“Amputechture,” a cross between amputation and architecture, is the name of Mars Volta’s latest journey into the depths of experimentalism. Here, the listener is taken on yet another mindtrip through both space and time in a frenzy of freeform acid jazz, prog rock, speed metal, Spanish gypsy music and blistering hard rock. Although not for the faint of heart, “Amputechture” is well worth the effort.

The album opens up with a haunting, burning guitar solo that fades into a backdrop of ethereal sounds with “Vicarious Atonement.” These artistic and rock visionaries then seemingly bend the music to their wills, building it up and tearing it down with the epic “Tetragrammaton,” weighing in at nearly 17 minutes.

With “Amputechture” Mars Volta seemed to have found the voice they were looking for on their 2005 blockbuster “Frances the Mute” this album is much fuller, richer and bombastic than its 2005 counterpart.

The album comes in anticipation of their supporting tour for one of today’s most-loved rock groups, the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Although Mars Volta’s music stands in stark contrast to their chart friendly tour-mates, the two bands are quite intimately involved with each other’s work. Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante tracked all of the rhythm guitar for “Amputechture” as well as some ripping solos, as can be heard at the end of the first single “Viscera Eyes.” Volta guitarist Omar Rodriguez returns the favor on “Especially in Michigan” from RHCP’s enormous success “Stadium Arcadium.”

“Amputechture” marks a new height for the boys of Mars Volta, and is as good an entry point as any to delve into the life of this band. If you are looking for a unique, intense music experience, you need go no further than this exciting release.

Listen up for: “Meccamputechture,” “Viscera Eyes,” “Day of the Baphomets”