It was almost 2 o’clock when I jumped in my Sentra and ripped the shrink-wrap off the new Godhead CD, 2000 years of Human Error. Delicately, I removed the weird little sticker that the distributors put on the case to seal it closed (at least, I think that’s what it’s for) and stuck it on the back of the case, as per my usual CD opening ritual. I’ve been anxiously waiting a year for this CD, and now I have it and on release day too.

Popping the CD into my player, I sat entranced when the familiar beat of the first track, titled “The Reckoning” came on. I heard this song both in two of the concerts I saw them play and on the demo CD. This is probably one of my favorite songs, the clean and processed vocals running together, the drum beat, and the crazy electro-guitar riffs makes me want to get up and dance. Which is what I would have done if I was not in my car and in a public place.

I quickly look through the CD insert, noticing the really cool graphics that they used and some of the credits. The first thing I noticed was actually the back of the CD case. There were two pictures of the band. Well, they were the same picture, but one was in black and white, reversed, and very tiny.

Godhead, a group of four extremely talented and original musicians, posing in one of their very odd pictures. Lead man, Jason Miller, is the very talented singer and also plays guitar. Mike Miller (no relation) is the other guitar player, and is absolutely fabulous at it (unfortunantely, the CD does not show off his talent as well as their previous albums). Ollie (a.k.a. The Method) is the programmer, synth and bass player, and also the wild boy of the group. James O’Conner (the playboy of the band) is the drummer of the group, and very talented too, and like Mike, the CD does not display his talent as well as it could, until you see him live that is, 'cause they put on one hell of a show.

All together, they make quite a group. Nearly all the songs work together, something rarely seen in music. One of the things that makes them such a cool group of guys is that they are so nice and very social. At every concert, they will always be seen around with the crowd, saying hi, meeting people, signing autographs, etc. During their tour with Manson (which I caught them on once) they brought friends backstage, talked to their fans, and always had a smile on their face. This is one of the coolest things about these guys: they consider their fans friends and are extremely loyal. Enough said for now, time to move to the production team.

Marilyn Manson is the executive producer, Danny Saber is the producer and engineer, mixed by John X. Volatis. Scotty (Daisy) Putesky helped write one song, Reeves Gabrels helped produced a track and added additional guitar and synth to one of the songs. Danny Saber mixed some of the songs and also added additional guitar and harmonics to others. Twiggy did some additional bass, as well as help write “2000 Years of Human Error”, along with Manson and Danny Saber. Manson himself did backup vocals for “Break You Down” while Stacy Plunk added some amazing beautiful choir style vocals to several of the songs.

So I got the basic idea of who was working on the CD, hoping that Manson didn’t have too much influence, as I am not a Manson fan, and would hate to see one of my favorite bands turn into a Manson clone. Much to my favor, the CD was very much pure Godhead, though it did have a bit too much of a Manson touch to it, but hey, what can you do? I do think that both Danny Saber (who has worked with Madonna, Garbage, David Bowie and several other big artists) and Reeves Gabrels did great jobs on the songs they produced and mixed.

Anyway, I’m listening to “The Reckoning”, amazed by the changes from the original version they had. When I first heard Stacy Plunks (she does backup vocals for their remix of “Elenor Rigby” and “The Reckoning”) voice, I went wild. Her voice is AMAZING. Now, I’m getting tired of sitting in my car, so I zoom off back to Radford. Wow…about the only times I’ve ever had a harder time not speeding would have been when I’ve played one of my favorite songs by Nine Inch Nail’s “Wish.”

When I heard ”I Sell Society,” I almost died. This song was CANDY to audiophiles like me. The pure energy and style of this song…it is absolutely amazing. The lyrics are powerful and deep; the instruments very groovy. I feel like a kid being offered candy from a dark stranger when I hear this song. The song lyrics seem to have something to do with morality in society. Absolutely amazing, at this point I was nearly careening out of control.

Then “Inside You” came on. Wow, another powerful song. At this point, I was so extremely impressed with the CD so far. Twelve dollars well spent. This is another of the songs that is hard to describe, as all their songs are. It has that rock hard edge to it, and then that laid back mood before it jumps back and bites you in the ass. One odd thing about this song, there is this weird Night Rider style theme in some parts of the song.

After that came "Sinking." Nearly everyone I’ve talked to says this is their favorite song on the CD. This song is almost the anthem of any real, true individual who has ever had society try to push them down. The pain that comes from the lyrics, brings to mind the familiar feelings of being pushed down only to pick myself back up and again, being dropped again. This song very much goes with the style of “Tired Old Man” and “I Hate Today.”

The lyrics to “Tired Old Man” express the feelings of someone tired of dealing with society and life. Perhaps one of the best quotes in the whole CD: “If you believe in me, I’ll try not to die, If work keeps me living it’s got to start giving me life, not just strife.” That quote is so expressive of society in general. But I’m sure I don’t have to explain that quote, after all, you’re not children.

My favorite song of the CD is “I Hate Today”, and that goes along with the same theme as the two previous songs. I feel like this song could have been played in memorial to the Columbine shooting. Not only is this one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard, it’s one of the most artistic. It shows the dynamic talent of the group, being able to play slow, nearly classical songs to hard, industrial songs. This song shows the frustration of so many people, trying to speak to your fellow man and having them not hear or understand a word you say. Anyone who has ever been put down by society cause they were able to think for themselves should listen to this song. “I’m a product of your hate, just the one that you’d create…You taught me everything you know” expresses the feelings that many individuals have, and many intelligent people see as the cause of incidences like the Columbine shooting.

EJECT

Now in my room, I listen to the rest of the CD. Those songs I could also talk about and explain, but alas, I would like to keep this review short (hah… too late). This is perhaps one of the best CD’s I have ever heard. Period. And I almost have to change my pants for it! I know I said that I was not going to talk about any more songs (oops… I lied), but I should say a word about their cover of “Elenor Rigby”. This is the second cover they have done. Their previous album, Power Tool Stigmata, has a version of it that is more mind blowing than the one on 2000 Years of Human Error. Their version of it, to me, is how it should sound. Dark, desperate, and hollow. If you like artistic music, music with a lot of thought and work put into it, I’m sure you’ll love this CD. Many people I know have had this band become their favorite after hearing this CD, even though they may not usually listen to this style of music.

If you’re curious, go to Godhead’s webpage. They have mp3’s available and you can talk to others and get their opinion on the CD as well as view some live footage from their tour with Marilyn Manson. There is also a link on their page to their MTV interview. They will be touring with Disturbed in a week or so, and will more than likely be on the Ozzfest this year. But don’t take my word for it, you can also check out the review in Rolling Stone, three stars out of five!

Their past tours have included acts with the Genitorturers, GWAR, Christian Death, and Marilyn Manson on the Guns, God, and Government tour. They also have had three previous full length album releases. The titles are: godhead, nothingness, and Power Tool Stigmata. However, godhead is now nearly impossible to find and nothingness is also extremely rare. Power Tool Stigmata should be pretty easy to find; many places will now order the CD.