CD Review

Since the mid 90’s Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland, better known as the Crystal Method, have been the prize fighters in the American dance music scene. Creating from their fortified influences in the titans of rock –AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, and New Order – Jordan and Kirkland have opened the possibilities for electronic music to reach beyond the late night club scene. Utilizing their three essential ingredients, (a great bassline, beat, and hook) plus a list of genre bending collaborators, The Crystal Method return with their third release Legion of Boom.

"Born To Slow" features the scratchy riffs of ex-Limp Bizkit axeman Wes Borland and ex-Kyuss frontman John Garcia’s desert howl, giving birth to a compelling metal and trance rager. "True Grit" features an industrial beat alongside a full bag of techno tricks. Rahzel of the Roots lends lyrics and vocals to "The American Way," which sounds dated in its 90’s rock meets rap orchestration. However, when Milla Jovovich lends her ethereal shrill to "I Know It’s You," this new age pinch of spirituality is just what the doctor ordered. The mid-record, "Weapons of Mass Distortion" makes a great candidate for a video game soundtrack, while "Bound Too Long" with its extended beats, is better served at 5 a.m.

Although the shoot from the vein impact of prior Crystal Method releases is missing, there is still a punch, yet that knockout blow never comes. Legion of Boom does have potential commercial appeal, much like Moby’s Play, though, like their previous works, will undoubtedly end up reserved for more late nights.