[Cynical_Mass] - M2K2 (Music 2 Kill 2)

Jesus Christ. I've been listening to [Cynical_Mass] since 2009's 'Poisonland', and haven't yet been able to conclude if I actually like or hate this project. [Cynical_Mass] is absolute textbook Industrial, in the sense that is is themed around some sort of Post-Utopian Toxic society.

It sounds like it's been recorded in an abandoned Factory in Prypjat, while managing to show at least some influence of 80's Industrial. At best, it is downright creepy, haunting, and occasionally fucked up. At worst, it is repetitive, pedestrian, and somewhat demented.

Disk 1 of this 30 track opus is entitled "Homicide", and features such tracks as "Havoc", which sounds like your worst Nuclear nightmare coming true - the vocals are gorgeously distorted, and the Drums are as Heavy as you'd want. The Synth in the background goes from average to eerie, and then falls off the radar.

As Apocalyptic Industrial goes though, this pretty much sounds intense. If only there was some Theremin in the background adding to the theme...

There isn't enough variety to really write an essay on this - it certainly does not have mass marketing appeal. However, fans of Hard Industrial have written many testaments to these guys. "Homicide" simply just doesn't impress me enough to recommend this to everyone.

"Suicide" as Disk 2 is lovingly called, is a little more varied, and almost redeems this release. 30 tracks is something that even the most accomplished of bands shouldn't attempt to put out, and although the general Aesthetic of this act does somewhat justify the two CD's, it's easy for listeners to perhaps lose interest mid way.

Significantly better in the Dark, with Headphones.

Pros: Heavy as hell, eerie, brutal.
Cons: Repetitive, not for everyone, too lengthy. Feb 15 2011