Contamination cover

Released 30 years ago

Contamination

Suicide Commando · 1996

59 min · 11 tracks · electro-industrial

Dark, pulsating rhythms intertwine with haunting melodies and aggressive vocals, creating a visceral electro-industrial soundscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    See You in Hell, Parts 1 & 2 (extended mix) — This track exemplifies the album's blend of relentless beats and dark lyrical themes, showcasing the band's signature sound that captivated listeners and dancers alike.
  • →
    Traumatize (club mix) — With its driving rhythm and intense energy, this track became a staple in industrial dance clubs, illustrating the potent fusion of melody and aggression characteristic of Suicide Commando's style.
  • →
    Burn Baby Burn — This track highlights a memorable hook intertwined with gritty production, demonstrating how Suicide Commando could balance accessibility and darkness in their music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong production and distinct sound but relies on familiar structures within its genre.

What we noticed

  • The first five tracks maintain a relentless tempo with aggressive beats, while the sixth track introduces a more subdued rhythm before returning to intensity.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal effects, creating a disorienting atmosphere that complements the dark themes.
  • The album includes remixes and extended versions of earlier tracks, which alters their structure and pacing compared to the original versions.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like pacing with peaks
  • dark introspection for deep focus
  • relentless beats for energetic release
  • immersive experience in order
  • club-ready tracks for dancing

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer light, upbeat sounds
  • seek quick standalone hits

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Solidified Suicide Commando's reputation in the electro-industrial genre.
Career context
By the time 'Contamination' was released in 1996, Suicide Commando had established themselves as a prominent force in the electro-industrial scene. This album followed their debut, 'Critical Stage', and marked a significant step in refining their sound while exploring darker themes.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • The Face of God

    The lyrics shift from personal anguish to broader societal critiques, creating a chilling juxtaposition between individual suffering and collective despair.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Fall Away 6:14
  • 2 See You in Hell, Parts 1 & 2 (extended mix) 8:05
  • 3 Head Down 4:34
  • 4 Delusion 5:11
  • 5 The Face of God 6:09
  • 6 Traumatize (club mix) 5:05
  • 7 See You in Hell (remake by Monolith) 3:40
  • 8 Burn Baby Burn 3:59
  • 9 Save Me (long) 4:54
  • 10 Last Decision 4:58
  • 11 Murder (extended) 6:51

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata