Muse - The Resistance

[Jeremy Aaron]

Muse - The Resistance
Record Label: Warner Brothers Records
Release Date: September 15, 2009

Polarity is pretty much a given in the realm of music. Even within a community of largely like-minded fans, like that of AP.net, most bands have staunch supporters as well as detractors who are equally steadfast in their viewpoints, and it's something that's not likely to change any time soon. It's less common for music critics to be polarized to such a degree, but when it comes to a band like Muse, it seems that arguments regarding their artistic merits are formed equally easily by either side of the debate. How one feels about the band's work ultimately boils down to how much ostentation it takes to leave a bad taste in his or her mouth. Personally, I don't find Muse's grandiose affectations to be egregiously offensive, but for me, a Muse album is all spectacle, but with a relative few moments sprinkled throughout that are truly spectacular, which I guess leaves me somewhere in the middle. Regardless of your own opinion of Muse, The Resistance is not likely to change your mind.

The first single "Uprising" kicks off the festivities, and with its driving beat and Matt Bellamy's unmistakable vocals taking center stage, it's a classic Muse single, though its successor "Resistance" is perhaps more infectious and sounds like it could be an even bigger hit. "Undisclosed Desires" is a rare and refreshing stripped-down moment on an album characterized primarily by huge walls of sound or sweeping orchestration. These songs are the embodiment of the qualities that have led to Muse's popularity, and their inclusion here will likely cause their star to rise even higher. It's unfortunate, though, that the album as a whole can't sustain this level of quality.

While it may sound like a "mainstream fan" thing to say, Muse's "single" type songs are far and away their best. When the songs lack an immediate hook ("Guiding Light," or hell, mostly everything else), Bellamy's drawn-out vocal histrionics can be nauseatingly overwrought. Likewise, when the band abandon their typical rock arrangements in favor of classically-themed segues, it's enough to make you wish they were still content making slightly overcooked Britrock. It's all symptomatic of the band taking themselves too seriously, which is ironic, because their attempt at art is so subverted by artifice that it's nearly impossible for the listener to take it seriously.

The band hit an all-time low on the album's final three tracks, the titles of which, "Exogenesis: Symphony, Parts I, II and III" sound damn near self-congratulatory ("Yeah bitches! We wrote some epic shit! Now we have to come up with equally pretentious titles!"). The problem is that "epic" would imply that it inspires awe or is perhaps intellectually challenging, but that's not the case here. Muse's "Symphony" only inspires snores and the real challenge is simply trying to stay awake. They are a band that seem to have given in to their every whim, and in the process, they seem to have forgotten that they are at their best when they're being a rock band.

Make no mistake, The Resistance is sure to be a big album for Muse, and with the presence of a few tracks that sound likely to top the charts, their popularity will probably grow because of it. As far as the album as a whole goes, if you welcomed the over-the-top grandiloquence of Black Holes and Revelations, you probably won't have too much of a problem with The Resistance. However, if there's only so much bloated theatricality you can take before it becomes tedious, this record is likely to test your patience.

Muse's Black Holes and Revelations
Ours' Mercy
People in Planes' Beyond the Horizon
Radiohead's Pablo Honey
Wax On Radio's Exposition

1. Uprising (5:04)
2. Resistance (5:46)
3. Undisclosed Desires (3:56)
4. United States of Eurasia (+ Collateral Damage) (5:47)
5. Guiding Light (4:13)
6. Unnatural Selection (6:55)
7. MK Ultra (4:06)
8. I Belong to You (+ Mon Coeur S'Ouvre a Ta Voix) (5:38)
9. Exogenesis: Symphony Part I (Overture) (4:18)
10. Exogenesis: Symphony Part II (Cross-Pollination) (3:56)
11. Exogenesis: Symphony Part III (Redemption) (4:37)

[Dymytry Vance]

Shitty album is shitty

[aradiantsunrise]

Does anyone else think Uprising sounds like a Britney Spears song?

[xapplexpiex]

Muse is one of my favorite bands. Your review made me a little disappointed to buy this later, but I'm still going to buy it and hear for myself...

[tommy's ghost]

7.5 for Matt Bellamy? Subjectivity be damned, I cannot comprehend that score.

[S9Dallasoz]

I've seen almost nothing but ridiculous praise for this release...I dig, especially the title track.

[11:11]

I don't really agree with this review. I loved the album, especially the last 3 tracks. Different strokes for different folks though I suppose :shrug:

[Jeremy Aaron]

7.5 for Matt Bellamy? Subjectivity be damned, I cannot comprehend that score.
Without question, the guy has tremendous vocal ability. The problem I have is that he goes so out of his way to sound exaggeratedly operatic, it borders on comedic at times. It's like, just sing dude.

[doppelganger]

cd is a let down. il stick with showbiz and origin of symmetry

[zac21]

Resistance is an album. It is not meant to be cut up and listened to in different order. It flows from cover to cover. People will bash this album saying it sucks because it isn't littered with singles like Black Holes (which in my mind, was a shitty album). Resistance is much more on the same line as Absolution in that matter.

I'm sick of people hating on albums because they don't have song after song of singles.

[Jeremy Aaron]

Resistance is an album. It is not meant to be cut up and listened to in different order. It flows from cover to cover. People will bash this album saying it sucks because it isn't littered with singles like Black Holes (which in my mind, was a shitty album). Resistance is much more on the same line as Absolution in that matter.

I'm sick of people hating on albums because they don't have song after song of singles.

On many occasions, my least favorite songs on an album are the singles. With this album, though, the songs that don't fit the single mold are transparently pompous faux-artsy garbage. To me, this album does work when you "cut it up" and pick and choose what you listen to. Forcing myself to listen to this in its entirety multiple times was an arduous task.

[nescover]

Absolutely fantastic album. Can't stop listening to it.

[Chris Fallon]

I do like it, just not as much as I thought I would. Either way, you argue your points well and speak in an intelligent and articulate manner. Great job, Jeremy!

[mcalphabet]

I definitely feel like this is an album for the established Muse fan. Matt makes it clear that he goes for cheesy and over the top, and this is the music of sorts that Muse fans expect to hear. I do applaud them for taking more variety in the album which gives you more of a chance to like at least one song, unlike their earlier albums which tended to be a "love it or hate it" kind of deal. If I have one huge complaint, it's that Matt's head is now inflated to the size of France (thus his singing in "I Belong to You") and the focus is placed mainly on Matt where as earlier albums spread the love to all the guys. Still, I liked the album but nowhere as much as "Absolution" or "Origin of Symmetry." Good review.

