Black Hole Generator- Black Karma

Artist: Black Hole Generator
Album: Black Karma
Label: Ars Magna Recordings

Released by Columbus, Ohio's Ars Magna Recordings, Black Karma is a five song debut EP by Black Hole Generator. Black Hole Generator is the work of Bjørnar Nilsen and Dreggen from Bergen, Norway and neither one of the two are newcomers to the black metal world. Bjørnar, who handles the vocals, bass and programming is also in Vulture Industries and Dreggen, who plays guitar on the album, performs with Aeternus, Taake and Deathcon so they definitely have experience. Described by others as industrial black metal, I really expected something I wasn't going to like. This genre is usually ruined with way too many keyboard effects which make it sound cheesy at times and takes away from the feeling that this music is supposed to evoke. Black Hole Generator definitely have a handle on things though as they use just the right amount of synths mixed in with Dreggen's furious riffing and Bjørnar's drum machine to give off an apocalyptic atmosphere sure to send chills down your back. Bjørnar's drum machine actually sounds great compared to some of the terrible examples I've heard from other bands and his vocals almost sound robotic at times, contributing to the cold, almost mechanical feeling that radiates throughout Black Karma. Dreggen's guitar playing is excellent and he even plays some acoustic parts that fit in perfectly. I've heard some references to Anaal Nathrakh but truthfully I think this surpasses anything they've done. This is a damn good release.