I absolutely think Era Vulgaris is the most under appreciated rock album. Not in the American release, The Fun Machine Took A Shit and Died. Is a masterpiece of headbanging fun. The complexity of turning on the screw, 3s and 7s? Come on! If you are a Queens fan. Listen to that again.
I'll never understand the lack of appreciation for Era. It's easily my favorite Queens album, followed closely by SftD. I think Lullabies to Paralyze was their weakest album. It's still really good, but compared to what they'd released before, felt a bit less exciting.
See, Lullabies is my favorite, and Era is their weakest imo. Era Vulgaris has some heavier stuff on it, but it felt less cohesive than all their previous stuff, and Like Clockwork after (verdict is still out on Villains). Lullabies hit the sweet spot for me, where there was some heavy stuff on there, but mixed with that dark, weird waltzy stuff that QotSA is so good at. Lullabies also has several of their best songs, imo, with Tangled Up in Plaid (my favorite Queens song), Burn the Witch, Medication, Broken Box, and Long Slow Goodbye (the whole album is great, but those tracks stand with the absolute best of their entire discography). Era had some great stuff as well, with Make It Witchu, River in the Road, Run Pig Run, and Suture Up My Future, but songs like Turnin' on the Screw, Battery Acid, and Misfit Love are, imo, probably the worst in their discography. This is all just how I feel though. I brought it up, because I think there is a common thing I've seen from a few people here, where people who really dig Lullabies tend to like Era less, and people who like Era tend to like Lullabies less. There seems to be big difference in taste between QotSA fans and those two specific albums.
I think both Era Vulgaris and Lullabies To Paralyze are among the most underrated albums of all time. Some of my favorite tracks ever: Someone's In The Wolf, Suture Your Future, Battery Acid, Skin On Skin, I'm Designer, Burn The Witch etc etc etc... Josh doesn't release an album that isn't vital, especially upon repeated listening. Their albums only get better with age.
P.S. I absolutely agree, Era Vulgaris isn't complete without "The Fun Machine Took A Shit & Died". It's a crime for that song to be so unknown among Queens fans
I think Queens fit into metal no worries...just like the way they fit into Punk, Hard Rock, Alternative, Stoner, Psychedelic or what ever they play all sorts of stuff.Josh was a part of Kyuss who impacted metal music quite alot in the 90s.
Villains is more synthy, a little Bowie, a bit ZZ Top at times. It grew on me a lot faster than "...Like Clockwork" did strangely and I loved that album too.
E Vent I'm not saying they are better, just heavier. Era Vulgaris showcases more of a electronic inspired sound for the most part done with rock instrumentation and some synths.
It's hard for me to believe that people think Era Vulgaris is a bad album, probably this opinion comes from people who are not true alternative rock music fans (people who have some kind of one direction oriented music taste). Era Vulgaris brings a total new and raw atmosphere and has some really good tunes that sound great in live performances.
Villian of Circumstance is boring?? That's like my favorite track on the album ha. Gives me a very Like Clockwork vibe, and that's my favorite QOTSA album.
Alden Legge i love that song too. I DO wish he'd kept that one the same as it started out (acoustic stripped), but that being said I still like the album version
Alden Legge Villians of Circumstances was the first song that impressed meof this album. I had the acoustic version, but was blown away with the album version. I really been digging Hideaway and Un Reborn Again alot lately.
Ditto! I can't get that chorus out of my head! Definitely one of my favorites along with Un-Reborn Again and Domesticated Animals which is probably tied for favorite. Oh, and Fortress is damn good too.
Great review. Although young kids here don't know much else outside the metal genre... Framed perfectly with some of the best bands you can get as Clutch and obviously Kyuss. If it gets close to the masterpiece called "Songs for the deaf" then it's really worth a listen. Great one Sarah! 👍
If I had to rate QOTSA's albums in chronological order: 1. s/t 2. Rated R 3. Songs for the Deaf 4. Lullabies to Paralyze 5. Era Vulgaris 6. ...Like Clockwork 7. Villains
This album reminds me a lot of The Mars Volta in that QOTSA are folding in a lot of different genres of music into thier songs. And they also seem to flirt a little with some prog rock tempos
Like Clockwork was such a masterpiece, but Villains is definitely growing on me with each listen. I hear echoes of LC in it but I just don't know if it hangs together and flows as well as an album. Time will tell.
I heard that Homme actually played a bass clarinet for parts of the Kyuss albums because he actually couldn't get the guitars tuned low enough while still being playable. I don't know if that's true, but it's interesting if it is.
Clutch - "Elephant Riders" One of my favorite songs to play bass along to for 15 years now. Great review here. I had been out of the loop for a while and had no Idea Homme died during surgery and was revived. That's nuts. Glad he made it through. If he wants a dancy album I say the man can do whatever he wants.
Awesome review as usual and great choice of album! May I recommend (not necessarily for a review, but for a listen), the new album from Sons of Crom, The Black Tower! I think you'll enjoy it! Thanks :D
I've loved all of Queens Of The Stone Age's records, and this one is just another that gives me a happy feeling inside. Thanks for your review, Sarah. :)
It's fun that so much people hate Era Vulgaris. It might be my favorite from QotSA. "Lullabies" on the other hand is for me the worst. Even if it has its load of excellent songs, the second half of the album is mainly based on few riffs looped forever (Blood Is Love and Someone's In The Wolf mainly). Still it's an excellent album, the worst from QotSA beign still better than everything else ! :)
Just realised I'm wearing my tour t-shirt with a slightly altered cover of the album. The devil has his middle fingers up. Sure turns heads more than my Meshuaggh t-shirts haha.
