Description
Health – Vol 4 Slaves Of Fear – Vinyl Record
Vol. 4: Slaves of Fear is the fourth studio album by the American experimental noise rock band HEALTH, released on February 8, 2019, via Loma Vista Recordings. This album continues the band’s evolution from their earlier noise rock roots into a more refined sound that blends elements of industrial, noise, electronic music, and darkwave. HEALTH is known for pushing sonic boundaries, combining harsh textures with atmospheric melodies, and ‘Vol. 4: Slaves of Fear’ is no exception.
Vol. 4: Slaves of Fear is a deeply intense and dark album that explores themes of anxiety, fear, and dystopia. The album’s title reflects a sense of being trapped in a cycle of fear, and the music mirrors this with its dense layers of distorted synths, pounding beats, and haunting vocals.
The album leans heavily into industrial music, with mechanical, repetitive beats driving much of the album’s intensity. There’s a heavy sense of atmosphere throughout, with distorted textures and dark, brooding synth lines that create a tense, oppressive feeling. While the album is filled with noise and aggression, there are still moments of melodic beauty that shine through, especially in the vocals, creating a balance between chaos and melancholy.
Key Tracks:
‘Slaves of Fear’ – The title track is a powerful anthem of fear and submission, with distorted, crushing beats and haunting, almost desperate vocals. It’s one of the standout tracks that encapsulates the album’s themes of existential dread and anxiety.
‘Feel Nothing’ – A fast-paced, intense track with pulsating synths and driving rhythms. The lyrics reflect emotional numbness and detachment, common themes in the album.
‘Black Static’ – This track has a more ambient, eerie feel, combining industrial elements with atmospheric synth layers. It creates a haunting, dystopian soundscape.
‘The Message’ – One of the album’s more melodic tracks, it juxtaposes a smoother, almost pop-like vocal melody against a backdrop of dark, heavy production.
‘Strange Days (1999)’ – A standout track with a blend of cinematic, futuristic soundscapes and a heavy electronic beat, offering a sense of disillusionment with modern society.
Much of the album’s lyrical content revolves around feelings of dread, uncertainty, and existential fear. It reflects a sense of societal and personal collapse, mirrored by the dark, industrial soundscapes. The music and lyrics together create an atmosphere of a dystopian, technology-driven future where emotions are numbed and individuals are enslaved by fear. Themes of isolation, emotional numbness, and detachment from reality are prevalent, giving the album an introspective and melancholic tone.
Vol. 4: Slaves of Fear solidified HEALTH as a major force in the industrial and noise rock scenes, with its ability to blend harsh, aggressive sounds with more melodic and emotional undertones. The album has been praised for its intense energy and dark, apocalyptic vision, resonating with fans of bands like Nine Inch Nails, Ministry, and Crystal Castles.
For fans of heavy, experimental, and emotionally charged music, Vol. 4: Slaves of Fear offers a compelling and immersive experience that challenges and rewards listeners with its complex, dark sound.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Psychonaut
Feel Nothing
God Botherer
Black Static
Co-producer – Stint
Loss Deluxe
NC-17
The Message
Rat Wars
Strange Days (1999)
Wrong Bag
Slaves of Fear
Decimation
