MZRCDXVL is a DeKalb tradition. For a handful of years now, the on again/off again trio has provided DeKalb’s music scene with a strong noise/metal presence. In addition to their upcoming release this winter, MZR has a split 7-inch record with the Muzzler from Chicago.

The Northern Star caught up with the dudes of MZRCDXVL and asked them about the albums that they love.

Today is the Day- Willpower: Intense, psychedelic noise rock. Songs about love, hate, sex, betrayal, debilitating anxiety and life. Very complex stuff, both musically and lyrically.

Gwar- This Toilet Earth: Fitting the “old and raw” criteria, this is a very drunken, mad album with all kinds of “destroy everything” smartass-ery going on. Also makes me wanna rock. All of Gwar’s albums have a different sound quality and to me, this one has a dirtier, darker feel than the others.

Unsane- Scattered, Smothered & Covered: Another noise rock classic. This is what the bowels of NYC sound like. If you watched MTV frequently in 1996, you’re familiar with their Scrape video. Check out Chris Spencer’s other band, Cutthroats 9.

The Melvins- 10 songs: This one is super awesome. It’s solid and abrasive and perfect to drive in traffic to, because traffic sucks. I especially love how loud the vocals are recorded. Also, the Melvins emphasize loudness in their live set, as do we and our contemporaries.

Body Count- Body Count: This album is amazing. Ice-T rules. We did four of these songs at the DeKalb Scrambler in 2008 and we’ve pretty much adopted Drive-By [from the Body Count album Born Dead] as one of our own. Adam found an early copy of [Body Count] on cassette at No Strings Attached on Lincoln Highway. That’s a great store for used music. You should go there.