I have been getting a lot of CDs lately. Bands and labels have been very supportive of Legends and they've been nearly pouring in - thanks to them all. Most of the time the CD will be something good - not great, just good. Occasionally the CD will rival new levels of badness. But every now and then one comes in that I would have paid for if I had known of the band before. One worthy of plunking down the dozen or so dollars to infuse the work into my collection. Needulhed was one of these; before that was My Scarlet Life. This month, however, the CD that I would have plunked down the money to happily cart home and annoy my not-quite-goth family with is Noxious Emotion's most recent release, "Symbols."

There are three artists that make up NE, Michael Wimer, Godboy & Fritter, and they have a fairly long history of music making. Appearances on more than fifteen compilations from such labels as Cleopatra Records, Doppler Effect and Apocalypse. They've toured considerably and released a number of full length releases including "Count Zero" and "This Hallowed Ground." They'll also be touring again in August (1999) in support of "Symbols" appearing with Fockewolf throughout the northern US. Symbols debuted at number 12 on the CMJ's RPM chart and has sat in the top 40 for over 3 months. Not bad for a little-known group…they should be much bigger than they are.

Symbols is a wonderful collection of music. Treading somewhere between 80s synth-pop and Puppy-like computeresque beat-noise, Noxious Emotion turns out a highly danceable collection of industrial and electronic sounds. They describe it as "elektro-body-music." The sounds of NE are very computeresque - metallic bass lines, slightly modified vocalizations with a deep, but not growling, ambience and data-style bits and bleeps. The beats and percussion are minimal for the most part, but the bass lines add enough movement throughout the songs to keep things flowing at a rapid and body moving pace. Samples are well-placed and add to the feel of the songs rather than the usual "Hey, this is getting boring - let's throw some silly movie quote here."

Slagging off usual numbering and tracking conventions, Noxious Emotion kept to the name of the CD and has their tracks listed by symbols - Grecian it looks, though I'm not sure. Tracks to listen to are the third, called "The Unknown," the ninth, "Mass" and the last on the album, "Indefinate & Unspecified."

"The Unknown" has a popping, data-stream kind of sound. It's a highly sexual song complete with seductive lyrics and a body-pounding drum track. "You wanna scratch me, The pleasure swirling in the pain." It's a story of unbridled lust and passion complete with music and sounds that seem to fit perfectly with the subject matter. The vocals are subdued through most of the song excepting the chorus, where they become lustful and strong - a climax, if you will. "Take me! Touch me! Pull me! Fuck me!" Aww yeah.

Track #9, "The Mass," takes an environmental theme and applies a scratching, subliminal sound. "Routinely under global change, Sinking is accumulative," they say. The song is about, as you can probably tell, the theory of global warming. The main reason why I enjoy this track so much is at about a minute and a half into it a wonderful synth melody begins that sounds something like a bagpipe. It's pleasant - strange, I know, for a song that speaks of death to the world via floods. But they have a soothing effect - waiting for the waters to rise and take us along to someplace where we won't have to worry about it anymore. Not so much neglect as acceptance - the "there's nothing we can do, come swimming with me" acceptance. Surreal in a way. The vocals growl their story behind them, speaking of the doom many environmental theorists would have you believe. "Too far along to prevent, Slowed but not quite stopped."

The last track of the CD opens with a toy-piano sound. The synthesizers that float behind it are Enigma-like. But the lyrics of the song are dark and moody - by the end they've given up. From "I think I hate what you are," to "I think I love what you are" at the end of the song. The synth slides along, taking you with it. The vocals are awesome - the perfect tone, resonance and darkness speaks "Still I ask why are you shouting at me, Stop shouting at me!" Noxious Emotion again, like the last track I discussed, has once again through their lyrics and sounds taken a darker subject and applied electronic finesse to it to make it beautiful. And that's what we're about, isn't it? Seeing beauty in the things most people would shun?

I applaud their efforts. Noxious Emotion have taken two of the strongest forces in my life and packaged them together, bound with brilliance and buff-shined with darkness. Being a geek at heart, I love computers and all their technological uses - NE's music is reflective of this through their mastery of computeresque sounds. If data streams had a sound, this would be it. I also love to dance - I just can't pull up the pretentious-stand-at-the-bar façade no matter where I go. And NE have taken this sound of data and put it to a drum and percussion line that not only requests but requires dancing.

Come and dance with the data

The Plaque
By: Laird Sheldahl - 04/04/99

I've been eagerly awaiting Noxious Emotion's new album, and was very curious as to how it would sound. As you might know, Shane has left the band, and from talking with he and Mike, Shane was the one who wanted to push Noxious Emotion in a harder direction. Mike I knew was the guy with the 80s synthpop fetish (and Project Pitchfork fetish to boot).

I wasn't too sure what to make of the first two tracks "Pi" and "Phi", but "the Unknown" is totally in tune with Count Zero era Noxious. It's cold, it has that big boom-tsss drumbeat, and a really cool, catchy synth riff (ooh, ooh, can I call it an infectious synth riff?) As the disc continues, though, there is a noticeable style change.

The boom-tsss drumbeat that has been, while hardly unique, a nevertheless distinguishing trademark of Noxious Emotion remains throughout the disc. The burpy, farty synth basslines are pretty much similar as well. The rest of the synth work, however, makes several forays into the realm of melody and 80s synthpop hookiness. So I'd say Noxious is now a synthpop band, and not an EBM band, and the timing is perfect with the rise in popularity of VNV Nation, Neuroactive, Covenant and the like. The shouted, growly vocals also remain (there's no attempt to sound like the Pet Shop Boys or Blacmange in that department), but the synth work is decidedly synthpop at times. I think that might annoy some of their harder-minded fans.

Noxious' live show has become, if anything, harder in the past year or so, mainly due to the addition of several live drummers. I was actually kinda sad to not hear them on this CD. I guess that makes us Seattleites lucky. The rest of you, unless you can catch them on tour, will just get drum-machined percussion.

