The Mars Volta - De - Loused In The Comatorium (2LP) - Blue & Green Vinyl

"The Mars Volta's debut studio album, 'De-Loused in the Comatorium,' released on June 24, 2003, is a landmark in progressive rock and a testament to the band's innovative spirit. The album was produced by Rick Rubin and Omar Rodríguez-López, and it features a blend of progressive rock, punk, and jazz fusion, creating a unique and complex soundscape that has captivated listeners since its release.

The album is a concept record, inspired by the life and death of Julio Venegas, a close friend of the band's lead vocalist Cedric Bixler-Zavala. The narrative follows the character Cerpin Taxt, who falls into a coma after a suicide attempt and experiences surreal and often harrowing visions before ultimately succumbing to his injuries. This dark and introspective storyline is mirrored by the album's intense and often chaotic musical arrangements.

The opening track, 'Son et Lumière,' serves as a brief introduction, setting the tone with its eerie soundscapes and cryptic lyrics. It seamlessly transitions into 'Inertiatic ESP,' a high-energy track that showcases the band's ability to blend complex time signatures with catchy melodies. The song's driving rhythm and Bixler-Zavala's soaring vocals immediately grab the listener's attention.

'Roulette Dares (The Haunt Of)' is another standout track, featuring intricate guitar work by Rodríguez-López and dynamic shifts in tempo and mood. The song's lyrics, like much of the album, are dense and abstract, inviting multiple interpretations. The interplay between the band's members is particularly evident here, with each musician contributing to the song's layered and multifaceted sound.

'Drunkship of Lanterns' is a frenetic and rhythmically complex track that highlights the band's Latin influences. The song's polyrhythmic structure and Rodríguez-López's virtuosic guitar playing create a sense of controlled chaos that is both exhilarating and disorienting. This track, along with others on the album, demonstrates the band's willingness to push the boundaries of conventional rock music.

'Eriatarka' offers a more melodic and introspective moment on the album, with its lush arrangements and emotionally charged lyrics. The song builds to a powerful climax, showcasing Bixler-Zavala's vocal range and the band's ability to create dramatic tension. The track's shifting dynamics and intricate instrumentation make it a highlight of the album.

'Cicatriz ESP' is the album's longest track, clocking in at over 12 minutes. It is an epic journey that takes the listener through a series of musical landscapes, from aggressive and dissonant passages to more serene and contemplative moments. The song's extended instrumental sections allow the band to explore their improvisational skills, creating a sense of spontaneity and unpredictability.

'This Apparatus Must Be Unearthed' is a shorter, more straightforward track that still retains the band's signature complexity. Its driving rhythm and angular guitar riffs make it one of the more accessible songs on the album, while still maintaining the intensity and urgency that characterizes the band's sound.

'Televators' is a haunting and melancholic ballad that provides a moment of respite from the album's relentless energy. The song's sparse arrangement and Bixler-Zavala's plaintive vocals create a sense of vulnerability and introspection. The lyrics, which deal with themes of loss and despair, are some of the most poignant on the album.

The album closes with 'Take the Veil Cerpin Taxt,' a sprawling and ambitious track that encapsulates the band's experimental approach. The song's shifting time signatures, complex arrangements, and explosive climax make it a fitting conclusion to the album's journey.

'De-Loused in the Comatorium' is a bold and uncompromising debut that established The Mars Volta as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the 2000s. Its intricate compositions, emotional depth, and fearless experimentation have earned it a lasting legacy in the world of progressive rock. The album remains a challenging and rewarding listen, offering new insights and discoveries with each spin."