Faith No More
Sol Invictus

"Was this really necessary?" This was the first thought that flashed through my mind when I learned that Faith No More were returning to the studio to record a new album after eighteen years from the previous "Album of the Year." Who was actually waiting for their return to the record scene? Maybe just useful to ruin an excellent discography with a new approximate and superfluous album (which is what The Pop Group did a few months ago), just to scrape together some money after the reunion. Anyway, my good intentions of not purchasing this record went out the window pretty quickly, mainly because my unconditional love for every Mike Patton project pushed me to order it as soon as the pre-order was announced. But that wasn't all. I must stress that I had no need for a new work from the San Francisco five. Not before listening to their live performances of some of the tracks that would later appear on this "Sol Invictus".

Even before it was announced, three songs that would appear on it had already been played live. The first performance of one of these, "Matador," dates back to 2011. The other two ("Motherfucker" and "Superhero") were played for the first time in July 2014, during an opening concert for Black Sabbath at Hyde Park. And, I think it can be said in this case, "they gave me a hard-on" (quote). It seemed incredible to me how in these new compositions, although very different in style from each other (the dark rap rock of "Motherfucker," the hardcore/alternative metal full of tear-jerking keyboards in "Superhero," and the sometimes pop sometimes hardcore gothic rock of "Matador"), there was a certain underlying catchiness, always present in the old works of Faith No More, that coexisted with the group's more experimental and creative side (surfaced partly with "Angel Dust" and then exploded with my favorite albums, "KFADFFAL" and "Album of the Year").

Thus, I had resolved not to listen to "Sol Invictus" until the official release date, May 19th. May 11th: "Sol Invictus available for streaming on NME." Fuck. And so my good intention faded. Repeatedly. Even the same day. Then, finally, May 19th came, and I received the physical copy and listened to it. 20 times, to date. I'm actually listening to it even now. 21. The first thing that immediately stands out in this work is the total lack of a significant role by Jon Hudson (except for "Cone of Shame"). The main part is often defined by Bottum's keyboards (in great form on this work, probably more than ever) and Gould's bass, leaving Jon Hudson in an almost purely rhythmic role. However, though it’s noticeable he didn’t contribute much at all to the writing of "Sol Invictus" (while in the previous "Album of the Year" he did help write some songs), he confirms to be a rather versatile guitarist, showing his ability to juggle funky, hardcore, pop, country, rock, folk, metal riffs though lacking the charisma of a Martin or the technical prowess of a Spruance (who, in my opinion, remains the best guitarist to have ever worked in Gould’s group). Another thing noticeable from the first listen: "Cone of Shame". Probably one of the best songs ever appeared on a Faith No More album. About two minutes of retro-flavored guitar introduction accompanied by the martial rhythm of the ever-dazed Mike Bordin and then the explosion. "I'd like to peel your skin oooooooooooooff!" screams a very angry Mike Patton over a delirious rhythmic carpet that sets the song towards a conclusion where Hudson’s guitar travels halfway between Fantômas and spaghetti western soundtracks. And the rest of the album is no less impressive. In fact, "Matador" and "Sol Invictus" (the latter being the title and opening track with its slow and reflective pace, which stands out from the tracks that usually open works by the band) are masterpieces; at least four other songs are noteworthy and, more importantly, which is quite rare, no track incites a skip. At this point, I think you should already be on NME (or whatever site it's currently streaming on) listening to this work (of art? probably yes). And remember! PRIM..uhm... FAITH NO MORE SUCKS!

Post scriptum: my rating is 4/5 because the cover is crap. Rather.