Music
posted by Mike
May 3 2005
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Fantomas – Suspended Animation

fantsuspanimThe previous Fantomas album (Delirium Cordia) was a doomy, droney, hour-plus slice of epic sludge. The sounds and booklet imagery were clearly the stuff of nightmares. This time out, Mike Patton’s experimental metal supergroup (featuring members of Slayer, Melvins and Mr. Bungle) turns 180 degrees into hyper, whimsical territory, though the results are even more insane than their last. Packaged in a spiral-bound calendar by Japanese artist Yoshitmo Nara, both the booklet and music appear inspired by a painful sugar buzz. Each of the 30 tracks are full-on psychofrenetic freak-outs. Spastic whirlwinds of staccato guitars and drums, shrieking yodels and Bugs Bunny sound effects tear through unexpected twists and turns. It’s carefully orchestrated chaos, the next evolution of composers like John Zorn and Carl Stalling. Not many memorable melodies pop up, but the album seems carefully crafted and dynamic despite the overwhelming surface. Highly recommended for adventurous listeners who enjoy blurring the lines between music and noise, humor and horror.

This entry has a rating of 4.5

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