alone! Surely, such an odd bird can't
be wrangled! (Think of it as an hour lock-down with Charlie Manson/Bozo
the clown/and The Three Stooges...(all) on crack...) Unexpect
certainly won't appeal to those who like their "heaviness" only
two chords at a time, but fans of country-mates Cryptopsy will find some
strange parallels and be able to appreciate the schizo/psycho ear-fucking
that awaits them..."Welcome to the greatest show on earth"...
Rating: 100
Reviewed By: Jason S. Bashant |
