Combichrist Album: “Everybody Hates You [PA]”

So, you are 1/3 of one of the most respected and imitated groups in the synthpop scene, what do you do?

a. Go on and keep doing what you're doing.

b. Try and kill your previous work by releasing mediocre records.

c. Put out a project that no one can truly comprehend but still refer to it as a force to be reckoned with.

C of course!!!

Andy knows best, that's all I can say after following Combichrist's history. Bringing a band into the scene that's so recognizable and so impressive that blows everyone away. Combichrist's latest work is Everybody Hates You, a groove packed effort that releases all of andy's alter ego thru lyrics.

Songs like "this s%^$ will F*(k you up" and "This is my rifle" show the genius behind a properly composed dance floor hit while songs like "enjoy the abuse" and "happy fu*&in' birthday" are a verbal assault laid on top of fantastic layers of abrasive grooves that bear the sound of Combichrist.

You won't be dissapointed.

Being a big fan of Icon of Coil, I try to make an effort to check out Andy LePlegua's side projects. I have to admit I am not big on Panzer Ag. The music didn't really stood out with me but it did not stop me from checking out Combichrist. I recently bought the latest Combichrist cd "Everybody Hates You". I have to say that I enjoyed this much more than Panzer Ag's first cd. The cd starts off with the thunderous "This s*it Will Fcuk You Up". The fast paced beats were in your face and aggressive. The momentum continues with "Enjoy the Abuse". Combichrist is definitely more aggressive musically than Icon of Coil but they still maintain that same melodic sensibility. You can certainly hear it in "Today I Woke to the Rain of Blood". The lyrics are a lot darker than IoC's and Andy's vocals not so polished. Andy takes on a more aggressive approach when he sings. The momentum in the songs never dies down. The energy rages on through out the cd. After listening to "Everybody Hates You", I am excited I will be seeing the band live this fall when they hit the road with KMFDM.

Though I am more of a dark industrial fan with tastes aligning more to the likes of Skinny Puppy (ie. Too Dark Park) than the more techno-based musical styles, I certainly don't mind a little more of the later either. Combichrist's "Everybody Hates You" is full of dancy, catchy songs that are great for a night at the club. A few of the songs can get a little repetative, such as "Happy F***ing Birthday", which is my least favorite track on the album. "This Is My Rifle," and "Blut Royale," are a couple of my favorites and are heard in the clubs quite a bit of late.

Lyrically, "Everybody Hates You" is not particularly inspired, but when you're dancing that is not really the most important thing.

Overall, this album may not be my favorite for listening to at home, and I rarely do. But if you're looking for some upbeat, fast-paced, edgy, dance music, this is certainly something to consider for any fan of the genre.

Here's a step-by-step procedure on how to see what Combichrist's music feels like.

1. Go out to your car, reach under your hood, and grab a big handful of that black greasy stuff that inevitably builds up.

2. smear it all over your face.

3. walk to the nearest window.

4. smash your face into the window as hard as you can. Be sure to get the teeth.

5. Smear your face across the concrete below you.

This music is AWESOME.

I bought Combichrist's 3 newest albums before I bought this one, but this one takes the gold. They're all awesome albums though.