Mortal by Mortal (Review)

Mortal is back! And if you thought Wake was a great move for the band, then this probably isn’t for you. (Try Fold Zandura.) This self-titled CD hearkens back to the days of Lusis and Fathom, yet without taking a step backwards. However, while essentially, it’s good old industrial Mortal again, elements of Fold Zandura’s alterna-pop and the Pura album’s keyboard work also show up. (As a matter of fact, three of the ten tracks on the disk were originally Fold Zandura songs.)

The guitars are still around in some songs, the industrial sounds and percussion still abound, and the synths are cooler than ever, but there is a definite move towards a more “organic” sound. Vocal samples are virtually eliminated, and with one exception, no vocal distortion is used. A more “alternative” feel comes out in many songs, especially when they use this crazy thing called melody.

If you can accept a mellower feel to your new Mortal, though, you’ll likely find this to be the best release from the boys ever.

Written by Carson Pierce. This review originally appeared on the Flaming Fish Music website.