Beatbox Machinery - Shock Metal

Though the cover art may defy expectations, Shock Metal is an album that belongs to the lethal month of October where spooky frights and scary nights are bound to haunt easy jumping children. While the title may not make it out to look as such, digging through the tracklist will reveal that with ease: 'Wrath & The Cult', 'Night Howl', and 'Curse of the Witch' all make this so easy to see. But, alas, I do think I am getting a bit too far ahead of myself as I have yet to introduce the artist who is responsible for this release. 

BEATBOX MACHINERY is the musician landing in our ears today, and he is known as Toxic Razor to some, and also known as the operator of Werkstatt Recordings to even more. Despite only forming in 2010, BM has had a very, very busy career. He's released nine studio albums, one live album, one split album, one compilation, fifty-three EPs (I don't think that counts this one, though it might), eight singles, one boxset, and has been involved in a slew of compilations. Whether he has been touched by the almighty God of creative talent or not is unknown to me, but I do know that his latest release is Shock Metal is pretty fucking good. 

The 'Intro' song is actually pretty tame for what it awakens; think of it almost as futuristic lounge music you'd hear in a megacorporations waiting room. If anything, the atmosphere it gives off is nice. However, immediately following is an 80s ridden, snare drum infested groovy beat from the title track of the album, 'Shock Metal'. The song really does sound like a metal song translated through synths, though electronic guitar work still seeps through and gives off a droning background noise. It is lovely. 

'Savage Fist' kicks off like a theme song for a badass hunting down evil creatures of the night; demons on all fours run at the sight of this man, and though they may feel their powers will give them an edge over his mundane form, they will soon be rocked back to Hell through one swift and powerful punch. 

'Wrath & The Cult' is a less cluttered song, which focuses on a more moody, ominous atmosphere than a kicked up beat. 'Night Howl' pushes the song back into faster rhythms. Dark and ill lit fates arise in this song, and the guitar work is much more dynamic in this track. The final track utilizes well placed samples and quirky, fitting, and evocative electronic textures. 

This is a solid EP for fans of synthwave and will definitely not disappoint the genre. It is well put together, does not sound like it was shot through a blender, and 'Savage Fist' kicks all kinds of ass. Well done, BEATBOX MACHINERY, well done. This is something you can be proud to place in your massive discography. 
Feb 02 2016