Stayte - The Two Sisters

Blame Canada, according to the stereotype. I beg to differ. Some good things come out of Canada. Joshua Bradford (vocals, lyrics) and Clayton Worbeck (guitars, electronics) are two of these good things. Collectively, they form Industrial act "Stayte", who are not dissimilar to Ministry or Nine Inch Nails. In fact, the guys were previously part of Big Al's side project, "Revolting Cocks".

This is a sub-genre for me, in the sense that I seldom listen to it. Admittedly, however, "Downward Spiral", "Antichrist Superstar" "Pretty Hate Machine" and "Land of Rape and Honey" are undeniable classics.

Opener "Hypoxia" is a short intro, and the first proper track is "To Die Alone" - this was not supposed to be anywhere near as good as it actually is - the guitar work here is orgasmic, and the vocals are unrestrained, powerful, memorable, and extremely well performed. This is easily as good, for me, as Alice In Chains, Ministry, NIN, and early Fear Factory.

Hell, even the album cover is decent, and I am usually NOT one to mention artwork, unless it is exceptional. This is Pure Canada, at it's best - I could dip this in Maple Syrup and eat it. "Shangri-La" is an absolute classic example of a track living up to its title. It's not quite heavenly, it's not gonna be as good as Ministry's "Stigmata", but it made me smile within 15 seconds, and I cannot think of any track in this Industrial Rock niche that has actually done that.

Now ultimately, as is the Stayte of the scene (Sorry!), I cannot justify this an 8 or a 9/10, simply because anything that high suggests every reader should love it. I am strictly anti-guitars in Industrial, unless it is Ministry/NIN in influence. This is one of those albums that can actually do it.

Well done Stayte! This IS Brilliant.

Buy this if:
- You like Intelligent music
- You have understanding of the roots of Industrial Music
- You want to actually help genuine, talented Musicians

Do not buy if:
- COMBICHRIST IS T3H BEST B4ND EVARRR!!!!!! Feb 14 2011