Mind:state- Decayed, Rebuild

ARTIST: Mind:state
ALBUM: Decayed, Rebuild
LABEL: Alfa Matrix
REVIEWER: Matthew J.
DATE: 3-9-08

Like fellow Swedish act Covenant, Mind:state create modern, dance-friendly EBM with ear-grabbing melodies and just a touch of melancholy. While Mind:state's debut includes the occasional old school track, like the coldly pounding "Bloodlines" and slower, bleaker "Nothing Remains," this album has a very contemporary feel, with hints of progressive trance and techno seeping into the swirling synth lines of "Belief" and the funky rhythm of "Bounty Hunter." Band founder and lead vocalist Per Holmstrom seems to approach things with a less romantic, more pessimistic attitude than many of his contemporaries. Though things never quite reaches the level of violence that you'd get from a terror EBM or power noise act, the clean vocal hooks and bitter delivery on "Close Your Eyes" recall Imperative Reaction, and "Din Varld" incorporates guitar loops to give a heavier edge to the spaced out electronics and minimalist beats. Holmstrom explores depression as well as aggression; his affected baritone on such tracks as "Lifeless" has enough moody melodrama to be mistaken for straight-up goth; all it needs is a jagged guitar line and maybe a real bass instead of a programmed one. Fortunately, Holmstrom has help from some interesting guest artists to save him from his occasional excesses. Implant's Len Lemeire saves "Black Angel" by rasping coldly underneath Holmstrom's overwrought singing, and Brittany Bindrim of I:Scintilla adds lovely harmonies to the wistful melodies of "This Above All." Christiane Koch of Crisk also makes a surprise appearance, whispering underneath the atmospheric keyboards and synthesized violins of "Nothing but a Hearbeat." For its occasional flaws, this is a very promising debut, accessible enough to appeal to fans of Icon of Coil, Covenant, and VNV Nation, but solid and original enough to stand on its own two feet.

Visit www.mind-state.com for more information.