Terra Firma Vs. The Atmosphere

Editorial Reviews
Richard Maaranen
B-Test Zine January 1999 Part 3 of The Cataclysm Single - Terra Firma Vs. The Atmosphere

With the release of Terra Firma Vs. The Atmosphere, the trilogy of the Cataclysm Singles boxset is complete. This time the focus is clearly on industrial music with vocals as there aren't any instrumental ambient or pure noise tracks to be found here. But even within that category there's some variation between the electro dance bands, the heavy guitar ones and the ones that fit somewhere inbetween. The artists range from well-established acts in the underground and rapidly improving ones over to red hot new talents.

The first six or so tracks fit into the high-tech electro industrial dance category. Things start off with the dark techno of Fatal Blast Whip's "Invasion (X-Files Remix)" and Joshua Bourke's "Seven (Remix)". The former convincingly portrays a bleak yet fast moving future while the latter has a more relaxed dance groove due to the remixing job done by I.V.88.

Next, Temple of the Times makes a successful sophmore appearance with the hard beats and low distorted vocals of "Bloodstained" that breaks the Deitiphobia comparsion made to their previous effort. If that doesn't infuse the dark dance floor with some energy then A Different Kind of Cop's "Concession" may do the trick. The song's punchy programming and distorted vocals are interspersed with ambient goth interludes and the emotional robotic whails of "I'm not a machine!".

Evonica completes their Cataclysm Singles hat trick with the melodic synth-pop industrial track "Denial's Hypodermic". Very impressive stuff thats sure to put a big grin on your face. Skindot falls in at position six with "Distraught", a catchy, accessible number with distorted synth melodies being meshed with industrial beats.

At track number seven, Incorporated starts off a string of guitar-industrial tracks that pretty much runs all the way to the end of the CD. "F#9mm" does have a cool grunge feel to it but followers of Blacklight's activities will be disappointed when they realize that this is exactly the same track that the label used on their Escape the Furance compilation. After that slip The Way Sect Bloom's classic, easily recognizable, positive minded, techno-industrial rock track "Subsidize" makes an appearance to draw you back to the dance floor.

Mosh pit metal is next on the menu with the heavy driving guitars and mechanical effects of Jagged Doctrine's "So Inspired" followed by New Society's harsh, death tinged "Altered Self" which continues their extreme streak.

globalwavesystem temporarily cools the pace with the easy listening, singalongable guitar-electro blend of "Fountain" which is then dwarfed in comparision by the extreme industrial metal noise chaos of Seek's "Revelation". Ever wonder what Mental Destruction would sound like with a thrash guitar player? Then Seek should be on your list of bands to check out.

Toxic Church returns from a five year hiatus with a brand new track called "Turn Around". And yes he's still up to his old tricks of loop the sample, bury the vocals and play simple guitar patterns. I hate to say this but I was disappointed in the lack of progression from his old formula. Fortunately, the last three tracks prove to be more enjoyable. Culture Whore's "Conflict" and Rackets & Drapes brand new track "Lullaby" both go for industrial goth metal. The former takes a speedy, electro blip filled approach while the latter has smoother guitars combined with cathedral ambient synths and haunting vocals.

Matt Frantz, who did a great job on the artwork for the Cataclysm Singles series, concludes the CD with his newest noise project Shuriken. "Scorched" has yelled out spoken word like Graphic Verses only with more structured, interesting industrial noise.

Terra Firma Vs. The Atmosphere is a showcase for hot new talent like Temple of The Times, Evonica, Seek and Culture Whore which are raising the bar for all industrial bands as we enter into the new millennium. An excellent industrial compilation well worth the investment and a serious contender for top spot in the genre. - by Richard Maaranen

Product Description
Surround yourselves into the warzone of the brutal realities of planet Earth as you experience the war of light and darkness. Grasp the reality of the major cataclysms and final conflict between Terra Firma and The Atmosphere. Join the musical forces of planet Earth in the struggle to ignite the revolt against the powers of the atmosphere. Terra Firma vs. The Atmosphere brings together 16 international sub-culture bands to the front lines of warfare for the final defensive and offensive stand for Earth. Simply listen to begin your journey within realm of the final compilation in "The Cataclysm Singles" and take back terra firma with the means of musical warfare in 74 minutes. This cd is simply another MUST title for anyone who likes sub-culture music or is a collector of series & set cds.

Terra Firma Vs. The Atmosphere

Terra Firma Vs. The Atmosphere,various artists

Terra Firma Vs. The Atmosphere

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