Harsh electronic masterpiece
Chris | Arizona | 06/12/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Numb have done it again, another harsh rhythmic masterpiece from this veteran electronic band from Vancouver. The cd is filled with Don Gordon's electronic mayhem and vocalist Dave Collings' shredding vocal stylings. Tracks such as "respect" and "immolate" feature staccato keyboards, clanging rhythms and Collings' shouted vocal rantings. Several tracks begin with extended instrumental passages that slowly build into fuller songs with vocals. After the one-two punch of "respect" and "suspended", track 3 "deviation" slows to a midtempo pace with spoken/whispered vocals. There are three atmospheric instrumentals on the cd with a sense of paranoia present due to the whispered vocal samples, otherworldly choirs, and noises appearing intermittently. Track 5 "no remorse" takes on a harsh minimal beat with hissed/whispered vocals reminiscent of Euro groups like Suicide Commando and Dive. Overall Gordon's electronic experimentation, occasional use of thumping beats, scrap metal rhythms, and chugging guitar buried deep in the mix (for texture) provide a solid balance to Collings' surprisingly varied vocal harshness. The instrumentals and long instrumental song intro's give the listener a respite to the more driving tracks. This is comparable to any of the best offerings from New Mind, Nitzer Ebb, Ministry, NIN, Dive, or Unit 187."