Melting Close + Sabotage cover

Melting Close + Sabotage

Klinik · 1987

65 min · 12 tracks · industrial music

A relentless fusion of mechanized rhythms and haunting vocals that immerses listeners in a dystopian soundscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Melting Close — The title track exemplifies Klinik's signature style, combining hypnotic beats with eerie vocal samples that create an unsettling atmosphere. Its rhythmic complexity sets it apart as a highlight of the album.
  • →
    Feel the Evil — This track delivers a pulsating energy with its driving basslines and distorted vocals, encapsulating the darker themes prevalent throughout the album. It stands out for its ability to evoke a sense of urgency and chaos.
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    Sick in Your Mind — Featuring a blend of mechanical percussion and layered synths, this track delves into psychological themes, making it a poignant representation of the album's exploration of mental distress. Its haunting melody lingers long after listening.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's innovative sound design and aggressive rhythms mark it as a significant entry in the industrial genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a track that features a steady, driving beat layered with distorted vocals, establishing an aggressive tone.
  • Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes and shifts in dynamics, creating a sense of unpredictability.
  • The use of industrial sound samples and mechanical noises is prevalent throughout, enhancing the dystopian atmosphere.
  • The final track concludes with an extended fade-out, leaving listeners in a lingering state of tension.
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
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • immersive dystopian soundscapes
  • mechanized rhythms with haunting vocals
  • persistent beats for focused sessions
  • cathartic release through intensity
  • reflective moments amidst urgency

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lighthearted, upbeat music
  • want straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 1987, Melting Close + Sabotage marked Klinik's second studio album, following their debut, 'Leaves' from 1985. At this point in their career, Klinik was carving out a distinct identity within the burgeoning industrial music scene, characterized by their aggressive sound and experimental approach to electronic music.
Stylistic neighbors
Throbbing Gristle· Skinny Puppy· Nitzer Ebb

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Never Get Out 4:34
  • 2 Melting Close 3:46
  • 3 Nautilus 8:35
  • 4 Feel the Evil 7:04
  • 5 Decay 5:04
  • 6 Hours and Hours 5:37
  • 7 Braindamage 4:07
  • 8 Sabotage 4:52
  • 9 Sick in Your Mind 6:35
  • 10 Time Watch 5:56
  • 11 Vietnam 4:24
  • 12 Burning Inside 4:34

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata