YAKUZA
"Transmutations"
(Prosthetic; 2007)
Reviewed by Mike SOS
Unorthodoxically heavy and unabashedly avant-garde, the Chicago troupe known as Yakuza produce another epic release in the form of "Transmutations."
This 11-track affair comes alive with chameleon-esque charm, morphing from brooding ambiance to hyper grind all within the course of the 60 minute run time. Expansive and experimental yet crushingly heavy at a moment's notice, everything from Candiria to Today is the Day to Isis and Tool could be used as a loose reference as to what to expect from songs like "Praying for Asteroids" and "Existence Into Oblivion."
Let go of your inhibitions and allow Yakuza to transport you away to a land where dissonant sluggish rhythms collide with saxophone-led dirges on cuts like "Perception Management," truly encapsulating and overwhelming your sensory system.
For more information, check out http://www.yakuzadojo.com.
"Samsara"
(Prosthetic; 2006)
Reviewed by Snidermann
Musical expression is as varied as people themselves. That being said, Yakuza mix avant-garde instrumental jazz and metal on "Samsara." The problem is that the jazz seems to be the main thrust of the CD with the metal secondary. It should be the other way around.
As I listen to "Samsara," I have to suffer through way too much jazz to get to the metal and the entire project suffers for it. I don't mind jazz, but I want it to be totally separate from my metal and they should never be mixed.
Yakuza shows extreme talent in songwriting and musical ability here, but the project is far too lopsided when it comes to the overall presentation.
For more information, check out http://www.yakuzadojo.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 © 2008 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
