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: : The Book of Mourning : :
When I think of the word frustration, the first thought that comes to
mind is the DMV.* That’s the Department of Motor Vehicles for those
outside my borders. If you are in the know, skip beyond the next
paragraph. If you’re not or you simply want or require a refresher, feel
free to read on.
To drive a car, you require license plates and a driver’s license. To
own one, you need a clean title. There are liens against it that need to
be resolved as well as ongoing registration and regular renewal of the
previously mentioned items. It’s a pain if the necessary paperwork isn’t
all exact and in order. Oh, and I forgot to mention the initial test and
the eventual reexamination. If that’s not enough, there’s the concept of
penalty points and tickets. While it’s meant for getting groceries,
entertainment, and leisure, there’s bound to be a problem encountered
somewhere. Obstacles and annoyances include working around the agencies
holiday hours, long waits, computer systems that crash and stay down
until further notice, the endless search for lost originals, accidents,
insurance, and for what it’s worth, countless processing costs and
counter fees.
On the positive side, there is the invention of the car stereo, which
makes it all worthwhile and I must admit that my vehicle, also known as
the Gray Ghost, is where I’ve experienced many immeasurable pleasurable
moments. Before you mind goes too far down into the gutter, I’m talking
about the music that plays during my daily commute or those times I take
my gal out of town (I’m still talking about my car by the way).
Sometimes when a song is good enough, I’ll stay put and let it finish as
my steel mistress sits idle with the stick-shift in park.
This album is one that I’d place in that category of gratuitous
congeniality on the brink of mindless bliss. In other words, the music
is succulent enough to keep me glued to my seat until it’s done. It’s
about as heavy as the name implies, but it’s not the concept album that
one might be led to believe. Even if it were, that would be difficult
task to make out or transcribe the words. The clearest sounding
utterances are in the form of cussing, but it seems to be more about
honesty in their opinions than riling us up or expressing anger for the
sake of it. While the messages are too vile to digest, I’d sooner sit
down and have tea with these guys than commune with the usual hardcore
metalist. I have to admit, this will take me from the most somber mood
and make me want to shout and swear at my neighbors. At a minimum,
you’ll want to flip the bird towards that unfortunate driver in the next
lane. So, it’s best meant for fleeing in the middle of the night or
getting holed up at a remote site. One way or the other, this music is
intended for a very secluded screening. Then, instead of putting you in
a precarious position, it’ll keep you awake at the wheel or scare away
uninvited guests or unwanted critters.
As to the genesis of my discovery, I initially became aware of this
material through my connections with InsideOut Music America. It seems
one of their chief promoters and co-conspirators, Eric Corbin, adopted
this baby and took it under his wing. As he’s been known to have good
taste or at least demonstrate compatibility with me on a couple key
choices, I thought I’d be open-minded to the possibility of spinning
this new applicant in his internship program. It’s also interesting to
point out that the album is distributed through alternate channels as
it’s cataloged with Da’ Core Records. While it’s not the typical
standard fare he shares, it does have plenty of merit.
The album is less about
song-oriented matters and more about a continual mood. For that reason,
the value of choosing a favorite is more or less intrinsically
negligible. Yet, if I had to spend my time wisely, I’d probably clamp
down on its internal organs and focus my surgery primarily on the middle
section.
At this locale, you’ll find “For What You Have Done” and it’s a real fun
track. It’s a ruse that’s ravenous enough for a hyena or a coyote. The
ugly lyrics it contains could allude to just about anything, but I think
many of us have been known every now and then to have these heated
feelings. It’s hard not to point fingers or hold a grudge when have been
wronged or betrayed from someone within your inner circle. This would
certainly be a great selection for the set-list of a concert as it would
be accompanied by bouts of head-bangs, sing-alongs, and an origami of
uncouth and oddly-configured fingers. With that said; there would be too
much moshing going on to stop and flip a cell phone on or create a
flickering flame from a cigarette lighter.
And that only covers one out of ten my friends.
“Birthrite” is another attention-getter and it truly complements the
aforementioned number. As it follows closely behind that bestial cut,
the two not only belong together, but should be bound to one another
indefinitely. While one may be forced to play host, I wouldn’t
necessarily call the other a tick or a tenant. Each brutish beast could
each serve as the landlord or resident manager. I can’t imagine any
occupant would challenge either of these bullies tenure.
“The End of Days” is also worthy and welcoming, and while it serves the
same purpose as Powerman 5000, Sonic Youth, or Creed, there is no
appearance by Governor Schwarzenegger in any of its many scenes.
By and large, The Book of Mourning is both mean and melodic like those
popular Swedish Metal giants named Opeth. If you’re into that type of
music, this will be right up your alley. To make a long story short,
there is angst in there just short of frustration, but it’s not the kind
you’ll find in the eyes of those waiting in line at the DMV.
8.25/10
Reviewer: Josh Turner
* This review was inspired by recent experiences.
: : Visit the Artist’s Website : :
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