For what is known as a metal label, Earache made some interesting signings. After having been shown the light by ex-metal dark dubbists
Scorn, perhaps the way was paved for dark electronic act
Signs Ov Chaos. However,
Frankenscience proves that
Signs Ov Chaos are much more than an attempt at mimicry -- in many ways,
Signs Ov Chaos continue to carry the torch for beat-driven darkness where
Scorn's sound becomes increasingly atmospheric.
Frankenscience takes on a sinister darkness and blends it with dub and ambient sensibilities, only to crossbreed it with breaks and minimized dance beats -- all to great effect. Muted basses compete against hollow interrupted percussions, with the odd detuned sample or string for that special haunted something. When
Frankenscience is not the quiet promise of threat, it is downright scary (such as strange ebbs and heartbeat percussion in "Thee Devil's Tongue"). The sounds themselves are well-crafted, and
Signs Ov Chaos seem to have made it their business to find the delicate balance points between fewer sounds via an obsessive attention to detail. The result is more powerful than a full sonic canvas (such as "Honey," which builds an anxious urgency from only a few simultaneous voices). The method works for the most part, with perhaps a few tracks not achieving the level of polish or development as the rest of the release (the small experiments with the flanged percussion and the looping deep voice sample cannot sustain the darkness or interest in "Pheel Thee Pulse"). However, with 15 full-length tracks, there is hardly a problem with solid material on this release with the remainder. The majority that are perfectly realized each model their own slice of darkness, and it is hard to get tired of this release if you buy into the basic premise. This is definitely one to try loud in an unlit room. ~ Theo Kavadias