ALBUM REVIEW: Behold the Arctopus - Skullgrid

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Enough with this boring "Oh look at us, we utilize a vast array of musical instruments to create something truly breathtaking" jibberjabber. Let's get some vicious riffs and mind-boggling fretburning action up in this piece before everyone retires for the night in their suede smoking jackets and leather mocassins, shall we?

Ladies and gentlement who read this Rabbit Hole blog, I present to you tech-metal instrumentalists Behold the Arctopus's latest opus, Skullgrid. Yes, it is a fact that I had no idea this album even existed until tonight. Yes, it is a fact that the only reason I found out about it is because I assumed the assclowns at the local shop would put Battles in the Metal section, even though it obviously didn't belong there. After all, these ARE the same folks who have, despite my numerous indications that this practice is wrong, left dozens of copies of Cage's Hells Winter in the Metal section, despite, uh...Cage being a rapper... These are the facts. One more fact: This album is fantastic in all arenas (except bass and vocals, as they don't exist on this album).

I feel especially bad for saying this, but it seems the band has really taken a stranglehold on Mick Barr's guitar sound. Reading the liner notes, though, it appears there may be a reason for all this idolatry: Mick Barr plays on the record. Small world.

As I listen to the album, trying to find the best track, the sure money gets put on "You Are Number Six," an epic track running nearly 9 minutes and featuring dozens of starts, stops, zigs, and zags. It is a masterpiece. But when all is said and done, the band closes far better than they open, leaving you fully satisfied with the climax, "Transient Exuberance," which gives the listener five false endings before delivering the final knock-out blow.

It's nice to hear fingertapping mixed with real riffing. It seems like it's been ages.

Also, this is just ridiculous:

















P.S. I love "Oh look at us, we utilize a vast array of musical instruments to create something truly breathtaking" bands as much as, if not more than, my comrades here at Rabbit Hole.