Option Paralysis
Encyclopedia
Option Paralysis is the fourth full-length studio album by American mathcore
band The Dillinger Escape Plan
, released on March 23, 2010. After having fulfilled their contract with Relapse Records
, the band released the album through Party Smasher Inc., their own new imprint in collaboration with French record label Season of Mist
. It marks The Dillinger Escape Plan's first release to feature Billy Rymer on drums, since Gil Sharone
left the band in September 2008 due to the frequent touring schedule and to focus on his brother's band Stolen Babies
.
in 2009. They had become dissatisfied with the music industry and music media, and decided to create their own record label to release their fourth studio-album. Commenting on the dissolving "indie band culture", guitarist Ben Weinman
stated, "back in the day there were record labels that you trusted, loved and you bought everything on it and you discovered a lot of great new music because of it. You listen to every single song back to front a million times, it'd be worn out to death before you moved onto another record. You'd read everything in the booklet, you'd read all the lyrics, you'd read all the notes, you'd discover something new." Speaking to Kerrang!
about the decision, he said: "The most important thing was to keep evolving and changing. We didn't want to be stuck in some long contract that won't be relevant in a few years time... Or possibly even tomorrow. So half out of necessity, half out of choice, we decided to do this ourselves. The hard part is figuring out whether you're sacrificing your creative side because you're so busy with the business. That's the challenge and we're figuring it out".
The band created their own imprint Party Smasher Inc. under French label Season of Mist
. They stated that Party Smasher (which was originally erroneously reported to be called Photogenic Records) is not technically a record label but a "creative umbrella" for all things related to The Dillinger Escape Plan. In an interview with Alternative Press, Weinman stated, "Well, I should clarify that it's not exactly our attempt to run a record label. That's not something we could be good at, and it's obviously not something anybody's good at these days. [Laughs] It's more a situation where we now have a name for this umbrella that covers every business and artistic decision we make–whether it's Dillinger, side projects or whatever."
profile, vocalist Greg Puciato
revealed that they would be entering the studio from September 7 - October 30, 2009 to record the album with long time collaborator Steve Evetts
. Recording was finished on November 12, 2009. The album is the longest one yet at over 41 minutes, and is described by Ben Weinman
as "our most metal record yet."
magazine:
channel. Furthermore a website for the record was set up, linking to all of the studio update videos and demo snippets. During their North American East Coast
tour with Thursday
in December 2009, the band sold download cards at their shows that entitled the customer to a download of the 10 song album upon its release with 3 additional exclusive bonus tracks.
"Farewell, Mona Lisa", the album's first single, debuted on Liquid Metal SXM on Christmas day, 2009; it became available for download on January 19, 2010. "Chinese Whispers" was debuted on Full Metal Jackie’s syndicated radio show broadcast on 29 stations throughout the USA on the March 5, 2010, and was subsequently played on the next two days. On March 9, the blog MetalSucks
featured the online debut of the song.
In February, the album was made available for pre-orders through the Season of Mist e-shop. It was available in a variety of formats, including a box set, Digipak, black vinyl and transparent vinyl. A white vinyl was later made available through Relapse Records.
(who also contributed artwork for 2004 album Miss Machine
) created the artwork for Option Paralysis. In an interview, Jeff Tuttle revealed that the album cover features photographs and images that the members captured themselves.
.
Option Paralysis debuted at number 78 on the Billboard 200
with 7,100 units sold.
Exclaim!
named Option Paralysis the No. 2 Metal Album of 2010.
Option Paralysis received the highest percentage of #1 votes in the 2010 Pitchfork
Readers' Poll.
.
Guest musicians
Technical
Other
Mathcore
Mathcore is a rhythmically complex and dissonant fusion style of hardcore punk and Metal. It has its roots in bands such as Converge, Botch, and The Dillinger Escape Plan. The term mathcore is suggested by analogy with math rock. Both math rock and mathcore make use of unusual time signatures...
band The Dillinger Escape Plan
The Dillinger Escape Plan
The Dillinger Escape Plan is an American mathcore band from Morris Plains, New Jersey. The group originated in 1997 after the disbanding of Arcane, a hardcore punk trio consisting of Ben Weinman, Dimitri Minakakis, and Chris Pennie. The band's current line-up consists of guitarist Ben Weinman,...
