Industrial music reviews

Sister Machine Gun's coodinator/frontman Chris Randall's prolific nature shows within the depths of the albums he manufactures and the metamorphic hands these release all seem to be imprinted by. Sure they all bear a semblance to one another because of Randall's signature vocals, but the band's ability to shed genres as he continues forward in the realm of electronic discovery is quite unique. This attributes to some of the unique auras that are hard to pinpoint with classifications and that sometimes change within even a few tracks of one another. This is clearly evident within this portion of the evolution of the band when compared somewhat with the 6.0 release that came before it and definitely when looked at with the 6.6 release that is now out. Strangely, its just as prevalent there as it is when someone goes back and takes a look at the wonders they've produced in the past. Its actually quite an amazing thing when one listens from beginning to the current resting place Sister Machine Gun is at, too, because the cycle and the things to come will have to be great.

In the midst of all the albums, there are the EPs that clearly have earned their own place beneath the spotlights of much deserved acclaim. This is because they are more than the simplistic releases that contain remix after remix, giving you just as many original tracks as they muster in the revised department. Take this, Sister Machine Gun:6.5 The Desert Companion, and putting it into the limelight of examples shows someone just that. Besides the remix of "loser (california fuzzbox mix)," a song that is a sociopolitical rap rant that is perhaps one of Randall's finest accomplishments, all the other songs are new works. These stay fairly true to the feel of 6.0 in most places, with some being only musical inceptions (Desert), others professing what youth and loving it might do to one in the most entertainingly funny of fashions (End of Me), while others are questions posed in an electronic rap/industrial methodology (What About Me), and the rest range in taste sensations that make the experience one that is quite worthy of any listener's attention.

I've noticed that the newest release, 6.6, has been heralded as a 7th album here, but this isn't including other albums such as the Transient 5.2 release that many fans unfortunately missed and that should track it down if they haven't been privy to it. In fact, this album and all the other Sister Machine Gun albums are well worth the time and loving adoration that should be professed to good works at least weekly, making them highly worth the propaganda I'm now spreading. Suffer not the injustices of second-guessing and purchase them all!

I have to agree with the other reviewer.This cd is great from start to finish! If you listen to the music closely it almost sounds like this could've been the companion to Burn, ( which is obviously a good thing )It does of course sound like the companion to 6.0, it captures the kick-a$$ mood of that album perfectly and expands it!And at the same time gives you a small taste of S.M.G's past albums and present style. This is a must for sister machine gun fans, Stand out tracks : "Bang Bang" "What about me" and "Loser (remix)".

also for S.M.G fans, look out for sister machine gun's 7th album this September , "6.6"

SMG has been my favorite band for many years because of the variety of sounds and the fact they are all good. This album is good start to finish.

This album, like all of Sister Machine Gun’s albums, is a well crafted work of art. On 6.6 Chris Randall, the songwriter and main musician, has fully embraced his industrial tendencies.

This is a man who has seen it all, been to hell and back, and isn't afraid to tell you about it. The music is complex and mature, yet exciting and gripping as it drives its synthesizers and blazing guitars right into your gut. Randall smoothly glides through a huge range of emotions - he is sexy, angry, haunting and haunted, scared, and scarred. His voice is silky at times, then sultry, then raging! What a singer!

As if the sound itself weren't enough to engulf you, check out the lyrics on these songs. They show a rawness and honesty you rarely find. Randall is not afraid to let us peak inside his brain and see what isn't always easy to look at.

I think this is a brilliant album and you really can't go wrong giving it a try. In face, I recommend you give several Sister Machine Gun albums a try because Randall has been around for good long time, and his music (though consistently of high quality) has evolved greatly over the years. I think you might be in for a very nice surprise!

Sister Machine Gun has been around for quite some time now and has traveled the winding ways of many a musically-sculpted backyard since the inception of Chris Randall's rather wondrous vision. From the grottos of Sins of the Flesh that transitioned into Torture Technique and successfully birthed Burn, something can be seen changing and refining itself, keeping up with the times in an almost mechanically seedy way of its own. Then changing into Metropolis, rEvolution, and now 6.0, the albums have all been different types of work, adopting many inner revolutions that have made more than telltale differences in almost every production. There have always been certain mainstays that kept all of the releases interesting, namely the creative mastermind behind the band itself, but something has always been allowed to grow and therefore avoid stagnation. Perhaps that and their ability to keep spanning the wheels of time are the most impressive traits of the them.

