ALBUM REVIEW: Body Machine – Priest

Genre change ups are a big deal, no matter how long you’ve been in the music industry. You’re opening yourself up into a new world, and then there are the fans. Are they going to love it or hate it? Well, if you’re a fan of PRIEST, then you are in for a surprise. Swapping out their old sound for something new, darker and edgier, PRIEST– a trio that are two-thirds of former members of Swedish rock act GHOST– are here to mark a new chapter in the story of their band. Now embracing synthwave, PRIEST are here to rip up the rule book.

This change in sound starts right off the bat with A Signal In The Noise, which starts off with electronic synths that sound like they came straight out of the 80s. The song probably won’t be for everyone, but the band have been releasing electronic music since 2017. However, fans of GHOST who were maybe looking for something along the same lines might end up disappointed.

On the other hand, if they are open-minded, then they’d hear potential. Songs such as Ghost Writer, with its funky electronic beat, would sound excellent on a club dancefloor. The only issue with the songs is that the lyrics are mostly repetitive in order to make sure that the beat is the main focus. Of course, this means that producer Simon Soderberg, who was sound engineer behind GHOST‘s first album Opus Eponymous, is front and centre as he masterfully pulls together a well-produced body of work.

However, it is the band themselves who make use of the electronic music. Vocalist Mercury, who was known as Water when he played bass for GHOST, makes use of his voice, which thankfully takes centre stage as the album progresses, especially on a track like Phantom Pain. Keyboardist Salt, formerly known as GHOST keyboardist Air, and programmer/ keyboardist Sulfur are key as they create the backbone of the album.

Body Machine covers quite a few areas of electronic music. These include synthwave, techno and even something more THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS-esque in Perfect Body Machine, which is a highlight. Its relentless pulsating beat is a constant as the song builds to a brilliant funky breakdown. However, the best song on the album is Techno Girl, which was released as a single. The bouncy techno beat practically jumps out of the speakers as the song plays.

All these songs shouldn’t work together, as they cover every aspect of electronic music. However, it is clear that PRIEST know what they are doing, as each song smoothly transitions into the next. The electronic style won’t be for everyone, but with PRIEST borrowing their theatrics from industrial music and cyberpunk music, it’s clear they love what they are doing, and that’s what counts.

Overall, Body Machine is going to end up like marmite. People are either going to love it or hate it. However, there is definitely something here for everyone. Whether that is house music, techno or simply wanting to have a good time, PRIEST are here to give you a good soundtrack. They are confident in their sound, and are clearly having a lot of fun on this album. Despite it coming from the world of electronic music, no two songs sound the same, showing that genre mashups are not just strictly for the rock world. Body Machine might not be for the hardcore devotees of alternative music, but newer fans will be won over, and people who love electronic music will have a blast with this album.

Rating: 8/10

Body Machine is set for release on July 15th via Cleopatra Records.

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