REVIEWS

Manufactura
We're Set Silently on Fire

Crunch Pod

Posted: Saturday, December 23, 2006
By: Matthew Johnson
Assistant Editor

Though he's best known as a power noise artist, Manufactura's Karloz M. is more than that; in addition to such extreme genres as noise and power electronics, Manufactura's work also encompasses more straightforward lyrical EBM, ambient, and even a hint of trip-hop. We're Silently Set on Fire continues that eclecticism; although the primary themes of sexual violence and betrayal will be familiar to long-time fans, the addition of more harmonic elements as well as a martial ambient feel on several tracks are newer developments. "The Betrayal" and "The Whore that Loved Me" are some the most accessible tracks of Manufactura's career, having much in common with the club-friendly European style of EBM popularized by such acts as :Wumpscut: and even Leæther Strip, and the cold, house-inspired minimalism of "Death of the Other" recalls Haujobb's recent material. Manufactura's best work often comes in the unexpected quiet moments though, and the hollow clanks and apocalyptic strings of "The Divine Discontent" provide this album's most stirring moments. Classical influences make their way into some of the heavier tracks as well, with feedback-laced orchestral moments mitigating the distorted stomp of "Live by the Knife, Die by the Knife" and "Mephistopheles." With the exception of closing track "I Am the Enemy," a collaboration with industrial metal act Helltrash, the overall mood of We're Silently Set on Fire is one of gloom rather than aggression, and the utter hopelessness evoked by a slowed-down reading of Charles Bukowski on intro track "Burned Alive" establishes a sense of dreariness that goes well beyond the cynical pose of many industrial acts. It's to Manufactura's credit, then, that such a bleak perspective has resulted in an album that's not only effective from the club DJ's perspective, but also hauntingly beautiful in places. Despite an aesthetic that at times seems to cultivate an image of mindless violence and misogyny, Manufactura's music is some of the deepest work you'll find in the rhythmic noise scene.