God Module- Viscera

Artist: God Module
CD Title: Viscera
Label: Metropolis Records
Reviewer: Matthew Johnson
Date: 12-4-05

On their first release for Metropolis Records, Florida EBM outfit God Module continue their tradition of clean but harsh EBM with a collection of eleven club-friendly tracks. Departing from the science fiction themes of earlier CDs, God Module’s newest efforts show more of a horror film influence. “Foreseen” is adorned with sampled shrieks, for example, while the lyrics of the exquisitely disturbing “Lucid” are rife with imagery of torture. Instrumental selection “Lost Time” is no less creepy, making up for the lack of vocals with spine-chilling samples layered over danceable rhythmic programming and ominous, minor key synth textures. There are also a few surprises here; God Module mastermind Jasyn Bangert’s wife Courtney shows up to provide vocals on “Sections” and the more melody-oriented “Still So Strange,” giving the song a darkwave feel that contrasts well with the rest of the album’s aggression. There’s also a cover of the Cure’s “A Night Like This,” which seems unlikely at first but makes sense given the fact that the band has also covered Depeche Mode’s “Little Fifteen” in the past. In any case, it’s a comparatively perky song, but Robert Smith’s melancholy pop isn’t quite enough to overwhelm God Module’s thickly distorted vocals and pounding drum machines, so it doesn’t at all interrupt the album’s flow. This is a great CD for God Module fans and newcomers alike; put this one on when you want to hear something like Lovecraft crossed with E-Craft.

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