Never before has a band taken as many chances in the studio as De Song.

Call it a tragical history tour.

De Song's attempt to broaden their sound -- even integrating Serbian war hymns with the fury of the crunchy "It's Not Enough" -- isn't entirely an artistic success.

Sometimes it works.

Whether singing about the heartland of America ("Man Without A Country") or the fact that Star Trek has sucked since 1990 ("Somewhat Hurt"), the band takes being shameless to the extreme. No surprises here. "Realm of Impossibility" illustrates the culpability of those who fight to destroy humanity. When I was in high school, everyone I knew listened to De Song.

Strictly for masochists.

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Our readers respond

Dear Robot,

Your review of De Song was dead wrong. Sometimes you just have to enjoy a good rock album for what it is. Mail Order Monster is the record of the year. Your magazine sucks.

De Song forever,

-- De Song fan