Gone Dark Paints Visceral Portrait of Contemporary Anxieties
In an era where optimism seems increasingly scarce, Human Impact’s sophomore album “Gone Dark” emerges as a powerful sonic exploration of our grim realities. Set for release in October 2024 on Ipecac Recordings, this latest offering from the noise-rock supergroup—comprising Chris Spencer (Unsane), Jim Coleman (Cop Shoot Cop), Eric Cooper (Made Out of Babies), and Jon Syverson (Daughters)—is an uncompromising journey through the dystopian landscapes of modern existence.
Artist: Human Impact
Release Date: 2024-10-04
Genres: Hard Rock, Industrial Music, Noise Rock, Post-punk
Label: Ipecac Recordings
Description: Review of Human Impact's Gone Dark album confronts societal collapse through abrasive guitars, pummeling rhythms, and industrial textures.
Related article: Interview with Human Impact
Human Impact’s Bandcamp
Human Impact’s roots can be traced back to the gritty, unforgiving streets of late 1980s New York City, where Spencer and Coleman’s paths first crossed amidst the burgeoning noise-rock scene. Despite their shared musical ethos, it took decades for this creative partnership to fully materialize. Their self-titled debut in 2020 laid the groundwork, but “Gone Dark” represents a significant evolution in their sound and approach.
The addition of Cooper and Syverson to the lineup has injected new vitality into the band’s dynamic. This reconstituted roster spent considerable time honing their chemistry through live performances and jam sessions, a process that has resulted in a more cohesive and visceral sound on “Gone Dark.”
A Sonic Landscape of Despair and Defiance
From the opening salvos of “Collapse,” it’s clear that Human Impact is not here to offer solace or easy answers. The album’s soundscape is a meticulously crafted maelstrom of abrasive guitars, pummeling rhythms, and industrial-tinged atmospherics. Spencer’s raw, impassioned vocals cut through the chaos, seemingly urging listeners to action.
The production, helmed by the band in collaboration with Andrew Schneider, captures the raw energy of their live performances while maintaining a level of sonic clarity that allows each element to be heard distinctly in the mix. This creates a sense of urgency and immediacy that permeates the album.
Track-by-Track Descent into Darkness
“Collapse” sets the tone with its syncopated groove and Coleman’s swirling electronic textures, immediately plunging the listener into Human Impact’s world of systemic failure and societal breakdown.
“Hold On” follows with industrial-tinged rhythms and Spencer’s snarling vocals creating a forceful sound. The track’s relentless drive seems to mirror a call to maintain one’s autonomy in an increasingly surveilled and regulated world.
“Destroy to Rebuild” marks a shift in tempo but not in intensity. Its sludgy quality suggests a message of radical renewal, hinting that sometimes total destruction is necessary for true rebirth. This theme of creative destruction appears to run throughout the album.
As the album progresses through tracks like “Reform,” “Imperative,” and “Disconnect,” Human Impact demonstrates their ability to modulate their assault without ever letting up on the intensity. The interplay between Cooper’s thunderous bass lines and Syverson’s precise, punishing drumming provides a solid foundation for Spencer’s caustic guitar work and Coleman’s electronic flourishes. “Corrupted” features an insistent bass intro and serrated guitar lines that slice through the mix.
The album closes with “Love All Trust,” a fitting conclusion that encapsulates the themes and sonic palette of “Gone Dark.” It leaves the listener battered but not broken, with a glimmer of hope amidst the wreckage.
“Gone Dark” is a deeply considered reflection on the state of the world and humanity’s place within it. The album’s title and overarching themes speak to a pervasive sense of disconnection and disillusionment in contemporary society. Human Impact suggests that we are living through a period of systemic collapse, where the infrastructures and institutions we’ve long relied upon are failing us.
Yet, amidst this bleak outlook, the band offers a spark of defiance.
The Sonic Palette of Dystopia
Musically, “Gone Dark” showcases tension and release. The band combines elements of noise rock, industrial, and post-punk to create a sound that is at once familiar and unsettling. Spencer’s guitar work alternates between abrasive, atonal assaults and more textured, atmospheric passages, while Coleman’s electronic contributions add layers of dystopian ambiance.
The interplay of the rythm section of Cooper and Syverson allows Human Impact to navigate sudden tempo shifts and rhythmic complexities with ease, keeping listeners on edge throughout the album’s runtime.
A Soundtrack for the Apocalypse
“Gone Dark” is not an easy listen, nor is it meant to be. Human Impact has crafted an album that demands engagement, both sonically and intellectually. It’s a work that reflects the anxieties and frustrations of our time while refusing to offer pat solutions or false comfort.
For fans of noise rock, industrial, and post-punk, “Gone Dark” is a significant entry in the genre. It’s an album that rewards repeated listens, revealing new layers of complexity and nuance with each spin.
Matteo Damiani is an Italian photographer and author. Curator of the sites Retrofuturista.com; weirditaly.com; china-underground.com and others
Discover more from RetroFuturista
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