Along the way other releases have found their ways into circulation in the forms of EPs as well, bringing the listeners something of a treat compared to most releases by the same titles. This is because they always have new songs ranging in at least the handful, rewarding the listener with something they want and not more of the same recycled filler track after track.With the release of Sister Machine Gun: 6.6 Machine EP, the band moved in a few different directions, taking some of the energy found on some of the former releases and blending it with some of the concepts learned about the refinement of beats in later ones. This is taken father into the electronic spiral, however, manufacturing a rather unique heartbeat that pulses and pounds away in many a song while crafting an auditory stimulating curtain of sounds. Then there is the always explorative Randall and his interesting blending of the voice herbs and spices that can sometimes soothe the savage beast, sometimes charm and woo his perspective audience, and the anger and political ideology that is always added into the fold as well. This is what makes his works interesting because you know what to expect in some ways and can always expect a surprise in others. From the onset of this six song release that's noticeable, too, with the beats of the electro-industrial machinations heralding Randall's "I hear the voices of machines in my head" calls to the other forms of range sequestered amidst strangely pulsating beats turned sonic building blocks in "keep my enemies near."

Although I am a huge fan of Sister Machine Gun, I think many a listener would find this album entertaining and would suggest it to anyone looking for "something more." While wearing an EPs disguise, it is actually something more than that little label can describe and is highly recommended.

Just get this cd!It's so awesome it should be illegal! This is an ep of only 6 songs but you feel so fulfilled after hearing it,it brings that 1992-1995 wax-trax! goth-rave feeling back around . Sister machine gun was around for that originally way back when and helped it go on for one thing, but since about 98 they changed their style & direction in some ways,they may have changed their style but it doesn't matter because they still rock no matter what. This ep is proof that c.randall is still the man, he has many musical alter ego's, theres the heads up jazzy, cool-guy style (R-evolution) theres the slowed/banging style (Burn) and theres the psycho-trippy adrenalin pumpin style ( The Torture Technique & "this cd" 6.6: Machine) He can do it all, and he proved that ages ago. If you need a cd to tear limbs off of a villian in your mortal kombat game, look no further. This'll take care of you. All the tracks are awesome, but my personal favorite off the cd are "Bullet to spare" and "Voices/Machines".

A collection of rare or unreleased tracks from 1994-1998.

Scorn's sound has truly evolved, from grindcore to ambient dub. Change is good, Scorn is good, this album is terrific. The 1st three tracks are the best, not to mention the remix by Coil. Ambient dub at it's finest. Buy this album, also available via Invisible Record's website at a great price.

I just got this CD last week. It is very cool. My co-workers stopped by to say "whoah what is that" or "can you please turn it down". Heh. If you liked any of the other Scorn stuff, you'll like this. Excellent background music for a laid back party as well.

The previous reviews have mentioned the contents of this album, so I won't rehash all that here. "Anamnesis" is as claustrophobic and mysterious as any of Scorn's records, but amazingly, it even sharpens the industrial element which is largely subordinate in Scorn's post-"Colossus" stuff and in Mick's various solo projects. The 10-minute opener "Almost human" and the other two tracks from the 'John Peel Session' are the most impressive material on this disc, setting both the emotional and sonic tone of this CD: Brutal and cold, the music is devoid of humanity and warmth. While the percussion loops clatter and the bass lines punch, the atmosphere is filled with a kind of stern super-authoritarian regimentation. Tracks like "Get up", "Wallpaper dub", and "Trap" showcase the combination of crunching basic rhythms, overlaid percussions, and ghostly samples very well. The bass-heavy version of "Geeked" is far superior to that on the album "Logghi Barogghi". "Anamnesis" also features Coil's remix of "Dreamspace", which didn't find its way onto the "Ellipsis" remix album. All in all, it's an uniquely satisfying rarities collection from a very original and innovative band. Scorn's new EP "Imaginaria Award" is already available in Europe, the new album "Greetings from Birmingham" is planned for release later this year.

The most powerful CD's I ever heard. No matter what genre you love each that you find here will prove to be at its best. The stellar craftsmanship of these CD's are equal to, if not surpassing fine art. You will feel the heat, experience the fascination, and absorb the strength that these CD's deliver. The perfect situation and location of each song- each melody- each beat- will keep the chorus' in your head. The flow of music is like a river that could run through eternity, the world away from your Stereo will be only secondary once you own this one. These CD's are the essence of the beginnings and future of music and will take you captive. If you are not seduced you will be annihilated, destroyed and become a slave to the listening pleasure that Annihilation and Seduction will bring you. Amazing does not begin to describe the compilation, the bands are awesome, their music is breath taking, and the composition is faultless. ANNIHILATION AND SEDUCTION REIGNS SUPREME!!!!!!!

These CDs are worth twice the price, almost an epic experience. I couldn't stop listening and went through both discs back-to-back. I wasn't sure everything on the CDs would work with the different styles but every track is perfectly placed, like the scenes in a movie. Here's a truly type-A experience, musically. I'm glad somebody knows what a compilation should be -- at last!!! This is a MUST-HAVE!

