Wyrick - Agressive State... (1999)
The new Wyrick cd (once again composed, performed, and produced by Travis Wyrick) is one of those cd's that has to grow on you a bit. Unlike his debut cd "Mental Floss" there isn't a whole lot that jumps out and grabs you right off the bat. But with several listens I have determined "Agressive State.." to be a better disc overall. The hooks are there, they just take a while to get used to. "Agressive State..." is more harsh, agressive, and over all more "industrial" than "Mental Floss". "Mental Floss" brought you radio friendly tracks in the vein of Filter that were instantly accessible and had words concerning God's love and grace. "Aggressive State.." has severly intense harsh sounds more along the lines of Nine Inch Nails and lyrics that portray a battle between the spiritual and worldly realms. On the positive side this album kicks major butt, has great production, has a few tracks that CCM radio will eat up, Brad Noah from Disciple makes a guest appearance as guitarist on the track "Into Me", and has Travis' great love for the gospel of Christ Jesus as its central focal point. On the negative side there is a "rap-core" song that I believe could have been sung rather than rapped (but that's just not my thing) and there is a MAJOR rip-off of NIN song "Wish" on the track "More Of You", it sounds like it in every way, guitars, vocals, etc... Knowing what Wyrick is capable of (and that is great original music) I am surprised he let this track appear on the cd. Don't get me wrong I love this disc, even that track I just mentioned and it is always remotely possible that it is a coincidence (but I doubt it). Get this cd if you are a fan of heavy industrial rock like Zombie, Stabbing Westward, NIN, and Filter. -- Review by Norm