Search - Erase Negate Delete :: Just Like This

Danceable Industrial Death Rock with Post Punk elements

A. Cianciola | Inland Empire, CA USA | 04/21/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I came across Erase Negate Delete (END) as a suggestion from cdbaby and really enjoyed the sample they had up of "Only a Machine". Coincidently END is a side project of The Order of the Fly, who I was planning on going to see for the first time a couple weeks later. END features Ralphie Repulsive on lead vocals and a variety of instruments, along with vocal and synth contributions from J'syn Thetic, and live drums by Danny Disaster. There are also appearances by Abby Noxious, and former Order guitarist Nathan Nothing. END has some elements in common with The Order of the Fly, but is a different kind of monster that stands tall on its own. END is synth-driven, danceable death rock with heavy industrial and post punk elements.



"In Control" is a harsh throbbing and oozing soundscape of hard industrial distortion with shimmering synth. The vocals are a clear rhythmic snarl with just a slight distortion to give it a dark malicious feel.

"Only a Machine" has danceable pulsating synth with lush electronic instrumentation. This track is as good as anything on the classic Nine Inch Nails release Pretty Hate Machine, on which it would also fit stylistically. The lyrics tell of how the time clock turns a man into a machine and the loss of self that becomes a malevolent malfunctioning automaton. "Arrival of the Worms" has a massive driving beat entwined with creeping electronics. Behind the chorus is some gorgeous metal guitar lead riffing that is masterfully blended with the electronic instrumentation. The verse vocals are an anguished teeth baring growl, while the chorus is melodic soulful calm before the storm. The contrast between the verse and chorus is stunning and works well with the lyrical atmosphere of the world burning to the ground and our lack of sorrow as we "hail the arrival of the worms". "This Ceaseless Aching" starts with a buzzing robotic voice with an underlying spoken voice following the lyrics. This song is catchy and mid-tempo with upbeat melodic synthesizers. The vocals are really beautiful and properly emote the heartfelt lyrics. The echoing voices behind the chorus sound just like the obsessive voices in your head that weigh the logic and heart of feeling broken inside. "Disintegrate" starts with slow ringing keyboards and occasional buzzes of distortion. This song sounds like the desolation of post nuclear fallout. The verse vocals are the semblance of a ghost spoken whisper in your ear, while the chorus sings of the last traces of hope. This song is the bitter sound of the world ending.



END has all the traditional elements of industrial but never falls into clichés and successfully incorporates the style, feel, and ideals of synth heavy electronica, death rock and post punk. Most industrial sounds so cold and inhuman, and relies far to much effects, distorted vocals and bizarre lyrics. What sets END apart is that there is a warmth to their sound that reminds you that there is a human running the electronic instruments. The song structures and lyrics are extremely strong, and ripe with experimentation but never getting too caught up in effects and weird sounds just for the sake of it. Fans of Skinny Puppy and Nine Inch Nails should buy this without a second thought. If you are interested in industrial and electronic music but looking for something that will grab you by the heart and mind you should check this out.

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