Mushroomhead‘s latest offering, Call The Devil, marks a significant entry into their longstanding career as avant-garde metal stalwarts. With a career spanning three decades, the band faces high expectations with every release, especially following the acclaim of their 2020 album, A Wonderful Life. The four-year anticipation has heightened the intrigue surrounding their ninth studio album, promising a blend of Mushroomhead‘s signature experimental sound and some fresh surprises.
The album kicks off with “Eye to Eye,” immediately immersing listeners in a sonic landscape that emphasizes bold sirens and groovy riffs, courtesy of the returning Dave “Gravy” Felton. Gravy‘s participation is particularly noteworthy as he lends his guitar prowess on two tracks, contributing to a nostalgic yet innovative feeling. The opening track makes it clear that Mushroomhead is keen on fusing experience with current musical sensibilities.
One of the standout tracks, “Fall in Line,” serves as a powerful single with its electro-industrial elements and spine-tingling keys. The interplay between vocalists Scott Beck and Jackie LaPonza balances brutality and melody beautifully. This energetic piece was apparently the last song added to the album, yet it holds a vibrant and aggressive spirit that echoes throughout the release.
The eclectic “Emptiness” showcases a surprisingly jazzy atmosphere, a significant deviation from their typical heavier sound, but it works harmoniously with the keyboards and layered vocals. Such tracks reflect Mushroomhead‘s capacity for versatility, proving they can excel beyond their established metal scene.
“UIOP (A Final Reprieve)” and “Hallelucination” delve into Mushroomhead‘s more experimental realm. The former spins a dramatic carnival vibe, while the latter plays with backward-sounding melodies, embodying their knack for integrating eerie and avant-garde elements. These tracks celebrate the band’s flair for creating unsettling yet compelling music.
Despite its mixed reviews, “We Don’t Care” stands out with its explosive chorus and catchy hooks, thanks to the vocal efforts of Steve Rauckhorst and Jackie LaPonza. The song’s rebellious spirit is undeniable, though it may polarize listeners.
Mushroomhead has always been a band that defies expectations, and their latest release, Call The Devil, solidifies their place in the heavy music landscape with an audacious blend of styles and influences. Returning after the success of their 2020 album A Wonderful Life, the band has had ample time to refine their sound and bring something fresh to the table, while still staying true to their roots. The release of Call The Devil, their ninth studio album, is much awaited, and it does not disappoint.
Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, Mushroomhead has undergone significant lineup changes over the years. The current ensemble includes Steve Rauckhorst, Scott Beck, and Jackie LaPonza on vocals; Dave Felton and Joe Gall on guitars; Ryan Farrell handling guitar, bass, and keys; Aydin Kerr and Robert Godsey on drums and percussion; and Steve Felton, who juggles drums, percussion, keys, and vocals. Their ability to dabble in various instruments highlights the band’s commitment to versatility and innovation.
Call The Devil introduces new elements while retaining the distinctive Mushroomhead avant-garde metal flavor. Tracks such as “Fall in Line” and “Prepackaged” are perfect examples of the band’s ability to blend brutal heaviness with melodic finesse. The singles stand out as some of the heaviest, with dark, dramatic undertones. The opener “Eye to Eye”sets the tone with a raw and driving energy that pulls listeners in immediately.
The album ventures into dynamic contrasts. The hauntingly beautiful “Emptiness” explores a more tender side, showcasing hovering keys and an emotionally resonant chorus. Jackie’s vocal delivery here deserves special mention, as it adds layers of depth and color to the track, making it one of the album’s highlights. The transitions between tracks feel seamless, with the band’s experimental nature shining through, especially on “UIOP (A Final Reprieve)” and “Hallelucination”.
One of the strongest aspects of Call The Devil is the synergy between the newer members and the veterans. The return of longtime guitarist Dave “Gravy” Felton brings a nostalgic yet invigorating touch to tracks like “We Don’t Care” and “Shame in a Basket”. Gravy’s contributions, particularly on the guitar and in songwriting, anchor the album, providing a bridge between the band’s historical sound and their current explorations.
While “We Don’t Care,” with its rebellious spirit, might resonate differently depending on the listener’s background, it’s impossible to ignore the superb instrumental execution on this track. Similarly, “Decomposition” and “Grand Gesture”showcase the band’s knack for incorporating unconventional structures and sounds, with the latter exuding a distant, mysterious atmosphere reminiscent of their earlier works.
