REVIEWS

Hazmat
4 Point Remixes

Primordial Music

Posted: Thursday, May 24, 2007
By: Damon Wilson

With only two songs from the album 4 Point Perspective not getting the remix treatment and several songs receiving multiple remixes, the first thing you may notice is the overall length of this remix package. With 17 songs in all, this release proves to be longer than the "full-length" album. With hope, the next thing you will notice is that along with the amount of remixes offered there is as well a large amount of variety between the remixes. There are a few incidences where the remixes do not show a rethinking of the original material. However, overall, the various remixed material not only showcases the wonderful work by the remix artist, but that of Hazmat's original work as well.

While Hazmat's originals are predominantly driven by the crunchy growl of power-chords, many of the remixes stray from that, and if not completely mix out the guitar parts then seriously rework them. As well, some of the changes reflect a move away from the rock element towards a more electronic sound. Starting off that trend is the first remix on the release, "Nothing Comes True (The Panic Lift Remix)." This version of the song has been completely stripped of harsh guitars, replaced with additional keyboard elements as well as a reworking of the beats. While the song is still set to the same tempo, the end result is a more current sounding song that is more elegant but perhaps lacking in the anger of the original. "Song for Insects (Cicada Night Fever Remix – Part 1 by Porcupine Defense)" retains the guitars but transposes them from the foreground to the background. Porcupine Defense also brings in a loop of livelier beats to the foreground, energizing the song beyond its source. While the Hypofixx remix for "Nothing Comes True" at times feels like a remix, it also rises to the level of the better mixes of this collection. Again, this version has a more current sound than the original with an added sense of urgency perhaps achieved by the slight increase in tempo. One variation sure to capture some attention is the Broken Filter mix of "Song for Insects" done by Velapene Screen. With its stuttering cutup guitar riffs, broken beats, harsh stops, and short running time, it stands out as unique. With a literal interpretation of echo brought to the vocals on "Echo Analogy (More than Real Remix)," the band Rave Party Animals have taken a harsh industrial song and sharpened its edge. As well, the guitar work is brought even more in your face and driven by a very punchy snare. "Attack Formation (Chrome Skin Remix)" takes the already fun original and makes it a little more playful with muted guitars, added keys, and vocal treatments. Easily, a favorite is track 11, which is yet another remix of "Song for Insects," this time the Life Cried remix. Even though the tempo is approximately the same as the source, the percussion is much more seductive and dark. With added strings and piano, the song is overall much darker and nightmarish. Already a standout track, "Null" is reworked here by Despirator in the Tabula Rasa remix. The strongest of the remaining mixes, it has the feel of a clean slate as the name suggest. The mix opens up the arrangement, leaving the bass elements intact but adding an atmospheric and almost jazzy treatment.

Overall, 4 Point Remixes stands on its own as an album and because of its variety, may actually win over more listeners for budding artist Hazmat. Interestingly enough, what sets it apart from 4 Point Perspective is what may divide some listeners. 4 Point Perspective has a definite retro industrial-rock feel whereas a large number of the remixes have a more current industrial/EBM, even IDM feel.