Perfect Self

05/08/2001 5:57 PM, Yahoo! Music
Rob O'Connor

Friedrich Nietzche, the deadbeat father of heavy metal and a pretty rad dude in his day, wrote an entire book about Richard Wagner, the grandiose composer and heavy-handed girlsÆ softball coach. IÆve never been able to read the damn thing because thereÆs something dull, and stupid even, about intellectual pondering in regards to anything that is trying to emotionally pummel you to smithereens. Sure, some lame sportswriter can write "eloquent" prose about the graceful movements of Muhammad Ali, but real people just liked to see him beat the crap out of people. Enough with the poetry.

As for Stereomud, its debut album was recorded in Los Angeles, Seattle, and New York by three producers who worked for Pearl Jam, Linkin Park, and Papa Roach, among other clientele. Which begs the question: WHY? Hoarse screaming (check out "Lost Your Faith") and faux-Iron Maiden drama (try "What") should come naturally. Surely, some goofus can find the poetry in this rote nonsense. But not me, buddy. I just turn it up loud and pretend I donÆt notice how much it sucks.