One of the more mainstream and melodic of
Trent Reznor-inspired, industrial/alternative rock bands,
Stabbing Westward released their major-label debut with
Ungod.
Christopher Hall rages hard, singing over the grinding guitars of
Stuart Zechman, the thunderous rhythm section (bassist
Jim Sellers and drummer
David Suycott), and the drenching keyboards of
Walter Flakus. The songs don't distinguish themselves from each other much, but the tribal drumming and wailing guitars drive some catchy melodies and create a mood.
"Control" is given a shot of adrenaline by the throbbing bassline and the midsection of
"Nothing" has an attention-getting, jackhammer riff. And at moments, like
"Lies," the band almost comes across as a less playful
White Zombie. The lyrics range from bleak (
"Lost") to bleaker (
"Nothing") to bleaker still (
"Lies"), but the beat of the music is infectious and kinetic. As to whether the grimness that permeates
Ungod is cathartic or wallowing is subject to individual tastes. ~ Tom Demalon
