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By JEFF MAKI
Yakuza's Samsara (Prosthetic Records) takes listeners into a metallic soundscape unlike anything I have ever heard, making it difficult to describe. Samsara's sound is at times crushingly heavy and dissonant, and at other points psychedelic and atmospheric. The band infuses elements of many different genres: hardcore, thrash, jazz and sludge, among others. I immediately noticed the presence of a saxophone! Yes, a saxophone. I found myself thinking maybe Yakuza have come across a new genre: "jazz-metal" perhaps? In all seriousness, it works well on the album, tying tracks together for one large soundscape.
Don't get me wrong; guitars and relentless percussion are prominent on this release as well. One listen to "Cancer of Industry" proves Yakuza can be pummeling on the ears and could easily tour with today's top metal bands. "Plecostomus" is a slower drudging track. I definitely hear somewhat of an Isis influence in its sound. Many tracks feature long musical interludes with a variety of instruments and effects, always keeping things interesting. "Dishonor" is hardcore metal from start to finish, ending with a long instrumental part with some nice guitar work. "20 Bucks" uses clean vocals over a tribal-esque beat in almost a Jane's Addiction-like style, before turning into a furious metalcore anthem. "Exterminator" is the most psychedelic track of the disc, again featuring clean vocals in almost a "Planet Caravan" delivery. Like I stated, it's not feasible to classify Yakuza into any specific genre. The closest bands that come to mind are Isis, Godflesh or perhaps Fudge Tunnel, and that's just to give you an idea of Yakuza's sound.
The point is that Yakuza are not limited to one specific genre and are not at all afraid of experimentation. Samsara is evidence of that. It is not an album that will feature multiple singles and get Yakuza on Headbanger's Ball. Samsara is a release meant to be listened to from start to finish in one take, sending the listener on a musical journey.
Prosthetic Records
http://yakuzadojo.com
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