Review: Genitorturers – Blackheart Revolution
Florida’s Genitorturers began their musical journey as immediate peers of Marilyn Manson. They never attracted the same flurry of publicity that Manson did, but their new record Blackheart Revolution proves it’s not the press blitz that matters. This is good old-fashioned industrial metal, with lead singer Gen’s Deborah-Harry-fronting-White-Zombie vocal attack as the twist that renders the package truly compelling.
Blackheart Revolution offers ample variety within its familiar genre perimeters; Genitorturers do driving and jaunty in equal measure, with the kind of confidence that’s the reward of a lengthy history. “Revolution” kicks thing off with the declaration “No one cares about the rock star illusion / No one cares because the mystery is gone,” a sentiment belied by the band’s glistening machinery: jackhammer drums are accentuated with steam valves releasing melodic pressure at regular intervals while Gen growls general badassery. “Kabangin’ All Night,” the next track, wouldn’t sound out of place on the latest AFI album. The swinging rhythm and staccato blasts of processed guitar evoke really good memories of 1997, when this kind of stuff got regular play on alternative radio.
Genitorturers prove themselves able at slowing down, too: shiny, linear guitar lines form the foundation of “Falling Stars,” and the chorus is Coldplay-huge. And the penultimate track “Vampire Lover” is a romantic epic that should reserve its place on the next Twilight movie’s soundtrack. The band sounds happiest, though, when they’re rampaging through flashy trash like “Devil In A bottle” and “Cum Junkie,” which features the actual lyrics “Let’s go / cum junkie / turn me on.” And album centerpiece “Confessions On A Blackheart” balances earnest mewls with scary Satanic screaming – listened to in a dark room, Blackheart Revolution really gets its creepy on.
The album closes with “Tell Me,” the most propulsive track on its roster. Needle-point guitars set the stage for big, chugging riffs and a bulldozing chorus; it’s possibly the most powerful femme-rock statement since Hole’s “Celebrity Skin,” and a fitting capper for a record that blasts spiky thrills of pleasure almost effortlessly. Genitorturers are hardened veterans at this point, but their songwriting is fresh and alive; Blackheart Revolution is engaging fun even for people not interested in mutilating their private parts.
Want to see more of the Genitorturers? Check out the Genitorturers Official Website or their MySpace.
Like this post? Bookmark it!
Email to a friend
Your message has been sent!
Please enter a valid email.
Your email failed. Try again later.
Related Posts
Most Popular3
About the Author
Oswald Hobbes is an amateur music appreciationist from the wilds of the Midwest.
Follow me on twitter Email this Author | All posts by Oswald Hobbes
This album is fuckin AMAZING! I’ve not heard anything this good in years. Especially not anything with a female vocalist. Gen has outdone herself on vocals this time. Drastic improvement!
I used to think this band’s songwriting was “okay” (but not great), although I’ve always enjoyed their live shows as they were probably one of the more entertaining bands I’ve ever seen live.
THIS ALBUM HAS CHANGED MY MIND about the songwriting thing! The songwriting on this album is nothing short of brilliant! By the third listen, it had become one of my favorite albums in years.
Getting Bizz as their new guitarist was probably one of the best moves they’ve ever made. His guitar sound is HUGE, his playing is superb and his stage performance outdoes any other guitarist I’ve ever seen live. Once he came into the picture, things started sounding more powerful. No disrespect to Chains or the guitar player from their first album. You guys were great and all, but Bizz is the whole package and I hope he’s here to stay.
Evil D AKA David Vincent, shines on this album as well (but that’s to be expected from this rock-god of Morbid Angel fame). This album is a masterpiece and I’d recommend it to anyone.
I’ve been listening to it non-stop for 3 days now and I still can’t get enough! Thank you Genitorturers for this masterpiece of an album!
Gen, you’re a goddess and your voice sounds great! Bizz, you’re my favorite guitarist!
I’m now officially the world’s biggest Genitorturers fan!!!!!!
Mark