Review by Mike Oliveri

THE MATRIX - SOUNDTRACK Warner Bros Various Artists

Predictably enough, the soundtrack accompanying the cyberpunk thriller THE MATRIX mainly comprises industrial and electronica acts.

Fortunately for the discriminating listener, the powers-that-be have gathered songs from some rather popular talents rather than throwing a slew of the mixed and sampled repetitive epileptic drek that fills most night clubs. Most of the songs, in fact, are culled from the artists' albums rather than being commissioned specifically for the soundtrack. MARILYN MANSON opens the album with "Rock is Dead" off MECHANICAL ANIMALS, and
what industrial album would be complete without MINISTRY (turning in "Bad Blood") or
PRODIGY ("Mindfields")? PROPELLERHEADS' "Spybreak! (short one)" will sound familiar to
most mainstream industrial fans, and ROB D's "Clubbed to Death (Kurayamino Mix)" is often heard in the background or as an intro to several radio morning shows. ROB ZOMBIE contributes a remix of "Dragula" (the "Hot Rod Herman" remix) that actually does more damage than enhancement to the song. On a side note, I never much understood the appeal of remixes. Covers and reinterpretations are one thing, but Rob Zombie has a tendency to remix about every song he's ever written (Don't believe me? Pick up his "album" AMERICAN MADE MUSIC TO STRIP BY). Seems more a move for money than artistic expression.

The best stuff comes near the end of the CD. MONSTER MAGNET's "Look to Your Orb for the Warning" is one of the best tracks, more metal/blues than electronica. RAMMSTEIN's "Du Hast" was a big hit for some time and also got snagged. Though the lyrics to "Du Hast" are in German, you can feel the energy and power in the song and the Industrial-thrash music kicks some ass.Incidentally, if you've never seen Rammstein live, you've missing out (their fifteen minutes of fame appear to be up in the US - I haven't heard a peep out of them in well over a year). They put on pyrotechnics displays that would make Beavis and Butthead repeatedly cream their jeans, and they have some funky / kinky performance art that leaves half the audience with their jaws dropped. Kinda makes you want to learn German so you can figure out what the fuck he's talking about.

Most of the work isn't earth-shattering, but it's not bad to be playing in the background while you're working on other things (like writing this review . . . ). Solid but unobtrusive.

I give it three Perplex Skulls.

This review copyright 2000 E.C.McMullen Jr.

Return to Shadow Music