Steve “Skinny” Felton‘s production, paired with Matt Wallace‘s mixing and Jacob Hansen‘s mastering, results in a polished yet raw sonic experience. The use of cinematic elements, especially noticeable on tracks like “Doom Goose”with its theatrical touches, gives the record an almost visual quality, drawing the listener into a surreal soundscape.
Despite some tracks feeling a bit off-centered or experimental, which might alienate some listeners, these moments reflect Mushroomhead‘s refusal to conform to mainstream expectations. Songs like “Hideous” with its intense guitar work and “Emptiness” with its jazz-like flair stand out as testaments to the band’s ability to innovate within their genre.
In conclusion, Call The Devil is a robust addition to Mushroomhead‘s discography, balancing new experiments with familiar sounds. The album grows on you with each listen, revealing more of its nuanced layers over time. Highlights like “Eye to Eye,” “Emptiness,” “Prepackaged,” “Grand Gesture,” and “Shame in a Basket” underscore the band’s creative prowess and why they remain relevant after three decades.
Fully embracing their distinctive sound and artistic ambitions, Mushroomhead delivers a powerful album that secures their legacy in the metal world. Call The Devil deserves a solid 10/10 for its innovation, execution, and enduring impact.
Tracklist:
1. Eye To Eye
2. Fall In Line
3. Emptiness
4. We Don’t Care
5. UIOP (A Final Reprieve)
6. Prepackaged
7. Decomposition
8. Grand Gesture
9. Hallelucination
10. Hideous
11. Torn In Two
12. Shame In A Basket
13. Doom Goose
MUSHROOMHEAD is:
Steve Rauckhorst – Vocals
Scott Beck – Vocals
Jackie LaPonza – Vocals
Dave Felton – Guitar
Joe Gall – Guitar
Ryan Farrell – Guitar, Bass, Keys
Aydin Kerr – Drums, Percussion
Robert Godsey – Drums, Percussion
Steve Felton – Drums, Percussion, Keys, Vocals
MUSHROOMHEAD online:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
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NAPALM RECORDS
MUSHROOMHEAD recently announced a slew of tour dates. See below for all currently booked performances!
INKcarceration Festival 2024
07/19/24: Mansfield, OH @ Ohio State Reformatory
EU/UK 2024 Tour
w/ Dymytry* & Silenzer**:
08/09/24: Bochum, Germany @ Rockpalast Bochum *
08/10/24: Kotka, Finland @ Dark River Festival
08/11/24: Southampton, UK @ EngineRooms * / **
08/12/24: Birmingham, United Kingdom @ O2 Institute2 * / **
08/13/24: London, United Kingdom @ O2 Academy Islington * / **
08/14/24: Haarlem, Netherlands @ Patronaat * / **
08/15/24: Sullingen, Denmark @ Reload Festival
08/16/24: Moravsky Krumlov, Czechia @ Rock Castle
08/17/24: Warsaw, Poland @ Proxima *
08/18/24: Kraków, Poland @ Klub Kwadrat *
08/19/24: Berlin, Germany @ Cassiopeia *
USA 2024 Tour
w/ Upon a Burning Body, There Is No Us, and Mind Incision:
10/04/24: Buffalo, NY @ Rec Room
10/05/24: Hampton Beach, NH @ Wally’s
10/06/24: Worcester, MA @ Palladium Upstairs
10/08/24: Leesburg, VA @ Tally Ho
10/09/24: Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
10/10/24: Lititz, PA @ Mickey’s Black Box
10/12/24: Pittsburg, PA @ Preserving Underground
10/13/24: Cincinnati, OH @ Bogarts
10/15/24: Grand Rapids, MI @ The Intersection
10/16/24: Belvidere, IL @ Apollo Theater
10/18/24: Green Bay, WI @ Epic Events Center
10/19/24: Joliet, IL @ The Forge
10/20/24: Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
10/22/24: Moline, IL @ The Rust Belt
10/23/24: Bloomington, IL @ Castle Theater
10/24/24: Columbus, OH @ The King of Clubs*
10/25/24: Flint, MI @ Machine Shop
10/26/24: Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theater*
*No Upon A Burning Body
