CD Review: Rikets - Anything for the Devil

Rikets is an interesting beast. They are the latest conglomeration of metal and electronica to emerge from the netherworlds of the genre's underbelly. It's not metal in the traditional sense, it's not nu-metal (I think there's already enough of that, thank you), it's not black metal, or industrial, or grindcore, hardcore, or any other -core's. I'm not sure exactly where to categorize it, perhaps electro-industrial, or maybe industrogothcore? What it is is not the most original. But what it lacks in originality, it makes up for with energy here on their debut EP.

Anything for the Devil opens with the Manson-esque "Useless." It has a synth originated opening leading into a heavy clipped guitar riff, then the raw vocals come in over the top. Good opening. I love the galloping feel of the guitars, and the add timbre of the voice. This moves onto "Hollywood," whose early moments seem inspired a little by Jonathan Davis(Korn) and Wayne Static (Static X) before stepping into itself with an alternating loud/quiet structure as it targets Hollywood excess. It's odd how I seem to here other singers styles creep in at moments here and there. "Blister" has early vocal moments reminiscent of Spider (Powerman 5000) with a breathy, back of the throat delivery. Other times we actually get some straight up singing mixed in with the bloody throat style screaming. Next up is "Bitter Words" with it's explosive opening, some clipped guitars come in before exploding with a growl and developing into a cool gallop riff with some reverb, then alternating it with an almost angst rock sound (Cold, Staind).

The EP closes with the title track which seems to meld all of those other songs into one sonic concoction, a creation of an identity, and perhaps a mission statement? It may have the most original sound of the disk, blending all of the influences and stirring up their own mixture.

Rikets seems like the right name for this band. Named after a disease which afflicts the young and can result in growth deformities. Apply that to the music, and you get this twisted brand of music. The band has a look reminiscent of early Manson and European black metal bands, without aping their sound.

Bottomline. I like it. There is a complex sound at work here that doesn't allow itself to be pegged down. It is still developing, and may not quite be ready, but the direction is good. I look forward to what they create next.

Recommended.

Visit them online at Rikets.com.