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Yakuza - Way of the Dead

Rating

RIYL

-

Label

Century Media

Tracklist

Vergasso
Miami Device
Yama
Signal 2:42
T.M.S.
Chicago Typewriter
Obscurity
01000011110011

I have to admit; this is an album that at first, I thought, “I cannot possibly enjoy this”. The press release about the album calls it “jazzcore, post-apocalyptic, psychedelia”, and while it sounded like an interesting concept, it seemed to be too much. After one listen though, my worries were quickly extinguished when I heard the amazing sounds that Yakuza has to offer. Mixing a saxophone in with heavy, brutal, music adds the perfect blend needed to create a sound that is like no other. The best comparison I can think of for Yakuza would be a mixture of System of a Down, Candiria, Miles Davis, and Atreyu all rolled into one sonic mixture of sound. This album can change instantly from a heavy hitting hardcore song, to a slow, melodic saxophone solo that leaves the listener breathless. The most interesting aspect of this album is the last track though, titled, “01000011110011”, a 44 minute long instrumental. Also of interest is “Obscurity” which features “a saxophone duel to the death” between Bruce Lamont (Vocalist/Sax), and Jazz musician Ken Vandermark.

This album has something for everyone. I recommend picking this up if you are tired of the repetition found in the hardcore/metal scene today, because this album is definitely something new, and fresh to listen to. This disc is a keeper.

-Derek