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Review: Angelspit - Blood Death Ivory

Written by Pacdan

I was very excited to hear that Angelspit had a new album coming out this year. Not so much because I’d been really impressed by the band in the past, but simply because 2008 looks to be a really lackluster year for releases - so any addition to that list is very welcome. Don’t get me wrong, I like some songs from Krankhaus and Nurse Grenade - but no more than a few from each. So, I was kind of surprised going listening to Blood Death Ivory to find that there’s not one bad song on the entire CD. I’d go as far as to say there’s not one less than pretty darn great song on the entire CD.

So what’s different this time? Well first off, the lyrics are so much better this time around. The band has obviously matured a lot and, while they still show off the band’s trademark lewdness and sarcasm, the songs really benefit. Also, to me anyways, the album seems a lot lighter and more melodic than Krankhaus. It’s still an electronics festival in full form, but used to create a much more musical effect compared to the sometimes irritating noise on previous releases. Some hardcore industrial fans mind find this to be objectionable, but for me it’s a huge improvement. The vocals also go in a lighter direction, with more real melodies and the female vocals coming to the forefront of the album. It’s a huge improvement, making the songs much more listenable.

Blood Death Ivory takes all my favorite parts of Angelspit’s music and makes them even better, while simultaneous dropping everything I didn’t like. The result is just amazing, I really couldn’t think of anything that needs to be improved on this album. It is just a bit short, but with all the songs being this good it’s still a much better value than most albums that are half filler. Highlights are Devilicious, Skinny Little Bitch, Kill Kitty, and Girl Poison - but the entire album has made it’s way to my normal shuffle playlist. Any complaints of “selling out” are completely unjustified, Blood Death Ivory creates a perfect balance of innovative electronics and traditional sensibilities, witty lyrics and catchy melodies, all without losing everything that made this band unique. Though it hasn’t had a lot of strong competition, this is easily the best album of 2008 so far. 10/10

Free MP3 of Skinny Little Bitch available here on last.fm.