There was a magical time in the mid-90s when a seemingly new genre took over the world, led by the likes of Marilyn Manson, Filter, Nine Inch Nails, and distilled even further by Mindless Self Indulgence, Prick, and Orgy. These were the highlights while a more generic movement was spawned on the flipside, led by the Dave Matthews Band and Counting Crows. It was the golden age of industrial if you will, but it would soon go back to where it came from—the underground clubs—before losing its edge during the rebirth of the rave scene that it helped to create.
Fast forward 20 years and a new torch-bearer has emerged with an updated spin on the forgotten genre with multiple personalities. Doom pop, gothic, industrial, cinematic art rock, whatever you want to call it, Death Valley High are primed to re-introduce the world to a time when music pushed the very boundaries of art. The new record is called Cult [As Fvk] and the first single is a brilliant number called “Ick Switch,” coupled with an equally impressive video.
The live show was a mix of punk fueled industrial rock and these native Californians have mastered the delicate balance between man and machine. While many in this genre have relied too much on the latter, eclectic frontman Reyka Osburn leans more on his performance and audience interaction to seal the deal. The end result is a band that’s paying their dues on the road and seem ready to embrace the spotlight and the long grueling touring years ahead that follow the release of a highly anticipated new record.
Death Valley High continue their tour across Europe supporting Killing Joke and the release of Cult [As Fvk]. If you are going to see Killing Joke, get there early. These guys are worth the ticket price alone.
