Hogwasche: Industrial Strength Industrial Metal

The late twentieth century left industrial in a weird place from which it has never quite recovered. There was a time when the genre’s mix of traditionalist and technological elements seemed fresh and edgy, but by the time it fell into the hands of bands like Dope and Orgy — wannabes of wannabes of wannabes — it seemed like little more than a refuge for theater kids with no work ethic.

Enter Hogwasche, who categorize themselves as “metallic body music.” Founded by guitarist/bassist Nix and vocalist/sampler Sivart (actually White Widows Pact co-guitarists Nick Emde and Travis Bacon), Hogwasche retain industrial’s flair for the dramatic without veering into self-parody.

A lot of that has to do with the fact that they’re clearly reaching further back for their influences than most bands of their ilk: instead of looking to Trent Reznor and Marilyn Manson for inspiration, they draw from bands like Ministry, My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult, and Godflesh. A lot of it is also their approached, which eschews polish in favor of grime you can feel underneath your fingertips.

But a lot of that also has to do with the fact that they just write really, really excellent songs… which isn’t surprising at all, if you’re familiar with White Widows Pact.

Check out Hogwasche’s debut, MBM, below. You can buy it on Bandcamp for just five bucks (digital download) or eight bucks (digital download, cassette, and embroidered patch). You should also keep up with them on Facebook!