Various Artists - Don't Mess With Industrial

There's been a hive of activity in good ol' Texas over the last few months. It basically started when Souless Affection got signed to Twisted Flesh, and caused quite a buzz.

Since then, a myriad of excellent harsh ebm / dark electro acts have generated a massive interest - some from very close to the Mexican border, some from more over the state. One thing is for sure - each of these bands has caused a frenzy of live interest, and with almost no exceptions, each has generated at least basic label interest.

This being said, TJ from Souless Affection felt it appropriate to self-release this compilation, promoting Texas as an Industrial Juggernaut. Hell, the boys at C-Lekktor have been championing these acts. Let's have a listen and see what all the fuss is about.

The first act on the release is Brownsville's "Sin D.N.A" with "Fight me, Bastards". Sin D.N.A are one of the more well known of the acts on this label, with a refined sound which echoes the best moments of Sodomy Down The Cross and C-Lekktor themselves. Typically done Harsh EBM, with another credibility and dignity to not become a generic "00ntz" statistic.

"Cyclic Vendetta" are a more Techno-infused band from Dallas, which reminds me of Soman meets Powerman 5000. Their contribution on here , "Hit" is surprisingly better than anticipated on the first few moments of it, and the pounding bassline almost guarantees this a regular slot on the playlist of any competent DJ.

"Angels of Suicide" are another established act on here. Already on the scene with a demo entitled "XXIII", and generating huge interest from promoters, their track "Sacrifice" has an ambience reminding me of "Mother Hunger" from the first Die Sektor album, before it speeds up and becomes another AoS speciality - Harsh EBM with some of the scenes most memorable vocals.

Other acts on this album include the excellent "Dementhia", "Virus Filter" - a favourite of mine. There's a few unknown acts such as "Void Prototype", "Solemn Assembly", "STD", "Echelon High" and "Akardia", but then the album also re-introduces some acts I've fallen in love with time and time again - the gore themed "Bind.Torture.Kill", the Solo Female act "Odio 84", "Mas-Si-Osare" - arguably the finest act on here, after Sin D.N.A, and then the act by the man responsible for all of this, Souless Affection.

However, this isn't a case of saving the best to last. TJ wants to showcase this wonderful Texan possé - at his own expense, and it's just too easy to see why.

Each of these is worth a label, and if I wasn't an unemployed guy with 2 kids and far, far too much to do with my spare time, I'd love to put funding towards making these acts more International.

Regardless, I'm speechless, and for once, I can't end this review with a cutting remark, or a witty jibe. Jul 10 2011