YAKUZA
Way Of The Dead (Century Media)
Reviewed by Jason Thornberry

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So you say that saxophone and distorted guitar doesn't sound like it would mix comfortably? Yakuza don't seem interested in resonant pacification, though they have moments where the word "serene" comes to mind. They don't even appear to look up much while they're playing, so what do they care if you stay in the room or wander outside to chat up your best friend's girl? You should come back in ASAP, because they're doing things you're not likely to hear coming from a metal band in the near future.

I could name names, but even groups like Atheist with their virtuosity, jazziness and self-discipline never got close to the ambience of "Signal 2.42." Most metal, whether it's under the progressive/experimental banner or not is about attack, and no one seems quite aware of restraint. With Motorhead in your family tree is not that surprising? Now I love those guys, but Yakuza, as a band, has more in common with Chick Corea than Lemmy Kilmeister.

The quartet closes Way Of The Dead with a forty-three minute song that could have easily been from the sessions for Can's Soon Over Babaluma, minus the violins. Don't be surprised if you hear them on the next album though.

8/10

© 2002 - Jason Thornberry