Am surprised - but not in a bad way - that you chose to spotlight this disc. I have always had the same thought of Queens re: they're one of the few modern day bands that can skillfully incorporate & transition between different genres/sounds and it always sounds organic & isn't predictable. Cheers for this review!
so happy you reviewed my favorite band. loving the new record!!! queens is my guilty pleasure, along with janes addiction and fiona apple. my roots are bay area thrash and as ive grown older i feel less guilty about my guilty pleasures. what feels good, feels good right. you do such a great job!! your a lil heavy for me sometimes with the death and black stuff, which, if it werent for the vocals, i would be down. thank you
“Un-reborn” again is my favorite track, it’s a mix of punk and this haunting dark illustration that’s so cinematic I’m surprised it hasn’t been used for a video.
I bought the deluxe edition 180g version. I think the 3 and half out of 5 score is pretty spot on. However I have to say that the vinyl mix isn't great which might be down to the recording being done digitally as opposed to analogue. Consequently there is little low end and the bass is low in the mix. The CD version or downloads probably sounds better.
While I think it deserves more than 3 1/2 "skulls", I just wanted to say that your reviews are so incredibly well-made. Top notch. Thanks for the Pagan Altar shoutout too, never heard of them and have fallen in love immediately.
My personal rankings of QOTSA records: 1. Songs for the Deaf 2. ...Like Clockwork 3. Rated R 4. Villains 5. Self Titled 6. Lullabies to Paralyze 7. Era Vulgaris
The production of this album is INCREDIBLE!!! Especially at the very last song, everything starts with a crystal clear, very modern sound, and then gets a bit older and older. Starting from 5:15, it is pretty too much rainbow and the first era of deep purple. Actually, the whole album has this back and forth, i really did love that.
I love this album and have been with each of their albums since I started listening in 2009. I'm still young and getting into Rock/Metal at my own pace but this is one band that has grown on me over time and I already loved their first 3 albums as soon as I heard them the first time around. Their last 2 albums took a bit of time to grow on me but they did and I've learned to appreciate their new stuff. Each album does change which is good but also sad we'll probably never hear QotSA like their were in 1996-1999. Still they have a little bit of it in their with each album.
Great review Sarah 😉 keeps getting better. Banger TV rules!!! But I am sorry to correct you, but josh homme said in an interview last year that the story where he died was made up and that he actually just sank into a depression and had a battle with drugs. 😕 In any case, his feet hasn't failed home yet 😆 Please do "medusa" by paradise lost next 😀
Amazing review! You really know your music. I hadn't heard of King Dude and I've just bought the album of his you mentioned on vinyl. QOTSA are definitely a band that takes a lot of listening to "get" them. I wouldn't be surprised if in another couple of years you'd give this a 4 or a 4.5! I've only been a QOTSA fan since Songs For The Deaf because you know, Dave on drums so I needed to hear that album. Era Vulgaris was definitely the most difficult album for me to get my head around. I think it took over 50 listens until I understood it and I enjoy that with music and as you said it's usually the albums you need to listen to a few times before you get it that you end up loving more. Smashing Pumpkins - Adore was another one of those that springs to mind in regards to that! I do agree that Villians of Circumstance is a little boring on the album it wasn't until I saw it live that I got it. It's kind of a lullaby on the album. Check out ruclips.net/video/4JvOfnYZvNU/видео.html with Joshua and Dean and you'll probably appreciate that song more!
I'm sorry man, I mean it was the first album of their's I listened to, some pretty great tracks like You Gotta Killer Scene and Tangled Up in Plaid but honestly I find the other ones capturing me much more
What do you think of Villains? I like it a lot because it carries resemblance to Like Clockwork (Villains of Circumstance, Hideaway, even Fortress) but it could be stronger, favorite track? (Mine is the opener)
Clutch is amazing! The haters just don't know how how to have fun and just rock. Thanks for the review, was contemplating picking this up, now I'm sold. Keep up the good work.
kaide melloch just got off the phone with my local record store, unfortunately I have to wait a week because I'm picky and needed it on vinyl. But thank you for your vote of confidence much appreciated.
Era Vulgaris is a great album in my opinion it shows why they are doing so good as a band, they incorporate so many different genres which causes a lot of different ppl to like and listen to them
Just saw the episode of Anthony Bourdains "No Reservations" with the singer about living, working and eating in the desert. That was very intereresting. Their process of making music was great to watch. Its not the music I like to hear an entire album of.
Indeed Sarah, you either get QOTSA or you don't. You obviously don't, saying Era Vulgaris is their worst album. And Rated R one of their best. Era Vulgaris is a brilliant album. And that the vocals are weird to you on that album is probably because you listen too much to heavy metal, where melodies are hard to find. The vocals are harmonically brilliant in my opinion, for example on Into The Hollow, I think you should listen to it better than you have done.
Daniël Van Rossum I do agree that some people who listen to a lot of metal dont seem to appreciate melodies though. Villains is chock full of great hooks. People who look down their nose at catchy melodies dont know shit
slorr55 That's what Josh was going for. It's not for everyone, but I liked it. I completely agree about the guitars, though. This album would be better with Era Vulgaris-style guitar tones or something close to it.
If QOTSA were defined by electric guitar, it would be a problem, but I like that they embrace many sounds, in their discography. When they go for crunchy guitar, it's fun, but I like diversity.
