The Mars Volta The Bedlam in Goliath

4 stars out of 5 -- "[T]here is a great leap in songwriting -- closer to classic hard-rock force and melodic drama -- that, in 'Goliath,' 'Cavaletta' and the Holy City atmospheres of 'Soothsayer,' is even more jolting than the weirdness."
4 stars out of 5 -- "Their trademark psych-prog barrage is still in full effect...here it's pinned down by restless rhythmic energy."
5 stars out of 5 -- "12 tracks of blistering post-hardcore, propulsive Latino-funk jams and progressive-rock segues..."
"[With] more shades of nuance and flashes of brilliance derived from that sprawling Mars Volta formula..."
Ranked #15 in Kerrang's Best Albums Of The Year 2008 -- "The Mars Volta's time is now."
3 stars out of 5 -- "[T]heir signature riffing and convulsive time changes remained intact....There's greater scope here than ever before..."
4 stars out of 5 -- "[A] squall of face-melting sonics and psych-jazz explosions....The Mars Volta are making music built to last."
4 stars out of 5 -- "Never before have these kings of experimental metal sustained such pulse-quickening energy, honing their tricks -- cryptic lyrics, cliffhanging cries, spine-tingling rhythms -- into a screaming arrow of sound."
The Word (magazine) (p.101) - "The Mars Volta manage their energy-changes with computer-voiced wind-downs and white noise....Undeniably brave."
Clash (Magazine) (p.111) - "From opener 'Aberinkula' onwards what we have is the testimony of the only survivors to the court of King Crimson, a prog-masterpiece that singes ears and baffles minds."