Description
Hellbent – Regurgitator – Compact Disc
Hellbent’s Regurgitator (1996) is an album by the American industrial and electronic music group Hellbent. Known for blending harsh industrial sounds, electronic beats, and experimental noise, Hellbent, with Regurgitator, delivers a chaotic yet structured mix of aggressive soundscapes typical of the mid-90s industrial scene. The band features contributions from members of various other underground industrial acts, giving the album a diverse yet cohesive industrial sound that draws on influences from noise, EBM (Electronic Body Music), and post-punk.
Regurgitator is firmly rooted in the industrial genre, known for its combination of abrasive, distorted sounds, mechanical rhythms, and dark, atmospheric elements. The album features heavy, distorted guitars, pounding drum machines, and layers of synthesizers that create an aggressive, dystopian soundscape.
Hellbent blends industrial with electronic music, using repetitive, electronic beats and incorporating experimental, noise-driven compositions. The songs often switch between rhythmic, danceable sections and dissonant, chaotic noise.
The overall tone of the album is dark, bleak, and heavy. The combination of synthetic sounds and distorted vocals gives the music an almost dystopian, apocalyptic feel, typical of industrial and experimental electronic acts of the time.
Key Tracks
“Regress”: A standout track on the album, “Regress” showcases Hellbent’s ability to combine punishing industrial noise with rhythmic electronic elements. The track is heavy, aggressive, and relentless, with pounding beats and distorted vocals that exemplify the band’s signature style.
“3 Murders, 3 Nights”: Another notable track, “3 Murders, 3 Nights” is more atmospheric and experimental, featuring dissonant synth lines and shifting rhythms. It plays with tension and release, building up chaotic noise and then breaking into more structured, rhythmic sections.
“Sensual Eventual”: This track combines eerie electronic melodies with aggressive, industrial beats, creating a contrast between melody and noise. The layering of sounds creates a complex sonic landscape that is both harsh and engaging.
Like much of industrial music, Regurgitator likely explores themes of dystopia, alienation, and the dehumanizing effects of technology and modern society. The harsh soundscapes reflect the sense of disconnection and frustration that is common in the industrial genre.
The aggressive tone of the music, combined with distorted, often unintelligible vocals, creates a sense of rebellion against societal norms. The lyrics may delve into themes of personal frustration, anger, and resistance, expressed through both the music’s intensity and the confrontational nature of the vocal delivery.
Hellbent’s use of experimental noise and dissonance reflects a fascination with chaos and disorder. The music frequently pushes the boundaries of structure, embracing the unpredictability of sound and texture to create a disorienting yet powerful experience.
The album prominently features distorted guitars that cut through the electronic textures, adding a metal-inspired edge to the tracks. Combined with the driving, repetitive beats of drum machines, the music creates a rhythmic backbone that is both mechanical and primal.
Hellbent uses synthesizers to generate the eerie, futuristic atmosphere of the album. The synth lines range from melodic to harsh, often intertwining with layers of noise and effects to produce a dense, immersive sound.
The vocals on Regurgitator are heavily processed and distorted, fitting the industrial aesthetic. They are often harsh, snarling, and buried within the mix, making them feel like part of the sonic landscape rather than the focal point of the songs.
Regurgitator fits within the broader industrial music scene of the mid-90s, a period when bands like Nine Inch Nails, Ministry, and Skinny Puppy were bringing industrial music to greater prominence. Hellbent’s sound, however, leans more toward the underground, experimental side of the genre, appealing to fans of more aggressive, noise-driven industrial acts.
While not as widely known as some of their contemporaries, Hellbent has a cult following among fans of industrial and experimental music. The chaotic and aggressive nature of Regurgitator resonates with listeners who appreciate the more abrasive and challenging aspects of the genre.
Regurgitator is part of a wave of albums that helped to push the boundaries of industrial music, blending it with elements of noise and electronic experimentation. The album’s willingness to embrace dissonance and chaos influenced later industrial and noise artists who sought to further blur the lines between genre conventions.
Hellbent’s Regurgitator (1996) is a bold, aggressive, and experimental album that blends industrial rock with harsh electronic noise and chaotic soundscapes. Its heavy use of distorted guitars, pounding electronic beats, and dissonant synthesizers creates a dark, dystopian atmosphere that reflects the alienation and frustration characteristic of industrial music. With its complex textures and relentless intensity, Regurgitator stands as a powerful example of 90s industrial music’s experimental edge, appealing to fans of the underground scene who appreciate raw, abrasive soundscapes and politically charged themes.
Invisible Records
Song List
1. Regress
2. 3 Murders, 3 Nights
3. Blue Monochrome
4. Electro
5. Chromed
6. Burnout
7. Forget You – (Dr. Speedlove mix)
8. 3D
9. Overloaded
10. Sleeper
11. Anti-Cool
12. Sensual Eventual
13. Bite Down
14. Spaz
15. Breathe
16. Arom
17. Tohyo
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