Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. [The songs] are linked by, of all things, an evangelical urgency: McBean self-consciously blends Satan-fearing Louvin Brothers sentiments with the Velvet Underground's narco-messianism and heavy doses of the 1970s California Jesus Movement's rhetoric/vibe.
  2. Uncut
    80
    A downbeat, solipsistic but utterly beautiful amalgam of mood-altering substances and 1980s alt.rock. [Mar 2006, p.100]
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    McBean... decided to have a go at everything. Luckily, he appears to be a natural. [4 Mar 2006, p.31]
  4. This is an album about getting shitfaced.
  5. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    Axis' cover art... gets at Vancouver singer-songwriter Stephen McBean's duality just right. [10 Mar 2006, p.69]
  6. Axis of Evol may not be a great album. It remains prey to some of McBean’s obnoxious corner-cutting. But it is his most resolute outing to date, certainly the first record he’s made that can be heard front-to-back, repeatedly, without losing most of its shine.
  7. A set of tracks that sound akin to an amalgamation of John Frusciante's early solo work and the great Skip Spence.
  8. Although this isn't the masterpiece that the self-titled Black Mountain disc was, it certainly gives devotees lots more music to listen to until their next disc comes around.
  9. Filter
    70
    The music is a bit harder. [#19, p.104]
  10. Axis of Evol remains yet another solid release from the Black Mountain frontman.
  11. Mojo
    70
    McBean remains a fascinating prospect. [Apr 2006, p.100]
  12. Magnet
    70
    Never mind McBean's more successful other gig; Mountaintops don't get much blacker than this. [#71, p.108]
  13. Axis is an easygoing, engaging listen, an album whose relative triviality easily forgives its flaws.
User Score
tbd

No user score yet- Awaiting 2 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. KevinD
    Mar 11, 2006
    9
    Like an appetizer for the main course that will be the second Black Mountain disk, Axis of Evol tastes great, but doesn't fill you up. A Like an appetizer for the main course that will be the second Black Mountain disk, Axis of Evol tastes great, but doesn't fill you up. A fun mix of acoustic spirituals, and fuzzy programmed beats, the album feels like getting stoned and playing music on your father's four-track on a boring sunday. Full Review »