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Suicide Commando
Until We Die/Severed Head

Metropolis Records

Posted: Tuesday, March 09, 2010
By: Stephen Lussier
Contributing Writer

2010's release of Suicide Commando's seventh full-length album is preceded by a limited vinyl release of Until We Die/Severed Head. Wrought with the same angst-filled aggression that highlighted 2006's Bind, Torture, Kill album, "Until We Die" once again demonstrates Johan Van Roy's progression into the beat-laden darkness. His straightforward approach to the industrial/terror genre has consistently distinguished Suicide Commando above most through an ever-developing signature sound. As a prime example of this development, "Until We Die" practically assaults your ears with exaggerated, overshadowing beats that parallel obscured lyrics innocently begging the question "Why?" throughout the duration of the track. Almost optimistic through its innocence, "Until We Die" proves Suicide Commando's ability to combine unsettling rhythm with effective, thought-provoking lyrics.

Countering the A-side of this single, we are granted a much darker experience with another of Von Roy's delves into the mind of a serial-killer. However, this time instead of alluding to the BTK killer, the dialogue this time speaks of Edmund Kemper (The Co-Ed Killer) towards the last stage of his 1972 - 1973 killing spree. The spoken word sample tells the tale of Kemp's last actions after killing his mother, keeping pace with an almost unending powered-down beat that is easy to get lost in. The uniquely sinister quality of Van Roy's music coupled with this horrific dialogue ends the experience of the single on a hollow note, but somehow it still leaves you wanting more.

Although restricted to 500 copies of the red-vinyl release fans are still able to access the single as a digital-only release.