Review Summary: “For what we are about to do, may the Lord make us truly spiteful...”
Angelspit are a very noisy band. From the very beginning, they relied on the shock factor, creating wave after wave of sonic explosions, all the while dressing up as demonic entities. The premise was simple: have a girl (Destroyx) and guy (Zoog) shouting at the top of their lungs through vocoders in freaky harmony. Backed by electro-punk industrial music, the band’s sound was catchy, terrifying, and consistently aggressive. Although they slipped up with
Blood Death Ivory, a rather boring album, they got back on their feet to create
Hideous and Perfect, a dark, pummeling affair. They were a band in forward motion, and it seemed like nothing could stop them. How unsurprising it is, then, that Angelspit’s newest album,
Hello My Name Is, is as excellent as usual.
Hello My Name Is bares much resemblance to
Krankhaus, which proves that Angelspit’s identity is intact, although they are only tipping their hats to the past. One might suggest that Angelspit are a one-trick pony, and have beaten the horse to death, but really, Angelspit’s style is such that it can constantly evolve, yet still remain true to its roots. Their sound is a muddy mess of brazen beats, glitchy electro, and massively distorted guitars. When they shout, “You will know us by our trail of static”, they really are describing their music.
Hello My Name Is showcases the band at its most complete, with every aspect of their sound given equal weight. They seem to be focusing less on the shock factor, and more on creating a self-containing atmosphere with less slapdash work. The songs are naturally creepy, so there is no need for absolutely massive beats, or any other attempts at compensation.
At its root, Angelspit is punk, acting against today’s society. Their lyrics are a combination of biting satire and words meant to terrify, and lo and behold, they intensify the music:
“My ghost with a knife.....
My ghost with a knife; gets the job done right
My ghost with a knife; gets the job done right”.
However, no matter how creepy the album gets, it is still quite enjoyable. In fact, slight melodies have been implemented in this album, which add an air of pleasant predictability. For example, the song ‘Defibrillator’ has both Zoog and Destroyx trying sung vocals, and the result is quite endearing. With a bit of melody, songs are instantly catchier as the electro bits bop, and the guitar gives hook filled riffs.
There is no doubt that
Hello My Name Is is the band's most accessible release. However catchy the music is, though, it is equally dark, terrifying, and driven by anger. Angelspit are more or less doing what they always do, which is creating pissed off music, but this time it’s quite impacting.
Hello My Name Is is their best album since
Krankhaus, and even shows them improving their formula. If there was ever a time to listen to Angelspit’s music, now would be the time.