Buckethead Pike Reviews
A Review of Pike 162 'Four Forms' released August 8th 2015 by Buckethead
Good evening everybody, today we're back for another deep dive into Buckethead Pike album series with Pike 162 'Four Forms'. So, let's begin. Woo!!
Released August 8th 2015, Pike 162 was the 3rd of 8 albums to be released that month in what was a crazy year for Pike album releases.
At almost 35 minutes in length it's the 2nd longest release in the history Pike album series behind Pike 3 '3 Foot Clearance'.
The album kicks off with the 13.5 minute slow burner 'Midnight Sun'. The guitar tone is fantastic and the soloing is absolutely excellent. Overall, an enjoyable and an easily accessible listen for all music lovers. Great stuff, 5 stars.
The title track 'Four Forms' is next, at just over 6 minutes its the albums 2nd longest track. The song really kicks into gear around 1.5 minutes in with a gloriously futuristic cyberpunk vibe. There's excellent use of the killswitch and phase guitar and overall a thoroughly enjoyable song.
Next up is track 3 'Collapse Surface'. Great pacing, excellent drums that really compliment the song and some super speed shred guitar thrown in for good measure. Another solid track.
Though not as strong as the previous tracks, Track 4 'Open Warp' is another good addition to the album. The drums are again top notch and even though it's not one of albums more memorable tracks, it still packs a decent punch.
Track 5 'Dripping Castle' comes next and like track 2 'Four Forms' it has the futuristic cyberpunk feel, It's an instant favourite, a song that's easy to remember in your head and one you can listen to multiple times without it getting old. Fantastic.
Track 6 'Ricochet Laser' is the albums shortest track at 2 minutes in length but doesn't waste anytime in getting to the point. There's some excellent killswitchery mid-song, which is followed by signature growls to end the track. For me it's the albums weakest track and doesn't quite hit the mark.
The final track 'Thing from the Sea' launches right into a guitar shred assault and continues with its frantic pace for the songs 2.5 minute duration. It does feel slightly off out place compared to the rest of the album but if you like Buckethead's super shred and tapping licks, you'll enjoy this one.
Overall Pike 162 is an enjoyable listen especially when exploring it's futuristic cyberpunk themes.
'Midnight Sun' 'Four Forms' and 'Dripping Castle' are the clear standout tracks, with the remaining songs being decent enough but not ones that'll leave a lasting impression like the glorious 3 tracks mentioned.
After adding up the rating I gave for each track, It came to a respectable 67%, which I'd categorize as Good and you can find my individual song ratings and break down on our website natternet.com
So, what's your rating for Pike 162?
To work out what percentage you'd give the album, rate each song out of 5 stars, add up your total and divide it by the total score possible, which for Pike 162 is 35. Then times it by 100.
Buckethead goes Cyberpunk? Hell yeah!
Pike 162 'Four Forms' RATINGS (out of 5)
1. Midnight Sun ***** (5)
2. Four Forms ***¾ (3.75)
3. Collapse Surface ***¼ (3.25)
4. Open Warp ** ¾ (2.75)
5. Dripping Castle ****¼ (4.25)
6. Ricochet Laser **¼ (2.25)
7. Thing from the Sea **¼ (2.25)
Album length: 34:47
Total = 23.5 out of 35 (Album = 67%, Good)
1-20 % = Poor
20- 40 % = Below Average
40-60 % = Average
60-80 % = Good
80-100 % = Awesome!
Buy the album HERE