"Contrary to the title ("Shrieks, Laments and Anguished Cries"), there are no isolated utterances of pain on this CD, though in the beginning track ("Sintro"), a woman ecstatically moans for about 2 minutes. This is a similar beginning to Razed in Black's third CD ("Sacrificed"), where Romell Regulacion is the groaner instead. His frequently escalating shrieks and screams do fit part of the CD title, and at times he pulls off a fairly good impersonation of Trent Reznor.There are a fair amount of hard-hitting, earsplitting songs with a sexual/S&M theme on this album, such as in track #2 ("Cyberium"): "...don't mind taking my punishment even though I'm not guilty." There are two versions of this song, though I prefer the On Speed version over the Endurance Mix by Birmingham 6. My other favorites: #4: "Control", #7: "Preacher", #9: "Future Unknown", and #11: "Power."If you like fast, loud techno/electronica with a bit of a goth element thrown in, then this is a good CD (and band/artist) worth listening to. (I just wish I knew what the image was on the front cover.)"
~§~InCrEdIblE!¡!~§~
06/24/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first heard RIB on the Industrial Revolution box set. Most of the box set wasnt' all that great but when i heard the remix of "What's Fair" that was on it, I completely forgot about the other songs. I just got my first Razed Album... Shreiks... and i figured that they were probably one of those bands that come out with one good song and the rest suck... Well i was VERY wrong about this one!! I LOVE this album. This is some of the best stuff I have EVER heard!!!"
Raw, grinding, industrial power!
noctros | 12/18/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The first RiB song I ever heard was off of the Wired Injections disc. The song was "Cyberium (On Speed)." From that point on, I was in search of anything with RiB on it, even remixes. Everything I've heard from them so far has been awesome. When I feel the need for some energy, I just listen to them. My favorites on the disc are probably "Cyberium (On Speed)," "Just Let It Go," and "What's Fair?". The Endurance mix of "Cyberium" took some getting used to, but it's an interesting interpretation of the song, and definitely worth a listen. The "Sintro" at the beginning of the album gives a fair idea of what's to come....grinding metal, pounding drums, and basically industrial-sounding noises. I am still in search of anything and everything that has Razed in Black on it, because if I can manage to get a new RiB tune (or even a new remix), then it's a worthwhile purchase for me. I wanna see 'em live! 5 out of 5."
Never Mind the Title -- This is a Beautiful CD
Christopher Lutz | St. Louis, MO | 07/20/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I picked up RIB on a whim (I am a fan of Nine Inch Nails, Filter, Crystal Method) and was very pleasantly surprised -- this is a GOOD CD. Dark, loud, and violently charged with an almost primal energy, this is the perfect disc for those who enjoy angry rhythms. I did find that some of the songs were almost too simple, however (meaning there weren't enough layers of sound), and some were a little too punchy for my taste (I HATE punk music; no build-up at all), but RIB comes heavily recommended."
An industrial ofering that serves what was promised
Christopher Lutz | 05/17/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Many bands fal to live up to the power of their name, but not so for 'Razed in Black'. Sticking with the fast beat, heavy guitar, and barely in tune screaming vocals, this is everything you would expect from the album title. You can feel the anger in the lyrics. When this album is on, I feel the need to run fast, start riots, and kick some a**."