Band/Artist: Angelspit
Release House: Black Pill Red Pill
Genre: Industrial/EBM/Electropunk
One Sentence Synopsis: Eighth studio album from a cybergoth favorite
Series: Standalone
Single/EP/Album: Album
Release Date: 9-9-2019
Running Time: 51 Min
MSRP: $13.00
Discount Link: Click Here
Website: Click Here
Sample/Music Video: Click Here
Purchase Site: Click Here
Reviewed by: Reverend Leviathan
Final Score: 5.0 Moons (Out of 5.0)
Formed in 2004 and originally from Australia, Angelspit combines elements of industrial, EBM, horror, punk and electronica giving them a very unique sound in the cybergoth scene. Bang Operative gets most of its influence from the synthwave movement between ’78 and ’81. Written and recorded in Los Angeles, the album was inspired by the city’s sprawling dystopia.
Theme
Bang Operative definitely starts with a bang, as “Stims” has a heavy industrial sound with even a hint of punk mixed with EBM. And if you don’t like that sound, just skip on to the next track “Play Rough” as it sounds completely different. Darker, slower, and Zoog’s vocals are less aggressive and more monotone and smooth. “Promise of Gold” brings another change, as the synthwave influence is really heavy on it and Zoog’s vocals take on another change as well with singing style. And wouldn’t you know it, “Art of War” has a heavy EBM influence with some really good bass and percussion that I can’t help but move to. Then Zoog gives his vocals a rest and we get the instrumental “Hexenjager,” which has an awesome ambience to it. These different influences run throughout the album.
Presentation
I didn’t know what to expect with this album, but after listening to it I’ve added quite a few tracks to my playlist next time I DJ. Bang Operative grabbed me a lot faster than Black Dog Bite (2017), mainly due to the fact that there’s so much variety on this album. The first four songs alone give you four different moods and styles of electronic music, going from a more industrial feel to electronica, synthpop and EBM. Zoog shows his different vocal ranges and styles really well too.
The layout of the tracks was done really well, so no two tracks sound too much alike. I’m somewhat picky when it comes to instrumentals, but I loved “Hexenjager” and “Fear Monger.” And I’m not sure if this was intentional, but I like how the album began and ended with its two heaviest tracks. The guitars really come out in those. The only song I didn’t listen to all the way through was “Celebrity Disorder.” But then I went back and listened to it again, and it really hooked me the second time.
My top three tracks: “Stims” has the industrial, chaotic sound that I love, and it grabs you. (To be perfectly honest, I’m not entirely certain what stims are, but now I know that I need them.) “Promise of Gold” has a nice, calmer, synthpop vibe that reminds me a bit of Joy Electric, especially with Zoog singing more falsetto. I like the darker sound of “Jesus Disguise,” and I dig the lyrics. As a Christian who is sickened with this false, Americanized Jesus that the church has created, it spoke to me.
Audience Fit
Though I’m sure they exist, I’ve yet to meet a Goth who doesn’t like Angelspit in some form, especially in the cybergoth scene. Due to the range of influences on this album, I don’t care who you are. If you like any form of electronic music, you’re going to find at least one or two songs that really move you.
Closing Thoughts
The year’s not over yet, but it’s gonna take a lot to change my mind: Angelspit’s Bang Operative gets “Electro-Industrial Album of the Year.” Best one I’ve heard thus far.
Theme: 5.0 Moons (out of 5.0)
Presentation: 5.0 Moons (out of 5.0)
Gothic Fit: 5.0 Moons (out of 5.0)
Final Score (not an average): 5.0 Moons (out of 5.0)
