Search - Skinlab :: Revolting Room

TOTALLY UNRECOGNIZED BRILLANCE !

TheStickRules.Com | Locust Valley NY | 08/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I agree with some of the reviers about Skinlab. They are truly incredible and totalyy underated as a Metal-Speed Metal band.Their songs are at the same time fast, loud, and yet soothing to people who like complex patterns of sound and enjoy music that gets their heart racing.While the names of their albums may keep away POP fans, this group has a wonderful quality and complexity to their music.Give them a listen and listen to more then 1 song and you might be pleasantly surprised if you like loud, fast music.Best Regards to All, MC -TheStickRules.Com"

Huge step forward for Skinlab

ohnjayjdp | Columbus, IN United States | 06/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I own all 3 Skinlab albums, and their 1st two CDs are among my favorite metal CDs. Somehow, however, Skinlab have managed to improve upon their earlier works with "reVolting Room", a metal materpiece that nearly solidifies their place as the best metal band around today.While Skinlab's previous albums were heavy, "reVolting Room" is even heavier yet. Many of the same vocal styles are present on this CD (esp. the low, dark vocs), but a lot of the singing is much more aggressive, similar to hardcore or death metal. The guitar work is much the same as "Bound, Gagged ..." and "Disembody...", which is to say that it is exceptional.Every song on this album is amazing. Some of the best include Slave the Way, Disturbing The Art Of Expression, Take As Needed, and, my new favorite, Purify. In my opinion, "reVolting Room" shares the spot for best CD of '02 with Soilwork's "Natural Born Chaos" and The Crown's "Crowned in Terror". Also, if you like Skinlab, check out the band Scar Culture"

A Revolting Room Full of Revolting Music

Deathz Head | 04/23/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"...if you're a moron. Though Skinlab's never been the most talented band, they have done well for a hardcore nu-metal band and Revolting Room is a nice addition to their work.



One issue with hardcore bands is the never-ending progression most eventually make from screaming vocals to clean singing (Nothingface, Slipknot, Diecast are all examples of this.) Unfortunately, many bands fail to make this transition appealing. While Skinlab, like the aforementioned, does have more clean singing on this album than previous works, the progression is generally smooth. This welcomed transition adds to Skinlab's maturity as a band, setting them apart from angsty nu metal bands like Korn, Slipknot, Ill Nino, etc.



Additionally, the overall production quality is improved over other albums, and the vocalist's screams (where applicable) are even harsher than previously. What the screaming may lack in duration it makes up for in intensity.

As for the instrumentation, it, like the vocals, is generally mellower than on previous works with approximately the same talent value. It's not astounding (most nu metal isn't), but each part complements the others well enough for it not to matter much.



The biggest criticism of this album is that not all of the songs are great, and since there are only 10 tracks, it's difficult to be as forgiving as if the CD had 14 or so. 'Anthem for a Fallen Star,' 'Take as Needed,' and 'Come n Get It' aren't the greatest tracks ever, but decent enough to listen to. 'Slave the Way,' 'Disturbing the Art of Expression,' 'Purify,' 'Jesus Sells,' and 'One of Us' are all excellent, however.



If you're looking for a constant screamfest, Revolting Room will disappoint you, as it's roughly half singing and half screaming. Otherwise, Revolting Room is one of the better hardcore/nu-metal albums to pick up.



One last thing I will address: Some people associate Skinlab with early Machine Head and others try to claim that they too have sold out like Machine Head. For one, Skinlab never sounded very much like Machine Head (the former is clearly nu metal and the latter 80s styled-thrash) and for two, Skinlab hasn't significantly changed enough to merit them as "sellouts." Ignore people who claim otherwise."