The Mars Volta - Amputechture

Amputechture is the latest release by Funky Prog Metal Salsa Fusion outfit The Mars Volta. Without speaking at length (since for all I know this will sink to the forum abyss), I'll say that this is a very strong third album, and Guitarist/Producer/Mastermind Omar Rodriguez is really getting the hang of the production thing. There are no crappy five-minute noise intros/outros a la Frances the Mute. Ultimately this release falls a bit short of their mind-blowing first album, but I have a good feeling about the next one if the progress made between Frances and Amp is any indication.

Highlights: Ikey's organ, insane drumming, John Frusciante (Red Hot Chilli Peppers), a lot of sick non-guitar solos, jazz influences, dissonance!

Failings: Vocals are pitchy, a bit too many octave splits, drums are downmixed a bit too much, weak last song, too much dissonance =/

Jam it back in, in the dark.