I love the new album and while I agree Era Vulgaris is their worst album, I wouldn't call it a 'career misstep'. Sure it's weird, and took me a couple of years to actually enjoy BUT it's really awesome. Great review, I subscribed because of the quality of the review. BUT FOR THE LOVE OF GOD: don't start a video begging for subs, it's the first I've seen of you and I always skip ahead because of it. You are really good at this, so you don't need to beg two times a video. Peace
Well I mean they famously said even when they released Era Vulgaris that they just fucked around to end their contract with Interscope because they owed them one more album... I still dig it though, then again I am a fanboy.
'Head like a haunted' and 'The way you used to' are wicked tracks. need to listen to the album more tho. 'Songs for the deaf' is a clear end to end rock solid album for me though, and classic QOTSA. ....Living Color...wow! haven't heard of them for 20years! they were amazing!
I really wish people could give an honest review of a Queens album without resorting to comparing to a previous album. It's such a cop-out. They're all different in a great way. Also, Era Vulgaris is a real barn burner.
Should have played the heavier parts of the album. "The Evil Has Landed" is an amazing song and has a heavy part that sounds sick, and the riffs!? So good! But I enjoyed the review. Thank you.
listened to this a few times and I only think a few tracks are great. specifically, Un-Reborn Again (for the verse and chorus) and Evil Has Landed (for all the guitar licks and different tones, and the coda that sounds like classic QotSA)
Great review. I will say I wasn't a huge fan of their last 2 albums but this I like. They brought back the Rock! And that's a good thing. Also hell yeah on the new Pagan Alter!!!
Raw, fucked up guitar parts that run through the more anal, poppy sounds which nonetheless tap into the emotional guts, I dare say, in a Beatles way... Feet is funky as hell (as you pointed out) but slippery at the same time; The Way is a song that's constantly morphing in its apparent simplicity; D-Animals is just smart and hooky; Fortress is like QotSA's making sweet love to Madonna; Head Like a Haunted House, mam... I don't understand, this is one of the most surprising songs I've ever heard from Queens (yes, it's their take on the Cramps, Dead Kennedys, etc., but what could be better than that, man?); Un-reborn? I have it on repeat... I find it short - it fucking rocks!; Hideaway has great guitar and beautiful harmonies; yeah, Evil is a Them Crooked Vultures song, but TCV at its best; and Villains is just an exquisite closer for this. This thing does not need to grow on me, it's just a perfect, refreshing QotSA album. All of them songs have a crazy hook here and there. Yeah, live? It will be amazing, but I love the layers of the studio recordings (I've heard people saying there aren't any... wtf!?)
Even though I saw QOTSA with Turbonegro in 2003, I much prefer Homme's work with Kyuss. Blues For The Red Sun is one of my favorite "heavy" albums from the 1990s.
DarkAngesDoom , Pagan Altar is very underrated, great NWOBHM band! That's rad you gave them a shout, thank you. Also what the fuck is the rest of the Josh Homme died story? I never heard about that!
1/3 of me: "Sweet! Never thought they'd review Queens. One of my favourites. Good review." 1/3 of me: "Ugh, why is this being reviewed on Banger? Keep Banger Metal! Keep Banger Metal!" 1/3 of me: "Sarah, how can you not acknowledge the amazingosity of their self-titled debut. The bedrock of Queens' desert. I am sad."
Great review overall; I'd just say that I disagree on the better than Like Clockwork. Like Clockwork is different from, but it's the one that I'd put closer to Songs for the deaf in terms of songwriting quality, this new one would be as close as in third place I'd say
what is this shit with heavy = good music. shit can be good without being hardcore!! and heavy!! Qotsa are not a metal band!! They have never been categorized as one!! why are you putting them in that category??
Dave Obsessed Music categories are really just a waste of time. I feel this more and more as I get older. People squabbling about "thats not metal" or "thats not punk". Its like - Just get up and dance fuckers!
I know it came out last year, but I'd really like to see a review of Gold by the band Whores. out of Atlanta, GA. Rolling Stone put it at #10 on their top 20 metal albums of last year. It's heavy as fuck but still accessible. Not to mention, they put on a face-melting live show. I'd love to hear an opinion on the record from you guys.
Just out of curiosity, +BANGER, how do you guys choose which records you're going to review from week to week? It would be interesting to know what your process is.
Whores are great. Just saw them in Toronto last week. For choosing reviews first off we can tell you it's a rare week when it's easy. So many interesting good records to choose from, and we only have space for one. (For now.) Often, there is a very high profile band/record that is an obvious choice. Our reviewers also pitch us the things they have heard in advance and are excited about. And we read all the fan comments and respond to requests when we can. Hope that helps shed some light.
I didn't think much of Like Clockwork. There, I said it. It wasn't rubbish, but I just couldn't get into it. It's why I'm hesitant to buy Villains. The bits I've heard aren't enough to convince me to make that purchase. Would go see them play live anytime, as long as the venue isn't too big and there is a bar.
Metalheads rarely get Swing so it's no surprise a lot of them hate QOTSA, especially this album. It is a grower, indeed. Repeated listens are required but are very rewarding.
i love every queens record and my number one changes once in a while i love qotsa for the stonerish sound especially while driving my car rated r for the more experimental style, plus mark and nicks lead vocals songs for the deaf for the heavyness and also 3 lead vocalists and killer riffs (perfect for driving around when its hot) lullabies for the grimms fairy tale mood era vulgaris is their noise rock record and i fucking love noisy stuff i just started to like ..like clockwork a year ago it came out in summer 2013 and was too dark for me at that time. now i love it, because its my favorite record for rainy days, and when i hate everyone, that metally ill dark sound yeah and villains just makes sense, every record sounds new.
