Irrelevant Importance Life, art, politics, technology and the meaninglessness that matters to me.

Your god sent us to destroy

I'm really pissed off right now because of the ongoing saga of upgrading my PC. Although that implies that progress has been made, which is not at all the case. So rather than bitch and moan about the time and money lost to that massive headache, let's talk about bone-crushing, ear-splitting, aggrotech industrial music!

I just picked up the newest Combichrist album, Today We Are All Demons and I must say, I am enjoying it thoroughly. If you're not familiar, Combichrist is the brainchild of one Andy LaPlegua. His previous band was Icon of Coil, and though I see Combichrist referred to as the "side project" I haven't heard much from them lately, and I don't think Icon of Coil ever did signings at Hot Topic. Not meant as an insult, I'm just saying...the side project has taken over.

Combichrist's formula is simple, and it works. Pounding beat, harsh electronics and synths, death metal vocals. Repeat as needed. I don't mean this as a bad thing either. The music is pulse-pounding, rousing, infinitely danceable, and darkly entertaining. For me, the weakest link is in the lyrics. A very subjective topic to be sure, but as much as I enjoy the vocal style, the lyrics do little for me on quite a few songs. But on those tracks I treat them like the samples. They are there to add to the mood of the music, the environment. That's all.

It's a good disc, beginning to end, but where it truly stands out is when the mood changes. A New Form of Silence is almost trance-y, and perfectly placed in the middle of the album's brutality as if the band and the listeners just needed a breather. Sent to Destroy is another stand out track, and a dance floor favorite. The title track is phenomenal, and also presents my biggest gripe. At the End of It All is a good track, but just doesn't feel right as the closer. The titular track really should have....no, needed to be, the ending. It is completely different from the rest of the album, a slow, dark, brooding piece, no growl and all introspection.

Anyone who enjoys their music angry and synthetic, and doesn't put too much stock in lyrical weight will probably find something to like here. And if you're a cheap bastard, you can always "preview" it first. Either way, give it a listen. Seriously.

I made this cause I was bored, like the CD, and needed a new wallpaper. Full size version can be seen over here.