Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The equivalent of putting your brain in a blender, May 28, 2005
The term "underground classic" is one that gets thrown around quite a bit, but Acid Bath's When the Kite String Pops is one recording that can lay almost undisputed claim to the title. Unfortunately, the underground is just as full of ripoffs and one-trick ponies as the mainstream (well, ok, maybe not quite that full), but Acid Bath were one band that managed to stand alone with a distinctive sound that was decidedly ahead of its time in 1994. Between their stunningly tight and efficient musicianship and their flair for variety, one can only imagine what these guys would've accomplished if not for their early demise. When the Kite String Pops is a highly potent slab of controlled substance-fuelled death rock at its most discordantly evil, with songs chock full of tempo and vocal changes, but its unpredictability only serves to enhance the harrowing mood that persists througout its running time. At times brutally scathing, at other times hauntingly melodic, but always profoundly unsettling, this album is a psycho nightmare of epic proportions, with its fourteen pieces of nightmarish sonic impressionism pushing it to about an hour of nearly nonstop punishment.
Although Acid Bath did show some superficial resemblances to such southern metal brethren as Soilent Green and Crowbar, their sound was still their own creation, one that liberally incorporated elements of sludge, thrash, grind, and rock. Few bands have managed to convert angst and disaffection into great music-Neurosis and Godflesh are prominent exceptions-because such emotions tend to result in whiny, self-indulgent tripe, but Acid Bath succeeded where others have failed because their focus never deviated from creativity and songwriting. It also doesn't hurt that the band had Dax Riggs, easily one of the most distinctive metal vocalists of recent years, out in front. Befitting Acid Bath's abrasive sound and nihilistic lyrics, Dax alternated between an acidic, face-melting howl and a cleaner singing voice that managed to be every bit as disturbing as his more "metal" vocals.
While the overall mood of this album is one of menacing rawness and insanity, that doesn't mean Acid Bath weren't methodical in their approach, as the precision and eclecticism to be found here are uniformly impressive. Just check out the opener Blue, which effortlessly mixes slow, grinding torment with head-banging thrash-metal passages and plenty of Dax's doomy singing. From there, the album rarely lets up, as there are a couple of downcast acoustic numbers in the form of Scream of the Butterfly and What Color is Death, but those are definitely exceptions to the rule. Most of the songs on When the Kite String Pops are musical and emotional roller coasters, filled with intricate, oscillating riff patterns, frantic drumming, and malevolently pounding basslines. If forced at gunpoint to pick a favorite tune I'd have to go with the utterly unsettling Jezebel, but every song here is fully realized and brilliantly executed, a rarity for an album with this many tracks. If you're into extreme music, this album is a must-buy. And even if you're not, and you just want to hear something with some true emotion and intelligence behind it, you should still give it a shot. Demented as it may seem on the surface, in a music world dominated by brainless mainstream tripe, When the Kite String Pops managed to rise to the level of art.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Pinnacle of Heavy Metal, February 27, 2005
I've never bothered to write a review for a CD on Amazon before, partially because I've never had the ambition, but mostly because I know nobody will care what I have to say anyway. However in this instance I feel it is my civic duty to expound on the absolute brilliance of this collection of 14 songs.
I picked this disc up on a whim from a seedy, hole-in-the-wall record store about 6 or 7 years ago. I'd heard the name "Acid Bath" floating around and the J.W. Gacy artwork caught my eye as I thumbed through the metal bin. For 10 bucks, I figured, I might as well. I was 16 and had nothing better to spend my money on. Little did I know at the time I'd be making the most worthwhile music purchase of my life.
Anything I can say in an internet review of the content of this album is a travesty, and couldn't come close to doing it justice. The only thing I can think to say is that I had never before and have never since heard a selection of music crafted so flawlessly (outside of Mozart). There is not a single low point, not a single moment throughout the course of this CD that I would even consider skipping or passing by.
Raw and polished, discordant and harmonious, When The Kite String Pops runs the gamut in all forms of sonic genius. It demands attention and respect from the listener (and a little chemical assistance doesn't hurt), but the reward is an incredible musical experience. Completely flawless.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Worth Its Weight In Diamonds, October 29, 2005
Possibly one of the best albums I've ever listened to. However, Acid Bath is certainly an acquired taste. Brilliantly and beautifully dark and melodic, every song on The Kite String Pops brings something powerful to the table. The band's own style varies, more or less, from song to song with lighter melodies like The Bones of Baby Dolls, and Scream of the Butterfly, and then deathmetal masterpieces like The God Machine and Toubabo Koomi.
I won't rate every individual song, Acid Bath is one of those bands that everyone will have a different favorite. I will tell you my two personal favorites on this disc are Cheap Vodka and Bones of Baby Dolls. All of Dax Riggs's lyrics are written by an unmistakable lyrical style that has its roots in various death metal bands, but also strangely in Leonard Cohen, T-Rex, and the Beatles. The blend of moody lyrical styles with Dax Riggs's own darkness produces something truly unique.
I have heard criticisms of the use of instruments in Acid Bath. I disagree with these, personally, as clearly the drummer is very talented as is demonstrated in many of the songs obviously showcasing him. Mike and Sammy are brilliant guitarists, both of them, with different flares and flavors of darkness... Sammy more deathmetal, and Mike more expert at melodic and smooth dark guitar riffs. Audie, may he rest in peace, used a heavy pick when playing bass, which produced a unique and mysterious, mechanical sound that could only work so well with Acid Bath's music. Plus, you want credibility? These guys lived in Swamps south of New Orleans, in houses on stilts where walking outside meant looking out for alligators. That is just badass.
In short, I won't allow my bias to slip through and declare that Acid Bath is the best band of all time, that's a mistake to say. However, I will say that in my opinion, they are a great band, and one of my very favorites for their unique grindcore/darkwave/deathmetal/hardcore/swamp rock style. I recomend a look-see at Acid Bath, and if you don't like it after hearing the album a few times, fine, put away and save it for a rainy day. The more you hear it, the more you'll one day grow to love it.
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~ Agents Of Oblivion
~ Deadboy & the Elephantmen
~ Dax Riggs
~ Dax Riggs
~ Acid Bath
by Acid Bath 
