Genitorturers - 'Blackheart Revolution'

Sex-obsessed industrial rockers prove their relevance with an infectious return-to-form

With a history dating back to the mid ‘80s, the Floridian industrial rockers known as The Genitorturers have made a business out of shockin’ and sexin’ up a very willing underground, and are still at it today. Though the band could never be accused of being the most prolific lot, Blackheart Revolution—only their third full length since their 1991 inception—more than makes good on the wait, delivering a bevy of rock-hard riffs and bouncing choruses.

The Genitorturers—led by the brash ‘n beautiful Gen on lead vocals—have always balanced the over-the-top nature of their live performances (a sort of debaucherous vaudeville-cum-theatre of the macabre, for those who haven’t had the pleasure) with a slow ‘n slinky musical soul, and Blackheart Revolution does indeed make good on this promise just as good in 2009 as it did in 1993.

This record’s could serve as a bit of a stylistic surprise for those expecting the dark, deviant strains of the 120 Days Of Genitorture debut, however, because Blackheart Revolution favors a far more melodic, memorable and catchy songwriting structure than anything the band has done prior. It totally works in the Genitorturers’ favor, though, with Gen coming across as some sort of Joan Jett domina—all bark and bite—while guitarist Bizz, drummer Andy Selway and bassist Evil D. (a.k.a. David Vincent of Morbid Angel, a.k.a. Gen’s ever-lovin’ husband) crash the party and smash the cake with their devilish, pop-structured industrial rock.

Blackheart Revolution is quite the enjoyable listen, and a firm reminder of the band’s continued relevance. Fans from back in the day would do well to dig out the leather, spandex and writing crop, because this is gonna hurt oh so good.