''XIII'' is the fourth studio album by American
heavy metal band
Mushroomhead
Mushroomhead is an American heavy metal band from Cleveland, Ohio. Formed in 1993 in the Cleveland Warehouse District, the band is known for their avant-garde sound and horror film-inspired imagery which features masks and costumes as well as ...
, released on October 14, 2003. The album reached No. 40 on the
''Billboard'' 200 and sold 400,000 copies worldwide making it the band's most successful album to date. It is the second Mushroomhead album to be distributed through a major label, and it was also the debut release for then-new guitarists Bronson and Gravy, as well as turntablist/sampler Stitch.
''XIII'' includes the single "Sun Doesn't Rise". Its music video was directed by
Vincent Marcone
Vincent Marcone (born 1973) is a Canadian web designer, illustrator, film director, and musician. He forms one third of the band Johnny Hollow, based in Guelph, Ontario.
Early life and education
Marcone studied graphic design at Conestoga Colle ...
. The video aired frequently on ''
Headbangers Ball
''Headbangers Ball'' is a music television program that consisted of heavy metal music videos airing on MTV and its global affiliates. The show began on MTV on April 18, 1987, playing heavy metal music videos from both well-known and more obs ...
'' upon release. The track "Sun Doesn't Rise" was also featured on the
''Freddy vs. Jason'' soundtrack.
Reception
The album received positive reviews, with critics stating that it was a much more improved version of ''XX''. It could be seen as the first major release of Mushroomhead to review, as ''XX'' was only a compilation album featuring songs from their past 3 self-released albums. Some critics complimented on Mushroomhead's extensive use of piano solos and various other instruments.
In 2018, the album was ranked at No. 20 on ''
Revolver
A revolver (also called a wheel gun) is a repeating handgun that has at least one barrel and uses a revolving cylinder containing multiple chambers (each holding a single cartridge) for firing. Because most revolver models hold up to six roun ...
''s list of "20 Essential Nu-Metal Albums".
Track listing
All songs written by Mushroomhead, except for "Crazy" written by
Seal
Seal may refer to any of the following:
Common uses
* Pinniped, a diverse group of semi-aquatic marine mammals, many of which are commonly called seals, particularly:
** Earless seal, or "true seal"
** Fur seal
* Seal (emblem), a device to impr ...
and
Guy Sigsworth
Guy Sigsworth is an English record producer and songwriter. During his career, he has worked with many artists, including Seal, Björk, Goldie, Madonna, Britney Spears, Kate Havnevik, Imogen Heap, Bebel Gilberto, Mozez, David Sylvian, Alanis M ...
.
Bonus tracks
British copies of the album include the song "Treason" and the instrumental "Loop #6". Enhanced copies were said to have "Along the Way" and "Simpleton" as bonus tracks available for download through a CD identification process from a secret page on Universalmotown.com.
Since Mushroomhead left Universal, the page has been removed.
Credits
Mushroomhead
* Jeffrey Nothing – vocals
* J Mann – vocals
* Pig Benis – bass
* Bronson – guitars
* Gravy – guitars
* Shmotz – keyboards, samples
* ST1TCH – electronics, programming, samples, turntables
* Skinny – drums, percussion
Additional personnel
* Devon Gorman – additional vocals on "One More Day" and "Our Own Way"
* Jens Kidman – additional vocals on "The Dream Is Over"
* Vanessa Solowiowi – photography, layout
* Matt Wallace – mixing, additional production on "Crazy"
* Johnny K – additional production on "Sun Doesn't Rise" and "Nowhere to Go"
* Brian Gardner – mastering
Chart positions
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Xiii
2003 albums
Mushroomhead albums
Universal Records albums