[Salamandrax]

i didn't like it all the first time i heard it, but it's growing on me.
it'll never stack up against OoS, Absolution & BHaR though...

[cereal4life]

It's a good review, Jeremy. I don't agree with this.

How one feels about the band's work ultimately boils down to how much ostentation it takes to leave a bad taste in his or her mouth.

While this may be true of Blackholes and this album, I don't think it rings true for their older efforts. In regards to the last three track titles, I completely agree with that (pseudo-epic titles). I really hope this album isn't a let-down. I've had my fair share of let-downs this year - Saosin and Pete Yorn immediately come to mind - and to me, Muse is one of those bands I thought I could rely on to always put out a solid album.

[cereal4life]

I definitely feel like this is an album for the established Muse fan. Matt makes it clear that he goes for cheesy and over the top, and this is the music of sorts that Muse fans expect to hear. I do applaud them for taking more variety in the album which gives you more of a chance to like at least one song, unlike their earlier albums which tended to be a "love it or hate it" kind of deal. If I have one huge complaint, it's that Matt's head is now inflated to the size of France (thus his singing in "I Belong to You") and the focus is placed mainly on Matt where as earlier albums spread the love to all the guys. Still, I liked the album but nowhere as much as "Absolution" or "Origin of Symmetry." Good review.

I would consider myself an established fan but I neither want nor expect cheesy music from Muse. I like the grandiosity and epic-ness in their rockier tracks and to me, Absolution is Muse at their peak. The album has great variety, is excellent musically and showcases the diversity and amazing depth of sound that a three-piece can be capable of.

[zubinmoosa]

Wow not a great score. Haven't listened yet, but I've dug every Muse album so far

[Nourez]

I liked it better than Black Holes and Revelations. Still, I can't say I loved in the way I loved Showbiz, Origin of Symmetry, or Absolution.

[samlowry09]

I really like this album. Definitely one of my ten best of the year so far.

[mushroom]

Musicianship 7.75? it doesn't matter whether you love or hate this album this score still seems low.

[Paulb-182]

I've grown to loathe this band

[BozzBlonde]

I don't really agree with this entire review. I thought the album was just as creative and amazing for a Muse album.

[Richard Maxim]

This album takes itself way to serious sadly, BHAR was such a great release.

[hornerlas]

Absolutely fantastic album. Can't stop listening to it.
agreed, i couldn't agree with this review on many points at all but before i get eaten, i'm open to opinion as the next guy

[CS Lewis]

This album is absolutely beautiful. You just need to give it more time. Spend more time with it, listen to it a few times over and over again until it grows on it and you deem it amazing. You just might not "get it" the first time you listen to it. Force yourself to appreciate it. I mean, it's Muse. They deserve it. Kind of like classics.

[deezee]

I can't get into this album...

[sevinw0rds]

This one's gonna take some time. I didn't immediately understand what they were doing with BHAR either, but I definitely grew to love it. Absolution will always be their masterpiece to me though.

[jcoop05]

Musicianship 7.75? it doesn't matter whether you love or hate this album this score still seems low.
yeah this doesn't make any sense. Like or dislike the album, there's no denying the fact that these guys are some of the best musicians making music today.

[dancerazdance]

well at least the cover is awesome

[wall e]

I saw the 66% and couldn't even read the review because I would probably disagree with everything, heh.

[GlassyLight]

Can't really agree with this review - Muse's whole over-the-top-end-of-the-world pretentiousness has been their modus operandi since the beginning. It surprises me that there's been so much hate against this album along with love for Black Holes & Revelations...I mean, "Exogenesis" is a logical extension of the insanity of "Knights of Cydonia" as ran through the money and time that BH&R allowed them. I think this album is beautifully done , and EXACTLY what a prime-era Queen would have done with modern technology.

I respect the opinion and the write-up, but I think you're way off the mark.

[FUCKDIRTYWIPES]

im enjoying this, but i do agree that it doesnt match up to the older releases.

[bobcatbob18]

Can't really agree with this review - Muse's whole over-the-top-end-of-the-world pretentiousness has been their modus operandi since the beginning. It surprises me that there's been so much hate against this album along with love for Black Holes & Revelations...I mean, "Exogenesis" is a logical extension of the insanity of "Knights of Cydonia" as ran through the money and time that BH&R allowed them. I think this album is beautifully done , and EXACTLY what a prime-era Queen would have done with modern technology.

I respect the opinion and the write-up, but I think you're way off the mark.

YES and YES!

I just sat down with the album last night and after 2 listens I really dig it. I wasn't into "Uprising" at first but it has grown on me immensely. The title track is probably in my top 5 favorite Muse songs.

[inthemidst]

This is a great review Jeremy! I bet it was an arduous task; Muse's artsy-make-so-much-electronic-noise until all holes are filled sound is difficult to listen for more than a few tracks at a time. Not for me, but to each his own.

[roisterboy]

I too wasn't sure about the last three songs. The titles alone make me not want to listen.

[_><_]

It's decent, but not as good as Absolution.

[mmitrick]

It's getting better with every listen, definetely better than crappy black holes, and I disagree..the final three tracks are EPIC and are my favorites on the album. Still, the early albums are leaps beyond their last 2 releases.

[Debut_Fin]

Without question, the guy has tremendous vocal ability. The problem I have is that he goes so out of his way to sound exaggeratedly operatic, it borders on comedic at times. It's like, just sing dude.
agreed

[threepunchjim]

I broke a plane with this album. The first few spins had me underwhelmed, but all of a sudden I shamelessly rave that it's their best release to date.

I definitely agree with the polarity aspect; Muse does not leave open windows for on-the-fence fans. You're either a Muse fan, or you're not.

But giving Bellamy a 7.5 on vocals is downright ludicrous. It just is.

P.S. Exogenesis Symphony makes me emotional. Arm hairs standing at attention on flocks of bumpy geese. Excellent, excellent closer. Trumps Knights, no bullshit.

[aerofan11]

Listened to a few tracks last night, some sounded good (especially United State...), but some sounded meh. Give the whole album a spin tonight, then I will make my judgement. ;)

[Protested Hero]

I disagree with this review so much, but hey, I didn't review it. Exogenesis One is absolutely beautfiul. If over-the-top antics aren't for you, you probably shouldn't be listening to Muse. It's been their thing forever.

[AloneInTheDark]

Why does no one ever mention "I Belong To You", that is my favorite track off the album.

