www.pitchshifter.com cover

www.pitchshifter.com

Pitchshifter · 1998

52 min · 14 tracks · industrial metal

Aggressive beats and distorted guitar riffs merge with biting lyrics to create a chaotic yet rhythmic sonic landscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Microwaved — Opening the album with frenetic energy, this track encapsulates the raw aggression and electronic fusion that defines Pitchshifter's sound in this era.
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    Genius — This track stands out for its thought-provoking lyrics that critique modern culture while maintaining an infectious groove that exemplifies the band's style.
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    Civilised — With its catchy hooks and sharp social commentary, this song showcases Pitchshifter's ability to blend accessibility with depth, becoming a fan favorite.
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    W.Y.S.I.W.Y.G. — The title cleverly plays on the phrase 'What You See Is What You Get', providing biting commentary on media and perception amidst a heavy, danceable beat.

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 showcases a strong blend of industrial metal and electronic elements, maintaining a cohesive yet dynamic sound throughout.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with aggressive beats and distorted guitars, while the second half shifts to more experimental sounds and varied tempos.
  • Several tracks incorporate electronic elements, such as samples and programming, which blend seamlessly with the metal instrumentation.
  • The lyrics often feature a biting social commentary, delivered in a vocal style that alternates between shouting and melodic phrases.
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

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • thought-provoking lyrical themes
  • immersive listening experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
Www.pitchshifter.com was Pitchshifter's fourth studio album, released during a phase of artistic evolution following their breakthrough album, Infotainment?. By 1998, they were solidifying their position within the industrial metal scene, moving towards a more experimental sound that incorporated elements of electronic music and sampling techniques.
Stylistic neighbors
Fear Factory· Ministry· KMFDM

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Microwaved 3:27
  • 2 2nd Hand 3:31
  • 3 Genius 4:06
  • 4 Civilised 4:39
  • 5 Subject to Status 3:34
  • 6 W.Y.S.I.W.Y.G. 3:45
  • 7 Please Sir 3:47
  • 8 Disposable 3:38
  • 9 A Better Lie™ 3:13
  • 10 Innit 2:52
  • 11 What’s in It for Me? 2:56
  • 12 I Don’t Like It 3:53
  • 13 ZX81 7:34
  • 14 Free Samples 1:48

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata