AlbumsNovember 29, 201118,403 views

Genghis Tron Board up the House


Board up the House
01. Board up the House 02. Endless Teeth 03. Things Don't Look Good 04. Recursion 05. I Won't Come Back Alive 06. City on a Hill 07. The Whips Blow Back 08. Colony Collapse 09. The Feast 10. Ergot 11. Relief
2008 Relapse Records
Our score 4

by Nick
2/20/2008

Successfully fusing electronics with metal and hardcore has always been a bit of an elusive task. Outside of obvious examples (Godflesh, etc.), a few bands have been up to the challenge in recent memory. Scarlet, Sex Positions, and even Dillinger (before they got a little carried away and tried to get away with such nonsense as "Black Bubblegum") have displayed a knack for mixing in the right electronic presence while still maintaining a strong heavy music backbone. Enter Genghis Tron, a band often praised with such ludicrous genre names as cyber-grind and electro-core. Armed with a drum machine, an abundance of synth lines and an experimental attitude, this trio makes it very clear that they're willing to push the boundaries of the crossover genre of electronic metal on their Relapse debut, Board up the House. But let's cut to the chase. This is a mess. Electronic drum beats clash with spastic bouts of nu-grind. Weak screams give way to even weaker singing. And the guitar tone sounds almost as electronic and preprocessed as the rest of the elements of the album. The disc's explosive tendencies and disjointed songwriting make it understandable why some would label this as grindcore, but feel free to ditch that silly notion immediately. This isn't Regurgitate. This isn't Brutal Truth. This is simply what would happen if nu-grind bands such as War from a Harlot's Mouth or Dance Hall Massacre were given unbridled access to a MicroKorg. Board up the House begins with a subtle electronic beat before layering on gratuitously obnoxious synth lines. It's like Horse the Band, except that the oh-they're-just-doing-it-as-a-joke cover isn't exactly valid in this case. The track actually sounds promising as it erupts into a bit of spastic hardcore, but falls flat on its face as the frail, apathetic singing makes an appearance. Vocal variation can definitely aid in the dynamics of a record, but Genghis Tron's use of numerous vocal effects sucks the life out of the sung vocals throughout the entire disc. "City on a Hill" also provides a number of cringe-inducing moments, such as the terrible electronic groove at the thirty second mark, or the inclusion of the record's most annoying synth hook heard at the track's close. The band's ambitiously experimental songwriting approach is respectable, but sadly, Board Up the House just doesn't have that many redeeming qualities. At its best, the album has a few clever mixes of metal and electronic elements, such as the Scarlet-esque moments in "Endless Teeth" and "The Feast," as well as a few catchy electronic interludes ("The Whips Blow Back" is a good example of what the band can achieve with a more focused songwriting style), but these moments are few and far between. The majority of Board up the House is simply a muddled mix of disorganized electronic and metallic elements that fails to provide an engaging listen. Bottom Line: If you were expecting grind, walk away. If you were expecting a mind-blowing fusion of metal and electronic music, walk away. If you were expecting abrasiveness and dynamics, walk away. With Board up the House, Genghis Tron aimed for the stars. Maybe next time.

77 comments

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anonymous 2/20/2008 12:13:41 PM

first?

anonymous 2/20/2008 12:14:08 PM

FIRST! This album was bound to blow.

bastardmaker_ 2/20/2008 12:19:51 PM

maybe webby should start letting people who arent completely jaded start reviewing.

ballsbutt_ 2/20/2008 12:20:17 PM

wow.. this is dissapointing, i downloaded this a couple days ago, and now im scared to listen

ion_stasi_ 2/20/2008 12:20:29 PM

Who cares if it doesn't fall into the genre that you consider them! They did what they wanted, it's very different from their last 2 full lengths but still sounds like genghis. It flows more and I like it.

anonymous 2/20/2008 12:22:59 PM

Hahha, fanboys are gonna be pissed! Also. I admittedly dig this record, but after a few listens it doesn't hold together as one would hope.

Devin_ 2/20/2008 12:23:56 PM

Glad to see an honest review of this record. It's really not very good at all.

fidey_ 2/20/2008 12:30:49 PM

lol @ decibel giving this piece of shit an 8/10

Silentist_ 2/20/2008 1:17:52 PM

What a shitty review.

Cory_ 2/20/2008 1:30:38 PM

Not as good as Dead Mountain Mouth but it's still a pretty decent record. 4 is a bit harsh, as are many of the criticisms leveled at the record, the band and the style.

homeFry_ 2/20/2008 1:57:06 PM

i like how Scarlet got props in this review. they were always just DEP-lite, but never got da same luv.

hobocaust_ 2/20/2008 1:58:05 PM

Yeah, not the greatest record ever. I just can't understand how the reviewer can compare this to those gay bullshit bands like war from a harlots mouth and dance club massavre.

Nowonmai_ 2/20/2008 2:52:01 PM

bit jaded here indeed, might listen out of spite

Fur_Beach_ 2/20/2008 3:05:35 PM

I disagree with the review. Its not as good as Dead Mountain Mouth or Cloak of Love, but come on 4/10? please. it deserves a 7 at least.

huh?_ 2/20/2008 3:30:02 PM

I think the record is much better than a 4/10 but then again, I am not the reviewer who gets payed to compare a band like Genghis Tron to a band like Regurgitate. How ridiculous.

cydrx_ 2/20/2008 3:39:38 PM

4/10? no f*cking way, reviewer sucks electro penis

Nick_ 2/20/2008 3:40:43 PM

Oh hi. Didn't see you come in. I was just about to take a bath in a tub filled with all of the money I make from Lambgoat whilst listening to Regurgitate records.

anonymous 2/20/2008 3:40:56 PM

lol @ someone thinking the reviewers get paid.

twatpocket_ 2/20/2008 3:44:50 PM

i have never listend to this band.....and i wont waste my time.

paradigm_ 2/20/2008 6:37:28 PM

shit review. this cd was getting a shitty score before he even listened to it, cuz its "nu-grind". its not as good as dead mountain mouth, but a 4? come on, stuck mojo got better than that.

blackasstim_ 2/20/2008 7:57:13 PM

i take it this band sucks then?

pooqueen_ 2/20/2008 8:34:43 PM

woah, you dudes are gaygidy jerks, f*ck you Nick, gay.

Me_ 2/20/2008 8:43:51 PM

I'll agree that it isn't as good as the previous full-length but it is worth more than a 4 for sure. After a few spins I'm positive that I'll be enjoying the album more and more.

HolyCrap_ 2/20/2008 9:18:00 PM

I assume you meant Dance Club Massacre, even though I wouldn't be suprised if there WAS a shitty band called Dance Hall Massacre. I'm still gonna get this, because you called Black Bubblegum nonsense and that makes your opinion obsolete.

anonymous 2/20/2008 9:47:12 PM

hey look, another shitty review on lambgoat. what else is new?

anonymous 2/20/2008 10:01:07 PM

Fight Amp > Genghis Tron

BIGTAKEOVER_ 2/20/2008 11:00:13 PM

wow. I have to 100% disagree with this record. This album is f*cking great. This isn't nu grind. And plus, the guys in this band hate being called "cybergrind." I saw a metal injection interview where they called themselves "just weird heavy music." f*ck off. The reviewer is a f*cking homo. go listen to a madball album you f*cking c-mstain.

BIGTAKEOVER_ 2/20/2008 11:05:41 PM

replace first record with review*

shacklemenot_ 2/21/2008 12:36:12 AM

holy shit what a bad review

wapmshantgbitches_ 2/21/2008 2:23:27 AM

no where close to cyber-grind. this is just a really shiity nu metal that blows nog nuts. good review tho this shit deserves a f*ckin zero. f*ck this band VANFLIP!!!

Nutbolt_ 2/21/2008 4:07:15 AM

Seriously, if you want to continue to make Lambgoat the laughingstock of laughingstock hc/metal sites you should write more reviews like this...what a shitload of horsecrap

jackfromthesky_ 2/21/2008 4:26:51 AM

this review is really funny. this guy is comparing GT with brutal truth... i think he should expanse his listening and try to get the real sense of what this band is doing.. please! ahahah

wow shit review_ 2/21/2008 4:57:26 AM

holy f*ck, nice comparisons you imbecile. brutal truth? dance club massacre? wtf. you're judging them based on stupid genre tags that people other than the band made up? SHIT f*ck c-mRAG REVIEW, this officially makes lambgoat cd reviews the place to go when i want a laugh.

A K U M A _ 2/21/2008 7:10:05 AM

good review, terrible band

FlexYoFace Chase_ 2/21/2008 9:09:35 AM

This album is a 9/10, and not because I'm a fan, I didn't really like their older material that much. I think this is their best release by far. Over all the album is a bit slower paced but the songs are a lot stronger in my opinion. This review is pretty horrible. I don't see how anyone could give this cd less than a 6/10 even if you don't like the band, you can't ignore the creativity and the amazing production by Kurt. The funniest thing is the "This is a mess" comment. Their last couple cd's

casketcrusher_ 2/21/2008 9:14:01 AM

i can't believe how many people like bad music on this site. This band is shit, gay gay shit. spot-on review. pick up some ND albums and cut your gay heads off while listening to them.

