Industrial

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: HO99O9- TOMORROW WE ESCAPE

A few years back my friend Adam suggested I check out the band HO99O9 (pronounced Horror). I had heard the name before and was mildly curious. Then after I checked it out, I was hooked. Not long after that, we wound up going to a sort of secret show in the back of a coffee shop in Downtown Los Angeles to see HO99O9. That show really cemented for me what this band is all about. Intense isn’t the right word, more like vicious is a better way to describe this duo. HO99O9 blurs the line between hip hop, metal, industrial, electronic and then some. Having toured with Slipknot, Korn, Alice in Chains, Rob Zombie, Ministry, Cypress Hill, and Ghostface Killah, they definitely have the pedigree behind them.

Tomorrow We Escape is the bands third full length album. This one is very direct and focused on a mission. Throughout the 11 song album, there are many twists and turns that keep you captivated and trying to guess what’s next. The chaos is controlled yet burns its own path. From the instant the first song “I Miss Home” begins all the way through to the epic closer “Godflesh,” there is no letting off the pedal. Chock full of powerful beats that pulsate even in your brain even after the song is done, hooks that feel catchy but not cheesy and an edge that is razor sharp that cuts so deep. Other standout tracks include “Escape,” “OK, I’m Reloaded,” “Upside Down, and “L.A. Riots.” There are two specific songs though that truly shine on this album. The first being “Tapeworm” which features Greg Puciato (Dillinger Escape Plan, Better Lovers, The Black Queen, etc) and it’s one hell of a song. Greg takes the song to a whole other level. Just listen and you’ll know what I mean. And the other one is “Immortal” which features Chelsea Wolfe. This track is a complete 180 for the band and it is hauntingly dreamy. There’s a soothing touch to this song.

This is the album, I’ve been waiting for HO99O9 to make. The OGM and Yeti Bones have truly found their path on Tomorrow We Escape. All the elements that were thrown into the mix have a distinct place on these songs. When you think something might be out of place or a little weird, it’s not, just go with it and let it sink in. If you are looking for a barn burner of an album, this one is for you. I highly recommend you play this one loud and make sure your windows are down, it might shatter glass!

Overall Rating: A

Review By: Brian Lacy

HO99O9- Tomorrow We Escape:

NEW RELEASE: BLACK MAGNET- BETTER THAN LOVE

A couple weeks back the very awesome Black Magnet released “Endless,” the first single from their upcoming new album, Megamantra (out July 25 via Federal Prisoner). “Endless” was just the beginning though as Black Magnet have released another song, “Better Than Love.” If you thought “Endless” was a kick to the teeth, “Better Than Love” expands upon their already punishing industrial sound and adds a great left turn to their style that immediately pulls you in and doesn’t let go. I’m quite stoked for this new album. 2025 looks to be a great year for Black Magnet!!

Black Magnet- Better Than Love:

Pre-Order Megamanta HERE

Album Review: Harms Way- Common Suffering

The evolution of bands is necessary for a multitude of reasons. I’ll rattle off a couple. One, you don’t want to keep churning out the same thing over and over. Your tastes change as you grow. The genre your band is in needs something more. And you want to further develop the sound of the band. All of these reasons can be found on the new Harms Way album, Common Suffering. Throughout their career, Harms Way have kept adding elements to their sound in a way that not only stands out in a good way but, also breathes new life into the genre. After one listen to Common Suffering, I knew that this wasn’t just any typical next album. This one is quite the record!

Right out of the gate you get a swift kick to the head with the very straight forward hardcore attack of “Silent Wolf.” From there the riffs really start to grab you as “Denial” takes the record to another level of heavy. “Hollow Cry” is one of the songs on the album that shows that evolution. There’s a Converge meets Helmet vibe to this song that I really dig. “Devour” is another hardcore banger with a head banging breakdown that will for sure put a crick in your neck. Next up is the very awesome and experimental track “Undertow” which features King Woman’s, Kris Esfandiari. This song has a really killer industrial tone to it. The vocals on this song are both haunting and pummeling. One of the things I really dig about this track is where it’s placed in the sequence of the album. The shift of the album happens here and it’s quite powerful. “Heaven’s Call” is the perfect follow up track to “Undertow” in the way it starts and then just cuts right to the heavy. “Cyanide” is another heavy banger that I have a feeling will be a crowd favorite when played live. “Terrorizer” is a song that brings in more of the industrial element while still being hardcore as all hell. “Sadist Guilt” has razor sharp riffs and an absolute gritty rhythm to it that could shatter glass. Closing out the album is the superb “Wanderer.” This track especially shows the band stepping further away from their comfort zone by adding some surprise elements that you wouldn’t necessarily expect from Harms Way but, in a way that is organic and on the track of their evolution.