What? "Feet Don't Fail Me" is a great track! Just wait when they play it live. It's very Bowie-ish (Let's Dance/ Speed of Life). Get out of the house more Sarah
people commenting don't seem to like lullabies. even though that's their most technically brilliant. listen to someone's in the wolf because that shit is nothing short of a masterliece
It was a good review I haven't listened queens for a while but they were always good I don't really think also the record was too good or heavy to be featured on this channel (which is going extremely well as reviews go) but as long is not the fucking foo fighters that's okay by me keep up the good work guys you're awesome
i always open minded on everything josh touch, I like the synth on feet dont fail me... its not like he makes music like linkin park did on the last album.
Gotta say I'm not to impressed by the album...I know Josh constantly keeps saying "We keep moving on and changing...And if you don't like it then your just closed minded" which is great reverse psychology on the fans but this album is just lacking that thing for me.I'm not sure about the band either...They just seem to be a backing band for Josh unlike previous versions of the band where you felt like every member was a band member....I'll give it another spin and see....I'm a big fan of Joshua's work so hopefully I'll end up liking it 😃
"Feet don't fail me now" is one of the most haunting songs and if it was up to me, it would be in a horror movie where someone is running away from a monster of unspeakable horror only to suddenly die at the end of the song from a unrelated monstrosity that so happened to be in that person's path.
as much as I love QOTSA and the new album is 5/5 in my book I think you should have reviewed the Pagan Alter album, instead of QOTSA, if it is such a great underground metal band
Clockwork the last? It seems you don't seem to agree with 99% of the people. Like Clockwork is for many people the best album they have released. Go listen to it 3 or 4 more times and you will get the Queen Effect. I mean that's your opinion but Like Clockwork is fucking awesome not just for me but for the majority.
I Think Villains Of Circumstance is absolutely poetic and beautiful.
I love Era Vulgaris, it feels like a truck going full speed, ready to fall apart. So mechanical, frentic and noisy.
I absolutely think Era Vulgaris is the most under appreciated rock album. Not in the American release, The Fun Machine Took A Shit and Died. Is a masterpiece of headbanging fun. The complexity of turning on the screw, 3s and 7s? Come on! If you are a Queens fan. Listen to that again.
I'll never understand the lack of appreciation for Era. It's easily my favorite Queens album, followed closely by SftD. I think Lullabies to Paralyze was their weakest album. It's still really good, but compared to what they'd released before, felt a bit less exciting.
See, Lullabies is my favorite, and Era is their weakest imo. Era Vulgaris has some heavier stuff on it, but it felt less cohesive than all their previous stuff, and Like Clockwork after (verdict is still out on Villains). Lullabies hit the sweet spot for me, where there was some heavy stuff on there, but mixed with that dark, weird waltzy stuff that QotSA is so good at. Lullabies also has several of their best songs, imo, with Tangled Up in Plaid (my favorite Queens song), Burn the Witch, Medication, Broken Box, and Long Slow Goodbye (the whole album is great, but those tracks stand with the absolute best of their entire discography). Era had some great stuff as well, with Make It Witchu, River in the Road, Run Pig Run, and Suture Up My Future, but songs like Turnin' on the Screw, Battery Acid, and Misfit Love are, imo, probably the worst in their discography. This is all just how I feel though. I brought it up, because I think there is a common thing I've seen from a few people here, where people who really dig Lullabies tend to like Era less, and people who like Era tend to like Lullabies less. There seems to be big difference in taste between QotSA fans and those two specific albums.
I think both Era Vulgaris and Lullabies To Paralyze are among the most underrated albums of all time. Some of my favorite tracks ever: Someone's In The Wolf, Suture Your Future, Battery Acid, Skin On Skin, I'm Designer, Burn The Witch etc etc etc... Josh doesn't release an album that isn't vital, especially upon repeated listening. Their albums only get better with age.
P.S. I absolutely agree, Era Vulgaris isn't complete without "The Fun Machine Took A Shit & Died". It's a crime for that song to be so unknown among Queens fans
I think Queens fit into metal no worries...just like the way they fit into Punk, Hard Rock, Alternative, Stoner, Psychedelic or what ever they play all sorts of stuff.Josh was a part of Kyuss who impacted metal music quite alot in the 90s.
Wow, era vulgaris is actually my favorite qotsa album
Villains is more synthy, a little Bowie, a bit ZZ Top at times. It grew on me a lot faster than "...Like Clockwork" did strangely and I loved that album too.
I hear Bowie on this record too. It's the way he sings I think
Era Vulgaris has some of their heaviest tunes. Imo
Run, Pig, Run is the shit!
Not really. Nothing beats the self titled and SFTD in terms of heaviness.
those are the best man but era vulgaris is not bad at all. i prefere the termn misunderstood. I always get an electric shock with run pig run
E Vent I'm not saying they are better, just heavier. Era Vulgaris showcases more of a electronic inspired sound for the most part done with rock instrumentation and some synths.
It's still a very good release. But it is their weakest.
It's hard for me to believe that people think Era Vulgaris is a bad album, probably this opinion comes from people who are not true alternative rock music fans (people who have some kind of one direction oriented music taste). Era Vulgaris brings a total new and raw atmosphere and has some really good tunes that sound great in live performances.
