THE SMASHING PUMPKINS Schallplatten & CDs

Review: After two decades of inconsistent releases, Aghori Mhori Mei marks a triumphant return for The Smashing Pumpkins. This album recaptures the glory of what made the band a staple in alternative rock, featuring Billy Corgan's enduring creativity and the band's unique sonic identity. Unlike their recent work, this record avoids self-referential pitfalls and embraces a fresh, darkly atmospheric sound. Opening with 'Edin,' the album immediately impresses with Black Sabbath-inspired riffs and a guitar duel that echoes the band's early '90s brilliance. Tracks like 'Pentagrams' and '999' highlight the band's ability to blend complex, layered compositions with emotional resonance. 'Sighommi' stands out with its Deftones-like riffing and Iha's intuitive guitar work, making it a prime single candidate. One of the most exciting tracks from those that had a sneak peak of the album is 'Goeth the Fall,' which merges late 90s alt-rock sensibilities with the Pumpkins' signature melancholy, proving to be one of Corgan's finest compositions. It's a rewarding listen and a hopeful sign of the band's revitalised potential.

Review: For those who've doubted The Smashing Pumpkins' relevance in recent years, Aghori Mhori Mei is a pleasant surprise. The album opens with 'Edin,' a stoner rock-inspired track that immediately signals a return to form. The band's chemistry, especially between James Iha and Jimmy Chamberlin, is on full display, channeling the raw energy that made their early work so compelling. Songs like 'Pentagrams' and 'Sighommi' showcase the band's knack for crafting dynamic, riff-driven rock, with Chamberlin's thunderous drumming and Iha's vibrant guitar work shining brightly. Billy Corgan's distinctive vocals fit well within the album's overall aesthetic, contributing to its nostalgic yet fresh feel. The production leans heavily on synthetic elements and succeeds in blending the band's signature sound with modern touches. The orchestral closer 'Murnau' and the synth-ballad 'Pentecost' bring a sense of grandeur and ambition, showing that Corgan's creative vision remains intact. Aghori Mhori Mei shows The Smashing Pumpkins' enduring ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. It's a rewarding listen for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Review: Rotten Apples chronicles a decade of the band's evolution from their debut album Gish to their final album Machina/The Machines of God. This compilation features quintessential tracks like 'Cherub Rock,' 'Today,' 'Zero,' and 'Stand Inside Your Love,' showcasing Billy Corgan's emotive vocals, powerful guitars, and dynamic drum beats. The album balances heavy, angst-filled anthems with softer, more melodic pieces like 'Tonight, Tonight' and 'Try, Try, Try.' The band's journey is reflected in their music, from their meteoric rise with Siamese Dream to their struggles with personal turmoil. Drummer Jimmy Chamberlin's heroin overdose and the tragic death of keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin nearly led to the band's collapse, but they rebounded with the critically acclaimed Adore album. Despite disbanding in 2000, this greatest hits collection ensures their legacy remains intact.

Review: Of all the grunge era survivors, The Smashing Pumpkins are surely one of the most grandiose. Staying true to that premise, Billy Corgan revels in a majority original line-up being back together to create a whopping triple-sized concept album which picks up the thread from Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness and Machina/The Machines of God. Atum is billed as a rock opera served in three acts, veering from heavier sounds bordering on metal to the catchier, poppier sound heard on lead single 'Beguiled' and into more esoteric territory. This four-vinyl edition gathers together the entire magnum opus in one lavish box set - a must-have for devotees of the veteran US rockers.

Review: The Smashing Pumpkins' transformation from melodic alt-rock deities to synth-driven electronic boppers is complete. Well, almost. The titular single certainly fits that easy narrative, laser beam chords and string refrains bursting from behind a track that bounces with a light disco punk energy. In truth, of course, there has always been far more to Bill Corgan et al than the alternative rock tag often implies, and even right back to their formative years the crew were toying with expectations.

2018's Rick Rubin-produced Shine And Oh So Bright... album may have emphasised their rock roots, but now we're given their creative juices in full flow on their poppiest outing yet, partly inspired by the roster of seminal Chicago label Wax Trax!, the US home to Underworld and The KLF among others. Needless to say, though, the Pumpkins make it sound like they've lived here all along; testament to their unwavering dedication to trying new ideas and knack at pulling them off.