The Mars Volta have had no problem building a veil of controversy and mystique to surround themselves in the years that have passed since their inception. Commonly referred to as the new band of Cedric Bixler and Omar Rodriguez from the infamous At The Drive-In; The group have gone through numerous personnel changes, including the death of a founding member, before even seeing the release of this conceptual effort which eerily details the tragic story of a suicide of a close friend of the band.

When considering that At The Drive-In pulled the plug just as the mainstream were finally catching up with them, one would almost expect these former members to resurface back in the underground. And yet "De-Loused In The Comatorium" comes complete with production from Rick Rubin (Slayer, Beastie Boys), guest appearances by Flea of The Red Hot Chili Peppers and a major label in tow. Thankfully, this soon all becomes irrelevant as the music contained upon this offering speaks loudly and more interestingly than any of the gossip that has ever surrounded the group. A captivating collection of songs that draw heavily upon Latin rhythms, 70's prog-rock, dub, punk and more; The material teeters on the brink of devastation and is played with such a feverish intensity that one can't help but wonder if a gun was held to their head in the studio. Performances of such an honest caliber are a rare commodity these days and yet the cargo hold of this record is overflowing with them. Utterly spellbinding musicianship, expansive compositions and brilliantly eclectic instrumentation riddle this release and leave the band sounding like some twisted modernized mix of Led Zeppelin, Rush, Pink Floyd and early Santana - without the dated nostalgia.

Often possessing an almost jam-like atmosphere, the group's freeform energy is nearly without equal in today's pre-packaged musical climate, instantly (and invigoratingly going against the grain.) At times grating, and at others melodically soaring through the clear desert skies, the group sweat out some of the purest conviction and engulfing soundscapes envisioned in recent memory. Truly The Mars Volta are one of the select few who actually live up to the hype that surrounds them. Yes there are retro tendencies present here that the band fall back upon on occasion and there's no question this music is not for everyone. But upon repeated listens, it's hard not to feel that "De-Loused In The Comatorium" is the auditory equivalent to awakening from a musical coma that has knocked us out for the past half a decade. Heartfelt, riveting and expertly assembled, this is one of the most impressive records of the year - a wholly non-commercial masterpiece if there ever was.