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Conglomerate International

This three-piece from Northern Virginia has delivered quite an interesting package here. Complete with artwork that conveys the theme of the album's title, the album takes on a cohesiveness that could almost be called a concept album. The frenetic cacophony these three guys create with precise chops and heavy tones keeps this album totally grooving from track to track. The shouted vocals are a tad in the back, but nicely in key. At times the well-chosen riffs sound about as commercial as Stavesacre, except for the tilting vocals. Without a single lyric that would point the "give it to me straight-up" hardcore fan, and an interview in HM #70 that totally side-stepped whether these music-makers are believers or not, Conglomerate International comes across as nothing more than a brilliant piece of dissonant, wild chordings and progressive musical phrasings about a world gone terribly wrong. Couched in a Brave New World type context, the story here seems to be one of "I want to be human! I want to think for myself!" A great work of art. Made by Christians? Maybe the record company imprint tells us yes. Maybe the obvious silence tells us no. Something cool to study and appreciate. Void of simple faith. Full of thought-provoking words and art exhibit caliber music. Listen to every day and grow closer to the Lord? Maybe, but not because of this album. [Tooth & Nail/ DV]