Review by Jack on May 24, 2002.

The amount of interesting crossover bands that the metal world receives is quite phenomenal. Trip-hop, ambient, hardcore, industrial are all examples of this. Autumnblaze is one of these bands that has strayed into the metal universe and is probably turning a few heads while doing so. Moody, romantic and ultimately downbeat emo-rock is the music into which Autumnblaze’s third album delves deeply.

Starting off rather softly on the title track, “Mute Boy Sad Girl”, the new album from Markus and Schwadorf is an absolute blinder of a record, for lack of a better and more appropriate word. Enchantment, compulsiveness and atmosphere are what “Mute Boy Sad Girl” is all about.

Autumnblaze go about their music with such precision and heart, that even if this brand of music isn’t really your cup of tea, you still have to admire and give credit to such outstanding and bewitching musicianship. Traversing styles from present-day Katatonia to electronic and lounge music in contemporary Ulver, Autumnblaze are able to give a performance that transcends and pierces into every hardened heart.

In all honesty, this is one of the most memorable and enjoyable listening experiences that I have ever had from a record that is not rooted in metal (a weighty statement since I am a rather eclectic music fan). Autumnblaze have put together an album that is so professional and engrossing that anything else you’ve been listening to becomes merely trivial. This is the best album I have heard this month.

Bottom Line: Extraordinarily high, emotionally induced third album from Autumnblaze. Make no mistake, these two lads are at the top of the food chain, and with “Mute Boy Sad Girl” I really doubt that even Ronald and the Colonel will be able to knock them from their perch.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 10
Atmosphere: 10
Production: 8
Originality: 9
Overall: 8.5

Rating: 9.1 out of 10

Review by Luka on May 15, 2002.

Skinlab must really think they've reached a level of perfection with their music on which they have nothing to improve. Why else would their sound and style stay utterly consistent and unchanging since their debut back in '97? Well...

Here's the thing with Skinlab albums: if you've heard one you've heard them all. So if you've have any of their previous works already then the exact number of hairs on my, uh... back, will interest you more than "Revolting Room". Think of it as 10 more songs from "Disembody the New Flesh" and the material is just as good, if not fresh. If you want more of the same, get it, if you want something new after three albums of the same, steer well clear and wave goodbye.

Now all the power and energy that these guys are famous for is there, and strong as ever. The vigorous groove will pick you up and start thrashing you around sure enough, the familiar Skinlab sound of razor-sharp guitars cutting through thick and buttery bass will get your head swinging madly all the way up to the fifth song. By that time they've thrown all they have at you and the rest is recycled. Clever drum-fills and hooks will grab at you but the shallow and slightly nu-metal approach means the songs won't take too long to absorb. Honestly, I'd rather listen to Slipknot.

Bottom Line: It's a safe buy. So safe that I guarantee you won't be exposed to anything original whatsoever, in the process.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Originality: 2
Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 9
Overall: 6

Rating: 6.8 out of 10