xdementiaPost subject: Schmerz – Old School Misanthropy CDR
Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 8:26 pmSchmerz – Old School Misanthropy CDR
New Nihilism: http://www.newnihilism.com/
Audio: Old School Misanthropy
Overall Rating: B
Composition: B-
Sounds: B
Production Quality: B+
Concept: B+
Packaging: B+
Here is a really solid (debut?) release from a project and label I know little about. Schmerz delivers uncompromising synth-based pulsating power electronics with a good number of industrial elements and of course, typical power-electronic styled vocals. The release features four tracks in a little over 30 minutes which is unusual for a power electronics release, but these tracks do not disappoint. There is little change or development in each track and when they tend to be this long that can be detrimental, but the basis for each one is brutal in it's simplicity so they end up working well. The release is packaged tastefully in all black and white artwork with glossy inserts that include lyrics and other propaganda.
“Natural Born Prey” makes the best use of the industrial elements, they are a bit stronger and stand out more especially right when the first metal pounding comes in. The vocals are solid with kind of a frequency modulation applied to them, but otherwise they are dry. Unfortunately they remain like that for the entire album which can get kind of boring.
“Old School Misanthropy” again has a similar sound but more emphasis on the synth throbs which have their best moment right in the beginning with a variety of modulating rhythms. I always find myself really liking the moment these tracks kick in and then kind of losing interest with them about half-way through because of the monotony. But I really like the aesthetic of everything, and it's obvious that Schmerz is making a statement through what this isn't, not necessarily what it is.
“Pigday” follows with similar sounds to what is used before but features some pretty fucked up lyrics a bit less abstract and political then the critical diatribes of “Natural Born Prey” and “Old School Misanthropy.” Overall, it's the weakest track here but luckily it's followed up by the excellent “Hosts of the Almighty Truth.” Beginning by bringing out the more industrial elements which Schmerz does really well, it leads into chirping and swirling distorted textures and muffled melodic lines that merge together well. The vocals receive the same treatment they've gotten throughout the album and this track, like the others lives off it's great parts for just a bit too long.
If you are a traditionalist when it comes to power electronics I recommend this album because it really does live up to it's name. It deals with a stripped down approach and a bleak aesthetic. A strong release from this unfamiliar artist, one that I will be keeping a wary eye on.
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