"Unit" has a really cool, noisy synth line that is more an atonal-hook than a synthpop-line. "Mass", however, can be described by no words but synthpop... the bagpipe-like sound could have been a Big Country sample. Except there is no sampling here (or at least very little, mainly in the more experimental short interludes), which is nice. No bad horror-movie quotes belie their industrial natures.

Lastly, I must comment on how 'cute' the song titles on this disc are. When "Noxious Emotion" is spelled out in the nearest looking symbols-font letters, either the name of that letter (phi, pi) or the measure is often abbreviates (mass, time, entropy) is used as the song title. I just noticed that. Neat. Bottom line, though, is I like this disc. Synthpop with a big beat and cold nature.

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Stop Smiling Fanzine
By: Matthew Such - 03/31/99

Hailing from the great northwest, Noxious Emotion presents itself as a welcome relief from all that experimental and minimalistic garbage that the electronic music community has been offering up lately. *Symbols* is a straightforward album that focuses attention on the frequently ignored but thriving EBM/club scene. This beat-driven industrial fest continues the dancable sound we have come to expect from Noxious Emotion; processed 4/4 beats, body moving sequences of quirky synths, and that trademark creepy rhythmic energy. "The Unknown" brings a fantastic energy to the dance floor by dabbling with coitial imagery, while "Inertia" bruises your ears with a massive bass drum and a roller coaster of synth pads. Interestingly, the distortion and vocal effects that were so prevalent on *Count Zero* have been phased out on *Symbols* and the band offers a more confident sound. And as any engineer would notice, many of the symbols cited on the album are scientifically correct. - $uchM@N

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Hell Frost
By: Dark Reverend Gira - 03/29/99

As interests come and go and the fear that all Industrial music is the same I have found the exception to that tiring rule. Noxious Emotion is by far the freshest most interesting of the new industrial forefront. Symbols, their new release is even an innovative CD in dealing with textures and layering of music. Mike Wimer is the amazing front man joined by GodBoy and Fritter to complete the union. The following is the track listing of the songs from Symbols:

Pi starts off with a hard hitting beat and space type programming I like how the song progresses as another beat is added then Mike Wimer's soft yet menacing vocals come in. The beat picks up and revolves around his hard hitting lyrics. This is a mesmorizing track to open with and it gets better.

Phi has that space computer effect as if you are maining the controls of the mind. The effects are really neat to listen to as they get wilder. A rather interesting trip into the mind and soul .

The Unknown another hard driven beat as the song begins its progession.A very dancible song. The lyrics of Wimer are somewhat seductive as the beat goes full force the clubs would love this track.The vocals of Wimer are forceful in parts but it fits with the rage and sex theme.

Inertia a very dancey song as well from the very beginning it grabs you with the dark emotions to add. The texture and laying mixing with Wimer's voice is in the vein of Syntec. I love really good music and these guys don't disappoint . I love the treatments thrown in when you least expect it.

Luminous Flux starts out with a sample of a female speaking as the music is sort of calmn. A very ethereal type of mode. doesn't really escalate into a power song kind like an interlude of sorts.

Unit nice programming in the beginning leading into a rather straight forward song with a constant strong beat. Wimer is incredible with his lyrics he touches upon all sort of issues from religion to betrayal to technology. Another dancey song Rivetheads would love it.

Entropy yes I like the treatments this song moves and reminds you of old industrial mixed with the textures of the new. Wimer's vocals are soft yet not a whisper. The beat is rather cool beat. the programming is very dark yet majestic. the beats are space oriented. Not a disappointment and I knew it wouldn't be.

The Sum Of...the openning programming is wild with Wimer stating he doesn't need your god and basically doesn't need sin and doesn't need his race to be cleansed. It is a really raw emotion song and Wimer proves he doesn't need a forceful voice to get his point across.I like this track alot and would request it at clubs.

Mass interesting programming is what these guys are known for this is no exception. it is another catchy song with Wimer commanding the agression and rage. His lyrics are powerful and goes along with the layers and programming. It has a sort of new wave programming added in I like it a lot.

Surface Tension wild treatments in the beginning and throughout it is another interlude.

Time a simplistic industrial song that will get your soul moving as well as your feet. Noxious Emotion is very addictive and this song is no exception to the rule. The programming is incredible same with the laying.

Integral anther driven beat bought to you by Noxious Emotion. It seems there is an effect on Wimer's voice as the beat becomes somewhat mechanically controlled . it is a moving song and I dare you not to move to this

Cross Section another short interlude that leads into..........

Indefinate&Unspecified sort of like a new wave industrial song rather different than the previous works on the CD. it is still fun with Mike Wimer asking "why are you shouting at me?" it is a really neat song to see how Mike's vocals can change without using any effects. I love Wimer's voice it is so original just like his music.

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Blind Line Magazine
By: Zenthae - 03/29/99

THERE ARE SYMBOLS-THROUGHOUT THE AGES- CONNECTING THOSE AGES- ARE THE SYMBOLS

Song 1- PI- This song is a perfect introduction to the album and rightly sets the example for what you can encounter as you listen to 'Symbols'. It seems like this piece covers a lot of different territory but I also find it comfortably haunting as it reminds me of my own life- "She begs Forgiveness Plea/Shutting down the Pain/Begging for Relief". And so, I will beg for this one!

Song 2: Phi- This is a short instrumental excerpt filled with lots of interesting noises that draw you into a bit of a swirling vortex....

Song 3: The Unknown- If you have read the earlier interview with NE, you will know that this is my favourite song! (it should be yours too....) Listen and there's no explanation needed- just find me someone to perform the 'chorus' on me!!

Song 4: Inertia- The lyrics to song 4 highlight the talent and content of NE song-writing. I'm not sucking up to Mike but this one shows the deeper thought/effort that this band actually makes compared to others that don't care so much about lyrical meaning.

