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Despite not receiving the claim that so many labels receive Torny Gottberg's Progress Productions label continues to release excellent albums from a host of lesser-known artists who, by rights, should be massive and this debut from John David Karlgren is no exception. The sleevenotes are quick to disclaim any real punk influence in the music, stating that it came from a random name generator but Karlgren's shouty, aggressive voice (which bring a good deal more character to the album by avoiding the usual EBM 'harsh whispered' styles) do have a certain punk appeal, constantly adding a snotty, disdainful and utterly angry feel to his robustly bombastic but almost funkily infectious strand of old-skool EBM, starting with the opening double-header of 'Here To Take You Down' and 'Dark Is The Psyche Of Man' where he sounds almost like a Scandinavian John Lydon as well as making the most of the dark, sarcastic humour of 'I Wish I Was Retarded' which is not only a top-class track but is surely a competitor for title of the year! This is one of those rare albums where you keep thinking 'he'll have to come up with a duff tune soon' but, such is the quality on show here, he never does; every track is of such a high standard that to leave any unmentioned would be an injustice but suffice to say that the scorching guitar work which brings a more organic and additionally gritty feel to 'Respect' and the bombastically exhuberant 'Animal Love' (the second song I've heard about bestiality this year-must be something they're putting in the water!) is a definate plus while the exhuberant manner in which 'P.K.', where the horror-themed lyrics are embellished by male and female screams, chugs along might well appeal to fans of early NIN, particularly on the typically excellent chorus. 'Transhuman Dream' is another highlight with it's funky rhythms and imaginative and excellent melodics showing the artist's more introspective side and don't let the fact that there are two versions of 'Dysmorphia' let you think you're getting short-changed in any way as neither bear any resemblance to the other with the 'epicentre version' proving the pick of the pair with some excellent vocodered vocals on the chorus and while they are a well-used staple but they certainly do the business here and bring this superb album to a suitably excellent close.
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