Mortiis The Grudge
Earache Records MOSH280CD 13th September 2003
By Russell Garwood
A big fan of EBM and (in this case, distinctly contemporary) industrial, I enjoyed Motiis previous release, The Smell Of Rain. While there was nothing new going on in Mortiis Era II, the music was enjoyable and accessible darkwave/industrial. An album later, were in Mortiis Era 3, and the loveable troll has changed his sound very little. Now a live band, the presence of two guitarists has driven towards a slightly heavier sound, while the addition of a drummer doesnt show all the beats still sound programmed. The synths are still present, at times going for pure EBM tones, and at others more organic sounds, with occasional additions of electronic noise complementing the harsher guitars. These tend to rely on light distortion and compelling rhythm work, leaving the melody to keyboards. Mortiis singing still lacks variation, usually being in the realm of VNV Nation influenced tuneful speaking. Occasional shouting is welcome and fitting, yet sadly missing is the quasi-singing present on previous efforts. The bass is not prominent.
The Grudge is a listenable album. It is sadly missing, however, the sometimes cheesy (yet always enjoyable) emotion that permeated The Smell Of Rain. Heavier songs lead to less melody, and less feeling, instead creating increasingly generic industrial in a Nine Inch Nails/Skinny Puppy/Ministry vein. That said, this is purely a matter of taste, and with time the songs on this release do grow. Those who enjoyed Mortiis last album could do far worse than checking this out, as it shows relatively little change.
Official Earache Records website
Official Mortiis Website
Earache Records MOSH280CD 13th September 2003
By Russell Garwood
A big fan of EBM and (in this case, distinctly contemporary) industrial, I enjoyed Motiis previous release, The Smell Of Rain. While there was nothing new going on in Mortiis Era II, the music was enjoyable and accessible darkwave/industrial. An album later, were in Mortiis Era 3, and the loveable troll has changed his sound very little. Now a live band, the presence of two guitarists has driven towards a slightly heavier sound, while the addition of a drummer doesnt show all the beats still sound programmed. The synths are still present, at times going for pure EBM tones, and at others more organic sounds, with occasional additions of electronic noise complementing the harsher guitars. These tend to rely on light distortion and compelling rhythm work, leaving the melody to keyboards. Mortiis singing still lacks variation, usually being in the realm of VNV Nation influenced tuneful speaking. Occasional shouting is welcome and fitting, yet sadly missing is the quasi-singing present on previous efforts. The bass is not prominent.
The Grudge is a listenable album. It is sadly missing, however, the sometimes cheesy (yet always enjoyable) emotion that permeated The Smell Of Rain. Heavier songs lead to less melody, and less feeling, instead creating increasingly generic industrial in a Nine Inch Nails/Skinny Puppy/Ministry vein. That said, this is purely a matter of taste, and with time the songs on this release do grow. Those who enjoyed Mortiis last album could do far worse than checking this out, as it shows relatively little change.
Official Earache Records website
Official Mortiis Website
