Review THE SMASHING PUMPKINS “Aghori Mhori Mei”

One of the most renowned acts in alternative rock and metal is The Smashing Pumpkins. After releasing their debut album “Gish” in 1991, the band continued with their breakthrough album “Siamese Dream”, which was followed by “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness”. These two already very successful albums were the springboard for the band to become an established group that could continue the winning streak with an album called “Adore”.

The Smashing Pumpkins disbanded in 2000, and it wasn’t until 2006 that Corgan expressed his intention to revive the band, and even though the guys couldn’t connect to the enormous success of the 90s, Smashing Pumpkins released a few more albums that showed the veterans in in great shape.

What made the reunion even stronger was the return of guitarist James Iha to the band in 2018. Corgan and Iha, along with longtime drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, are releasing their 13th studio album these days. “Aghori Mhori Mei” is the title of a release that shows a veteran band returning to their roots that can be found in the 90s.

The ten songs on the new album are the next shining hour of alternative rock. With the unique vocals of Corgan as one of the trademarks of the band, The Smashing Pumpkins release a vital and very dynamic longplayer. There is always a sense of melancholy to the phrasing and vocals that swings with each of the songs. Yet The Smashing Pumpkins manage to create a flow of energy that connects with the listener.

“Edin” is the starting point of this exciting ten-song journey, and it is an acoustic guitar that introduces the song. After a few seconds, the first riff breaks the tangible intro and shows The Smashing Pumpkins’ rock roots. This start is perfectly chosen, as the song is a frame setter for the album, combining a hard rock sound with finesse.

Well, album titles and song titles haven’t always been easy when it comes to The Smashing Pumpkins and “Sighommi” is one of those tongue twisters. The song, however, is the opposite. It is a straightforward rock song that blossoms immediately and the fact that the following “Pentecost” starts slow and easy adds to the great feel of this release. It is the first soulful moment of the album and it is a great one. With keyboards playing a major role, the song is an oasis for stressed ears.

After such a peaceful moment, Corgan and his bandmates return to the essence of rock with “War Dreams of Itself”. It is a heavy, pounding song that belongs to the roaring outburst of “Aghori Mhori Mei”.

Again, it is the flow and versatility that makes this release one of the highlights in the successful history of The Smashing Pumpkins albums. “Who Goes There” is a ballad-like song that recalls the “Machina” era before “999” brings a darker vibe to the record. The more metal aspect of Smashing Pumpkins erupts with “Sicarus”.

The symphonic “Murnau” is the finale of a strong album. The Smashing Pumpkins have combined all the strength, experience and creative passion that makes each of these ten songs a great experience for the listener. There is no moment of tiredness or boredom on this album. It is a colorful collage of sounds that cover every aspect of this iconic band. This album certainly has the wow factor and is one of the real positive surprises of 2024.