Song 5: Luminous Flux- I'm not sure if I'm right about this one or not but it seems as though this piece shows us a glimpse of something very personal and private. It is not so much a 'music' song as someone expressing their pain.

Song 6: Unit- Unit brings us back out to the typical NE sound. Once more, many important issues are covered here and it is good to see that some us still have a conscience left! "Try holding up the walls/We can't protect the Earth/Natural Light Feel the Might/ Set the Site and be prepared to Fight".

Song 7: Entropy- Speaking of important issues, this song definitely fits the bill. in covering the current state of hospital treatment policies. Therapy, medication- everything out of control. No doubt about that! This song asks the questions that should be- does a pill really take it all away?

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Grinding into Emptiness
By: MT - 03/22/99
Rating: B

Noxious Emotion, one of the finer American offerings in the electro field, has gained a lot of attention for its harsh brand of music. Count Zero, the project's last album, showcased the group's departure from a Skinny-Puppy-reminiscent sound, moving into a much more percussive electro style. Yet that is not the only change Noxious Emotion recently underwent; the duo was forced to split as Shane Benson left the band on good terms. Mike Wimer essentially produced Symbols on his own, and the new sound reaffirms that his talent has always been the major driving force of the band.

Symbols again represents a transition from the old sound, as Wimer moves away from the style he perfected on Count Zero. While the music is still a bit harsh, it's not as abrasive as the electro Numb produces, making it relatively tame. The main reason for this accessibility is the lighter focus on percussion, with more attention paid to the new addition of 80's new wave melodies. Self-described as "Depeche Mode with an attitude," the new combination actually manages to sound fresh and enjoyable, thanks to the effort Wimer puts into it to make it work.

Symbols shows a fascination with Greek letters, particularly in the way the songs are named. There are fourteen tracks on the disc, one for each of the letters in the band's name. Using approximately the correct Greek letters to write out "Noxious Emotion," Wimer then named the tracks according to the letters' true names. Upon seeing it, it actually looks pretty cool, although the titles don't influence the lyrics in any way (except that tracks 2, 5, 10, and 13 are instrumental for a specific reason).

Regardless of the new influences in the music, Mike Wimer has not gone soft. The trancey intro of the opener "Pi" may suggest that at first, but then the track jumps right into NE's trademark beats, adding layers of twanging, clicking synths to reassure those listeners looking for the harder stuff. "The Unknown" is a similarly misleading track, beginning with a new-wave-influenced bounce that soon erupts in the group's classic grunting synth work, highlighted with self-interjecting, overlapping vocal work.

While the new wave hints may at first seem limited to only intro sequences or as background work to the more aggressive electro that comprises the body of the songs, it in fact becomes more integral to the work as the album progresses. Wimer grows bolder with the additions as the tracklist advances, although it takes him until "Mass" (Track 9) to really play around with the possibilities. The song in question obviously derives its atmosphere from new wave, with the normally-abrasive percussion taking a back seat. From that point on, the album proudly wears its influences on its sleeve, making it clear that Noxious Emotion's sound has evolved.

The vocals on Symbols are more consistent than those on previous releases, largely due to the fact that only Mike Wimer is singing this time. As always, he sounds angry when he takes the microphone. The resulting snarls, treated to sound slightly gravelly and hollow, are hidden slightly within the music; it is evident that Noxious Emotion wants its fans to concentrate on its musical talent. As for what is actually being sung, the lyrics demonstrate an amazing improvement from the writing on Count Zero. Wimer's lyrics are less cryptic and far more literate, resulting in an impressive vocal force that complements and simultaneously rivals his harsh melodies.

All in all, Symbols makes for an excellent use of fifty-two minutes. The concept of the album, paying homage to (Duh) symbols looks wonderful visually, and the music exceeds even this high standard. Fans of Noxious Emotion or the harsher EBM and electro sounds (Such as those of Zoth Ommog bands) would certainly enjoy this release. And, with the album being the group's most daring yet most accessible release to date, Symbols cannot be beaten as an introduction to the group's style. From there, beginners can work up to the harsher albums.

Sound files are available at Noxious Emotion's official page. And hey! The band is offering free singles to its fans, so check it out anyway!

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E-Lectric Magazine
German translated By: Robert Macioszek - 03/22/99

Who's assumed that? After the awful tape - sorry to say that - NE have published a quite sociable CD. The US-electronicers are not stingy with intersting sound on their new album (symbols). Synthie-pop fans won't be hostiled. OK the vocal are distorted in EBM-syle, in a good measure. Die fourteen tracks are danceable and may run in sweeping clubs. Maybe the tape was only in badly recorded? (These tape tracks are missing on the symbols album). This album is well produced and may show an interest on anybody who likes the hard danceable EBM-style. In USA NE are well known and described as dance industrial. Symbols is well placed in the alternative charts. And even here insiders may know them or rather their remixes from Pitchfork or Trylok. Symbols is their 5th album. Maybe it'll work in the whole world. Non EBM-ers may listen to the insrtumental tracks first because if you are enthusiasticed about the sound, the voice may be secondary.

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In Faction
By: Daryl Litts - 03/22/99

Noxious Emotion presents a great hybrid of EBM/Electro at its best. Steady, pounding dance beats meet aggro keyboards and a low, growling (but varying) voice reminiscent of the FLA side of the spectrum. Symbols is a most promising album, and I see in it the subtle qualities that can be seen in other bands that have become leaders of the genre. Noxious Emotion is a guaranteed favorite, holding their own against the most established European bands, and these guys are from Seattle! Symbols has a lot of potential not only in the catchy dance anthems, but also in the sound quality, production and strength of the music. This is definitely a band who are serious about their music, so I give it my highest recommendation and award for best full length album received for this issue.

