4-Way Diablo

Monster Magnet's 2007 4-Way Diablo album has something of a bad reputation among a large section of the band's fans. Its often a toss up as to whether this, or the album which preceded it, is considered the band's worst ever album.At the same time however, it was considered by a few fans and critics as more of a return to their early sound. That's not exactly 100% accurate in my opinion, there are certainly a few songs on here like `Cyclone' and their cover of The Rolling Stone's `2000 Lightyears From Home' that have a psychedelic touch to them, but the majority of the album is smooth, perfectly formed hard rock music just as it was on the equally disliked Monolithic Baby album.At the end of the day, music is all about personal opinion, but I feel that maybe some people may dislike this album more out of its musical direction than the actual quality of the music on the disc. If you are the sort of fan who thinks that the band sold out after Spine Of God, or think the band have been going downhill generally, then this probably isn't going to blow your mind.In my personal opinion however, I think this is a marvelous record. I like all the different eras of Monster Magnet, and don't think they've ever made a dull record. I've listened to this album dozens and dozens of times, and it has added a few songs to my list of all time Monster Magnet favourites.The absolutely catchy and exciting `Wall Of Fire,' the dour and moody `Little Bag Of Gloom' and the aforementioned `Cyclone' are all fantastic songs, that display Dave Wyndorf's brilliant voice, lyrics and general personality. Even if you skip the record, you should probably check those songs out on their own.As a whole album though, there's not much in the way of filler or out-of-place material. Everything is finely crafted, catchy rock with a memorable chorus and a clear production. I suppose for the nay-sayers that's very much the problem; some people only want Monster Magnet to be one thing, and this album sees them doing another one. For me, they do this other direction so well that I can listen to this, then listen to the classic material, and simply enjoy them both.Overall; I really like 4-Way Diablo and listen to it fairly often, it works as a whole and has a few absolute stand out tracks too. It even features some of Dave's best melodic clean vocals to date. Don't be too put off by the negative reputation that the album has unless you are normally the kind of person to only like a band's earliest work. If you've got a fairly open mind regarding band's changing styles, and want some fun, well produced, personality filled, slightly commercialized Stoner Rock then this is a nice addition to your collection.

I heard this album only recently, I've been a big fan of the early albums and also greatly enjoyed the latest Last Patrol album. I was surprised to see some negative reviews. There are a lot of good songs on this album, actually most of them are damn good. Maybe it does not feel as cohesive as an album because there are different styles of songs and the production is not the best. But I think a real Monster Magnet fan will enjoy this album. You've got your classic stoner/space rock songs, hard rock songs, and trippy ballads that Monster Magnet does really well. So buy the CD, especially if you can get it for cheap as I did.

Brilliant album, Cyclone and 2000 light years being my most favourite songs, a must have cd for your collection if you love Monster Magnet like me.

I got in to Monster Magnet a few years back, started off by listening to the greatest hits CD and have been buying the studio albums over time. If you already like Monster Magnet you'll like this. If you've never listened to Monster Magnet you'll like this.

I love Monster Magnet and have all of their albums but this is definitely a low point for the band. It's not awful but just very average, there are no classics in the style of Space Lord, Monolithic Baby, Powertrippin', Teenage blah blah etc. Worth getting to keep my collection in tact but probably their worst release.Delivery and sales side was faultless.

Excellent

Great band

MONSTER MAGNET are back after a three year hiatus from song writing with their latest album '4-Way Diablo'. Their last release 'Monolithic Baby!' was below par and crossed the thin line between psychedelic groove and something to put you to sleep. On another note, kudos to whoever thought up the cover art, as it's an original and inspired design.Ten years have passed since the run away success of 'Space Lord' from the 'Powertrip' album and you could not be blamed from thinking this is a band on the way out. Thankfully there are still signs of life and '4-Way Diablo' is the proof of it. The album kicks off with the title track '4-Way Diablo' which draws you straight in with a catchy guitar riff courtesy of Ed Mundell, an upbeat chorus and a sweet little guitar solo towards the end. The next track 'Wall Of Fire' keeps the momentum going well as does 'You're Alive', although you do have to get past wondering what the hell Dave Wyndorf (guitars/vocals) is on about (I guess what's stoner rock for you) and an irritating chorus that grates after awhile. Yet this track is still annoyingly likable.Before you are left thinking where has the stoner rock gone? We get a taste of some old school MONSTER MAGNET with tracks like 'Blow Your Mind' and 'Cyclone' which have a spaced out feel to them. The band has made the cover of the ROLLING STONES song '2000 Light Years From Home' their own giving the track a moody edge whilst the reverb Wyndorf uses gives the track a very mellow feel. Is this a return to the 'Dopes To Infinity' days? Well, maybe not quite but not a bad stab at it.Unfortunately from here on the album does start to waiver with only a small reprieve in the form of the ninth track 'Solid Gold'. 'Freeze and Pixelate' is note worthy, an unexpected instrumental which upon first listen the superb build-up makes you believe it's the intro to a song that never materialises. To a stoner this track would be the musical equivalent of a lava lamp, ultimately though this track is little more than filler. Finally, the album tails off completely ending with the unremarkable 'Little Bag Of Gloom'.'4-Way Diablo' doesn't contain an overtly commercial single which should get a small nod of approval from old fans. The album starts well and for the most part delivers with only a few weaker tracks, overall MONSTER MAGNET have created a solid album.