VaNSaNT85 Bold statement.
They are not alternative.
Love QOTSA. Love Kyuss & Clutch. Geezus, you're bringing back memories of the 90's.
Yes I’m amazed anyone one could hate on Clutch.
Mine is
1. SFTD
2. Like clockwork
3. Villains
4. R
5. Era
6. Lullabies
7. QOTSA
Villian of Circumstance is boring?? That's like my favorite track on the album ha. Gives me a very Like Clockwork vibe, and that's my favorite QOTSA album.
Agreed, The best track by far imo.
Alden Legge i love that song too. I DO wish he'd kept that one the same as it started out (acoustic stripped), but that being said I still like the album version
Alden Legge Villians of Circumstances was the first song that impressed meof this album. I had the acoustic version, but was blown away with the album version. I really been digging Hideaway and Un Reborn Again alot lately.
Alden Legge I have had it going around my head for about 24 hours now! Theres so much going on in every song on this album, I love it
Ditto! I can't get that chorus out of my head! Definitely one of my favorites along with Un-Reborn Again and Domesticated Animals which is probably tied for favorite. Oh, and Fortress is damn good too.
Great review. Although young kids here don't know much else outside the metal genre... Framed perfectly with some of the best bands you can get as Clutch and obviously Kyuss. If it gets close to the masterpiece called "Songs for the deaf" then it's really worth a listen. Great one Sarah! 👍
If I had to rate QOTSA's albums in chronological order:
1. s/t
2. Rated R
3. Songs for the Deaf
4. Lullabies to Paralyze
5. Era Vulgaris
6. ...Like Clockwork
7. Villains
Hehehehehe! Nice.
David DiDonato what's the first one
Self Titled. "Queens of the Stone Age"
David DiDonato
I see what you did there, but to be serious: I think 'Like Clockwork' is QOTSA's masterpiece.
This album reminds me a lot of The Mars Volta in that QOTSA are folding in a lot of different genres of music into thier songs. And they also seem to flirt a little with some prog rock tempos
Era vulgaris was a fantastic album. Get the wax outta dem ears
Like Clockwork was such a masterpiece, but Villains is definitely growing on me with each listen. I hear echoes of LC in it but I just don't know if it hangs together and flows as well as an album. Time will tell.
I heard that Homme actually played a bass clarinet for parts of the Kyuss albums because he actually couldn't get the guitars tuned low enough while still being playable. I don't know if that's true, but it's interesting if it is.
Clutch - "Elephant Riders"
One of my favorite songs to play bass along to for 15 years now.
Great review here. I had been out of the loop for a while and had no Idea Homme died during surgery and was revived. That's nuts. Glad he made it through. If he wants a dancy album I say the man can do whatever he wants.
Sarah, your reviews are intelligent and badass. Thank you!
Awesome review as usual and great choice of album!
May I recommend (not necessarily for a review, but for a listen), the new album from Sons of Crom, The Black Tower! I think you'll enjoy it! Thanks :D
When you reach a certain quality-bar, the concepts of good, better, bad makes no sense anymore.
Free Information Hmm
Free Information Yeah trying to pick favourites is ridiculously hard with QOTSA
loved your shirt, thanks for reviewing this album, definitely feet dont fail to me is the best song
I've loved all of Queens Of The Stone Age's records, and this one is just another that gives me a happy feeling inside. Thanks for your review, Sarah. :)
It's fun that so much people hate Era Vulgaris. It might be my favorite from QotSA.
"Lullabies" on the other hand is for me the worst. Even if it has its load of excellent songs, the second half of the album is mainly based on few riffs looped forever (Blood Is Love and Someone's In The Wolf mainly).
Still it's an excellent album, the worst from QotSA beign still better than everything else ! :)
Just realised I'm wearing my tour t-shirt with a slightly altered cover of the album. The devil has his middle fingers up. Sure turns heads more than my Meshuaggh t-shirts haha.
Am surprised - but not in a bad way - that you chose to spotlight this disc. I have always had the same thought of Queens re: they're one of the few modern day bands that can skillfully incorporate & transition between different genres/sounds and it always sounds organic & isn't predictable. Cheers for this review!
Feet Don't Fail Me is so fucking good!
so happy you reviewed my favorite band. loving the new record!!! queens is my guilty pleasure, along with janes addiction and fiona apple. my roots are bay area thrash and as ive grown older i feel less guilty about my guilty pleasures. what feels good, feels good right. you do such a great job!! your a lil heavy for me sometimes with the death and black stuff, which, if it werent for the vocals, i would be down. thank you
Great review, thanks Banger for bringing unusual band for the channel, hope we see this kind of reviews more often.
“Un-reborn” again is my favorite track, it’s a mix of punk and this haunting dark illustration that’s so cinematic I’m surprised it hasn’t been used for a video.
I bought the deluxe edition 180g version. I think the 3 and half out of 5 score is pretty spot on. However I have to say that the vinyl mix isn't great which might be down to the recording being done digitally as opposed to analogue. Consequently there is little low end and the bass is low in the mix. The CD version or downloads probably sounds better.
I much prefer the desert rock style stuff. Everything until Lullabies was amazing.
While I think it deserves more than 3 1/2 "skulls", I just wanted to say that your reviews are so incredibly well-made. Top notch. Thanks for the Pagan Altar shoutout too, never heard of them and have fallen in love immediately.
