XX

Mushroomhead | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 4, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Universal
• ASIN: B00005RZWL
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (214 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #90,388 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Although classifiable as nu metal, the nine-piece Mushroomhead don't rest on the sugar hooks or one-shot blasts that are associated with the genre, instead expanding and twisting ideas in a manner that's genuinely bizarre and thoroughly entertaining. "Before I Die" is a furious headbanger, while "Never Let It Go" is reminiscent of Faith No More circa Angel Dust, and "Born of Desire" is like a head-on collision between Slayer and a symphony orchestra. For those who love a raw, serrated riff with no interference, "Episode 29" is 1 minute 35 seconds of pure nectar. Ultimately, this Cleveland group's effort to expertly integrate styles and strains is 98 percent successful. This artistically progressive metal ensemble deserves attention. --Steffan Chirazi

Product Description

XX is the band's debut national release, featuring re-mixed material from their hard-to-find independent releases Mushroomhead(1993), Superbuik(1996), and M3(1999). Quality Q-pack packaging, killer production and ultra hi-gloss artwork makes this one of the most sought after releases of 2001. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nothing like Slipknot, January 20, 2002

By 

Shadi Mirza "Avid gamer and reader of fantasy... (Yecheon, South Korea) - See all my reviews

This review is from: XX (Audio CD)

Let me first explain that everyone who thinks this CD is anything like Slipknot has not listened to this CD, and their review should be ignored. The ONLY similarity to Slipknot is the fact that they wear masks. For those out there that think Slipknot wore masks first, you're wrong. These guys were around long before Slipknot.

In any case, the CD is indeed really good. Every member of this band plays a prominent part in the song writing process (unlike Slipknot), and it shows in the music. The keyboardist and sampler for this band can actually be heard over the guitars on much of the album, giving this band a much more industrial sound than Slipknot. Another thing one would be quick to notice about this band is the fact that they have two vocalist, and each writes lyrics independently of the other. This makes for some interesting songs, especially the single "Solitaire/Unraveling," where J Mann appears to be singing about solitude, while Jeffrey Nothing sings about unraveling.

The music on this CD, as to be expected from a band this large, is very complex. Double bass drums are all over this record, as well as blistering guitar riffs, and interesting samples that add depth to the music. Piano is used frequently on this album, creating some incredibly beautiful songs, the best of which is "These Filthy Hands." This is easily the best song on the album. There are also two instrumental tracks on the album "Epiphany" and Episode 29." While is may seem strange to end an album with instrumental tracks, it works quite well here.

Unfortunately, the album does have a downside to it that costs it one star. There are a couple of songs on here that are just too weak to be placed on an album this strong. They basically consist of J Mann growling and screaming the same few lines over again. These two tracks are "Xeroxed" and "Chancre Sore." It's understandable to have a few weak tracks, considering this album is a culmination of all three of their previous indie releases, but this band could have made a complete masterpiece. Luckily, it's just these two tracks that are poor. The rest are quite good.

Stand Out Tracks: "Solitaire/Unraveling," "Before I Die," "These Filthy Hands," "The New Cult King"

Definitely buy this CD if you're looking for the next evolution in heavy music.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New to this., October 26, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: XX (Audio CD)

I am a 30 year old Mom in Missouri who normally listens to Tori Amos and Natalie Merchant. This 20 year old kid at work thinks it is funny to have me listen to "his kind" of music...all metal types. I play along and listen to his CD then give them right back. Well the joke was on him with this one. I absolutely fell in love with Mushroomhead! This is one of the best albums I have ever heard. Musically and lyrically it is just perfect. I love that they mix the heavy guitars and violent drums with the lighter synth stuff(I don't really know how to describe it)...whatever it is it is brilliant.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mushroomhead, July 15, 2006

By 

Zero "www.burningfreak.com" (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: XX (Audio CD)

Mushroomhead's first album, "XX", brings to mind Faith No More around the time of "King for a Day" and "Angel Dust" with a little of Mudvayne's "L.D. 50" thrown in, yet they have their own unique sound. Part of that is the combination of guitars and keyboards / piano. Few metal bands make the effort to blend and harmonize the two instruments this well, Faith No More and Type O Negative topping my mental list. What makes the album really pop, however, are the two lead vocalists.

Jeffrey Nothing bellows melodically in a Jonothan Davis (or perhaps Mike Patton) style wail, while J Mann growls, shouts and even raps along side. Based on the liner notes, it appears the two singers often write their lyrics independently and on a couple of tracks they even sound like they're arguing back and forth and interrupting each other. Rather than sounding chaotic and confused, though, this is actually what makes Mushroomhead's sound work the best. Good examples of this are Solitaire Unravelling, These Filthy Hands, and Never Let It Go.

Other stand-out tracks include The New Cult King, Born of Desire, and Too Much Nothing (very short, but one of the catchiest tracks). There are a couple of weaker tracks, particularly two tracks each performed by only one of the two vocalists (Chancre Sore and 43) but in all, it's a fairly solid album and an impressive debut.