Instrumental offering "Shiva Appreciation Society" by the obscure International ensemble that is Art Against Agony is a curious mixture of jazz rock fusion, art rock, and progressive metal (or is that post-metal?), but unfortunately, it is neither as cool nor captivating as it sounds. Parts of it remind me of "Scarabus" by the Ian Gillan Band as well as "War Dance" by Colosseum II whereas others bring to mind Devin Townsend and Frank Zappa at his most freakish, but unlike those artists there is very little substance to this album. My major gripe with "Shiva Appreciation Society" is that it is utterly devoid of heart and soul. There is not an ounce or passion or anything that even resembles emotions on display here, which entails that the record has no real depth or atmosphere to speak of. These guys are obviously incredibly talented when it comes to handling their instruments and throwing the listeners musical curve balls, but what good is that when none of the tunes move you? Countless twists and turns are cool when they have a purpose and work in favor of the song and its arrangements, but that is hardly the case here. This is akin to a drill to the cranium but without it being an even remotely compulsive listen, which is both frustrating and disappointing.

Technically impressive and even dazzling at times, but musically speaking this is totally forgettable and about as interesting as doing the dishes. Only for the hardcore jazz rock fusion/prog/experimental fans out there who cannot get enough of polyrhythmics, insane scales, and strange mind-fucks.

 

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