While the post-dubstep mainstream EDM scene is populated exclusively by plastic dolls, posers and annoyingly boring “copies of imitations”, it’s quite refreshing to listen to something powerful, modern, but still attached to the classic values and to the classic sense of the values such as “We Love You”, the 7th and probably the deadliest album by Andy LaPlegua, the one man army and the master mind behind the Combichrist machinery. Although the Ministry parallels are still there, Combichrist it’s definitively one of the best and most intense EDM bands from the scene and their Aggrotech aggression it’s always meaningful and genuine each time.
Without reinventing the EDM, without doing anything revolutionary, they managed to sound fresh and refreshing, modern without becoming predictable and boring as most of the other bands and artists from the EDM scene are sounding. There is life and music after drops and wobbling s*its after all!
All songs were written by Andy LaPlegua and tracked with the support of Joe Letz – drums (member since 2008), Z Marr – electronics, percussion (member since 2008), Abbey Nex – guitar (member since 2009) and Tiffany Lowe – Electronics (member since 2013).
After a short intro, “We Were Made To Love You” explode in your face like a hand grande. And it feels good! The song it’s build upon an extremely tasty rhythmic structure and some wicked sonic contortions. It’s a very dynamic and intense song. “Maggots at the Party” reminded me of “I Don’t Like The Drugs (But The Drugs Like Me)” by Marilyn Manson, it’s definitively a party anthem which easily set on fire any dance floor.
“Denial” take us into a more darker zone, it’s a great change of mood and tempo. The distorted bass riff it’s murderous and the explosive chorus it’s pretty memorable, it makes you scream! “The Evil In Me” it’s a tasty ballad, just like the previous song it’s have a kind of Manson flavor, but reminded me also of Fields Of the Nephilim. Surprisingly smooth! “Fuck Unicorns” it’s a sick electronic ride, a wicked EDM carousel. “From My Cold Dead Hands” it’s a groovy post-industrial/EDM anthem, intensity and darkness are smartly merged into one grinding track. The dialog type of vocal it’s a very smart move and the powerful, still melodic chorus it’s addictive.
They saved the best for the end. “Retreat Hell” Pt. 1 have a wicked heavy/doom metal flavor with roots back to Black Sabbath. Even Lee Dorrian (ex-Napalm Death, Cathedral) would be proud of this psychedelic metal ride! Pt. 2 it’s another acoustic take with some extra scary samplers up to almost 9 minutes. Cool lyrics!!
Tracklist:
01. We Were Made To Love You
02. Every Day Is War
03. Can’t Control
04. Satan’s Propaganda
05. Maggots at the Party
06. Denial
07. The Evil In Me
08. Fuck Unicorns
09. Love Is A Razorblade
10. From My Cold Dead Hands
11. We Rule The World Motherfuckers
12. Retreat Hell, Pt. 1
13. Retreat Hell, Pt. 2
Buy it or steal it, you will love it!!
Combichrist – Official Site
Combichrist @ Facebook
