HYDEROMASTGRONINGEM

As much as I like some weird music out there, Hyderomastgroningem is one pretty weird album. Although some would probably say that the fact that I can spell the album's name correctly without looking it up is pretty weird too.

Anyone who has heard any work from Yoshida Tatsuya knows to except highly challenging music that is anything but easy to digest. Of course, that also means incredibly complex drumming (I sometimes listen to his work and wonder how many arms he actually has or if he's just a cyborg). With Ruins, you can also include high-quality bass work, although half the time you may sit there wondering if you're actually listening to bass or not. Ah, the wonders of MIDI technology. On Prrifth for example, it honestly sounds like bass and electric guitar are dueling each other with a few ridiculous riffs that change back and forth at lightning-fast speeds. I think it's safe to say that Ryuichi Masuda is a mastermind in terms of modern-day bassists. Although I would expect nothing less from someone selected to be in a Yoshida project.

While this music is highly energetic and almost borders at times on an energy felt in hardcore punk or extreme metal, it also serves as one of the weaknesses of the album too. While Hyderomastgroningem (I swear one of these days I'm going to misspell it) would certainly help to kick a caffeine addiction, it lacks in variety. Each of the tracks is for the most part as zany and off-the-wall as possible. There aren't much in terms of mellow, laid-back jams, a few of which I think would certainly have improved the quality of the music. The second and lesser issue I have is that all of the 4 short interlude tracks are for the most part just shouting and noise effects. I know I'm probably being picky here, but they really could have been cut from the album in my opinion.

Overall though, this album tickles my funny bone in a weird way. And it's certainly much more enjoyable for me than Tzomborgha. Of the 4 Ruins albums I have to date, this is certainly the weirdest, and easily the noisiest of the 4 I have. Some of the noise parts have become more and more grating over time though, and I really can't give this any higher than a 3. Steer clear unless you already enjoy a few other Ruins albums.