Unlike most compilations, this double-disc set is a seamless collection of tracks that makes a fantastic musical experience, including Megaherz, Unit:187, Steril, Battery Cage, The Dust of Basement, Run Level Zero and many more. This is not just a "sampler" but a concept CD about our current world -- and moves from rage to lust to dreams. Must-have material!! Includes the best of established and emerging artists from a brand new label that knows what we're looking for!!!

This album is one of the best I have listened to lately. Being a long-time listener of Gothic Radio on the web, I instantly bought this CD when it came out (Although I'm fairly new to Amazon). All of the bands are good on here, there's not a single bad track on the entire thing, although more stick out than others. The bands that really impressed me were Grigori 3 and SPF 1000, these people are evolving Gothic music by what they're doing. So if you're someone who's interested in the Gothic culture and music, but are unsure of where to start or where to jump into, this might not be a bad place to start. Overall though, a completely awesome album.

It's an amazing album with some amazing bands, but the best by far is Grigori 3. I'm amazed that a band like this can still not be headlining Ozzfest. They have kept their heads close to the ground, but not for long.

Colide is awsome also, along with SPF-1000. But Grigori 3 is the most powerful band on the album.

I give the comp 5 stars.

This album is an amazing taste as to what is going on in the Gothic world today. Collide is phenomenal, but above all the stand out artists are Grigori 3. You must buy this album just to hear the song Awakening. It'll blow your mind! I give it 5 stars as a whole, and 10 for Grigori 3!

Clock DVA is a very unique band and they create industrial music which sounds like a mix between Kraftwerk, The Klinik and the early rendition of Front 242. Buried Dreams is one of the most avantgarde releases of 1989 and the music can be seen more as conceptual rather then as commercial. The intricate and artistic lyrics, the very creative melody and the perfect us of samples. I love the book-let for it is strange look. There are no lyrics but small tid-bits stories like the story behind sound mirror and the way they use the word looking glass, a word that is seldom used for mirror. The vocals are much better then given credit for and fit perfectly for this kind of music. This is a must have for industrial fans.

Once Skinny Puppy, Ministry, Front 242, Nitzer Ebb and a host of other industrial bands became popular during the late 80's/early 90's, I felt a loss. Part of the allure of these bands to me was their "underground" status. This release by Clock DVA STILL remains "underground" and that is highly appealing to me. When I ask myself why this CD is not mentioned with the rest of industrial, I realize it is because of it's disturbing subject matter. Clock DVA delve deeper into the unknown and unmentionable on this CD than any other I've ever heard. The music is as challenging as the subject matter and this disc takes music to a place I've never found anywhere else. A MUST for fans of Dark Industrial Music!!!

This band, and in particular the albums "buried dreams" and "Man-Amplified" made electronic music in the late 80's and early 90's that was light years ahead of its time, and yet went largely unrecognized--the sophistication of their electronic wizardry puts much of the primitive rave culture of the day to shame--the beats used on this album are fairly simplistic--what makes it stunning is the DVA-unique, rhythm oriented synth work--not to mention the sound experimentation and sampling--this is dance music with a purpose--maybe it went largely unrecognized because industrial music was going the metal route (what with ministry's Al Jourgenson jumping into every industrial project of the day)--this band was content with exploring the world of a gothic techno--they did a magnificent job making electronic music dark and moody--it really is rare (especially during the time period they were making this music) for electronic music to have so much atmosphere--Clock DVA pulled it off big time

Lycia's greatest songs from 90-94. If you like Projekt Records, then this is a must for any collection. A staple in this genre of music. Cold, bleak, and naturally unforgiving.

The songs on this album are moody, dark, and yet breathtaking. Nothing to be disappointed by on here.

Band:Lycia
CD: Compilation Appearances Vol. 1:
Songs Recorded Between 1990-1994
The Arizona Years
Reviewed By:Mike Ventarola

When Mike VanPortfleet began making music, his idea was to create compositions that resonated with an internal muse, often diametrically opposed to what the whims of the major music labels may have been at any given time. This expounded notion to play from the heart, whether performing in a studio or before a live audience of 5 or 500, has been Lycia's trademark. In essence, VanPortfleet and the Lycia members have utilized the belief of creativity as an expressive force, gladly making it available to anyone who wanted to hear it. Those fortunate to have seen them play live always reported the almost ecstatic passion with the band's delivery on stage.

This uncomplicated approach with making music as art has intrigued and delighted fans worldwide, securing the band's continuously growing underground phenomenon. Lycia has since disbanded, largely due to VanPortfleet's continuous battle with diabetes, however their 10-year reign as one of the top goth/ambient artists, is thus far unparalleled. All of the members continue to create music, however the grind of live tours is now behind them.

The Compilation Appearances CD includes a wide range of styles, from post-punk to electronic ambient. These are 17 rare tracks from the early Lycia years as well as the entire Dust sessions, a Lycia instrumental side project. It is a great introduction for new fans as well as a delightful gem for the die-hard fans who thought they had all of Lycia's work in their collection. This is also Lycia before Tara VanFlower added her vocal talents to the work, which didn't arise until October 1994.

