It’s not Celldweller. Honestly, Circle of Dust is not Celldweller. Although it really is Celldweller, and let’s not even begin to venture in to the secularisation of alternative music without Celldweller. As with Christianity trying to appropriate every sound in to an evangelical agenda, Negative-Celldweller is not just for Christians, and made by Christians, it’s not history because that’s already been remastered. The ironically titled Machines of Our Disgrace could quite happily be a Celldweller remix album.
With no hints of Rammstein and a lot of Nine Inch Nails (like the ones that were driven through the martyr Christ, allegedly) Circle of Dust actually predates Celldweller but producer and founding member Klayton has evolved so much that his personality imprints a big part on this resurrection of a bygone act. Also with Klayton having left the Christian alternative scene after receiving criticism for not being Christian enough through his art this fifth album is music for musics’ sake. Ars Gratia Artis.
The songs are new and are more metal orientated than the eclectic beats of Celldweller. The influence of aggressive techno is drawn with thick lines in contrast to the heavier elements, like the rhythms from the guitar, to successfully blend the juxtaposing formants into a cohesive album. While the sound engineering is polished, cleaned and more defined than its intended nineties callback. With added classic metal riffs, with featured palm muting, it’s a love letter to all that has been before. Proving that it all will come again.
Klatons’ experience with industrial technology is prevalent and after having been a musician for over thirty years in the industry has developed into an artisan of sound. Crafting punchy bass lines and carving disharmonious leads to seamlessly fit with the moods and colours he envisions. With such tenacity and diligence it’d be blasphemous not to say this work is not that of a profit. Being rich in both texture and timbre.
The latest burnt offering from Klayton R.E.X. is an interesting deluge into what built and guided Celldweller into the powerhouse it is today. It’s good fun with great riffs showing just the right amount of attitude to get its point across.
8/10
