De-Loused in the Comatorium

From Amazon.co.uk
On De-loused in the Comatorium, the Mars Volta approach rock & roll like it's an ascetic discipline, a calling that comes with lyric sheets as dense and impenetrable as the Kabbalah and a ritual of worship that's dervish-like in its intensity. Formed by vocalist Cedric Bixler and guitarist Omar Rodriguez after the split of their former band--Texan hardcore legends At the Drive-In, who splintered acrimoniously in 2001--the Volta are an unashamedly progressive outfit, dealing in grandiose arrangements that come on like Led Zeppelin fired through Saturn's rings.

You can still hear many of ATDI's hallmarks inside the spasmodic dynamics of "Take the Veil Cerpin Taxt" and "Eriatarka"--it's just now they're immeasurably more complex, governed by time signatures responsible only to some alien logic, and cast out on ever more remote waves of mind-bending conceptual fantasy.

Bixler's serrated howl has mellowed somewhat, veering here from tender croon to shrill falsetto. And interestingly, Flea guests here, although you wouldn't know it: his brooding basslines bear nothing of the slap-happy funk he displays in the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. But ironically, the most startling contribution comes from the band's late sound manipulator Jeremy Ward, who passed away after a heroin overdose on the eve of this album's release. His dubby ambient fills unfurl in the valleys between each jagged instrumental peak, lending a truly otherworldly feel to proceedings. A morbid legacy, but thankfully, far from this album's only selling point: De-loused in the Comatorium is the rare prog-rock landmark that prizes punk passion over meandering pretension. -- Louis Pattison

De-Loused in the Comatorium,The Mars Volta,Universal,Neo-Psychedelia,Pop,Post-Hardcore,Post-Rock/Experimental,Rock,Rock/Pop

De-Loused in the Comatorium

Average customer rating:

beyond the ant hills of, beyond the anthills of....
TMV
"Exoskeletal junction at the railroad delayed."
Mind Blowing experience
FRESH

De-Loused in the Comatorium
The Mars Volta
Manufacturer: Umvd Labels
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Emo | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Post Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Frances the Mute
Amputechture
Tremulant
Relationship of Command
Scab Dates

ASIN: B00009V7T2
Release Date: 2003-06-24

Tracks:

Son Et Lumiere
Inertiatic Esp
Roulette Dares (The Haunt Of)
Tira Me A Las Aranas
Drunkship Of Lanterns
Eriatarka
Cicatriz Esp
The Apparatus Must Be Unearthed
Televators
Take The Veil Cerpin Taxt

From Amazon.co.uk

On De-loused in the Comatorium, the Mars Volta approach rock & roll like it's an ascetic discipline, a calling that comes with lyric sheets as dense and impenetrable as the Kabbalah and a ritual of worship that's dervish-like in its intensity. Formed by vocalist Cedric Bixler and guitarist Omar Rodriguez after the split of their former band--Texan hardcore legends At the Drive-In, who splintered acrimoniously in 2001--the Volta are an unashamedly progressive outfit, dealing in grandiose arrangements that come on like Led Zeppelin fired through Saturn's rings.

Bixler's serrated howl has mellowed somewhat, veering here from tender croon to shrill falsetto. And interestingly, Flea guests here, although you wouldn't know it: his brooding basslines bear nothing of the slap-happy funk he displays in the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. But ironically, the most startling contribution comes from the band's late sound manipulator Jeremy Ward, who passed away after a heroin overdose on the eve of this album's release. His dubby ambient fills unfurl in the valleys between each jagged instrumental peak, lending a truly otherworldly feel to proceedings. A morbid legacy, but thankfully, far from this album's only selling point: De-loused in the Comatorium is the rare prog-rock landmark that prizes punk passion over meandering pretension. -- Louis Pattison