amoklauf_ 2/21/2008 10:54:05 AM

"But let's cut to the chase. This is a mess. Electronic drum beats clash with spastic bouts of nu-grind. Weak screams give way to even weaker singing. And the guitar tone sounds almost as electronic and preprocessed as the rest of the elements of the album. The disc's explosive tendencies and disjointed songwriting make it understandable why some would label this as grindcore, but feel free to ditch that silly notion immediately. This isn't Regurgitate. This isn't Brutal Truth. This is simply wh

amoklauf_ 2/21/2008 10:57:12 AM

"If you were expecting grind, walk away. If you were expecting a mind-blowing fusion of metal and electronic music, walk away. If you were expecting abrasiveness and dynamics, walk away. With Board up the House, Genghis Tron aimed for the stars. Maybe next time." Why even listen to a music if you are just some OCD idiot with all sorts of expectations? Go make your own music and become king of the land... idiot...

hussle_ 2/21/2008 12:14:29 PM

reviewer needs to get off his high horse honestly. While this is a different style from dead mountain mouth, its still well put together and a 4/10 is way to harsh, especially when it seems like the reviewer only gave the disc one spin and then wrote them off. Just check it out for yourselves, if you like it it'll be more than worth the time.

Nick's Good Twin_ 2/21/2008 12:29:57 PM

While this shitty review with horrible comparisons is going to represent this band, I figure I would give them a much more "worthy review." Genghis Tron is not to be compared with bands like Regurgitate and Brutal Truth just because both list Grindcore as a genre. Genghis Tron offers an entirely different spectrum of the ever expanding genre known as grindcore. With synth induced melodies and a drum machine for a strong techno/trance beat throughout many of this album's songs, Genghis Tron an

anonymous 2/21/2008 12:32:19 PM

Hahhaa. and here comes the flood of butthurt fanboys.

zombiesaretight_ 2/21/2008 1:39:01 PM

first off the reviewer of this album, your a f*cking idiot. "this is a mess." hahah if you only knew how hard it is to write mix and match all the shit they do f*cking gayot. if you dont like this album and appreciate it for the good riffs they write then your a moron. why dont you go listen to some emmure gays.

GeNgHiSTrOnFaN2000_ 2/21/2008 1:50:17 PM

OH MAN THIS IS BETTER THAN A 4 WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME?:?? THIS BAND INVENTED HARDCORE AND IS BETTER THAN99% OF MUSIC THAT YOU LISTEN TO. LAMBGOAT REVIEWS ARE DUMB! YOU GUYS ARE STOOPID!!! GENGHIS TRON IS SMART!!!!

persecution_ 2/21/2008 3:22:25 PM

dear satan i hope that last comment was an extremely well executed bit of sarcasm. if not, f*ck. and yeah, i don't know why people are swallowing the kool-aid on this and other "metal" releases. the two best albums right now are supposedly protest the hero and this shit. wake me up when the nighmare is over...or when we are the nightmare comes out. either one.

eadup_ 2/21/2008 5:19:43 PM

I think it's a strong album...i enjoy it quite a bit.

VCREATIONV_ 2/21/2008 8:56:36 PM

this is a complete and utter bullshit review. This album kicks the shit out of everything and is easily an 8/10...if not a 9. f*ckin nick...what a dipshit.

anonymous 2/21/2008 10:04:03 PM

vcv... lol. big shocker there.

Mookie_ 2/21/2008 10:45:44 PM

I you were expecting a well written review by intelligent people, walk away...

anonymous 2/22/2008 1:38:57 AM

hey how is that lye by mistake record selling?

craiglet_ 2/22/2008 1:49:18 AM

i doubt this is as bad as the reviewer says it is, i bet he gave newest madball a 9/10 though

FlexYoFace Chase_ 2/22/2008 8:17:37 AM

I'm a butt hurt fanboi... 9/10 !!!!! no really... I am a butt hurt fanboi, k thx bye

Godfather_ 2/22/2008 12:19:21 PM

"This isn't Regurgitate. This isn't Brutal Truth. This is simply what would happen if nu-grind bands such as War from a Harlot's Mouth or Dance Hall Massacre were given unbridled access to a MicroKorg." f*cking genius. and what a surprise lambgoats resident gaylord VCV loves it. Wake up and smell the f*cking coffee. SHIT f*ckING HYPERBOLE BAND

Evilf22_ 2/22/2008 12:49:56 PM

i like regurgitate.

xhxbx_ 2/22/2008 4:38:37 PM

eat shit. i like this album

Drew_ 2/23/2008 1:14:13 AM

... just because it has bast beats, doesn't mean it's grind.

chuck_ 2/23/2008 6:31:26 AM

ya im gonna go listen to regurgitate and brutal truth.. then im gonna check lambgoat for the latest news on underoath, foxy shazam and the sounds of the underground tour.

