I thought World of Lies was a big step forward from these Aussie industrial/techno grinders, as they introduced some actual death metal based song writing and restraint to their programmed fury. However, Animosity sees a bit of a return to the pure relentlessness of Dissimulate.
Free from frequent samples (and masks), Animosity gets right to it with “Eye For An Eye” and “Purgatory”, two stunning, merciless blasts of infernal electronic blasting and Napalm Death and early Morbid Angel inspired riffage. However, I have to admit, even as a fan on The Berzerker, I’m less enamored with the rest of the album, as it seems to be on autopilot for the next 8 songs and I get the distinct feeling I’ve been on this journey before; about 4 times.
The now familiar if still vitriolic formula of hyper fast programmed sound drums, deeply buzzing/humming industrial bass guitar, caustic power chords and occasional groove as dual growl/screamed vocals, while still a mix I enjoy seems a bit clinical without actual riffs or songs to back it. Even when the duo slows down for a brief moment such as “No More Reason” and “The Cancer”, it’s immediately blasted away, whereas on World of Lies, such moments were allowed more room. And that’s a bit of a shame, because when The Berzerker do break into a deep groove (“Lonely World”), it’s about as punishing as it gets. And at under 30-minutes, the result is the album blows by with no lasting impression other than your face has just been sanded off (with “Retribution” and “The Cancer” being particularly guilty parties), and if I want that sensation, I will just, well….sand my face off or listen to Anaal Nathrakh’s The Codex Necro.
Still, for a quick fix of sheer, industrial strength velocity, Animosity will appease most fans who are easily amused by fast or shiny things and it’s a safe addition to the band’s discography.
