Sister May is an exciting Progressive Industrial band from Belgium, with a strong influence from the 80s and 90s industrial music scene. Their upcoming first full album, has been released on vinyl by Lay Bare Recordings on September 29, 2023, is a highly anticipated release for fans of this genre.
The band's musical style is described as a blend of provocative sounds, alternative rhythms, and mechanical noise, all presented with a modern production touch. This fusion of elements create an Industrial Punk vibe, characterized by edgy and genuine sounds that aim to offer a unique listening experience.
The Floater builds up slowly with a mysterious and yet dangerous touch. I hear snares mixed with electronics (industrial/electro minded). Once the guitars shred it all to pieces the sound changes and we get it more rocking with a dark edge. The bass guitar is on the lead, followed by the drums. It’s a song that changes it’s sound almost every 45 seconds. The end is a bomb!
Headshot starts almost like an EBM track (with clean and very sharp vocals). Once again it takes 45 seconds before the song changes again and gets lifted by the upcoming guitars and drums. Yet the electronic part takes over after the first outburst (it comes and goes like wild sea waves). “Headshot” is a song about the situation in this world. It’s a very relevant song and a manifest about humanity. It must be better and we are all part of this. The chorus is very catchy. The verses provides a moment of reflection. It’s that beautiful duality that makes it interesting.
Dust Devil sounds more Gothic Rock minded but gets mixed with a piano and some more electronics. Some more gothic rock parts remind me slightly of Star Industry (and that is a great thing). I feel like they love to change the direction of their songs every 45 seconds as if it’s their typical sound/way of working.
Guts is the perfect description of what this band does over and over: changing direction with a lot of guts! Here we hear a more metal minded sound, with still some electronics and hard hitting drums. I like the lyrics and the passion/fire put in the vocals.
Borderline starts with hard hitting drums and a bass guitar followed by the vocals and a bit of electronics. Halfway we get a harsher guitar sound mixed with a bit of industrial and drum’n beats. It’s clearly a very alternative track with an enriched variety in the sound (like always with Sister May).
Sworm rocks from the start, like on fire with every now and then a few seconds to catch some breath. The lyrics are really sharp and I say you should check them out!
The Kneep: expect a sharp and yet very melodic sound! The song is filled with energy and melancholia! The vocals go from sweet to sharp (death metal minded) screaming. I would still call it a rocker.
Dope is a very known song to me as it has been in my playlist since the first time I heard it! The swinging over several genre’s, the mixing in the tempo, the changes in the vocals … it all builds up well and delivers with real emotions and energy! It’s the perfect song to end this album!
Yet another confirmation of their greatness! I’m very proud I could find some time to review and enjoy it the way it should: listening to it a lot before diving into it! I adore the symbiosis of all the separate talented people inside this band, the guts to give each song a lot of variety and keep it all sharp, fresh, new and interesting! This is pure talent from Belgium! Congratulations!
LINKS:
Video channel: (Sister May)
Streaming (Sister May channel):
Social media:
Live:
29.09.2023 BE, Kortijk @ De Kreun.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1254910708442181
