CELLDWELLER
"Celldweller"
(Esion Media / Position; 2003)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Celldweller's self-titled CD is a unique type of music all its own. I'll call it "rave-metal" just to give you a general idea of what to expect here but the real rule of thumb is to expect anything and everything.
Loaded with Tool's techno edge and Metallica-like chunk, much of the material on "Celldweller" is the kind of rock that worked so well as background music in the "Mortal Kombat" and "Matrix" movies. It's modern electronica with a heavy duty metal guitar base that's crushing, unique and intelligent all at once.
Of course, just when you think you've got it figured out, along comes "I Believe You," which almost sounds like a Creed radio hit and "So Sorry to Say" which is a haunting ballad that almost brings to mind the work of Split Enz (but with a much heavier effect).
"Switchback" is my favorite track, a killer song that begs to be turned up to Spinal Tap's fabled "11." And I also like the Static-X and Powerman 5000-like "Own Little World." But the whole album flows almost like a storyline of its own and never lags, even when the tempo slows up a bit.
Looking for something a little more modern that doesn't cut its own balls off in the process of trying to sound fresh? Celldweller is probably just what you're looking for.
Celldweller: Klayton (formerly of Circle of Dust) - vocals, instruments, programming.
For more information, check out http://www.celldweller.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2004 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 14 Oct 2024 14:01:56 -0400.
