Search - Front Line Assembly :: State of Mind

FLA's best album so far, hands down

05/12/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Given that this was Front Line Assembly's second album (not counting the "Total Terror" demos), it feels strange to call it their best, especially considering that there have been at least seven albums since. But "State of Mind" has a raw, primitive quality to it that you can't find in industrial albums released nowadays. Bill Leeb knew how to make use of space back in the late '80s and didn't feel the need to throw all the effects in the studio at the listener. It's a dark album without being self-consciously so, and Leeb's gripping, original use of voice samples adds a touch of gritty drama you certainly won't find in the (strangely more popular) KMFDM canon. Yes, there are other great industrial albums, but this is certainly in the top five."

A Total Mood

Tiny Hedgehog | Kilmarnock, Virginia | 09/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was the first FLA album I ever got, back when it was brand new. It has continued to not only be my favorite Front Line Assembly album, it also is an album which I continue to listen to on a regular basis even well over a decade later.
If you are looking for really intense dance tracks, this album is not for you. Even though a lot of it is very beat driven, for the most part it is an eerie album that evokes a very dark mood. I absolutely love this album, and if you are into any kind of music of this genre and don't own this album you need to get a copy of it."

Stunning effort!

DB | Burlington, VT | 10/28/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Poor recording aside, this is one of my all-time favorite discs, it needs to be remastered. "Eastern Voices" is one of my favorites and would be a great song on any disc but my favorite and one of my all-time favorite gems is "Sustain Upright". "Sustain Upright" is one of the most eerily addictive songs I have ever heard and cannot get enough, despite owning this disc for nearly 20 years. State of Mind is very reminiscent of Future Sound of London and can't help but wonder if this disc was a big influence for FSOL. I heartily recommend this disc for any music fan but don't give up on the first couple of listens. Give it several listens to build the synapses and you will be rewarded. If you don't buy then you should definitely download "Sustain Upright"."