Brainchild - Mindwarp (Re-issue)

Now this is more like it! Where Scott Albert failed with the first Circle of Dust release, he more than made up for it when he teamed up with Doug Mann to create Brainchild. This album still continues in that industrial metal hybrid style, but this is way more punishing than the CoD album. 

Mindwarp was originally released in 1992. In 1994, the album was re-mixed and re-recorded and released under the Circle of Dust name with Brainchild as the album title instead of the band name. I’ve never had the privilege of hearing the second version of this album, but the first version is full of killer tunes. The music here is brutal, very aggressive, and angry. The vocals, while still utilizing some clean vocals here and there like CoD did a lot, are mostly distorted/computerized screams. And the songs themselves are very addicting and dig their razor sharp talons into your brain and don’t let go….from the rapid fire opener, “Cranial Tyrant” to the doomy, “Pale Reflection”. About the only song that I just don’t care for too much is “Telltale Crime”. Not a bad song, but after seeing the lame video the band did for it I can’t get myself to enjoy the song anymore.

Anyways…the band also uses a ton of samples. Almost every time that they music lets up even just a little bit there seems to be some sort of sample voice or sound. Some of them may be a little overused, but some are very cool and give you a better idea what the lyrics are talking about. One that I never even noticed until today is in the apocalyptic song “Descend”. The song talks about the decline of America and how we are descending further into ruin. Well, amidst all the destruction and chaos of the song, you hear the lone voice every so faint….”we’re all responsible for this.” How very true when you think of the fact that it’s not only the fault of those who seek evil, but those who do nothing about it.

This disc is limited to 1000 copies and has been digitally re-mastered, and includes lyrics and enhanced artwork. Overall, if you love industrial influenced metal, this is a strong album that should not let you down.

Rating: 79/100

Review By: Matt Morrow

Label: Retroactive Records

Total Songs: 10

Total Time: 50:56

Tracklisting: 1. Cranial Tyrant, 2. Telltale Crime, 3. Prayers of a Dead Man, 4. Regressor (Aggressive Mix), 5. Enshrined, 6. Course of Ruin, 7. Descend, 8. Deviate, 9. Pale Reflection, 10. Aggressor (Regressive Mix).

Best Songs: Tracks 1, 5, 7, 8, and 9.

Band Lineup: Scott Albert & Doug Mann

Band Website: ?