Dismantled - The War Inside Me

'The War Inside Me' marks the fifth release of Dismantled, the project of musical mastermind, Gary Zon. This release sure is the best of Dismantled yet producing a very raw Industrial sound similar to Nine Inch Nails combining with a more modern electronic sound such as Combichrist; however because Dismantled has such a new unique, diverse and fresh sound, it's very difficult to compare!

Comprising of 11 tracks, the first, titled "Intro" resonates a very dark sound mixing in gloomy sampled voices to be all topped off with a very provocative beat before leading into the blending into the next track "Insecthead" one of my favourite tracks on the album and definitely giving a good impression of the tracks to come. The tracks feel erratic in sound and structure, this made more noticeable in the vocal style which switches nicely and smoothly from aggressive shouting, sometimes distorted, to more mechanical-melancholy tones and many various styles of vocal variety which leaves every track special and innovative.

The third track "Disease" demonstrates well the comparison from Nine Inch Nails with a very dominant and depressive lyrical context teamed with the softer approach to sound in comparison to the previous track, "I'm not a person, I'm a fucking disease". Each track without a doubt shows brilliant artistic flair and meaning, this album doesn't feel like it's been spewed out to please a certain audience, it really is the by-product of Gary's personal life which gives the whole album a very 'real' feel and something very emotional deep down; all his blood, sweat and tears. Being able to relate to the songs will depend on the listener however, even if you're not able to connect you'll definitely be captivated by the pure wonder of each song.On a whole listen I've picked up on the strategic ordering of tracks, something that can be really important to an artist and in this case, extremely important. Bursting out of the darkness and ripping off your face with the track 'Insecthead' all up until the slowly dying light of hope ceases to exist after the depressive downfall into the last track "Black Heart". A descent into the darkness - that seems the best way to describe this album, enjoyable nonetheless.

Tracks that really stand out, especially on a first listen are: "Insecthead", "The Whore Inside Me" and "Kill or Be Killed", but really there isn't one bad track on this whole release, to give an honest list of the best tracks, I'd just name them all. "The Bathroom Floor" contains some great lyrics following a key theme of insects. Insects are related to being pests, irrelevant, noise or disease-ridden, so this metaphor really plays a big part in the artistic presentation of "The War Inside Me". Another eerie track is "Can't See The Top" which is really uncomfortable to listen to as all the ambient sounds of rain, sirens, distressed voices and very unnerving vocals really should leave an impact you.

The album overall then holds something almost transcendental, having a mix of suicidal and homicidal tone with some amazing musical progression and sound which sets their previous work in complete opposition. It builds up on anger and depression with pure scorn and energy. 'The War Inside Me' has left a very predominant aftertaste which has kept me coming back for me ever since I first heard the album in June. There are really no criticisms I can give, it's just... amazing, anything I point out would just be me looking for flaws and sometimes perfection requires a few small flaws. Something that 'bugs' me is the high-pitched sound towards the end of the last track "Black Heart". It sounds like a cricket but feels like my alarm clock, which is the sound of the Devil. Regardless, the last track does hold some really impressive lyrics and mood, suggesting a homicide and suicide to finish the album before ending in a 'reverse explosion', I'm not quite sure what to make of this in terms of purpose however, when listening to the CD, it makes the dead silence directly after the song cuts out ever more terrifying.

Anyway, this album is simple a must have for any Industrial fan, Dismantled fan or not, it marks a turning point, a new standard, something edgy and wonderful that would be a pure shame to miss out on. Jan 08 2012