This band reminds me so much of Lollipop Lust Kill that I had to click around online to see if there was any connection. There was no connection to Narcotic Wastlands, if you are into bands in the "Where Are They Now?" files. These guys meet at that weird intersection of the 90s where nu-metal and death metal met. The song is reasonably catchy with the vocals mainly barked with a nu-metal pseudo goth vocal sometimes chanting around the bark. This might appeal to Jauggaloos, as the vocals are sometimes almost rapped. I am a fan of the fact that it is not upbeat or trying to bring the party, but making a feel-bad album.
"Hate is All You Need" finds the songwriting not as hooky or nuanced, making it the first song to lean more in the direction of filler. Maybe it's a flux? "Shadow in Hell" has more of a groove to offer redemption, as the vocal goes from rapped to more of a Marilyn Manson-like croon. I am not sure if this album is going to be something I need in regular rotation as I own a great deal that already meets these needs, but it's entertaining, and I am glad there are bands out there doing this sort of thing. Though I think pouring on the speed is not something that plays to the benefit of what is being done here, and it's the creepy grooves that work best.
This can be heard on the very deliberate riff that drives the verse of 'Snow Angel". There are varied vocal approaches and guitar melodies that show the willingness to dig into songwriting that have to be respected. Just being heavy is not good enough for this album; there have to be things to hook you in, which it excels at, even if it is not the most original assemblage of sounds, it works for what is going on here. "the Unmaker" perhaps leans to heavily on the Marilyn Manson influence. It harkens back to the "Portrait of an American Family" era that was more rooted in rock guitar riffs. "Somewhere Else" is the first song where it begins to become apparent that there is a formula taking shape with an industrial march accompanied by a multitracked chorus of monster-like vocals chanting in mean-spirited unison.
"A Reflection' takes this formula in a heavier direction. "Wither Psalm". "All Fall" uses the drone of guitar to lock into the chant of "live to die another day," which is catchy enough to work. I will give this album a 9, since it does pay tribute to 90s goth rock pretty heavily, but they make an effort to write catchy songs which makes for a fun listen. If you like goth-infused nu-metal, then you are their target audience and will like this album.
pst147
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