[beth danger]

and EXACTLY what a prime-era Queen would have done with modern technology.

Can't believe it took 3 pages for someone to mention Queen.

The first impression I had after listening to this album was how much they were channeling Queen, and I mean this in the best possible way. Not many bands can pull it off.

So far, I can't stop listening to this album.

[Viva Sonata]

Do not want.

[Dr. Acula]

I love this album...not their best but it's a solid, solid album. Dont really get the hate.

[Sikbeat37]

I'll just continue to happily spin OoS and Absolution from time to time.

[smelltheglove]

average album. i give them props for their ambition and huge production and Bellamy's amazing vocal range...but overall the album just lacks something. maybe the songs are too long and rambling, maybe too many of them lack hooks, maybe it is that the "triumphant" album-closing symphony just isn't that great or maybe it is that it is so front-loaded with all the best material.

I still think "absolution" is by far their best work. This is about on par with 'black holes'. tracks 2,4 and 5 are far and away the highlights. track 1 sounds like "i don't care" by fall out boy or something. to obvious of a stadium rock pop song. and the epic symphony, as i said earlier, just doesn't live up to my pre-conceived expectations.

[GeeBee]

I've seen almost nothing but ridiculous praise for this release...I dig, especially the title track.
http://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/muse/resistance

Generally positive, but I wouldn't say "ridiculous praise".
...Arm hairs standing at attention on flocks of bumpy geese...
:eyebrow:

[RelientAudio]

With all the mindless uber-hype for Muse that's going around, I'm really glad to read an honest review of The Resistance. Were I to throw together a review for this album, it would only be slightly higher than what you assembled.

Why? Because musicianship really was about a 75%. Many songs on this album just aren't creative for Muse. I'd give the lyrics probably a lower score, because you think they'd be able to fit their agenda in with a little bit of tact, ya know? We get it, you have opinions. Nobody takes your influence seriously. Uprising sounds cool, but it's like some angry teen wrote it. bah.

[CrashThisCar789]

Anberlin's "The Resistance" > Muse's "The Resistance"

Yes, one single track beats the entire record.

[mrnegativezero]

The Exogenesis songs disappointed me greatly. A lot of this album disappointed me, but I still came to enjoy it. 66% is a tad low for this album. Although I will agree that it isn't spectacular, I would have given it a higher score.

[KingsCrossing]

It's funny that people here think anything between 60-70 (or 6.0-7.0) is considered a bad score.

[GeeBee]

It's funny that people here think anything between 60-70 (or 6.0-7.0) is considered a bad score.
Noah Fawkeses all of them.

[con40dmitri]

i'll give a try regardless.

[threepunchjim]

Why does no one ever mention "I Belong To You", that is my favorite track off the album.
word. song sports some awesome production.

[alice+interiors]

Personally, I think this is a truly awful review.

[Drew Beringer]

It's funny that people here think anything between 60-70 (or 6.0-7.0) is considered a bad score.
exactly what I was going to post.

[TachyonEvan]

Most misguided review ever?

[jbaseball44]

Don't really agree with the review, album is so much worse than that

[3 ninjas]

ALBUM OF THE FUCKING YEAR!!! and Best Muse album YET!!!!

[3 ninjas]

Anberlin's "The Resistance" > Muse's "The Resistance"

Yes, one single track beats the entire record.
thats cause youre fuckin stupid and would rather listen to a christian emo band than a band like Muse who is probably the best rock band of our time.

[DItaliaO]

yeah this doesn't make any sense. Like or dislike the album, there's no denying the fact that these guys are some of the best musicians making music today.
yes, chris the bass player is insane

[combatchuckaa]

Disagree with the review. The non-single tracks are great songs and serve to balance the album out in a way that works really well. Listening the entire album, you can tell it's one of the best albums Muse has put out.

[zachff]

I was extremely disappointed with this release. I understand if they wanted to go a differenct direction from their last release (my favorite) but IMO this was a step back.

[EndSerenading]

decent but disappointing.

[jtjt43]

Personally, I think this is a truly awful review.
This

[gladnads]

>Muse>Hooks


what.

[FiveIronFlores]

good review, agreed

[gladnads]

It's funny that people here think anything between 60-70 (or 6.0-7.0) is considered a bad score.

reviews are just like game reviews. anything below a 9 means don't waste your time or the reviewer was bought out.

[KingsCrossing]

reviews are just like game reviews. anything below a 9 means don't waste your time or the reviewer was bought out.
Hah, anyone who subscribes to that type of logic is an idiot.

[Jeremy Aaron]

I don't think there's anything I love more than hearing how much I suck. Keep the hate coming!

[ilovesofie]

I mostly agree, the first three tracks are simply amazing! But then it all kinda slows down and the last three tracks are a really anti-climax. Though, I can't stop listening to it, it's weird. It's at least addictive!

[Garett Press]

It's so-so, agree with Jeremy

[Jamos4184]

"Guiding Light" is actually one of my favorite tracks so far.

Why only a 6.5 for production? Just curious.

[CrashThisCar789]

thats cause youre fuckin stupid and would rather listen to a christian emo band than a band like Muse who is probably the best rock band of our time.
That was uncalled for. Take a deep breath and count to ten next time.

[TSLROCKS]

I love this album

[TheLoyalVox]

Wow, I'm so sad to see so much hate on this album. This is my album of the year by a mile. The entire thing is an example of truly refined musicianship. Yeah, it's different. Yeah, it's not the Muse we knew before, but you know what, that's growth. Do you think any artist on the planet wants to regurgitate the same thing over and over, album after album, no. Put yourself in THEIR shoes. I think my #1 pet peeve in the world is people who cannot accept change and growth in an artist, and see things from their perspective. It's good music, after all, it is about the music. There is so much on this album that you don't get from the first, second, or even the thirtieth or fortieth listen.

[S/T]

Haven't listened to this yet, but I'm having a hard time believing that any Muse album doesn't even merit an 8 for musicianship.

[a3s1g1]

good review, I agree with most of it.

anyone who's interested, I wrote a review of the Resistance as well....check it out

http://www.behindthehype.com/music-reviews/alternative/muse-reach-for-the-stars-face-little-resistance/

[domotime2]

wow!!! i am so happy and shocked at this review, because it pin pointed my exact feelings for this album. Perhaps the only word that I didn't see in the review was dissapointment. I've been known to be a pretty fairweather muse fan who appreciates many of their songs but wouldn't consider myself a fan persay...but when you have an album named "The Resistance" and then I heard the single "United States of Eurasia", i was thinking that this was going to be an orchestrated masterpiece.....but woah was this a borring album. Symphony 1, 2, 3...what the hell was that? The rest of the songs were redundant drawn out and very A typical of cliche muse song. It's too bad....i respect this critic though!

