Experiments in Alchemy cover

Experiments in Alchemy

Dog Fashion Disco · 1998

28 min · 9 tracks · alternative metal

A chaotic blend of alternative and avant-garde metal that fuses theatricality with provocative themes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Siddhis — Opening with an energetic pulse, this track sets the tone for the album’s eclectic mix of styles while introducing listeners to the band's satirical edge.
  • →
    The Satanic Cowboy — This track exemplifies the band's theatricality, combining dark humor with catchy riffs, making it one of their standout compositions.
  • →
    9-5 At The Morgue — Offering a glimpse into the band's lyrical wit, this song juxtaposes mundane work life with macabre imagery, encapsulating their signature style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

55 /100
Foothills
Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album's eclectic mix of styles and theatrical elements creates a distinctive sound within the alternative metal genre.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate spoken word segments and sound effects, adding layers of complexity and enhancing the avant-garde feel.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • short bursts of chaotic energy
  • theatrical storytelling with dark humor
  • provocative themes for adventurous listeners
  • quick, punchy tracks for attention

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy, immersive albums
  • want straightforward, predictable sounds

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1998, Experiments in Alchemy marked Dog Fashion Disco's debut album, showcasing their unique sound as they emerged from the underground metal scene. This release laid the groundwork for their distinctive blend of genres and theatrical performance style, setting them apart from contemporaries.
Stylistic neighbors
Mr. Bungle· System of a Down· Faith No More

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Siddhis 3:25
  • 2 Primate 2:54
  • 3 The Satanic Cowboy 3:00
  • 4 Pogo The Clown 2:29
  • 5 En La Noche 3:40
  • 6 Scores For Porn 3:06
  • 7 Albino Rhino 2:51
  • 8 9-5 At The Morgue 4:03
  • 9 Sexual Abyss 2:43

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata