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Option Paralysis
by
Option Paralysis Image
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 16 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 131 Ratings

  • Summary: The fourth album for the rock band is its first on its Season of Mist label and with drummer Billy Rymer (Gil Sharone left to concentrate on his band Stolen Babies).

Top Track

Farewell, Mona Lisa
Wash it down the drain, down the drain Wash your smile down YEAH! Wash it down the drain PLEASE! Like it or not this is what fuel our obsessions (or... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. The A.V. Club
    91
    With Option Paralysis, Dillinger stops to catch its breath--if you can really call it that--but the result is no less stunning.
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    90
    Every tangled note of Option Paralysis drips with honesty and endeavour, and it shines like a beacon of integrity in a world that's been focus-grouped into the dirt.
  3. Sputnikmusic
    90
    Option Paralysis equivocates the maturation of musical ideas over the Dillinger Escape Plan's storied career, as Miss Machine and Ire Works are currently looking as mere test samples leading up to this point. In all, Option Paralysis is a work of art, but don't think for a second they've gone soft on us.
  4. Q Magazine
    80
    There are slamming riffs to be found, but they're still wrapped within synaspse-melting mathcore that requires a PhD to genuinely appreciate. [May 2010, p.112]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Slant Magazine
    80
    It's clear that Option Paralysis is difficult by design, but the upshot is that anyone who can make it through the first two tracks will probably find one of their favorite albums of the year.
  6. Spin
    70
    For years, Dillinger Escape Plan have been the metal standard-bearers of dizzying, time-signature torture, though they have occasionally eased up to construct NIN-damaged, alt-rock superhero fantasies. The band's fourth album gives these two personalities their most seamless marriage to date.
  7. Mojo
    60
    The confrontational quintet dare to seek out melody and explore a new-found subtlety on an otherwise exhaustingly visceral ride. [May 2010, p. 95]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 16 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Mudd
    Apr 1, 2013
    10
    Not only the best metal album of 2010, but also one of the most varied, creative, and thoroughly enjoyable works from and metal band to beNot only the best metal album of 2010, but also one of the most varied, creative, and thoroughly enjoyable works from and metal band to be released in the last decade. The instrumentals are as chaotic and complex as ever, Greg shows off his vocal range like never before, and the lyrics are engaging and personal. There is not a single bad track on the album; from the unrelenting onslaught that are the heavier tracks like Good Neighbor, to the majestic and emotional Widower, to the tracks that perfectly fuse standard hard rock and mathcore like Gold Teeth On A Bum, Chinese Whispers, and Farewell Mona Lisa, Dillinger hits every note perfectly. Only complaint is that Parasitic Twins is a somewhat awkward track to end the album on. I feel that Widower would have had a much greater impact as the finale. Other than that, this album is phenomenal. A must buy for any progressive metalcore/ mathcore fan.… Expand
  2. KentG.
    Mar 26, 2010
    10
    A must for all DEP fans. These guys know how to blend jazz metal and punk all the while keeping things interesting with pounding rhythms that A must for all DEP fans. These guys know how to blend jazz metal and punk all the while keeping things interesting with pounding rhythms that are powerful enough to start a perpetual motion machine. I know a lot of people will not immediately dig this band or album. DEP always put out material that challenges the listener to develop a sort of memory to guide them through their listening experience. If you have a tough stomach and an appetite for good music you should check out this album.… Expand
  4. truth
    Oct 16, 2010
    10
    Best record of the year by far. Honest, real, original, refreshing, arresting, provocative, and thought provoking. Who could ask for anythingBest record of the year by far. Honest, real, original, refreshing, arresting, provocative, and thought provoking. Who could ask for anything more. From the the first note to the last exhausting scream, this record takes you on a ride that most musical outfits would sell their sole to the devil to be able to create.… Expand
  5. KurtP
    Mar 24, 2010
    9
    This is quite a good album. In short, it's what Ire Works should have been; there are a number "catchy" songs, i say that by This is quite a good album. In short, it's what Ire Works should have been; there are a number "catchy" songs, i say that by dillinger's standards, and some classic dillinger that we all fell is love with. Do no listen to the number from the users on here, it's not a reflection of what the fans think. For reference, I would give Ire Works a 7.… Expand
  6. Jon
    Mar 29, 2010
    9
    I like Ire Works better, but only marginally. This is awesome.
  7. Xathiahs
    Jan 21, 2022
    9
    TDEP are a warranty. Every album they released was absolutely mind blowing.
  8. OneSamTwoCups
    Apr 25, 2013
    6
    Option Paralysis definitely proves that Dillinger can still kick musical teeth in, but has a few weak spots. If you consider yourself aOption Paralysis definitely proves that Dillinger can still kick musical teeth in, but has a few weak spots. If you consider yourself a hardcore DEP fan, you may want to stray away from this and stick to "Ire Works", but if you are wanting to try something new and you are a fan of bands like The Number Twelve Looks Like You, Exotic Animal Petting Zoo, or Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza, this is a definite check out.… Expand

See all 14 User Reviews

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