REVIEW: The M.E.M.O.R.Y. Lab review in OUTBURN, CHRONICLES OF CHAOS

OUTBURN MAGAZINE

CHRONICLES OF CHAOS
http://www.chroniclesofchaos.com/reviews/albums/2-6000_the_memory_lab_the_memory_lab.aspx

With a too-cute acronym standing for the unwieldy "Modern Expressing Machines of Revolutionary Youth", this possesses all the hallmarks of youthful fervour and creativity. Such enthusiasm is short lived and this is essentially their entire discography, barring one or two songs. After disbanding in 1999, vocalist Nicola Curri (a.k.a. Old Nick) worked as a visual artist while partner Marc Urselli achieved widespread acclaim as a three-time Grammy award-winning engineer.
Aggressive shouted and distorted vocals overlay a synthesis of cold electronic textures and furious metal riffs and drumming. The latter are all "borrowed" from other artists, the most recognisable being the drums from the Sepultura classic "Territory" looped on "To Go All the Way". Although the sound is fairly consistent (as it should be with a Grammy winner on board) the songs vary widely in quality and complexity, with several sounding just too repetitive. This is not as angry as the digital hardcore that defines their label, but the atmospheres are darker and more oppressive than anything spawned by Atari Teenage Riot and their offspring. Give this one a spin if you enjoyed Ministry at their creative peak. [Quentin Kalis (7.5 out of 10)]