[Jeremy Aaron]

Wow, I'm so sad to see so much hate on this album. This is my album of the year by a mile. The entire thing is an example of truly refined musicianship. Yeah, it's different. Yeah, it's not the Muse we knew before, but you know what, that's growth. Do you think any artist on the planet wants to regurgitate the same thing over and over, album after album, no. Put yourself in THEIR shoes. I think my #1 pet peeve in the world is people who cannot accept change and growth in an artist, and see things from their perspective. It's good music, after all, it is about the music. There is so much on this album that you don't get from the first, second, or even the thirtieth or fortieth listen.
I hate hearing stuff like the last sentence of this. Maybe it's just me, but there's way too many albums coming out week after week for me to waste an inordinate amount of time on something I don't like. I'd rather spend my time seeking out something I like rather than trying to force myself to like something I can't fucking stand, just because someone else says I should like it. I listened to this about seven times and liked it less and less each time. Were I not writing a review for it, I doubt I would have given it a second listen. I really don't consider this growth as much as a case of a band biting off more than they can chew. They should stick to what they're good at.

[notfallingapart]

Absolutely fantastic album. Can't stop listening to it.
Agreed.

[TheLoyalVox]

I hate hearing stuff like the last sentence of this. Maybe it's just me, but there's way too many albums coming out week after week for me to waste an inordinate amount of time on something I don't like. I'd rather spend my time seeking out something I like rather than trying to force myself to like something I can't fucking stand, just because someone else says I should like it. I listened to this about seven times and liked it less and less each time. Were I not writing a review for it, I doubt I would have given it a second listen. I really don't consider this growth as much as a case of a band biting off more than they can chew. They should stick to what they're good at.
Great point, I realize the other point of the argument is that it's ultimately up to the listener to decide if it's worthy of their time. I appreciated the review, and I can see how you can make the point that they "bit off more than they can chew" since there's at times an obscene amount of production.

[CarouselBoy]

well that's a disappointing score and review. Well written for sure. I guess I've never been a big Muse fan. I've loved their singles and have usually just picked and chose songs rather than get a whole album and be like I really like this album. I was on the fence about getting the record and now I'm thinking I won't.

[Andres3thousand]

I don't entirely disagree with the points brought up here. I do think the production is beautiful and the album taken as a whole is fairly good. I don't think any individual track stands up particularly well in comparison to previous material though (except "resistance" which is wonderful)

The most interesting thing will be watching how these songs evolve live, Muse has never been a studio band to my heart.

I promise that "Unnatural Selection" and "I belong to you". Even "undisclosed desires" have great potential as live tracks.

[alexander!5000]

this album is really awful

[Cal50]

this is a terrible album by an overrated band and i hope their 15 minutes are up soon

[alexander!5000]

I hate hearing stuff like the last sentence of this. Maybe it's just me, but there's way too many albums coming out week after week for me to waste an inordinate amount of time on something I don't like. I'd rather spend my time seeking out something I like rather than trying to force myself to like something I can't fucking stand, just because someone else says I should like it. I listened to this about seven times and liked it less and less each time. Were I not writing a review for it, I doubt I would have given it a second listen. I really don't consider this growth as much as a case of a band biting off more than they can chew. They should stick to what they're good at.
agreed. awesome avatar btw farm rules

[jesse_hitz]

This is the worst review i have ever read!!!!! I have read noting but praise from this album from fellow critics. Secondly muse can kick the shit out of any other bands musicians on here. matt is a unreal guitar/ piano player. I think the reviewer is hating on this album because it's stripped down and more poppy than rock, however it still rocks hard.

[jesse_hitz]

this is a terrible album by an overrated band and i hope their 15 minutes are up soon
hahaha yo make me laugh. mat could rip the face off anything you listen too.

[jesse_hitz]

good review, I agree with most of it.

anyone who's interested, I wrote a review of the Resistance as well....check it out

http://www.behindthehype.com/music-reviews/alternative/muse-reach-for-the-stars-face-little-resistance/
your review sucks balls

[Here It Goes]

Very well written review, gotta say. I lean towards sharing your opinions, but I've never found Muse to be pompous or artsy before, just fairly epic for only 3 dudes playing music. I'll have to give this a full listen.

[Analog Rebellion]

Great album, but not as good as Black Holes or Absolution.

[prettymucharobo]

Do you think any artist on the planet wants to regurgitate the same thing over and over, album after album, no.

August Burns Red seems pretty content to do that.

I have to disagree with the review, especially about Exogenesis. The three tracks are absolutely beautiful and I agree with the others in that it was a great way to close the album.

[AnchorBraille]

thats cause youre fuckin stupid and would rather listen to a christian emo band than a band like Muse who is probably the best rock band of our time.i fucking hate muse fans and your the reason why.....go listen to your overblown muse albums...

[Jeremy Aaron]

This is the worst review i have ever read!!!!! I have read noting but praise from this album from fellow critics. Secondly muse can kick the shit out of any other bands musicians on here. matt is a unreal guitar/ piano player. I think the reviewer is hating on this album because it's stripped down and more poppy than rock, however it still rocks hard.
Glad I could provide such a superlative review. I don't know if they "can kick the shit out of any other bands' musicians," but they have proven themselves talented in the past, which is why this is so disappointing. And seriously? Even Phil Spector would laugh at the notion of this album being called "stripped-down."

[denissuxx]

I haven't heard this yet.. but 66%? Woah

[Andres3thousand]

this is a terrible album by an overrated band and i hope their 15 minutes are up soon

haha this is not a 15 minutes band


everyone here just needs to settle a bit

[foisol]

Muse is arena rock... it's going to be bombastic and it's going to be cheesy. As much as I love these guys, and their older stuff, I would much rather see them live than on CD.

[Buscemi Knows Best]

I don't really agree with this review. I loved the album, especially the last 3 tracks. Different strokes for different strokes though I suppose :shrug:
you mean different strokes for different folks?

[Bobby Tucker]

thats cause youre fuckin stupid and would rather listen to a christian emo band than a band like Muse who is probably the best rock band of our time.

Not that they care, but Radiohead and Brand New would probably disagree with you. Far more talented than Muse...

This is a brave review to say the least. Overhyped record by a well respected band. Certainly sone pretentiousness in those last three tracks.

