Description
Treponem Pal – Aggravation – Cassette
Aggravation is the debut studio album by the French industrial metal band Treponem Pal, released in 1989. Known for their pioneering sound that blends industrial, metal, and hardcore punk, Treponem Pal quickly established themselves as one of the leading forces in the French underground metal scene with this album. Their music is characterized by heavy, distorted guitars, mechanical rhythms, and an overall aggressive atmosphere that pushes the boundaries of the industrial and metal genres.
Treponem Pal was formed in Paris in 1986, named after the bacteria that causes syphilis, which reflects their penchant for dark, intense, and often confrontational themes. The band’s sound was influenced by early industrial acts like Godflesh and Ministry, as well as the hardcore punk and metal scenes. With Aggravation, they presented a unique blend of crushing guitar riffs, electronic elements, and harsh vocals, helping to define the burgeoning industrial metal movement in Europe.
The lineup during the recording of “Aggravation” included frontman Marco Neves, guitarist Michel Bassin, bassist Didier B., and drummer Etienne Nicolas. Their music on this album stands out for its ability to blend mechanical, industrial beats with the ferocity of metal, creating a sound that was ahead of its time.
Aggravation delivers a harsh, abrasive sonic experience that merges industrial soundscapes with metal heaviness. Each track showcases Treponem Pal’s unique fusion of genres, creating a dark and immersive atmosphere.
Aggravation is characterized by its raw aggression, blending the brutality of metal with the cold, mechanical feel of industrial music. The album’s themes likely revolve around frustration, alienation, and rebellion against societal norms. The fusion of electronic beats and heavy guitar riffs creates a unique soundscape that feels both dystopian and intense, capturing the disillusionment and anger that the band’s music expresses.
The production, overseen by Franz Treichler, known for his work with The Young Gods, adds an industrial polish to the raw energy of the band, ensuring that the mechanical precision of the beats and the distortion-heavy guitar work are both clear and impactful.
Aggravation was well-received in the underground metal and industrial scenes, particularly in Europe, where Treponem Pal gained a cult following. The album’s innovative blend of industrial and metal was seen as groundbreaking, helping to push the boundaries of both genres. While it may not have achieved mainstream success, Aggravation has been recognized for its contribution to the development of industrial metal as a genre.
Aggravation has come to be seen as a pioneering album in the industrial metal movement, influencing other bands that sought to blend metal’s aggression with electronic and industrial elements. Its raw, mechanical sound set a standard for the genre and helped cement Treponem Pal’s reputation as trailblazers.
Aggravation remains an important album in the industrial metal genre, known for its dark, aggressive sound and its fusion of metal and industrial music. Treponem Pal’s debut set the stage for future industrial metal acts, showing how the cold precision of industrial music could be married with the intensity of heavy metal.
For fans of industrial metal, Aggravation is a must-listen, offering a powerful and uncompromising sonic experience that captures the essence of the genre in its early days. The album stands as a testament to Treponem Pal’s innovative approach to music and their lasting influence on the industrial and metal scenes.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal
Roadrunner Records
Track Listing
1. Rest Is A War
2. What Does It Mean?
3. Love
4. Out With No Flag
5. Fugative Soul
6. Sweet Coma
7. T.V. Matic
8. Radioactivity
9. You Got What You Deserve
