Mushroomhead is one of the biggest active bands to come from Cleveland. While they have formed their style over the course of numerous albums, Jeffrey Nothing (the band’s vocalist) has boldly went out on eir own with The New Psychodalia. There is a confidence that is weaved through the album’s 13 cuts that pushes the album past Mushroomhead territory. This is an evolutionary step forward for Nothing, and the album’s first track – Dear Departed – shows that. The instrumentation could stand on its own, but Nothing’s vocals make this into a track that should be played on any rock radio station. Goodbye is somewhat surprising of a track.
While still draped in the same hard rock and metal trappings of the rest of The New Psychodalia, there is some heady emotion to be had on the track. While Mushroomhead is hidden behind masks and various other facades, I feel that Nothing’s solo work should be picked up by any fan of the band. This is because the album acts as background information for a performer and (by extension) for a band that has not been too far out in the public eye.
Enough shows this vim and vitriol perfectly; while there is a different set of influences that come into play, Nothing’s inimitable style manifests itself just as much during The New Psychodalia as it ever has on a Mushroomhead album. Darkseed and Devil are the two final tracks on the album, and these cuts acts as a bridge to any subsequent music (whether Nothing solo or as Mushroomhead) that may come down the pipeline in days, months, and years to come. Pick this album up today.
Top Tracks: Eyez of the Righteous, Sin ‘O Cism
Rating: 7.7/10
Jeffrey Nothing – The New Psychodalia (CD) / 2011 Suburban Noize / 13 Tracks / http://www.suburbannoizerecords.com
i just purchased this cd i have been a fan of mushroomhead since 93 and this side project by jeffrey Nothing rocks. A definite awesome buy for fans of mushroomhead. Also if you like mushroomhead and jeffrey nothing check out the band Ventana