Circle of Dust - Brainchild (1994)Release ID: 4249
1992 was the year when Circle of Dust's self-titled debut in its poor form compared to its re-recording. That same year, founder Klayton worked with Doug Mann on a different project Brainchild, releasing their sole album Mindwarp. The following year, R.E.X. wanted another album by Circle of Dust, but because most of the money was already used for the Brainchild project, Klayton decided to have Mindwarp re-released in 1994 as that second Circle of Dust release, with Brainchild becoming the album title.
Around that time, the band was part of the Christian music scene, and people were complaining about the secular "devilish" lyrical nature. But why should those people be the boss? Dark music and lyrics complete with samples more haunted than reversed hidden messages!? Count me in!
We're already getting into the band's different heavier sound in "Cranial Tyrant" which is like a more upbeat Godflesh. "Telltale Crime" is a highlight a lot more people need to hear more of. The Mindwarp edition originally had an audio sample from Geraldo Rivera in the intro that was then removed. "Prayers of a Dead Man" is just re-recorded in its entirely, and just like many tracks in the debut, it's better and more metal than the original. "Regressor (Aggressive Mix)" has many audio samples like this one from Robocop 2, "HE'S A KILLER, I SAW IT!" Anyone more familiar with Klayton's current more famous project Celldweller can be pleasantly surprised by his work in Circle of Dust. There's also a remix of that track by Battlejuice.
"Enshrined" is more industrial, way different from the heavier modern metal bands I enjoy like Imminence and Sylosis. Then there's "Course of Ruin", a highlight of heartful aggression. Klayton made quite a brave statement for America in this highlight "Descent". The future of America is the country citizen's hands...
"Deviate" I dig much more, and this is the only second song I've heard from Circle of Dust, the first one being the title track of the comeback album Machines of Our Disgrace. Klayton has done an amazing job combining the industrial metal and samples of Ministry with Slayer-like thrash. The remastered version gives the song fresher dynamic. You can headbang while playing the air-guitar and starting a mosh pit! The "DON'T MAKE ME USE THIS!! ONE STEP CLOSER, I'M WARNING YA!" part is from Ren and Stimpy. It's a little shocking that this band is of Christian background, though I'm speaking as someone who is not Christian. This is more for those who want to destroy everything in sight, in video games, of course. "Who's got the shotgun!?" Another superb track is "Pale Reflection" if you're up for some loud distortion and Blade Runner samples. I just love the gothic-ish industrial metal finale "Aggressor (Regressive Mix)", especially the whispered screams and samples, "Behave yourself!"
Once again, I'm reviewing the remastered edition which comes with an hour-long bonus disc of special treats. Some of you might've already heard "Contagion" in Machines of Our Disgrace, but it's quite fitting here as well. Some of the best lyrics, riffs, keys, and samples can be found here, almost like it's meant to be in Brainchild. "Deviate" gets the remix treatment, and is one of the best remixes by Blue Stahli! Their cover of Steve Taylor's "Am I in Sync?" is a little odd but still OK. It is followed by the original Mindwarp editions of "Deviate", "Telltale Crime", and "Prayers of a Dead Man". I like the "Deviate" demo the best, sounding strong, even without the midsection commentary.
The remaining bonus tracks are some more "Dust" instrumental demo tracks, live versions of two tracks, and an instrumental version of the remix, all great but don't do too much. I'll give my perfect 5-star rating to the main album. If this review doesn't convince you to check out this industrial metal gem, I don't know what would. Come and get it!
Favorites: "Telltale Crime", "Course of Ruin", "Descent", "Deviate", "Aggressor (Regressive Mix)", "Contagion", "Deviate (Blue Stahli Remix)", "Deviate (1992)"
