Dexy Corp.- Fragmentation

Artist: Dexy Corp.

CD Title: “Fragmentation”  

Label: Black Rain

Reviewer: Robert Eaton

Date: 12/06/09

France’s Dexy’s Corp.. is guitar-heavy and frenetic, they refer to themselves as “negative cyber-punk.” “Fragmentation” is the band’s follow-up to 2003’s EP “Jigger”. The album recalls a lot of similar acts from the guitar-heavy industrial era of the 1990’s that the band lists as influences: Nine Inch Nails, Ministry etc. I hear a little Hate Dept. in this as well. Dexy Corp has also drawn comparisons to their countrymen: Punish Yourself. For those who may be looking for a contemporary update of that sound, Dexy Corp. is a pretty safe bet to right up your alley. This may be a band to watch for fans of industrial metal.

For debut album, “Fragmentation” is very consistent throughout. Dexy Corp. has found their sound, and is sticking with it. Lacking a good deal of the theatricality of Punish Yourself, nevertheless, Dexy Corp has also built its reputation in live shows. The album opener, “Overload,” sounds like a nineties-era Ministry, with a bassy synth and chugging guitars throughout.  If this were 1989, and not 2009, you might say Dexy Corp was trying to ride Ministry’s coat-tails. “A Needle in Each Arm” is fast and unrelenting, one of the most straight-forward metal tracks on the album. “Anhedonie” is slower with a much more electronic sound, with even a little bit of a pop sound to it.  The interlude track “Dark Bliss” matches its chugging guitars with some great programming. “Lie is Life” again sets a fast bpm with guitars that will recall Ministry. It’s a stand-out track on the album. “Incandescent World” has a big chorus that is another one of the album’s strongest moments.

Dexy Corp. strikes me as an industrial metal album: for those who like their electronic music with prominent guitars. It’s a heavy album, with just enough pop-sensibility to craft a good hook. A lot on this album seems too look backwards to its 1990’s influences. Nonetheless, it’s a strong album for fans of industrial metal.

Check out the band:
https://www.myspace.com/dexycorp