, released on March 23, 2010. After having fulfilled their contract with Relapse Records
Relapse Records
Relapse Records is an independent record label based in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. It was founded by Matthew F. Jacobson in 1990.-History:The label was started by Matthew F. Jacobson in August, 1990 in his parents' basement in Aurora, Colorado...
, the band released the album through Party Smasher Inc., their own new imprint in collaboration with French record label Season of Mist
Season of Mist
Season of Mist is a record label and record distributor with subsidiaries in France and the United States. The record label was founded in 1996 by Michael S. Berberian in Marseille, France. From the start releasing black metal, pagan metal and death metal records, the label moved on to releasing...
. It marks The Dillinger Escape Plan's first release to feature Billy Rymer on drums, since Gil Sharone
Gil Sharone
Gil Sharone is an American drummer and member of the band Stolen Babies, and formerly The Dillinger Escape Plan. He was also a fill in for punk rock band +44. His twin brother is Rani Sharone, also of Stolen Babies....
left the band in September 2008 due to the frequent touring schedule and to focus on his brother's band Stolen Babies
Stolen Babies
Stolen Babies are an American avant-garde metal band with significant influences from dark cabaret, signed to The End Records.-History:Stolen Babies formed from a 12+ member high school performance troupe named the Fratellis; the band takes its name from one of the skits performed by the group...
.
Formation of Party Smasher Inc.
The Dillinger Escape Plan announced their departure from Relapse RecordsRelapse Records
Relapse Records is an independent record label based in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. It was founded by Matthew F. Jacobson in 1990.-History:The label was started by Matthew F. Jacobson in August, 1990 in his parents' basement in Aurora, Colorado...
in 2009. They had become dissatisfied with the music industry and music media, and decided to create their own record label to release their fourth studio-album. Commenting on the dissolving "indie band culture", guitarist Ben Weinman
Ben Weinman
Ben Weinman is an American musician, who is most notable for being the lead guitarist for the band The Dillinger Escape Plan. He is the founder and only original member remaining in the band....
stated, "back in the day there were record labels that you trusted, loved and you bought everything on it and you discovered a lot of great new music because of it. You listen to every single song back to front a million times, it'd be worn out to death before you moved onto another record. You'd read everything in the booklet, you'd read all the lyrics, you'd read all the notes, you'd discover something new." Speaking to Kerrang!
Kerrang!
Kerrang! is a UK-based magazine devoted to rock music published by Bauer Media Group. It was first published on June 6, 1981 as a one-off supplement in the Sounds newspaper...
about the decision, he said: "The most important thing was to keep evolving and changing. We didn't want to be stuck in some long contract that won't be relevant in a few years time... Or possibly even tomorrow. So half out of necessity, half out of choice, we decided to do this ourselves. The hard part is figuring out whether you're sacrificing your creative side because you're so busy with the business. That's the challenge and we're figuring it out".
The band created their own imprint Party Smasher Inc. under French label Season of Mist
Season of Mist
Season of Mist is a record label and record distributor with subsidiaries in France and the United States. The record label was founded in 1996 by Michael S. Berberian in Marseille, France. From the start releasing black metal, pagan metal and death metal records, the label moved on to releasing...
. They stated that Party Smasher (which was originally erroneously reported to be called Photogenic Records) is not technically a record label but a "creative umbrella" for all things related to The Dillinger Escape Plan. In an interview with Alternative Press, Weinman stated, "Well, I should clarify that it's not exactly our attempt to run a record label. That's not something we could be good at, and it's obviously not something anybody's good at these days. [Laughs] It's more a situation where we now have a name for this umbrella that covers every business and artistic decision we make–whether it's Dillinger, side projects or whatever."
Recording
In a blog on the bands MySpaceMySpace
Myspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
profile, vocalist Greg Puciato
Greg Puciato
Greg Puciato is the lead singer of the band The Dillinger Escape Plan. He is known for his reckless live performances, wide vocal range, and outspoken views, having caused controversy due to both performances and interviews...
revealed that they would be entering the studio from September 7 - October 30, 2009 to record the album with long time collaborator Steve Evetts
Steve Evetts
Steve Evetts is a music producer who has produced music for Alesana, Poison the Well, A Static Lullaby, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Sepultura, Symphony X, Saves the Day, Lifetime, Kid Dynamite, Story of the Year, Every Time I Die, Earth Crisis, Still Remains and Our Last Night.-Partial...
