[3/5]
As a side project, Recoil provided a forum for former Depeche Mode keyboardist Alan Wilder to examine more detailed conceptual puzzles, in contrast to his commercial, pop-oriented time in DM. Now that Recoil is Wilder's full-time gig, his intricate visions have blossomed into big, full-fledged statements, as his first release in seven years has a distinct post-9/11 gravity. subHuman describes an uncertain world of aggression and dehumanization in warfare and incarceration set to a fusion of Mississippi Delta blues, sweeping cinematic orchestrations and Violator-era clattering electronic flourishes. This massive attack of sonorous menace ("99 To Life," "Prey") and gossamer beauty ("Allelujah") fits lockstep with the heavy subject matter, but the unrelenting intensity and length often produce drowsy moments that cry out for more hook-filled brevity. For while subHuman offers dissections of religion, "Personal Jesus" it ain't. (MUTE) Erick Haight
 Official Website: http://www.mute.com
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