Review / 200 Words Or Less
Rubikon
The Hollow Men

Category 5 (2005) — Michael

Rubikon – The Hollow Men cover artwork
Rubikon – The Hollow Men — Category 5, 2005

Mainstream music is constantly changing. Congruently evolving with it are the numerous bands attempting to make it big by cashing in on whatever sound is currently popular. Assuming it is Rubikon's intention to make it big, they might need a little help from a time-machine to accomplish that task. Rather than trying to fit in with the countless bands that are attempting the 'screamo' trend, (this isn't a bad thing, but then again it's not a good thing) Rubikon play a style of music closely related to nu-metal acts like Disturbed mixed with more straightforward rock-n-roll. Vocally, the album moves through a variety of different styles, most likely due to the multiple vocalists - a blend of Brandon Boyd's crooning and Serj Tankian's throaty growls and eccentric vocalizations. All in all, Rubikon have produced a decent record that would likely appeal to the remaining fans of Ozzfest's past. But as far as longevity, I don't see the band garnering any new interest, especially with the powers that be at Clear Channel moving further and further away from nu-metal.

4.0 / 10 — Michael • February 25, 2006

Rubikon – The Hollow Men cover artwork
Rubikon – The Hollow Men — Category 5, 2005

Recently-posted album reviews

​Pressure Set

​Pressure Set
Dr Strange Records (2026)

Punk rock has never needed complexity to make an impact. Sometimes, all it takes is a handful of riffs, a relentless rhythm section, and enough attitude to make the whole thing stick. Pressure Set understands that formula, but rather than simply recycling it, the band coats it in layers of filthy fuzz, garage-rock swagger, and an unexpectedly sharp melodic sensibility. … Read more

Blood & Sun

Aion's Light
Nordvis (2026)

The trajectory of Blood & Sun has been one of natural evolution. Starting off from rough demos, the project of Luke Tromiczak slowly became something more immersive and complete. The compositions grew richer, the songwriting more nuanced, and the production cleaner. However, the creative process does not necessarily have to be about looking forward and evolving, and in fact at … Read more

The Loved Ones

LATEST HITS!
Lovemonk Records, SofaBurn (2026)

I'll admit, when I first saw a new album from The Loved Ones land in my inbox, I got pretty excited. Being a fan of the Philadelphia punk band fronted by Dave Hause, I thought I was about to hear something I hadn't expected. Unfortunately, these weren't the Loved Ones I was looking for. However, what I discovered instead was … Read more