‘Griefer - malicious satisfaction in the misfortune of others’

We all know the internet isn’t secure. Pretty much everyone knows this. Yet more and more of us are putting every minute speck of personal information about ourselves on a plethora of networking sites. From our sexual preferences, to our taste in coffee, to where we live and our pets’ names, it’s all there for everyone to see. And it’s not just us who are doing this. Huge multinational companies, and, more scarily, government agencies are forging ahead with the paperless office, and putting immensely private information regarding each and every one of us into their networks and the virtual world they inhabit. Yet for all of the risks and security implications involved, there is always the attitude that there’s nothing to worry about, with claims that ‘millions have been invested in security to keep your information and networks secure’ being constantly made. However, for every security specialist working tirelessly to maintain this impenetrable wall, there are scores of hackers feverishly striving to break these barriers and gain access to invaluable information. For in this day and age, information commands a huge value, and the ability to extract this information from its source is a highly revered skill, which is well orchestrated within a secretive world most of us don’t even know exists.

‘Brute Force’, the latest release from the highly elusive Griefer, delves deep into this world of hacking and malware gangs through a barrage of sense-destroying power electronics and harsh electronic noise which is delivered with devastating effect. Like a virus that worms its way into your computer, ‘Brute Force’ unceremoniously forces its way into your senses, as wave after wave of distorted frequencies and noise terrorise your ears.

Through the use of distortion pedals and other electronic devices, Griefer constructs an impressively engulfing wall of noise and frequencies that relentlessly bombard the listener. Shards of noise and explosions of sounds collide unceremoniously with nauseating waves of frequencies, coating everything they come into contact with. The inclusion of thickly distorted inaudible vocals act like a layer of noise themselves, and help add bulk to Griefer’s output. Sitting somewhere between the more refined edges of power electronics and the harsher side of death industrial, it’s a challenging listen, but one that Griefer has ensured is worthy of the effort.

Yet for all the noise, there is still something very structured and concise about it all. The eight tracks that make up this CD feel right and in place. They fit each other just right, and although they are a difficult listen, they work brilliantly together and never lose pace or power. The seeming lack of improvisation here is just how it should be. The album holds together fantastically, if of course you have the testicular fortitude to work through its gruelling output.

This controlled nature of Griefer’s sonic explorations adds an almost accessible point to the album’s overall sound, yet it’s never quite that easy or subdued, for as soon as you become complacent to its distorted sounds, another wave of harsh electronics and slow brooding rumbles of frequencies knocks you sideways.

The CD is packaged in a very well presented black six-panel card sleeve with silver text, which interestingly lists a number of Government agencies, their IP addresses, logins and passwords. Whilst not actively encouraging the listener to investigate further, the worm has been dangled and I’m sure at least some will take the bait and explore.

‘Brute Force’ is a fantastic example of modern day extreme music/power electronics/ harsh death industrial, exploring subject matter that very few have so far touched upon. It delivers its message with a tremendous force and unsettling ferocity that certainly gives you something think about, as its wave after wave of electronic noise pummels your senses and speakers.

http://deterrent.net/griefer

http://industrial.org