Concrete Lung

"Versions of Hell" (Album, 2011) !DSO Recommended!

Proper fucking industrial. That’s what Concrete Lung make. Which is why they stand out from the crowd. Like the early industrial sound produced by the likes of Throbbing Gristle or even Cabaret Voltaire, the noise they so sweetly make is drenched in the sweaty origins of punk. Their attitude to just do their own thing means they’re never constrained by parameters induced by genre labels. Which means they consistently turn out imaginative, unexpected and original songs. Yes, 'original'… in a field as forensically explored as this has been for decades.

That they’ve already managed to slam dunk impressive supporting slots to (next word used advisedly) legends like The Young Gods, Front Line Assembly and Leather Strip (all in the past year no less) – even before the release of this, their debut album, is testament to a natural ability to a produce bleeding edge sound that's not afraid to take chances and remain impressive throughout. And although they'll happily recognise their influences (early Pitchshifter, Ministry and Skinny Puppy) and their noise sometimes reflects them, that isn't at the expense of their own intellect and creativity which is why Concrete Lung should be at the top of you to do list. Where else would you find a seven minute experimental jazz number (Dead In The Mind) amid the hammering and yelling of youthful disillusionment (cf. all 46 seconds of Wall of Christ)? Nowhere else. Only here - that's where. Would-be competitors take note: the rules of engagement are changing... and Concrete Lung are rewriting them. 8/10

Rob Dyer (March 2011)

"Waste of Flesh" (EP, 2010)

Armalyte Industries

Having been caught by surprise when these guys supported Grendel in London last December, I was looking forward to hearing this (their second) release. Although the production lacks the depth and punch the songs deserve (especially for me, having first heard them live) this seven track EP/mini album still firmly throws down the gauntlet to anyone willing to take up the challenge. Labelled by the band themselves as 'death industrial', it's safe to say you're unlikely to hear this either on Radio 1 or at your local care home during Friday afternoon's in-chair workout to music. In hell, on the other hand, the odds are much better.

Remixes of Sins of Flesh and Graveyard Recovery from the debut The Dawn of X are included. Intriguingly both have more electronics, which have been forsaken on the rest of this EP in favour of a more abrasive, pile-driving guitar based sound, but strongly suggest their inaugural demo release would be worth getting one's hands on too. Personal fave of the new material is Recovery Position whose rhythmic drums made me think of The Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Taste-era Ministry. Which is obviously a very good thing. A timely reminder that heavy 'n' hard doesn't have to mean dumb 'n' dull. 7/10

Rob Dyer (March 2010)