My personal rankings of QOTSA records:
1. Songs for the Deaf
2. ...Like Clockwork
3. Rated R
4. Villains
5. Self Titled
6. Lullabies to Paralyze
7. Era Vulgaris
Cooper Correct.
The production of this album is INCREDIBLE!!! Especially at the very last song, everything starts with a crystal clear, very modern sound, and then gets a bit older and older. Starting from 5:15, it is pretty too much rainbow and the first era of deep purple. Actually, the whole album has this back and forth, i really did love that.
I love this album and have been with each of their albums since I started listening in 2009. I'm still young and getting into Rock/Metal at my own pace but this is one band that has grown on me over time and I already loved their first 3 albums as soon as I heard them the first time around. Their last 2 albums took a bit of time to grow on me but they did and I've learned to appreciate their new stuff. Each album does change which is good but also sad we'll probably never hear QotSA like their were in 1996-1999. Still they have a little bit of it in their with each album.
The new Akercocke came today. Please review it guys it needs more attention its a flawless album... as well as the new Der weg einer freiheit.
Great review Sarah 😉 keeps getting better. Banger TV rules!!!
But I am sorry to correct you, but josh homme said in an interview last year that the story where he died was made up and that he actually just sank into a depression and had a battle with drugs. 😕 In any case, his feet hasn't failed home yet 😆
Please do "medusa" by paradise lost next 😀
Amazing review! You really know your music. I hadn't heard of King Dude and I've just bought the album of his you mentioned on vinyl. QOTSA are definitely a band that takes a lot of listening to "get" them. I wouldn't be surprised if in another couple of years you'd give this a 4 or a 4.5! I've only been a QOTSA fan since Songs For The Deaf because you know, Dave on drums so I needed to hear that album. Era Vulgaris was definitely the most difficult album for me to get my head around. I think it took over 50 listens until I understood it and I enjoy that with music and as you said it's usually the albums you need to listen to a few times before you get it that you end up loving more. Smashing Pumpkins - Adore was another one of those that springs to mind in regards to that! I do agree that Villians of Circumstance is a little boring on the album it wasn't until I saw it live that I got it. It's kind of a lullaby on the album. Check out ruclips.net/video/4JvOfnYZvNU/видео.html with Joshua and Dean and you'll probably appreciate that song more!
7. QOTSA
6. Rated R
5. Lullabies to Paralyze
4. Villains
3. Era Vulgaris
2. ...Like Clockwork
1. Songs for the Deaf
1. ...Like Clockwork
2. Songs for the Deaf
3. Rated R
4. Villains
5. Era Vulgaris
6. Lullabies to Paralyze
7. Queens
Bradley Burns
Lullabies so low?
I'm sorry man, I mean it was the first album of their's I listened to, some pretty great tracks like You Gotta Killer Scene and Tangled Up in Plaid but honestly I find the other ones capturing me much more
Bradley Burns
Nah I feel that. Nice top pick though, "...like clockwork" is one of my favorite albums of all time.
What do you think of Villains? I like it a lot because it carries resemblance to Like Clockwork (Villains of Circumstance, Hideaway, even Fortress) but it could be stronger, favorite track? (Mine is the opener)
Clutch is amazing! The haters just don't know how how to have fun and just rock. Thanks for the review, was contemplating picking this up, now I'm sold. Keep up the good work.
Ryan Mckay go buy it. It's awesome
kaide melloch just got off the phone with my local record store, unfortunately I have to wait a week because I'm picky and needed it on vinyl. But thank you for your vote of confidence much appreciated.
All Clutch is fucking great. Same with all QOTSA.
BurningBeard22 couldn't agree more sir. If you don't like em, oh well your loss.
C L U T C H !
Era Vulgaris is a great album in my opinion it shows why they are doing so good as a band, they incorporate so many different genres which causes a lot of different ppl to like and listen to them
Just saw the episode of Anthony Bourdains "No Reservations" with the singer about living, working and eating in the desert. That was very intereresting. Their process of making music was great to watch. Its not the music I like to hear an entire album of.
Wasn't fan of Era Vulgaris. Rediscovered it recently. Love it now like crazy!
Welcome Back Q.O.T.S.A. !
same here era vulgaris is a great album will never understand the hate for it.
Are y'all planning to review Steven Wilson's latest?
Indeed Sarah, you either get QOTSA or you don't. You obviously don't, saying Era Vulgaris is their worst album. And Rated R one of their best. Era Vulgaris is a brilliant album. And that the vocals are weird to you on that album is probably because you listen too much to heavy metal, where melodies are hard to find. The vocals are harmonically brilliant in my opinion, for example on Into The Hollow, I think you should listen to it better than you have done.
Daniël Van Rossum I love Era Vulgaris and I also love Rated R. There is no bad QOTSA album to me
Daniël Van Rossum I do agree that some people who listen to a lot of metal dont seem to appreciate melodies though. Villains is chock full of great hooks. People who look down their nose at catchy melodies dont know shit
Anyone who gets qotsa gets era vulgaris
Daniël Van Rossum Ohband you're absolutely right about Into The Hollow. I remember it didn't stand out to me on first listen but man what a song
steve fred Its a beast of an album
Thanks for calling out Pagan Altar. I listened a lot to their debut, but then sort of lost track of them. So thanks for the reminder!
Love QOTSA, my list is:
7) Era.
6) Lullabies.
5) Qotsa
4) Villains
3) R.
2) Clockwork.
