Nine Inch Nails - "Sound & Vision" 2xDVD

Well-done collector's set (with caveat)

As another unauthorized repackaging job from Pride Productions (aka Chrome Dreams), this double-DVD documentary set is recommended only for those who are aware of it's contents. I figure, since this is a review, I should be responsible and forewarn serious fans.

The first disc is actually "Metal Machine Music - Nine Inch Nails And The Industrial Uprising", reviewed by me already here:

Metal Machine Music - NIN And The Industrial Uprising

So, I needn't go into details on that one. 

The second disc is a collection of seemingly random TV interviews with Trent Reznor -- ranging from early 90s Canadian TV stuff to mid-2000s "With Teeth" and soundtrack-era clips. Despite the shady premise here, there are many great insights to be had (at least for NIN fans like myself). In short, this is a superb collection.

Again, nowhere on the package does it state exactly what 2 DVDs are included, so those who already own "Metal Machine Music" may feel ripped off. At least the second interview disc (which I couldn't find under any other name) holds some good info and entertainment value. 

It pays to be a skeptic on releases like this one, but thankfully there remains enough quality content to make this one worthwhile to fans.

Pride Productions UK via MVD VIsual

NIN dot com

Marilyn Manson - "Innersanctum" DVD

Fine biographical doc of Brian Warner's alter ego

This unauthorized biographical film spans only an hour, and only examines his career up to 2007's "Eat Me, Drink Me" album, but it's fairly well-done, despite a few minor indiscrepancies (Manson's early influences included Nine Inch Nails and "Kill Kult(?)". Ah, a little research, please, wouldn't do harm, now, would it?

Minor complaints aside, "Innersanctum" includes many Manson interviews from TV, as well as fan viewpoints, and traces a solid path from the band's inception in Florida in the 90s to the mega-stardom of "Antichrist Superstar" and beyond. Most of the important points are highlighted, from Columbine to drugs to pop stardom, from Anton LaVey to Dita Von Teese. Even Manson's then-fledgling painting career is examined. So, I'd say it's a well-done documentary, encompassing most of the important facets of Marilyn Manson's rise to fame.

"Innersanctum" doesn't bring anything new to the overflowing table of Manson documentaries, but it is well enough done to recommend, especially to serious fans.

Entertain Me Group

Jakalope - "Things That Go Jump In The Night" album

What the hell happened here? Known best for his work with industrial-horror pioneers Skinny Puppy (and to a lesser degree, Nine Inch Nails), producer extraordinaire Dave "Rave" Ogilvie's new band is squeaky-clean radio pop, complete with teen-sheen singer whose vocals resemble Gwen Stefani, if you're into that kinda thing. Ehh, no. (604 Records)

Jakalopespace

Jakalope site

"Fix - The Ministry Movie"

This is one I'm looking very forward to purchasing as soon as it's out...newest trailer up first:

16Volt catalog for FREE

I've had a long history with Eric Powell and his venerable industrial/machine rock band 16Volt. While doing my own independent music zine, Godsend, back in the early 90's during the heyday of the Wax Trax! scene, I received a demotape from Nevada with three songs. I was instantly hooked with the strong songwriting, intense electronic programming and brutal aggression, and kept in touch with Eric for a while, giving his demotape an overwhelmingly good review and doing my best to promote it, even doing one of his earliest interviews.

16Volt interview for Godsend, 1991
16Volt followup interview for Godsend, 1999

Not long after that, he signed 16Volt onto fledgeling Re-Constriction Records, the new industrial imprint on Cargo US. From there, Eric released a number of increasingly heavy and precise albums of top-shelf electronic rock. Releases like 'Skin' and the blistering 'LetDownCrush' became influences and favorites of thousands (including some celebrity/musician fans), despite a sad and unjust lack of promotion.

