Here's the thing about me- I LOVE a little "gimmick" in my music, so I was thrilled to get a chance to review Norwegian goth/industrial metal band GOTHMINISTER's newest album "Pandemonium". The face paint, the costumes, operatic tales of grandeur- I'm sold. This album is full of well orchestrated industrial technicality, dark metal inspired riffs, and quite an impressive range of vocals. So let's venture into this journey. Like any well written drama, this album begins with an opening track ("Abgrund (Abyss)") that builds you up to the forthcoming experience with orchestral symphonies and even a little subliminal messaging- as a treat. In no time at all we are hailed into title track "Pandemonium"; a tale of the new gothic era based in 1800 AC that gives a lot of Repo! The Genetic Opera, goth musical vibes with its catchy chorus and symphonic instrumentals. You will definitely find yourself singing along to this one.

Another noticeable similarity found within GOTHMINISTER is the reminiscent sound to that of German band RAMMSTEIN which comes across heavily in the tracks "Demons" and "Star"; both featuring rhythmic pounding electronic drums and deep, grunty vocals. Adding in even more industrial, techy key sounds- track "Sinister" is accompanied by rhythmic commanding vocals nearly patterned for marching. While still industrial in its production, "Kingdoms Rise" gives us a different feel from the rest of the album up to this point. It has a slow, dredged sound with vocals that could almost be mistaken for late TYPE O singer Peter Steele. Taking a quick 180, "Bloodride" picks up tempo with faster-paced riffs and chorales before taking us back to dark gothic textures in "Norge". This track gives us a little bit of everything from modern metal guitar to electronic keys, and ends with a power packed chant before picking the pace back up for "Run Faster" (which obviously makes sense for the title). This track pulls you in with speedy guitar riffs layered over operatic harmonies before being met with demon-esque vocals that guide you through a journey of guitar sounds into what sounds like possibly hell at the end.

Our final stop on the album "This is Your Darkness", which if I'm being honest falls a little flat. It's a bit slower, not a lot of interesting textures or beats and leaves you feeling like something was missing. After all the splendor of the other tracks I was hoping to end with a big "hell yeah". Overall this was a great album- nothing too far off from their usual, fun tracks to dance to and some new industrial tunes to add to my library. I hope with the recent resurgence of goth and industrial music they can catch a little wave and continue creating for this genre.