Release Date: November 2009
Record Label: Hitman Records
I was quite excited on first listening to this album but unfortunately, Mechanized has a short half-life that eventually leaves you with the bitter realisation that, “this could have been so much better!” Most tracks hint at great potential and songs like My Experiment, Mechanized and Deep Inside almost make it, as long as you aren‘t overly intent on listening (analyse and you will despair). Well-programmed sound and decent lyrics are let down by a heavy reliance on vocals that just don’t stretch far enough.
I’m sure Nikademus is a good vocalist but flat and monotonous delivery isn’t enough to carry the album forward when the rest of the arrangement is backed down in deference. There is nothing wrong with a vocally driven album, and in fact; it would be great to hear such concepts brought into the EBM and industrial genres more often, it requires edge and attitude, neither of which Nikademus offers.
While many aspects of Mechanized are solid and occasionally raise the album to high points, for much of the time, weak vocals and suspect arrangement make for a disappointing experience. Is Mechanized worth buying? Is there something magical saving element? Unfortunately, I would say no. There is too much music of similar or better quality offered free under Creative Commons licence. That said all our promising artists (that’s right, if nothing else, Sonik Foundry is promising) are worthy of our support.
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The greatest thing about opinions is that we all have them. I can’t say yours is incorrect just as you can’t say mine is incorrect. After thoroughly reading this review, my first impression was you are suggesting to people not to purchase music, instead suggesting obtaining free music. This scene and these artists are already being robbed, why point out free music? I then see you suggesting that this album is a “disappointing experience”. Well what are your musical tastes? We the readers don’t know that, you could be a ZZ Top fan for all we know (which is not a bad thing to like them)? Perhaps, if you were to compare Sonik Foundry to similar bands telling fans that if you like “this band or that band” then you will enjoy Sonik Foundry’s art.
I have to say I’ve been following Sonik Foundry since they started with 1, then 2, then 4 tracks, on their Myspace, Facebook, Last FM, Vampire Freaks and etc, now at a full LP. Each song gets better! Nowadays, the majority of the music in the dark electronic scene seems to be about being as hard and harsh as possible, which is an evolution I truly regret, but will not put it down based on my opinion.
I like the fact that Sonik Foundry is incorporating a bunch of styles into their music. It’s really nice to hear some "old-school" melodic electro / future pop for a change. I really enjoy their music, lyrics are easy on the ear which makes it easier for people to follow, the vocals are clear, and in some songs, you can feel the emotion. I like how loud and clear the keyboards are, the beats sound very deliberate and well thought out. The tracks are also very well mastered; you can hear all of the instruments very clearly. Their music is a refreshing change from the more chaotic industrial.
You will hear influences such as Assemblage 23, VNV Nation, Dismantled, The Restrosic, Suicide Commando, and much more. Sonik Foundry has incorporated some favorite industrial sounds into his own unique style! So I commend and thank you Sonik Foundry, for incorporating newer styles, while also holding onto the roots of melodic electronic music
Well done!
(A few bands that I like are VNV, Assemblage 23, I:Scintilla, Combichrist, Information Society, Dismantled, Suicide Commando, and more…just to give you a sense of my musical taste).
I don't think it is appropriate to reiterate my musical tastes with every review (though we do like some of the same bands).
Why not point out "free music", there is a load of great stuff out there that is released under creative commons license that deserves as much attention as anything paid. Like something, buy it; like something, donate.
Like I said, it is good to see some more vocally driven releases in the scene. I just didn't feel this one "cut the grade".
This Mechanized album is something you should definitely listen to. Sometimes we get caught up in what is normal or mainstream. We should appreciate what Nickademus has done here. The album is intriguing and easy to get into. The vocals add the difference that make it the artists own which is the reason for the buy. My take is don't get caught up in mainstream and listen on your own. You will be pleasantly surprised as I was.
"Music comes from your soul, and is a way for one to outwardly express their past, present and future."
Not exactly a good review, but hey, you win some, you lose some. However I do value this input. Being open to criticism like this will only make me stronger and give me food for thought for my next album. When i first started Mechanized, I was fairly new to the EBM genre, and was limited in my knowledge of the scene and my new software; and after all, it is my very first album. However I have learned a great deal over the last two years, and with new gear and new knowledge, I believe my next album will prevail!
-Nikademus
I have faith that the next album will be good, I know you have the gift and the drive.