Encryption Glora Sin En[Rypt10n www.encryptionmusic.com

New York’s Encryption (Reggie S.)launch into their latest release with a jet engine scream and a harried electronic beat, rhythmic noise that doesn’t grab your attention but assaults it.  In short, the track "No Escaping" is like an aural version of "The Matrix" on speed. From there begin the tinny guitar chords of "Digital Superstar", sounding very much like KMFDM with its electronic beeps, churning guitar, and slow, droning vocals.  In fact, it’s almost as if Encryption has taken it upon itself to record the b-side of KMFDM’s "Virus."

"Led To Nowhere" is a mix of death metal guitar and hardcore vocals.  Think Skinny Puppy meets Slayer and you’re getting pretty close.  It’s caustic and it’s loud.  

Encryption’s influences continue to show on "Get Me Out Of Here" with it’s low-tech drum beats and bass it sounds like something of which Alec Empire would be very proud.

If Marilyn Manson had sex with a dog (again, Skinny Puppy) that spawn would in turn be molested by Atari Teenage Riot,  resulting in the blistering "Animal Kingdom."

The album continues along in its homage of various bands, even coming close to sounding like Robert Smith on the gothic "Energy In Motion."  It’s not until the penultimate track "Slave Scars" that the release demonstrates something truly intriguing.  This second to last song welcomes the listener to a world run by operational drones.  It’s a little bit cheesy, but the machine line beats and spiking riffs make the song work, standing above all other tracks as the best on the disc.  Unfortunately this is followed by the anti-climactic "Glora Sin."  After the high of "Slave Scars" its a weak track in which to end the album.

There are hints of every nearly every major industrial band on this CD, but little identity of who or what Encryption really is.  At one moment it’s rhythmic noise, another death-metal guitars and robot beats.  That’s fine, but there is a lack of cohesion needed to bring the different tracks together.  Still, there’s hope as the song "Slave Scars" gives a glimpse as to what Encryption is capable if only the many influences were more subdued.

Key Tracks: "Slave Scars", "Rise To Your Feet"

Copyright © Michael A. Diaz