I recently read somewhere that Industrial music was passé and irrelevant. I wish I could remember where I read that because I really want to send Dead Girl Corp‘s new album, Bloody Noses and Hand Grenades, to them. The naysayers would then realize they are WRONGO BONGO. Industrial music is alive and thriving, thanks to bands like Hollywood-based band, Dead Girls Corp. I know I have some readers that are nitpicky about genre-specific titles, so saying this band is “Industrial” is not acceptable. The conundrum that surrounds pinpointing what sub-genre this band is this: this band’s sound runs the gamut from Electro-Industrial to Aggrotech to pure Punk. The band’s bio states that their music is influenced by new wave, industrial and post-punk, and I agree, to a point. The moment I started listening to the album, my brain started likening Dead Girls Corp to some of the most talented Industrial bands ever. I bet you are wondering which bands I mean, well you will just have to read my synopsis of Bloody Noses and Hand Grenades.
The album hits hard right out of the gate with the Industrial Metal romp, “Dead Girl”. Dripping with sadistic intent, this song sucks you in with its driving tempo and raspy malice infused vocals delivered by Toddy T. (aka Toddy Deadboy). Track 2, “From the Bottom”, packs a wallop with its rave-worthy intro that bleeds into EMB (electronic body music), and then teeters on the edge between that and electro-metal. (Just listen to the song, you will hear what I mean). Track 3, “X’s No O’s”, is pulsating and brutal with its aggressive guitar and deliciously evil lyrics. My favorite lyrical snippet being “She’s got the devil on the celly”. I am going to name drop here to describe the fourth track, “Alleys of Death”. This song is a stunningly genius twisting of the signature sound of early NIN, Marylyn Manson and classic Depeche Mode. A Synth lovers perfect storm masterfully blended with pulsating core drumming by Mel McFail and Metalcore guitar magic by Dave Teague. The 5th track, “Ask For It”, would give any Celtic Punk band a run for their money with its hostile lyrics and surging tempo. Drummer Mel McFail is the bell of the ball stealing the spotlight with her insanely brutal assault on the drums.
The album completely changes its direction with “Flesh For Fantasy”, the 6th track on Bloody Noses and Hand Grenades. I am convinced that frontman, Toddy T., channeled both Bowie and Sid Vicious, and maybe a little Billy Idol when he delivered the innuendo-laden punk vocals on this track. No matter who might have inspired the overall sound of this song, it will make the listener wax nostalgic for CBGB’s in the early 1980s. The 7th track, “You Can’t Change”, has a titillating misleading intro, making the listener think they are about to enjoy an Electro-industrial treat. The song actually blooms into a rock/punk infused gem with somber lyrics accompanied by a chaotic whirlwind of guitar, bass, and percussion.
I am going to pause for a moment before we delve into the 8th track, “Promise Me”. This song should come with a warning, “You may catch a case of the feels while listening to this song”. I am not kidding, my goosebumps had goosebumps as I listened to this multifaceted work of art. The synth is profoundly haunting, it creeps into your soul like a ghost and stakes claim. Vocals are laden with regret and devastation against a swirling backdrop of blindingly melancholy instrumentals. “V Day”, the 9th track, has a unique guitar breakdown and an earworm-worthy hook that will not soon evaporate from the listener’s gray matter. The 10th track, “Just the Same”, features a beautiful pairing of stripped down vocals and straight forward rock solid bass line masterfully executed by bassist Bruce Miyaki. Both bridge and outro are noteworthy with their stand-alone delivery of the guitar line.
“Dynamite”, the 11th track, is a malevolent creation, saturated with bitter lyrics and acrimonious instrumental line. Frankly, if hate had a theme song, this would be it. The album wraps up with the 12th track, “Worth”. This track is a twisted metal nuanced punk love song, which is a perfect way to conclude this AMAZEBALLS album.
There it is my metal muffins, my honest take of the new album from Dead Girls Corp. I don’t usually get melancholy after the last song of an album plays, but I did this time. Why? I didn’t want the experience to end. Yes, I believe that with this album I did not just listen to the music, I experienced it. I hope you heed my words and PAY ATTENTION TO THIS BAND! The album dropped on March 1st, so it is ready and waiting for you to click on the links below and invite Dead Girls Corp into your life.
