SKOLD: Dies Irae

I am by no means an expert when it comes to the Industrial metal genre and have not heard the name Tim Skold in my musical travels. Perhaps I should have as the multi-instrumentalist has been on the scene since the mid ‘80s and is perhaps best known for his work with Marilyn Manson although he has also worked with or was a member of a number of other bands and artists including KFMDM, Shotgun Messiah, Kingpin, The Newlydeads, Ohgr, Motionless In White and Nero Bellum. He also has five solo albums to his credit including his latest release titled Dies Irae, which is Latin for ‘Day of Wrath’. Given the title one can be sure this will not be a heartwarming listening experience, and that is confirmed with the first track “Dirty Horizon�. A heavy syncopated beat and razor-like guitar riffs along with distorted vocals give the track its edginess and the catchy chorus provides the hooks. Pulsating electronics and cool effects along with a slowly played keyboard define the next track “Unspoken�, even catchier than the first tune. The guitar enters with a vengeance adding some hefty riffs and a searing solo. On “The End is Near� the guitar riffs stop several times throughout the track making way for pronounced electronics and more enhanced vocals. With the next two tracks, “Terrified� and “Love is a Disease�, the use of electronics and drum machines reminded mew of Depeche Mode with the former featuring sinuous keyboards and clanking percussive sounds and the latter having majestic string synths giving off a symphonic vibe. Quite a range of diversity if you ask me. On “This is the Way� the heavy industrial riffage continues with a vengeance.

It is important to note Dies Irae is not only about heaviness and the added electronic elements and abundance of keyboards make this far from a one dimensional listen. There is much to appreciate here, earning a very good 3.5 stars.

Track Listing:
1. Dirty Horizon (4:00)
2. Unspoken (3:38)
3. The End is Near (3:38)
4. Terrified (4:10)
5. Love is a Disease (4:02)
6. This is the Way (3:14)
7. Silicon Dreams (3:36)
8. As Above, So Below (4:02)
9. Kill Yourself (3:56)
10. Goodbye (3:56)

Added: June 3rd 2021
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 780
Language: english

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