Battlegods

 Big Black is not a band for 'hits' or 'greatest hits'; they embody one of the darkest entities of noise/post-hardcore.

 A static, stationary wall of sound, with the meticulous patterns of the cords observed through the unaltered touch of the drum machine.

The Hammer Party compiles Big Black's early EPs, showcasing Steve Albini's pioneering noise/post-hardcore style. With a distinctive drum machine and grim vocals, it captures the band’s raw energy and artistic freshness. The review highlights the importance of the compilation before the critically acclaimed Atomizer album and notes the band's influence on later projects. Dive into The Hammer Party and experience the raw intensity and innovation of early Big Black—listen now!

 The heavyweight track is undoubtedly 'Don't Want To Know If You Are Lonely,' where the explosiveness of punk, blended with the verve of pop, is the force that isolates them from any comparison.

 'Candy Apple Grey' showcases greater individualism, with Mould being mature and reflective, while Hart remains relaxed, impulsive, and cheerful.

Candy Apple Grey captures Hüsker Dü during their final creative phase, highlighting the distinct styles of Bob Mould and Grant Hart. The album offers memorable tracks blending punk energy with melodic pop, especially 'Don't Want To Know If You Are Lonely.' While it shows some dependence on prior sounds, it delivers fresh, compelling songs that solidify the band's legacy. Dive into Hüsker Dü's Candy Apple Grey and experience a punk rock milestone that blends raw energy with heartfelt reflection.

 The dirty, shrill, and dissonant guitar is the sound that will be the trademark of the colossal 'Goat' and the rest of their career.

 Two minutes of blackout, one hundred and twenty seconds of high school for future generations.

The review praises The Jesus Lizard's album 'Pure' as a raw and intense noise rock masterpiece. It highlights the band's formation, lineup changes, and Steve Albini's production during their golden era. Key tracks like 'Blockbuster' and 'Bloody Mary' are noted for their dissonant guitars and emotional delivery. The album is positioned as foundational to the American noise rock scene and influential on subsequent artists. Listen to The Jesus Lizard's 'Pure' and experience the raw power of noise rock's golden era!

 In five minutes they rejuvenate electronics and many other sonic realms.

 "Pacific State" deserves to be played on the flute by middle school kids.

The review praises 808 State's 1989 album 'Ninety' as a landmark in electronic music, highlighting its innovative fusion of genres and unforgettable tracks like 'Pacific State.' It evokes the vibrant Manchester club scene of the late 80s and appreciates the band's ability to create lively, rhythmic, and atmospheric electronic soundscapes. The album’s influence on 90s rave culture and subsequent works is well recognized. The reviewer emphasizes the album’s lasting impact and its fresh, pioneering quality. Listen to 808 State's 'Ninety' and experience the groundbreaking fusion that shaped 90s electronic music!

 "One quickly becomes addicted to 'In Sides,' an album of remarkable level played by two top artists."

 "'The Box.' Masterpiece of both track and video... an industrial symphony. Nothing more avant-garde for the time."

The review praises Orbital's 1996 album 'In Sides' as a pivotal work in electronic music. It highlights the Hartnoll brothers' evolution from their early rave hits to a mature, versatile sound blending trance and industrial influences. Tracks like 'The Girl With The Sun In Her Head' and 'The Box' are singled out as exceptional. The album is seen as both timeless and innovative, maintaining Orbital's high standards without frivolity. Listen to 'In Sides' now and experience Orbital's groundbreaking electronic soundscape.

 Five tracks and fifteen minutes are like a bullet to the stomach.

 Yow is even more vulgar than Cave, the rhythm is far more overpowering than the Cramps, and it feels like entering a sort of horror movie.

Scratch Acid's 'Berserker' offers a concentrated burst of Texas noise punk that mixes hardcore rage, brutal blues, and dark humor. The album's short, explosive tracks showcase David Yow's wild vocals and the band's distinctive blend of raw intensity and tribal energy. Produced by Steve Albini, it concludes Scratch Acid's influential but brief career. Their sound echoes the Birthday Party and points directly to the future with The Jesus Lizard. Dive into the raw power of Scratch Acid's 'Berserker'—listen now and experience the roots of noise punk rebellion!

 From them branch out haunting patterns, oppressive sensations, and the idea of making the ear traverse treacherous Dantean circles.

 'Jack The Ripper' is the other pinnacle of the album. Blasphemous banquets dance in the air, and a greater movement of rhythm inaugurates their great jazz rock abilities.

Univers Zero's album Heresie is a landmark of dark progressive rock, combining occult, menacing tones with complex instrumentation and jazz-rock influences. The review highlights the album's haunting atmospheres, intricate melodies, and dramatic tension without falling into chaos. Key tracks like 'Ronde', 'La Faulx', and 'Jack The Ripper' exemplify the band's unique sound. The album stands as a mysterious masterpiece cherished by a niche audience. Dive into Univers Zero's Heresie to experience a haunting journey through dark progressive rock’s finest moments.

 The concept shifts towards a clearer and more linear trip hop.

 The rhythmic base is more delineated, with hypnotic rhythms and nerve-wracking staticity slowly lost in swirling crescendos.

Seefeel's 1994 album Succour represents a shift towards a clearer and more linear trip hop sound while maintaining hypnotic rhythms and atmospheric depth. Building on their earlier works and ambient influences, the album incorporates moments of calm and intense bursts evoking gloomier techno elements. The review highlights the band's unique approach as a band rather than a DJ act, with distinctive guitar, bass, and vocals shaping the texture. After this album, they pursued other projects before reuniting in 2011 for a new release. Listen to Seefeel's Succour and dive into an immersive trip hop journey blending ambient and hypnotic rhythms.

 There is no room for melody, harmony, bridges, or solos. There is only a compact sonic magma that simultaneously emits chameleonic nuances.

 In 1979, they release 'Half Machine Lip Moves,' destined to remain a masterpiece and symbol of this excellent era.

Chrome's 1979 album Half Machine Lip Moves is hailed as a masterpiece blending punk, industrial, and psychedelic sounds into a unique, futuristic sonic experience. The album avoids traditional song structures in favor of a dense, varied sonic landscape conveying neurosis among the stars. Praised for its imaginative and theatrical approach, the work captures a prolific avant-garde era marked by visual arts integration. Although later works didn't reach the same heights, this album remains a landmark in American experimental music. Dive into Chrome's iconic 'Half Machine Lip Moves' and experience a groundbreaking fusion of experimental punk and industrial sound!

 Mark Smith is the classic icon that you either love or hate.

 Hex Enduction Hour consecrates their chameleonic fusion of post-punk and beyond.

This review explores The Fall's 1982 album Hex Enduction Hour, recognizing its refined post-punk sound marked by tribal rhythms and minimalism. It praises Mark Smith’s distinctive vocal delivery and storytelling, noting the album’s role as a foundational work leading to future successes. The review highlights the band’s evolution from earlier raw styles to more composed and chameleonic compositions. While not always flawless, the album’s originality and social critique stand out as key strengths. Discover The Fall's groundbreaking post-punk sound—listen to Hex Enduction Hour and explore its lasting influence today!