1) SFTD
The album is too dancy for me, and i dont feel the punch in the songs, like the guitars sound so skinny, idk it aint for me
I get you. I hope you can grow into it like I did.
slorr55 That's what Josh was going for. It's not for everyone, but I liked it. I completely agree about the guitars, though. This album would be better with Era Vulgaris-style guitar tones or something close to it.
guitar did feel tinny but the drums have felt so muted in volume and by the fill-less since clockwork.
If QOTSA were defined by electric guitar, it would be a problem, but I like that they embrace many sounds, in their discography. When they go for crunchy guitar, it's fun, but I like diversity.
try their song "you say i ain't worth a dollar, but i feel like a millionare"
I love the new album and while I agree Era Vulgaris is their worst album, I wouldn't call it a 'career misstep'. Sure it's weird, and took me a couple of years to actually enjoy BUT it's really awesome. Great review, I subscribed because of the quality of the review. BUT FOR THE LOVE OF GOD: don't start a video begging for subs, it's the first I've seen of you and I always skip ahead because of it. You are really good at this, so you don't need to beg two times a video.
Peace
Well I mean they famously said even when they released Era Vulgaris that they just fucked around to end their contract with Interscope because they owed them one more album... I still dig it though, then again I am a fanboy.
'Head like a haunted' and 'The way you used to' are wicked tracks. need to listen to the album more tho.
'Songs for the deaf' is a clear end to end rock solid album for me though, and classic QOTSA.
....Living Color...wow! haven't heard of them for 20years! they were amazing!
I really wish people could give an honest review of a Queens album without resorting to comparing to a previous album. It's such a cop-out. They're all different in a great way.
Also, Era Vulgaris is a real barn burner.
BANGER TV please review Septicflesh's new album Codex Omega when it comes out please
Should have played the heavier parts of the album. "The Evil Has Landed" is an amazing song and has a heavy part that sounds sick, and the riffs!? So good! But I enjoyed the review. Thank you.
Era Vulgaris is QOTSA's most relentless album.
Like Clockwork... is their masterpiece.
listened to this a few times and I only think a few tracks are great. specifically, Un-Reborn Again (for the verse and chorus) and Evil Has Landed (for all the guitar licks and different tones, and the coda that sounds like classic QotSA)
Great review. I will say I wasn't a huge fan of their last 2 albums but this I like. They brought back the Rock! And that's a good thing. Also hell yeah on the new Pagan Alter!!!
just as a warning, its impossible NOT to speed if youre listen to head like a haunted house on the road
Raw, fucked up guitar parts that run through the more anal, poppy sounds which nonetheless tap into the emotional guts, I dare say, in a Beatles way...
Feet is funky as hell (as you pointed out) but slippery at the same time; The Way is a song that's constantly morphing in its apparent simplicity; D-Animals is just smart and hooky; Fortress is like QotSA's making sweet love to Madonna; Head Like a Haunted House, mam... I don't understand, this is one of the most surprising songs I've ever heard from Queens (yes, it's their take on the Cramps, Dead Kennedys, etc., but what could be better than that, man?); Un-reborn? I have it on repeat... I find it short - it fucking rocks!; Hideaway has great guitar and beautiful harmonies; yeah, Evil is a Them Crooked Vultures song, but TCV at its best; and Villains is just an exquisite closer for this.
This thing does not need to grow on me, it's just a perfect, refreshing QotSA album. All of them songs have a crazy hook here and there. Yeah, live? It will be amazing, but I love the layers of the studio recordings (I've heard people saying there aren't any... wtf!?)
those recommendations were great
How did you like Clutch's last two albums?
was really hoping you guys would've reviewed the new Haunted album
Even though I saw QOTSA with Turbonegro in 2003, I much prefer Homme's work with Kyuss. Blues For The Red Sun is one of my favorite "heavy" albums from the 1990s.
DarkAngesDoom , Pagan Altar is very underrated, great NWOBHM band! That's rad you gave them a shout, thank you. Also what the fuck is the rest of the Josh Homme died story? I never heard about that!
Era Vulgaris is one of there best... Open your ears. Sick sick sick? Battery acid? 3s and 7s? Misfit love? I'm designer?....one hell of an album.
1/3 of me: "Sweet! Never thought they'd review Queens. One of my favourites. Good review."
1/3 of me: "Ugh, why is this being reviewed on Banger? Keep Banger Metal! Keep Banger Metal!"
1/3 of me: "Sarah, how can you not acknowledge the amazingosity of their self-titled debut. The bedrock of Queens' desert. I am sad."
Great review overall; I'd just say that I disagree on the better than Like Clockwork. Like Clockwork is different from, but it's the one that I'd put closer to Songs for the deaf in terms of songwriting quality, this new one would be as close as in third place I'd say
what is this shit with heavy = good music. shit can be good without being hardcore!! and heavy!! Qotsa are not a metal band!! They have never been categorized as one!! why are you putting them in that category??
Dave Obsessed used to work at Hmv, Qotsa were in the metal section which I didn't quite understand. Eventually got it moved to the rock section!
Dave Obsessed Music categories are really just a waste of time. I feel this more and more as I get older. People squabbling about "thats not metal" or "thats not punk". Its like - Just get up and dance fuckers!
It's because Nick Oliveris image during their early years pretty much assigned them a label.
steve fred Thats a good point. He did most of the screamy metal songs too
Will Watt I got confused a month or so ago when I went to buy Songs For The Deaf in HMV and it wasn't in the metal section anymore 😂
I know it came out last year, but I'd really like to see a review of Gold by the band Whores. out of Atlanta, GA.
