Combichrist – CMBCRST

Combichrist returns with a vengeance on “CMBCRST,” an album that throbs with industrial fury and critiques the nightmarish aspects of our modern world. Andy Combichrist’s signature aggression remains undimmed, but the songwriting feels more focused and deliberate, creating a potent industrial soundscape that is both punishing and strangely catchy.

Song by Song Breakdown:

• This is Techno Terror (Intro): A pulsating synth line and distorted screams set the stage for the sonic onslaught to come. The introductory track serves as a mission statement, promising a journey into a world of technological dread and societal collapse.
• Dehumanized: The album explodes into a full-fledged industrial assault, with pounding beats, razor-sharp guitars, and Combichrist’s signature scathing vocals. The lyrics paint a picture of a future where humanity has become enslaved by technology.
• Life_Spam: A touch of melody emerges amidst the chaos, with a chorus that is surprisingly catchy despite its bleak outlook. The song criticizes the commodification of life and the devaluing of human experience.
• Get Out of My Head: The aggressive energy continues, but with a more thrash-influenced feel. The lyrics tackle the issue of mental health in a digital age, where information overload and social media can be overwhelming.
• Paralyzed (feat. Lizzy Hale): A welcome change of pace arrives with this industrial ballad. Featuring guest vocals from Lizzy Hale of Halestorm, the track injects a dose of emotional vulnerability into the album’s relentless assault. The lyrics explore the feeling of being trapped in a hopeless situation.
• The Petty: The aggression returns with a vengeance in this scathing indictment of social media culture and internet outrage. The song is a furious blast of noise that perfectly captures the frustration of online discourse.
• The Warning: A dark and atmospheric track with spoken-word vocals and ominous synth work. It serves as a chilling premonition of the dystopian future the album warns us about.
• Anthr0pophagy: The penultimate track is a return to pure industrial fury. Relentless drumming and distorted guitars create a sense of urgency and impending doom.
• Our Decline: The album closes with a slow-burning industrial dirge. The bleak lyrics offer no solace, but rather a stark reminder of the challenges facing humanity.

Overall Impression:

“CMBCRST” is a punishing but undeniably powerful album. Combichrist doesn’t shy away from painting a grim picture of the future, but their music also possesses a strange sense of catharsis. This album is a must-listen for fans of industrial music and anyone who feels a sense of unease about the direction our world is headed.

Final Verdict:

With its relentless aggression, infectious melodies, and scathing social commentary, “CMBCRST” is a potent industrial statement for our times. While some listeners might find the unrelenting negativity overwhelming, for those who crave a soundtrack to their anxieties, this album delivers a powerful and unforgettable experience. (4 out of 5)