Review Summary: THIS. IS. PLAGIARISM.
Parodies spiked on the internet during the early stages of social media platforms such as Youtube, mainly residing in the pop-music realm. With Youtubers such as Stevie T, Jarrod Dines, and in this case, Jarrod Alonge rising to internet stardom, it only makes sense that a metal-parody album is made about now.
The main problem with this album is just how well it has been made. Although it shouldn't be taken seriously at all, it has been made remarkably well, with musical performances mimicking bands in an exceptional manner. Songs such as "Save My Life" and "Hey Jarrod, What's That Song Again?" outright copy from bands such as Memphis May Fire and Bring Me The Horizon in EVERY aspect. Playing styles of every instrumentalist from every band parodied have been studied very well by Mr. Alonge and it is a very commendable effort. Inconceivable Somatic Defecation" showcases very well the instrumentation study as Jarrod pummels out riff after riff, ripping off death metal bands in a very well-thought out fashion.
The most stellar attribute to this album is the production. While I won't say that there were any songs of which the production blew me away, EVERY SONG has been mixed and produced in correlation with the band it parodies. In terms of parody, this is truly going the extra mile. Anyone who has listened to any of the bands that are mimicked in this album should be able to identify them purely off of the mix, guitar tones, and overall production. If you are not a fan of parodies, this would be a reason to listen to a few songs off of this album. That level of detail just makes everything so much more believable.
Now for the most dividing aspect of the album; the lyrics. As noted in the summary of this review above, you may have noticed the 'This is sempiternal!' reference, which is found within this album. Track 10 features many quotes of Jaden Smith's twitter account as lyrics to the song. Track 9 is a punk parody of leaving home and pursuing a fun life of rock and roll. "2 Freaky 4 da Club" is exactly what you think it probably is. While very clever on paper, this will be the factor that separates the crowds from a '5 - Classic' and a '1 - Awful'.
There is no denying that this album was made by an incredibly talented man. Solos are insanely technical, songs stay true to their genres and the mixes are near perfect in terms of what they set out to achieve. The lyrics have been written very well but whether or not one enjoys them will be up for more debate than most, standard releases. But an extraordinary effort from Jarrod nonetheless, if "Goodbye Baltimore"'s flute solo doesn't make you at least smile, the desensitization of humor from spending too much time on Netflix has unfortunately reached the deepest, darkest places of your soul.