Common Suffering is an album that you can tell a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into making it. Having listened to Harms Way for some time now, it’s quite refreshing to hear them take a few twists and turns on this album. With each album, Harm’s Way have pushed themselves to not just be labeled as a hardcore band or a death metal band. The industrial elements they add to their already hard and heavy sound adds a layer that gives them a bit more bite. While the album is still quite angry and full of rage, there’s a sense of catharsis when you listen that by the time you finish the album, a purge of emotions has taken place. Harms Way really have made an album that not only stands out amongst their peers but also shows that having variety in hardcore and extreme music is a good thing.

Overall Rating: 9/10

By: Brian Lacy

Harms Way- Common Suffering:

Band Of The Week: KANGA

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I’ll be totally honest, I was getting a bit annoyed with all the electronic music until I heard this band, I mean artist of the week. Instead of relying on the same old boring and tired electro beats, KANGA flipped the switch and brought out something I could really get behind. The sounds emitting from KANGA could be classified as “industrial”  but it’s more than that. The music and vocals are dark, mysterious and intoxicating. Taking bits and pieces from the darker side of electronic music and adding in some “hooks” and pop sensibilities along with hard driving rhythms, makes KANGA an artist the really pay attention to. She’s caught the attention of bands like The Black Queen and toured Europe and the US with them. And from all the videos I’ve seen of her live show, it’s no wonder why she’s been getting the acclaim she’s gotten. Give KANGA a listen and you’ll see why she’s one of the best around!

KANGA-KANGA (debut album):

 

KANGA- Live In Poland:

 

You Might Have Missed: Error

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Way back in 2003/2004 there was a group that consisted of Atticus Ross (Nine Inch Nails), Leopold Ross and Brett Gurewitz (Bad Religion). This group came about when Atticus was messing around in the studio and came up with some very interesting sounds that could become songs.  Not long after the inception of the songs, Atticus recruited his brother Leopold to play drums and Bad Religion guitarist to play guitar and bass. On vocals Greg Puciato (The Dillinger Escape Plan) was asked to take on the vocals for the EP.

The end result of this collaboration brought 5 songs of pure electronic hardcore with a healthy dose of industrial. You can tell from listening to this EP, why Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross work so well together. The songs are blistering and uncompromising. After the 5 songs finish, the EP leaves you wanting more but, it also leaves you pumped up and ready for anything.

Sadly though it is unlikely that Error will return anytime in the future as discussed in a 2009 interview. However, in a 2011 interview with Greg Puciato, he discussed the possibility of doing a second EP with Error. I personally would love to hear a new EP. Greg will be done with Dillinger soon, so why not!

Error- Error EP:

Band Of The Week: Youth Code

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Over the last few years electronic music has made a strong impact among many people. There has been a sort of “craze” about it and the scene has become flush with many different groups and genres. I’ve always dug on certain aspects of electronic music like, industrial and trip hop. Recently I saw a band live that has really reinvigorated my love for industrial music. That band is Youth Code. Formed in 2012 by Ryan William George and Sara Taylor, Youth Code has taken the scene by storm. By combining elements of industrial, electronica, and a bit of a dance vibe, Youth Code delivers a relentless and punishing sound that will make you bang your head and dance.

When I saw them a few months back, they absolutely stole the show and left me wanting more. Their live performances are intense and energetic. One thing that they have that their other peers lack are lyrics that really grab you just as the music does. It’s beyond refreshing to hear this style of music done so well. So do yourself a favor and check out Youth Code.