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Poison Quill
By: Lynda - 03/22/99

The cassette I was sent, included sample tracks from four American industrial bands. The first of these, is Noxious Emotion, who described themselves to me as having strong Project Pitchfork influences. I see their point. Noxious Emotion have that catchy, dancefloor edge to which only the braindead could fail to respond. The first track Unknown however, has an aggressive edge along with explicit lyrics, that has a lot more in common with the likes of NIN than anything else. Integrity 13 follows; this has a deceptively driving rhythm which could not fail to be a hit, anywhere: a strong composition. Alien Sex Fiend come to mind here, too. Mark 13 is Noxious Emotion's final offering; UK listeners might well be reminded of Sneaky Bat Machine, because the band seem to be taking the piss: 'you're so f*****ng alternative' indeed!

Fockewolf are on next, with three tracks: Regrets Bitter Empire, His Lost Reflection, and Devoid. I would describe this as late-night listening, perhaps more dark-wave than Industrial; it features musky Gitane Demone-style vocals. All three tracks are quite atmospheric; I particularly liked the subtle use of bells in places, on the second track. Unfortunately, the quality of the sound recording on the last two tracks was very poor, which did not really do Fockewolf justice.

On the other side, we have SNP. Riot Starter, the opening track, appeared to have shades of Cassandra Complex' with lots of robotic voice samplers in the background. The tempo is moderately fast and aggressive, with anti-US government lyrics. Pre-emptive which follows; this has an ominous, horror-film score ambience set against catchy percussion rhythms, and the obligatory distorted mail vocals. Electric Prod finishes and as the title implies, consists very much of the electronic end of Industrial. As individual tracks go, this seems to be bog-standard stuff, fairly forgettable in this case.

The last band on this sampler, Thine Eyes, appears to be the most experimental here: in fact, they are downright strange. You can just discern the sound of Gregorian-style choruses set against what sounds like a series of bubbles being blown through molten lead on the first track, Stiff. Cockroaches which follows, appears to be a sustained exercise in noise samples and odd creakings, and possibly is intended to be disorientating. No doubt William Burroughs would approve of this; this could come from inside the protagonist of The Naked Lunch, on a bad day. Possibly this would be most irritating to those who have absolutely no taste for this kind of music.

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Godsend Magazine
By: Todd - 03/22/99

Noxious Emotion-"Symbols" CD-This Seattle band has successfully self-produced 3 CDs now, all the while gaining notoriety and building an impressive fanbase. This CD continues down the same path of post-Wax Trax! electro-hardbeat. NOXIOUS EMOTION owe a great deal to bands like PUPPY or FLA, but their sense of melody also shows a definite affinity for synthpop in spots, which is a welcome flavour added to the brew. Electronic music fans who have no interest in the latest drum & bass or techno textures will find sustenance in NOXIOUS' sequenced synth percolations and thudding industrial drum-machine sounds which bring to mind the early work of PORTION CONTROL even. A well-done album and easily their most accomplished to date.

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Grinding into Emptiness
By: Scott Mallonee - 03/19/99

Noxious Emotion's fifth full length is an outstanding improvement over their last offering, "Count Zero," which, by all means, wasn't bad. The band has picked up a sound similar to earlier Front Line Assembly. Darker vocals and much more intricately played electronics fill the album. It begins with "Pi." This track is made up of synthetics that seem to layer themselves on top of one another. As one note fades out, another is played. Bill Leeb-style vocals fill the song with little distortion. "Phi" is an experimental instrumental. It's sort of like Autechre without all the beats. Strange electronics sounds span octaves throughout the song. Although it is onlye a minute and a half long, it is a very impressive little instrumental.

The best song on the album is number seven, "Entropy." A bass-filled, repeating synth-line dominates all other elements of the song as undistorted vocals exist behind it. That synth-line causes the song itself to be very dominating and powerful...one that makes you not want to sit still. I'd expect this song to be a hit in clubs if not for that characteristic alone. Even though the first Noxious Emotion album was good, this one could crush it. I've noticed that on all of the compilations Noxious Emotion have contributed to recently, they continually improve their style. Any Zoth Ommog fan should really like this stuff.

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Grinding into Emptiness
By: Ben Didier - 03/19/99

This Noxious Emotion sampler tape touts a lightweight form of EBM, with a subtle hard edge buried just below the layers of electro programming. They are catchy songwriters; they've even got me drumming the table with my knuckles as I think of words to put to their sound. This music works the best loud, where your body can absorb the vibrations of the repetitive rhythms. These same static beats also provide the only noticeable room for improvement. A little variation in place of the steady drum machine loops would work well. The distortion based vocals bring a hint of aggression to the mix with their serious execution. This sampler is the extent of my Noxious Emotion exposure, but it's a good enough taste of their music to be able to recommend them to fans of the lighter side of smooth, well produced EBM.

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Aural-Fixation
By: DJ Process - 03/10/99
rating: 3 of 5

Had Noxious Emotion dropped into electronic body music during the Wax Trax! glory days of Front 242's keyboard swells and Front Line Assembly before the zestful swagger Rhys Fulber brought on board, Symbols might actually generate the good press it deserves. As the follow-up to their undercovered debut, Symbols wisks back to the fundamentals of pop-influenced electro under the guise of new-school EBM to teach the teachers that, every now and then, we all need a little nostalgia flashback.

Noxious Emotion is the kind of music you'd listen to when those old KMFDM and early Skinny Puppy LPs can't take another spin on the turntable. Inarguably old-school and, minus a track or two, mind-numbingly upbeat, Symbols actually holds its own against Europe's Kraftwerkian invasion. Curiously, a tape I received some time ago from ADSR Musicwerks featured both "The Unknown" and "Integral," the foot-pumping club hits owning up to the Noxious Emotion trademark, yet neither of the two CD versions has quite the oomph of Count Zero's "Mark-13" or "Steril," nor do they match the production quality of those on the demo tape. Percussion dominates and fluctuates, leaving the chant-along vocal performance and often electrifying synth-bass lines scattered to the lonely winds of amateur engineering.

