Although classifiable as nu metal, on XX the nine-piece Mushroomhead don't rest on the sugar hooks or one-shot blasts that are associated with the genre. Instead, they expand upon and twist ideas in a manner that's genuinely bizarre and thoroughly entertaining. "Before I Die" is a furious headbanger, while "Never Let It Go" is reminiscent of Faith No More circa Angel Dust, and "Born of Desire" is like a head-on collision between Slayer and a symphony orchestra. For those who love a raw, serrated riff with no interference, "Episode 29" is 1 minute 35 seconds of pure nectar. Ultimately, this Cleveland group's effort to expertly integrate styles and strains is 98 per cent successful. This artistically progressive metal ensemble deserves attention. --Steffan Chirazi
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