. Recording was finished on November 12, 2009. The album is the longest one yet at over 41 minutes, and is described by Ben Weinman
Ben Weinman
Ben Weinman is an American musician, who is most notable for being the lead guitarist for the band The Dillinger Escape Plan. He is the founder and only original member remaining in the band....
as "our most metal record yet."
Concept
According to Kerrang!, the album "was not an album that just happened. Rather it was one that was written to address an issue the band feel keenly". In April 2010 Ben Weinman told Kerrang!Kerrang!
Kerrang! is a UK-based magazine devoted to rock music published by Bauer Media Group. It was first published on June 6, 1981 as a one-off supplement in the Sounds newspaper...
magazine:
Promotion
The band released several demo snippets on their YouTubeYouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
channel. Furthermore a website for the record was set up, linking to all of the studio update videos and demo snippets. During their North American East Coast
East Coast of the United States
The East Coast of the United States, also known as the Eastern Seaboard, refers to the easternmost coastal states in the United States, which touch the Atlantic Ocean and stretch up to Canada. The term includes the U.S...
tour with Thursday
Thursday (band)
Thursday were an American rock band from New Brunswick, New Jersey. Formed in 1997, the group has released six full-length albums, their most recent being No Devolución, which was released in April 2011 on Epitaph Records...
in December 2009, the band sold download cards at their shows that entitled the customer to a download of the 10 song album upon its release with 3 additional exclusive bonus tracks.
"Farewell, Mona Lisa", the album's first single, debuted on Liquid Metal SXM on Christmas day, 2009; it became available for download on January 19, 2010. "Chinese Whispers" was debuted on Full Metal Jackie’s syndicated radio show broadcast on 29 stations throughout the USA on the March 5, 2010, and was subsequently played on the next two days. On March 9, the blog MetalSucks
MetalSucks
MetalSucks is a heavy metal music-themed news website. It was founded in December of 2006 by two friends who use the pen names Vince Neilstein and Axl Rosenberg...
featured the online debut of the song.
In February, the album was made available for pre-orders through the Season of Mist e-shop. It was available in a variety of formats, including a box set, Digipak, black vinyl and transparent vinyl. A white vinyl was later made available through Relapse Records.
Artwork
Former frontman Dimitri MinakakisDimitri Minakakis
Dimitri Minakakis grew up in Morristown, New Jersey. Minakakis is the original singer and founding member of the band The Dillinger Escape Plan. Minakakis left the band in 2001 to focus more on Graphic Arts/Design...
(who also contributed artwork for 2004 album Miss Machine
Miss Machine
Miss Machine is the second album by American mathcore band The Dillinger Escape Plan, released in July 2004 through Relapse Records. It is the first release by the band to feature vocalist Greg Puciato...
) created the artwork for Option Paralysis. In an interview, Jeff Tuttle revealed that the album cover features photographs and images that the members captured themselves.
Reception
Option Paralysis was released to widespread critical acclaim. The album garnered a rating of 82/100, or universal acclaim, on aggregate review site MetacriticMetacritic
Metacritic.com is a website that collates reviews of music albums, games, movies, TV shows and DVDs. For each product, a numerical score from each review is obtained and the total is averaged. An excerpt of each review is provided along with a hyperlink to the source. Three colour codes of Green,...
.
Option Paralysis debuted at number 78 on the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
with 7,100 units sold.
Exclaim!
Exclaim!
Exclaim! is a monthly Canadian music magazine that features in-depth coverage of new music across all genres with special focus on Canadian and cutting-edge artists...
named Option Paralysis the No. 2 Metal Album of 2010.
Option Paralysis received the highest percentage of #1 votes in the 2010 Pitchfork
Pitchfork Media
Pitchfork Media, usually known simply as Pitchfork or P4k, is a Chicago-based daily Internet publication established in 1995 that is devoted to music criticism and commentary, music news, and artist interviews. Its focus is on underground and independent music, especially indie rock...