First impression of the CD might get caught in the new-wave shooting star synth lines of "Indefinate & Unspecified," but longer listens guarantee a nostalgia trip admirably sweeping across Michael Wimer, Godboy, and Fritter's aspirations to jab at pop-industrial's tactless masonry of something recent electro artists want to call progressive or even intelligent. Overall, Symbols is like riding in a New York taxi-cab: it's pretty much stop and go. If Noxious Emotion manage to marry Count Zero's groove with Symbols' ingenuity, the Seattle act could eventually taste more than the whip cream on that big apple pie.

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Vae Solis Magazine
By: Herr Stalhammar - 03/09/99
rating: 4 of 6

Well, this is not even industrial - "Symbols" is completely synthetic CD, sounding more like a EBM mixed with some techno, lacking any usual 'metal' instruments like e-guitars, for example. In fact, there're enough reasons why I liked this CD. Firstly, few songs (like "Inertia", "Entropy" or "The Sum Of...") feature bizarre ambiences, forcing extremely obscure atmosphere of post-human world. I also appreciate that anti-christian attitude (verses like "I don't need your christ / And I don't want your fucking son" really make me to respect this band even more than I could before). Sometimes, the music becomes almost bewitching with that magic programming and recognizable, anxious vocals Basically, NOXIOUS EMOTION is a trio, although this CD also features Kelly Williams of NINTH CIRCLE, R. Wilhelm of FOCKEWOLF and Sean Ivy of SMP. Packaged in a brilliant way, and possessing truly outstanding design and layout, this album will please a lot of dark souls although, this stuff is not for everyone.

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Gothic Preservation Society
By: Columbine - 03/01/99

Noxious? I've smelled worse... My dual first impression was of how the attractive, intriguing graphic layout of the CD cover and booklet typified the clean, uncluttered arrangements and the sharp, well-balanced production of the tracks.

_Symbols_ isn't the place to search for pure-angst eardrum rippers. If anything, Noxious Emotion seem drawn to a retro-electronic feel, favoring the squirmy-sproingy sounds that were just so Space Age when the first Moogs were built. The only song on here that's about doing what the animals do, The Unknown, is all gleeful enthusiasm; not a guilt trip or a gross-out to be heard. The two most danceable tracks, Mass (a sort of musical cheering section for global warming) and Indefinate & Unspecified (a messed-up guy resigning himself to being berated by the object of his very ambivalent affections) bounce along on an almost New Romantic post-funk groove.

Contrast is what _Symbols_ is about. Don't worry about decoding which titles go with which songs - none of them make sense anyway, which is surprising given how much thought went into the lyrics. And you can HEAR the lyrics - yes, they're growled through a larynxful of acidic gravel, but clearly. And the tunes are quite distinct one from another, most of them very simple but many of them quite catchy. If this is the sound of industrial growing up, it seems to be having considerably more fun than it did in its sloppy, bratty infancy.

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Noize Foundation Magazine
By: Doug Seven - 02/26/99
Perfect Rating: 5.0

You may say that this review is a bit unfair because I've been a fan of Noxious Emotion for several years, but that's your problem. Quite simply said, "Symbols" is the definition of Noxious Emotion. This CD embodies everything about Noxious Emotion that I have loved since I first saw them live several years ago.

Since "Count Zero" Noxious Emotion has appeared on several compilations, including Doppler Effects "Resurgence." As a tie to bring the two albums together, Mike Wimer, Fritter and GodboY have satisfied my needs by including my favorite song, "Indefinite & Unspecified" (their contribution to "Resurgence") as the final track on "Symbols." But lets go back to the beginning...

Symbols open with "Pi," a slowed down FLA-style track. This really set the tone for me. The vocals step away from the growly, Ogre-esque sound Noxious Emotion has gotten known for. Instead they are soft, deep and entrancing...a new breed of Emotion. In a seamless blend of random synth noises "Pi" transitions into "Phi"...but that is as far as it goes. Hmmm.

"The Unknown" follows, picking up the tempo a little. A great track, that I've had the pleasure of hearing live a few times. My favorite part of this track is the extreme use of stereo between Mike and GodboY. With the inertia of "The Unknown" Noxious Emotion tracks on with "Inertia." Expect to hear this track on the radio a lot. A solid tune with a great synth bass line. "Luminous Flux" follows in the same tradition as "Phi;" a synthy filler, only "Luminous Flux" is a solid Blade Runner background sound. "Entropy," "The Sum of...," and "Time" are the other strong tracks on this CD. Not to mention "Indefinite & Unspecified."

Symbols is by far one of the best CD's to come out of the Northwest...ever. Those of you who were at the CD release party are the lucky ones. We got the CD for free (you never know what to expect from Noxious Emotion). The rest of you...you're still lucky. For the money, this CD pays for itself. Go buy it now!

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Radio Show Le Vestibule
Jean-Francois Fecteau - 02/02/99

Over the years, Noxious Emotion have always stayed faithful to their pure electronic sound and with this fifth release, they continue to freeze our mind and senses with their sonic manipulations. "Symbols" presents us the trademark sound of Noxious Emotion that makes them so unique. On this album, we are confronted to cold synthetic Industrial compositions that explore the different textures and sonorities that arise from the machines. Hard pounding rhythms are laid over intricate structures and dark flowing melodies that remind us at times of the early days of Project Pithcfork. We go through a musical imagery depicting worlds of violence, lust, faith, rape, mental disturbance... if it troubles you, you are probably ignoring what circles around you, and it would be about time that you open yourself to the sick reality in which you evolve. Let Noxious Emotion take your hand...

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The Pan Pages
By: Marcus Pan - 07/07/99

I might be doing this a bit backwards, I'll admit. I spun and reviewed NE's Symbols disc long before I got my hands on the now limited-edition Count Zero. A year previous to their release of Symbols in 1998, Noxious Emotion released their fourth full length - Count Zero on ADSR Musicwerks. If I can get their third, This Hallowed Ground which they released in 1996, I could keep up this backwards trend of mine.

