Scorngrain Cyberwarmachine
Dynamic Arts Records DYN006 March 29th, 2004
By Jason Jordan
I liked Animatronic well enough, but S.E.T.I. was just inexcusably bad. Why preface a Scorngrain review with information about The Kovenant? To explicate, Cyberwarmachine basically picks up the torch that The Kovenant dropped with their last record. This album can easily be pigeonholed into the industrial metal subgenre, and fits snugly at that. Though Scorngrain arent the most original kids on the block, Cyberwarmachine is a poignant, substantial outing.
Oddly, 24-7 Hell contains both the best and worst elements of the bands repertoire. On the positive side, the guitar riff is enormous, the electronics emphasize the acoustic instrumentation, and the piece comes together nicely. Conversely, on the negative side, theres some rapping that occurs at about the 1:50 minute mark, which is utterly nauseating. I dont like rap mixed with my metal dawg. Thankfully, thats the only time that that ill-fated style rears its ugly head. A song like Blank capitalizes on its monstrous riffage, while a composition like Flesh Means Pain relies on synthesizers to get the job done. Fortunately, with all of Cyberwarmachine, the whole presentation is refreshing and consequently interesting. The production is worth a mention also, as its very clear and gets the conglomeration of input just right so that the overall output sounds good too. 4D Religion has cool-ass organ (simulated Im sure) at its forefront before jumping into The Kovenants turf. And at times, the cyber aspect reminded me of the Fear Factory of old.
Undoubtedly, if youre swayed by Lex Icons main project, then grab a fork and prepare for a scrumptious plate of Scorngrain. Even if you dont find industrial metal as swoon-inducing as other subgenres, this debut still projects likeable characteristics. Im thinking this trio will go far, but I suppose time will be the judge of that.
8/10
Official Scorngrain Website
Official Dynamic Arts Records Website
Dynamic Arts Records DYN006 March 29th, 2004
By Jason Jordan
I liked Animatronic well enough, but S.E.T.I. was just inexcusably bad. Why preface a Scorngrain review with information about The Kovenant? To explicate, Cyberwarmachine basically picks up the torch that The Kovenant dropped with their last record. This album can easily be pigeonholed into the industrial metal subgenre, and fits snugly at that. Though Scorngrain arent the most original kids on the block, Cyberwarmachine is a poignant, substantial outing.
Oddly, 24-7 Hell contains both the best and worst elements of the bands repertoire. On the positive side, the guitar riff is enormous, the electronics emphasize the acoustic instrumentation, and the piece comes together nicely. Conversely, on the negative side, theres some rapping that occurs at about the 1:50 minute mark, which is utterly nauseating. I dont like rap mixed with my metal dawg. Thankfully, thats the only time that that ill-fated style rears its ugly head. A song like Blank capitalizes on its monstrous riffage, while a composition like Flesh Means Pain relies on synthesizers to get the job done. Fortunately, with all of Cyberwarmachine, the whole presentation is refreshing and consequently interesting. The production is worth a mention also, as its very clear and gets the conglomeration of input just right so that the overall output sounds good too. 4D Religion has cool-ass organ (simulated Im sure) at its forefront before jumping into The Kovenants turf. And at times, the cyber aspect reminded me of the Fear Factory of old.
Undoubtedly, if youre swayed by Lex Icons main project, then grab a fork and prepare for a scrumptious plate of Scorngrain. Even if you dont find industrial metal as swoon-inducing as other subgenres, this debut still projects likeable characteristics. Im thinking this trio will go far, but I suppose time will be the judge of that.
8/10
Official Scorngrain Website
Official Dynamic Arts Records Website
