Rein[Forced] - X Amount Of Stabwounds in The Back

Six years ago, we last heard from this project with "Futile Longings of a Condescending Man".

It's an understandable delay when you consider the immense amount of crap that life has dumped on Jim Semonik - the guy lost a good friend of his - and live member of original act "Forced" in 2006. In 2007, Jim was diagnosed with Stage 2B Colorectal Cancer. Famously, he has fought it and won, and to this day, he is dedicating his life to helping others cure it. This is the guy responsible for both sets of "Electronic Saviors" compilations.

It's fair to be said, then, that the album title here can relate to the events that have transpired. Your mileage may vary (Replace 'X' with any number you like and you've got a DIY album title that engages your own feelings). What is definitely fair to be said, is that we here at BR are delighted to hear from Jim again.

The seven minute "Nausea" Opens this release, and it starts with a brooding movie sample that sounds like something very unsettling is about to take place. It's then met by another sample (Spawn, this time), and then the intro synth line comes in. It's dark and melodic, and as we begin to get used to it, it stops and is replaced by the bass - you'll hear a LOT more about this as this article goes on. "Nausea" is a very evolved track. It stops and starts, and is laden with dark sounds. The vocals and lyrics are deeply personal, and coherent. It's a moving piece, and when I really sat down and focused on it, I've come to realise that I absolutely adore this track.

"Zen Manipulation" starts with a repeated Drum pattern, a very powerful bassline, and whisper-like vocals. I mentioned earlier about the bass, and I'll mention it again. It's so powerful on this release - it's unavoidable.

"Deck of Trick Cards" starts with an unidentified sample of two women discussing their love lives, and the most coherent line is the classic "He does his taxes in the middle of my Blowjobs..." - another touch that Rein[Forced] apply that segregate the act from the rest of the crowd. The track starts with a good verse, bemoaning the narrator trying to understand what has happened to him. It's slow paced and remains energetic at the same time - an oxymoron if ever there was one.

After the opening three tracks, the album portrays a deeper and deeper sense of understanding as events come to a climax - titles like "Malignancy", Convalescence" and "Embodiment of Hope" showcase exactly how painful it is to go through this - Jim may have won, but there's a lifetime of treatment ahead. It leaves its scars, 'stabwounds' if you like, but the only way forward is to carry on.

It's these little acts of defiance that give the album its identity. It's definitely unorthodox and original, but it IS very dark, and has a wonderful groove to it.
A track-by-track would demean the release - it's exceptionally personal and passionate, and in case the scene hasn't been influenced enough by Semonik, this release will just raise that bar another notch.

It isn't for everyone, it's a lot slower then conisseours may like, but you can't question or fault it for what it is.

If anyone wants something laden with good structure, real, heartfelt lyrics, and has the guts to be itself, then this is a communion meant to be.

Jim - keep at it. The community needs more people like you. Oct 16 2012