I particularly like the Gieger-esque cover art for Count Zero as done by Heather Ivy. I also like the way they've listed the tracks. While Symbols listed them, appropriately enough, with symbols, Count Zero follows the album name with its tracks by listing them by their time counters - going backwards from +29:25 to -26:11. Quite unusual, but I enjoy NE's flair for keeping a similar vein throughout all facets of a CD when they put out a release. Shows they're thinking - putting as much into the experience that is Noxious Emotion as they do the music.

NE sticks to the same style throughout their recordings - the high-octane dance electronica they've become masters of. While some bands will try to cross genres or even turn out a release that is far from their last few, NE instead desire to be masters of the "elektro-body-music" that they've been recording since their self-titled debut in 1993. And indeed - NE have taken the position as America's answer to electronic mastery rather than become dabblers in the plethora of musical styles as shown by bands today. Better to be kings at one than jesters in all, says I.

For some reason, Count Zero doesn't grab me as much as Symbols did, but nonetheless it is a beautiful workup of mesmerizing beat-cracks and synthesized data-noise. It's highly danceable, extremely rhythmic and is not something you should listen to from a vantage point or chair of any type. Get up, man, get up! Shake those boots and keep stepping! As proof of the need-to-dance mood of NE I give this; they list the Beats Per Minute for all the tracks. That's something I haven't seen in a while!

Highlight tracks on Count Zero, for me at least, seem to come moreso after their mid-CD breakdown piece - Count Zero (The Present). After this comes music that winds down into the final track of the CD, The Past. The three time-tracks, as I call them, also include The Future which kicks the album off. These are sample-ridden breakdowns rather than songs themselves - setting you up for the rest of the true tracks. They did the same thing with Symbols, only there the beat-breakdown tracks were riddled throughout the CD every couple songs or so. Here the structure to them is more rigid - more defined. The way time is defined - awesomely appropriate. Again we go back to the experience that is Noxious Emotion - when they put out a release, everything about it is themed to the central message in that CDs music.

Tracks to listen to include Street, the first of The Future series and second track on the release. The beat track throughout Street remains pretty constant. The melody is expectedly synthy with floating chord progressions carrying it along from one measure to the next. It's standard, well-done and well-prepared electronica and a strong opener to Count Zero. Much farther along and into The Present section of the disc is a track called Crawl Kingdom. "I am nothing, I am enough," are the trading lines of this track, a much more guttural sound with robotic vocals and lots of data-like blips and chirps. Very well put together with techno-heavy breakdowns and a fast paced, rumbling bass line. Then there's Count Zero's fourth track, Boundary, a song that starts on the slower side and trances in with my favored NE computeresque style - again it's the sound of the data. It's a very strong and pointing song, naming the Christian Coalition even. The vocals are barbed with metal and fully hateful. "Liar! Liar! You fucking liar!"

Noxious Emotion's Count Zero is a strong release. There is nothing too new - it's all things you've heard similarly from Mentallo or Leather Strip. But it is some of the best released electronica you'll ever hear. Not new - just better. While Count Zero didn't drag me into itself like NE's release of Symbols did, and I can't quite put my finger on why, it stands on its own. And when you consider that this CD was released previous to Symbols, you can see an undeniable upward trend as NE matures and continues to perfect their chosen style of music.

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Shadowed Sky
By: Andi - 1998

When seeing this band live, they really didn’t do much for me, so when I listened to the CD it was a slap in my face, waking me up to some great new music. Count Zero has an early industrial feel to it, accompanied by several not so typical samples. As far as the vocals go, I think less effects would do justice and not distract from the music, which, might I add, is well composed. I have high hopes for these guys. Noxious Emotion is a band to keep your eyes on. Check it out!

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The Industrial Bible
By: Dachar - 1998

Harsh...Electrifying...Rigid...These are just three words that describe the sound of Noxious Emotion’s latest offering, Count Zero. With a bit of input from Sean Setterberg (Christ Analogue) and Jason Bazinet (SMP), Noxious Emotion deliver a strong release on the ADSR label out of Seattle. The music of Count Zero falls into the strict electro category, with pulsating rhythms, pounding drums, and staticy vocals. LoveShocked features some hollow analogue sounding sequences, abrasive vocals, and a turbulent rhythm. Boundary begins as a electro gothic piece, but once the beat and vocals kick in, the piece is transformed into a hard electronic dance track with slightly demonic vocals and a crushing beat. Musically, Steril is a very impressive piece, but the vocals seem a bit to monotone and detract from the overall sound. Quite to opposite is true of M.A.R.K.-13. On this track, the vocals are very strong and add quite a bit to song. T he music behind this piece is comprised of a throbbing rhythm, snare and bass drum beats, and cyber sounding sequences. The cyber style sound continues on Eye-Claw, a track that features guttural vocals, energetic, electro sequences, and a hard dance beat. Two instrumentals, The Future and The Past, frame the album nicely, with the later being a series of barely audible drones that fade into nothingness. Count Zero is a fine example of the current style of electro music that is available. What makes it even more impressive is that this band is home grown...right here in the USA.

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Deadwyre Magazine
By: Ross - 1998
Rating: 3 of 5

This band is a rather new discovery for me. Before I received this album, all I had heard from them was the track they had on The United Endangered Front's "Cyberpuncture" compilation. I thought the track was decent (one of the best on that comp), but it really didn't do all that much for me. This album, however, leaves me with a much better opinion of this young act. Dark EBM, very much in the Leæther Strip/yelworC vein, with the traditional distorted vocal processing. Most tracks are very bass synth oriented, with aggressive vocals. I enjoyed this album, and the only complaints I had had to do with the drum programming. The structuring was fine, but most of the drum sounds sounded quite similar from song to song. Lotsa high Q's. Bass kicks could be turned up a bit as well. The cover art is very interesting, almost H.R. Giger-ish. The tracks that I was most impressed with were "Boundary", and "LoveShocked". An excellent use of a phaser effect on this one. This band has a bright future ahead of them. Reccomended for all you electro heads out there.

