Search - Suffering & The Hideous Thieves :: Rats in Heaven

Totally Unique

Andrew T. Hackett | Tepic, Mexico | 08/31/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I remember seeing Jeff Suffering in some of his past bands like 90 Lb. Wuss and Raft of Dead Monkeys but I don't think anyone could really be prepared for the beautiful music he has made with the Hideous Thieves. "Real Panic Formed" was a very good album. "Rats in Heaven" is the best album I have heard since Bright Eyes "Lifted". Of course I am not comparing the two. The only connection would be in the sincere expression of emotion through very literate songwriters.



The most notable aspect of this album is probably the extremely harsh lyrics in the songs in the middle of the album. If you have read any of the reviews on this album at other sites you will have already heard plenty about the graphic words. The music is just as violent and Suffering's vocals are extremely emotive. Although some of these songs can be hard to listen to they become very catchy over time. Suffering's wailings at the beginning of "Souvenir" end up being an incredible hook. I don't know of many other vocalists that can be so bizarre and yet somehow so catchy.



Despite the very disturbing lyrics (which are actually brilliant) in the middle of the album, the songs towards the end are actually achingly beautiful. "Return" is all about the longing for the destruction of earth and the return of Christ. Awesome. "Hush Little Girl" is very gentle. The far away yells of "if you believe in me" are actually very inspirational.



This album is a masterpiece. Check it out."