MONSTER VOODOO MACHINE
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Canada's Monster Voodoo Machine made a brief splash on the industrial metal scene back in the early '90s before breaking up. Then, rising from the ashes of their initial break-up, Monster Voodoo Machine reformed for "Direct Action Now" and toured with OzzFest '98. After picking up their previous effort, "Suffersystem," I was surprised to learn was that Monster Voodoo Machine had employed a DJ/sampler long before the industrial rock idea became mainstream in 1998.
Hardcore basics are prevalent in the band's sound, but it is still fair to make comparisons to the industrial noise scene. However, Monster Voodoo Machine are relentless in their approach - every single space is consumed by noise, beats, guitars, drum blasts, and whatever noise the band's instruments can be coaxed or beaten into making.
"Fetal Position" is likely the best track here; it employs a deft combination of pounding rhythms, percussive beats, and sling-shot guitar; Roddy Bottom, of Faith No More fame, contributes keyboards to this track.
"Copper Theft" sounds amazing like what Dope sounds like, yet you have to realize this was recorded in 1994 nearly five years before Dope's debut saw the light of day on the national scene. This is not hard to imagine as the line-up for MVM circa-1994 was comprised of the same set-up as Dope: two guitars, bass, drums, and a DJ/sampler.
Overall, "Suffersystem" is one of those records that actually preceded a big change in the heavy metal scene, but like most bands ahead of their time Monster Voodoo Machine were not lucky enough to benefit from it.
Monster Voodoo Machine is Adam "Doom" Sewell on vocals, percussion, and piano; Darren Quinn and Jason Cuddy on guitar; Terry Landry on bass, Dean Bentley on drums, and Stacey "DJ Big Buck Bingo" Hoskin.
Although Monster Voodoo Machine has bit the dust, you can keep up to date on what MVM alumni are doing by clicking http://www.lunaticfringe.org/~schizoid/MVM/ and suffer for the good of us all.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the
cover makes you wanna hurl.
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