[RyanFTW]

"This Score is Wrong"

Nope. It's his opinion.

[RyanFTW]

I don't get how people are so up in arms about the musicianship score. After hearing this album, you can just hear lots of unnecessary sounds on a LOT of the songs. If the layering wasn't so damn overblown and they simplified a lot of it, then realistically they could have made some killer tracks.

Musicians have to stop blowing themselves and just do what is necessary for the song.

Don't get me wrong, I think all three guys in this band not only know their way around their instruments quite well, I could definitely say they're probably the most technically proficient trio in music right now. Simplification is a misunderstood art in musicianship and showing some restraint could do strides for song crafting.

[BulleTheory]

great album...for those that have an open mind in music and appreciate TRUE music

[BulleTheory]

Not that they care, but Radiohead and Brand New would probably disagree with you. Far more talented than Muse...

This is a brave review to say the least. Overhyped record by a well respected band. Certainly sone pretentiousness in those last three tracks.
you lost me once you said Brand New. if you really think BN is more talented then Muse, you are out of your mind.

[BulleTheory]

I hate hearing stuff like the last sentence of this. Maybe it's just me, but there's way too many albums coming out week after week for me to waste an inordinate amount of time on something I don't like. I'd rather spend my time seeking out something I like rather than trying to force myself to like something I can't fucking stand, just because someone else says I should like it. I listened to this about seven times and liked it less and less each time. Were I not writing a review for it, I doubt I would have given it a second listen. I really don't consider this growth as much as a case of a band biting off more than they can chew. They should stick to what they're good at.
;-)

[RyanFTW]

great album...for those that have an open mind in music and appreciate TRUE music
So, since I don't like it that means I DON'T have an open mind and I don't appreciate true music?

That's a tad rash, don't you think?

[eleven eleven]

Anberlin's "The Resistance" > Muse's "The Resistance"

Yes, one single track beats the entire record.
anberlin sucks.

[AnchorBraille]

anberlin sucks.
dude you listen to rise against....therefore your musical opinion means nothing

[MorningStar10]

I can never get into Muse, although i respect he is a good singer, i just find it difficult to listen to his falsetto-show off-screeches which is apparent in almost every song. The guitars have always been the main selling point and 'The Uprising' is just Knights of Cydonia without good guitar solos.

The band also try to come off as rebellious, in same catagory of Gallows Grey Britain concept album (sort of) but they just cant pull it off with the same allure that Carter and the rest of the boys achieve.

[eleven eleven]

dude you listen to rise against....therefore your musical opinion means nothing
Yeah, look at my profile and pick out a band you don't like. Good job! Never seen that before. I hardly listen to Rise Against anymore, and besides: Revolutions per Minute is better than anything anyone in Anberlin will ever put out. They are not good. Now go away.

[AnchorBraille]

Yeah, look at my profile and pick out a band you don't like. Good job! Never seen that before. I hardly listen to Rise Against anymore, and besides: Revolutions per Minute is better than anything anyone in Anberlin will ever put out. They are not good. Now go away.
hahahahah see you just proved you know nothing about music...you shouldn't have even responded. how dare you insult anberlin by putting them on a lower level with rise against

[eleven eleven]

hahahahah see you just proved you know nothing about music...you shouldn't have even responded. how dare you insult anberlin by putting them on a lower level with rise against
I know more about music than you, Mr. Anberlin. I believe that Rise Against put out two fantastic punk records, and I enjoy punk music. Are they better than older, more influential punk bands? Not even close. Fugazi or Rites of Spring or anything on Dischord will always come before RA. However, I see no point for your unnecessary hate of Rise Against. If you don't like them, fine, but it has nothing to do with my knowledge of music. Another thing: My profile on AP lists a few bands that I thought of on the spot about a year ago. So please save yourself the embarrassment and find better grounds to criticize people's musical knowledge, you stupid asshole.

[RoboZombieKitty]

Good review imo.

Looks like I'm gonna have to keep waiting for a song to topple Map of the Problematique.

[kianacarly]

I had high hopes for this album, but I thought it was pretty meh. Not awful, but upon the first few listens it was pretty disappointing. Lol at the people in the comments arguing Anberlin and Rise Against though.

[ricky denim]

I'm not liking it at all and I'm a HUGE Muse fan. Everything that made Muse good is gone here. There is no power or emotion in any of it. I'll just keep listening to everything before Black holes by the looks of it.

[RyanFTW]

hahahahah see you just proved you know nothing about music...you shouldn't have even responded. how dare you insult anberlin by putting them on a lower level with rise against
Yeah, look at my profile and pick out a band you don't like. Good job! Never seen that before. I hardly listen to Rise Against anymore, and besides: Revolutions per Minute is better than anything anyone in Anberlin will ever put out. They are not good. Now go away.

You two are a fucking embarassment to AP.Net.

Do NOT compare bands to each other, especially two COMPLETELY DIFFERENT bands like Anberlin and Rise Against. People have different tastes and both of you better get the fuck over it. You sound like first graders.

[Zippedychick]

The more I listen the more I love it.

[eleven eleven]

You two are a fucking embarassment to AP.Net.

Do NOT compare bands to each other, especially two COMPLETELY DIFFERENT bands like Anberlin and Rise Against. People have different tastes and both of you better get the fuck over it. You sound like first graders.
I KNOW YOU ARE BUT WHAT AM I

[AnchorBraille]

You two are a fucking embarassment to AP.Net.

Do NOT compare bands to each other, especially two COMPLETELY DIFFERENT bands like Anberlin and Rise Against. People have different tastes and both of you better get the fuck over it. You sound like first graders.
hey you know what...when somebody points how they hate a band in such a cutting way for no reason....its not right...and im mad at myself that i took his bait...i was embarrassing AP.net.

[eleven eleven]

hey you know what...when somebody points how they hate a band in such a cutting way for no reason....its not right...and im mad at myself that i took his bait...i was embarrassing AP.net.
There was no bait, I just don't think anberlin is better than Muse. So I said how I felt about the band. Then you decided to look through my profile and yeah. End.

[AnchorBraille]

There was no bait, I just don't think anberlin is better than Muse. So I said how I felt about the band. Then you decided to look through my profile and yeah. End.
please stop responding to me. I'm trying to be the bigger man here...

