Necrotek- Menschenfeind

ARTIST: Necrotek

ALBUM: Menschenfeind

LABEL: Vendetta Music

REVIEWER: Matthew J.

DATE: 8-30-09

Necrotek's sound is, in a single word, classic. So many EBM artists claim such pioneering acts as Skinny Puppy, Front 242, Nitzer Ebb, and Leaether Strip as influences when their own music just sounds like typical third generation EBM, but Necrotek mastermind James Geist doesn't just talk the talk, he walks the walk. Any of the tracks on this album could have come straight out of the '80s, all metallic clanking beats, TR-909 drum sounds, and evilly robotic-sounding vocals. "Back to the Grave" recalls Skinny Puppy's earliest work in particular with its paradoxical mix of electro funk and industrial hopelessness. Geist's lyrics are less abstract, displaying a mixture of aggression and sly irony that sees him railing against environmental devastation on "Human Waste," then satirizing the more hypocritical elements of gothic culture on "Beat Yourself Dead." In addition to the album tracks, this release also features over half a dozen remixes, which range from typical dance mixes from the likes of Terminal State and Brain Leisure to rock and punk-inspired reworkings of "Back to the Grave" and "Human Waste" by Terror Punk Syndicate and Experiment Haywire, respectively. A must-have for any fan of old school dark electronic music, Necrotek's newest album perfectly recaptures '80s-era EBM's blend of cold dance rhythms, morbid imagery, and pessimistic outlook on the future.

Check out www.necrotek.com for more information.