Infibulate Records is a brand-new record label, and label owner Sarah contacted our illustrious Editor-in-Chief, Erik, recently about their first signing, Mousecunt, and their debut album, Orgasmic Mouse. Sarah follows our site and made complimentary remarks about me and my writing style, so I had to review this. I weighed in on the email mentioning I needed a new slag to rip someone apart, and with this band name I finally found that name. She and I then started emailing one another, talking about the music scene, labels, albums, and she was very familiar with my vocals and work with Internal Bleeding. I did tell her I would pull no punches and would give a fair and honest review of this Iranian three-piece band, who wishes to remain anonymous. Her label does some interesting things with bringing obscure bands, wishing to remain anonymous, to the scene — much respect.
She knows my reviews dip into a variety of genres, and this band does hit the mark with industrial/rock/metal/electronica and goth. I view this band as pretty experimental. While the members have a past rooted in black metal, this is anything but black metal. If you dig bands like Marilyn Manson (his more experimental albums), Type O Negative, NIN, and The Sisters of Mercy, you will be able to sink your teeth into at least some of this, but it is a tough listen during certain segments. Read on to see why.
I am a fan of horror movies. Pointing out that international horror is kinda my jam. International horror pulls no punches when it comes to taboo subjects, and anyone, regardless of age, race, creed, or sex, is on the chopping block when it’s time to meet your demise. Following that framework, we have heavy, and I mean heavy, topics the band covers. There’s some weird narration that goes on at certain moments, and the ages vary, and it’s either the antagonist or protagonist doing the narration. Topics such as religion, domestic violence, and a variety of different abuses are all on display throughout these songs; this is a short album, at thirty minutes.
“Fucking the Mirror” opens the album, and I advise against trying to do this, or you will get the ouchies. Starting with some electronica beats and sounds from the early ’80s, this song is rooted in The Sisters of Mercy. Goth-type vocals with an 80s new wave sound, also pulling from Depeche Mode. The song is moody, and I feel all the band members lend their vocals at various times throughout the song and album. Vocals go from harsh, melancholic, and shoegazy. All very cool, and I must say I really like this opening song, quite a lot. The pained vocals, especially towards the end, are pure suffering.
“W*oman’s Eyes” begins with a hellacious opening scream by a woman. It’s terrifying. The main goth type of vocals come in with the higher rasp and screaming in the background. It’s a cacophony of chaos during certain moments. Due to the vocals being piped in higher in the mix, it can be a lot. The song picks up the speed a bit, with some industrial metal moments with a squealing guitar backdrop. Midway through the song, we are treated to atmospherics before some more pained and anguished screams and moans take center stage. “The Orgasming” starts with harsh vocals, coming across as Marilyn Manson in their aggressive tone, then getting into more of the goth type of vocals that he uses, or for that matter, some Type O Negative influence. This song is melancholic, depressive and a bit on the hypnotic drone side of things. The song gets progressively heavier towards its end.
“Your Repulsive Husband” has heavier themes dealing with adultery and child abuse. The opening lyrics of “I chain you in your room mirror child As I need a moment of peace from your screams, But then I fear you might die”, create dread, and frightening imagery. This song is very new-wave-ish in its music, with a variety of vocal tones telling this story. There are some varied sounds in the background, as well as a dinging bell, which coincide with some of the lyrics. This is a depressive and moody number, sure to conjure up some emotions from within. “Godspeed” gets into more abuse themes, and some thrashy industrial metal, making this the most extreme song on the album. Definitely some headbanging moments and a very weird, moody guitar tone on this one. Bendy riffage, which is original. This and the first song are my faves. The rest of the songs all follow these mentioned formulas.
Mousecunt is sure to raise some eyebrows with this Orgasmic Mouse debut album. It’s experimental, boisterous at times, moody, and thematically, maybe one of the heaviest albums I’ve heard in the last decade or maybe more. I do like this album, but in smaller doses. I feel a bit dirty listening to it and need to shower now. Art, in all its forms, is supposed to push boundaries, which I want, therefore, I applaud the band for going in that direction, especially with the album art. If you enjoy weird, thought-provoking industrial/electronica metal/rock, give this band a chance. It will also help support the label, in turn. For me, honestly, I am unsure how many more times I will go back to listen to this one. Doom/funeral doom can be a tough listen because of its depressive musical and lyrical themes; this band is a whole ‘nother off-the-wall depressive experience. Nonetheless, it’s pretty cool, though.