The music delves into the darkest corners beyond the recesses of one's imagination as well as soars through optimistic heights. No one can ever accuse Lycia of being pigeonholed to one style, though there have been many imitators along the way. The work simply shimmers and glistens no matter what type of light or lack thereof that it is exposed to. The work , then as well as now, breaks new ground which often defies description.

The graphic works on the CD sleeve are culled from Mike VanPortfleet's own personal photographic collection, treating us to another facet of his artistic ability. We are further exposed to his propensity to see the world with a keen eye for detail and precision. One can't help but hear music jumping out from the photographs, as their line and structure are as sleek as any note Lycia ever recorded.

In an underground world where bands are trying to imitate the latest synth-pop craze to make some musical headway, Lycia managed to remain the Rumplestiltskin of the music world, weaving melodies that gleam like gold in the moonlit night. Even today, VanPortfleet et al have been continuously crafting music, cranking out so many side projects, that even the most ardent fan would have a tough time keeping up. All of the work from this disc represents an unpretentious parameter of artists whose work is fully approachable without being commercial. It is a great overview of some of Lycia's work, some previously available while others were never available to the public before now.

The best way to really sum up Lycia is to equate the music with a museum masterpiece. The music, as well as the painted canvas, requires time to absorb, reflect and cogitate from various angles. Sadly, we have too many people today looking for the latest fad with a quarter beat who rarely stop to notice great art, painted or otherwise. Those who manage to go within themselves to understand where an artist's focus is coming from are more richly rewarded for the experience.

Projekt Records has released another in a series of many more archived Lycia releases. If you haven't purchased a Lycia CD yet, you may want to start with this one since it is a retrospective and flashback to the beginning of what became the benchmark for the gothic ethereal world.

This is a masterpeace of art, the best of the 3 albums released by now by Tomas and Chelsea.The bells are so beautiful,Chelsea voice melting very well with Tomas one.Sounding like Death in june in some way,but different and original,the spiritual side of this band is very rich too.So buy it now!

A very abstractly arrangement mix of goth and industrial.The light that this albums gives off is beautiful. By far ordo's best album.

A very abstractly arrangement mix of goth and industrial.The light that this albums gives off is beautiful. By far ordo's best album.

this is that one disc you listen to after drinking a bottle of cough syrup with a 101 degree fever, then jump out of the window into the snow and think your floating through outer space.
this is, in my opinion, the most important alien sex fiend cd ever released. it's an engineering masterpiece, and is probably their most surreal. from the four part cacophany "katch 22" to an homage(?) to "thx-1138" to fast paced dancy weirdness to slow droney hypnotic sounds. complete with radio commercial and alien abduction. everything about this cd says "buy me".

By far one of the best CD's I have ever heard or owned. You need to have this album in your collection!

If by any chance that you are walking in some music store that you favor to frequent. And you look down and see this cd.... take out your money and grab this cd....go directly to the counter buy it and find the closest place with a cd player... and listen to this album. listen for depth....

yea the titled is retarded, but this cd is slamming. The only problem is deez tracks are just to short. but theyre good though. i dont see why they had 5 seconds of silence on track 13, that was silly! but yea, its not really a juggalo cd....its subject matter isnt retarded and it wont only grab the attention of retards....im glad Zug went their own way, they much better like this.

Zug Izland is mostly known for their association with Psychopathic Records and ICP; however, their potential can extend much farther than the artists now currently at Psychopathic could ever imagine. why? because they've got it tight like dreadlocks with WRIF (Detroit's most popular rock station, maybe the most popular in the country), and they have one of the most unique sounds i've ever heard from a rock band.

this CD offers a great follow-up to Cracked Tiles, and shows that they are more than just another Psychopathic act. With emotional connective ballads such as "You" and "Feel", it shows that Syn and the boys have a soft side to them that a Cracked Tiles fan would not expect. No song on this CD sounds remotely like any on Cracked Tiles...IT SOUND BETTER, and it still has that fresh from the oven toxic rock feel to it. I don't bash Juggalos, because a fan base always has to start somewhere, and it's a good one, but this band could easily step out of the shadows of ICP and be Detroit's next big thing! whatchu know about that 3:33 son!

i liked zug izland's first album cracked tiles a lot. some of the songs reminded me of some songs that i can vaguely remember from other artists. i am not sure if that was their intention or not, but you can hear the maturity in the band in 3:33. this is straight rock music. no other way to put it. it reminds me of a lot of other rock and roll bands out there right now although i can't really pinpoint who. this album did seal the deal in my head for concidering that these boys had talent. i didn't really think they could follow up their last album with original music but they did and they did it pretty well. give it a listen and you might be surprised.