Dillinger Escape Plan

Dillinger Escape Plan: Irony is a Dead SceneIrony is a Dead Scene (2002)
Epitaph Records

Reviewer Rating: 4

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Contributed by: pastepunkPastepunk
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Published on August 27th 2002This release really got me thinking. When federal agents kept tabs on bands in the early-to-mid 80s in Los Angeles, they regarded punk/hardcore and so forth as a threat to society. I'm pretty sure that some of those in law enforcement at the time ended up actually listening to the bands they were ch.

This release really got me thinking. When federal agents kept tabs on bands in the early-to-mid 80s in Los Angeles, they regarded punk/hardcore and so forth as a threat to society. I'm pretty sure that some of those in law enforcement at the time ended up actually listening to the bands they were chasing after: BLACK FLAG, BAD RELIGION, AGRESSION, etc. I wonder what would happen if such activity still existed today (and not on the local level that usually deals with venue fire codes), and a band like DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN was on the federal radar. My guess is that the feds would probably think all of us into hardcore, metal, or whatever the hell this is called have severe mental issues. "Irony is a Dead Scene" is like packaging up the insane rantings of a bi-polar disorder sufferer and selling off those "extreme" moments. Most noticeably with this release is not so much how technical DEP sound, but how fucking loud it is and how my ears hurt just trying to take it in. If one wants to actually appreciate the underpinnings of this band, a pair of headphones is required, as only then will one get a proper feeling of how sick this music is, and just what kind of wizardry the band is pulling off.

Mike Patton, as the featured vocalist on here lives up to his reputation - eerie, brutal, almost inhuman, and devilishly trippy, one has no idea what kind of vocal contortion he's going to pull off next. As for the rhythm section - it's nothing short of mesmirizing, intoxicating, and full of burn. I think there's a stronger use of electronic touches with this release, but don't worry, DEP haven't gone the progressive space-rock route. The third track, "When Good Dogs Do Bad Things" is a bit slower than the other three, but it grips the listener so tight, a clavicle seems bound to break. Although this four song EP (18 minutes) is only a teaser to what this band can pull off in the future, it's one taunting well worth experiencing.

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Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not respon sible for them in any way. Seriously.

Anonymous (October 30, 2004)

This record is all sorts of right.

-Zak

Anonymous (August 27, 2003)

Haha.

-c22

Le_MAD (January 28, 2003)

I recommand it if you like The Alkaline Trio, Saves The Day and Dashboard Confessional.

seek (September 9, 2002)

black flag = death metal? nah. doom metal, perhaps, especially the second half of "my war". death metal is typified as lyrics that focus on death, corpses, and blood with constant pummeling of the drums (especially the kick drums) and either shrieked or growled vocals. death metal is quite akin to grind and i dont think many would complain if someone called DEP a grind band.

Anonymous (September 3, 2002)

real metal is actually very similar to hardcore, just slower and heavier. motley crue isn't metal, that's pop buddy, or "hairmetal if you've got to call it that. guess a good example of a great hardcore band would be damaged era black flag and a great death metal band would be loose nut era black flag.

Anonymous (September 2, 2002)

so it sucks when good bands like dillinger escape plan turn to shit. wow some of the garbage on this album even resembles nu metal.

Anonymous (September 2, 2002)

Patton singing about metal? I don't think any of these songs are about metal? And I'm pretty sure a lot of people on this board like metal. Or are you one of those dipshits that thinks real metal is Motley Crue bullshit.

Anonymous (September 2, 2002)

all the hardcore kids i know hate metal, yet who can deny that's _all_ what patton's singing is about on this ep ... quit lying to yourselves - for you guys to enjoy this cd is ironic, ironically ...

eyeball_kid (August 31, 2002)

Hey! It has an enhanced CD video thing too! Says nothing on the sleeve though. Value for money baby!

Anonymous (August 31, 2002)

This is good. I might have to buy this record soon, a friend sent me all the tracks. However, DEP does not compare to Kiss It Goodbye.

-green run brad

waste_elite (August 29, 2002)

i'll have to pick this up, it seems to be getting some good feedback. i was impressed by the e-card, Patton is awesome, and i love Aphex Twin so i'm dying to hear that cover.

i can't lose!

eyeball_kid (August 29, 2002)

Simple and complicated are just as relevant as each other. I don't want to cover old ground here but Patton is god, this record kicks ass. I think this band is improved a whole lot by using a more melodic singer - best stuff Dillinger have done by miles.

Anonymous (August 29, 2002)

Haven't listened to it yet, but I'm looking forward to it. You know "Come to Daddy" is an Aphex Twin cover, right? Failed to mention it, wasn't sure.

evildeadalive (August 29, 2002)

Yeah, we all know the only reason we listen to punk is to hear the most technically sound and diverse music we can. The more complicated the better I say!

waste_elite (August 29, 2002)

yeah, because "Technical" = good.

shut up