Search - Yakuza :: Way of the Dead

Midwest Viewpoint

Ankoku | STL, MO, USA | 04/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of my favorite music sites gave this CD a top rating, and their description of it was mouth-watering, so I picked it up a good month after it came out.

My first listen left me very disappointed. The only tracks I liked were Chicago Typewriter and Miami Device, and the last track irritated me, as I had expected metal, not jazz.

Alas, the years roll on, and I aged a little. Now, this CD is my pride and joy. Tears roll down my face every time I hear the spastic blasts of frantic saxaphone wailing in Vergasso, and the groove-laden thrash of TMS is cathartic. 0100011110011 has become my meditation hymn, and has inspired many a brilliant piece of writing, with its infinite depth and droning darkness. Yakuza has crafted a recording that is not only incredibly unique and head-bangingly satisfying, but a true piece of intellectual stimulation."

Experimental hardcore at its best

Ankoku | 03/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Not surprisingly from the band's name some of the songs hit with a Japanese flavour to them. But you've heard nothing like it. Avant garde metal would be the best way to describe it. Drumming is incredible as is the guitar. And the lead singer can make sounds you never would have dreamt of from a saxophone in the track 'Obscurity.' The music hits incredibly hard and takes a few listens to really appreciate. Highlights are 'Miami Devie,' 'Yama,' 'TMS,' and 'Chicago Typewriter.' The only dull track is the closer - a forty minute excursion into self-indulgency. Anyone interested in challenging, honest and creative music should fork out the dollars for this."

A Revised Review

Twitch | Atlanta, GA | 02/16/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you have read my previous review, I bashed this album quite a bit, but after listening to it several more times I got to enjoy it. Yakuza's Century Media debut was released to some fanfare from the underground and major media. 'Way of the Dead' is an exciting eclectic mix of thrash, emo, hardcore, death, jazz, math, rap, and punk. The album itself is musically decent (they could have done without the emo influences). Vocally, it solid, the screams are very good and the singing is not bad either. It reminds me of a jazz influenced Uphill Battle. The songs are all pretty good - the best being "Yama" - and are all worth something. There is not that much out there that is like this album, it is one of a kind. I would recomend this to anyone who is looking for some great new metal."