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Grinding into Emptiness
1998

I've never been a big fan of electronic body music, but I had to change my mind after listening to Noxious Emotion's latest. It has a different kind of feel to it; unlike most EBM bands, it has lyrics with meaning. And instead of getting in the way, the lyrics actually work within the music, enhancing it. Add that to the use of conventional and electronic elements, and you get an incredibly moving sound that will get you out of your chair!

Thankfully, this album doesn't use 'track blending,' but forms a totally different sound for each song. Some of the most memorable ones are "Street," which features prominent organ use, "LoveShocked" for its reliance on percussion, and "Eye-Claw" for its overall complexity. I also happen to like "Boundary," "Steril," and "Crawl Kingdom." But there's still half an album of cool EBM left. And you've got to hear it to believe it!

It takes the album a while to grow on you, and then you can enjoy it all the more. I thought some tracks sounded similar, but a few more listens smashed that thought. However, the lyrics are a bit disappointing. Even though they are a bonus from other EBM groups, it is a bit annoying to hear so much swearing. It isn't necessary to throw shit everywhere.

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Sonic Boom Magazine
By: Jester - 1998

This advanced copy of the second Noxious Emotion album is tentatively titled "Count Zero", probably after the William Gibson book by the same name. The first thing I noticed upon listening to the album was that Noxious Emotion have finally shed their strong Skinny Puppy influence in favor of more original sounds. This has allowed them to transcend the problem of sounding like a clone band, and let them stand alone as a musical project. Musically, the album is full of percussion heavy songs that are just too slow to receive any significant club play. The vocals also contain more than their fair share of expletives, therefore denying them steady radio airplay. As a result, I feel that despite all their hard work and effort, they won't receive proper praise for this album simply because they self-imposed too many constraints upon themselves. However, they still continue to play live in and around the Seattle area. That coupled with the replacement equipment purchased after their disastrous tour attempt in early 1996, will at least keep them afloat long enough for at least one more album.

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Attitude Magazine
April 1998

This is very electronic industrial with a strong eighties feel (the intro to the second track, Street, reminds me of the Eurythmics' Sweet Dreams) and pseudo-mechanical filtered vocals.

Quite frankly my dear, this leaves me cold. It's bare, bleak, mechanical and soulless. To me, it seeems to express the lack of meaning and connection people feel living in the modern unnatural world of cities. Incredibly cyber-punk. I think this is illustrated by the Giger-esque cover with the female figure bound to her seat and seemingly made of the same grey artificial substance as it. As you listen to this, you can feel the blue of the sky disappearing as tall grey skyscrapers grow up around you and block out the light.

The dark lyrics are delivered by an expressionless unfeeling voice and are devoid of any hope of ever climbing out of a pit of unending misery. There's no fragile beauty in this darkness. It's missing any of the quirky wry slightly grisly humour of a lot of dark music and those who appreciate it.

Strangely enough, despite being so bleak and despairing, this is dance music. I can easily imagine being dragged up to dance to this in a club. People do enjoy this sort of thing in their own perverse kind of way. I'm not sure I want to, though, because that would mean that I can relate to this kind of emptiness.

To make me identify with it, this album needs a little humanity added to its numbness. I'm still an animal, not a machine yet. I still feel.

This is probably not the best thing to listen to when depressed -- it'll encourage you to mope instead of getting on and dealing with things. It's positively unhealthy. If you listen to this, hide the razorblades. You'll love this album if you enjoy being made utterly miserable, you masochist. The perfect scene to listen to this would be in a damp little bedsit in the inner city, while you're nursing a nasty hangover and regretting your pathetic life (Am I turning you masochists on?). I'll just pass myself. I have no need of further depression.

I have an incredible urge to go and hug a tree or something (maybe I'll become a hippy -- well, maybe that's taking things a bit far).

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Last Sigh Magazine
September 1997

Noxious Emotion (Michael Wimer and Shane Benson) have once again done a great job bringing us this incredible sound on the new release: CountZero. A fast, hard elektronic combination of melodic gothik undertones coupled with samples and synth drumming, Count Zero is no music to ignore. The EBM, upbeat yet medieval melodies captured my attention right from the beginning on track 1 titled: The Future. Strong drumming and soundscapes continue throughout this CD with tracks like: Street, Steril, M.A.R.K.-13, Crawl Kingdom, Bio-Analogue, Neural Surge and Eye Claw. When I first received this CD I couldn't put it back in it's cover, I still listen to it nearly everyday, being the elektro/industrial/EBM head I am! Vocals on this disk are similar in quality to Ogre's rough and intense drama. The background FX are in sync with the melodic innovative changes ongoing in their music. Lyrics are defined as being taken from Noxious Emotion's personal feelings and pain, enhancing their expansive sound/samples. Lyrics like: Liar! You FUCKING LIAR and You're so alternative! are some that most everyone can relate to in today's world...

This CD just kicks ass...it's one that I have not yet grown tired of, and I hear no reason to tire of it in the all too distant future. DJ's: Get a copy of this to keep your dance floor busy! Excellent CD. Be sure to see Noxious Emotion on tour soon in the NW United States and surrounding regions. Excellent job Shane and Michael!

Noxious Emotion can also be found on the following CD's: Ras Dva There Is No Time compilation Vol. 2, ADSR Musicwerks compilation release: *Attack* due out later this year, and NEC's latest compilation *Contents Under Pressure 3.0* soon to be released.

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Jimmy's Riddle
August 1997

http://www.noxious.com: Last heard round these parts on the Cyberpuncture compilation (see above), NE are back with a new CD, "Count zero", full of trademark EBM/industro beats that shows the development over previous release (also in the library) "This hallowed ground". Big things are due to happen for this lot, so check 'em out now!

