Velvet Acid Christ- Hex Angel

Written by Julie Johnson 2

Artist: Velvet Acid Christ
CD Title: Hex Angel
Label: Metropolis
Reviewer: Julie
Date: 8/26/03

Listen to a Sample of "Misery" by Velvet Acid Christ

The latest CD by Velvet Acid Christ, has to be the darkest and most sinister release to date. I feel the music has become much darker for this release, and same with the vocals. Bryan Erikkson has a lot of issues that he brings out through the music. He brings his emotions, attitudes towards the world out through his lyrics. He has added dark samples within the tracks. The vocals are harsh, and distorted. Even has distorted, whispered, it has melody. The first track haunted, has cold electronics, samples, and sinister synths to create that haunted feeling. The synths swirl with dark atmospheric, and the programming is razor sharp, and harsh. Fans of Hocico and Das Ich would like this CD. I like the big bass beats. “Collapsed” continues with blood shattering samples, and gory sounds to complete the darkness. The synth sounds cut through the programming, and they sound like a laser spinning around. At the same time the music has great danceable melodies. These are some of the best tracks that I have heard Velvet Acid Christ make. This CD definitely tops the other CD’s. “Pretty Toy,” the lyrics are pretty twisted, and started off with a dark sample, about how other “people’s pain gets them off”. The guitar has this sonic assault feel, and the programming has less of a dance appeal, but a dark and cold feel. The programming sounds pretty simple, but is filled with catchy dark melodies. The vocals remain harsh cold, and distant. “Misery” has up-beat melodies, and has more of noise feel. This is one of the more- heavier sounding programming approaches on the CD. It is very aggressive, and the synths are more atmospheric. For a more club feel, I would go with the song, “Convex,” and I would also recommend, “Dead Tomorrow”. Hex Angel, is a strong release for the artist. This is a CD that should keep this artist a favorite among the genre.