CHMCL STR8JCKT - DRK PRGRSSN

When CHMCL STR8JCKT released their debut album in July of 2017, lots of old-school and Wax Trax! era industrial fans flocked to the self-titled release. I, however, was not one of those people. I did give the album the time of day it deserved a couple of times, spinning it as I did chores around the house and drove around on shopping trips. Nonetheless, I was unable to appreciate the album. Since then, the band has continued in their musical journey, releasing two remix albums, a sophomore album titled "WRTCHD THNGS", and their most recent album "DRK PRGRSSN". 

When I was contacted by CHMCL STR8JCKT in regards to their new album, I was not entirely sure what to expect. Since I did not enjoy their debut album and subsequently missed out on their follow-up, I assumed that I would have similar feelings for their latest opus "DRK PRGRSSN". However, listen after listen throughout the weeks turned my blind apathy into an enthusiastic thrill ride. I found myself jamming out to the album, even on my "off" days from doing anything related to Brutal Resonance. A couple of the songs have served as background tracks to heavy workout days which make the pump all the more sweet. Generally speaking, I was pleasantly surprised that CHMCL STR8JCKT was able to come back and kick my original thoughts in the ass - as outlaws ought to do. But, enough talk of the past, let me talk about "DRK PRGRSSN". 


There are seventeen tracks in total on the album and I would be insane to go through each and every single song. Instead, I am going to pick and choose a couple of songs that I heavily enjoyed and one that I did not. 'Texas', which can both be described as the lead single for "DRK PRGRSSN" and as the band's anthem, is a fantastic industrial rock song and dance single all in one with lyrics that'll make you want to live in Texas. Every time the song comes on I find myself chanting alongside the chorus, "I wasn't born a rebel but my heart was meant to be in Texas / As I walk the crowded city the Lonestar calls to me from Texas". What else can I say other than I love this song?

On a completely different note, CHMCL STR8JCKT also shows off their EBM and spiritual side with 'Sacred Rope'. The four-and-a-half-minute banger keeps the Western vibe alive with chanting, suggestive lyrics, and (if I'm not mistaken) a bit of a disco flair. I was also a fan of 'Somber Town', which takes the filth of industrial metal and lathers it all over CHMCL STR8JCKET's name. Expect dirty beats and shocks of shouts as you travel through the song. There is also a rework of 'Ode To Peckinpah (Bloody Sam)' which originally appeared on "WRTCHD THNGS". The original is a strict, beat-for-beat industrial track while this rework adds a bit of funk and drum'n'bass to keep the flow going. Great job. 

And now I have to discuss the only song on the album that I didn't enjoy: 'Tendril and Blades'. Simply put, 'Tendril and Blades' sounds like it has muddy production and a lot of the sound dissolves underneath the overpowering vocals present on the song. I tried it several times, but each time my experience with it soured more and more. This was further driven by the fact that 'Texas', my favorite song on the album, came next. If I listened to this track without knowing who or what CHMCL STR8JCKT was, I would consider it a demo track for an upcoming band, not the first song on a full-length album - especially one that has two other albums under their belt. 

Despite my above complaint above regarding 'Tendril and Blades', I can't help but state that "DRK PRGRSSN" is a solid album for the outlaw industrial rockers that are CHMCL STR8JCKT. With seventeen solid songs available including a cover, remixes, and in house reworks, there's plenty of content on "DARK PRGRSSN" that everyone will find appealing. I have the feeling that this is going to be an album where fans pick and choose which songs they will be listening to in the long run. For me, 'Texas' will be my main reason for returning to this album in the future. "DARK PRGRSSN" is available on Bandcamp in both digital and limited edition CD formats. Go check it out. 

This review was commissioned through our Ko-fi page.
Mar 16 2021