The ‘90s underground music scene in the UK was a fertile ground for experimental sounds and bold innovations, a landscape that nurtured the rise of many influential bands. Among these were the industrial pioneers, History Of Guns, who have consistently pushed the boundaries of their genre with an unrelenting spirit. Their latest single, “When You Don’t Matter”, from their forthcoming eighth album, “Half Light”, is a perfect example of their creative evolution. “When You Don’t Matter” is a dark, haunting, eerie journey through the existential depths of human experience, encapsulated in a soundscape that is disturbingly raw and beautifully intricate. The industrial roots of History Of Guns are unmistakably present, yet they have seamlessly integrated contemporary elements that reflect a meta-modernist approach. The beat is mechanical, almost militant, driving forward with an unyielding precision. It conjures an atmosphere of dystopian desolation, a fitting backdrop for the lyrical content. Vocalist Del Alien’s performance is a highlight of the track. His voice, laden with a sense of weary resignation, weaves through the dense layers of sound with a haunting clarity. The production is meticulous. Every element is placed with precision, creating a rich tapestry of sound that invites repeated listens to fully appreciate its depth. The use of synths is particularly noteworthy; they add a cold, almost clinical edge to the track, enhancing its overall atmosphere of detachment and despair. Yet, there is a certain beauty in this bleakness! As a preview of their upcoming album, “When You Don’t Matter” promises a body of work that is introspective and artistically bold. History Of Guns have proven that they are not content to rest on their laurels; instead, they continue to evolve and challenge themselves, as well as their listeners.
♦ 8/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
