The Mars Volta - begin here. Do let it kill you. (Deloused In The Comatorium - The Mars Volta)

Member Name: Midrange

Product:	Deloused In The Comatorium - The Mars Volta
Date:	02/08/08 (8 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Insane genius, virtuoso progressive rock band with streaks of latin and jazz

Disadvantages: Can be confused, can be disturbing, can blow your mind

The Mars Volta have created a sound that is beyond compare. In recent years, they have become increasingly outrageous in their musical performances - mixing virtuoso drumming, thrashing guitars, a full horn section, insane high pitched vocals, train-of-thought lyrics with live sound editing, latin beats and something distinctly creepy.

De-Loused in the Comatorium is where it all begins. In my opinion, this is the album to begin with. If you're new to The Mars Volta (TMV) then this album will hopefully not scare you off too much. It is melodic, yet fiercely strong - bordering on heavy metal at times, whilst lulling you into cool samba beats at others. I don't believe the band would describe themselves as "Progressive" but this record definitely resides in my "less mainstream" selection of CDs!

Stunning guitar work throughout (Drunkship of Laterns has been voted one of the top 100 guitar songs of all time) and some really crazy drumming to go with it - kind of a blend of jazz, latin and rock music - very powerful and really gets the heart racing. Some listeners may be put off by the extended song length (songs often clocking in at well over 6 minutes) but, believe me, if you like intelligent, well played and engaging music, this is the album (if not the band) for you.

Give it a try. Learn to like it. Then you'll love it.

Summary: Music to be LISTENED to. Don't try and put this on in the background.