Along the way, 16Volt has enlisted the musical and production assistance of such genre heavyweights like Dave 'Rave' Ogilvie, Keith 'Fluffy' Auerbach, William Tucker, Jared Hendrickson of Chemlab, Charles Levi of Thrill Kill Kult, Chris Vrenna of Nine Inch Nails, Paul Raven of Killing Joke, and many others. However, after some issues with labels and the general industry, Eric decided to leave behind his music. He returned anew in 2007 with the solid 'FullBlackHabit', and he's been recording new material to be released in September (tentative title: 'American Porn Songs'), with a full tour on the horizon, as well.

I, personally, had the chance to finally see the band live back in 1999, as they opened for KMFDM. A brief meeting with Eric was cordial and friendly, and we discussed hanging out after the show a bit, though other factors led to that never quite happening. Regardless, it's great to see one of my favorite genre musicians continuing his progression, making some of the catchiest, most infectious head-snapping sounds around.


Now, for several reasons you can read about on his page, Eric is making most of his deep and amazing back catalogue of music available for FREE download. He's taking donations, but it's not necessary. Read about it here:

16Volt free download info

Suffice to say, if you like stuff like Nine Inch Nails, Ministry, Skinny Puppy, Rob Zombie, etc., do yourself a favor and have a listen. Thanks for all your music through the years, Eric.

16Volt website

Stemm - "Blood Scent" CD

Raised in Buffalo, this modern metalcore act brings the thunder, with crystalline radio-ready production and a sound that brings to mind Pantera and Metallica - both enviable (though predictable) inspirations. The group's crunch is loud and aggressive, taking elements from heavy thrash as well as power-groove metal. Standouts? How about the powerful opener, 'Blood Soaked', which is a prime example of the group's synthesis of metallic styles. Songs like the midtempo 'Beneath My Skin' fall pretty close to the mainstream, but it's all remedied with their cover of Nine Inch Nails' thrashy 'Wish', which manages to harness the punchy, disheveled anger of the original. It's even followed up with an unexpected and grim experimental soundscape to close it out - can't fault that. Taken as a whole though, 'Blood Scent' is hard-hitting, mean, and covers just about everything you need in a new metal act. They may not take as many chances as I'd like to hear, but it's certainly a solid effort. If these guys don't catch on, it's a shame. (Catch 22)

Stemm website
Stemm networking site

"Metal Machine Music - Nine Inch Nails And The Industrial Uprising" DVD

A curious account, this one. It's basically a NIN bio, completely unauthorized, but legitimized by the participation of former Nails Chris Vrenna and Rich Patrick, who have both gone on to successful careers in their own bands (Tweaker and Filter, respectively). Other writers and critics also have their say regarding Trent Reznor's rise, from his synthpop roots to his well-publicized battles with former record company TVT, to his recent experiments in alternative marketing and his successful back-to-DIY aesthetic. It's a solid and critical appraisal of NIN's albums. Clips from promo videos and live footage bolster the film well, as do some fine interviews with Jared Louche (of Chemlab) and Eric Powell (16 Volt) - both peers of Reznor. On the other hand, at least one writer featured here is purely sycophantic in his adulation/adoration for NIN...good for a chuckle at least.
What's most curious about this DVD is the first half-hour or so, which takes a whole different tact entirely. This is an examination, albeit a rather shallow one, of the beginnings of so-called 'industrial' music - highlighted (and indeed, made by) an extensive interview with Genesis Breyer P-Orridge. It's telling and fascinating, hearing it in her own words. Bits and pieces of live footage of Ministry, Skinny Puppy, Throbbing Gristle, Einsturzende Neubauten, Cabaret Voltaire, and Depeche Mode (??) litter this pre-NIN history. It's nice, though far from thorough. I'd really love to see this all expanded upon, with other important inspirations like Varese, Kraftwerk, Test Dept, Whitehouse, Boyd Rice, Front 242, and others included. But that's a whole different story altogether.
As it is, this 2+ hour documentary is an exceptional watch for NIN fans - offering some insight and rare footage. Maybe it is a bit surface, but this may be as close as we'll ever get to a true and definitive bio of Reznor and his NIN persona. (Chrome Dreams/Sexy Intellectual)