Outside the Frame

The fourth album by Queens of the Stone Age, Lullabies to Paralyze, lives up to its name. While none of these songs could be ever be used to lull a child to sleep, they do manage to lull most listeners into a form of paralysis. Once you start to listen, it is difficult to stop.

Often categorised by the generic labels of alt-rock, heavy metal or stoner metal, none of these terms sufficiently encapsulate the sound of Queens of the Stone Age. Far surpassing most bands labelled as hard rock in terms of talent, QOTSA have managed to carve out a unique sound that takes the hard-hitting, power-driven beats of heavy metal and infuses them with delicate melodies and original lyrics.

Although the QOTSA line-up has changed numerous times, it has remained centred around founder, Josh Homme. The first three albums seemed to evolve out of each other, all clearly recognised as Queens of the Stone Age albums but also remaining unique. And the fourth, Lullabies to Paralyze, is no different. While not as mainstream as their third album, Songs for the Deaf; this album remains just as accessible, while creating a much darker, almost scary undertone.

Beginning with the sombre intro “This Lullaby”, sung as if recited from a Halloween-themed nursery rhyme book, each song then seamlessly flows on to the next. The album contains slow-burning songs such as “In My Head” and the captivating “I Never Came”, as well as rough and powerful punches like “Little Sister” with its blistering guitar solos and the bouncy, distorted and aptly-named “Broken Box”. The standout piece of the album is the utterly unique “Burn the Witch”, which captures the general mood of the album. A song that could comfortably pass as a Halloween bedtime story, “Burn the Witch” creates a mood that is haunting and spooky, while remaining a head-banging, heavy rock piece, highlighted by the gruff, baritone of guest Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top alternated with the evocative wailing of Josh Homme.

Pick up this album and be lulled into musical paralysis.