Electric Hellfire Club — Electronomicon

Does the words "Alternative Metal" and "Industrial Metal" even mean anything anymore? They probably are seen as pejorative by many these days so I'll try to refrain from using them to describe Electric Hellfire Club's fifth album: Electronomicon. You can be certain of one thing though, this isn't your typical "Satan & loud guitars" mix!

"You seem to take this Satan shit way too seriously man 'cuz I feel buttfucked by the devil"

In the last few years, EHC changed their sound from industrial to a hybrid of that that genre and metal. The samplers and synthesizers stayed, but the focus was now on the guitars. The change in styles didn't sound forced and I think that it was due to a change in the lineup more than to anything else (no cries of "sell out" please. And even if that was it, it's the best selling out I've ever heard!)

The band sounds like a better and funnier version of White Zombie with catchy hell-raising songs, great tongue in cheek satanic lyrics (no S&M lyrics, unlike their early albums) and a few movie samples (don't worry, this band use them much better than most; they are well blended into the music and have a high comedic value). All musicians do their job flawlessly and I have a hard time finding anything to fault. The electronic elements remaining from the past are very well integrated and give some added depth to the music and vocals. Many of the songs are very memorable ("Tannhäuser Gate" is epic in a good way) and repetition is used to a good effect instead of simply being the sign of uninspired songwriting (something I think many artists could work on).

The production is very thick and layered and I was surprised to learn that it was recorded at the Abyss studio and produced by Tommy Tägtgren (Peter is not the only member of the family who's active in the production business it seems - Too bad he decided to close down the Abyss studios) and the band. In any cases, it sounds great!

This album really took me by surprise, I never could have predicted that it would end up as one of my favourite listens for the end of this year. It even has chances already to be on my 2002 "Top 10". It's just that fun to listen to! Highly recommended.

Release date: jan 15th 2002 (The webmaster's birthday! Send him emails!)