Album
Type: EP
Date
Released:2/6/2014
Label: Avalanche Recordings
‘Decline and Fall’ CD/LP/DD track listing
1).
Ringer 06:23
2).
Dogbite 03:52
3).
Playing with Fire 06:02
4).
Decline and Fall 04:17
The Band:
Justin
Broadrick | Vocals, Guitars, Programming
G.C.
Green | Bass
Review:
No one has quite managed to fill the industrial
metal void that had been left by the 13 year absence of Godflesh, a band who
have been a foundational influence on the industrial/post-metal genre. Making
sporadic appearances since their reformation in 2010 at notable festivals such
as Hellfest, Roadburn and Maryland Deathfest, fans have been chomping at the
bit for new Godflesh material. ‘Decline and Fall’ marks the ‘about bloody time’
return of brummie duo Justin Broadrick and G.C Green, but as they say good
things come to those that wait. ‘Decline and Fall’ is an undisputable return to
form, and is only the appetizer to the full length titled ‘A World Lit Only By
Fire’ which is due out September this year.
Sticking to what made them innovative and
successful to begin with, ‘Decline and Fall’ utilizes the industrial churn
reflected in their earlier material. The punishing guitar riff, pummelling bass
lines and abrasive vocals in opening track ‘Ringer’ is quintessential Godflesh.
They are back, and it’s like they never left. Godflesh have a real knack for
being repetitious in their songs without being monotonous, ‘Ringer’ has a
central riff that runs throughout and contains minimal variance yet the track
is massively entrancing. ‘Dogbite’ is driven by its bouncy bass line, and
alongside the chuggy distorted guitar riffs it almost has a Korn feel to it. ‘Playing
With Fire’ incorporates doom and drone elements, with Broadrick’s vocals
varying from relaxed to a belligerent bark as the lyrics ‘There’s no
pain/There’s no gain’ alters the mood of the song. Final track ‘Decline and
Fall’ is definitely the most aggressive track, with Broadricks vocals oozing
hostility. A bit more pace to it than the previous tracks and a bouncy groove
coming to light amongst the distortion, this is unrelenting brutality.
What really stands out for me on this record and
Godflesh generally, is the fluidity of their music, a mechanical force that
flows through the beat. After such anticipation it’s a massive relief that ‘Decline
and Fall’ showcases the sheer quality of Godflesh, which is sure to be
reinforced with their new full length offering later this year. Godflesh are back
and hopefully here to stay.
Words
by: Heather Blewett
You can pick up a copy here
For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Godflesh/11374368195
