Xiphoid Dementia is one of those artists that I always meant to check out, but there are so many other releases and I only have a limited amount of cash, so no such luck. I now see the error of my ways, and this album gives me five good reasons to check out more of their output. Xiphoid Dementia is the work of Seattle-based artist Egan Budd, who is also the person behind the Existence Establishment label. The label describes the album as "Five new tracks of abstract industrial with elements of noise and power electronics. The release sees more exploration in a stripped down semi-rhythmic approach and even some more musical elements here and there. Considered the next phase of evolution for the project." Sounds like a good time, so let's dive right in.

"Prison of Hope" kicks it off with plodding bass drone and spoken word with a news report feel. Bits of distorted voice and noise bubbling up gives this a feeling that is heavy and dark. In thinking of comparisons, the one that comes most to mind is the output of Malignant Records (which makes sense, as Xiphoid Dementia has released an album on that label as well). Snippets of orchestral strings at the end tie it all together. So far, so good. "Essence Concussion" gives us sparse noise and heavy atmosphere, like distant artillery in a war zone or a derelict factory. This gives way to a driving industrial beat with bits of distorted vocals that is an exercise in repetition (but it manages to work without getting dull). Flipping the album over, we begin with "Blessed Byproduct," a short track that brings the noisiness I was expecting, with cascading waves of noise. "Necrorotovator" keeps it noisy, like a building falling on you during an earthquake. But it isn't really harsh noise wall. Rather, it is finely crafted with some room to breathe. "Black Sunrise" closes the album with some cymbals, synth, and lilting female vocals. The feeling changes as some distortion creeps in, along with male vocals and horn. The feeling is reminiscent of Controlled Bleeding's "Golgotha" in feel, if not completely in style. There is no screaming; the vocals are actually quite nice, which is a departure from the typical noise / power electronics vocals. The end result is quite lovely.

If you need a reason to bust out the turntable, this is a really good reason. The album is varied and interesting and quite beautiful. This manages to fall into the nebulous area between noise and ambient and does so very well. Highly recommended. This album weighs in at around 34 minutes.