Vigilante- The Heroes Code

Artist: Vigilante
CD Title: The Heroes Code
Label: Black Rain Records
Reviewer: Matthew Johnson
Date: 11-19-05

Unlike many new industrial rock bands, which tend to be nothing more than straight-up metal with some samples thrown in for flavor, Chile’s Vigilante takes a different approach, using guitars to add an extra layer of brutality to hard-hitting techno-inspired dance tracks. Though the guitars are undeniably heavy, the structure of each song takes its cues from EBM, as does the album itself, right down to the intro track of ambient synths and film samples (in this case, “Spiderman” and “Unbreakable” seem to be the main sources). It’s an interesting effect, and one bound to garner more club play than the average industrial metal act; with such tracks as “One Good Reason,” the infectious drum machines will already have the dance floor packed before the head-banging guitars make their appearance. Vigilante also have a gift for arrangements. “Answers” adds some orchestral depth to the overall mix in a move reminiscent of Laibach’s more over-the-top rock ‘n’ roll material, while “Before” is more stately, with slowly building guitar crescendos over a background of minor-key pianos. While diehard electronic purists may reject this album out of hand simply because of the guitars, fans of such techno metal crossovers as Die Krupps will find Vigilante an unexpected treat for both the mosh pit and the dance floor.

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