The post-industrial duo Bellhead from Chicago consisting of members Ivan Russia and Karen Righeimer delivers their new EP “Threats” through Oppressive Sky Records. This seven-track EP reaches a deeper level of their main sound through Neil Strauch’s engineering and Carl Saff’s mastering work of five original tracks plus two remixes. Bellhead uses their minimalist approach to create alternative rock music with particular gothic elements which exudes constant conviction.
The opening song ‘Threats’ from the EP introduces brooding basslines that fuse with a captivating chorus at its core. The original version of “Heart Shaped Hole” continues to intensify through hypnotic synths and powerful rhythms only to be transformed by Clubdrugs into an ominous slow-burning nightmare.
The song “Shutters + Stutters” presents a chilling auditory experience through its ghostly melodies which create a mysterious lullaby tone. The fourth song “No Dead Horses” features intense vocal duets which create a sacrilegious atmosphere while performing as a live spiritual disintegration. In “Double Jeopardy” tense atmospheres build endlessly after atmospheric bass envelops the listeners before descending into complete darkness.
The explosive Stabbing Westward remix of “Bad Taste” which delivers a high-energy industrial dance tune to some listeners but fails to connect with others is the sisth song followed by the Clubdrugs Remix of “Heart Shaped Hole”.
The complete “Threats” presents a full-scale dimensional experience which mixes several musical styles within dark and distorted parameters. The minimalist rock group Bellhead advances musical boundaries by proving that a band composed of bass and drums and open musical imagination can craft complete artistic realms. This EP positions Bellhead as a headline underground band in present-day music scene by demonstrating their artistic advancement. Post-punk fans together with fans of industrial music and those interested in uncommon sounds should listen to Threats.
