Psychedelic history
The legendary stoner rock band Monster Magnet return with their 11th studio album titled A Better Dystopia. This psychedelic rock album is a collection of 12 tracks with a bonus track titled “Welcome to the Void.” The band pays homage to some of their all-time favorite songs and influences in their very first cover album.
Monster Magnet debuts a new line-up for their record with the addition of bass guitarist Alec Morton. The New Jersey-borne rock band has continuously changed its line-up, with Dave Wyndorf being the only constant member. Wyndorf’s performance in A Better Dystopia is out of this world as fans are exposed to his incredible vocal range and exquisitely entertaining talent.
A Better Dystopia opens with a prologue track titled “The Diamond Mine,” where Wyndorf recites a classic monologue from radio DJ Dave Diamond, whose shows helped popularize acid rock in the 1960s. Howling wolves and a grim guitar rhythm play as background noise behind the two-minute dialogue. Wyndorf pays tribute to Diamond by including one of his monologues within the rest of the album as thanks for his support and promotion of psychedelic rock.
The album kicks into hyperdrive with a cover of Hawkind’s “Born to Go,” where raging guitars lead smashing drums in a more electrifying version of the track. Monster Magnet emphasizes the psychedelic rock in this song by putting an extra oomph of guitars meant for headbanging.
The majority of the album serves as an educational purpose as it goes through the history of psychedelic and acid rock. From J.D. Blackfoot’s “Epitaph for a Head” to Poo-Bah’s “Mr. Destroyer” to the Scientists’ “Solid Gold Hell” serve as nearly perfectly identical retakes of the original tracks.
A cover that stands out is Pentagram’s “Be Forewarned,” where Wyndorf executes an incredible performance. The vocals and guitars in this track exude soulful passion. Wyndorf gives off a bit of a Johnny Cash vibe in “Death,” a slow but rhythmic track.
A Better Dystopia concludes with a bonus track from Steve Morgen, “Welcome to the Void,” that directly welcomes listeners to the genre of psychedelic rock music. Monster Magnet has composed an incredible collection of acid rock hits that are perfectly suited for everyone and anyone’s enjoyment. Listeners are able to enjoy each track whether they are fans of acid rock or not.
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