Darkest 'Days' lie Westward

The first single from "Darkest Days," is "Save Yourself." On this track, Stabbing Westward still tries to ride "Shame's" success, since its musical lead-in is almost identical to that of their hit. Aside from a decent beat, which is interrupted by a few useless interludes, the song is devoid of worthwhile lyrics. On "Save Yourself," vocalist Christopher Hall screams, "I can't save you/ I can't even save myself/ So save yourself." Giving the impression of a depressed but lyrically thoughtful band on "Wither, Blister, Burn and Peel," on "Darkest Days," Stabbing Westward is just lyrically challenged.

On its new album the band is also creatively challenged. Since Nine Inch Nails is on hiatus, it seems like Stabbing Westward is trying to rip off Reznor's sound. In fact, the only tolerable songs on this album are either reminiscent of Nine Inch N ails or Tool.

Although Hall's vocals can never match Reznor's or Maynard Keenan's of Tool, the electronic hooks on "The Thing I Hate," copy Nine Inch Nails fashion. While electronics on most of the other songs attempt to equal Reznor's "Terrible Lie," or beats already discovered by God Lives Underwater on its last two albums.

On the tracks "When I am Dead," and "On Your Way Down," guitarist Jim Sellers attempts to replicate the gritty, driving sounds of Tool's "Undertow."

There is no doubt that "Darkest Days" was heavily influenced by the industry and pretty much made for the industry. Fans who enjoy generic beats, simple, boring and depressive lyrics, and screaming (not singing) in their music, will love this album.

But for the rest of us who enjoy electronic experimentation, creative guitar hooks, challenging lyrics and talented vocals, Tool and Nine Inch Nails will do just fine.

04-21-98