Genghis Tron IRL_ 2/23/2008 11:40:52 AM

We are on Relapse Records.. come on now.. 4/10? Relapse? 4/10.... Relapse.. please.. you are joking right.. seriously. We're on Relapse for Christ sake.. seriously.. for really real.. come now.. brown cow.. We're on fricken Relapse... dude.. we're elite.

cantfakethepunk_ 2/23/2008 11:44:53 AM

f*ck the haters... 9/10 all the wayyy. i love this record

dillinger1_ 2/23/2008 1:14:18 PM

Why nick should resign as reviewer of Lambgoat? Nick i noticed has completely missed the point on a number of releases lately. Genghis Tron is his latest f*ck up. I am putting Board up the House as one of my 08 picks of the year! Thanks Mookie

XOmeletX_ 2/23/2008 2:26:50 PM

f*ck this band and f*ck the gays who listen to them.

Lance_ 2/24/2008 2:56:02 AM

People on this site give shitty bands like Despised Icon good reviews...did anyone on here expect this cd to get a good rating? I love this cd but music like this is hard for many people to take in because it doesn't sound like hardly anything out there...so they listen to simple somewhat cliche shit like despised icon. This is an excellent cd and even if you can't get into it that doesn't give anyone an excuse to call this cd a mess. Genghis Tron is a very creative and unique band...and crea

fuckyouall_ 2/24/2008 5:16:58 AM

worst review ever!!!!

anthony_ 2/24/2008 11:27:49 AM

i love genghis, but this album is easily their weakest effort. it sounds rushed and sloppy to me, with too many simple synth lines that don't go anywhere.

circlepitcasserole_ 2/24/2008 7:52:58 PM

why is this dude allowed to write reviews?

xnotsoedgex_ 2/24/2008 9:23:07 PM

i agree with this review 100%. i have LOVED everything else they've done, but this albums just sucks. very possibly the biggest disappoint of the year...

anonymous 2/25/2008 8:08:29 PM

This isn't grind. Why compare it to grind? I don't like grind. I like this. So what?

assdragon_ 2/26/2008 4:16:59 PM

this album is amazing and transcends all different types of electro, grind, hardcore, whatever. 4/10 is ridiculous, especially coming from a site that rates shitty reheated pop like underoath and despised icon higher. i'm not a "butthurt fanboy" but when good music stares you in the face yet gets pushed back by people who can't comprehend what they're hearing, i do tend to get a little pissed. if you have any sort of an open mind and aren't going to judge this band off of this one review, please

dracula_ 2/26/2008 9:35:56 PM

2 things, this band DOES try too hard to be artsy and eclectic. It's kind of embarrassing at times. Other point, this album DOES deserve a slightly better review. The reviewer seems to have the same elite complex about himself. These 2 factors work greatly against eachother. I would have given it 6 out of 10.

wayno_ 2/27/2008 1:02:04 PM

WAYYYYYYY too many shitty reviews lately. This album's worth more than 4.

xAaronx_ 2/28/2008 4:11:05 PM

i haven't listened to the whole record yet but i think structure wise its an awesome album so far. i'll admit the last time i saw this band i definately wasn't feeling it but they also had just played after behold the arctopus, nothing feels right after that. and dance club massacre is the most overrated garbage i've ever heard. they were a mistake.

Sam Schrader_ 2/29/2008 4:37:03 PM

I have to disagree completely with the review. Genghis Tron are extremely talented musicians who are able to successfully blend several different types of music together without sounding like utter shit.

Umm...ed i think..._ 3/7/2008 9:32:50 PM

This is a scathing review about a very good album. The reviewer seems to want to name-check bands and crossover genres to prove his metal credentials, but fails to see the quality that's in front of him. Truth is, bands like this and Dillinger, aim to move beyond pre-defined genre limitations to create something NEW, as in new forms of music and expression. Furthermore, there is nothing "cringe-inducing" on the record; The reviewer should take some time off, relax, think about why he lis

Ryan _ 3/12/2008 8:41:51 AM

I was about 1 on 7 people who saw them when they came to my town I have been listening to genghis tron for quite some time now. I enjoy every cd they have made. Board up the house is different then dead mountain mouth which is different then Cloak Of Love but thats what Is balls about this band they change it up and godcity studios always does a good job soo I give it an 7/10

kylet_ 6/9/2008 6:59:31 PM

You made the mistake of comparing it to grindcore.

anonymous 12/24/2008 3:34:53 PM

9/10 (!)

Ha, what an asshole._ 11/21/2009 5:30:50 PM

Not only is this a f*cking great album, but only a real pretentious jerk would namedrop dillinger in his first paragraph, just to clarify the fact that you are way too f*cking brutal to listen to a groovy tune like black bubblegum.

anonymous 4/9/2010 9:00:37 PM

yeah seriously, any Dillinger name dropping in a review equals INSTANT f*ckING FAIL. f*ck lambgoat anyway, gays havent had a decent album reviewed in months.