It’s scary season, so I’m taking Jukebox into everything metal. One band that I am really starting to love is Health. I originally listened to Health with their record DISCO4::Part II and all the amazing collabs on that record, especially with Isn’t Everyone with Nine Inch Nails. This track made the Jukebox top 50 of 2022, but then I dropped off and really only knew them for their collabs. Well, I decided to jump back in and check out this industrial metal 3 piece to see what they’re up to. Boy, I’m glad I did. Their new EP Addendum is a rich artistic expression pushing the genre forward.
When I say “industrial” most people think of three bands; Nine Inch Nails, Ministry and Depeche Mode. If you were deep in the industrial waters you might also think of KMFDM, Godflesh and Rammstein. However, NIN, Depeche Mode and Ministry are the heavy hitters. You probably think of super dense crunchy guitar, synth and overwhelming electro drums. To be honest, you probably don’t think of any organic “real instruments” at all and a ton of drum pads and synths. In fairness, these bands did use “real instruments” to some extent, but the electro side of industrial is what jumps to people’s minds. What I think of is a darkly lit rusty warehouse where the music is so weighty it can break my sternum. Health takes this timeless industrial formula and twists it enough to create boundless possibilities that really opens up the genre.
Much like how Jurassic Park used state-of-the art computer effects along side traditional physical puppets to create a unique visual style, Health takes your typical industrial tools and blends them with classic metal drums and guitars to create a new sound. Fans of industrial metal get the surgical and oppressive synth you’re looking for, but the drums and guitar bring the track a depth and warmth not found in most industrial. Most industrial metal has a cold disconnected vibe, but that’s the appeal…this is music about angst and nihilism that is itself disconnected from humanity. Health’s mix of traditional metal structures with clean industrial synth lines really draws me in and connects me to the music. This is because Health is interested in one’s emotional connection to the music and not nihilistic themes. Moreover, the brilliant mix of these factors allows Health to create a depth and texture beyond anything I thought possible for a 3 piece.
The real hook for Health is how they live in a series of contrasts. You have this dirty, heavy and crunchy metal juxtaposed to clean synth and drum lines to create an oppressive, yet compelling, arrangement. You also have Jake Duzsik’s fragile and etherial vocal contrasted against drums and guitar that will grind you into dust. It’s like City and Colour’s parents were Anthrax and KMFDM’s MIDI keyboard. Metal’s ability to marry beautiful, fragile and vulernable vocals with rage filled guitar riffs has worked to vast success in the past…Evenessance with Amy Lee is a prime example. I am immediately drawn into Duszik’s vocals as he sings about regret, love, despair and loss. His vocal power and energy against such a tight metal musical backdrop is a perfect match.
I can’t say enough about this band. I find myself banging my head to B.J. Miller’s drums and John Famiglietti’s other worldly keyboard/production work, while hanging on Duszik’s every word. I find the combination of the three intoxicating. This is a band on the rise and turning industrial metal into a fresh artistic expression.
Listen to Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)
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