Review by Adam M on July 26, 2017.

Sikth performs a very odd take on metal. It is very hard to categorize and takes on a number of different moods and tempos. This is music for the schizophrenic variety of person. It has an odd vibe that is very welcome to behold. The music goes through a number of shifts and tempo changes to give an excellent variety of ideas. The music here is certainly adventurous and takes multiple listens to unlock its goodness.

It’s a progressive album, but not in the typical way. It’s more of a genre mixing effort similar to Mr. Bungle and gets the progressive tag because of the variety of new mixtures that the band creates. This variety makes sure that nothing ever becomes old or past its interest point. The beginning of this album is very interesting and incorporates a number of melodies that are compelling and show the ability of the outfit. Take the opener “Vivid” for example, which has a ridiculously catchy chorus section. The band seems to be similar to the likes of System of a Down as well, though I find these guys a bit more interesting than that band. If there are any nu-metal tendencies to be found here, they are incorporated in an interesting fashion that only helps the music. Also, the band is more complex than what is typically heard in that genre, morphing through a number of interesting ideas throughout.  The album does lose a bit of steam as it progresses and the earlier portions remain some of the best material to be found here.

Still, The Future in Whose Eyes? is a solid work of genre blending that is consistently interesting. Fans of the bands name-checked in this review will find an immense amount to enjoy with SikTh.

Rating: 7.7 out of 10

Review by Adam M on July 26, 2017.

Sikth performs a very odd take on metal. It is very hard to categorize and takes on a number of different moods and tempos. This is music for the schizophrenic variety of person. It has an odd vibe that is very welcome to behold. The music goes through a number of shifts and tempo changes to give an excellent variety of ideas. The music here is certainly adventurous and takes multiple listens to unlock its goodness.

It’s a progressive album, but not in the typical way. It’s more of a genre mixing effort similar to Mr. Bungle and gets the progressive tag because of the variety of new mixtures that the band creates. This variety makes sure that nothing ever becomes old or past its interest point. The beginning of this album is very interesting and incorporates a number of melodies that are compelling and show the ability of the outfit. Take the opener “Vivid” for example, which has a ridiculously catchy chorus section. The band seems to be similar to the likes of System of a Down as well, though I find these guys a bit more interesting than that band. If there are any nu-metal tendencies to be found here, they are incorporated in an interesting fashion that only helps the music. Also, the band is more complex than what is typically heard in that genre, morphing through a number of interesting ideas throughout.  The album does lose a bit of steam as it progresses and the earlier portions remain some of the best material to be found here.

Still, The Future in Whose Eyes? is a solid work of genre blending that is consistently interesting. Fans of the bands name-checked in this review will find an immense amount to enjoy with SikTh.

Rating: 7.7 out of 10

Review by Jack on April 11, 2003.

Hardcore. It's a weird sub strain in the metal world. People often dismiss it mindlessly for punk, not really willing to give it a shot. My experiences with hardcore (nowhere near as extensive as metal) have been all pretty good. From my perspective, I haven't really come across a weak band that dish up any filler material. Harkonen and their latest album "Shake Harder Boy" are no exception and are possibly one of the more appropriate bands out there if you have a hankering for hardcore; nothing less, nothing more.

Harkonen have been around the Washington State scene for quite some years (having first released a demo in 1996). They seem to go about their craft with a no-nonsense attitude, providing songs on "Shake Harder Boy" that are straight-up hardcore. The riffs are heavy and thick, the rhythm section provides ample support and variation to make each song interesting and enjoyable to listen to. Vocally, is perhaps where Harkonen is found a little bit wanting. Harkonen's vocalist is a top-notch singer for his style, but I really think they could lift their work to the next level with a strong variation in start vocal contrasts.

Bottom Line: Aside from a bit of monotony with Harkonen's vocalist, they are pretty good act and "Shake Harder Boy" is a no-brainer to recommend to a longtime hardcore fan. New or casual fans would also find some good moments on "Shake Harder Boy."

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 7
Atmosphere: 6
Production: 7
Originality: 7
Overall: 7

Rating: 6.8 out of 10