Track Listing
1. Wake 2. Sterile prophet 3. Circle of shit 4. Hunter 5. Gift from heaven 6. Amoral 7. Angel domain 8. Kingdom come 9. Time, death and wastefulness 10. Frail 11. Almost heaven Year: 1996 Label: Earache - Fan Site |
Godflesh - 'Songs of love and hate' - By W. Spurrier
Ever since 1989's Streetcleaner, Godflesh have been a band who've dug themselves into a deeper commercial hole after every release. Not regarding or really caring about trends, they've blitzed through death, grind, industrial, even occasionally throwing in the kitchen sink for good measure. Unfortunatley though, as with other innovators, their monolithic legacy has been watered down by a bunch of opportunist, downtuned, pretenders to the throne. This time around for Godflesh, what I can make out from this release, are trying to amalgamate a form of hip hop into their dark, buckling groove. Oh no, it isn't hip hop of the Busta Rhymes variety. This is far more evil and "street" than that. In fact this feels so much more from the street, that it feels like you're being stomped into the gutter, and your head's being kicked against the kerb. Then '...Love and hate' launches into its second song. To me, the venom contained in songs like Wait' and 'Circle of shit' and the way in which they hulk along, can, along with the disconsolent sound of the guitars, remind me of the feel they had on "Streetcleaner". Justin Broadricks vocals retain that monotone, unnnerving quality on songs like 'Angel domain' But on 'Frail' and album closer 'Almost heaven' his voice sounds beautiful, almost serene. Although this was one of Godflesh's better efforts, its influence was very subtle on the heavy music scene. Most "Industrial" or Nu metal bands probably don't realize that they owe their debts for their uninspired, insipid drones to Godflesh, a band of geniune inspiration and imagination. Metal Obsessive Grade: 83% |