Album Review | Death Therapy "Melancholy Machines" (A modern industrial masterpiece?)

In a time where modern music keeps evolving and expanding it's creativity to strive to make modern art, there is something to be said about when someone expands the roots of industrial music and turning it into something unique. For Death Therapy, A band well known for making consistent and worth while industrial tinged heavy metal records you would not think that a band like this would think outside of the box and create a straight forward industrial rock record with all of the classic elements still in tact with their new record "Melancholy Machines" but that is something that we do have here, but to no one's surprise there is a lot of content here to unpack.

With a record like this you would think that the transition from technical industrial metal to industrial rock would hinder the record; but in reality the record is actually aided by the turn around to a more 'rockier' sound, and the music that was created by Jason Wisdom and company is something that can only be described as creative and unique. The transition from Solid State Records to Tooth & Nail Records also provides the record to pave it's own lane as a rock record like would not fit on a metal record label, and that is perfectly fine.

The sounds that were created on this record show a level of consistency that only so many bands can do in a modern setting, what with the trend of singles and chart-topping success being the source of creativity, the fact that the record was crafted in a way to be full experience is to be commended here, as front man Jason Wisdom does wonders with a bass guitar; as the grooves and the complexity of the music is so refreshing and so needed. The only thing that could possibly be holding the record back is the fact that it tries to do so much in such a short run time it feels like it ends too suddenly, which could make for a confusing listening experience for some, but given the context of the record and the way it's presented it's a minor complaint in the grand scheme of things.

Musically, "Melancholy Machines" could be described as an industrial rock record that holds a lot of hard rock and nu metal sensibilities that powers through the mix with a sound rivaled by the likes of Project 86, Royal Blood, Static X, Stabbing Westward, and most importantly Nine Inch Nails making for a ridiculously groovy and funk driven record that while not necessarily "heavy" compared to the rest of the discography, "Melancholy Machines" makes up for it by a "suspenseful" atmosphere to the sound that brings out some note worthy results.

'Familiar Shadows' is a fantastic opener that brings in all of the groove and funk while also adding in that signature hard rock flare that they do so well.

'Pls Snd Hlp (Please Send Help)' is a great rocking tune that shreds with destructive drum and bass riffs that are very reminiscent of the band's earlier works.

'Bad Day To Die' is another rocking moment that shines with some more dark and sinister riffs that bring in some Project 86 vibes, that flows in perfectly.

'Flammable Animals' will have Nine Inch Nails fans gushing over the ultra-magnetic groove that rivals that of the golden eras of Pretty Hate Machine and The Downward Spiral.

'Tension' is the first taste of "Melancholy Machines" and the sure amount of groove combined with eclectic rock, 70's rock, and third-wave ska, making for one of the more unique tracks on the record.

'Bullet Holes' is an odd ball moment that does manage to hold it's own for the most part, but the stylistic shifts and the odd "punk rock" like gang chants is an odd choice for the mix.

'The Silence Of God' which features Dawn Michele of Fireflight fame is a phenomenal cover of the classic Andrew Peterson track of the same name and it is excellent. While some may argue that the track feels out of place on a record like this, but the sure amount of passion and orchestral beauty that permeates throughout this track is mesmerizing, truly one of the best moments on the record.

And finally, "Melancholy Machines' which is a fine enough closer that closes the record off in signature fashion, with some added punk esque drum beats that fill the ending of this track and of this record.

In closing, "Melancholy Machines" is a fine enough record that gets the job done for what the band were trying to accomplish, and that was making a record that you are meant to sit with and enjoy as an experience and not a playlist that you can just cherry pick songs off of and be done with it; and for that reason alone this record is very commendable.

While the record does have some rough spots in places Death Therapy succeeded in accomplishing their goals in crafted a complex and diverse industrial and hard rock record that everyone should give a chance. - Samuel Cook

Rating: 4/5