RikiRezinunts’ Gross National Produkt released its latest album ‘Intensities-Sonics-Extremes’ not too long ago. Based in Saint Petersburg, Florida, GNP has released 5 full length albums and an EP since forming in 1997; Rezinunts calls GNP “the unfiltered creation through the destruction of preset notions of what should and shouldn’t be.” The project is harsh, old-school industrial in the same mold as Frontline Assembly, Snog, Skinny Puppy, and E-Craft and a critical view of modern society informed by the cyberpunk of Gibson and the wisdom of Bill Hicks. ‘Intensities-Sonics-Extremes’ is their first full-length release since 2003’s ‘The Death among Us’ (re-released as a special edition in 2005 with additional bonus content and dvd) and the band hasn’t missed a step.

The first song, ‘Blood & Sweat’ stomps along like Front242, complete with eerie samples and opening us to a Rezinunts’ dystopian vision of society and mankind. ‘Forced Destiny’ argues that a myriad of things “doesn’t matter”, while ‘Age of Flesh’ opens with a sample of comedian Bill Hicks, and has a feel similar to Frontline Assembly, the lyrics reflect the of the subject-matter: “Welcome to oblivion/Welcome to the land of sin/Welcome to the final days/ Welcome to this endless maze.”

Other songs like ‘Black Out’ brap along in all their chaotic glory, but in the midst of all the socially critical lyrics and relentless beats, there is there is a very existential overcast to the lyrics- especially the song ‘My Ghost.’

One of the biggest stand-outs on the CD is ‘The Flood,’ which pulsates along with a cold, machine-like stomp that would make Bill Leeb envious, with icy piano lines and distorted, mechanical vocals. Another highlight is the metallic crunch of ‘Defeated Once Again,’ which heavily recalls a certain Canadian industrial act named after a malnourished canine; the song is something I can definitely imagine filling the floor at a dark dance night. “I want to touch you- will you touch me?” Rezinunts sings on ‘Dominator (Come Into the Abyss)’, a pounding, lusty number with lyrics like: “I can feel your disease/It's what I'm lusting after/I'll have you on your knees/It don't fucking matter”

‘Intensities-Sonics-Extremes’ is an extremely catchy old school nightmare- the result of all of this pounding, brutal noise sculpture is a collection of apocalyptic dancefloor anthems more than welcome in the collection of those who like their industrial grittier than the lot. Likewise, although the project is rooted in old school sounds, GNP is a forward-thinking mosaic of musical aggression constantly incorporating new influences- highly recommended.