 

Youth Code- Commitment To Complications:

 

Youth Code- A Place To Stand:

 

Carried Mask:

 

The Dust Of Fallen Rome:

 

Live At Amoeba:

 

 

By: Brian Lacy

 

 

 

 

 

 

Band Of The Week: Crowhurst

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If there is one thing I really enjoy  about music, it’s when I come across bands/artists that are taking chances. Not just taking chances though, but, putting out music that is deeply rooted in inspiration and emotion. This weeks band of the week Crowhurst, is just that. The music is dark and full of rage, all the while being experimental and pulverizing. There are shades of industrial, black metal, and ambiance throughout the songs. Led by vocalist/keyboardist/sampler Jay Gambit, Crowhurst have brought back the dark industrial vibe that has been missing from the genre for some time. One can tell from listening to them, that they really believe in what they are creating. Nothing seems forced or misplaced. If you are looking for something dark, heavy and bombastic, then Crowhurst is what you need.

 

Crowhurst- Crowhurst II:

 

Crowhurst- Take This Pain Away:

 

Unsung Masterpieces: Stabbing Westward- Darkest Days
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Back in 1998 while I was waiting for a new Nine Inch Nails record, an album was released by Stabbing Westward that would hold my attention for years to come. Darkest Days is the album I’m talking about. Stabbing Westward took their industrial influences a few steps further on this album without sacrificing their knack for writing catchy melodic songs. Singer Chris Hall’s anguish, pain and suffering all show through in his vocal performance. Something I found interesting about the album is that it’s actually a concept record. It’s made up of 4 parts,  with each depicting  a different emotional phase after a break up. The Tracks 1-4 is about sabotaging the relationship. Tracks 5-9 is about lust, hope, and longing. Tracks 10-12 is about hitting rock bottom after it’s all over. The final part is about recovery and self-respect. When I found that out a few years back, the album made a lot more sense to me. I’m sure most of you will remember the song “Save Yourself,” as it was the first single released for the album. But there is way more to the album than just that song. Songs like ” Everything I Touch,” “Drugstore,” “You Complete Me,” “Haunting Me,” “When I’m Dead,” “Torn Apart,” and “On Your Way Down” are absolute standouts. That’s not to say that the other songs aren’t as good, these ones just always seemed to have a lasting effect on me.

Stabbing Westward called it quits in the early 2000’s. Chris Hall went on to start the band The Dreaming. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing them a few times over the years, and he is still one hell of a singer and frontman. During the early years of The Dreaming it wouldn’t be shocking to hear them play a couple Stabbing Westward songs live. It was announced recently that Stabbing Westward will be reuniting for a show to celebrate their 30th anniversary, but in Chicago. Let’s hope it goes well, so we can get a full on reunion tour!!!

 

Stabbing Westward- Darkest Days:

Band Of The Week: Bloody Knives

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Remember the days when you’d be out shopping for music and an album cover and or a bands name would grab your attention compelling you to check it out? Then when you put it on you are completely blown away. I recently came across this weeks band of the week Bloody Knives, after seeing a poster for their upcoming tour, and it totally had the “I must check this band out” effect. Bloody Knives hail from Austin and mix parts electronic, post punk, shoegaze, rock, industrial and psychedelia. Think Death From Above 1979 slowed down just a tad and My Bloody Valentine. Their newest single “Reflection Lies” from their upcoming release is awe inspiring. Their use of psychedelia takes you on a journey while listening. The moody vibes they put out through their music are euphoric and have a power to put you in a musical trance. Their previous work, especially their releases Death and Disappear are raw and unrelenting. Bloody Knives are one hell of a band and deserve to be on your radar!

 

Bloody Knives- Reflection Lies:

 

Bloody Knives- Death:

 

Bloody Knives- Disappear:

 

https://www.facebook.com/thebloodyknives

 

Dekades- Red Trolley

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The fantastic Dekades just released a new song. Check it out below:

Attacking with subtle goth moments and borderline industrial sounds, Dekades has unleashed another great song in “Red Trolley.” The vocals and melody are unique and powerful. Imagine if Fiona Apple had more range mixed with Beth Gibbons of Portishead. The drums come out heavy with a bit of a Nine Inch Nails vibe attached to them. The guitar accents and ambience amplifies the direction of the song, all the while the heavy distorted bass drives the song. Dekades are on the right track. I personally can’t wait to hear more.

 

http://www.dekadesofficial.com

https://www.facebook.com/Dekadesofficial

By: Brian Lacy