Despite the album title, Stabbing Westward's star has never looked brighter. The industrial-influenced rock band first reached prominence with their last album, which spawned two radio hits. Now, with the song "Save Yourself" populating the pop rock airways, it seems as if Stabbing Westward are well on their way to reproducing the success of their first album.
There are 16 songs here, making for a long listen but a lot of music for the money. The band doesn't really stray from its industrial roots, producing mostly slow to mid-tempo songs, except for the radio hit "Save Yourself" and a couple of other songs. The variety of electronic noises adds an air of moody, contemplative depression that pervades the album.
The vocals are very direct yet melodic, rising and falling with the mood of the song. This is complemented by the lyrics, which tend to stress several themes continously, such as the longing for lost love to return, the realization of the insignifigence of man, and the wish for salvation from oneself.
With songs like the driving, angst-ridden rocker "Save Yourself," the slower paced, melancholy "Sometimes It Hurts", and the gloomy pain-filled balled of lost love "Waking Up Beside You", Stabbing Westward does an excellent job of drawing the listener into their world. The production values are first-rate, complementing the music with their crispness. While some may say that Stabbing Westward has "Sold Out" with their strong pop leanings and radio-friendly songs, the electronics, atmosphere, vocals, artwork, and the songwriting and style all still point strongly towards their industrial roots.
Overall, Stabbing Westward does an excellent job of slowly entwining the listener in their world of pain, hurt, and despair. While some listeners may not want to take such a journey, it is interesting and rewarding in its honesty and emotional release. Plus, this is some of the best industrial music to be released this year. RIYL: the latest Circle of Dust effort, NIN, Rammstein, and accessible industrial music in general.
By Joe Rockstroh (10/27/98)
