If you haven’t made a purchase in 2007 then this is a good starting point- TYPE O NEGATIVE’S latest album “Dead Again” is representative of the elements that make the group unique. They have titled there latest style contribution to the metal genre as “confused dirge-core.” In other words there is no cookie cutter formula when it comes to NEGATIVE.
The listener will once again be treated too a cast down mixture of calculated vocals, guitar distortion, and electronic elements meant to accent a complex barrage of lyrics which are often crisp and as always deeply rooted in questions involving ones own soul search and demons. “These Three Things” is rooted in Type-O beauty, with the Sabbath influence- a Goth like instrumental refrain, and Peter Steele's ironic treatment of spirituality subject matter- utilizing several different voice approaches- extremely emotional and excessive- including all out screams. The piece is a center point and a delight to spin.
The battle-like hooks are once again present on this album, and that dark sometimes criticized sense of humor is focused upon often.
“The Profit of Doom” is a 10:47 track that begins with a bassy rolling guitar lead that will instantly hook the listener. We hear a growling backdrop and Steel bellow- “Goodbye Cruel World”-”My soul’s on Fire,” it is a manifesto, a suicide night, an ending complete with superstitions, doom, and storms-intentionally complicated and symbolic. The guitar hook is priceless and the grunts are addictive. A almost pop vocal eventually becomes present- simply put this is Type O and will force the listener to love or hate it.
This is a strong album and will certainly once again recruit younger artsy fans to the group as well as feed the masses that already exist. If you approach the group from the standpoint of what it is they create there are no criticisms. They have once again met and exceeded. From an album standpoint their songs are sometimes too long, they add emotion where it isn’t needed, and effects that provide overkill…but that is TYPE O NEGATIVE and it is wonderful.
Key Tracks: Dead Again, These Three Things, Profit of Doom
Reviewed by John Mahofski |
