AMFJ - Baen

Alright, I've never liked being that guy who says that an album is terrible. I'm not a musician, but I do enjoy writing fiction, and that is an art in itself. And when I get done writing a piece, and I truly think it's good to be released to friends and possibly even peers to critique, I hate getting back negative comments. However, that being said, sometimes being told that what you've created is an absolute piece of shit is a good thing. Because then you can take what you've created, see what's wrong with it, and then create something good out of it. Which is why I'm going to simply say that AMFJ's 'Baen' is quite possibly the worst thing that I've listened to this year.

Starting with "Utburdur Umskiptungur" was easily one of the most nauseating experiences I've dealt with. It starts off with a baby crying, but then just throws in all this noise behind it. And it doesn't quiet done. It just keeps on getting louder, and louder, and louder, as if the artist honestly wants you to rip your ear drums out of your head and be proud of doing so. Most people try and get their baby to stop crying; this song does the exact opposite, and just lets the baby get so obnoxiously loud that I'm tempted to call child services.

Thankfully, though, "Oldnungur" proves to be a quite calm piece, sounds fairly tribal with the soft singing and constant drum going on. However, that can get annoying for a little. I also enjoyed the whispers in the background, it sent chills down my spine. "Husid Andar" was also another fair song on the album, playing off a more ambient soundscape, with a lot of humming, and sounding otherwise spiritual and inspiring. However, and I cry while saying this, these two tracks are the only real saving graces on the release, and God help me get through the rest of this album.

"Mammon" and "Retoria" just sound like a genuine cluster fuck of sounds put together in the most horrendous fashions possible. I know this is noise, but I've listened to albums before where the noise sounded absolutely fucking fantastic, and the attack that pulsed through my headphones sounded great. Here, it sounds like someone's trying to be as angry as possible, but is being laughed at, so they try to get louder to prove a point. But, no matter how loud you are, it doesn't mean that you're the greatest.

"Baen" and "Lofun" are two more quiet tracks, but I really found nothing too great about them. Their length is decent, but the variety of sounds in each song just tends to loop and loop and loop. To be honest, I have no idea how I've not managed to shoot myself in the head as of yet. Seriously, save yourself the damnation of listening to this album, and go listen to something good. I think I'd rather dress like a woman and jam out to Lady Gaga right now than listen to this any longer. Jun 14 2013