[eleven eleven]

please stop responding to me. I'm trying to be the bigger man here...
;-)

[topher465]

My problem with this review is your presupposition about Muse; if you already feel a negative/positive stigma about the artist, then there is bound to be some sort of bias. Granted, finding a completely unbiased review is quite typically impossible. But to me it seems like you simply have qualms for the way Muse does its thing, which you articulated quite thoroughly. I can respect your viewpoint, and cede that writing an unbiased review is nearly impossible. However, would disagree with the fact that you find yourself "somewhere in the middle."

[TheDemosRock]

I haven't read the review yet, but the scores for musicianship and vocals are way too low.

[Poochemist]

It's a good album. Vocals seemed a little toned down from past works (less falsetto). I like the random nod to Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody in one of the songs too.

[LastDeclaration]

Absolutely stellar review. The first paragraph is perfect.

[Jeremy Aaron]

Absolutely stellar review. The first paragraph is perfect.

Thanks. I was particularly pleased to see the degree to which my initial comments were validated by the replies.

[live4music]

W-T-F! Why would anyone who thinks his vocals are borderline comedic review this album? Ridiculous

[live4music]

My problem with this review is your presupposition about Muse; if you already feel a negative/positive stigma about the artist, then there is bound to be some sort of bias. Granted, finding a completely unbiased review is quite typically impossible. But to me it seems like you simply have qualms for the way Muse does its thing, which you articulated quite thoroughly. I can respect your viewpoint, and cede that writing an unbiased review is nearly impossible. However, would disagree with the fact that you find yourself "somewhere in the middle."
Fucking A that was well put

[fluke182]

Without question, the guy has tremendous vocal ability. The problem I have is that he goes so out of his way to sound exaggeratedly operatic, it borders on comedic at times. It's like, just sing dude.
But that is what the song is going for, and while there is no doubt that they were going for something bigger, his vocals fit perfectly for it. I don't really understand how the vocals can only get a 7.5 as well.

Additionally, I agree with you overall. This album is not as good as the rest of them but it is still a fine album and full of a lot of goodness (although I dislike the Trilogy way less than you do).

But I do have to admit, perhaps the only thing more over the top than this album is your review. Come on now, you hit the thesaurus a bit too hard on that one. There is a line separating using good words situationally and being excessive with them, and I think you ran rampant over that line.

[Shin Akuma]

"Guiding Light" is actually one of my favorite tracks so far.

Why only a 6.5 for production? Just curious.
"Guiding Light" reminds me of this .. yeh michaels death gave some "inspiration" to matt ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtfyHlX_srg&feature=related

"Uprising" music reminds me .. something between FOBs - I Dont Care and Katy Perrys I kissed a Girl .. this drum beat is so trendy .. good choice for first single ..

"Resistance" reminds me like 10 muse songs at once!

"Undiclosed desires" ... whats this shitty RnB tune? wheres 50 cent?? need some rap this song to be cooler ..

"United States ..." ENOUGH WITH QUEEN ... Sounds ridiculous in 2009 man ...

"Unnatural Selection" ... is this remix of New Born? or maybe New Born Pt.2 ??

"MK Ultra" .. Plug in Baby Pt.2 ..

"I belong to you" .. WTF ?? whats this ? Maroon5 or Jason Mraz ??

about the 3 last songs .. Matt my friend you should work for a movie soundtrack .. i wont listen in my cars this kind of songs .. i ll probably fall asleep .. where's my rockers .. ?? wtf happened to you guys .. ??

[albatrossflyer]

Does anyone else think Uprising sounds like a Britney Spears song?

YES! but no one agrees with me. i'm so glad someone else brought it up.

[Jeremy Aaron]

But that is what the song is going for, and while there is no doubt that they were going for something bigger, his vocals fit perfectly for it. I don't really understand how the vocals can only get a 7.5 as well.

Additionally, I agree with you overall. This album is not as good as the rest of them but it is still a fine album and full of a lot of goodness (although I dislike the Trilogy way less than you do).

But I do have to admit, perhaps the only thing more over the top than this album is your review. Come on now, you hit the thesaurus a bit too hard on that one. There is a line separating using good words situationally and being excessive with them, and I think you ran rampant over that line.

I'm a bit taken aback by that last comment. People can think whatever they want about the record. Had I sung its praises, half of the readers would have hated the review anyway. I pretty much covered that. I'm surprised at your criticism of word-choice in the review, though. I've posted many reviews here, not one of which is purposely dumbed-down, and no one's ever made such comments. I read a lot. I write a lot. You can tell when people "hit the thesaurus too hard" because the words don't fit right or sound awkward in context. I choose my words carefully, and were I to "hit the thesaurus," I'm doubtful I would find words that express my thoughts any better than the ones I used. I don't think my writing is any more over-the-top than reviews you'd find in Filter, Paste, or Under the Radar.

[albatrossflyer]

Anberlin's "The Resistance" > Muse's "The Resistance"

Yes, one single track beats the entire record.

Epic. Win.

[albatrossflyer]

Great review. While this album has some good tracks, "Resistance", "Undisclosed Desires", the ones you mentioned, the album as a cohesive whole is weak. As a friend of mine pointed out, the only truly creative moments on this album rip off either great Classical works or Queen, and superimposed onto Muse's formula, it sounds forced and pretentious.

I give them credit for producing their own album and being hands down one of the best live bands of all time. I love Muse, all their previous albums have had truly sublime moments, but in comparison this record falls flat on its face. It's not totally awful, but for Muse, it's disappointing.

[c_rob2700]

This review is excellent and written extremely well. My thoughts on this album are exactly yours.

The singles being the best songs, the overblown theatrics, Bellamy's best Mercury impressions, the unnecessary noise. It's just too much and like you, I really can only stand this band when they're not being cliche and just playing straight up, no nonsense rock music.

[Garett Press]

I'm a bit taken aback by that last comment. People can think whatever they want about the record. Had I sung its praises, half of the readers would have hated the review anyway. I pretty much covered that. I'm surprised at your criticism of word-choice in the review, though. I've posted many reviews here, not one of which is purposely dumbed-down, and no one's ever made such comments. I read a lot. I write a lot. You can tell when people "hit the thesaurus too hard" because the words don't fit right or sound awkward in context. I choose my words carefully, and were I to "hit the thesaurus," I'm doubtful I would find words that express my thoughts any better than the ones I used. I don't think my writing is any more over-the-top than reviews you'd find in Filter, Paste, or Under the Radar.
I'm a really good judge of this, and your review does not qualify as thesaurus-heavy. Go read some of my early reviews and you'll see some REAL thesaurus work.