Rolling Stone put it at #10 on their top 20 metal albums of last year. It's heavy as fuck but still accessible. Not to mention, they put on a face-melting live show.
I'd love to hear an opinion on the record from you guys.
Just out of curiosity, +BANGER, how do you guys choose which records you're going to review from week to week? It would be interesting to know what your process is.
Whores are great. Just saw them in Toronto last week.
For choosing reviews first off we can tell you it's a rare week when it's easy. So many interesting good records to choose from, and we only have space for one. (For now.) Often, there is a very high profile band/record that is an obvious choice. Our reviewers also pitch us the things they have heard in advance and are excited about. And we read all the fan comments and respond to requests when we can. Hope that helps shed some light.
BANGER. Thanks for the reply. Been a fan since, Metal: A Headbanger's Journey. I'm digging everything you're doing with BANGER TV.
All QOTSA albums are great! Their first album really is the bomb! 👍🏼
Gonna jam Era Vulgaris now. Love that album!
All QOTSA albums are gold (period)!
Album review but half way thru the clip I've only heard bits of 2 songs. Non-winning
I didn't think much of Like Clockwork. There, I said it. It wasn't rubbish, but I just couldn't get into it. It's why I'm hesitant to buy Villains. The bits I've heard aren't enough to convince me to make that purchase. Would go see them play live anytime, as long as the venue isn't too big and there is a bar.
Metalheads rarely get Swing so it's no surprise a lot of them hate QOTSA, especially this album. It is a grower, indeed. Repeated listens are required but are very rewarding.
i love every queens record
and my number one changes once in a while
i love qotsa for the stonerish sound especially while driving my car
rated r for the more experimental style, plus mark and nicks lead vocals
songs for the deaf for the heavyness and also 3 lead vocalists and killer riffs (perfect for driving around when its hot)
lullabies for the grimms fairy tale mood
era vulgaris is their noise rock record and i fucking love noisy stuff
i just started to like ..like clockwork a year ago
it came out in summer 2013 and was too dark for me at that time.
now i love it, because its my favorite record for rainy days, and when i hate everyone, that metally ill dark sound
yeah and villains just makes sense, every record sounds new.
What? "Feet Don't Fail Me" is a great track! Just wait when they play it live. It's very Bowie-ish (Let's Dance/ Speed of Life). Get out of the house more Sarah
people commenting don't seem to like lullabies. even though that's their most technically brilliant. listen to someone's in the wolf because that shit is nothing short of a masterliece
I feel like I'm the only who person who would rank Era Vulgaris as their favorite Queen's album.
Will definitely give this album a spin.
It was a good review I haven't listened queens for a while but they were always good I don't really think also the record was too good or heavy to be featured on this channel (which is going extremely well as reviews go) but as long is not the fucking foo fighters that's okay by me keep up the good work guys you're awesome
Ive heared about these guys but never bothered to listen to them
i think its the time i should
anyone know some good songs to start of with?
lol like clockwork was by far their best album
Its so good
Flugmorph every track was a banger
Rated R.
Totally.
undoubtably yes.
People hate on Clutch? No wonder the world is going to hell.
7. Era
6. Villians
5. Songs for the deaf
4. Rated r
3. Lullibies
2. Self titled
1. Like clockwork
I'm not against this band, but I really do want to hear about Renaissance in Extremis.
i always open minded on everything josh touch, I like the synth on feet dont fail me... its not like he makes music like linkin park did on the last album.
Can't agree with what you said about Era Vulguris. It's fucking dope! "Fun Machine Took A Shit And Died" is has very epic riffs.
Love the shit out of this album! They rarely disappoint
Songs for the Deaf had to be the "Best of" QOFTA.but that's just me,and thanks for the great review
Gotta say I'm not to impressed by the album...I know Josh constantly keeps saying "We keep moving on and changing...And if you don't like it then your just closed minded" which is great reverse psychology on the fans but this album is just lacking that thing for me.I'm not sure about the band either...They just seem to be a backing band for Josh unlike previous versions of the band where you felt like every member was a band member....I'll give it another spin and see....I'm a big fan of Joshua's work so hopefully I'll end up liking it 😃
"Feet don't fail me now" is one of the most haunting songs and if it was up to me, it would be in a horror movie where someone is running away from a monster of unspeakable horror only to suddenly die at the end of the song from a unrelated monstrosity that so happened to be in that person's path.
Can we expect a review on the new Leprous record on this channel?
I am surprised that anybody in 2017 still gives a shit if it's heavy metal or not :O
I've always thought that it's all about good guitar music!
as much as I love QOTSA and the new album is 5/5 in my book
I think you should have reviewed the Pagan Alter album, instead of QOTSA, if it is such a great underground metal band
Like Clockwork was their magnum opus. If I had to rate the albums I'd go
7. QOTSA
6. Lullabies
5. Villains
4. R
3. Era
2. SFTD
1. Clockwork
The debut is always shit on, I'll never understand it. That album is so filthy and heavy to me
Clockwork the last? It seems you don't seem to agree with 99% of the people. Like Clockwork is for many people the best album they have released. Go listen to it 3 or 4 more times and you will get the Queen Effect. I mean that's your opinion but Like Clockwork is fucking awesome not just for me but for the majority.
Gabriel Roy That's what he was saying. He listed it as #1
Damn I'm stupid .. my b. I saw the list in reverse.
WTF? The self titled album is easily their best album filled by SFTD
Cool review, now how bout that God Dethroned release?