The new Wyrick cd (once again composed, performed, and produced by Travis Wyrick) is one of those cd's that has to grow on you a bit. Unlike his debut cd Mental Floss there isn't a whole lot that jumps out and grabs you right off the bat. But with several listens I have determined Aggressive State... to be a better disc overall. The hooks are there, they just take a while to get used to. Aggressive State... is more harsh, aggressive, and overall more "industrial" than Mental Floss. Mental Floss brought you radio friendly tracks in the vein of Filter that were instantly accessible and had words concerning God's love and grace. Aggressive State... has severely intense harsh sounds more along the lines of Nine Inch Nails and lyrics that portray a battle between the spiritual and worldly realms. On the positive side this album kicks major butt, has great production, has a few tracks that CCM radio will eat up, Brad Noah from Disciple makes a guest appearance as guitarist on the track "Into Me", and has Travis' great love for the gospel of Christ Jesus as its central focal point. On the negative side there is a "rap-core" song that I believe could have been sung rather than rapped (but that's just not my thing) and there is a MAJOR rip-off of the NIN song "Wish" on the track "More Of You", it sounds like it in every way, guitars, vocals, etc... Knowing what Wyrick is capable of (and that is great original music) I am surprised he let this track appear on the cd. Don't get me wrong I love this disc, even that track I just mentioned, and it is always remotely possible that it is a coincidence (but I doubt it). Stay tuned as we hope to bring you an interview with Wyrick in the near future! In the meantime go get this cd if you are a fan of heavy industrial rock like Zombie, NIN, and Filter.
8/10
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #81Reviewed by David M. PoggeThe sophomore release from Rugged Record's electronic axeman, Wyrick, has arrived, delivering some intense industrial noise that's sure to be a hit with fans of Stabbing Westward, Circle of Dust, Chatterbox, and Klank. While the similarities to the aforementioned bands are clearly present, Wyrick has his own streak of originality that sets him apart as a legitimate musician and not just another…Similar sounding releases
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1998Gathering of SoulsNeither Moth Nor Rust Corrupts
