Type O Negative
Life is Killing Me
9.6
Type O Negative is a band that I've been a long time fan of, and needless to say, I couldn't wait to hear their new album, entitled Life is Killing Me. Four years between now and when World Coming Down was released in 1999 was too long for me. I know there are quite a few fans that were disappointed in World Coming Down, and even front man/bassist Peter Steele himself has said he was not happy with the album. I, on the other hand, dug that album almost as much as October Rust, so I had some high expectations with this album, because both of the latter get plenty of air-time in my Fortress of Solitude. Not many bands can have such a different range of sound on one album and pull it off smoothly. Type O Negative happens to be one of the few. Within the soundscape that is Life is Killing Me, you will find an upbeat punk sound ("I Don't Wanna Be Me" and "Angry Itch"), some 60's vibe stuff ("Ship Gods (Above All Things)"), 70's kind of psychedelic stuff ("We Were (Electrocute)"), and just plain down trodden dark music like they've always done ("How Could She"). The band’s ability to craft an enjoyable song can be seen throughout their career (although I don't enjoy much of the stuff previous to Bloody Kisses). I've always loved the sound of Kenny Hickey's over-distorted guitars. They've always worked nice with the band’s sound. Josh Silver's ambient gothic keyboards add to the ensemble along with Johnny Kelly's drumming, but the reason I dig Type O so much is because of Peter Steele's amazing vokills. Without Peter's vokills there is no Type O Negative. I don't think anyone could get the range that he has, from the subtle, smooth, and deep baritone vokills (he's like the goth version of Barry White) to his higher vokills, it all fits the music perfectly. I didn't think I would see the day when Type O Negative would be able to top October Rust, but they may have done it with their latest release. It's very neck and neck for me because I love every song on October Rust, but they've managed to create some definite Type O classics within Life is Killing Me. If you were disappointed with World Coming Down, I encourage you to give them a second chance and pick this album up. If you haven't heard much Type O Negative, I recommend you check this release out, it gives you a little taste of each album they've done. I can say right now, this is a major contender for my end of the year list. I haven't enjoyed depression this much in a while. Now where are my razor blades?
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