Neuroplague- Altered

Written by Matthew Johnson

ARTIST: Neuroplague
ALBUM: Altered
LABEL: Primordial Music
REVIEWER: Matthew J.
DATE: 3-17-08

Primordial Music are celebrating the tenth anniversary of their label with this collection of remixes and remastered tracks from Neuroplague's Alter, the label's very first release. While new versions bring a contemporary electronic aesthetic to tracks like "Sensorburn (Genetically Altered)," with EBM beats and synth lines pulsing underneath the chugging guitar lines, these songs still resonate with the '90s coldwave influences that originally produced them. The "Euphoric State" remix of "More Than Hate" features massive guitars and rasping vocals surfing a tidal wave of throbbing techno beats, and the "Molten Dream" remix of "Mechanized God" is still classic coldwave, complete with cyberpunk samples and themes of man/machine hybridization, despite an updated breakbeat rhythm. Terminal Sect side project Porcupine Defense offers the "Darker Seed of Vengeance" mix of "Terrornet," the guitars chopped up and panning across waves of choir pads, while Life Cried give "Mechanized God" their classic terror EBM treatment with minor-key pianos and extra vocal distortion. This collection also features two bonus mixes available only to members of Primordial Music's street team, the Primordial Army. Panic Lift's remix of "Bed of Nails" is a bit more cinematic, with thick ambient synths building a mood before the guitars and vocals kick in, while a remastered version of "Incision" is much more of a metal song than the rest of Neuroplague's work, the programmed parts hiding behind a wall of overdriven guitars. While Neuroplague's take on coldwave was definitely a product of its time, these remixes manage to give the group's music a more contemporary feel without losing the sneering cyberpunk attitude that made the band interesting in the first place. Check this out if you're a fan of early Hate Dept., Bol, or Insight 23.

For more information or to download this album, visit Primordial Music at www.primordialmusic.com.