Okay, I finally got my copy of The All Devouring Beast on Monday morning. I've listened to it several times since and I really, really dig it.
That being said, I don't own any of the previous Package albums, but have listened to a few of the older tracks on Mp3.com. Therefore my Package history is slightly lacking. Also, while I play guitar and piano (poorly), my musical knowledge may not be as large as some of the others who have commented so far. Just wanted to give you guys some background before I dig in.
Anyways, Package wants feedback, and feedback they will get.
The Packaging:
The CD case itself looks really sweet. The cover is a great design, and I really like the overall look (especially the "Play It Loud" comment on the tray.) I also dig the blank spine. All in all, very impressive.
The Tracks:
"Fade Me Out" Excellent way to begin the CD. Seriously, this song just kicks you in the balls and doesn't stop. Nick's vocals are in great form here and the drum's sound stellar. And Micah, your guitar work on this one is top notch, especially your soloing. Hearing soloing like this makes me want to grab the guitar and practice until my fingers bleed. Very tight track.
“Starscream” A solid track. Nice work with the synth stuff and electronic effects. I like the way the song begins to end at 3:10 with the synth. Good strong guitar work by Steve also.
“Sunspots” Nice mellow track. The song has a nice, smooth flow to it – the bass line, clean rhythm guitar and tight lead guitar combine together superbly. Vocals are good, with the echo effect providing nice texture. Good effort.
“It’s Only Pain” Part of what does it for me on this one are the lyrics: “You’re guilty in your innocence, let the punishment fit the crime, you’ve got to laugh because it’s only pain, and it’s only going to hurt a long, long time.” This song is just plain old “Sabbath” style rock and roll (especially the closer) – and that’s a good thing. One of my favorites.
“Goodbye Picture Show” Another mellow one that works. For some reason this one reminded me of some of the lighter Stone Temple Pilots stuff. The vocals felt a little funny to me in some places though, but nothing major. Another set of strong lyrics on display here.
“Forget To Breathe” Good stuff. Like the bass here, especially when it pounds away in certain spots. There is a murky, thick, and distorted quality to this song that I really like – especially in the vocals. Dark and intense.
“Eyes Don’t Deceive” Play It Loud ? Fucking right. Man, the speed metal/punk intro to this one is like a punch to the stomach, especially after coming off the previous track. A heavy, dirty, and distorted sound with good succinct lyrics and nice drum work. Going to be coming back to this one often. Excellent stuff, with the intro and ending particularly standing out.
“New Kind Of Therapy” Great sounding tune. You guys were able to achieve a nice, clean semi-industrial type sound that doesn’t get too industrial for my tastes. Lots of stuff working here, including great electronic work. Stand out effort.
“Grappling With Skeletons (The Rising)” Two words: fuck me. This track is the one that finally sold me. Up until this point, you had my foot in the door, and then Grappling came on and pulled me in by the balls. Micah – your guitar work on this one somehow surpasses your effort on “Fade Me out” – just absolutely fucking fantastic. Drums, vocals, bass, and guitar – everything is working in full effect on this one. My second favorite song from the album, and one that will be a mainstay on my play list for weeks to come.
“Mongorr The Impressionable” Not a bad instrumental. A nice piece featuring a good groove rhythm at it’s core.
“Smacked With Motorcycles” How can you not love a song entitled “Smacked With Motorcycles ?” This is one catchy little song – strong, fast and sleek with a strong hint of “party anthem.” Pure love for the lyrics on this one too. “Kawasak it to me ?” – come on, you have to love this stuff. Nice vocals also, including a bang up job by Steve and Micah on back-ups. Grade A job boys.
“Who Goes There” Not a bad effort. It has a good mellow groove aspect going for it as well as cool lyrics. Extra points for dedicating it to the makers of “John Carpenter’s The Thing.”
“Little Bird” Not a huge fan of this one. Don’t get me wrong, the quality is there but it just doesn’t do it for me. Maybe after more listens this one will grow on me.
“Collecting Mrs. Chonks” A biting, driving guitar riff on this track. Nice work Steve. Also love the drums here. This song just keeps pushing forward with great intensity and I love it. Again, extra points for basing a song around GTA 3 – the equivalent of videogame heroine.
“Nurtured To Extinction” Another great rocker. You guys have a nice heavy and distorted style – something that definitely shines through here. Also like the way you shift the song from heavy to melodic and back to heavy again. Very nice vocal work here also. Extremely strong and tight.
“Last Transmission” I have nothing but love for this track. This instrumental is awesome. Solid, solid work here fellas. Fantastic job blending in the effects with the music – the distorted buzz absolutely pulses and becomes an instrument all in itself. Great melodic guitar riffs, great drums and bass… love, love and love. What more can I say? Favorite track of the disc.
Nick, Micah, Steve and Andrew – fucking terrific job with this disc. You guys should be very proud with what you have accomplished. I think Torn mentioned it above, but I’m going to mention it again because he makes a good point – you guys really know how to arrange and order tracks. This disc just has a perfect flow to it, from the opening ball punch that is “Fade Me out” to the wonderful closer of “Last Transmission.” I’ll definitely be seeking out your earlier albums, as well as anticipating your future collaborations.
