Terminal Sound System - Last Night I Dreamed Of Armageddon

I expected a noise album, the moment I saw the title of this.

Actually, I like openers that can take the words right out my mouth. "Tomorrow Will Not Come" utilises and commands the same kind of cynical feeling that the title and album title both indicate. This is not one to play at any kind of positive time, as the whole album reeks of bleakness, decay, and acrid rotting of the soul. First track though is an absolutely astonishing ambient number, it has a percussion sound that is as intricate as the finest stained glass, and this track has been played on repeat for the best part of an hour. Imagine a gentler, more balanced (excuse the pun) version of Coil's "Musick to play in the Dark vol.1). Of course, the track is not without its dose of mania, as it breaks into an Electronic iteration of hate, becoming an abrupt and deluded Industrial pillar of Noise.

Again, with track two, "When We Are Robots There Will Be Peace", the gentle and motherly ejections of sound relay the song title, and reflect its brooding message through the sounds. I just feel that every Electronic medium and possibility has been worked here, in order to really create a unique landscape.

This is however, a very quiet, tranquil Armageddon. Raindrops of Ash fall from the sky, landing on faces of the children, turning what once was hope and splendour into a silent, smoking effigy of mankind.

Speaking of Ash, "Before The Snow Comes Ash" drifts into Eclectic territory, rendering an absolutely beautiful image into our minds. Musically it doesn't back up the title, but it is an enjoyable number, and like the rest of the album, very quiet and rueful.

Your own personal Vesuvius. Jan 01 2007