Readers' Poll.
Track listing
All lyrics written by Gregory John Puciato except "Parasitic Twins" by Jeff Tuttle, all music composed by Ben WeinmanBen Weinman
Ben Weinman is an American musician, who is most notable for being the lead guitarist for the band The Dillinger Escape Plan. He is the founder and only original member remaining in the band....
.
Personnel
The Dillinger Escape Plan- Greg PuciatoGreg PuciatoGreg Puciato is the lead singer of the band The Dillinger Escape Plan. He is known for his reckless live performances, wide vocal range, and outspoken views, having caused controversy due to both performances and interviews...
– vocalsSingingSinging is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments... - Benjamin WeinmanBen WeinmanBen Weinman is an American musician, who is most notable for being the lead guitarist for the band The Dillinger Escape Plan. He is the founder and only original member remaining in the band....
– lead guitarsElectric guitarAn electric guitar is a guitar that uses the principle of direct electromagnetic induction to convert vibrations of its metal strings into electric audio signals. The signal generated by an electric guitar is too weak to drive a loudspeaker, so it is amplified before sending it to a loudspeaker...
, pianoPianoThe piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
, sound design, programmingProgramming (music)Programming is a form of music production and performance using electronic devices, often sequencers or computer programs, to generate music. Programming is used in nearly all forms of electronic music and in most hip hop music since the 1990s. It is also frequently used in modern pop and rock...
, backing vocalsBacking vocalistA backing vocalist or backing singer is a singer who provides vocal harmony with the lead vocalist or other backing vocalists...
on "Good Neighbor" - Jeff TuttleJeff TuttleJeff Tuttle is a guitar player for The Dillinger Escape Plan. It was announced that he was the new rhythm guitar player in Summer 2007, following James Love who was with the band immediately after the departure of previous guitarist Brian Benoit, who can no longer play due to a degenerative nerve...
– backing vocalsBacking vocalistA backing vocalist or backing singer is a singer who provides vocal harmony with the lead vocalist or other backing vocalists...
on "Good Neighbor", "Gold Teeth on a Bum", "Crystal Morning" and "Parasitic Twins" - Liam WilsonLiam WilsonLiam Wilson is the bass player of the band The Dillinger Escape Plan and former bass player of the band Starkweather. Before playing in the Dillinger Escape Plan, Liam played bass for other Philadelphia-based metal bands, such as For Life and Burnside.-Personal life:A vegan who is concerned about...
– bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick.... - Billy Rymer – drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
Guest musicians
- Mike GarsonMike GarsonMike Garson is an American pianist, most notable for his work with David Bowie, Nine Inch Nails, Billy Corgan, Free Flight, and The Smashing Pumpkins.- Early career :...
– additional piano on "Widower" and "I Wouldn't If You Didn't"
Technical
- Benjamin Weinman – producerRecord producerA record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
- Steve EvettsSteve EvettsSteve Evetts is a music producer who has produced music for Alesana, Poison the Well, A Static Lullaby, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Sepultura, Symphony X, Saves the Day, Lifetime, Kid Dynamite, Story of the Year, Every Time I Die, Earth Crisis, Still Remains and Our Last Night.-Partial...
– producer, engineer, mixing - Allan Hessler – assistant engineer
- Alan Douches – mastering
Other
- Dimitri MinakakisDimitri MinakakisDimitri Minakakis grew up in Morristown, New Jersey. Minakakis is the original singer and founding member of the band The Dillinger Escape Plan. Minakakis left the band in 2001 to focus more on Graphic Arts/Design...
(Pronto Workshop) – artwork - Benjamin Weinman – management
- Jim Morewood (English Gent Organization) – International booking
- Justin Hirschman (Artist Group International) – North American booking
- Ian J. Friedman, Esq. – legal
Chart performance
| Chart (2010) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
78 |
| US Billboard Hard Rock Albums | 5 |
| US Billboard Independent Albums Independent Albums The Billboard Independent Albums is a chart of the highest-selling independent music albums and extended plays in the United States, compiled by Nielsen SoundScan and published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is used to list artists who are not signed to major labels... |
9 |
| US Billboard Rock Albums | 23 |
| Australia ARIA Charts | 53 |