SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: 16VOLT – WISDOM

16VOLT
WISDOM
METROPOLIS RECORDS

Lest you think we’re 19 years behind the curve on this one, this is the new remastered version of 16volt’s 1993 debut album, Wisdom. Originally produced by Dave “Rave” Ogilvie and Keith Auerbach, this is the first of four early 16volt albums to get the remastered and re-released treatment this year.

16volt’s pioneering Machine Rock sound blends Electronic and Industrial textures with Metal’s aggressiveness and Hard Rock’s swagger and hooks. Wisdom was released just after the heyday of Ministry and the Wax Trax! scene and just before Nine Inch Nails hit big – and I’d say Wisdom is a good hybrid of the two.

The new version adds five bonus tracks, including a demo of “Motorskill,” two previously unreleased tracks (“Black Hole” and “Filthy Love Of Fire [Unreleased Dave Ogilvie Remix]”), and a couple remixes previously put out on The Remix Wars: Strike 3 – 16volt vs. Hate Dept. Standing out amongst the bonuses tracks is the remix of “Filthy Love of Fire,” which blend some awesome (now-)retro Industrial noise samples, such as whirring engines, machine noises, distorted explosions, etc., with funky little bass runs, contrasted against acapella moments before bringing down the heavy crunching beats and guitars. Very deconstructed and very cool.

Ryan Foster’s remastering job sounds great. Unlike so many remastering efforts which just crush everything into oblivion, Foster has brought it up to current loudness levels while still allowing all the original dynamics and contrasts to shine through. There’s also added detail and clarity in the new version.

All in all, a great introduction for new 16volt fans, and a great refresher for the rest of us.

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