Customer Reviews:

beyond the ant hills of, beyond the anthills of...........2007-07-10

I read somewhere that Omar wanted his next album to be more like Piper at the Gates of Dawn. It is clear these guys have a good taste in music, not to mention with this album they did just that and combined moments of heroin like bliss with moments of chaotic psychadelic distortion. The later may lead many to balk, for instance my uncle thought Satanic Magesties was a bit too psychadelic. I would disagree with him, I belive the abnormal sounds heard here push the listener to new levels of awareness; it stretches what the mind can appreaciate. To explain what I mean by this: the first time I heard this album I wasnt all that impressed, and I begged my friend to put back on Relationship o Command. Then one day, probably stoned out of my mind, I took Deloused with me on my walk to campus and something just clicked. I listened to the songs over and over again and found myself realizing what I had missed before, Pure Ecstacy. What's more is that this album led me back to other types of music that I had previously passed over and I started to find a beauty in them too. If art is meant to inspire and ignite passion, then I can not help but give this cd 5 stars, call it a classic, better yet: This album is the Piper, leading us to greener pastures where scarecrows and gnomes snort drugs and drink whiskey....Also check out Texas' Drive Like Jehu - Yank Crime, which reminds me of this album.

TMV.......2007-07-05

Before you base your judgment of this CD soley in comparison to any of The Mars Volta albums you need to realize that it isn't a Mars Volta album. It is a Soundtrack for a film and Omar is even quoted by saying it is a reaction to the film. If you're a die-hard Omar fan then you'll love it. Rapid Fire Toll Booth is now one of my all time favorites and all the other songs sound great in my opinion.

I don't usually write reviews because it's so painful for me to read someone elses review especialy ones that contain the following examples. I only like their older stuff, they keep changing their style, the guitar player is too self induldgent,they should use the same producer as on their first album, there's too much ambience, there's too much guitar noodling, they've become snobs, they're not as good without the old drummer, they're progressive, they're experimental, they took a riff from some other band, I like them less with each album they put out,etc. That was in reference to all bands not just The Mars Volta.

That kinda review irritates me because it's a bunch of garbage. I wish those kinda people would just stick to their MTV lifestyles and leave the real music to those who are true fans and are more open minded. I don't know why it bugs me so much it's not like I'm defending them because I know them on some personal level it's just that some people just don't get it. I'm tired of everyone disecting the music and the musicians. All they want to do is entertain us, not create some sort of musical doctorine that should be discussed as though one was attending a seminar. As a musician I understand the need to experiment and branch out so the music making process doesn't become stale. Do you really want your favorite band to constantly repeat themselves and never evolve. People please I beg of you quit writing these cliche pointless reviews. As for me I'm through writting about this subject for as long as I live. Omar & Cedric have been making music for quite some time now. Let's allow the professionals to do their thing and the rest of you can either tune in or tune out.

"Exoskeletal junction at the railroad delayed.".......2007-07-03

When At the Drive-In broke up, two bands came out of it, Sparta and The Mars Volta. I have a couple albums by Sparta. They're pretty solid if unexceptional hardcore/punk rock. Despite their more mainstream sound, they're overshadowed by their unique and more eccentric counterparts. There's been a bit of a backlash against The Mars Volta's increasingly weird and meandering music, as evidenced in declining critical acclaim, but if nothing else, De-Loused is a hard-rocking, original creation. They are known for very long tracks that have nothing but strange noises for minutes at a time, but their first full-length keeps that to a minimum as they focus on real music. The lyrics are strange and seemingly strings of random words thrown together, but there apparently is meaning, the whole thing being an obscure concept album about a character based on a friend of the band members who committed suicide after a drug-induced coma.

"Son et Lumiere" is an atmospheric intro that segues nicely into "Inertiatic ESP", the only song I've really heard before. It's fast-paced and shows the epitome of what the high-pitched vocalist can do for a song. There's a chaotic sound that permeates most of the songs, and makes it seem more urgent and maybe better than its true, objective quality. "Drunkship of Lanterns" shows off their more latin-influenced side which is just as interesting as the more progressive stuff. "Eria Tarka" has one of the more infectious vocal parts. "Cicatriz ESP" is the longest track and is the biggest hint of what's to come with the band, having an extensive section of jamming and ambience before coming back to finish the song. Flea's strong baseline pulls it forward to the explosive chorus. It's interesting how each song is sufficiently unique to be memorable while still always sharing the same interesting vision of what good rock sounds like. Of the eight real songs on the record, "Televators" is the least instantly entertaining, but is still a solid, slower song. "Take the Veil Cerpin Taxt" ends the album in one of the best ways I've ever heard, with an intense climax of starting and stopping guitars backing passionate vocals. It really makes you feel like you just finished listening to something great. It's a bit hard to define, but I think anyone with an inclination towards any of the aspects could like it.

