Toothgnasher - Machtmenschen

Having heard a little of "Toothgnasher" in the past 6 months or so , in the form of the "Bogeymormon", I was only too pleased to have this opportunity to review the "Machtmenschen" album.

The orchestral sounds of "Ignoratica", suggest I have made a good choice and that I am going to hear a story. The connotations of the term "Toothgnasher", conjures so many images in my mind with which the music and vocals fit well. Although I have some problems due to the changing levels of the vocals at times during this track. But the story starts to unfold in my head.

I am then lead into the "Desert Sand", somewhere I remember well. Again the music and vocals work well together to create what I hope is the desired imagery of the band. It's a land in which you should not be, and it burns as does this track. No problem with the vocals this time, an excellent track all round which I can listen to several times over. I'm scared but still alive at least.

Into the title track, "Machtmenschen" or "People Power?",I find this a little choppy again, both music and vocals. It does not possess the fluency of "Desert Sand", and I think could be improved upon and made into a much better track. In my opinion the further into the track it goes it seems to improve, but not quite enough. On the plus side, I really like the lyrics to this track and the message it sends.

So "Machtmenschen", is quickly forgotten as I know the "Bogeymormon" is coming to get me.This track apparently signified the birth of "Toothgnasher", and my own interest for that matter, and is a track that I always remember. I guess with lines like, "Joey can you hear me?" Toothgnasher is singing to Joseph Smith, perhaps Sumibraxis will let me know, as my Mormon history is not good. Irrespective of the anti-religious lyrics of the track whether you like them or not, this is once again just a great sound. But I am going to say it againI think it could be even better.

Mary-go-riot, well I have got a little lost now in the story but maybe I am trying to read something into what was never intended to be there, good track but very much the same problems as before. Nevertheless there is a lot there and it's an exciting sound and track.

The next track is "Dunkel Kunstler" (dark artist), with a great change in vocals, and although I have no problem with the previous vocals although there is room for improvement, but self-improvement to many of us is a way of life and I get the feeling "Toothgnasher" may feel the same way. This change in sound I approve of and enjoyed. Toothgnasher,is truly a "dark artist". No hint of Satanism or anything similar, but I still have visions of "Pinhead", wandering the corridors of "Boleskine House". Not a place for the faint-hearted to tread.

"Mentat" is another somewhat typical track with what we are told,are intentionally lower vocals than normal because "Toothgnasher" wants the voice to be a background instrument rather than the forefront. I say typical but there is still enough difference and potential in all of the tracks so far to make me want to listen. As for the voice in the background, this to me works better, and there is still plenty of it there. This for me just sounds right and I hope to hear more like this in the future.

"Soulgrinder", I should have escaped that house maybe while I had the chance but no this just draws you in further. I am continuing to like the change in vocals I first heard on "Dunkel Kunstler", the lyrics are good but meaningless somewhat as I am now lost in my own nightmare. I doubt this was intended but it's a good result.

The finale, Sore (Rememberance Remix, featuring NurseBellum), no disappointment here right from the start. Toothgnasher, felt strongly that this remix needed a home album beyond the "Sore Remix",and a very fitting home it got. Apparently the female vocalist, NurseBellum, will be on all future albums and a great move that will be and I look forward too. Pleased I got back to the lyrics before the end as this is a superb track.

When I see, something with the tag industrial on it, this is what in general I want to hear, I expected more than just notes and voice and that is what I got. If I really need to be killed with music and have break beats played on my grave, then let's start with this. Great sound for the most,and good thought provoking lyrics for those who want them. There's a little bit of a "Suicide Commando" feel to it but if you're trying to do this stuff that in my opinion is no bad thing. I hope the 7 score serves as an inspiration to do better and more. Mar 18 2012