IRONY IS A DEAD SCENE

Let me start by saying that I've never been a fan of the Dillinger Escape Plan since their monotonous and over the top style, plus the ever changing vocalists, don't really appeal to my senses. But an exception had to be made once I heard that Mike Patton stepped behind the mic and added his unique blend sampling into the mix.

This 18-minute EP delivered everything that I could hope for from such a lethal collaboration. Ever since the first few seconds of the brilliant opener, Hollywood Squares, I knew that this was going to be one wild ride! It's true that the material on Irony Is A Dead Scene is completely dominated by Patton which can be hassle for anyone expecting the more regular mathcore style that the Dillinger Escape Plan is famous for. But I'm sure that even the fans should appreciate this collaboration since it opens so many new doors for the band to explore on their future releases.

Pig Latin continues the brilliance that began on the opening track but the obvious nods at System of A Down-styled shouts drops this track down one notch even though the second half of the composition was a great departure to the realm of Patton! When Good Dogs Do Bad Things is basically a longer version of Pig Latin but with even more creative energy inserted by everyone involved. The atmospheric section, two minutes into the track, is easily the best moment of this EP with perfectly placed guitar work adding even greater effect to the occasion. It's a pity that this collaboration didn't result in more original material since the cover of Come To Daddy feels pretty repetitive and adds nothing new to the original version except for the additional experimental sounds that don't do anything for me.

Minor misstep towards the end aside, Irony Is A Dead Scene still remains a refreshing take on the the formula that both Mike Patton and the Dillinger Escape Plan can be proud of. I definitely recommend all fans of experimental metal music to check out this EP!

***** star songs: Hollywood Squares (4:08) When Good Dogs Do Bad Things (6:01)

**** star songs: Pig Latin (3:31)

*** star songs: Come To Daddy (4:23)