Artist: Methods Of Mayhem
Title: A Public Disservice Announcement
Genre: Nu-Metal
Release Date: 17th September 2010
Label: Roadrunner / Loud & Proud
Album Review
METHODS OF MAYHEM are one of those bands that made a single album ten years ago, then disappeared for a while, and out of nowhere come back like nothing happened. Led by Tommy Lee, the band was created on the eve of his divorce with Pamela Anderson, leading to many of the tracks being written during jail time. Since nu-metal and rap metal was at its pinnacle in the late 90s and early 2000, Lee created the project in collaboration with TiLo and other hip hop artists for a funky debut that also rocked just as hard that was their self title. However, reception was difficult from what was considered “metal fans”, who did not consider METHODS OF MAYHEM a real “metal” band. Possibly because of this, the band disbanded a year later and was never heard from again. However, in 2009 Tommy Lee talked about recreating the band since he had time to figure things out. Now, with a new line-up and a new direction, METHODS OF MAYHEM are stronger than ever with ‘A Public Disservice Announcement’, which takes cues from punk, alternative rock, remixed music, and metal.
‘Public Disservice’ is a bit of an experimental album for the band. Originally, most of the tracks were submitted by fans who listened to demos and cuts on the METHODS OF MAYHEM website and used their own creative genius to remix and remake them. Lee took that music and added the band’s own style to create a diverse album made by the people, for the people. As a result, there’s so much here to enjoy. There’s the WEEZER punk rock influence of ‘Drunk Uncle Pete’ that is destined to have fists in the air with its crunching beat. ‘Time Bomb’ is more alternative rock with its harsh guitar edges combined with melodic sections. ‘Louder’ draws from pop rock and the mainstream romantic stuff that are heard on a lot of pop stations. It’s probably the most cliché track on the album, but also very emotional and METHODS OF MAYHEM perform it so it doesn’t come off as wishy-washy or apathetic, much like a band such as PAPA ROACH would. ‘Fight Song’ is the first nu-metal track for the album to show that features a pulsing beat, screaming, and just the downright aggression that made nu-metal so popular in the late 90s.
‘Two Ways’ is more remix-influenced with its beat and features additional female vocals for a great balance. ‘Take Me off to the Edge’ is a great “hip hop rock” track with so many different influences, ranging from electronic remixes, hard rock, and even Middle Eastern scales. ‘All I Wanna Do’ is definitely a remix track that sounds like a true fan contribution; fans of groups such as LINKIN PARK or ROB ZOMBIE will really enjoy this. The turntables are a great addition and not only make this track extremely dancy, but also have the crushing power of rock music. ‘Back to before’ is another ballad, but more in the trance / dance style with how the vocals have their echo effects rather than pop rock. It isn’t annoying at all, but instead very catchy without making any of the meaning sound fake. Finally, there’s a bit of a social joke going on in ‘Party Instructions’. The entire track sounds like a BLUE MAN GROUP remix with a spoken word passage instructing fans on what it means to “party”. There are plenty of drug references along the lines of marijuana and alcohol, but it is more of poking fun at the generalized idea of what it means to be a rock star, when in reality doing many of these things all the time is what leads to a rock star’s declination and downfall. The lyrics aren’t meant to be taken seriously, but the beat is as it’s got some of the best drum lines and table spinning for an excellent remix track.
If ‘Public Disservice’ is the result of a ten year hiatus, then the wait was well worth it. Looking back on its debut, METHODS OF MAYHEM have really come far in branching out to so many genres, and allowing fans to be a part of that music by putting out demos and samples to be remixed and sent back for further enhancement creates a great connection between a band and their listeners. While some of these tracks may seem cliché or humorous with a lack of real, convictive power, it is safe to say that METHODS OF MAYHEM really do have a message as they pick apart each genre and seem to poke fun at it while adding their own creative hard rock spin to it. The old METHODS are gone, and in its place is a band that is willing to have just as much fun in a serious way, even if that way is hidden.
Tracklist
01. Drunk Uncle Pete (2:44)
02. Time Bomb (3:23)
03. Louder (4:37)
04. Fight Song (3:56)
05. Blame (3:27)
06. Two Ways (3:55)
07. Take Me Off The Ledge (2:46)
08. Only One (3:53)
09. All I Want To Do (4:06)
10. Back To Before (5:24)
11. Party Instructions (4:50)
Line-up
Tommy Lee - vocals, drums
John Allen III - guitars, vocals
Kai Marcus - guitar, vocals
Will Hunt - drums
Phil X - guitar, vocals
Marty O’Brien - bass
DJ Aero - Turntable
Website
http://www.myspace.com/tommyleetv
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Total: 8 / 10
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