[Bobby Tucker]

you lost me once you said Brand New. if you really think BN is more talented then Muse, you are out of your mind.

BN makes more fluid and deep arrangements without ever overblowing their own sound. They can offer density and layer ambient guitar and bass lines with reverberations and distortions, and they do it all while never putting me on aural overload. As complex as their sound might be, it's also extremely easy to pick out partciular lines and identify them as part of the whole track or album. With Muse, it's impossible to pick out a single line without getting completely distracted by the thousands of other unnecessary sounds they try to throw in there to make it seem like dense arrangements. It's not like they're composing musical lines, they're flippantly putting in something superfluous to fill any time that isn't overflowing with sound.

Composing and arranging is a component of musical talent, and BN is far ahead of Muse in this regard...

[princesschad]

thats cause youre fuckin stupid and would rather listen to a christian emo band than a band like Muse who is probably the best rock band of our time.
Best rock band of our time is Radiohead, try again.

[konvalbr]

Best rock band of our time is Radiohead, try again.
that is an opinion. one which i do not share as i believe Radiohead is the most overrated band of this age. so no, you try again.

[princesschad]

that is an opinion. one which i do not share as i believe Radiohead is the most overrated band of this age. so no, you try again.
OK Computer is better than anything Muse will ever put out. And that's just one Radiohead album! Check out the critical response to Radiohead compared to Muse if you want more opinions than mine! Surely that'll help. There comes a point where 'opinion' and 'fact' begin to blend, especially when the overwhelming opinion is in such favor of something.

There's the old college try.

[AlkalineAshes]

that is an opinion. one which i do not share as i believe Radiohead is the most overrated band of this age. so no, you try again.
if radiohead is shit, muse is shit junior

[fluke182]

I'm a bit taken aback by that last comment. People can think whatever they want about the record. Had I sung its praises, half of the readers would have hated the review anyway. I pretty much covered that. I'm surprised at your criticism of word-choice in the review, though. I've posted many reviews here, not one of which is purposely dumbed-down, and no one's ever made such comments. I read a lot. I write a lot. You can tell when people "hit the thesaurus too hard" because the words don't fit right or sound awkward in context. I choose my words carefully, and were I to "hit the thesaurus," I'm doubtful I would find words that express my thoughts any better than the ones I used. I don't think my writing is any more over-the-top than reviews you'd find in Filter, Paste, or Under the Radar.
I wasn't trying to be deliberately insulting as I agree with most of your review (besides the vocals). However, it just read unnaturally to me and that you were trying a bit too hard to me. Sorry man, I apologize about that. I read a lot and write a lot as well, and I just prefer more natural sounding writing.

[Jamos4184]

My problem with this review is your presupposition about Muse; if you already feel a negative/positive stigma about the artist, then there is bound to be some sort of bias. Granted, finding a completely unbiased review is quite typically impossible. But to me it seems like you simply have qualms for the way Muse does its thing, which you articulated quite thoroughly. I can respect your viewpoint, and cede that writing an unbiased review is nearly impossible. However, would disagree with the fact that you find yourself "somewhere in the middle."
Agreed.

[ZeoVGM]

I like it, but it's still my biggest disappointment of the year so far, I think. It has a couple great tracks, but overall feels like it's just missing the mark as a whole.

[3 ninjas]

once again album of the fucking year if you know a thing or two about good music

[CokeorPepsi]

I seriously couldn't disagree more with this review. I had high expectations for this album and they were definitely exceeded which is a rare thing indeed. MK Ultra id one of the best tracks of the year. I think you need to listen to the last three tracks again as well - it takes a few listens to grab a hold of you but once it does you'll be hooked. I'd say this is a sure bet for my top 10 of the year but this year truly has been incredible for releases and there's still so much to come. (Converge, Russian Circles, Between the Buried and Me, Alkaline Trio, weezer, etc.)

end mini rant

[DaWeevil]

I can sort of see where you're coming from, but I definitely disagree. While I need to give it more time to be sure, I might even go so far as to say this is my favourite album of theirs. It combines some of the best elements from previous albums into a surprisingly cohesive whole, while still feeling fresh and exciting. Sure, some of it isn't typical Muse fare, but I'm glad they're not afraid to experiment like this, and excluding Guiding Light, I think it comes out great.

And while I kind of agree on the Exogenesis titles, it makes me sad to see you call them boring. :-( I think they're some of Muse's best works, and an excellent finish to the album (I find Redemption especially poignant).

But different strokes for different folks. :-)

[ian_skyline]

"The band hit an all-time low on the album's final three tracks"
all time low, or one of the best things they've done!
6.5 for production? i'd say this is one of the best produced albums i've heard.

[introduction]

your review is good, and i can see where you're coming from, but i really like this album, and think that it doesn't quite deserve a score like this.

[Sarcasm]

I really liked The Resistance...low rating for such a good album.

[ZeoVGM]

once again album of the fucking year if you know a thing or two about good music
I do. And it's not.

It's good, but album of the YEAR ... if I know about music?

No, Brand New is better than this.

[:-)]

:jawdrop:
This is way too harsh. Matthew Bellamy is one of the most talented musicians of our time.
Sure the album has its weaker tracks (Guiding Light, I Belong To You, Exogenesis pts. 1&2) but they absolutely shine on songs like Undisclosed Desires and MK Ultra.

Oh, and negative reviews do not necessarily equal honesty.

[BulleTheory]

Saosin's new album got a higher rating then this one?

:lol:

wow. a 66? are you serious?

[Garett Press]

Saosin's new album got a higher rating then this one?

:lol:

wow. a 66? are you serious?
You can't compare ratings between two different reviewers. The site doesn't have a unanimous opinion - each individual reviewer has their OWN opinions. You can only compare to other Jeremy Aaron reviews.

[BulleTheory]

why would you review this album if you already don't like the band to begin with.......

[jcoop05]

Vocals 7.5 and Musicianship 7.75?

I'm completely baffled by these score. They make no sense.

[Garett Press]

why would you review this album if you already don't like the band to begin with.......
why would you review this album if you already like this begin to begin with? same effect. it's MUSE, any reviewer already has an opinion going in.