Mind Blowing experience.......2007-04-16

The first time I heard the Mars Volta I had just came back from a party. A friend of mine strongly recommended that I listen to this album. She popped it in and I was taken somewhere and I have yet to return. This album isn't a background CD, it DEMANDS to be listened to. Even more so it demands to be experienced. Sit back, lay down, let yourself be taken.

This may sound like entering into a sacrilegious experience, but if you are ready take the plunge and listen to this amazing album.

Hightlights:

This Apparatus Must be Unearth
Eriatarka
Inertiatic esp

FRESH.......2007-03-08

a breath of fresh air! a couple years ago, just when everything is sounding the same, this album enters my life. i am still listening to it weekly and would recommend it anyone looking for something different. track 6!
*frances the mute is also something worth checking out.

Average customer rating:

Come into the "Comatorium"
The biggest at the drive-in/ The mars volta fan's review
The future of rock?
Alternative Acid Rock ??

De-Loused in the Comatorium
The Mars Volta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Emo | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Post Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000091KVL
Release Date: 2003-06-18

Tracks:

Son et Lumiere
Inertiatic ESP
Roulette Dares (The Haunt Of)
Tira Me a las Ara
Drunkship of Lanterns
Eriatarka
Cicatriz ESP
This Apparatus Must Be Unearthed
Televators
Take the Veil Cerpin Taxt

Album Description

Full title - De-Loused In The Comatorium. Japanese edition of indie rock act's eagerly anticipated 2003 debut album, includes the bonus track 'Ambuletz'. Universal Records.

Customer Reviews:

Come into the "Comatorium".......2005-01-25

Indie-rock band At the Drive In shattered just as they were starting to make it big. But from the ashes of At The Drive-In came: The Mars Volta. And their full-length debut album, "De-Loused At The Comatorium," is a rousing, blasting, strange and magnificent lump of space rock.

"Son Et Lumiere" is a melodic buildup to the fireball of "Inertiatic ESP," the eerie string-driven "Tira Me A Las Aranas," the haunting drum-laden "Drunkship of Lanterns" with its lamenting howls, the rollicking "Eriatarka," the slightly overlong but very compelling "Cicatriz ESP," the chaotic "This Apparatus Must Be Unearthed," the soft and melodic "Televators," and the At the Drive-In-influenced "Take The Veil Cerpin Taxt."

It's rather rare to have a concept album now. But this full-length debut definitely is one. It tells of a Mexican artist who committed suicide in the 1990s. Here, he falls into a coma and lingers in the world of "De-Loused" for a week. (It sounds depressing, but it isn't) The plaintive, surreal songs make a lot more sense once you know the story.

"De-Loused"'s sound is hard to classify: a combo of rock, psychedelica, a hint of jazz, Latin music, and a few others that are hard to identify. For that matter, it's not really much like several songs, as a single song that bobs into different musical genres. Often the songs will melt into one another, one barely pausing as it dies away before the next melody starts. It gives "De-Loused" the feeling of a big, glorious tapestry.

The lyrics and music reflect this feel; the lyrics are wrenchingly weird ("Nobody is heard/compass wilting in the wind!"), with an undeniably powerful melancholy, dark edge. It's never more evident than in the despairing wail of "Now I'm lost!". The music can switch from shattering guitar riffs to delicate instrumentals tinged with a synthesizer. And though at times they sound chaotic as a thunderstorm storm, it's obvious that they know what they're doing.

Mars Volta is a blast of explosive new rock music that blows away the rubbish. "De-Loused in the Comatorium" is like stepping through a door into a world where the normal rules of music don't apply. Step through the door, into the Comatorium....

The biggest at the drive-in/ The mars volta fan's review.......2003-11-08

This cd shows the creative side of former at the drive-in members Cedric Bixler and Omar Rodriguiez as they have shown in their other band, Defacto. This musical masterpiece is the best new release of 2003. But one correction to a reviewer on this cd, Jim Ward has never been on the mars volta, he formed the band sparta which is not as good as The mars volta. This cd is worth buying, it also features a bonus track that the American version does not aqquire.

