the Melvins

Editor's Review:

The greatest thing about this three piece hard rock band is that what you hear is what you get, though you may not be prepared for what you hear. The Melvins' sonically brutal sound first brought them to the attention of the masses, but records like The Bootlicker, the third in a '99 - 2000 trilogy, contained duets with '70s pop idol Leaf Garret, Helmet bass player Henry Bogdan and heir to the country music throne (who couldn't care less) Hank Williams III. Hostile Ambient Takover represents a little bit of everything - minus the odd guest spots - that The Melvins have tinkered with over the years. There is, of course, the heavy, pummeling rhythms and big guitar work of The Melvins signature rock ("Little Judas Chongo"); the incantational vocal emanations of King Buzzo ("Foaming"); a little bit of cow-punk twang ("Dr. Geek"); and a few interludes of heavy-handed ambient music to smooth the rough edges ("Black Stooges"). Thick-headed genius.
- Max Sidman



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Record Label Ipecac Recordings Released April 2002

Tracks Black Stooges Untitled Dr. Geek Little Judas Chongo The Fool, the Meddling Idiot The Brain center at Whipples Foaming The Anti-Vermin Seed