Description
Old – Formula – Cassette
Formula is the third studio album by the experimental metal band Old (sometimes stylized as O.L.D.), released in 1995. Old is known for their avant-garde approach to metal, blending elements of industrial, noise, and electronic music into their sound. The band was initially formed by former members of the grindcore band Reagan Youth.
OLD formed from the remains of Plotkin’s previous band, the short-lived grindcore act “Regurgitation”. OLD’s first album, entitled simply Old Lady Drivers, continued in the humorous, parodic style of grindcore which characterized Regurgitation’s material.
Formula marks a significant shift in Old’s sound, moving further away from their grindcore origins towards a more industrial and experimental style. The album incorporates electronic beats, industrial noise, and unconventional song structures, reflecting a more futuristic and synthetic sound. The themes of the album often explore dystopian and abstract concepts, delivered through a blend of harsh vocals and mechanized music.
Key Tracks:
“Last Look” – A track that showcases the album’s industrial elements with its mechanical rhythms and distorted vocals.
“Under Glass” – Known for its experimental structure and the use of electronic sounds to create a disorienting atmosphere.
“Break (You)” – Features heavy, grinding riffs combined with electronic elements, illustrating the fusion of metal and industrial music.
“Thug” – Highlights the band’s ability to create intense, driving music with an experimental edge.
Formula received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics appreciating the band’s bold departure from traditional metal forms and others finding the experimental approach challenging. Over time, the album has gained a cult following among fans of industrial and experimental metal for its innovative sound and willingness to push genre boundaries.
Legacy:
Old’s Formula is considered a significant album in the evolution of experimental and industrial metal. The band’s willingness to experiment and blend genres helped pave the way for future acts exploring similar sounds. While not a mainstream success, Formula is appreciated for its creativity and impact on the underground metal scene.
After releasing a split EP with Assück in 1990, Plotkin recruited former Nirvana bassist Jason Everman for their second album, Lo Flux Tube (1991). This album featured more avant-garde and industrial metal influences in addition to their basic tongue-in-cheek grindcore, giving them a sound which was compared by some reviewers to a more uptempo Godflesh. Lo Flux Tube also featured saxophone work by guest musician John Zorn.
OLD continued their avant-garde direction with their third album, The Musical Dimensions Of Sleastak (1993). The third track from that album, “Freak Now”, appeared on the soundtrack to the 1994 film Brainscan.
Also in 1993, the band released Hold On To Your Face, an album of remixes. At the time, the practice of remixing was virtually unheard of in heavy metal music. The band’s final album, Formula (1995), delved into further experimentation with techno and industrial music. OLD broke up shortly after releasing this album. Plotkin went on to pursue a successful career not just as a musician, but also as a record producer and remix artist, working with many notable musicians across a number of different genres, particularly drone, noise, and sludge metal.
For fans of industrial metal and experimental music, Formula by Old offers a unique and thought-provoking listening experience. The album stands as a testament to the band’s innovation and their contribution to the broader landscape of metal music.
Earache Records
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Song List
1. Last Look
2. Break (You)
3. Thug
4. Devolve
5. Under Glass
6. Rid
7. Amoeba
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