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Live Music Review
July 1997

Imagine if you will (if you can), U2 if they were as clever as they would like us to think they are. Imagine if Bono had a heavy cold and didn't clear his throat; if the Edge traded his trademark guitar sound in for a massed electronic cymphony beat, and all that remained of the original group was the thuderous percussion, and larry playing the fool. CONGRATULATIONS, you have just heard the truly astonishing new album by Noxious Emotion, a Seattle electro-industrial duo who have finally emerged from a four year cocoon of sub-Ministry-isms, to deliver the music they always threatened. Glowering on the very fringes of the modern breed of dance floor, techno with a hammer to pound those nin inch nails, "Count Zero" combines pervasive power with iffesistible beats to create an amphetamined monster!

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The Plague Ezine
July 1997

Noxious Emotion has found that recipe for good industrial music: dancy throbbing drumbeats, aggressive basslines in the forefront, trancy electronic riffs and growly vocals in the back. Count Zero never veers far from this makeup. The few tracks that do never develop into songs, and serve as short breaks from an otherwise strong, driving album. One definite plus is Noxious Emotion avoids the overly angsty noise in favor of a colder, Project-Pitchfork-like tonality.

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Industrial Grind
April 1995

Noxious Emotion, with the combination of dark vocals and pulse pounding industrial-dance beats, it's no wonder people were dancing their asses off and moshing like there was no tomorrow, and ya know what? Thank God they're coming back soon! Like the songs on the CD, words could not begin to describe this group. Some would say Darkwave, all I know is it's the most awesome array of industrial dance music with dark vocals that provoke one to dance. I strongly urge you to buy this CD.

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Side Line Magazine
April 1995

I won't beat about the bush, this CD is for sure one of the best American releases I have ever heard! They play a high quality music, convincing and original. If I had to compare them with European bands, I'd say they create ambiences similar to Calva Y Nada and cold sequences close to Klinik. The vocals are a judisious blending of Skinny Puppy with Snog. Noxious Emotion perform EBM cuts like "Driven In", "Missread" and "FPMO"; but also more danceable trance stuff like "Spartacus" and "Orbital Array". They also resorted to some guitar amplings on "Symbiosis". A really excellent global result which should seduce you!

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Sonic Boom Magazine
By: Jester - 1995

Just when you thought it was safe to explore music free from influence from bands such as Skinny Puppy, think again. Not only does Noxious Emotion utilize the stream of consciousness lyrical style, but the vocal filtering as well. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but sufficient warning must be given prior to listening to this album if you want to try and acquire an honest set of influences for this band. Noxious Emotion deviates strongly from the Skinny Puppy motif by not burying the lyrics deep within the music and instead focusing on creating harmony between the less demanding programming style and the vocal arrangement. The net result is creating a non complex style with random guitar placement and less dance rhythm. The band totally ignores the problems with walls of noise that most Skinny Puppy clones fall into by simply not venturing into that arena. The album completes itself as a rather stalwart attempt at creating a unique sound from unoriginal musical concepts. Not a bad showing from a band stuck in the grunge rut of Seattle.

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Permission Magazine
Spring 1995

Noxious Emotion's "This Hallowed Ground" is a very ear-soothing dark techno-industrial dance oriented aggression that will definetly appeal to many in the cyberdeath realm of listeners out there. The trobbing drums that pulse throughout work well with the haunting vocals. Noxious Emotion seems to have taken us to a not-so-goth, but universal place of realities we may or may not yet understand. I find this CD to be very beat driven, fluctuating, emotionally educating experience I recommend to all.

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Resurrection
Fall 1994

Noxious Emotion sounds great...I'm talking major label material and very impressive for an unsigned band. These guys are one of the reasons I don't mind reviewing indy-bands along side national bands...they deserve to be there! The music and vocals are outstanding, as good as any of the other industial greats. I can't wait to see future releases from Noxious Emotion on a label and I predict that won't be very far in the future.

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GEAR Magazine #10
Spring 1994

...I was incredibly impressed. Noxious Emotion will definitely be known if they keep this up...I've never been able to relate to lyrics as well as I do these. Nearly every song on this tape has the perfect dance beat. Don't pass up the chance to get a grip on this demo.

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The Rocket
April 1994

Anchorage is mind numbingly cold, but at the Underground, it's hot enough to melt your eardrums. With their superb industrial dance sound and enough atmosphere to choke Lestat...Seattle's Noxious Emotion, who's white-hot set of techno-oriented music brought the crowd to it's feet and then to it's knees...

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Axcess Magazine
Summer 1994

The tape opens with Noxious Emotion's tune "Firemission" and a sound bite of Rutger Hauer's dying words from Bladerunner-"I've seen things you people wouldn't believe...Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion...All those moments will be lost in time like tears in rain..."-A Cyberistic inauguration for all of the tunes to come. Noxious Emotion tend toward the techno side and are conspicuous for their vocal effects. The demonic evil purr of "Unclean" communicates a contentment in the despair of spitefulness of the lyrics.

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GEAR Magazine #12
Fall 1994

...I walked in from dinner right as Noxious Emotion hauled out onto stage. No let downs here! The best band of the evening, and my real reason for going in the first place. Noxious Emotion is quite possibly the best dance-industrial-techno-whatever music around. I've had a love for the music since I first got their demo and seeing them live only strengthens that love. Not to mention that they and their people are really nice which counts for a lot. In my opinion, they stole the show with their brilliant ability to make me happy even though most of their lyrics have the ability to bring me down at times.

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Crewzine #7
Winter 1994

We already have introduced "And Christ Wept", "SMP", "Bytet", and now it's time to bring to your attention another band from the Northwest Elektro-Industrial Coalition. Noxious Emotion is a duo consisting of Mike Wimer and Shane Benson and providing us with cold pulsating electronics, humanly, but gloomy and scary sounding vocals (they are quite original) and hopeless atmospheres. "Vincent" and "Fiction" are according to me the best pieces here, but most of the 16 tracks are in the same vein...It's really great to see emerging all these projects and activities in the Northwest area and I hope they will keep on fighting. Give them your support!