The future of rock?.......2003-08-22

The Mars Volta, made up of Cedric Bixler, Omar Rodriguez, the late Jeremy Ward, Flea, and guest John Frusciante (3/5 of At the Drive in, and 2/5 of the Red Hot Chili Peppers) seem set to change rock music as we know it. They will never be accepted on mainstream radio, so if that's what you listen to, skip this review.

The album, while being mainly psychedelic seamlessly blends just about every form of music you can think of into a truly sublime hodge-podge of sound. Loud? Yes. Bombastic? At times, yet the guitar work is simply genius, and Mr. Bixler exhibits shades of Geddy Lee from Rush, but in a good way.

The album may be chaotic, hectic, and fevered, but they know how to make it all work together to create something absolutely unique. If they can keep this up, 10 years from now, they may be truly appreciated as the ingenious innovators they are.

Alternative Acid Rock ??.......2003-07-29

When I first listened to this I knew it was different - not like anything you'd hear on the radio - definitely not like any of the popular bands - a very unique sound - kind of like being in a mosh pit - your constantly being bombarded with different musical styles and sounds - one minute calm and surrealistic, the next it's loud and pounding you ears and senses. Give this one a try . . .

Average customer rating:

Analysts need not apply
Moves rock to a new dimension
The Led Zeppelin of the new century
If there were only more stars!

De-Loused in the Comatorium
The Mars Volta
Manufacturer: Universal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Emo | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Post Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000189WO6
Release Date: 2004-01-19

Tracks:

Son et Lumiere
Inertiatic ESP
Roulette Dares (The Haunt Of)
Tira Me a las Ara
Drunkship of Lanterns
Eriatarka
Cicatriz ESP
This Apparatus Must Be Unearthed
Televators
Take the Veil Cerpin Taxt

Album Description

Australian exclusive 2004 tour edition of the band's 2003 album features 14 tracks including a limited edition bonus tour disc with four extra tracks, 'Roulette Dares (The Haunt Of)' (Live XFM Session), 'Drunkship Of Lanterns' (Live XFM Session), 'Cicatri

Album Details

This Australian Exclusive Tour Editon features a Bonus Disc Including Four Live Recordings.

Customer Reviews:

Analysts need not apply.......2005-02-07

The album wasn't something I got into right off the bat. In fact, the first time I heard what I now find to be the best song on the album, I hated it. It kind of grows on you though, that is, if you like it. Apparently there is some dichotomy that says people either love or hate them, and it seems true enough.

The lyrics are oddly enticing. They give a small hint of personal insight of the band, but then, at the same time, keep things private and don't define anything for sure. Between the songs there is no noticeable pause, adding to the flow of the album, which is especially amazing. The songs by themselves are neat, but the album as a whole is excellent in the way it ties into itself and just runs through, sometimes making it hard to tell when one song ends and another begins, but never sounding like a previous song.

Moves rock to a new dimension.......2005-01-11

To be true, it needs at least a few listens. But I thought the same about OK Computer, not sure at first but it grows with every listen and turns out to be a sublime classic.

The drums are up front in the mix and this can be off-putting, but try to get past that and listen to the superb guitar and bass work with the vocal range exceptional.

All the best albums tweak your curiosity with the first listen enough to play them again and this is no exception.

Style: Unique, hispanic influences, wierd (unlike most everything else, except their previous work), jamming and full-blown rock-out.

If you are a serious collector of music, this needs to be in your collection, it's in mine !

The Led Zeppelin of the new century.......2004-07-09

This is the best album I've bought in years.....wait, in my life!
I give it 7 stars.
Also buy the Tremulant EP.

If there were only more stars!.......2004-03-09

These guys blow my mind like no one has since Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Jimi Hendrix, King Crimson, Blue Oyster Cult, Rush, Rage Against the Machine, Jane's Addiction, Living Colour, Frank Zappa, Santana, Return to Forever, Jaco Pastorius, Weather Report, etc. Wow. Makes most of what's out there seem stunted and impish. Nuf said.

Average customer rating: