Customer Reviews

XX

5 star:		(155)
4 star:		(41)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

When I first heard of Mushroomhead, they were catching a pretty bad rap from the front man of Slipknot, Corey Taylor. Since I was such a huge Slipknot fan, I dissed them too. One day, though, out of sheer curiosity, I decided to download one of their songs just to see it. It was These Filthy Hands. Once the song was over, I needed more. Later on that day, I [bought the CD]. After listening to the entire thing three times, I was left with such a touched feeling inside. The double threat vocals of JMann and Jeffry Nothing is enough to melt anyone's heart and blow their mind. The feeling, power, aggression, sorrow, and regret that is put in their songs and lyrics is enough to make anyone a believer, not to mention the ouotstanding musicians in the band that tie it all together. This is one CD that you will regret not buying, trust me.

This is really about a 4.2, but i can't 4 stars, its too good. Ayway, about the music. Mushroomhead aren't another Slipknot,or just another nu-metal band. Mushroomhead are a mix of gothic keyboards, haunting samples, seven-stringed fast guitars, heavy bass, low (and melodic) vocals, and great drumming. You really have to listen to them to get an idea of what they sound like. Now to the band.
...bass- Pig is very talented bassist, and I probably word compare him to Ryan of Mudvayne. Very low.
Schmotz, keyboards- Schmotz adds a VERY cool element to the 'Shroom. He is very often used and very talented. I love him to death.
JJ Righteous, guitar- JJ is no longer in the band (Bronson is the guitarist now) but I'm puttin' him cuz he's on the album. JJ was a great guitarist, fast, heavy, and very good.
Skinny, drums- Founding member, and one the greatest drummers alive. He is a huge part of 'Shroom. Very fast yet very intrique.
Bronson, samples- Bronson is now the guitarist, and the new sampler is DJ Stitch is now the sampler but you know the drill. Anyway, Bronson used many turntables and haunting samples on this album.
J Mann, vocals- I think this is the guy who sings more melodically and high-pitched. Although sometimes he can get a little annoying, he's a great singer. His best wrok I think is on "Bwomp".
Nothing, vocals- Great, low-pitched singer. His screams are great on all tracks, and he does a pretty good job of rapping on "Bwomp".
Gravy, guitar- basically, see JJ's description.
Now about the make-up. They go for a more uniform look than Slipknot. But the make up really doesnt matter, though they look pretty cool! Check this out soon.

...All I can say is that this cd did not disappoint me in any way, because it ROCKS! There is something for everyone on XX. If you like rap, Techno or metal, you're in for a treat, because it's all in this album. You will also be surprised to note the presence of a piano. Why be surprised? Faith no more did it already you say? Well unlike faith no more these guys can actually make a piano sound hardcore! I think the piano is most prominent on the track "These Filthy Hands", where it is used as a backdrop for the heavy bass, guitars and angst filled lyrics: "Don't catch me If I fall, I may have jumped (you never know), You don't know me at all!" Are the words, which blend perfectly on the aforementioned track. XX is mushroomhead's debut cd, but the songs contained within are nothing new to the legions of underground fans that purchased albums at their shows. It's more of a "Best of" for them...I highly recommend this cd, for a change from the redundancy that is nu-metal. So what are you waiting for?...

Without a doubt Cleveland's best band. I've been to numerous Shroom concerts and they have so much energy on stage. This CD is a "best of" compilation of their three CDs. For those who aren't familiar with Mushroomhead they a lot like Slipknot.Mushroomhead has been together for 9 years, and they started the whole costume wearing ordeal on stage, NOT Slipknot. That really dosn't matter, what does matter is the complete awesomeness of their music. Shroom is able to combine so many aspects of their talents into one amazing sound. What really impresses me the most with their work is the dueling vocals by Johnny Nothing and J-Mann. Nothing's voice is more harmonious compared to Mann's all-out rap inspired growling. The other distinctive sound of Shroom is their use of keyboards. In their live show Shmotz(keyboardist) uses 4 keyboards. It really makes the songs seem deeper and more emotional. Best songs on this CD are really all 13, but if I had to choose favorites I'd pick "Never Let it Go", "Bwomp", "Before I Die", and "Solitaire." I would HIGHLY recommend the purchase of this CD, if not its ok, sooner or later you'll hear these guys all over the nation.

..there was Mushroomhead. Forming back in 1993, this Cleveland, Ohio act is well known for their diverse musical styles and their odd stage shows, which take on an almost circuslike air. Since then, they have released albums, building a fiercely loyal fanbase in Ohio, and with "XX," they move nationally. Made up of eight extremely talented members, the music is very unique. It is very heavy, yet not the open aggression of Slipknot, instead building structures in each song, all of which are awash in creative instrumentation, such as massive basslines and keyboards/sampling. The tightness of the group made my jaw drop; I havent heard a band play so tightly together in years. The group seems very mature and focused, as well as patient, building up each song to perfection. While the image of the band will definitely be compared to Slipknot, the style and sound is very different. The vocals are what truly make the music work. Like the instrumentation, they build up patiently, where the two singers play off of each other to make the songs have that perfect flow, moving from beautiful mellow singing to a fierce growl the next. With such astounding songs as "Bwomp," "Never Let It Go," and "Before I Die," the listener will no doubt be stunned by how talented bands can truly become with time and patience. Truly one of the few unique forces in the music world today.

Now I know what you're thinking, why are there two releases of "XX"? Well after they switched from Eclipse to Universal records they re-released the album "XX" but they also re-recorded all the songs with less hard core vocals (BIG MISTAKE!) The original album is by far much better than the Universal release in December of 2001. If you're not sure which one to go with GO WITH THIS ONE!!

Yet another great album, metal and rock are finally getting some great bands together again. This is a prime example of pure talent in a genre overflowing with "trying to hards" and not quit cutting it. A welcome releif.

On a side note, I can't help to notice all the crap being slung around about who wore masks first. Does it really matter? When people buy albums is it for the music or for the cool masks the musicians have? I for one don't care who has a mask or who wore it first. If they don't rock will you still buy the album as long as they have a mask on? I think not. Much love to metal and hard rock.