This is the second release from the band after Wayne Static's death. The first I have decided to check out as it features everyone but Wayne, and this seems to be the current state of things with the band. From the first three songs, I can say it captures the mood of the band close enough. What is not in play is the spastic vocal phrasing Static was known for. Edsel captures his spirit in other ways, but the jerky staccato phrasing that marked their classic sound is not present as this is a more straightforward industrial metal. In places his delivery has more in common with Rob Zombie than Wayne, I love the "Wisconsin Death Trip" album and think it only makes sense that it is the standard this album is held against if they are truly trying to be the same band.
The atmosphere has smoothed things over here in a manner that is different than their original legacy. Is it better than the bulk of what Dope does? Yes. "No Hope" is the first song that songs more like Static X. Though the vocals at times follow more the status quo for industrial, which Wayne brought more of a jagged edge to. Six songs in and I am starting to hear this as a decent album for what it is. since it's well done, however, I am not sold on this being called Static X. Since vocals aside you could have another singer come in and this could sound like a White Zombie album, Marilyn Manson album, or a Stabbing Westward album. A great deal of this lies in the guitar not dominating the mix.
"Tone" finds Edsel making more of an attempt to follow Static's style, but with only half the balls. The guitars are once again the issue as they need to be more in your face. "Run For Your Life' finds the guitars coming closer to how they should sound, but in the juggling act, the vocals are less focused on their mission statement, despite being produced in a manner more like their older sound. The sad fact about a song like "Dark Place' is the sad boi act is closer to Korn's latter-day emo leanings than anything that might make you grab your shovel. "Disco Otsego" has some familiar sounds and phrases, I can't believe they are letting them do this to them. The Korn comparison might be useful for "From Heaven" but feels like it was left off the "Queen of the Damned " soundtrack. The cover of "Terrible Lie" works pretty well, and makes for a hateful enough machine. The last bonus track also chugs by with a familiar enough feeling to sound fine. I will give this one an 8, if this was not supposed to be Static X and was some new nu-metal revival band I would not hold it to such a high standard.
No comments:
Post a Comment