Rough Edge: Godhead CD Reviews

GODHEAD

"The Shadow Line" (Cement Shoes; 2006)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Like a fine wine, Godhead just keeps getting better and better. "The Shadow Line" shows just what this band can do.

The music here is by no means strictly heavy metal or even hard rock, but it's a fascinating and strange mixture that's a totally unique type of music that just seem to grow on the listener more and more with each spin.

Don't get me wrong. Although some of the songs here are too soft for my taste, when Godhead wants to turn up the intensity, they do it! This band has been around for a number of years and, with each release, their growth as musicians and songwriters is measured in leaps and bounds. I can't wait to see what Godhead has up their sleeve for their next CD!

"The Shadow Line" is a strong contender for my Top Ten list of 2006.

For more information, check out http://www.godhead.com.

"Evolver" (Reality-Entertainment; 2003)

Reviewed by Jason Savage

Washington DC's Godhead has been traveling down the long and winding road we call the music industry for the better part of the last decade. Godhead had two European releases in 1994 and 1995, and two stateside ("Nothingness" in 1996 and "Power Tool Stigmata" in 1998). Their biggest album to date, however, was "2000 Years of Human Error," released on Marilyn Manson's Posthuman Records in January 2001.

Manson helped produce the opus and contributed to the track "Break You Down," which appeared on the Dracula 2000 soundtrack. They also did a commendable cover of the Beatles "Eleanor Rigby," which garnered them radio and MTV support. Sales have been steady and their fan base continues to grow as they gained great exposure through extensive tours with Manson, Disturbed, Static X, Mudvayne, Rammstein and Ozzfest 2001.

Being a huge fan, I couldn't wait to get my hands on their newest release: "Evolver." I knew trying to create something better would be a difficult task and my expectations ran high. I am pleased to report that "Evolver" has passed the test. Godhead decided to expand their sound and draw upon different influences. The album has a more guitar-oriented hard rock vibe and less of the Manson-influenced industrial metal overtones. They are still here however, just more subtle. The songs themselves bring out a variety of emotions and just feel bigger and more complete.

The opening track, "The Hate in Me," is sure to be their next single and sets the tone for what proves to be a great album. Jason Miller shows off his range and demonstrates why he may be the next Geoff Tate. His trance-like vocal prowess captivated me and kept me wanting more.

I'm hard pressed to find a track I didn't like; from the emotion induced "Far too Long" to the Pink Floyd-influenced "Ghost of Your Memory." "Evolver" is destined to enlist many more followers to Godhead's church as they take their career to the next level where they are sure to explode!

For more information, check out http://www.godhead.com or http://www.reality-entertainment.com.

"2000 Years of Human Error" (Priority; 2001)

Reviewed by Snidermann

I got the chance to see Godhead at the Ventura Theatre a few years ago and they had the very hard task of opening for GWAR. The crowd wanted blood and was not kind to Godhead, even though they did put on a hell of a show. Ever since that evening, I've been looking forward to more from this band.

Their latest release is entitled "2000 Years Of Human Error" and the music thereon is dark and gloomy, but in a way that isn't depressing or overly gloomy. The band tells introspective tales that are both thought-provoking and entertaining. This music roars with enthusiasm and thunder and sounds best good and loud.

Marilyn Manson is executive producer of this CD and also contributes vocals to one of the cuts. There is also a twisted, dark rendition of the Beatles hit "Eleanor Rigby" that is simply not to be missed.

Overall, a mysterious and slightly bent metal release that still kicks you squarely in the ass.

Godhead is: Jason Miller - vocals and guitar; Mike Miller - guitar and backing vocals; The Method - programming and bass; James O’Conner on drums.

"Power Tool Stigmata" (sol3 Records; 1998)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Godhead is part Nine Inch Nails, part Machine Head, part Alice Cooper. A strange combination? Actually, no. Godhead is a band whose music is about atmosphere, creativity and style rather than sheer power. "Power Tool Stigmata" is an eerie journey through a twisted landscape that brings to mind the soundtrack to a modern day horror film.

Beginning with the haunting first track, "Gimp," "Power Tool Stigmata" lets you know you're in for a different kind of listening experience. Although the standard rock instruments pave the way, it's the keyboards and programming that really gives each song its creepy soul. Add to that the Boris Karloff-meets-Jim Morrison vocal stylings of Jason Miller and each song becomes a Stephen King short story of a tune.

Okay, maybe we're going a bit heavy on the horror comparisons here, but it's true. Godhead has a gothic sound that is far more accessible than hardcore goth bands. Like all the best bands, they don't abandon a genre just to try something new. Instead, they stay well within their expected boundaries but bend the rules just enough to create a sound that is unique yet familiar.

Though every song is haunting and atmospheric, each song is different than the last. "Power Tool Stigmata" is a cornucopia of rhythms, cadences and sounds. "Gimp" has an almost Mambo-like beat while "Bleed" opens like the theme to some cop movie. "Laura's Theme" is perhaps the eeriest track on the CD while "Lies" is a manic crescendo from rage to complete insanity.

Perhaps the only misstep on "Power Tool Stigmata" is a cover version of the Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby." It's not that Godhead's version is bad; in fact, it's pretty damn good. But the obvious familiarity of the song conflicts with the rest of the album's fresh, unique songwriting.

Those looking for speed metal, arena rock or punk need not bother with Godhead. Those who like their rock with an experimental gothic edge will really get into Godhead.

Godhead is: Jason Miller, vocals, guitars; Mike Miller, lead guitar, backing vocals; The Method, keyboards, programming, bass; James O'Connor, drums. "Power Tool Stigmata" was produced by Richard Gottehrer.

For more information, click here to read our live review or visit the band's website at http://www.godheadworld.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.

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