Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 28
  2. Negative: 3 out of 28
  1. Synths lap, strings weep soppingly, ham-fisted fingers tap, time signatures flash, and the amphetamine Beat poetry...is amphetamine Beat poetry.
  2. Magnet
    30
    Where 2005's harrowing Frances The Mute strikes the right balance between inspiration and indulgence, the Mars Volta loses its equilibrium with Amputechture. [#73, p.96]
  3. Maddeningly diffuse at best, and an engorged sonic clusterfuck at worst.
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 130 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 11 out of 130
  1. Einar1J.
    Apr 10, 2008
    10
    Truly beautiful. Amputechture is TMV's most mature work, often flying between rock, jazz and soul. Don't get me wrong, this album Truly beautiful. Amputechture is TMV's most mature work, often flying between rock, jazz and soul. Don't get me wrong, this album sounded awful at first, taking perhaps 15 proper listens to realize its immense beauty. From start to finish I feel the amazing composition and praise cedric's vocals. Of course, this album is far from De-Loused on terms of accessibility, but it shines through in the end. 'Vicarious Atonement' is jaw-dropping perfection, with 'Tetragrammaton' bringing the listener to rollercoasters of sound and distortion. 'Vermicide' is one of those oddly placed accessible songs in an album of distortion, fulfilling its place with simplicity. Next, 'Meccamputechture' sounds great then lags, but mainly due to its immense length. However, you fall in love with any flaws. 'Asilos Magdalena' is a stunning near-acoustic spanish ballad, totally crushing any typical mind-set. 'Viscera Eyes' is jazzed-up for action, crushing the listener with sound. 'Day of the Baphomets' is mind blowing and jammin' fun. The finale, 'El Ciervo Vulnerado' leaves you feeling like you just listened to a materpiece, without knowing what on earth, besides amputation, cedric has been taking about. Takes multiple listens, please take your time with this record, and don't rate a record you've never listened to. Full Review »
  2. j30
    Dec 1, 2011
    6
    This roller coaster ride of a third disc disc, from the Mars Volta, is hard to look away from, but nearly crumbles under it's own ambitions.
  3. Jul 15, 2022
    8
    While this is my favorite TMV album for sentimental reasons, I don't think that it's as objectively good as Deloused or Frances, it is stillWhile this is my favorite TMV album for sentimental reasons, I don't think that it's as objectively good as Deloused or Frances, it is still however undeniably an amazing album and Day of the Baphomets is one of the best songs they've ever made, along with the likes of Inertiatic Esp and L'via L'viaquez. (It also suffers from what I call "Amnisiac sydrome", where it is a phenomenal album but in direct comparison to their previous album (Kid A for Amnisiac and Frances for Amputecture), can feel disappointing) Full Review »