Rating: ***1/2
Look, I'd be lying if I told you I knew anything about industrial music. I dug Ministry and Nine Inch Nails in the 90's just like every other kid that was trying to like different things when listening to Skid Row and Motley Crue wasn't cool anymore. But it's 2017. What does industrial music sound like now? Honestly, I haven't got a clue.
That's where LA-based Zeistencroix come in. Armed with a new EP called "Gemini" in tow, they promise to offer a different kind of industrial sound cutely referred to as "Alternative Industrial."
I'm gonna dive in and see what we got. Even if it sucks, I probably won't be able to tell the difference. Ignorance is bliss, I suppose.
Watch the music video for "I Need You Tonight" on YouTube below:
The first track is called "I Need You Tonight" and sadly it's not a cover of the INXS hit. It's not bad though. Much more commercially viable than I imagined. The beats are dope and frontman, Orlando Draven is a capable singer. The EP is produced by Tim Palmer (U2, Ozzy, Pearl Jam) and Bill Metoyer (WASP, Slayer) so it's not surprising that it sounds tightly crafted and mixed. I dug the song even though it seemed a bit long. "Valley of Death" is next and it's got a NIN feel to it. Well-sung again. More downtempo and it suits them well. "Saturated" is more metal. It's got a dramatic element that I like. It reminds me of something that would have been on "Pretty Hate Machine." Solid. Track four is called "Rage" and it's not just a clever title. Four minutes of dark lyrics and throaty garble. It's not necessarily radio-friendly but I don't think that's the point. I didn't hate it. The final track of the EP is "Dante" and it's got a real death metal feel to it. It almost sounds like a different band altogether. It's probably my favorite song on the album.
I really liked this for what it is. I'm not a big industrial guy so some of this record went over my head, but I still found it enjoyable. The metal bits at the end were right up my alley. I have a feeling that fans of this genre are gonna fucking flip over this. Go grab it.
Keep up with Zeistencroix here:
Website: http://zeistencroix.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeistencroix/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeistencroix/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeistencroix