Fluffy Starr - Come On!

Finally. All of Fluffy Starr's fans let out a chorused sigh of relief when her long-awaited debut album, "Come On!", dropped this month.

Fluffy quickly claims her territory immediately on "Intro", making no bones about stating who she is and what this album is about to do. From track two on, this album is filled with sultry vocals and raging synths. Hard rock to the max, Fluffy Starr merges Gwen Stefani with Orgy, Madonna with Nine Inch Nails. Welcome to the new industrial rock.

The album is filled with the old demos, completely rethought. For long-time fans, adjusting to the new stylism might take some time. The quality and price is unmatched; from the superb mastering, the captivating vocals, and even a few surprises (such as guest vocals from Celldweller), this album is filled with 13 tracks of industrial goodness.

Suggested Tracks:
"Dirty Little Secret"
"Cold"
"Obsession"

Helalyn Flowers - A Voluntary Coincidence

Helalyn Flowers is currently one of the hottest bands on Alfa_Matrix, and for good reason. Straight out of Italy with stunning vocals, heavy guitar riffs, and moving electronics, Helalyn Flowers has a little bit of everything to appeal to any industrial fan.

"A Voluntary Coincidence" is Helalyn Flower's first full-length release to date, and is comprised of both new material and the first few tracks originally released by the band earlier this year - both independently and on their first Alfa_Matrix EP. For a fan who has been on the fence about purchasing a release from Helalyn Flowers, this is recommended for a first buy. If you already own many of these songs, it may be a little bit harder to justify the price for only a few new tracks.

Standing alone, it's a good album. My only complaints are less-than-amazing artwork (I expected more from a band who already has produced stellar promo photos and cover art), and the lack of punch the album delivers. There's nothing specifically wrong with any track, but there's nothing that really stands out either.

Suggested Tracks:
"E-Race Generation"

The Birthday Massacre - Walking With Strangers

I knew after hearing a lot of the new material at this year's Blacksun Festival, that this album would be stellar. The Birthday Massacre have built and maintained their own unique sound for many years without forsaking the ability to grow and expand.

"Walking with Strangers" brought some fresh new music to the fans, along with some old favorites remastered. Any long-time fan will thoroughly enjoy the new versions of such songs as "Remember Me" and "To Die For" - and if you're really paying attention, you'll pick up the reworked lyrics in "Looking Glass" from a collaboration The Birthday Massacre did with Vanity Beach several years ago on "The Knight Murders." In all respects, this album definitely feeds the craving of current fans.

As far as the new material goes, there are some great new works from the band, including their first single "Kill The Lights" as well the bass-blowing masterpeice "Red Stars". However, I was a bit disappointed to find that several of the other songs on this album just didn't quite live up to the quality of the aboved mentioned, or their previous works.

Suggested Tracks:
"Looking Glass"
"Red Stars"
"Kill The Lights"
"Remember Me"