Stephen Cooper - Self-Degradation of the Human Being

ARTIST: Stephen Cooper

ALBUM: Self-Degradation of the Human Being

LABEL: Punishment Records

REVIEWER: Matthew J.

DATE: 05-11-07

Venezuelan solo artist Stephen Cooper's full-length debut is here, and though the production and arrangements are a little on the simple side, his blend of gothic, industrial, and metal should appeal especially to fans of latter-day Christian Death. Like that band's lead vocalist, Cooper has a raspy drawl of a voice that serves him well on such tracks as "Eccehomo" and "Beautiful Disease," and hints of metal-inspired guitar give punch to the wailing death rock of "Crucified By The Christian Docility" and the more straightforward dark rock of "Slave To His Own Creation." Cooper's biggest problem is a tendency toward overly simple arrangements; he relies on a drum machine for rhythmic backing, and it's clearly not his strong suit, as evidenced by the uninspired beats of "Hive Factory." His work with other instruments is solid, however, and the soft pianos and moodily twanging guitar of "Behind Her Smile" highlight his natural knack for harmonies. As it is, this album is a more than decent debut, and one gets the feeling that with an experienced drummer behind him, Cooper could go from good to great.

Visit Stephen Cooper online at www.stephen-cooper.net for song samples.