Algorythum

Amazon.com
Algorythum is the fifth full-length from the Texas industrial band Mentallo & the Fixer, and Gary Dassing's first without the help of his brother Dwayne. The band seems to be going in a slightly different direction as a result of the split, but the news is good: though it's one of M&TF's more experimental albums, Algorythum is also one of their better efforts. Musically, its spaciness has a good deal in common with the weirder moments of Skinny Puppy's Bites (think extended passages of ambient noise and synth warbling), but Dassing has added something new to the usual industrial mix of dark soundscapes and sequenced bass synth: live drums. The effect is a suitably aggressive and solid groove, if not quite a match for the deep layers of electronic percussion M&TF used on earlier discs such as Revelations 23 or No Rest for the Wicked. You can really hear the difference in tracks such as "Systematik Ruin," its atmospheric excesses grounded by its funk-infused beat. The most interesting moment on Algorythum, however, has to be "Resonant Echo," a lyrical electro-folk song that sees Dassing forgo the distortion effects in favor of a whispered delivery that considerably ups the intensity ante. This is not your everyday industrial album--and that's what makes it worth hearing. --Steve Landau

Tracks:

Intro
Systematik Ruin
Gamma Ray Antenna
Proxima
Unearthed
Choice Flaw
Carbon Based
Stumbled
Revelry
Luminaries
Resonant Echo
Remnants Past
Theme

Amazon.com

Algorythum is the fifth full-length from the Texas industrial band Mentallo & the Fixer, and Gary Dassing's first without the help of his brother Dwayne. The band seems to be going in a slightly different direction as a result of the split, but the news is good: though it's one of M&TF's more experimental albums, Algorythum is also one of their better efforts. Musically, its spaciness has a good deal in common with the weirder moments of Skinny Puppy's Bites (think extended passages of ambient noise and synth warbling), but Dassing has added something new to the usual industrial mix of dark soundscapes and sequenced bass synth: live drums. The effect is a suitably aggressive and solid groove, if not quite a match for the deep layers of electronic percussion M&TF used on earlier discs such as Revelations 23 or No Rest for the Wicked. You can really hear the difference in tracks such as "Systematik Ruin," its atmospheric excesses grounded by its funk-infused beat. The most interesting moment on Algorythum, however, has to be "Resonant Echo," a lyrical electro-folk song that sees Dassing forgo the distortion effects in favor of a whispered delivery that considerably ups the intensity ante. This is not your everyday industrial album--and that's what makes it worth hearing. --Steve Landau

Customer Reviews:

kraftwerk wanna-be boredom.......2001-09-28

after a disappointing release of "return to grimpen ward", i received this cd in much anticipation...and disgust. this is the worst sound i have ever heard composed from any band, much less MT&F fare. their earlier efforts have always been darker and more brutal-sounding, just like any self-respecting industrial band should sound. however, this solo effort by one of the Dassing brothers is horrendous in its audacity. think excoriating ear-bleeding trance that sounds homogenized, bright, and downright painful. i found myself turning the volume down just to sit through this dreck. a second listening was not even worth my time as the disc finally ended up where it belongs---in the garbage. save your money and stick to '97 or earlier offerings by this now-dying band.

adventurous, post-modern electro for a midnight trip........2000-02-23

"Algorythum" presents listeners with a totally new direction from anthing prior to Dassing's work. This album is very down-beat and spacey. The emphasis on this album is on the ambience rather than on beat and rhythm. 30% of this album has no percussion whatsoever, something new for mentallo, for releases prior to this were centered around heavy textured beats. The complex textures and melodies are still present on this album, just done in a more subtle way. Gary Dassing also sings un-distorted in a couple of songs, he also uses live drums and percussion on a few tracks-the result is an overall more human feel. This album took a few listens for me to get into it. It was rather quite shocking when I heard it for the first time. I recommend this album to only people familiar with their previous works. First-timers should look into "Where Angels Fear to Tread", or "Burnt Beyond Recognition" as a starting point, then ease their way into this album. Personal favorites on this album are, Proxima, Choice flaw, Resonant Echo, Luminaries, and Remnants Past. though the whole album is good. A very good effort from Mr. Dassing, not his best, but good by any standard. LOVE IS THE LAW

Advancing and breaking the mold that is M&TF..........1999-06-18

I really liked Unearthed, Choice Flaw, and Remnants Past. Track 10 should read Luminaries (Amazon typo), which is my favorite track. It actually brought tears to my eyes when I heard it. Maybe it's just me, but Gary Dassing has always had an emontional depth and sincerity in his music that while in touch with both the dark and light side of man, presents a positive outlook in the wake of tradegy. I read in the credits, "To Maria, my Love thank you to Jehovah my creator for enabling me with the gift of music. In memory of my sister, Danielle Dassing."

Album Review:

Album Review

album review

Album Review

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