[BulleTheory]

You can't compare ratings between two different reviewers. The site doesn't have a unanimous opinion - each individual reviewer has their OWN opinions. You can only compare to other Jeremy Aaron reviews.
regardless, to give this album a 66 and even have it in the same breath as Saosin's new generic crap is unbelievable

[BulleTheory]

why would you review this album if you already like this begin to begin with? same effect. it's MUSE, any reviewer already has an opinion going in.
no, not necessarily. it is a review and im pretty sure it is better for the site, and the band to have a little more positive bias towards a band then a negative one...yes, i guess bias is unavoidable in this case, but if you have a negative bias and put out a negative review, less people will give the album a try...even though it may be an incredible album

[Garett Press]

regardless, to give this album a 66 and even have it in the same breath as Saosin's new generic crap is unbelievable
So just cause this sounds different than Saosin it immediately deserves a higher score?

66 is above 50. It's the upper half of the scale. Jeremy is not trashing this album. That is a decent score. Pitchfork gave it a 5.9 (http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13453-the-resistance/), and they HATE Saosin.... you guys all better email them too!

For fuck's sake the Metacritic Score (http://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/muse/resistance) is a 72, that's only 6 points higher than Jeremy!

Saosin review was done by a fan, this review was done by an unconvinced neutral. See why you can't compare two different subjective opinions from two different human beings?

[Garett Press]

no, not necessarily. it is a review and im pretty sure it is better for the site, and the band to have a little more positive bias towards a band then a negative one...yes, i guess bias is unavoidable in this case, but if you have a negative bias and put out a negative review, less people will give the album a try...even though it may be an incredible album
I agree, and AP.net reviews are vastlyyy positive compared to the rest of the critical world. But ultimately people do read reviews to decide whether or NOT they should buy an album. There has to be an aspect of discretion, that's the purpose of the form

[xapplexpiex]

I've been reading all the posts on this thread and I'm sorta confused. Why are people arguing over who's the better band? Radiohead Vs. Muse Vs. Rise Against Vs. Anberlin Vs. Brand New...really guys? This is AP.net. We all have different tastes, so calm down. If someone doesn't like my favorite bands, I don't throw a fit. Everyone's different.

[elenar011]

whether or not you like this album, this is a fantastic review.

[Deadbolt01]

They're really bad these days.

[AnchorBraille]

there are only two types of people in this world...people who love muse and people who hate muse :-)

[ZeoVGM]

there are only two types of people in this world...people who love muse and people who hate muse :-)
Not really. I love their last three albums. I think this is a disappointment.

[AnchorBraille]

Not really. I love their last three albums. I think this is a disappointment.
well i meant the whole band not there particular albums specifically.

[FullCollaspe]

Good review, this really was dissaponting. Also people worry too much about the scores and probably don't really care about what the review is saying.

[TheBodysnatcher]

I agree with this review Muse is one of my favorite bands of all time, and this album just sucks. I loved everything they did until this new album. Just seems forced and uninspired. Their musicianship is watered down, no creativity. Undisclosed Desires and I Belong To You are mildly enjoyable. One more thing how can a song called MK Ultra not rock. Go figure...

[fly_guy]

Muse sucks

[KingAki36]

Muse....what a terrible excuse for a good band. Yay for mainstream hipsters.

[cereal4life]

Muse sucks
So what you're trying to say is you don't like them?

They certainly don't suck. Even if you don't like them, they're all talented musicians in their own right.

[fly_guy]

So what you're trying to say is you don't like them?

They certainly don't suck. Even if you don't like them, they're all talented musicians in their own right.
They dont suck. I put it wrong. I just think that they are widely over-hyped and have huge egos, due to the fact that most of their fans go apeshit for them.

[iclancy82]

The Resistance is a great track. It highlights the The New World Order. C'mon this pretty heady stuff. If you don't believe the New World Order exists....well then I don't know what to say.

[iclancy82]

The Resistance is a great track. It highlights the The New World Order. C'mon this pretty heady stuff. If you don't believe the New World Order exists....well then I don't know what to say.
TYPO The Uprising.

[MFSchris]

Muse definitely does NOT suck. Say what you will about their success and say what you will about your personal opinion on their music, but they are excellent musicians and are great at what they do. That being said, this album IS a little too over dramatic, I agree with this review for the most part.

[TheFaceOfZach]

To me, it sounds like a political-sounding Queen

[Heppolo]

As someone on rateyourmusic said "Muse fans are almost as bad as Dream Theater fans".
This album is just a sheer impersonation of stadium rock at its best. Matt Bellamy can't really decide whether he and his band want to be critic-darlings a-la Radiohead or pack stadiums and sell lots of records like U2. Yes, they are closer to U2 in downplaying their musical abilities in order to be pompous, epic and over-the-top. Absolution was their peak, now I'm witnessing their lowest point. I dream that people let this album be the "Be Here Now" of Muse.

[suicidalmoose]

cd is a let down. il stick with showbiz and origin of symmetry
amen to that

muse was one of my favourite bands until they started moving on to other types of music, starting on a few absolution songs, and finishing it off with resistance

they used to rock so much :'( !

[chriscolours]

Not bat, but nothing compared to "Absolution..." :( I want the OLD Muse back.

[xAUST-BOSSx]

i think this album is wonderfully produced, but the writing isn't everything it could be. i think they didn't spend as much time making this one as emotionally impacting as previous CD's. The Resistance is cool and unique, but it's just not powerful enough to me. i think music that is different is cool, but different can be a good or a bad thing. this album is different, but i don't like that it feels like they tried really hard to make it different. good albums are expressions that come easily, and in my opinion The Resistance feels forced.

[Dustin Harkins]

I know this is an old review but I feel like commenting on it anyway. I think the review was very well-written.

However, The Resistance is tied for my favorite Muse album (with Origin Of Symmetry). I feel like if you erased all of Muse's previous work and listened to The Resistance without prior experience with Muse, you would find it amazing. However, it is drastically different than the other releases, therefore it changes the type of expectations that would be had for the typical style of the album.

Point being: I think it's phenomenal, but I can see why others would dislike it.

[cityscapes101]

I loved it. :shrug:

[ChainOfOblivion]

Jeremy, I applaud you for composing the worst review I have ever read on AbsolutePunk =)

You are the very essence of all "critics" - and more than anything, I hope you realize what a useless bit of text you mashed together. If I were the type of person who based my own decisions and purchases on the opinions of others, even then I would find your review to be unhelpful and adolescent. But of course, this is to be expected considering your other contributions, which I foolishly took the time to read and sigh at.

In any case, your review of the Exogenesis tracks sounds like you needed a hug while you typed away at your keyboard going "HMPH." The fact that you find the track titles to be "pretentious" really just sounds like you needed to search through a dictionary to figure out what the words mean.

Have a wonderful day! :-d

[xidon]

This album is pretty poor compared with their previous efforts