Album Details

• Artist: Desillusion
• EP:
Blasphaesthetic
• Label: Faultline
• Year of Release: 2009
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: solitaryman on 2009-05-14

More than a few bands translate better in a live environment than they do in a studio, and Seatlle, Washington's Desillusion happen to be one of them. But that's not to say their debut EP Blasphaesthetic (which apparently means "Beautiful blasphemy", according to the band, but could have tenfold meanings depending on who's interpreting) isn't effective; quite the contrary. The 5 tracks are energenic, frantic pieces of industrial/electronic rock, borderlining on metal at times. Fast-paced, off-the-wall entertainment that's rather short-lived in just over 16 minutes of fun.

Frontman Westin Halvorson is the driving force of the band, who's vocals take on a Wes Borland feel and who's guitar and programming in effect sound lifted from works by Tim Skold, Trent Reznor, perhaps even Marilyn Manson at times. The title track's punk core and electronic punctuation is very much similar to the latter named artist's early works. The music is simply made for the stage, for monster-moshes and light shows galore (which the band utilizes to the max and gives their fans their money's worth night after night). "Discontinued" depends more on the industrial side of things to drive the song, with digital effects pushing the song forward. Reminds me a bit of Wumpscut. "Desperate" is much more dark, grim and discordant; Westin's vocals are very much in tune with someone like Reznor's more depraved efforts. "SMS" is my personal highlight, a more atmospheric, breezy, wordly track that depends on what, to my ears, is an egyptian-esque groove. Middle-eastern, perhaps, would be closer to the truth. It's definitely the most creative song of the bunch. 

A fantastic debut for Desillusion, and one that should see them gathering bigger crowds to their much-hyped live shows. They've shared the stage with many of this style's biggest names, from KMFDM, Combichrist, Frontline Assembly, etc. There's good reason for it and that reason is at least translated substantially on Blasphaesthetic. No doubt, however, that it translates tenfold in a live atmosphere. 

User Reviews and Comments

on 2009-05-21 kia Said:

I have heard this group perform at least 6 times. Every time they play a Seattle show I am THERE. The stage performance and sound they have is awesome. Few bands have the stage presence of Desillusion. The future should be very bright for this group. Myself and others will tell everyone we know: If you want to hear great music and see one of the best performances you have ever seen: Go see Desillusion! See them every chance you get as it won't be long and they will be so big that they won't be playing in Seattle so often.
Not Rated

on 2009-05-16 SonicHedgehog Said:

I saw this band when they toured with Combichrist and Black Light Burns. I was not expecting much from them as a opener, but they put on a great show. I loved the music and they really connected with the crowd and gave us all their energy. It was crazy really.
I give this E.P a better rating then 7.0. It is up in the 8's for sure and I can't wait to hear more song;s from them in the future.

SonicHedgehog
Not Rated

on 2009-05-14 dscanland Said:

These guys have a powerful sound. Skumlove fans check em out. Same sort of industrial sound.
Rating: 7/10