I'd expected rough-neck frantic metal mayhem and robust noisy rock - wrong, 'Terminology' is, just as Xykogen describe, techno-industrial - extreme-dance I suppose!!!
Play 90 second soundbite of 'Meta//axis' @ 'CD quality'
I'd expected rough-neck frantic metal mayhem and robust noisy rock - wrong, 'Terminology' is, just as Xykogen describe, techno-industrial - extreme-dance I suppose!!!
Not so much mayhem as frantic and frenetic, 'Terminology' is rammed full of big beaty electro outpourings; massively inspiring and totally toe-tapping it belts along apace and you quickly find yourself unable to sit still! The industrial backdrop is smoothed out by the inclusion of quite ethereal voices that have a certain hypnotic charm and bring a degree of pop commerciality to the Xykogen experimental 'table'. 'Terminology' aint gonna be an album for yer average man in the street though - this is specialist electro stuff and even the most hardy dance-heads might just find it all a bit elusive and just too heavy. That said, the grooves that Xykogen lay down are every bit as compelling and motivational as most of the more 'run-of-the-mill' electro offerings currently doing the rounds.
'Terminology' though is a grower; the grooves are hard to deny and the overall vibe is one that slowly but steadily creeps up on you. It's a well crafted album that could so easily have lost direction in the mix; Xykogen however, hold it all together extremely well and manage to keep it viable as well as irritatingly moreish. Great use of male/female vocals add real depth and sensitivity to a sound that could otherwise be a little harsh and unyielding and Xykogen manage a fair bit of light and shade that offers much-needed respite from the industrious norm.
'Terminology' by Xykogen is a very cleverly conceived album; the industrial aspects give the album a spiky and hard-edged feel but the vocal work offers a hint of dynamic 'normality' that makes 'Terminology' much more appealing and audibly acceptable. Oh, and turn the bugger up, it's fearsome when maxed out! Definitely on for the specialist electro-head this, 'Terminology' by Xykogen will have its takers and will suit the tastes of many a dance-club venue where it'll go down a real bundle - to most this will be too challenging - to a few it'll be musical heaven!!
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