GODFLESH
US AND THEM
ALBUM EARACHE RELEASE: MAY 17, 1999 REVIEW: JUNE 1, 1999
Godflesh formed in 1988 and was one of the really early attempts to blend
metal, samples and dance beats into a sound described as techno thrash
or, at least in American terminology, industrial. Moving from some kind of
experimental grindcore (Justin Broadrick used to be a member of Napalm
Death) they moved into club territory and dark ambient sounds. The grinding
guitars and harsh distorted vocals never quite disappeared though.
Disappointingly, "Us and Them" doesn't sound anywhere as fresh as, for
example, the varied album "Pure" from 1992 in it's time. The problem is
that the kind of music that Godflesh creates has been explored to death by
now. Stirring in some drum'n'bass really doesn't make music sound modern
anymore. The band's side projects, such as Techno Animal sound more
intresting than the main band right now.
But friends of Godflesh nihilistic and morbid musical approach are bound to
find their share of pleasure as usual. The band has found it's distinct
sound and will no doubt stick to it in the future.
MATTIAS HUSS