Eisdrive- Hours of Steel

ARTIST: Eisdrive

ALBUM: Hours of Steel EP

LABEL: Self-released

REVIEWER: Matthew J.

DATE: 7-4-07

New Jersey newcomers Eisdrive are off to a promising start with this four-song EP. Tracks like "A Clockwork" recall seminal EBM acts like Leaether Strip and Nitzer Ebb with funky but industrialized breakbeats, raw synthetic bass lines, and processed but emotional shouted vocal work. "Scope," on the other hand, is dark but less abrasive, with just enough disaffected melody thrown in to the angst-filled vocals to recall the early work of Front 242. Title track "Hours Of Steel" is the most modern offering here; with its snappy four-on-the-floor rhythm and speedy distorted synthesizers, it'd fit in perfectly with the latest harsh EBM tracks at your local club, but the muffled screaming approach to vocals sets lead singer Xian Engel's work apart from the usual distorted growls of his contemporaries. Heavy and intense, but not overly mechanical or soulless, Eisdrive's music is sure to appeal to fans of the aggressive sound of classic EBM. Pick up this EP, and hopefully a full-length will be soon to follow.

Check out Eisdrive on MySpace at www.myspace.com/eisdrive for song clips and other information.