deadindustry - Taking The Fall
by Knot Sane

"Taking the Fall" is about exactly that, taking the fall, both metaphorically in life and physically, as deadindustry released their final, marquee effort, as one of the premiere Hardcore bands in Texas, and to be quite frank, one of the most talented in the entire US. The album contains previously released (now re-recorded and re-mastered) material from two earlier albums, as well as some new tracks.

The album epitomizes what happens when fury adheres to ambition and musical talent, deadindustry integrates several different angles to their Hardcore sound, while still maintaining a unique Hardcore sound that inspires as well as pushes. When I say pushes, I can tell you that there is nothing soft about deadindustry. This album is very visceral and incredibly chaotic, with symmetry that is calculated and ever-present.

With thundering riffs, against a silhouette of atom-splitting screams, the band gets its point across, either by force or by more force. Every song on the CD is memorable, and all 12 seem to be a step-by-step exorcism process in which John E. Grime's relives events in his life that placed blame, rebuke, and hatred squarely on his shoulders. What comes from this is rage incarnate, at harmonic speeds, his screams echo past wrongs.

The rest of the band stands out from the start of the first song. Pummeling drum beats from Hooton, McCormick(also bass) and Henry supply the rigid and harsh guitar riffs, laced with primary bass by Osbourn. This is Hardcore, at its best. There are hints of ambience as well, which provide the audio tapestry needed to convey the impact this band has. Both elements combined rivet the listener to every sound, and every word. By the end of the CD you will feel violated, but aptly the violator as well.

The only drawback from this album is the re-released version of "Self Righteous One," which although maintains its severity, lacks in the originality long-term deadindustry fans love. Overall, I must say, I am pleased to see a band take its music this seriously. Whenever an album like this comes along, it causes ears to perk up, and Hardcore palettes to wet. Despite the band stopping their musical careers collectively, the power and anger of deadindustry is relived in my CD player on a lifelong basis.