This is the fourth album by UK sludge metallers Remote Viewing.
Fusing doomy sludge heaviness with noise rock urgency and dynamics, Remote Viewing are here to cause damage and drag you down into the filth. Launching 40 minutes of material right at your uncaring face, State Violence will not be ignored.
Remote Viewing’s punishing, unforgiving sound sees them barrel through the record’s duration like a wrecking ball. The songs carry a very a physical weight with them as they smash and burn through their running time.
State Violence is heavy, but not a one-trick pony. The songwriting drips with anger and frustration, but the band also use dark melody and atmosphere to enrich their core hostility. Granted, these are frequently on the periphery of what Remote Viewing offer, but when the band choose to deploy these assets directly they make a difference.
This is particularly evident from the track HUMAN RIGHT$ onwards, which ushers in a shift in the record’s direction. From here on, Remote Viewing emphasise the doomier, mood-focused side of their imposing sound, but without changing style completely. The result is essentially an album of two halves, both intimately connected and related; the first revels in its abrasive nature, while the second plots and schemes with expressive harsh intensity and moments of mournful beauty.
Despite the devastation that State Violence brings to the fight, it’s real impact is felt over time as it wears its opponent down. With a precise application of aggressive savagery, tempered by a slow burning predilection for tense atmospheres that grind away the will to live, State Violence is formidable indeed.
Remote Viewing’s latest onslaught is bruising and scarring, but also enjoyable and satisfying.
Very highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 